The summer season has subtly transitioned into early autumn. During this bountiful time, SUIS Qingpu joyfully held its 5th Teacher’s Day and the 15th annual 2023 ‘Outstanding Teachers Awards Ceremony’.
As the early morning sun bathed the SUIS Qingpu campus, our students, bearing flowers, greeted their teachers with big smiles at the entrance to the school’s main lobby. They extended heartfelt blessings and shouted, “Dear teachers, your efforts are greatly appreciated! Happy Teacher’s Day!”
In the main lobby, vibrant decorative trees with yellow leaves were filled with handwritten greeting cards from the students, expressing their sincere gratitude towards their teachers. Uplifted by the melodious music resonating within the hall, students played instruments and sang songs to welcome their esteemed teachers. On the large signature board wonderfully prepared by the school’s parent support group, teachers left their autographs as cherished mementos.
At 13:00 in the afternoon, the 15th annual “Outstanding Teacher Awards Ceremony”, organized by Xielihui, commenced in SUIS Qingpu’s Main Theatre. Xielihui’s 15 years of unwavering commitment to schools have remained true to the original intent of establishing and celebrating educators with “light in their eyes and love in their hearts.”
Principal Sunny Huang presided over the event and shared compelling data to underscore the phenomenal academic progression of SUIS Qingpu students from primary through to high school. Such achievements would not be possible without the selfless dedication and tireless efforts of our teachers – their propensity to prioritize the needs of their students and the larger community was truly inspiring.
Chairman Wang Haibin of Xielihui also joined the occasion, extending his heartfelt blessings to the teachers and expressing Xielihui’s unwavering commitment, one that has not diminished over the past 15 years.
This year, a total of 133 faculty members were nominated, with nine exemplary teachers making the shortlist. These shortlisted colleagues, nine in all, were the event’s shining stars representing SUIS Qingpu’s exceptional teaching community. Their inspiring performances around the theme – “Life education, growth, and vitality!” – truly highlighted the essence and fundamental purpose of education.
Each teacher, along with their students, presented their teaching philosophy through entertaining repertoires that warmed the hearts of the audience through the tangible bond between teachers and students.
Teacher Zhao Jianuo, in her keynote speech entitled, “On this journey, teaching joyfully”, allowed us to recognize a young teacher’s commitment to her students and showed us the happiness of children immersed in an environment of love.
Teacher Du Hangfan and his students showcased the charm of mathematics through a reinterpretation of “The Lone Brave”, cultivating a love for mathematics and the school among the students.
Through the playing of “Planting Students in One’s Heart”, Teacher Gu Liming and her students illustrated the alternating roles of being a “teacher” and a “mother”.
Teacher Zhang Xiaolei, through her performance piece, “What is a Teacher?”, the everyday interactions with her pupils were brought to light. Her stern, yet loving approach resonated with the students.
In “The Best Future”, Teacher Wang Zihan showcased the incredible power of a teacher’s encouragement and motivation for students.
Through her song and speech, “Growing Up with Me”, Teacher Wang Dongming communicated her educational philosophy: to instill a love for learning in children through cultivating their interests, and to foster a heart-to-heart connection with students through an attitude of equality.
In “If I Am also Your Beam of Light”, Teacher Zhao Qing introduced us to the wise teacher who respects each student, utilizes collective wisdom, and achieves excellence in both the team and the individual.
Through her performance, “You Are the Reason”, Teacher Zhu Mingming demonstrated that a teacher is the best role model for the children. And she is always there to quietly listen and support the children.
Teacher Peng Jiaye, via a photo exhibition entitled, “Love”, displayed his life as captured through photographs, and encouraged students to record the greatness of parental love and their passion for life through their lenses, teaching them the meaning of love.
During the high-stakes vote counting by parent volunteers after the presentations, several riveting performances, first by several primary school music teachers and then by SUIS Qingpu’s newly-formed Barbershop Quartet, entertained the audience.
After the performances, Co-Principal Adam extended his deepest wishes to all the teachers and expressed sincere gratitude to Xielihui and all the parents who supported the event.
These two award-winning teachers represent a microcosm of the many excellent teachers at SUIS Qingpu. There are many more outstanding teachers like them who silently dedicate themselves to the cause of education, together making SUIS Qingpu a school filled with vitality, love, and a positivity.
