Upon bidding farewell to the outstanding graduates of the Class of 2023, the SUIS Qingpu Boarding Department has now entered a fresh chapter. The arrival of new students infused us with renewed energy as they quickly became integral members of our warm community.
Adopting a different structure than that used in the past, where boarding students were grouped according to gender and grade, this year, all students in our boarding programme were divided into four ‘houses’: Qinglong (Azure Dragon), Baihu (White Tiger), Zhuque (Vermilion Bird), and Xuanwu (Black Tortoise). Named after the four mythological creatures from ancient Chinese culture, the newly-formed houses with mixed genders and grade levels have served to create a very novel feeling, much like the houses in Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.
A sense of camaraderie and joy in our boarding house creates a positive and welcoming atmosphere for all the students living there, and building strong friendships and a sense of community enhance the overall experience, make it feel like a ‘home away from home’. Such an environment not only enriches the daily lives of the students, but also contributes to their personal growth and well-being. May this sense of camaraderie and joy continue to thrive in our boarding programme, making it a warm and supportive environment for all who call it home.
Interestingly, the houses were not arranged by our teachers – they were arranged by students themselves. Doing so enabled friends to be in the same house so that they could jointly complete in the various activities and weather challenges together throughout the school year.
Autumn is a season full of golden wind and dew, and a time filled with joy and warmth. Recently, on 21 September, SUIS Qingpu’s Boarding Department carried out its very first house activity.
Let us leave our sorrows behind and let the moon over the mountains bring good fortune, while we share an unforgettable and splendid experience.
Firstly, we held a fun-filled birthday party for all the students who experienced birthdays in August and September. The teachers from the boarding department presented birthday gifts and cakes to the birthday stars, and campus’ Secretary of CPC Branch, Ms. Cindy Zhang, delivered a rousing birthday message, sending sincere blessings to the students.
Fire Safety Demonstration
After the speeches, our campus’ security team demonstrated to students how to use a fire extinguisher effectively and how to correctly put on fire-fighting gear. This demonstration not only gave us a deeper understanding of fire safety, but also enabled us to experience the important collective responsibility of protecting life.
Appointment of House Leaders
House cup
The awarding of the very first House Cup, a highlight that all students had been looking forward to, finally commenced. The students from each house tallied their house points – the air was full of tension, anticipation, and excitement! The Zhuque house, ranking first in total points and proving their strength, unity, and spirit, gained the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor barbecue,
At the end of the House Cup awarding ceremony, each house shouted out their own slogans in turn, setting off a wave of magnificent support, showing their love and sense of belonging to their house, and demonstrating their housemates’ endless vitality and vigour.
This wonderful event, filled with the spirit of unity and harmony, finally came to a perfect ending, with snacks and drinks for all. May our friendships continue to blossom, bringing us joy, support, and countless wonderful memories. Here’s to a bright and promising future together.
At this auspicious moment, we wish everyone well. We look forward to our next gathering, together writing a new chapter in our ‘home away from home’.