Dedication and Diligence – SUIS Qingpu Mentorship Programme

In an effort to promote Chinese traditional mentor-apprentice culture, foster a collaborative learning community, and further enhance the professional growth of the teaching team, SUIS Qingpu recently hosted its Mentorship Programme, themed “Dedication and Diligence”.

On 1 November, in the presence of the Campus’ Principal, Ms. Sunny Huang, Assistant Principal and Head of Primary, Ms. Helen Liu, Executive Deputy-Head of Primary, Ms. Michelle Song, Deputy-Head of Primary, Mr. Scott Hockley, and the Director of Teacher Development Center, Mr. Kevin Li, the teachers of the Primary School division conducted a fruitful and impactful event. During this event, mentors and apprentices formed new learning partnerships, working together to learn and progress.

Inclusion and Sharing, Embracing our Mission

The event commenced with a speech by Ms. Sunny, where she expressed her educational philosophy and conveyed her trust and expectations for our primary school teachers. Ms. Sunny also elaborated on the significance of the theme, emphasizing the values of dedication and diligence. She stressed that by approaching education with reverence and working diligently, teachers can continuously enhance their educational and teaching abilities. Ms. Sunny shared examples of our school’s teachers actively engaging in municipal and district-level teaching and research activities, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth. Concurrently, the school is actively exploring various channels for providing additional support for teachers’ professional development.

We were privileged to have Ms. Tracy and Mr. Oliver share their perspectives as a mentor and apprentice, respectively. Ms. Tracy highlighted the importance of mentors guiding apprentices in a warm and kind manner. Mr. Oliver recounted his initial confusion and uncertainty as a new homeroom teacher, and how his mentor had guided and supported him. He attributed his current confidence in problem-solving and personal development to his mentorship experience.

Dedication and Diligence, Crafting Dreams with Soul

There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states, “From emperors to ordinary people, everyone needs teachers and friends to achieve moral excellence.” Mentorship, without a doubt, is a significant and positive approach to guiding new teachers as they attempt to familiarize themselves with the teaching profession and to creating an environment where the new teachers can learn and progress together. Therefore, this event played a crucial role in establishing this kind of relationship. It also served as a milestone where the seed of a unique emotional connection can grow between the apprentice and the mentor, eventually resulting in a deep friendship.

During the ceremony, both the mentor and apprentice solemnly signed a commitment agreement and exchanged gifts, symbolizing their respect and expectations for each other. This agreement represented their shared commitment to learn and progress together, while the gifts served as a tangible representation of their mutual respect and support. We all had the privilege of witnessing the formation of this special mentor-apprentice bond and eagerly anticipate their growth throughout their mentorship journey.

Gratitude in Heart, Expectations for the Future

At the conclusion of the event, we had the honour of welcoming Ms. Helen to deliver a speech. In her address, she emphasized that the mentor-apprentice relationship is not based on equal ability, but rather on professionalism in a specific area. As mentors, their wealth of experience is unparalleled, and their virtues are what the apprentices need to learn.

Ms. Helen sincerely expressed her hope that the mentors would generously impart their valuable experiences and skills while also learning through teaching. For the apprentices, she encouraged them to approach guidance with a humble attitude and strive to enhance their teaching capabilities by emulating the virtues displayed by their mentors. She firmly believed that the growth and progress of the apprentices would be the mentors’ greatest source of pride.

On this momentous day, we were filled with anticipation as we look forward to witnessing the growth and success of more teachers within this platform. We encourage them to embrace the opportunity to learn while teaching and actively contribute to the educational mission of SUIS Qingpu. Our ultimate goal is for each participant to experience personal growth through this activity and emerge as an enhanced version of themselves.

Guided by our vision, “SUIS Qingpu: The future of education, in service to the world,” let us educate with unwavering passion and illuminate the path for the next generation with love and dedication.

Together, we embark on this unified journey, committed to shaping a brighter future through education.

Influence Life with Life

By Tagore

Live yourself as a light,

Because you don’t know,

Who by thy light,

Out of the darkness.

Keep the goodness in your heart,

Because you don’t know,

Who would take advantage of your kindness,

Out of despair.

Keep faith in your heart,

Because you don’t know,

Who would take your faith,

Out of the confusion.

Trust in your own power,

Because you don’ t know,

Who would believe in you,

I began to believe in myself…

Keep the confidence in your heart,

Because you don’t know,

There are people who believe in you,

I began to be confident and self-reliant.

Anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances,

Don’t forget the dreams I keep in my heart,

Not only did I let myself

Out of darkness and despair and confusion,

More people have to believe it

They are the light in the night

Be grateful to meet in life!