High School Assemblies

Introduction

Themed assemblies have been a tradition in SUIS Qingpu’s High School since its establishment. They record every step that high school students take when they enter the stage to express themselves, and highlight students’ developments outside of the classroom.

The Grand Theatre has always been filled during Period 2 on Tuesday mornings. As a routine, all high school students dress formally and participate in the assembly together with their tutors. Each assembly is organized by the High School Student Council, from screen projection, sound control, to the stage setup. Various stages are therefore presented, including hosting, speeches, recitations, drama, and musical performances that students volunteered to provide. Teachers are also invited to share life experiences and present awards.

The light will eventually shine brilliantly for those who seek it. As the curtain gently rose on the stage, we cheered for ourselves.

A review of assemblies

September – Risk-takers

Each month, the high school assembly is themed on one attribute of the SUIS Qingpu Learner Profile. September, as the first chapter in this semester, focused on how to become “risk-takers”.

Only those who are willing to take risks will truly know their potential. At SUIS Qingpu, we strive to nurture a community of learners who are not afraid to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. It could be a chemistry contest, a debate, or a chance to host on stage. Taking risks enables us to maximize our potential and expand our horizons. Through the assemblies, students have learned to be risk-takers by switching every “I can’t!” to an “I can try!”

October – Knowledgeable

The theme of assemblies in October was “knowledgeable,” which means embracing a wide range of knowledge. The attribute of “knowledgeable” encourages us to think beyond the boundaries of textbooks and classrooms, to understand the world around us, and to foster a genuine passion for learning.

One of the highlights of October was the Book Week assembly. We appreciate literature and history and enjoy mountains and rivers in books. Some books, while having nothing to do with our future career, can teach us to think. Book Week provided an opportunity for us to examine the diversity of today’s world from different perspectives.

November – Caring

November was a month of gratitude and love. We concentrated on the third attribute of the SUIS Qingpu Learner profile, “Caring.” This attribute calls on us to show empathy, compassion, and respect to the needs and feelings of others. Through the Student Council handover and volunteer awards ceremony time at assemblies, students have learned to dedicate themselves to serving others and make a positive impact in the world.

At the same time, self-care is the foundation of happiness and good health. Students began to take care of their physical and emotional well-being after participating in a self-care session with our psychology counsellor.

December – Balanced

In December, the countdown to the end of the year was about to begin, and we welcomed the third assessment. This month, we looked at a new learner profile attribute, “Balanced.” It indicates that we understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives – intellectual, physical, and emotional – to achieve well-being for ourselves and others.

As exams and deadlines approached, we emphasized the importance of health — exercise and stress-management activities that help us to maintain balance in our lives. Balance is about finding space in one’s life for what matters. Being balanced enables a student to achieve academic success without sacrificing other key components of healthy living, such as engaging in joyful activities and contributing to our community.

January – Reflective

In the assembly at the beginning of the New Year, we focused on the attribute, “Reflective.” Many students took opportunities to share their learning outcomes and experiences. Being “reflective” encourages us to think critically about our viewpoints and experiences, attempting to understand our strengths and shortcomings in order to improve our learning.

Seasons change with the passage of time, and the joy of harvest brings in a new chapter. We value the trials and triumphs from the past year as a priceless gift from life. Now, as the blooming winter plum trees follow the steps of spring, we are taking larger leaps forward.

Let us celebrate the start of a New Year and put greater effort into accomplishing our future goals. We wish future High School assemblies continued great success!