10-year-old Birthday Celebrations at SUIS Qingpu Campus “One Step at a Time, Let Dreams Take Flight”

The age of ten marks the first decade of life

nurtured by the sunshine of love, reaching upward

The age of ten embodies a decade filled with joyous laughter

Transforming from an innocent child into a graceful young person;

The age of ten signifies a decade of embracing dreams,

Stumbling along, but growing strong wings of determination.

Remembering the kindness of teachers, respecting parents;

Cherishing friendships, being true to oneself.

Setting aspirations at the age of ten, the future holds immense promise.

May is the first taste of summer, and turning ten is a transitional year into youth. After ten years of blooming, dreams start to ignite! On May 17, 2024, every Grade 3 student at Shanghai United International School Qingpu Campus celebrated their ten-year-old growth ceremony!

What do the celebrations at SUIS Qingpu look like?

It’s right here!

Prologue I: “Stepping Up to New Heights,” Ancient Traditions in Coming-of-Age Ceremony

Passing through the Wenshu Gate

The Wenshu Gate symbolizes a center of culture and a gathering place for talent. Walking through this gate signifies the children’s entry into the hall of knowledge, beginning their academic journey, cultivating themselves with cultural refinement, and aspiring for outstanding wisdom and academic achievement.

Students, led by teachers, walked through the arch in an orderly fashion by class.

Dressed in traditional Chinese Hanfu, boys wearing hair crowns and girls tying hair ribbons, students earnestly follow the teachers to learn traditional Chinese etiquette—performing the bowing ceremony with relaxed shoulders, elevated arms and precise hand positioning. The scene is serious and respectful, reminiscent of young scholars from ancient times, giving a sense of being transported to a historical classroom.

Handwashing Ceremony

Students perform the handwashing ceremony, symbolizing the washing away of distractions.

Dressing and Grooming

Dressing and grooming symbolize that an individual’s external appearance should match their inner virtues, emphasizing the harmony of internal and external qualities. It also marks the beginning of a new phase in life, indicating that the individual will take on more responsibilities and move towards maturity. Students wear traditional Hanfu and adorn themselves with traditional accessories, showcasing the appearance of classical scholars.

Teacher Salutation Ceremony

In the salutation ceremony, students bow to their teachers, expressing respect for their mentors and gratitude. This ceremony also symbolizes the transmission of culture and spirit, marking the formal commencement of the students’ academic journey.

Red Dot on Forehead

Using cinnabar to dot the children’s foreheads signifies the opening of the door to wisdom and the bestowing of blessings. The red color of the cinnabar is considered to be a symbol of auspice and sacredness, reflecting hopes for the children’s intelligence and bright future.

First Writing Ceremony

During the first writing ceremony, children, guided by their teachers, learn to write the Chinese character “人” (person). This character, simple in strokes yet profound in meaning, is chosen to teach children at the start of their educational journey the importance of being upright and just, standing tall and firm like the character “人” suggests.

As recorded in the “Book of Rites: Inner Rules” , children set out to study under a teacher at the age of ten, whether in private schools or academies, and they would invariably perform the teacher salutation ceremony. It is hoped that through this “Coming-of-Age Ceremony,” children will say goodbye to their childhood mischief, acquire more knowledge, understand more truths, develop their own ideals, take on their responsibilities, and start a new milestone in their lives.

Prologue II: Childlike Innocence and Colorful Birthday Party

On a sunny morning, we gathered happily at the SUIS QP Campus to experience a special tenth birthday party and to feel the significance of growing from childhood to youth.

Step by step, we welcomed ten years with ambitions. Children enter the “Time Tunnel”, reminiscing about their childhood, remembering past beauties. Each photos capture unforgettable moments and leaves behind cherished memories. Let’s remember how our children look at the age of ten!

The age of ten marks the beginning of an important milestone in life. At such a significant moment, the principals and Grade 3 teachers, students and parents attended the birthday party. Principals of SUIS QP delivered speeches and sincerely wished the children: At ten-year-old, as the first milestone in life, we hope you set ambitions, pursue high goals, and become open-minded, talented, and responsible individuals.

“The Book of Rites” says, “Upon reaching youth, one learns the dance of devotion, archery, and charioteering.” We believe that by participating in the Ten-Year Coming-of-Age Ceremony, children gained deep insights into the meaning of personal growth. Classics are never forgotten by people, listen, this is the sound of children reciting aloud. Reciting the classics allows the spirit to flow through our body, allows Chinese culture to support the backbone of our character. The beauty of tomorrow and the progress of society largely depend on the beliefs and persistence of the children.

Our teachers at SUIS QP brought heartfelt blessings to the children. They celebrated the children’s growth with their cheerful songs, delivering sincere wishes.

This was the collective birthday for all Grade 3 students. Let’s sing the birthday song and celebrate this day that belongs to them!

Life is wonderful because of dreams take flight and achieve a splendid life. After returning to their respective classrooms, children participated in a variety of enriching activities. Each class had planned a series of engaging activities to ensure that every child has an unforgettable and meaningful tenth birthday.

3A班

The children experienced the process of making lacquer fans firsthand, appreciating the charm of traditional craftsmanship. Afterwards, everyone gathered to share the joyous moments of a collective birthday party.

3B班

The kids eagerly crafted dream paper airplanes, writing down their wishes and aspirations. Following this, they participated in fun group games, showcasing the power of teamwork. In the evening, a warm bonfire party commenced, featuring letter exchanges and watching videos of parents’ messages, sharing heartfelt moments together.

3C班

The children attentively read letters written by their parents and, filled with emotion, wrote letters to their future selves ten years from now. They then participated in a dragon boat race at the camp, and crafted sachets and dumplings. At night, they enjoyed laughter and fun during a bonfire party and an open-air movie screening.

3D班

The kids created a puzzle from their childhood photos, reliving the memories of their growth. They then engaged in dragon boat rowing, crafting sachets, and making dumplings by hand. The evening’s bonfire party brought a warm and delightful end to the day.

3E班

The children conducted a message-in-a-bottle activity, storing their hopes and dreams for the future. They then gathered to read letters from home, sang birthday songs together, and shared the sweet joy of birthday cake.

3F班

The kids emotionally wrote letters to their future selves, expressing their most cherished wishes. They then participated in a dragon boat race, and after the competition, enjoyed the sweet birthday cake together while watching videos of parents’ messages, feeling the warmth of home.

3G班

The children skillfully crafted paper kites and wind chimes, enjoying the fun of handcrafting. Afterwards, they released birthday balloons accompanied by parents’ video blessings, and together they marveled at the brilliance of fireworks to celebrate this special moment.

3H班

The children read aloud letters written by their parents with deep emotion, feeling deeply moved. They then participated in a kayaking competition and afterwards gathered together to share the sweet moments of birthday cake.

3I班

The children watched videos of parental messages, filled with their parents’ heartfelt hopes and endless love. Following this, they read handwritten letters from their parents, filled with deep affection. The entire class sang birthday songs together, celebrating their tenth birthday, with emotions and joy intertwining in this special moment.

“Happy 10th Birthday!” We hope that the children will stretch their wings fly high! All the parents and teachers believe that you can fly higher and further! As you grow up, you are as free as the wind, with stars in your eyes and breeze in your smile. The Ten-Year Coming-of-Age Ceremony, as a special gift, has brought endless joy and left precious memories for the children. May the bright young stars of SUIS QP run freely with their dreams, for the long journey ahead with a bright future!”