‘Focus and Perseverance, Pavement for Steady Progress’ Xuanwu House November Flag-Raising Ceremony

On November 3, Xuanwu House’s flag-raising ceremony, themed ‘Focus and Perseverance, Pavement for Steady Progress’, provided us with great ideas for growth, planting seeds of perseverance and leaving us with profound encouragement for self-motivatio

Morning Light: Meeting About ‘Focus’

The ceremony was co-hosted by G9 student Emma Wang (Wang Jiaxuan) and G11 student Linhof (Lin Dehao). Their opening remark, ‘We gather again on this green field,’ instantly brought all attendees closer. This was not merely a routine flag-raising ceremony, but a deep dialogue about the essence of growth.

When the “Raise the Flag” command was given, the flag bearers marched with tight steps toward the flagpole, each stride radiating steadfastness. As the national anthem began, all faculty and students turned to face the flag and saluted it with focused attention. The national flag rose slowly in the morning light. Gazing at the fluttering banner, our eyes held solemn reverence. This flag not only witnessed the daily life of our campus but also embodied our reflections on “concentration” and “perseverance”.

Heart resonance: “Focus and perseverance” is all around us

When you hear ‘focus and perseverance,’ what image comes to mind first? The host’s question prompted a moment of reflection among the teachers and students. Was it the intense focus on the blackboard during class? The repeated calculations in their exercise books? Or the dedicated figures in club activities?

The large screen then displayed interview clips of students from elementary, middle, and high school. Some shared their experiences of “daily basketball practise that energises the body through persistence,” while others expressed how “youthful determination kept me practising calligraphy despite initial setbacks, ultimately leading to beautiful handwriting.” A third student mentioned “perseverance as a skill – whether in academics or a future career, cultivating this mindset always leads to discovering a better version of oneself.” These authentic moments transformed the concept of “focus and perseverance” into daily experiences that everyone could relate to.

As the host remarked, “These seemingly ordinary moments are the most vivid embodiment of ‘focus and perseverance.’ Don’t be rushed, don’t be impatient; step by step, we can go far and steady.

Role models lead the way: The power of words to actions

As the students’ voices still resonated in the air, four teacher representatives took the stage to share their interpretations of ‘perseverance.’ Among them were a tutor from primary school who integrated subject knowledge with persistent efforts to better manage classrooms; a middle school teacher who consistently reduced weight while gaining physical health and life wisdom through perseverance; a high school teacher who remained true to their original aspirations, passing on knowledge and care to successive generations of students; and a member of the logistics staff who arrived early every day to guarantee campus safety. ‘Doing every small task to perfection is the ultimate embodiment of dedication,’ they concluded.

The power of role models lies not just in words, but in vivid expressions. The new generation of Young Pioneers Committee members from the primary school took the stage to give a musical performance entitled, ‘I Am the Future.’ Their clear voices carried a longing for dreams, and the tender yet resolute melody planted the seed of ‘focus and perseverance’ in our hearts.

Action begins: Make our focus on our daily habits

As the ceremony reached its midpoint, the exciting ‘Monthly Theme Event’ was unveiled. Vice-Principal David Lu, House Master of Xuanwu House, took the stage to introduce a daily check-in activity under the theme of ‘focus and perseverance: the pavement for steady progress.’ Principal David encouraged students to embrace new habits, such as ’20-minute daily reading’ or ‘consistently mastering a skill.’ Every act of perseverance will be documented, and each milestone will earn a Growth Badge. Persistence isn’t a moment of inspiration but enduring practice. These modest plans conceal profound determination.

Glory moment: Cheer for persistence, set out for the future

The most exciting moment was the unveiling of the ‘House Cup’ winners. When Principal Sunny and Co-Principal Adam jointly announced the name ‘Zhuque House,’ the entire venue erupted in excitement! Faculty and students responded with thunderous applause and cheers. As the House Master and faculty representatives stepped onto the stage to receive the trophy, the camera captured their proud expressions. This honour stood as the ultimate reward for the whole team’s wholehearted dedication.

“Just like the trees at the end of autumn, they quietly accumulate strength to bloom in the following spring. Every persistence we show today will eventually become the light that illuminates the way forward.” The host’s closing remarks brought the ceremony to a perfect close.

The morning light at the end of autumn is still warm. This flag-raising ceremony, about “focus and perseverance, pavement for steady progress” was not only a ceremony, but also a pledge for growth. May we all carry this focus and persistence, and step-by-step, pave the way for our future road.