Chasing the Light, Starting a New Journey

On the morning of September 1st, the SUIS Pudong community gathered to welcome the new academic year. Inspired by our students’ and teachers’ experience of witnessing the launch of the Shenzhou-23 crewed spacecraft, this year’s ceremony celebrated the courage to explore and the determination to excel.

PART 01✨Entering a Galaxy of Possibilities

School leaders welcomed students at the gate as they passed through the glowing “Galaxy Gateway”.

Four colourful planets represented good fortune, vision, growth and aspiration. A musical flash mob by Middle School students filled the campus with energy, while photographers captured the first smiling faces of the new school year.

PART 02🚀Dream Big, Aim High

The main ceremony opened with a performance by the school dance team, followed by the national flag-raising ceremony and the singing of the national anthem and school song.

In her speech, Launch Your Own “Rocket of Life”, CCP Branch Secretary Ms. Jo Qiu encouraged students to learn from the spirit of space exploration: approach every task with care, remain focused on clear goals and face challenges with courage. She invited students to see the classroom as a launch pad and every challenge as a countdown: prepare, ignite and lift off!

Teacher and student representatives then shared their hopes and goals for the year ahead.

During the Dream-Lighting Ceremony, student representatives illuminated nine glowing planets, creating a brilliant galaxy on stage.

As the audience counted down, Vice Principal Mr.Grover pressed the launch button. A digital rocket soared upwards as colourful paper rockets burst into the air, symbolising every student’s dreams taking flight.

PART 03📝Planning the Journey Ahead

After the ceremony, students returned to their classrooms to create their “New Semester Flight Plans”. Together, they set goals for learning, character, wellbeing and class development, recording them on interstellar-themed posters to accompany their progress throughout the semester.

Look to the stars, but keep your feet firmly on the ground.

The launch window for a new academic year is now open. May every SUIS Pudong student stay true to their goals, embrace every challenge and move boldly towards their own horizon.