7:30 The new academic year began at Pao School's Hongqiao campus.
Students arrive at the canteen for the first day of school.
Students who arrived early pull out their books to read as they wait at the table.
8:00 At the first assembly of the new semester, Executive Headmaster David Mansfield highlighted the successful renovation work done on the Hongqiao campus over the summer. “250 construction workers worked day and night to ensure that the campus would be ready for the new semester. Our goal is to provide the best learning environment for all Pao students,” David said.
Students and teachers at the first assembly of the new academic year.
8:30 Caroline Xu, Deputy Head (Academics) and Acting Middle School Principal and Head of Hongqiao Campus, emphasized the school's expectations for the students - having the correct values and achieving academic excellence, and said that she hoped they would see continuous improvement in their studies during the new academic year. As words of wisdom for the students, she quoted Confucius, "[A gentleman should] study extensively, inquire prudently, think carefully, distinguish clearly, and practice earnestly."
Ms. Xu introduces the new Hongqiao teachers one by one.
8:40 Ms. Xu also introduced the new Deputy Principal at Hongqiao Middle School, Grace Chen. Ms. Chen has had a wide-ranging career in the Shanghai public and private school sectors. She has also worked as a school inspector for the Shanghai government. With such rich experiences, Ms. Chen will help enhance the programmes at the Hongqiao campus.
Ms. Chen at the assembly.
9:00 What is especially notable about academic life at Hongqiao this year is Homeroom Class. Each student in Years 6 and 7 now has two Homeroom Teachers, who will help ensure that every student's learning needs are met effectively.
Students claim their personal lockers in the hallway.
Homeroom Teachers lead the first class meeting of the new academic year.
10:30 For the new Year 6 students, everything about the Hongqiao campus feels fresh. Meanwhile, given the major changes that occurred on campus over the summer, Year 7 students are quite curious to see the new facilities for themselves.
Homeroom Teacher took the students on a campus tour.
12:25 Lunchtime at last!
A Year 6 student said excitedly, "The new campus is spacious and bright. It's just so big that you can get lost easily. The best part is lunch - there are noodles, pizza, even Hainan chicken, beef and potatoes."
Students have three meal choices: Chinese, Western or a noodle dish.
The windows on both the east and west sides of the canteen provide ample natural light, creating a pleasant dining atmosphere for students.
Although this is only the first day of class, with everyone eating together at this round table, they are getting to know each other quickly.
As the new school year begins, Executive Headmaster David Mansfield expects students will be able to study happily on such a comfortable, safe and functional campus:
I hope that every student can work with the teachers and each other and have a fantastic learning journey!
——David Mansfield
