As the summer holiday comes to an end, we begin to plan for the coming school year, getting our children's uniforms and bags ready and preparing them for a new academic schedule.
With this in mind, we asked Shanghai teachers to give their thoughts on how they embrace a new school year: from how to help children transition from lazy summer days to structured school schedules to the moment they know it's going to be a great year with their students.
So, as a new school year begins, let's see what the teachers of Shanghai have to say about embracing the year ahead. This week, we have a talk with Terry Senior, who is the Campus Principal of Shanghai Singapore International School.
As the 2018-19 new academic year commences for Shanghai Singapore International School (SSIS), there is a tremendous sense of anticipation as students and teachers embark on a new learning journey with state-of-the-art facilities. The recently completed aquatic center has a pool with six competitive lanes and a 200-seat spectator stand. The new facility also boasts dance and table tennis rooms along with a gym offering the latest fitness equipment, overlooking the pool. Golf has always been a sporting pillar at SSIS, with students and teachers using the putting green and driving range to improve their skills. Further expansion of the program will include a golf simulator on campus, and students who have reached the 'top of the game' will have the opportunity to regularly visit Sun Island (Kunshan) and play golf competitively.
The Primary School will introduce an engaging interdisciplinary approach that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). The new 'maker space' facilities with state-of-the-art 3D printers, Lego construction, digital labs and robotics, will complement the cleverly designed STEAM lab. It is intended to foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration and design thinking. The STEAM program will help students make connections across subject areas as they invent, analyze and explore concepts.
Image via SSIS
With intent, SSIS builds strong partnerships with the community by engaging them in the learning journey through events such as the International Family Bazaar, and International Friendship Day. Deliberately located in the foyer, the Parent Support Group lounge is at the heart of the school. Our parents are involved in all areas of school life, collaboratively providing feedback which is used for ongoing improvement. Through engaging parent workshops, our counseling department, administrators, and other professionals provide parents with insights on topics such as university matriculation, raising teenagers, how students learn and cyber safety.
The upcoming school year is poised for success, and as a community, we are looking forward to greeting all our students as we embark on an exciting learning journey together.
[Cover image via SSIS; Profile image via Terry Senior]
Terry Senior comes from New Zealand and is the Campus Principal at Shanghai Singapore International School. He has been in education for 27 years and a principal for 12 years, building a school from its inception through to a successful model of character based academic education. His passion for international schooling was ignited while working with international students and their families.
