The clock is ticking until the launch of the new School Year, which is scheduled for next week.
From August 11 to 15 while most students were still enjoying the final days of their summer vacation, the entire faculty of Tsinghua International School (THIS) was already busy with meticulous preparations for the coming days.
During what could be described as a hectic All-Staff In-Service Week. THIS faculty members went through an Official Kick-off and Welcome Back All-Staff meeting on Monday.
In her welcome-back address, Executive Principal Zhu Ying (Renee) underlined GROWTH as the keyword for the new school year since it is through growth that students and teachers alike make progress toward their dreams, said she.
“Growth means everybody becomes a better one," said the Principal Zhu.
"GROWTH MEANS EVERYBODY BECOMES A BETTER ONE"
For students, growth is represented by their physical and intellectual development, advancement in grade and ultimately admission into their ideal universities upon graduation.
For teachers, growth means improved teaching methods, expanded knowledge pool and closer bonds with students.
For THIS, growth is reflected by an upgraded campus facility, new students and new teachers joining the school, larger influence locally and internationally, etc.
Principal Zhu also acknowledged the entire staff's hard work and contribution that made THIS' continuous growth a reality.
Also, during the All-Staff In-Service Week, teachers attended differentiation workshops, division meetings, department meetings and in upper primary, they began their International Primary Curriculum training. Friday saw the week concluded by a lively on-campus team building that energized everyone.
Prior to the All-Staff In-Service Week, the THIS Admin team met from August 4-5 for a two-day intensive session, ensuring the preparations for the 2025-2026 school year were well organized before teachers returned. At the sessions, THIS Admin members worked on the framework for the upcoming next three- year strategic goals.
From August 6 to 8, a vibrant group of new teachers joined the warm THIS community. They took part in a three-day orientation that offered a comprehensive introduction to their roles and responsibilities. The training covered a wide range of topics, such as leadership development, new teacher integration, team-building and professional workshops — with a particular focus on Child Protection and Safeguarding.
This series of activities impacted the teachers with immediate sense of THIS' unique spirit and helped them quickly feel at home.
Brimming with confidence, the new teachers expressed their eagerness to collaborate closely with colleagues in the coming semester and to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the education, development, and growth of every student.
In the final two days before we officially begin classes (Aug. 18-19), THIS teachers will continue to perfect their lessons and prepare their classrooms so that everything is ready for the first day of school.
During the past school year, THIS has turned some remarkable college admission results, in all, 40 students have received 227 letters of acceptance from around the world, with scholarships totalling up to US$2.54 million.
These top institutions include Johns Hopkins University, UCLA, UC-Berkley, Vanderbilt University, Brown University, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London , McGill University, University of Melbourne, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Hong Kong University and Nanyang Technological University.
In answering a FAQ:What a great teacher will do?
THIS pledges:
Delves into the Classroom: Be a keen observer and a strong supporter of students' “growth process."
Refine Professional Skills: Be a lifelong practitioner and reflector of “self-growth awareness."
Collaborate in Education: be an active builder and participant in the “growth community" of the educational ecosystem.
In upholding these promises, in the coming school year as well as always, THIS will value every single student and carefully foster their growth.
Let's embark on a new journey together!
