"Also, discovering the fact that we can do things normally won't happen in the classrooms builds a broader and deeper appreciation towards oneself and each other."
-- Lisa Cao, Class 11P
The above is Lisa's description of the Community Building trip she went on last Friday, August 29, 2025.
On this day, students at Tsinghua International School (THIS) left campus to explore the fun of various team-building activities designed specifically for their age groups.
Community Building Day is a long-standing tradition for THIS at the start of each school year for THIS students.
This year, for Primary,
💥 Grades 4 and 5 visited an outdoor team building camp and experienced activities including climbing over a fence and special archery safe for students.
For Secondary,
💥 Grade 6 went to an indoor activity center and had a thrilling experience with different projects.
💥 Grade 7 also went to an indoor activity center, where students had great fun.
💥 Grade 8 explored VR technology at a VR Center, which sparked the students' curiosity and interest in innovation.
💥 Grade 9 called at an indoor sports center and put their physical strength and mind power to the test.
💥 Grade 10 experienced pickleball lessons and matches — both emphasizing teamwork, strategy and cooperation.
💥 Grade 11 immersed themselves in creative variety-game challenges at an indoor activity center, using their quick decision-making and problem-solving skills.
💥 Grade 12, the school's seniors, visited the National Sliding Center, where they gained in-depth knowledge about the Winter Olympics and experienced bobsledding for the first time.
These activities were both a test of students' physical stamina and an opportunity to strengthen their mind, especially in changing circumstances, to train them to focus on their goals and face the upcoming path to higher education.
Troy McAdams, ELA Teacher and a Grade 6 chaperone, maintained that he enjoyed encouraging the students on the climbing apparatuses, and that he was happy to see some teachers join the students to experience the difficult projects, such as the high ropes course.
"Students thoroughly enjoyed the cave exploration, the innertube slide and trampoline games. The guides gave clear instructions and provided a safe and fun environment for all to enjoy!" said Mr. Troy McAdams.
His reviews were echoed by Cecilia Liu, who looked after Grade 9 on their trip. She noted that the activities helped students a lot to foster friendship and enhance cooperation.
"The students think highly of Community Building. They regard it as great fun," said Ms. Cecilia Liu.
For Christophe Eloy, French language teacher and a chaperone of Grade 11, it was a memorable experience.
"The students had to cooperate. Since the activities required different skills to win, every student had a chance to shine. Everything was either in pairs or in teams, so the students had to work together to win," said Mr. Eloy.
He recounted vividly the wide range of activities for all tastes: games of tag to run around in teams, words to guess, songs to recognize, some fun with props like chimes and blindfolds.
Jasmina Djurovska Blzheska, also taking care of Grade 11, described the activities were "so fun and creative!" with "thick excitement in the air."
"Everybody participated in everything. The students showed resilience, bravery, friendship, cooperation, planning, spatial intelligence, mental strength, and went on and beyond their comfort zone," she said.
Students' enthusiastic feedback was evidence of the program's success.
Lisa Cao of Class 11P recounted her excitement in the activity center as a completely crazy yet relaxing experience that were both "physically and emotionally demanding."
"My partner and I won the game because we were very determined about doing the quests for points. Although I went into the game thinking I would just find a corner to lie down, the rankings, audio announcements, and my classmates' urgent footsteps pushed me to stand up and participate," she said.
THIS encourages students to step out of the classroom and connect with nature, while also preparing detailed contingency plans for each grade, said Joy Zhou, Activity Coordinator at THIS.
As a tradition, THIS puts students on Community Building within the first two weeks of each new school year.
"Community Building quickly makes students familiar with each other and with their teachers as well. For newcomers, it's also an ice-breaking process," said Stella Hu, G10 Homeroom Teacher.
Stella, who went on the day trip with her students, said that everyone had great fun playing pickleball.
"The semifinal and final matches were spectacular. The atmosphere was intense," she added.
Through this year's community-building activities, students not only strengthened their bodies but also learned to navigate change, trust teammates, and build teams in real-life situations.
This has always been the heart of THIS in organizing Community Building for years. In such activities, students are participants, explorers, thinkers and above all, learners.
At THIS, we wish each student to find their place within the team, discover their potential through challenges, and build lasting friendships through laughter.
The new semester is being unfolded. May teamwork and positivity inspire every student to grow, explore, and thrive this year.
With the lingering joy of Community Building, and the courage and connections we gain from the day, we shall advance toward greater horizons.
New school year, let's grow and progress together!
