A Bittersweet Start to the Summer

We are with glee to see everyone out and about as we celebrate the last day of school! We have faced many ups and downs this past year, especially the past few months with the unexpected Shanghai lockdown.

Luckily, we have come with experience and handled this unfortunate event with optimism by holding hands (virtually) together, keeping our heads up high, and adapting to the new normal of endless PCR tests, group buys, and Teams meetings. Regardless of all the obstacles, we have faced together one of the biggest challenges in Shanghai and made it through.  

Sadly, we had to virtually wave goodbye to a few of our community members as they departed back to their homeland or off to new adventures. We are forever grateful to them for being part of our community, and our journey of becoming Dragons. Nonetheless, this 2021-2022 school year is one for the books. Let us look back at what we have accomplished.  

The first day of school was a great kick-off as we were able to welcome returning and new students and staff across all our SCIS campuses, as well as our Open House to experience firsthand our warm school community.  

We introduced #SCISDragonfit, the initiative that aims to be a collaborative conversation across our community centered around health and wellness to encourage active learning and in-depth understanding. Every month, regular challenges were announced that would provoke participation while inspiring students to capitalize on prominent issues.  

We held our first swimming competition of the academic year and our first opportunity to invite other swimmers to our campus within the past two years. Not only was this a celebration of hosting 40 swimmers from schools across the city, but also a remarkable event as our swimmers broke 11 school records!  

In April, we witnessed the sudden Shanghai lockdown where we all had to shift gears to virtual learning. As a community, we truly came together by constantly encouraging each other and keeping things as normal as possible by having assignments and deadlines, providing a two-way channel between students and teachers, working collaboratively in teams, and even participating in After School Activities.  

This year’s graduation was a bit different as both campuses first held an online graduation ceremony. Through our dedicated staff and support, the ceremony was memorable as everyone showed up whether they were in Shanghai or halfway across the world. Tear-jerking speeches were made, and honorable awards were announced, we could not be prouder of the Class of 2022 for completing the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the midst of a citywide lockdown. Once again, congratulations and we wish you the best wherever life takes you.  

While we lost some members during the lockdown and could not give a proper send off, we hope those who are still here can give warm hugs to those who are leaving us this summer. It has been a remarkable year and our community would not be here if it were not for every single individual. Enjoy the great outdoors by spending more quality time with friends and family this summer and we hope to see familiar faces in the Fall back on campus!  

SCIS. Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon. 

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