Ten years old is a meaningful point where childhood begins to turn into adolescence, and dreams truly set sail. The children have grown from toddling infants into bright-eyed, confident young students—a decade of progress, step by step in bloom. Continuing this tradition of love and blessing, Dehong Shanghai Elementary School recently held a grand tenth birthday ceremony for the Grade 3 students, themed “New Adventure At Ten.” Parents of the Grade 3 students joined all the Grade 3 teachers on campus to witness this precious moment of reflecting on growth and looking to the future.
Talents Shine：Marking Growth on Stage
At the celebration, Grade 3 classes took turns performing on stage, using songs and dances to outline the vitality of being ten. From energetic group dances to heartfelt creative choruses, the children confidently expressed their feelings and aspirations towards growth through sincere performances. In the songLight Up the Future, clear and firm young voices sang out the courage in the hearts of ten-year-olds—the children compared themselves to leaves seeking sunlight and insects flying toward the light, conveying a belief in “growing toward the light.” Another song, Monsters, allowed the children to openly acknowledge the “little monsters” in their hearts during growth, while also singing of the sincere support between friends: “I’ll be your lighthouse, I'll make it okay.” At ten, they begin to understand that true courage comes from mutual trust and companionship, giving them strength to face challenges together.
All Grade 3 homeroom teachers presented a heartfelt poetry recitation, Wishes—For You at Ten, pouring their earnest hopes into words and wishing the children would move forward with passion and calmness in the journey ahead. Parents also carefully prepared a surprise—they transformed into Judy and Nick from Zootopia, beloved by the children, and danced energetically to Try Everything, passing on the belief of “daring to try, never giving up.” Laughter and interaction between parents and children filled the stage with warmth, adding a lively and heartfelt touch to the celebration.
Words of Wisdom：Illuminating the Path with Blessings
On the children’s path of growth, the gaze of their teachers remains warm and steadfast. At this ten-year milestone, they offered their most sincere wishes and expectations. Each word of sincere encouragement is a warm strength accompanying the children into the next decade.
Turning ten marks the completion of the first decade of your life—a time filled with sunshine and laughter, a decade of building courage, gaining knowledge, and continuous growth. The next ten years will be a new chapter full of limitless possibilities. You will unlock new knowledge and skills, meet more like-minded friends, and experience exciting changes in learning and school life—especially in this era of rapid AI development. You will also begin exploring your own dreams and advancing steadily toward the universities and careers you aspire to.
On this journey, always remember to be kind, honest, empathetic, responsible, respectful of others, and gentle with yourselves. You are the shapers of your own future! Hold fast to your dreams, persevere, and move forward bravely. The path ahead will be filled with joy and endless possibilities.
——Caroline Xu, Executive Principal
At ten, a vast world lies before you: paths to choose, dreams to pursue, friendships to build. When you choose kindness, embrace curiosity, move forward bravely, and express creativity, you are step by step forging your own unique path.
Today, we celebrate this spirit of exploration and choice. Grade 3 students, you are explorers of thought, builders of friendship, and artists of imagination. Growing up in a bilingual and multicultural environment, you carry curiosity and love for the world in your hearts. We are truly proud of every of you!
——Matthew Coleman, Head of ES
Ten years old is the first step from childhood toward growth. May you be like spring seeds, breaking through the soil, always reaching upward; like summer dawn, warm and bright, illuminating others. Remember, teachers will always be proud of your growth, and parents will always cheer for your progress.
——Kathy Liu, Deputy Head of ES
We are thrilled to celebrate this special day with you. You bring so much joy, kindness, and happiness to those around you. May each day of the new age be filled with fun, friendship, and surprises, overflowing with happiness, courage, and wonderful memories.
——Chris Butterfield, G3 Grade Leader
The birthday celebration also featured a special “Parent Letter Reading” session. Parents had handwritten letters in advance, pouring encouragement, memories, and hopes onto the page. As children carefully read the words written by their parents, tears welled in many of their eyes or they smiled quietly—the “love” and “pride” not often expressed daily became concrete and profound on paper. Some parents recalled shining moments in their child’s growth, affirming their efforts and progress; others shared their understanding of “growth,” conveying unwavering support: “No matter the achievement, you will always be our pride.” These letters were not only precious tenth birthday gifts but also a profound lesson in growth. Through these written words, the childrenfelt their parents’ unconditional love and deepened their understanding of parental devotion.
Voices of Growth：Innocent Wishes for the Future
On the day of the celebration, all Grade 3 students sang birthday songs and shared a birthday cake. Under the candlelight, the children’s smiles were especially bright—this was not just a celebration but also a collective reflection on and outlook for growth. Along with the sweetness of the cake, the children shared their genuine feelings about this tenth birthday.
This was an especially unforgettable tenth birthday celebration. In our class performance, I even had a dialogue with "my twenty-year-old self." When I was little, I always looked forward to growing up quickly, thinking that as an adult I could do everything on my own. It wasn’t until this birthday celebration that I realized how much my parents have given for my growth. This birthday ceremony also taught me that every effort I make now will make myself grateful for the hard work I put in today. I want to say to my future self: Thank you, for deciding on this tenth birthday to strive with all my heart!
——G3C2 Emily
While performing on stage during the tenth birthday celebration, I felt both nervous and happy—because my parents were sitting in the audience watching me, and I really wanted to show them my best side. The most memorable part for me was reading the letter my parents wrote to me. As I read their warm words, my eyes welled up with emotion.
——G3C3 Grayson
We’re ten now! I think this tenth birthday was truly meaningful, and I deeply realized that unity is the most important thing in putting together a perfect performance—whether it’s choosing the song, practicing, or performing on stage. Though the performance was short, a lot of effort was put in by everyone—both my classmates and the teachers who guided and rehearsed with us. I want to say thank you to everyone. What made me happiest was that all the hard work paid off beautifully. It was because we all practiced hard and remembered our moves well that we were able to perform so wonderfully.
——G3C5 Bella
This celebration, themed “New Adventure At Ten,” was not only a growth tribute carefully prepared by the Dehong home-school community but also a profound lesson in life education and gratitude. From the brilliant talent shows and heartfelt messages from teachers to the silent flow of love in parent-child letters and the joyful moments shared with classmates under the candlelight—every moment conveyed to the children that growth is both a journey of individual courage and one that relies on every instance of companionship and support. May all Grade 3 children of Dehong treasure this collective warmth, carrying curiosity and courage to draw their own life maps, whether they lead to the stars or the sea. In the future "Ten Million Mile" journey, may your steps be firm and your hearts full of light!
