As the golden September arrives and the warmth of summer still lingers, Dehong students embraced the very first day of the 2025–2026 school year with excitement and anticipation!
To mark this ceremonial beginning, the Dehong campus was filled with a festive back-to-school atmosphere. From the school gate to the teaching buildings, every corner was adorned with “Welcome Home” decorations. The lobby was lined with colorful banners displaying the word “Welcome” in more than ten languages, immersing everyone in the unique charm of a truly multicultural community.
Our teachers are ready and fully prepared to embrace the new academic year with fresh perspectives and renewed passion. Both the Elementary and Secondary Schools have welcomed new leadership and teaching team members, injecting new vitality into the school’s management and teaching approaches. At this new starting point, all educators at Shanghai Dehong will continue to uphold the “students-first” philosophy, further enhancing our curriculum design and individualized growth plans, opening a new chapter of educational excellence and student development.
New Faces, Familiar Friends
After a long summer break, the joy of reuniting with teachers and friends was written across every child’s face. At the school gate, leadership team members and teachers lined up to greet the students. Warm welcomes, handshakes, and high-fives—small gestures that together reflect the unique bond and warmth of the Dehong community.
The photo wall became the must-visit “check-in spot” of the day—students posed gracefully, playfully, or humorously, each smile telling its own story of excitement for the journey ahead.
Inside the classrooms, groups of students eagerly exchanged summer stories and shared their goals for the new year. Soon after, they settled into their new routines and stepped into their very first lessons of the term.
This year, the Dehong family also welcomed a group of new students! Dressed in their brand-new uniforms and holding their exclusive welcome packs, they toured the campus with their teachers. With curious eyes and eager hearts, they explored their new learning environment, full of hope for the exciting journey ahead. Supported by the care of teachers and peers, they will soon feel at home, ready to grow and thrive at Dehong.
Schools Gather, New Chapters Unfold
The ES and SS each hosted a series of exciting activities to mark the start of the new school year.
At the ES assembly, the new Head of ES, Mr. Matthew Coleman, and the new Deputy Head of ES, Ms. Kathy Liu, introduced themselves in a light-hearted and humorous way, quickly building rapport with the children. The Academic, Pastoral, and Nurse teams also delivered the “First Lesson of the New School Year,” helping students better understand updates in curriculum, pastoral activities, and health management.
SS students took part in team-building activities within their classes. Through engaging icebreaker games and sharing sessions, students not only strengthened class cohesion but also established bonds of trust in a relaxed atmosphere, laying a strong foundation for collaboration in the new school year.
Home–School Partnership, Nurturing the Future Together
To mark the start of the new academic year, parents were invited to a Welcome Day filled with valuable insights.Leadership team members met with families to share this year’s academic vision and goals. Parents also had face-to-face conversations with homeroom teachers and subject teachers to learn about course requirements and discuss personalized development plans for their children. This open and warm exchange reinforced the school–home partnership, strengthening the joint support that empowers every student’s growth.
Diverse Qidi, Boundless Exploration
At the start of every semester, the most anticipated moment for Dehong students is choosing their Qidi courses. To mark the new school year, Dehong once again hosted the lively Qidi Fair. Each semester, Dehong offers over a hundred Qidi courses—debate, musical theatre, fencing, karate, sim racing, Chinese-style crafts, and more. Families explored the vibrant booths to learn about and experience their favorite courses and programs. As a key practice of Dehong’s holistic education philosophy, Qidi extends learning beyond textbooks, sparks student interests through diverse options, and develops essential skills for both academic and personal growth.
Teachers’ Words, Looking Ahead
The ES and SS academic teams each shared their aspirations for the new school year.
The ES team is focused on nurturing students’ lifelong love of language and learning. They hope that children will broaden their horizons through reading, explore their inner worlds through writing, unlock the beauty of numbers and shapes through problem-solving, spark ideas through collaboration, and discover the wonders of the world through inquiry.
The SS team is dedicated to helping students realize their academic and personal potential. This year, new core subjects, design thinking, the G10 Entrepreneurship program, and Environmental Leadership certificate courses have all launched. With the robust support of our university and careers guidance program, students will continue to shape personalized learning pathways and prepare for their future studies.
Amidst the joy and energy of our opening day celebrations, a new journey has already begun. Dehong Shanghai looks forward to working hand in hand with every family to create an inspiring and supportive educational environment. May our students step into this new year with curiosity, courage, and resilience—embracing challenges, chasing dreams, and boldly charting their paths toward the future!
