Shanghai Arete Bilingual School

A cool breeze rises, summer lingers—another school year begins.Sunlight spills into the renewed campus, as if every breath of air whispers: “Welcome home, dear students.”On this first day, we skip the clichés. Instead, we bring you meaning, expectation, and a seed that holds the future.Chapter 01「Planting Hope」Morning brings surprises at the school gate.Principals and teachers wait with smiles, handing out specially designed “seed cards” to every student.More than just paper, it’s a gift for the new semester—personally inscribed by Principal Gloria Gong with the words: “Rise toward the sun, grow day by day.” Inside, a real seed waits to be planted.We believe every child is a seed—full of possibility and a unique future.Students press the “Seed of Hope Light.” It glows, as if lighting up the hopes of the new semester.In this moment, meaning and belonging shine through.More joy awaits at SABKChildren walk through the “Gate of Wisdom,” greeted by the school mascot, Sunshine Baby, whose bright smiles and warm hugs melt away worries and light up every little face.What began as a nervous day turned into a super happy one.Chapter 02「Reaching for the Stars」Separate opening ceremonies were held for elementary, middle, and high school—each solemn and warm.Department heads and teacher representatives shared their wishes, encouraging students to stay grounded and aim high.Principal Gloria Gong spoke with warmth and strength, inspiring everyone to chase dreams and make the most of their time.She compared life to a “seed growing through cracks,” illustrating how growth continues even through difficulty.She encouraged self-discipline, self-care, and balance, reminding everyone that the school and teachers will always support them.Her final message: Rise toward the sun, grow strong, and keep surpassing yourselves.Students listened attentively, their eyes bright with expectation.The ceremony was not just an event—it was a gathering of hearts, strengthening bonds and purpose.Chapter 03「A New Beginning」The bell rings, and the campus comes alive:In classrooms, teachers are energetic and passionate. Students are focused and curious—energy flows, ideas spark.In hallways, old friends laugh, new friends smile—shy at first, but soon part of the family.On the playground, running, jumping, playing—the energy of youth fills every corner.The first lesson is more than a return to learning—it’s a reunion of hearts and minds.Through engaging activities and interactive teaching, students transition smoothly from holiday mode to learning mode.Every class carries the same belief: a new semester is a new beginning. Everyone can redefine themselves and achieve something amazing.Every class carries the same belief: a new semester is a new beginning. Everyone can redefine themselves and achieve something amazing.Chapter 04「Nurturing Growth」As the day ends, students take their seed cards home—not just a keepsake, but a meaningful task:Plant it with care, nurture it with patience, and record its growth with photos and notes.In two weeks, submit this record to the SABS Media. Outstanding entries will be featured on the school’s official WeChat and other platforms.From a seed to a day full of laughter—SABS Opening Day started with heart and continues with love.Students, may you be like the seed:Root deep, rise tall,And let your light shine. [more]

Yanshan participate in the Summer Camp

On June 30, Taiyuan Ethnic School (Yanshan) teachers and students arrived at SABS for a Shanghai Study Tour.They gifted a hand-painted friendship scroll. Principal Gloria Gong welcomed the group, explaining SABS' motto Learn for better, think for life and urging students to explore beyond mountains. She received student-made gratitude artworks.Since 2016, SABS has supported Yanshan through resource sharing and exchanges. This tour extends decade-long collaboration while broadening horizons for Taiyuan students. [more]

Visit by representatives from Asheville School in NC

On July 2,A delegation from Asheville School in NC visited our school, warmly received by Deputy Principal Vincent Xu. To strengthen ties and highlight educational strengths, both schools exchanged cultural gifts.This exchange reinforced international partnership and laid groundwork for future collaboration. [more]

All Staff Meeting

On July 4, SABS leaders—Principal Gloria Gong, Party Secretary Vincent Xu, and Assistants Rain Xu and Carol Xu—reviewed breakthroughs in the first year of the school’s third five-year plan, covering teacher growth, student progress, and operations.SABS achieved a landmark: after kindergarten IB PYP approval, it secured primary PYP and senior high CP accreditation in four months, becoming Shanghai’s first full IB school. Announced globally at SABS’s June 28th IB China Conference, this marks its international education turnaround.Gloria Gong praised staff’s resilience and growth, framing the summit as both a milestone review and a call to advance educational innovation in the next five-year phase. [more]

Staff Representative Congress

On July 2, SABS successfully convened its Third Session of the Fourth Staff Representative Congress, themed Optimizing Innovation for Vitality, Enhancing Quality and Efficiency for the Future. Delegates engaged in in-depth discussions across some key areas: improving rules and regulations, innovating teaching and efficiency-enhancement measures, upgrading infrastructure quality, and ensuring staff welfare. Multiple constructive proposals were submitted. [more]

A Forum for all teaching and research group leaders

On July 3, SABS hosted its 6th Hongju Cup Efficient Classroom Conference featuring three innovative teaching demonstrations. Wang Qingxian's Moral Education class had students design travel plans through field research and cost analysis, translating theory into social practice. Erin Cao reconstructed science experiments through pond ecosystem studies, merging scientific inquiry with ecological education. Arnold analyzed critical thinking development in the DP's Theory of Knowledge curriculum. The event bridged Eastern and Western pedagogy, providing actionable models for classroom efficiency while highlighting SABS's educational innovation achievements. [more]

Party branch activity

On July 1, SABS's Party Branch held a thematic activity at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, focusing on integrity under the Eight Rules spirit. As China’s premier planning hub, the venue embodies the people's city concept and clean governance. The visit demonstrated how urban planning aligns with Party values—highlighting investigation, frugality, and public engagement through governance cases. Participants noted the integration of urban planning with Party education reinforced integrity awareness, advancing the people's city vision. [more]

PD training for all homeroom teachers

On July 3, our school's homeroom teacher roast session kicked off in a lively atmosphere. Educators shared humorous anecdotes from daily teaching life, ranging from Humorous Classroom Moments to profound student questions, dissecting pedagogical challenges through laughter. Professor Jiang Yi from East China Normal University's Department of Educational Psychology provided expert insights that transformed complaints into actionable wisdom, energizing homeroom teachers. This unique gathering allowed educators to continue their journey with renewed warmth, reflection, and smiles. [more]