As the gentle breeze of September flows through the campus of SUIS Pudong, the hallways once again echo with brisk footsteps, and the classrooms light up with the sparkle of curious minds. The feelingsassociatedwiththestart of a new semester are not only for the studentsbutalsobelong to every teacher and staff member returning to school.
We often say that the beginning of a school year is a reunion, but it is also a chanceforapersonal restart from within. Toacknowledgethisopportuinty,our counselling team launched the “Every Feeling Matters” emotional expression activity across both the Xueye and Kangqiao campuses. From Grade 1 newcomers to soon-to-graduate Grade 9 students, from homeroom teachers to school leadership, everyone took part in this warm initiative to face, acknowledge, and embrace the feelings that come with the new semester.
Do you think only students get nervous?
Not quite, teachers do too.
Many teachers shared their thoughts through the activity:
“Looking forward to bonding more closely with the kids this year.”
“First class, hoping it goes well!”
“Busy already, but so excited!”
They are not just guides at the front of the classroom, but individuals facing change just like everyone else. On day one, ourteachersandstaff mustalso reset their pace and adapt to new classroom dynamics.It is precisely these “behind-the-scenes emotions” that help build genuine understanding between teachers and students.
Our Grade 1 students, still adjusting to a new environment, paused curiously at the poster wall. With hesitant yet brave hands, they wrote down their names and chose colourful sticky notes to express how they felt, a small but courageous first step.
Older students showed a bit more senior flair. Some eagerly shared holiday stories, while others were refreshingly honest:
“Still haven’t finished my homework… a bit anxious.”
“So happy to see my friends again!”
They encouraged each other in front of the poster, exchanging words of reassurance:
“I’m nervous too… but it’s much better when we’re in it together!”
Our middle schoolers were more reservedand thoughtful. Though their expressions were quieter, their words revealed sincerity:
“Hope I can make new friends.”
“Feeling the academic pressure already.”
“Still tired adjusting to the schedule, but trying my best!”
Behind each statement is a young heart working hard to find balance and direction.
Students and teachers stood side by side, reading, posting, smiling, and giving each other high fives.
A simple, “So you feel the same way?” is already a beautiful form of empathy.
What touched us even more was the wholehearted participation of our school leaders, who shared their own reflections and messages for the new term:
“Every new beginning deserves celebration.”
“SUIS feels warmer because of you.”
These notes became invisible bridges, quietly connecting every corner of our school community.
As the posters filled up with rainbow-coloured notes, what we saw was no longer just a one-off activity. It became a heartfelt “emotional map” of our collective first day back. It doesn’t belong to one person, but to all of us, the nervousness, the anticipation, the joy, the uncertainty. Every feeling is valid. Every adjustment is supported.
A new semester is like a book just opened, with every page waiting to be written with care.
May we carry the courage that comes from being seen and accepted, and grow together in this SUIS family, illuminating one another along the way.
