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As we celebrate World Theatre Day on Wednesday 27 March and Theatre in our Schools month throughout March, it's the perfect time to highlight the many benefits of studying Drama and Theatre and the value of performing arts in shaping our children to be ‘future ready’.

The BISS swim team had a fabulous weekend of swimming at ACAMIS Junior 2024 hosted by Xi’an International School. The event was a resounding success with more than 100 volunteer staff involved in organising the swimming gala for more than 24 schools with 440 swimmers and 400 spectators. Xi’an International School shared their wonderful facilities and gave all visiting schools a very warm welcome. The Mayor of Xi’an also attended the opening ceremony, making this event the biggest our team has taken part in in recent years.

BISS Puxi recently hosted the Nord Anglia Regional Mathematics Challenge, a two-day competition involving several of our International and Bilingual schools in China. The event featured a Primary (Years 5 and 6) and Secondary (Years 7 and 8) section, each with a range of problem-solving questions, puzzles and challenges, as well as an individual question paper for students to attempt.

We are excited to share with you a recap of the recent camping and hiking Adventurous Journey for The Duke of Edinburgh International Award that took place on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March. Our students embarked on a memorable two-day expedition in Moganshan, Zhejiang Province, where they hiked through bamboo forests, conquered elevations of 750 metres, and camped under the stars for one night.

At the Work Experience Information Evening for Year 10 Parents, held on 21 March, parents gained insights into the upcoming Work Experience Programme for their children. Led by Mr Andrew Joy, Head of Secondary, Ms Doshila Neergheen, Year 10 Leader, and Mr Alexander Olya, Head of Higher Education and Careers Guidance, the session provided an overview of the objectives, logistics and benefits of the work experience initiative.

As an educator, it is never easy to deliver the news to students that they have not been successful in a competition or talent show. Last week, I had to do just that to over 100 students as part of our school's talent show. What struck me the most was the courage and vulnerability these students had shown by putting themselves out there in the first place.

On Thursday 14 March, the Well of Knowledge in the Hamilton Centre was buzzing with the vibrant energy of eager young minds, showcasing their scientific prowess. From 13:45 to 15:30, this space was transformed into a hub of innovation and inquiry, playing host to the eagerly anticipated Year 9 Science Fair. This event, the culmination of nearly two months of meticulous preparation and dedication, stood as a testament to the relentless curiosity and collaborative spirit of our Year 9 pupils.

On 15 March, the stage was set for a display of collaborative genius at the ‘BISS Lions’ Den’ finale, held in Stage One. This pivotal event marked the culmination of the IB Collaborative Science Project, an initiative that required Year 12 students to meld their diverse scientific expertise to create solutions for sustainability challenges.

Our Secondary students recently celebrated Pi Day with the Mathematics Department. Pi Day is a day when mathematicians all over the world commemorate the irrational and fascinating digits of the mathematical constant π. Derived from the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, π is found in many other interesting places, such as sharing the first few digits of Albert Einstein’s birthday, who was born on March 14 1879 (3.14).

The DVC Centre was abuzz with excitement on Friday afternoon, as Year 5 students took centre stage at the highly anticipated Space Showcase. The event showcased the remarkable work and learning undertaken by these young enthusiasts in their exploration of outer space.

Internationally acclaimed author Sarah Roberts, known for her inspiring book "Somebody Swallowed Stanley", graced the halls of BISS Puxi for an enriching two-day visit. During her stay, Sarah captivated students with tales of her remarkable journey, which included thrilling encounters with sharks and grizzly bears. Echoes of ‘Woah!’ and ‘Wow!’ filled Stage One with each year group experiencing an incredible introduction to Sarah’s career as an eco-journalist with a step into the wild through her videos.

As Years 11 and 13 students at BISS approach their crucial exams and many prepare for the transition to university, managing stress becomes paramount. In a bid to equip students with essential coping mechanisms, BISS recently hosted a transformative session led by Dr. Bojun from Shanghai United Family Hospital. Dr. Bojun, a clinical psychologist renowned for her expertise in stress management, guided students through a profound exploration of stressors, coping strategies and the art of resilience.

The excitement was palpable in the air as the playground of BISS Puxi filled with anticipation. It was a day like no other, a day where imagination knew no bounds, and the magic of literature came to life. It was the much-awaited Book Day Parade, an event that brought together students, teachers and parents in a celebration of storytelling, creativity and the joy of reading.

The game started lukewarm, with no chances on goal and the teams studying each other. With a shot from a distance, YCIS opened the scoring, which remained 1-0 at half-time.

Our artists were eager to participate in this term's Art Challenge, which focused on the Global Campus Art Competition in honour of World Ocean Day. The theme of the challenge is particularly relevant as we face the urgent threat of the climate crisis, which poses a grave danger to our planet's oceans and its diverse inhabitants. Recognising the crucial link between a healthy ocean and a healthy climate, we emphasise the need for decisive action at all levels – local, national and international – from government and corporate leaders.

At the recently concluded Wellington Model United Nations Conference, BISS Puxi delegates did a marvellous job not only as ambassadors of the school but also, as able representatives of the countries assigned to them. Our delegation, ranging from our enthusiastic Year 6s to the experienced IB students gave a positive account of themselves as they presented their opening statements, engaged in the lobbying and merging of resolutions and debated passionately. Those who were attending their first MUN Conference learned valuable lessons on how to raise points of order, vote for amendments of clauses and whole resolutions as well as avoid making reference to first person language.

The Year 3 STEAM Showcase was a resounding success, showcasing the remarkable talents and achievements of our students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. Parents were treated to an awe-inspiring display of creativity and innovation that left everyone captivated. The students were proud to showcase and talk about what they have worked on in our Da Vinci Centre. Designing, creating and making a 3D map of ancient Egypt, 3D pen jewellery and painting funerary pharaoh masks.

On the very wet morning of Thursday 29 February, our Year 9 students, and a small group of Year 12s, embarked on a trip to the Shanghai History Museum. Located in the heart of Shanghai, the museum provided an enriching opportunity for our students to delve into the depths of the city's history. The museum's exhibits, which showcased the intriguing eras of ancient and more modern Shanghai, helped in building their awareness of Shanghai’s long past and how it has changed over time.

We are thrilled to share the exciting details of our recent camping and hiking Adventurous Journey for The Duke of Edinburgh International Award! Our students embarked on a practice trip to Dongshan in Suzhou, braving the elements and conquering challenges with unwavering determination.

BISS Puxi hosted the SSL Development Swim Meet, Round 2 on Wednesday 28 February. It was a great pleasure to organise such an amazing event for our 7 and 8-year-old swimmers and have more than 70 children from 5 different international schools coming to the BISS campus!