In the soft morning light of January, Wuxi United International School welcomed its first flag-raising ceremony of the new year. The ceremony was jointly hosted by G10 Angel Li and Kitty Zhang, with its theme on ‘Balance’—a core IB learner profile.
Amidst the solemn strains of the national anthem, all teachers and students stood respectfully, their eyes fixed on the national flag as it rose steadily, marking the beginning of this ceremony.
Ms. Sue, High School Head of Pastoral, delivered a speech on the theme of ‘Balance’, with student Sunny Rong providing translation. She pointed out that “balance” is not simply about dividing time equally, but rather about consciously managing one’s time and energy, understanding where to focus efforts at critical moments. She specifically cautioned students against two common misconceptions:
Balance Does Not Mean Equal Distribution: During exam periods, focus should be on academics; before competitions, leisure activities can be temporarily set aside; when feeling emotionally low, prioritizing self-care and adjusting one’s state comes first.
Electronic Devices ≠ True Rest: Excessive use of electronic devices can lead to being ‘hijacked’ by algorithms, which not only fails to restore energy but may also impact attention span and self-discipline.
She encouraged students to embrace nature and participate in sports to achieve genuine ‘cultivation of the mind and strengthening of the body’.
Mr. Meng and Dr. Max presented certificates to the primary students who excelled in the ‘Smart Running Jiangsu’ Orienteering Club League (Wuxi Station), as well as to the secondary school students who achieved The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
Through the joint efforts of our teachers and students, our school was successfully recognized as the only ‘Two-Star Award Delivery Centre for The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Jiangsu Province’. As coordinators, Ms. Candy and Mr. Bryan, along with Vice Principal Ms. Rebecca, led the team in earning the title of ‘Two-Star Award Delivery Partner’.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the hosts shared a message for all teachers and students: True balance is about making every moment count, planning time wisely, and allowing growth and life to have their rhythm of tension and ease.
May we continue to learn efficiently, live with ease, and measure the world with passion in the coming year, all within the rhythm of ‘balance’.