【Primary】Opened the Year of the Horse assembly

The first light of the new term fell on the auditorium stage as the school song flowed gently; as the final notes approached, the curtain softly closed and then slowly reopened. Grade 4 boys, holding bright red flags, launched the opening flag dance “Galloping Horses,” with sweeping flag lines and steady, drum-like steps that ignited the hall and opened the Year of the Horse assembly.

02 Speaking of Horses, Carrying the Cultural Thread

The hosts introduced the theme with a short cultural video, reminding everyone that horses symbolize not only speed and strength, but also the footsteps of civilization and the horizon of imagination. The school then joined the interactive “Guess the Horse” segment, connecting six iconic images across time and cultures—from the Trojan Horse of Greek mythology to the Eastern Han national treasure “Bronze Flying Horse,” from the Silk Road legend of the “Heavenly Horse” to the Tang Sancai horse, and from the carousel horse to My Little Pony. Grade by grade, students responded with energy and curiosity, turning cultural knowledge into shared participation.

Chapter II: Starlight Glows, Warming Hearts

Beyond running fast, a horse is also valued for gentleness, reliability, and kindness—willing to carry weight forward and to stay close when needed. Building on this spirit of care, the Xiexihui charity organization introduced the charity recruitment initiative “Starlight Together.” This term, the school will upgrade its service actions—not only doing more, but also enabling more students to take part—so that care becomes action and kindness becomes a daily habit across campus.

02 Starlight Host: Everyone Can Step Up

Kindness requires action, and action needs a stage. To help more students step forward, take responsibility, and create real value, the school launched the “Starlight Project Leaders” program. Students are encouraged to design activities, serve peers, and build positive influence—elevating participation into leadership, and transforming good ideas into accountable practice and lasting skills.

03 Starlight Witness: WUIS Stars Growth Portfolio

After action comes reflection: what evidence of growth remains? This term, the school launched the “WUIS Stars Growth Portfolio,” a personalized portfolio for every student—one portfolio per semester, taken home at term’s end for families to keep and share, with a new portfolio started the next term. The portfolio prints the WUIS Eight Stars criteria in detail so that values are clear and behaviors are evidence-based; the “Star Wish” page guides students to set practical goals on the first Starlight Day—clear, doable, and measurable—and to review evidence of achievement on the last Starlight Day. At the end of the semester, students will bring subject work and reflections to the Student-Led Conference to share their learning journey with parents, ensuring effort is seen and progress is recognized.

04 Starlight Legacy: Student Council Appointments

Service and responsibility are a quieter, yet stronger kind of starlight. Under the theme “Starlight Relay | Pass the Mission,” Student Council Presidents Jimmy You (尤雨泽) and Loreen Niu (牛乐然) presented appointment letters to the new Student Council members. With the letter comes the duty—may they uphold rules with respect, lead by example with responsibility, and serve with kindness, helping to build a warmer, more orderly, and brighter campus.

Chapter III: Growth Ablaze, Lighting the Future

With high engagement from the audience, teachers across grade levels shared Year of the Horse wishes through a “guess the blessing from the picture” activity. From younger to older grades, every message included a “horse-year” phrase—warm, humorous, or motivating—turning the hope that good things arrive “right away” into a shared wish for the new term.

02 A Hall Full of Good Fortune: Lucky Draw

The lucky draw lifted the atmosphere to a cheerful peak: in the Year of the Horse, good fortune is hoped to arrive “right away.” Amid laughter and blessings, prizes were shared and expectations were renewed—sending every student the hopeful message of acting promptly, improving steadily, and gaining meaningful results.

03 Principal’s Message: Uniting Hearts, Setting Direction, Beginning the Journey

In a moment where enthusiasm and warmth converged, Principal Meng took a uniquely engaging approach to his new term message. Inviting several students for a lively interaction, he started with a fun guessing game about the famous “steeds” from the Four Great Classical Novels, instantly igniting the audience’s excitement. Cleverly using the students’ own words, Principal Meng conveyed his sincere wishes and three core expectations for the new semester: First, to build a solid academic foundation and forge ahead—encouraging students to study hard, make progress every day, and achieve excellent results. Second, to uphold boundaries and respect rules—urging them to always adhere to their principles and develop a strong sense of rules on their path of growth. Third, to strengthen physical and mental well-being—calling on everyone to exercise more and maintain a healthy body and mind. He expects every student to carry these expectations forward, galloping like strong steeds to shine along their own path.

04 Setting Sail for the New Year: One Heart, One Future

Guided by the Principal’s message, the community moved into the finale with clearer direction and stronger confidence. Dressed as cheerful little ponies, students presented the lively dance “Horse Year Style.” As the music began, smiles lit up the stage; with light, synchronized steps, they expressed the joy of the Year of the Horse and the energy of a new term. With the final pose, the opening assembly came to a warm close. As the new journey begins, may our WUIS community ride with the wind and walk toward the light—growing in kindness and moving forward together. The new term has officially begun.