Dear Parents,
It has been another busy and exciting month across our Primary School, with students embracing opportunities to learn, grow, and challenge themselves both inside and outside the classroom. Grade 4 students participated in the Double Ninth Festival, Grades 3-5 enjoyed football at SAS, Grades 3-6 took part in excursions and camps, our Student Council members attended leadership training, and our Grade 6 Student Councillors delivered their presidential speeches during assembly.
These experiences highlight the importance of teamwork, independence, student voice, and leadership. Together, they help our students grow into confident, capable, and engaged members of our school community.
Autumn Excursions and Camps
Grade 3: Shanghai Zoo
Grade 3 students embarked on an exciting excursion to the Shanghai Zoo to explore the fascinating animals. They observed how animals are grouped and classified and noted how the zoo’s layout supports each animal’s needs. Back at school, students applied what they had learned by designing creative maps of their own zoos, thoughtfully planning enclosures, habitats and visitor paths.
“I enjoyed looking at the green sea turtles because they were very cute and were swimming around slowly.” – Seungri, G3A
“I liked the part when we saw the monkeys because they were jumping all around.” – Julia, G3A
“I enjoyed looking at the red pandas because they were cute and interesting.” – Danah, G3A
“I thought the butterflies were interesting.” – Charlotte, G3A
Grade 4: Overnight Camp and Minhang Culture Park
Grade 4 students had an unforgettable overnight experience at school, learning to be more independent and responsible while enjoying the excitement of camping with friends. Team-building games and activities encouraged collaboration, problem-solving and resilience. The next day, students visited Minhang Culture Park, where outdoor challenges promoted teamwork and a love of physical activity. It was a wonderful experience that strengthened friendships and built confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Grade 5: Leadership Camp at Sun Island
Grade 5 students took part in an exciting two-day Leadership Camp designed to strengthen their leadership, teamwork, and resilience. In small groups, they rotated through adventurous challenges including rock climbing, archery, curling, and raft building. Guided by experienced instructors from You Mei Camp Education (YMCE)/Camp Greenwoods, students learned the value of communication, courage and collaboration while connecting with nature. The camp offered meaningful opportunities for reflection, personal growth, and building strong bonds with classmates.
Grade 6: Graduation Leadership Camp at Mahota Farm, Peng Lai
Grade 6 students enjoyed a memorable Graduation Leadership Camp at Mahota Farm in Peng Lai, Shandong Province. Throughout the week, they took part in hands-on experiences designed to develop leadership, teamwork, and responsibility. Students explored marine ecology, learned about animal adaptations and discovered the wine-making process on a vineyard tour. They also taught English to kindergarten children, took part in organic farming and worked together on team-building challenges. Highlights included a 10 km hike around the resort, a beach clean-up and a lively bonfire night. The experience gave students a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their growth and prepare for the next stage of their learning journey.
Student Council Leadership Training
Our Student Council members from Grades 4-6 took part in a Leadership Training Day coordinated by Ms Avie and Ms Lili, giving them the chance to strengthen their leadership skills and learn what it means to lead well. Mr Rampton led a session titled Leading Together, which explored the difference between being a boss and being a leader, and the idea that a council member serves their school rather than simply wearing a badge.
Through hands-on activities, students practised communicating without words, built spaghetti and marshmallow towers in mixed-grade teams, and took part in a listening challenge that showed how much better we understand one another when we ask good questions. They also discussed real council scenarios, thinking about what they would say, what they would do, and who they would involve. The day closed with students signing the Council Pledge, promising to listen before they speak, include everyone, lead by example and be Servant Leaders in our school community.
We look forward to seeing our councillors put these skills into action throughout the year.
Grade 6 Student Council Presidential Speeches
During one of the assemblies, our Grade 6 student councillors stepped up to the stage to deliver their presidential speeches to the whole Primary School. Each student shared their ideas, their goals for the school community, and why they would like to take on a leadership role.
Speaking in front of a large audience takes courage, and our Grade 6 students showed preparation, confidence and care for their fellow students. They spoke clearly and thoughtfully about how they would listen to their classmates and serve our school.
We are proud of every Grade 6 student who spoke and thank our younger students for being such a respectful and attentive audience.
The student body will vote for their Student Council President.
Football at SAS (Grades 3-5)
Our Grades 3-5 students took to the football fields at SAS, demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship and determination. Over the course of around six matches against other schools, players supported one another, played with energy and respected their opponents, win or lose. For many students, it was a chance to try something new, build confidence, and discover the value of working together toward a shared goal.
We are very grateful to our parent volunteers, whose time, support and encouragement on and off the field helped make these matches such a positive experience for our students. Thank you for being part of our school community.
Double Ninth Festival Visit
The Double Ninth Festival is a special occasion to show our love and care for the elderly, and this has been a cherished annual tradition at SSIS for many years.
On the morning of 13 October, a group of our Grade 4 students visited Kanghua Nursing Home to celebrate this special festival with the residents. The school prepared traditional Double Ninth Festival cakes for the elderly, while the students entertained them with violin performances, singing and other wonderful acts.
The children personally handed out the cakes to the residents and shared their warm wishes, bringing smiles, joy and heartfelt blessings to everyone. It was a meaningful experience that allowed our students to show kindness, respect, and appreciation for the older generation.
Key Dates:
- November 2-6: Reading Extravaganza
- November 3: Guest Author of ‘My Shanghai’
- November 5: Guest Author of ‘Hallie and the Sideways Tooth’
- November 6: Character Parade ‘Come to school as a book character’
- November 9: School Cross Country
- November 11: G4 & G6 Visit the Forest Campus
- November 14: IFB
- November 16-18: Photo Taking
- November 27: House Shirt Day
- November 28: PTC
Your SSIS Family Benefits and Privileges:
Please check the wide range of benefits and privileges provided by our community partners.
EN: https://www.ssis.asia/privileges-discounts/
CN: https://www.ssis.asia/ssis%e5%ae%b6%e9%95%bf%e5%8f%8a%e8%80%81%e5%b8%88%e4%b8%93%e5%b1%9e%e4%bc%98%e6%83%a0/?lang=zh-hans
