In April’s vibrant bloom, as all things renew, Xiehe people gathered in the Centre to celebrate the grand opening of the 14th Stars Project with enthusiasm and expectation on 19th April. Nearly 50 people attended the event, including members of the Stars Project Steering Committee, representatives from each SUIS school, mentors, former and new trainee teachers.
The Stars Project blends expert guidance with collaborative learning through a multi-scenario linkage approach, which includes cutting-edge concepts as well as thematic discussions, reading salons and speeches among the trainees; internal and external school visits and cross-border seminars. Each year the Steering Committee reviews the project and stays current. “AI + Education” module has been integrated into the training program this year, which not only enhances skills but also promotes professional growth, while deepening participants’ commitment to the XIEHE’s educational vision.
The Shining “Stars” on the Ceremony
The Stars Project is not only a learning journey for self-growth, but also a good opportunity for cross-campus networking. Guests and trainees arrived early in the morning with excitement, exchanging pleasantries and greetings, hugging and blessing, and taking photos in front of the backdrop.
Creative and Talented Trainees
The two MC people were Shirly Meng and Benny Xu from SUIS Hefei and Hongqiao respectively. The 20 trainee teachers who are from 10 SUIS schools and 1 kindergarten made very creative and humorous videos of self-introduction. The participants applauded frequently and the room was filled with laughter.
Encouraging Words and Good Wishes
▲ Ms Karen Mathieson: Representative of Stars Project Steering Committee , Co-Vice Principal of SUIS Hongqiao Primary
▲ Dr. Max Caruso: Representative of Mentors, Co-principal of SUIS Wuxi
▲ Ms Lisa: Representative of Former Outstanding Trainees, Director of School Office and CPC Office of SUIS Peiming
The three representatives gave a speech respectively. They either quoted scriptures or used their own experiences to encourage the trainee teachers to cherish the learning opportunities, inspire each other and grow together.
Inspiring Keynote Speech
Mr Ni Minjing, Director of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, was invited to give a keynote speech at the opening ceremony. The theme was “Unlocking the Imagination of Education”. With a humorous style and insightful examples, he dissected three major topics: Consensus and Controversy in AI education; The Turn in Educational Logic and Unlocking the Imagination of Education. He cited the experiences of several Nobel Prize-winning scientists to lead us to think about how AI is reshaping education, how it is changing teaching & learning methods and classroom scenarios, and how educators need to realise that China has entered the era of “learning for innovation”.
A Bigger Picture about Xiehe Education and Looking to the Future
In the afternoon, General Principal of Maxine Lu led a workshop on the theme of “A Bigger Picture about Xiehe Education”. She has designed several interactive learning activities that resonate among the trainees. The learning atmosphere was active and a variety of ideas and perspectives were exchanged. The interlocking tasks helped trainees teachers not only understand the development history and philosophy of XIehe Education, but also feel inspired to work hard for a better future.
