Looking back at the winter holiday just behind us, everyone has their own unique story.
Some learned to ski, some made new friends at winter camp, some captured their journeys through a lens, and some simply enjoyed quality time with family.
As the beautiful saying goes: "The quiet efforts of winter will eventually bloom in spring."
And this winter, it wasn’t just students putting in that quiet effort.
Dare to Excel: Teachers' Journey of Lifelong Learning
Right before the new term, DSl held its Mid-year Review Seminar combined with an all-staff meeting to prepare for the coming semester. The conference centred on three key focus areas for the academic year:
Teaching & Learning: Developing a broad, balanced, and coherent curriculum.
Culture: Facilitating Teacher Competency.
Environment: Optimising systems and structures.
Directors of divisions and deans of subject departments conducted a mid-year review using an 'Inquiry, Action, and Reflection' cycle model. Grounded in practical teaching needs, this model required each department to present outcomes and progress against key priorities from the previous term using robust data and systematic analysis, thereby informing planning for the next term.
The data analysis included SA1 examination results, teaching and research feedback, and student and parent experience surveys. This covered curriculum design, pedagogy, school culture, and management systems. For instance, the Mathematics department shared updates on differentiated teaching practices and their self-developed teaching materials, while the Student Leadership team presented refinements to the leadership framework.
The review process also fostered cross-departmental dialogue: presenters responded to inquiries from various colleagues, explaining the rationale behind decisions at different levels. Attendees, in turn, offered suggestions, shared reflections based on the collective information, and contributed to refining the priority areas for the second term.
This cyclic mechanism aims to enhance objective management and promote more transparent decision-making. It helps departments and divisions align their efforts on teaching quality and lays the groundwork for future interdisciplinary collaboration.
Following the seminar, the school organised outdoor team-bonding activities in a natural setting, further strengthening cohesion in a relaxed atmosphere.
Meanwhile, teachers also engaged in various professional development programmes. By leading through example—continuously updating their knowledge and broadening their educational horizons—they are embodying the belief: Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.
Yes, this spring, teachers and students grow together.
First Day Surprise: Where Growth Begins
Classrooms, silent throughout winter, buzzed with life once more. During the first PCCG lesson of the semester, laughter and applause filled the air.
Class teachers had also prepared a little surprise—fun red envelopes. Inside each envelope was perhaps a warm note of encouragement, or perhaps a special "skip one homework" pass. These little gestures of joy were the teachers' way of saying, "Welcome back."
This year, we embark on this new journey with the theme "Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow." Spring is a season of new beginnings—every fresh leaf sprouting today holds the promise of tomorrow's lush growth. We hope every student carries the school spirit of "Dare to Excel"—setting no limits, fearing no challenges, and exploring the wider world with courage.
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of Desheng School and the 15th anniversary of Desheng School (International). For twenty-five years, we have walked in the light; we are grateful for every step of the journey taken together. As we stand at this new starting point, we look forward to continuing to write our story.
The sunshine is gentle, the breeze is light.
In this new year, may our students have both the ambition to gallop ahead and the patience to wait for blossoms. May our teachers continue to nurture with passion and expertise.
Together, into spring. Together, dare to excel.
