Embark on a New Journey with a Caring Heart

As the new school year begins in this golden autumn, we see so many lovely new faces. Teachers’ Day was set at the beginning of a semester to imply a new outlook for the new school year. It also helps foster an environment where students learn to respect teachers and value education at the beginning of their learning journey. On this special day, may those who seek knowledge study tirelessly, those who apply knowledge achieve great success, and those who teach knowledge shine brilliantly.

“Carrying forward the spirit of educator vigorously and accelerating efforts to build a leading country in education” is the theme for Teachers’ Day 2024 released by the central government. The word “educator” naturally brings to mind great educational predecessors such as Cai Yuanpei, Tao Xingzhi, Zhang Boling, and Yan Yangchu. How difficult is it to be an educator in the new era? It does be challenging to some extent, but is not unachievable. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the power of education together. During this time, Huawai-Tongman Foreign Language School (formerly the Affiliated Foreign Language School of SCNU) has grown from scratch from an unknown school to one with an increasingly sophisticated curriculum system, which is attributed to the wisdom and hard work of every teacher. You are not only imparters of knowledge, but also spiritual mentors for our students. You have lit up the light of dreams for our students with your care and patience. Our school today is a harbor oriented toward the world. Every child will set sail here to fulfill their missions and responsibilities across the globe. Today, some of you will light up beacons for distant sailboats; some will chart future dreams for young minds, and some will give hope to the young blood.

Currently, we stand at a new historical juncture. The world is rapidly moving towards the AI era, and education in the future will aim to explore the meaning of life and foster innovation and creation. Through a wider range of learning methods, it will nurture a new generation capable of creating more spiritual value and more possibilities in life. Therefore, as beacons and dream builders for students’ growth, we should also embrace new changes. Faced with the new requirements of educational reform and the new mission mandated by the new era, we should actively explore innovative approaches to education while also paying more attention to students’ mental needs in this ever-changing environment. We should motivate students to learn willingly rather than be bored with knowledge, and to be interested in the future rather than feel frustrated about the world.

The call to carry forward the spirit of educator vigorously inspires us to set sail again in the new semester. Let’s turn our ideals and beliefs about education into an intangible spiritual force, put it into practice constantly, always lead, encourage, and influence our students, and make them feel our warmth throughout their growth. Dear teachers, on this special day, I would like to deliver my sincerest blessings to you. You are the backbone of education, shaping the future of every child with infinite enthusiasm and wisdom. Thank you for your hard work and selfless devotion. It is you who make our common cause of education even more successful! Happy Teachers’ Day! Wish you good health and success in your work!

Huifen He

September 10, 2024