“True education is a kind of never-ending story — a matter of continual beginnings, of habitual fresh starts, of persistent newness.” 

by J. R. R. Tolkien, an English writer

The Orientation Day for this academic year took place on Tuesday. Nearly 400 families and over 300 teachers gathered at Wellington College Hangzhou in the morning to embark on a brand new journey together. It was a day for newly enrolled pupils and parents to meet their class teachers and future classmates. They collected their school uniforms and some even learned how to tie their tie properly for the first time. 

Walking into the main building, pupils were pleasantly enveloped in a wonderful sense of ritual.  Thoughtfully prepared umbrellas, welcome-back gift bags, exquisite tea breaks, creative locations for social media photo opportunities and beautifully arranged enrolment stalls. From every corner and detail, pupils experienced caring support from dedicated teachers. 

Against our Be You, Be More backdrop, we captured this joyful and meaningful moment for the children with cameras. As is conveyed in our slogan, pupils at Wellington are embracing unlimited possibilities here. 

Here at Wellington College Hangzhou, we provide every child with abundant opportunities and resources with an eye for their individual growth. We also stimulate pupils’ inner drive based on their individual needs and encourage them to take the initiative to learn, i.e., to be the captain of their own learning. 

For pupils at Wellington College Hangzhou, Orientation Day symbolises the commencement of a new learning stage. It presents an opportunity for the newcomers to better utilise the ample quality resources at the school and make like-minded friends so that they are better equipped to embrace the challenges in the new academic year. 

Additionally, communicating with teachers and pupils from around the world helps extend their knowledge and broaden their horizons allowing them to experience diverse cultures. This increases their understanding of the world, which is the embodiment of learning at Wellington, i.e., when different people are marching forward with one dream, we can Be More.  

When all the families were ready, the commencement ceremony for the new academic year officially started. Accompanied by the enchanting melodies of Bach, Kathryn Richardson, Master of Wellington College Hangzhou, took the stage and cordially welcomed the new joining families: 

We encourage our pupils, parents and staff to actively participate in community activities, attend to the people in need to gain an in-depth understanding of social problems and seek practical solutions. It is our belief that every member of the community is an indispensable force. Together, we form a constellation of lights that illuminates the wider world with hope.

On the day, we conducted spontaneous interviews with teachers from different departments who, from their own perspectives, expressed how they felt about Orientation Day. Read on to find out more. 

An important aspect to highlight is our new ‘unboxing video campaign’ in Xiaohongshu and WeChat Video Channel with the hashtag #WellingtonHangzhouCampusUnboxing. Parents are invited to participate in the campaign by posting a recorded video of the child(ren) unboxing their induction day gift box on these channels. By 17 September, the top ten videos with the most Likes from each platform will receive special limited-edition gifts from the school. We look forward to watching your videos and having you join us in commencing the new academic year. 

Children radiate a brilliant light brightly within our school. We are ready to let the children shine at Wellington College Hangzhou.  

Let us join hands and watch the new academic year begin in style!