Familiar classroom bells echo faintly as the graduation ceremony commences on the afternoon of June 5,2026. After five years of laughter, growth and companionship, the primary school graduation ceremony officially unfolds. Fifth grade graduates, along with their parents and teachers, witness the closing of primary school life on this special day.

With warm introductions by the hosts Mr. Bobby and Ms. Lotus, the following school leaders took their seats to enthusiastic applause: Mr. Tang Shengchang, Superintendent of SSBS; Ms. Li Ying, Deputy Superintendent of SSBS; Ms. Hu Qingtian, School Party Committee Secretary; Ms. Ma Danye, Principal of Primary and Junior High Division; Ms. Zheng Shengjie, Vice Principal of Primary and Junior High Division.

At the beginning of the ceremony, student representative Roy from Class 5-5 fondly reflected on his five-year journey of learning. He expressed heartfelt gratitude, recounting how the enriching curriculum, the unwavering support of his teachers, and the companionship of his classmates had contributed to his growth in SSBS.

Next, Class 5-2 Faye’s mother gave a speech as the parent representative. She perfectly captured the mixed emotions of the graduates and their parents, focusing on three main topics: gratitude, nostalgia, and happiness. She spoke with sincere gratitude toward teachers and the whole school, recalling unforgettable moments from science fairs and varied campus activities, expressing her happiness at witnessing the growth of the fifth graders through their primary school journey.

Then, Director Ge gave a heartfelt speech to remind all the graduates that grade five is not an end but a new chapter to the junior high school. He celebrated their blossoming growth, acknowledged the dedications from teachers and parents, and encouraged all the students to embrace resilience and kindness on the journey ahead.

Afterwards, two parent representatives, on behalf of all fifth-grade parents and students, presented the school with Sennheiser earphones.

Among all graduation activities, the tassel turning ceremony and receiving diplomas held the deepest meaning. Graduates stepped onto the stage one by one to receive their official diplomas from school leaders and had their tassels turned. Turning it from right to left stands for the successful completion of all their school studies, and the beginning of a new journey, marking a great milestone for every fifth grade graduate.

At last, the graduation ceremony drew to a heartfelt close with two performances from the fifth-grade graduates.

First up was a moving Chinese recitation titled I Am Proud to Be Chinese. Spoken with sincere passion, the piece celebrates China’s stunning mountains and rivers and honors the country’s long history and great people. Their powerful voices drifted all around the hall, filling the whole room with warm patriotic feelings.

Finally, the group performance of the English song” shine your way” ignited everyone’s enthusiasm. This warm, uplifting song sent hopeful feelings, encouraging graduates to stay brave, follow their dreams and shine brightly to light up their own future paths, just as young stars glow and find their own shining paths across the dark sky.

As the final tune of Shine Your Way dies down, and the 2026 fifth-grade graduation of Shanghai Starriver Bilingual school also came to a closing, Eleanor Roosevelt’s timeless saying rings true for all young leavers: the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.