Winter is gone, summer has come

Last the whole spring

That winter break has finally ended

The surprise of the overdue reunion

Is everywhere

Youth of VBS YotF

Started again

VBS News Net: 'Dear students, may you shine your way to realise your dreams with new perspectives and determined passion at the colorful VBS where love is always around' Youth of the Future from VBS finally had their school begin in early summer on 11th May, after expecting it throughout the spring season. The school specially held the simple but caring welcome back ceremony for 188 VBS Youth of the Future.

After having their body temperature taken and hands sterilised, students from Primary 4, Junior Secondary 1 and 2 were all excited to enter the school gate and received flowers and cards given by their teachers. All wishes written on the card went straight to their hearts. They were all surprised and touched by what was in front of them and started to chit chat again. As always, Principal Yang came early to welcome students for their return at the gate. Looking above her masks, her eyes still filled with lots of love. She had warm greetings with students. Students said, 'I really miss the school, teachers, peers and the food from canteen,' and began their brand new school term.

This day would not be possible without guidance by leaders from the district and municipality, the appointment of Deputy Principal for Health and stationed doctor by Longhua District Education Bureau who provide professional services for the school, the school's  purchase of materials, drafting of contingency plan and its dry-runs, staff's participation in epidemic prevention and control workshop and tireless disinfection, all teachers who put in effort to prepare lessons and conduct E-learning online and clean the classrooms. The peace that we have is maintained by those guardians who dedicate themselves in silence.

This day would be a crucial part of students' memories. In this world filled with unknowns, may VBS students cherish the study periods which did not come easy and keep their optimism, grit, curiosity and creativity to face challenges with courage and the future ahead of them with confidence. 

 Principal Yang for the first class of school commencement

Principal Yang's speech

Dear all staff and students,

Good morning!

It is not easy for the first batch of students - Primary 4, Junior Secondary 1 and 2 levels to return to school today. We have to be grateful as the whole country, led by President Xi and its party and government, not leaving its duty and original intention behind to protect its people with responsibility and resolution. Every Chinese has the strong responsibility and patriotism to follow what the state asked them to do - protect others and themselves. Doctors and professionals from various industries who dedicated themselves in the work against the outbreak had kept us safe. Their spirits and greatness deserved our remembrance and praise.

It has been the 18th week for uncles and aunts from security, cleaning, maintenance and canteen crew to work in school. They have been here for the past 126 days to keep the campus running and clean, also the members from VBS epidemic prevention and control group, teachers from HR, Administration and General Affairs Departments to make plans for parents, teachers and students to work together against the outbreak by direction and publicity. Also those teachers who calmed you down and spent time with you to study while they worked extra hard to take care of their family and make lesson plans. And you guys trying your best to change your study mode into study from home and your parents who took care of you well, some even dedicated themselves to the country. 

We can think of many people whom we need to acknowledge. But we have to focus on ourselves to do our best and protect ourselves. This is the best way to show our appreciation for them and us.

Next, I would like to tell you that the campus is safe. Disinfection is done several times a day. Classrooms and siesta rooms are set to keep you all one metre apart, so please wash your hands frequently as you follow rules to enter the school and study. We have put hand sanitisers at the gate, classrooms and washrooms, please follow what class teachers and life teachers tell you to do. I have to remind you that do not come to school if you have fever at home and ask your parents to inform your class teachers for sick absence. Do not panic if you find your peers having fever in school, do what your teachers say. 

Now life teachers and class teachers please demonstrate if you find out one student having anomalous body temperature as you take their body temperatures.

Thank you teachers and students for your cooperation. Students, it is typical for you to experience agitations, exhaustions or mood swings. Now if you do have this, please seek assistance from your class teachers or other teachers, we could offer some help. 

Now I would like to talk about the virus. It is a non-cellular agent which it has existed since billions of years ago, even earlier than ours. Let's take a quick recap, the first batch of fixed stars was formed 200 millions years after the existence of the universe such as the Sun. Fixed stars could produce new materials to complicate it. The explosion of fixed stars would then form supernovas. Compounds on Earth formed the first batch of living things approximately three and half billion years ago, also one billion years after the Earth had been formed. They were simple and minute. About 20 millions years ago, apes were found on Earth. Human ancestors 'Lucy' was found three million years ago in Ethiopia. Two million years ago, Homo Sapien came to life in East Africa. So we know that virus is always around and comes much earlier than us. We see its power this time but we can control it by our research by not allowing it to endanger us. We have academicians such as Dr. Zhong Nanshan, Dr. Li Lanjuan, Dr. Qiu Haibo who are our role models. I hope you guys can study well and contribute to the humankind by beating the virus. 

Gu Xiancheng from Donglong Party in Ming Dynasty drafted the couplet - I hope you can cultivate your patriotism in your studies. You have to love your family before becoming patriotic which comes before loving the world. China is a country that acts more than it says. China and its nationals have handled the crisis well to send materials and experts overseas as a great nation. Every one of you have to remember by heart that you will be the master of the country and the world. 

This has been a special term. I wish all of you to adjust yourselves mentally and physically as you acclimatise, study and live to reassure your parents. This gift is prepared by the school which you can show the flowers to your moms. Please show your appreciation to teachers and parents. 

Finally, I wish all staff and students good health, joy and progress. 

Author/Photographer: Linda

Translated by DC Lai