The Opinions on Implementing the Project for the Inheritance and Development of Excellent Traditional Chinese Culture states: “Culture is the bloodline of a nation and the spiritual home of its people. Cultural confidence is a more fundamental, deeper, and more enduring force. The unique concepts, wisdom, magnanimity, and artistic charm of Chinese culture have deepened the confidence and pride within the hearts of the Chinese people and the Chinese nation. One of the key tasks is to permeate the entire national education system: to construct a curriculum and textbook framework for Chinese culture; to strengthen disciplines related to outstanding traditional Chinese culture; to carry out the Chinese Classics Recitation Project; and to ensure high-quality showcasing of the educational achievements in traditional culture.”

“Those who wish for a tree to grow tall must first strengthen its roots; those who desire a stream to flow far must first clear its source. If the source is not deep, the flow will not go far; if the roots are not firm, the tree will not grow tall. The core cultural classics of pre-Qin China are our very roots and fountainhead. In today’s rapidly changing world, young people need an anchor for their spirit and a compass for their lives. The classics cultivate our roots and forge our souls; they enlighten our minds and nourish our hearts. ‘The year’s plan begins in spring.’ At this time of spring’s warmth and blossoming, and in order to carry forward China’s outstanding traditional culture, to create a rich campus cultural atmosphere, to spark teachers’ and students’ interest in reading, and to inspire an uplifting spirit, the Chinese Department has taken the lead in launching the “Bookish Campus · Immersed in Classics” reading campaign. Through diverse reading formats and the profound wisdom of the classics, we awaken the vitality of life—so that teachers and students alike may grow together amid the fragrance of books and the beauty of nature.

The First Phase of the “Bookish Campus · Immersed in Classics” Reading Check-In Campaign (March 6 – April 23, 2025) was a complete success!

Over thirty teachers and students eagerly participated, and nearly sixty more came to observe. In this journey of engaging with the classics, they demonstrated their love for reading through action. Special praise goes to the nearly twenty students who showed remarkable perseverance—whether out on excursions, spending weekends at home, returning to school on Sundays, or caught up in the hustle of regular classes, they never paused in their reading. Day after day, they checked in without fail. Their dedication and steadfastness in classic reading were both surprising and deeply moving. As the Book of Songs reminds us, “Everything has a beginning, but few endure to the end,” but SHBS students have embodied the spirit of beginning well and finishing well, setting an outstanding example for us all.

We extend thanks to the organizing committee’s teachers and student volunteers. From planning and rule-making to process management, data statistics, and publicity, each link in the chain bore their wisdom and hard work. Due to their diligent efforts, this reading campaign ran so successfully, providing students with an excellent platform to immerse themselves in the classics.

As one of the event organizers, I also participated fully: checking in each day without interruption. Through reading the classics, I felt their inexhaustible charm that awaken our sleeping spirits, enabling us to embrace life with renewed vigor; they nourish our inner world, continually enhancing the quality and depth of our lives. In the reading process, I also experienced the importance of teaching by word and example.

In addition, Ivan Xie, Eason Hu, and KiKi Zhao designed and led an offline “Werewolf: Battle of the Spring and Autumn Dynasty” event, sparking interest in pre-Qin history and guiding participants to read classical pre-Qin texts.

Finally, the committee selected award-winners—both individuals and classes—based on check-in days, total reading time, quality of reflections, and level of participation:

Reading Star Award:

Congratulations to Celestine Ren, Evony Huang, Wang Junyi,Chris Gao, and Brooks Han!

Class Reading Style Award:

Congratulations to Class 10.2 and PreA2!

Reading is a practice without a finish line. The second phase of our classic reading check-in is already under way, and our passionate teachers and students continue to carry forward their reading perseverance, filling the campus with the fragrance of books. We warmly invite more teachers and students to join us—step into the world of classics, feel the power of culture, and discover a better self through reading! Dear teachers and students, please contact Claire Jiang or Mr. Wu to join the “Bookish Campus · Immersed in Classics” check-in group.

Acknowledgements

Deepest gratitude to Principal Bowen Chen for his attention and encouragement!

Sincere thanks to Principal Liu for generous support and funding to reward our dedicated classic readers!

Thanks to Chinese Department colleagues Tony Wang, Amber Xu, and Gaby Zhu for their participation and support!

Appreciation to Science Department Teacher William Yu for practical advice, and to Teacher Bo Xie for reading classics alongside students!

Thanks to Librarian Teacher Jenny Wang for her involvement!

Heartfelt gratitude to student organizer Claire Jiang for overall coordination, Zhao for data compilation, and to Ivan Xie, Eason Hu, and Kiki Zhao for designing the offline event!