Kids have never been so excited to go back to school. On Apr 27, Beijing high school seniors were finally allowed back on campus followed by Grade 9 students on May 11. Following a set of strict government-mandated procedures, schools across the city are slowly getting back to normal, after months of e-learning at home.
“I love my kids, but I’m so happy to have them out of the house” a Beijing mom tells us. And can anyone blame her? This has been a stressful few months for everyone. But it’s not just parents who welcome the change: kids are thrilled to be able to get a sense of normalcy back in their lives once again.
Dulwich students return to campus
Schools like Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) shared photos of their Year 13 students’ first day back on campus through the school’s official WeChat account. Year 13 student Sophia S described the initial feelings: “After being apart for such a long time from most of my friends, I was nervous about returning to school, with all the new regulations. All that was gone as the school bus was approaching the school building, and I only felt the excitement from that moment on.”
Welcomed back like celebrities
Across the city, the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) also eagerly shared photos of the school’s faculty and staff welcoming back Grade 8 students. Head of School and Superintendent Douglas K. Prescott says: “We are very excited to resume on-site classes for our Grade 8 students today. This on-site experience will include a combination of online and in-class learning. Hopefully, in the future we may be able to welcome other grades and students back to CISB. We are hopeful that our caring and safe environment will allow them to thrive during their return to our campus.”
A mask can’t hide BIBA Chief Director Dr. Pang’s joy at welcoming his students back
Finally, Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA)’s Chief Director Dr. Pang’s smile shined behind his mask as he’s seen standing outside BIBA welcoming back his students. It’s an exciting time for the kids who are already back to school, and the rest of the grades will soon follow.
BIBA students on their first day back
But not all students are totally on-board just yet. “I was really thrilled and was looking forward to going to school” Apple S, a Grade 9 student at BIBA tells beijingkids says “But then I started missing online lessons.”
After months of e-learning, going back to their old routines might take a few more days to get used to.
KEEP READING: Most Beijing Students to Return by June 8, While Others Still Await Dates
Photos: CISB, DCB, BIBA
