RDFIS Principal’s Letter

瑞得福国际学校 校长的信

Dear Parents, Students and Employees,

As the winter has turned to spring, and the birds chirp so pleasantly each morning, I am reminded that time marches steadily on. Years pass quickly. Life is relatively short. In fact, if you live to age 77 (the average in China, as of 2016), you will live a total of about 28,000 days. I have lived more than half of those days.

Stephen R. Covey, a mentor to millions of people, observed that most humans have a desre to live, to learn, to love, and to leave a legacy. Every day we practice these things through the choices we make.

As a school and education partner for your family, RDF yearns to help your child and your family to live, to learn, to love, and to leave a legacy—and to do these four things exceptionally well.

I hope you will see these four meaningful purposes evident in all teaching, activities, events, and administration. Our school exists to serve you!

Highlights this week include:

Students showcased their Chinese calligraphy and and other hand-made art on Sunday March 7. During the Spring Festival, students received a lot of inspiration from their hometown and applied it to their artworks. Congratulations to all who participated. Your work is beautiful and inspiring!

The debate club fostered meaningful philosophical discussion about the causes of happiness. Some argued that money is required for happiness. Others argued that happiness is found in positive relationships with others, rather than purchased with money. The level of our happiness is linked to our relationships with others. The time we spend talking with others, serving them, and otherwise doing good to others improves and increases our happiness. While there is certainly a time and use for solitude, our lives would be less happy or meaningful without times of gathering and union. May we seek to gather and unite with others in noble causes to lift all of humanity.

The RDF Dance Competition First Round was held on Thursday night. Congratulations to all 15 contestants/teams. The top nine teams are advancing to the final round, which will be held on Thursday, March 25 at 7 PM in the B-Auditorium. Photos and results will be posted. Go, Eagles!

Announcements and reminders for the coming weeks include:

The 3-way conferences are coming soon. Please reserve time April 8 (4:30–8:00 PM) or April 9 (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM). Come, visit RDF campus to speak with your students’ teachers about your child’s performance in class. Students are welcome to join, too, at the discretion of parents. RDF welcomes and encourages student participation. The appointment system and appointment guide will be sent to parents next week.

We are pleased to announce an optional essay contest due at 9 PM on March 21. The topic is “How to learn a language.” Students in grades 7–12 may participate. To participate, discuss the topic with your parents and friends, do research, and prepare your written advice to others about how to learn a language. Write your essay using a minimum of 500 words and maximum of 1000 words. Use a word processor to write and count your words. Then, copy and paste your essay into the form linked below before by 9:00 PM on Sunday, March 21, to be considered for the cash prizes: 300 RMB for first prize, 200 RMB for second prize, 100 RMB for third prize. The winning essay(s) may be published online. Participants will also earn house points for their team.