2026-2027

Grit is the belief in the compounding strength of daily effort. Every moment of perseverance shapes a better version of yourself.

Our school’s annual theme is "Grit" — which, as the name suggests, represents perseverance and determination. Regardless of the stage of life we are in or the challenges we encounter, perseverance and determination remain the essential path to growth.

We All Face Challenges

Life is never smooth sailing. Whether we are students, teachers, or the Principal, each of us has personal challenges to face. Some must manage demanding academic workloads, some must balance work and further studies, some strive to push beyond their physical limits, and others must learn from scratch in an unfamiliar field. The common thread among these challenges is that the journey can be exhausting, often prompting the thought of giving up. Yet, it is precisely because of the hardship that perseverance becomes precious; it is precisely because of the difficulty that determination shows its true worth. Growth never arises from comfortable circumstances, but from every single moment in which we choose to keep going.

Perseverance Begins with the Little Things

Grit does not require groundbreaking deeds. It is often reflected in the most ordinary, daily actions:

• Revising every day and submitting homework on time is grit;
• Refusing to give up when facing the pressure of tests and examinations is grit;
• Learning a new skill and remaining willing to try repeatedly, even if early results fall short of expectations, is grit;
• Waking up on time every day, being punctual, and focusing in class is also grit.

True perseverance is never a fleeting moment of passion, but the accumulation of efforts day after day. There is a saying worth keeping in mind: "Trust the power of time". If you make a little progress every day, you will witness remarkable growth after a year. Conversely, if you slack off slightly every day, you will fall far behind over time. Grit is believing in the compounding strength of daily effort.

Learning is a Marathon

Learning is never a sprint. Instead, it is a marathon. Some start fast, while others start slow, but the point lies not in the speed at the start, but in whether one possesses the determination to persevere to the finish line. On the journey of learning, it is inevitable that you will encounter setbacks, feel lost, or even consider giving up. Please keep the following in mind:

• When facing difficulties, pause, breathe, and then respond. Let "I will try once more" be a conscious choice rather than an impulsive reaction.
• When exhausted, return your mind to your original aspiration. Simply gaze gently upon the person you aspire to become.
• When tempted to give up, refrain from judging that thought. Acknowledge your tiredness and, as you would treat a weary friend, whisper gently: "It's okay, let's take it step by step".

Do Not Conform to the Pattern of This World, but Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind

I would like to share with you a scripture passage from Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." We must not be led astray by worldly values. Instead, we can renew ourselves in four key areas:

1. Renewal of Vision: Do not focus solely on academic grades, appearance, or the number of likes on social media. Look inward more often, and pay closer attention to your schoolmates. God has created everyone with their own unique strengths. Have you found yours?
2. Renewal of Response: When facing difficulties, being misunderstood, or encountering failure, do not resort to anger or withdrawal. Pause and ask yourself: “What can this experience teach me?”
3. Renewal of Attitude: When encountering rules and changes you disagree with or unfair situations, do not merely complain. Ask yourself: “Within the current environment, what can I do?”
4. Renewal of Purpose: When you feel exhausted from studying or lost in life, do not give up. Recall the anticipation and hope you felt on your very first day stepping onto campus, and do not let that inner fire burn out.

As the new academic year begins, I encourage each of you to set a small personal goal — whether it is reading a book, improving your performance in a subject, learning a new skill, or developing healthy habits like sleeping early, waking up early, and focusing on every lesson. As long as you are willing to persevere, no effort will ever be wasted.

I wish you all the constancy to pursue your studies, the grit to face every challenge, and the dedication to equip yourselves thoroughly during your school years as you move step by step toward a brighter future.