The year of 2020 has been special for all due to COVID-19, and keeping social distance has become a new lifestyle. For our Year 13 class, this means that an online graduation ceremony has taken place, and we feel delighted that this unusual celebration has left every student with another great memory at YCIS Qingdao. The graduation is a major milestone in one’s life, marking the completion of a chapter – a chapter filled with tears, laughter, friendship, hardship, and growth.

During the past week, we have received many encouraging words and wishes from the Secondary Department. The inspiring messages are with joy and pride. Congratulations to our Year 13 students!

“It has been a strange and challenging year for our Year 13 graduates of 2019-2020. We are very proud of the way you have calmly and maturely handled the constant flow of changes and adaptations that have come your way during the 2nd semester of this school year. You have been excellent role models for our younger students, and we wish you all the best on the next step of your journey. Do come back and visit us!” said Mr Wise, Vice Principal and Head of Secondary School

“An Economist is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Don’t lose sight of the things you value in life and work to enrich yourself in all facets of your life, not just money. Life moves pretty fast, if you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it. Good luck in all your future endeavours,” said Mr Polizotto, Economics Teacher and Year 13 Form Tutor

“Dear students, congratulations on your completion of your studies at YCIS Qingdao! The daunting IB course might have made you hesitant and depressed, but also brought you persistance and happiness! You even joked that 'Only those who shed tears at midnight are the true winners of IB'. In the past two years, I’ve seen the your efforts and growth, and all of you have got a broader vision and a more open mind. This will enable you to deal with the unknown future and build your confidence in realising your dreams. The rising sun is lighting up the road under your feet. Young people, in front of you is a wider world waiting for you to discover!” said Ms Zhao, Secondary Chinese Teacher

“To our departing Year 13 students – You are on the verge of opening a new door a new chapter in your lives, we want you to remember the following words in your future journeys; When one door closes, another opens; but often we look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us. Go make a difference and be yourselves,” said Mr Steyn, University Guidance Counsellor

“YCIS Qingdao Class of 2020, I’m proud of you all. I want to congratulate all the graduates and wish you luck in your university life. You are a unique graduating class because you can enter your new chapter in life with this new experience from all those uncertainties,” saidMr Kang, IB Korean Teacher and Korean University Counsellor