You might have heard of this maxim: “Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his EXAMPLE instead of his ADVICE.” Ergo, how important it is for each of us to pick up a role in educating our offspring! Not a school, not a parent, nor a teacher can bear the sole responsibility for providing a good education.

 While “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” another way to fail Jack is to the pattern of this world—the post-modernistic, materialistic, glory-seeking, entertainment-filled world, all centered on self-indulgence. Therefore, somewhere between all work and all play, education is still no education if the students study with our advices but learn from the examples of secular world.

 To borrow the words of William A. Ward, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Weihai IVY is not by any means perfect, but she aims for success: to equip with staff, who can set an example to pupils with life.

“That is the sailing spirit of IVY, where “Education is Life”: Teachers, parents, and students in unity strive to instill dignity in children that may carry them to far corners of the world without being capsized. And since it takes a big heart to help shape little minds, we cannot emphasize the importance of all members working together.

 Ultimately it is the children themselves that will sail out to face the storm. So, we the parents and teachers alike shall guide them with principles—the uncompromisable principles of safety and teamwork that can ensure bon voyage. Thence, even if they don’t remember what we taught, they will never fail to imitate us in the end.

 Therefore, I welcome all students, parents, and teachers to IVY who would embrace the extra burden to be an example of moral integrity. IVY is not only a place to study, but also a place for you to learn from one another’s strengths and weaknesses. The ultimate success may be far from now, but in togetherness, we will endeavor for a common goal, and there will always be a role for you to play.