Keystone Community Celebrates the Beginning: A Dedication Ceremony Marked the Official Start of School

BEIJING, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Clear blue skies are a luxury in Beijing and, perhaps, "a blessing" as one parent noted. It was definitely one of those unique days in Beijing, and even more unique for Keystone Academy, as the School's founding community came together to celebrate the commencement of their journey. The school was adorned in white and blue roses and balloons to welcome parents, students and staff to the milestone dedication ceremony.

"Our school is very unusual," said Head of School, Malcolm McKenzie, addressing the gathering, and reiterating Keystone's mission. It is unusual because of the School's three keystones, bilingual immersion, residential program and promotion of Chinese culture and identity, which are in response to the "needs of our time," added Mr. McKenzie. He hoped that Keystone Academy and its community, would be inspired by great Chinese educators of the last century, such as Dr. Chang Poling who founded the Nankai Schools in Tianjin, back then responding "directly to the needs of Chinese society at that time."

Listening and Speaking From and For the World

But Keystone Academy is not just a response to the needs of China, but also the world. This is a new world school because, "…our world is changing rapidly every day, and we want our students to be always at the ready for this new world. But we are also a world school in China that is brand new. And that newness is inspiring, exciting, and a little scary," said Mr. McKenzie. However, students from grade 1 were anything but scared as they stood before all present and animatedly sang the Di Zi Gui with pride and confidence. Listening to the little ones recite this Chinese tradition of 'the standards of being a good student and child' made some parents teary eyed.

Dr. Edward Shanahan, President of the School, added one more standard to what it means to be and become a good student and child - listening and speaking. Be "open and aware," advised Dr. Shanahan, " and you will be surprised what you hear and what you see. And you will be the richer for it. Secondly, remember that every voice matters, no matter how small, matters more than you might think. So lend your voice to the voices of others as you shape your life, and this school, over the coming years."

In the Coming Years

Using her architecture background, school benefactor and board chair, Mrs. Yang Yanling said, "If there is no Keystone, the building will collapse. We decided to use this name for the school as a symbol of our hopes for our children; that they become the 'keystone' of their own buildings, and the pillars of societies in which they live." The dedication ceremony was also recognition of the journey ahead for parents, teachers and students as they work, ensure and enable the realization of this hope and aspiration together. Karl Furstenberg, an advisor to the school board and former Dean of Admissions at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire, is certain that Keystone's journey ahead will be successful, "I have been part of the Keystone initiative from the beginning, four years ago, when it was a hole in the ground. Now I am impressed. It makes me feel warm inside to see how much the parents and staff care about Keystone. The school exudes an atmosphere and energy that will keep it going even in the future." And as the Keystone community continues this exciting journey ahead, the way forward, as Mr. McKenzie said, should "…be inspired and excited, and not scared. Let us set out together, with courage and humility, on the adventure of a lifetime. And let us remember this day with pride, a proper sense of history, and above all gratitude."

About Keystone Academy: Keystone Academy is a non-profit, philanthropic venture governed by a board of trustees. The school blends distinctive traditions in eastern, western, and international education, creating a "new world school" that is academically outstanding and a new model of education in China. At Keystone, we embrace a world that is dynamic and ever changing. We learn from and we learn for this enterprising, global community.

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Ms. Sabrina Liu, Director of Marketing and Communications

+86.10.8049.6008
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www.keystoneacademy.cn

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SOURCE Keystone Academy Beijing