Just before the school year started, new students and their families were welcomed to the school with lively “Welcome BBQ” events. Attendees had the chance to meet other new families, as well as Co-Principals, members of the school’s leadership team, and representatives from the Parent Organisation.

Families gathered at the Hongqiao and Century Park campuses where they enjoyed delicious food, a variety of fun activities, and chatting with other members of the YCIS community. While the children were busy with a giant bouncy castle, sports activities, art projects, and more, parents had the chance to mingle and talk.

According to Carol Mao, Parent Relations Officer at the Hongqiao and Gubei campuses, “The ‘Welcome BBQ’ brings people together and provides neparents with an opportunity to meet one another, as well as the wider YCIS community. Family events like this showcase our school’s vibrant community spirit.”

Parent Liaison Officer at the Regency Park and Century Park campuses, Nadine Runkel, says that, “Events like the ‘Welcome BBQ’ bring our community together by giving parents the chance to get to know each other, developing and strengthening friendships, and celebrating our diversity.”

One of the many contributions the active Parents Organisations of Puxi and Pudong (POP) make to the school is in welcoming new families and helping them get settled in Shanghai and at their new school. “We organise several welcome events for new families, and throughout the year we offer educational tours and workshops to support an easy transition to Shanghai”, says Runkel. “Helping new parents meet other YCIS families allows them to build a strong support network, which is always appreciated”.

Mao notes that POP does more than just benefit parents, saying “POP encourages parents to get involved in our dynamic community, not only because this is an important source of support for parents, but also because of the positive impact it has on children’s learning and development.”

The POP organisations at the school’s campuses in both Puxi and Pudong are busy throughout the year, developing and hosting activities and events that enrich the school’s community, and ensure that families at YCIS have a “home away from home” in Shanghai. To learn more about the Parent Organisation of Puxi and Pudong, click here.