News
Aug 23 2024
Embarking on BCIS’ 20th Year
Cecilia PEI
August 21 marked the first day of the 2024/25 academic year at BCIS, a day filled with reunions, fresh beginnings, and the anticipation of growth and endless possibilities. As the sound of greetings and laughs echoed across campus, we had officially kicked off BCIS’s milestone 20th year.
Even before 8:00 AM, the entrance to BCIS was abuzz with excitement filling the entire community. For many, the start of the school year is a moment they've been eagerly awaiting. In anticipation of everyone's return, principals and teachers stood themselves at the entrances and walkways of our school, greeting parents and students with warm smiles and ‘hello’s.
Families took photos to capture the first moments of the new year; students reunited with the ES principal Fred, their teachers and friends, excitedly sharing summer stories. As the elementary school students stepped into their newly renovated cafeteria, they were thrilled by the bright and refreshed changes. Guided by their teachers, they then entered their new classrooms, where fresh supplies awaited their arrival. Finding their new homerooms and classmates gave students an insight into the new friendships which will be forged, the diverse perspectives which they will hear, and the cherished memories they will make throughout the year.
Meanwhile, the secondary school students continued their tradition of gathering in the Sunken Plaza for the annual opening ceremony. New teachers took the stage to introduce themselves, and a student band’s outstanding rendition of ‘All The Small Things’ encapsulated the energy on campus that day.
At BCIS' Early Childhood Center (ECC), a sea of bubbles welcomed the children as they arrived through the front gate. The children excitedly rushed into the magical space, waving to their teachers and Principal Jackie, with hugs all around—a heartwarming scene that demonstrated their enthusiasm for the new term. Parents, too, were touched by the jubilant atmosphere, with the ECC preparing a coffee provider and a cozy corner where parents gathered to share their summer stories and discuss their plans and hopes for the new year.
Notably, from the 2024/25 academic year onwards, the BCIS Courtyard Kindergarten has officially become a part of the BCIS family. On the first day of school, the students were delighted to find BCIS' mascot, Lele, welcoming them home to begin the year. The BCIS mascot accompanied the children into the Courtyard as they embarked on their journey to become BCIS ‘Warriors’!
Committed to delivering high-quality learning and teaching, BCIS has once again welcomed passionate educators from around the world with rich international experience to join our team. To help new teachers quickly integrate into the community and gain a deep understanding of the Chinese Roots of BCIS, cultural trips to locations like the Confucius Temple and Datong were organized. Additionally, as all faculty members returned, they participated in a two-week Orientation, which included various training sessions on child protection policies and the use of the teacher management systems, as well as going over the values and mission of BCIS; why we do what we do.
Dedicated to providing students with a safe, comfortable, modern, and inspiring learning environment, BCIS has continued its annual upgrades on its campus. This summer, the Elementary School’s canteen was refurbished, becoming brighter, more open, and equipped with state-of-the-art kitchen facilities. This space is now not only a modern dining area but also an area for elementary school presentations and functions. Additionally, the Grade 1 playground was also redesigned, emphasizing safety and fun while being painted in BCIS’s unique colors. The corridor leading to the theater now features a starry ceiling and a brand-new façade and stage, with the open, transparent administrative areas further supporting BCIS’ ‘Open Door Policy’, encouraging continuous communication and interaction between departments.
With the arrival of the 2024-25 academic year, we are excited welcome the return of every student, parent and member of staff as we embark on this new chapter together. Head of School, Tom, remarked, "This year marks not only the successful completion of the five-years of the Courtyard Kindergarten, now officially part of the BCIS community, but also BCIS’ entry into its 20th remarkable academic year. In this new year, more students than ever have chosen to join the BCIS community, which is also home to outstanding faculty members.”
Tom also highlighted the ongoing pursuit of high-quality learning and teaching: "At BCIS, we are a community that continually fosters a rigorous, progressive cosmopolitan education and very personalized education. I invite all of you to come and join in our vibrant community, where we offer the best of China and the best of the World!”
