At Beijing City International School (BCIS) our team of professional teachers come from scores of countries and nationalities packed with rich teaching and life experience. They are enthusiastic and dedicated teachers who provide quality and dynamic learning in the pursuit of our mission. Last week we hosted our first blended New Teacher Orientation with some teachers participating online while others participated in-person on campus!First impressions have been extremely positive; Mr Geneti Dufera (Secondary School Mathematics) was taken aback by the heartfelt effort and presence from our leadership team upon his arrival with his wife in their new home, while Mr Darren Clark (Pre-Kindergarten Teacher) is especially excited about his working environment – he counts himself fortunate to have the view of the Early Childhood Centre's rooftop garden to inspire his classroom teaching. Currently completing quarantine after arriving in Beijing, Mr Cornel Marais (Secondary School Curriculum Coordinator) has shared many #BCISfirst moments on Twitter, brimming with gratitude for BCIS' care and eagerness to finally join in-person after a positive hotel quarantine. Almost all our teachers who are not currently in Beijing have received their visa invitations and are booking flights. We are so excited to see our team returning.

Last week our new teachers were introduced to BCIS, toured the campuses and this week have been meeting their new colleagues. Explosive energy has reignited in the buildings with teachers new and returning, in-person and online, working together, solidifying their preparation for a brand-new academic year. This year has been like no other, and equally so, our teachers intend to provide the best possible experience for our students. BCIS is bubbling with anticipation for our students to complete the whole school picture as we start the new school year.