For the last month, we’ve had the chance speak with moms from international schools about their sons and daughters experiences either attending a new school in Beijing or coming to school for the first time. This week, we talk to British School of Beijing (BSB) mom, Clara Motsisi, who shares her sons’, Tshenolo and Otlotleng, first day of school story. The family hails from South Africa and the boys attend BSB’s Shunyi campus in Grade 1 and Grade 5 respectively.
Were your sons scared to come to school?
Both of them were very excited to start the new school. The excitement was brought about primarily by the warm reception that we received from the British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Admissions Team on our first visit to BSB. When our children saw the facilities, they began to look forward to their first day. They have enjoyed their stay at the BSB since their first day. The school provides a different learning environment to them and our involvement as parents makes it more exciting for them every day.
Who had a harder time saying goodbye?
We were all ok for some strange reason. This experience compares to no other. The whole idea of moving to china was well received by the entire family; we have channeled our thinking to be positive in everything we do. This in a way explains why we all appreciate the new environment. The kids tell me that they are getting along very well with the other kids at school, which in turn allows all of us to relax and let them enjoy their schooling.
How did you prepare them for the first day?
Both of them were looking forward to the first day. They stayed for two months in a hotel in Beijing waiting for school to open so this was the longest holiday they’ve ever had. They deeply missed the contact with other kids and the learning environment.
Photos: Courtesy of BSB Shunyi
