Sponsored by Beijing City International School (BCIS). Located in Beijing’s CBD, BCIS lives by its motto: “Empowering and Inspiring Through Challenge and Compassion.” This not-for-profit, co-educational day school provides a personalized, inclusive international curriculum under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system, offering the PYP, MYP and DP to both expatriate and Chinese national students from Toddler to Grade 12. For more information, please email admissions@bcis.cn
When it comes to building a successful school, the art of “community building” is undoubtedly a cornerstone of that success. There are many ways a school can use to construct a thriving and happy community of students, teachers and parents, and one of the most widely used methods is through large-scale events that invite families and staff of the school, as well as members of the local community. These events might mark particular cultural festivals such as Chinese New Year or Christmas, but also might be part of a school’s own particular culture.
In the course of an academic year, Beijing City International School (BCIS) holds at least three such community events, namely the Mid-Autumn Festival Event (held in late September/early October), the Christmas Bazaar (typically held during the last weekend in November), and “Spring in the City” (usually in mid-May). Each event is free to attend, and open not only to the school’s families, but also to the wider Beijing community.
Each event brings something a little different, and together they act as important platforms for BCIS to not just share its campus and facilities with the community, but also to create a unique family experience that offers lifelong memories for all. The year’s first event is the Mid-Autumn Festival, the most important aim of which is to show Beijing that BCIS is a school that greatly values its Chinese roots, and honors those roots with a grand celebration of Chinese culture. Coming up on November 28, 2015, the school will once again work with the Migrant Children’s Foundation to host the Christmas Bazaar, in which the students and teachers work hard to create an event that is not only enjoyable, but also works towards a noble cause — raising money to provide health checkups for migrant children. Finally, Spring in the City is BCIS’ own showcase of its great variety of student talent, including live stage performances, charity stalls, student-led activities and much more. Together, the events are part of BCIS trying to “live its mission” by fusing altruistic and meaningful activity together with evenings and afternoons of family fun.
Over the years, BCIS has discovered many benefits in opening their gates to Beijing and welcoming up to 3,000 community members for each event. It has to be said that bringing so many people together helps the school not only reinforce its values with existing community members, but also spread that philosophy to a wider audience. A school hosting such an event can showcase all the best things it has to offer, especially the warmth and friendliness within its community — the most valuable commodity of all. Another important benefit is the opportunity for the school’s students to participate, learning the value of contributing positively to their community, and helping try and make the world a better place.
Don’t forget that all are welcome to join in at the MCF/BCIS Christmas Bazaar, on Saturday, November 28, from 11am to 3pm at the school’s Main Campus at 77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu.
Photo: BCIS
