At BIS, a spectacular Chinese New Year celebration of the Year of the Dragon was grandly held, instantly illuminating the campus. Teachers and students gathered together, and in the midst of laughter and joy, they jointly welcomed the last day at school before the Spring Festival, filling the campus with the festive atmosphere of the Year of the Dragon in advance.
As the spring breeze gently blew, BIS joyously welcomed back its students and staff on the first day after the Spring Festival holiday. The campus was imbued with an air of jubilation and merriment. To mark this occasion, the school orchestrated a magnificent lion dance, which not only added a touch of traditional charm but also served as a warm and enthusiastic welcome, presenting a truly delightful and memorable homecoming celebration for everyone.
In the vibrant month of March, BIS successfully hosted its 2024 Sports Day. This event was a kaleidoscope of energy and enthusiasm. For the younger kids, it was a playground of unbridled fun and vivacity, filled with engaging activities that brought out their innocent laughter and boundless energy. Meanwhile, for the primary and secondary school students, it transformed into a fiercely competitive arena, where they pushed their physical limits, displayed their athletic prowess, and embraced the challenges with unwavering determination, making it a remarkable display of sportsmanship and tenacity.
April witnessed BIS embracing its annual extravaganza - the much-anticipated International Day. The school campus metamorphosed into a bustling melting pot of multiculturalism. It became a confluence point, gathering students, parents, and faculty hailing from diverse countries. Together, we partook in a grand celebration that not only showcased but also deeply honored the beautiful amalgamation and harmonious coexistence of the rich tapestry of global cultures, fostering a sense of unity and global citizenship among the school community.
At the BIS Design and Engineering Expo, students from various grades took center stage to exhibit their remarkable STEAM projects. These young minds not only flaunted their innate talents and creative genius but also radiated a spirit of bold and positive innovation. Their works served as a source of inspiration, kindling the flames of curiosity and exploration, and beckoning us all to jointly venture into the uncharted territories of future possibilities.
BIS triumphantly held its inaugural graduation and moving-up ceremony. It was a momentous occasion as students from Reception, Year 6, and the graduating class of upper secondary school congregated under one roof. With beaming smiles and a tinge of bittersweet emotion, they came together to etch this wonderful milestone into the annals of their school memories, commemorating the end of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another.
BIS held a rich and colorful summer camp, precisely targeting three age groups with distinct characteristics: the EYFS Camp full of childlike fun and exploration desires, the Primary School Camp which was vibrant and eager for knowledge, and the Secondary School IELTS Camp where students harbored dreams and strived forward. This two-week summer camp ingeniously integrated the core English courses for laying a solid foundation with various interesting characteristic courses covering multiple fields, bringing an unforgettable experience to all participants.
With the arrival of August, BIS greeted the first day of the 2024 - 2025 academic year with open arms. It was a time of renewal and rejuvenation, as the entire school community embarked on a new journey with renewed vigor and enthusiasm.
Adding to the school's pride, BIS achieved a significant milestone by ranking 9th in the "2024 Forbes China · International Schools in Guangzhou Evaluation" which was released in August. Moreover, it was bestowed with the honor of being selected as a Guangzhou Outstanding A-LEVEL Curriculum School, a testament to its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and educational innovation.
In September, BIS meticulously organized a series of Mid-Autumn Festival activities. These events were designed with a noble intention - to serve as a cultural bridge, promoting the rich heritage of Chinese traditional culture and deepening the international students' understanding and appreciation of this time-honored festival. Through engaging in traditional customs, such as mooncake making and lantern riddles, students were able to immerse themselves in the warm and family-oriented spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival, forging a closer bond with Chinese culture.
BIS achieved a significant honor by gaining membership in the Council of International Schools (CIS). This prestigious recognition is a testament to the school's unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional learning environment, nurturing and supporting students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds to excel on the global stage of educational excellence.
Additionally, the BIS welcomed the new Student Council members for the academic year 2024-2025. The entire school community is looking forward to the pivotal role the Student Council will play in driving the vibrant and dynamic development of the BIS community. The school also held a crucial Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting this month. This meeting underscored the school's emphasis on enhancing transparency and fostering active parental involvement. It provided an open and productive platform for parents and teachers to exchange ideas and insights, working together to ensure the comprehensive development and healthy growth of students.
This term, BIS partnered with the prestigious Xinghai Conservatory of Music to offer a Piano Improvisation Course. This collaboration aimed to enhance our students' musical literacy and artistic cultivation, while also providing a unique opportunity to learn ancient Chinese poetry through song. In addition, we organized a music grading event to certify our students' musical levels and to recognize their dedication and hard work in their musical studies.
BIS hosted a unique and special celebration of learning dedicated to its secondary students. This event was a showcase of their intellectual growth and academic achievements. The students took the spotlight to present the knowledge and skills they had meticulously acquired through their recent Global Perspectives research project. It was a display of their critical thinking, research capabilities, and global awareness. Additionally, the newly established robotics team at BIS welcomed its first championship in November. In the competition, our team ranked eighth with an outstanding performance, successfully advancing to the finals! What's more, we were honored with the Best Sportsmanship Award. This was the result of the team's hard work and filled us with anticipation for the exciting future performances of our robotics team.
