6. Parents/Guardians

We believe that a good school is defined not only by excellence in academics, but also through a warm, caring environment, strong social relationships and a solid relationship between the school and students’ homes. Part of this relationship is built through parents supporting at home the learning that takes place in the classroom, and part of it is built through the commitment by parents in supporting school activities and events. We believe that parents who are actively involved in their children’s education and in the activities of the school act as excellent role models for their children.

At KIST, there is a strong expectation that parents will be involved in their children’s education across all levels from K1 through Grade 12. As children move up through the school, it is often the case that parents spend less and less time focusing on their children’s school life for various reasons. As children get older, we assume that they have developed sufficient common sense and skills that enable them to function more independently. This may be so to some extent; however, we believe that continued parental involvement is vital for children as they move into adolescence after entering the secondary school. In addition, because of the academic demands of the Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12, parental support is especially important.

A number of specific events throughout the year are compulsory for all families. These include KIST Festival (the annual school festival), Parent Welcome Nights, Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences, Student-Led Conferences, Family Day and others. The dates of such events are included on the annual school calendar to allow families to plan ahead accordingly.

We appreciate the fact that many parents have their own work and personal commitments; however, we ask for the support of all families across all levels of the school community in helping us to help your children.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to take part in their child’s life at KIST through participation in and attendance at various school events. Some of these include:

Conducted at the beginning of the school year, these compulsory sessions provide an opportunity for families to find out about the coming school year. Families spend time with their child’s new teachers to learn the specific expectations and routines of the new class environment.

Conducted in semester 1, these conferences provide an opportunity for parents, teachers and students to come together to discuss the progress of students. We discuss how students are settling into the new school year and together we identify any areas that will focus learning goals and behaviors for the year.

Attendance at these is compulsory for parents as they are part of each child’s assessment cycle. Conducted during semester 2, student-led conferences give students the chance to show their work to their parents. They also enable students to take more responsibility for their own part in the learning process. By talking about it with others, they gain a greater understanding of their own learning processes.

Each year in autumn, the Board of Directors holds an information session for parents to report on various topics including achievement of the school’s educational goals during the previous school year, the educational goals and initiatives for the current school year, and school fees for the subsequent school year.

In order for parents to positively support children in their studies, the school hosts a number of information sessions throughout the year to allow parents to gain a better understanding of the school’s curricular programs and other educational topics.

Parents are occasionally asked to participate in excursions with their child’s class. This can be a rewarding experience for both parents and children as they discover and explore new environments together.

Each class in the Elementary School has one or two “class parents” who volunteer their time and services to support class teachers or assist the school in various ways if requested.

All parents are members of the Community Association while their child is enrolled at the school. A membership fee is collected at the beginning of each school year. The CA promotes the development of the school through volunteer work and financial support as well as promoting communication amongst all members of the school community. Parents/guardians are encouraged to become active members of the CA through membership of the executive committee or various other general committees.

Each year in October (usually the 4th Saturday), the school holds an annual school festival, KIST Festival, the largest fundraising event of the year. Money raised from the festival is used to improve facilities or is put towards a specific project to improve the educational environment of the school. Participation is compulsory for all families through assistance with pre-festival preparations and on-the-day booth support. In addition, donations of food, bazaar goods, ingredients for food stalls, contributions of money and so on are also more than welcome.

Family Day is held on a Saturday in May and aims to bring together all members of the school community— students, parents and staff—through participation in games and enjoyable physical activities that allow staff and families to interact in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Each year in June, members of the Board of Directors invite parents from across the school to attend an informal session where they can interact directly with Board members, reflect on the school year, and share their thoughts and opinions for the upcoming year and beyond.