Our School’s success is dependent on the contributions of several members of our Yew Chung International School of Beijing community, particularly our Parent Organization (PO), a volunteer group of parents whose children are currently enrolled in the school. Their role at our school is an invaluable one, because they take part in and organise some of the most popular and impactful events in our school’s calendar, creating a great sense of community.

This was depicted on Tuesday when some PO parents prepared a mouthwatering breakfast to celebrate Teacher’s Day, made up of Chinese and Western delicacies accompanied by hot beverages. Our teachers enjoyed the variety of cakes, fruit and soy milk very much and appreciated all those parents who took part in organising the breakfast so early in the morning. This is just one of many ways our PO contributes to creating the happy environment of our school.

Jenny Chang and her Western counterpart, Eike Westerholt work collaboratively to lead and manage the PO. Part of their role is to support annual whole school events such as our Global Community Day as well as organise other annual PO initiated events such as the PO Christmas Wish Tree Project, the Teacher Appreciation Lunch and the glamorous annual PO Charity Gala dinner. Most of these events are fundraisers for our school charities. While they are crucial to creating the community feeling of our school, they also exemplify our commitment to nurturing character education, life skills and developing the students’ moral code in a form of charity involvement.

With a Western and Chinese Co-President, the blend of the east and west cultures, in line with our school philosophy, facilitates the planning and execution of events that help new families settle in smoothly into the community. “Since we are an international school, our families come from different parts of the world. Therefore, our goal is to better integrate everyone into our school community,” said Jenny Chang, Chinese Co-President.

Life in Beijing can be challenging, especially for new families. This is why parents are encouraged to join the YCIS Beijing PO Group, to access a community that can share information about the school and living in Beijing. Parent participation is also encouraged for parents to build their own network and contribute whatever skills to positively impact the organisation.

Jenny adds, “The PO conducts many activities and events to bring together the community and help parents to develop friendships with one another. Some activities are the luncheons, fun workshops and parent classes.” A great way to put those hobbies into use.

Although the year’s schedule for the PO is already filled with activities to do, parents are always encouraged to suggest activities and events they believe will benefit and impact our community. For new YCIS Beijing parents, if you are wondering how you can contribute to the warm environment of our community, join the PO and get your hands dirty while creating long lasting friendships with other parents.

Below are the members of the YCIS Beijing Parent Organisation Committee;Western Co-President - Eike WesterholtChinese Co-President - Jenny ChuHead of Korean PO - Senna LeeSecretary - Wiwin NgTreasurer - Fion LeePublic Relations Officer - America Hernandez