Dear Parents,

Last summer I was privileged to attend a meeting of heads of international schools from around the world.  That meeting may yet prove to have seminal importance as a catalyst for change in the way in which today’s children are educated. The meeting drew up a communique that highlighted four key areas for innovation in education. They are as follows:

Dear Parents,

Several months ago the school commenced a search for an experienced and inspirational educational leader to serve as Secondary School Principal from August 2012. After an exhaustive process, which saw several finalists come to Beijing to interview for the position, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. William O’Hearn. William (“Bill”) has served in a number of senior educational leadership positions in the United States, and he and his family have a keen interest in China and East Asia. At interview Bill demonstrated a profound understanding of learning and assessment, as well as a deep empathy for the learning, social and emotional needs of middle and high school students. Bill’s educational beliefs and aspirations are very closely aligned to those of our school, a fact commented upon by the many community representatives who interviewed him in December.

Dear Parents,

Attached to this message you will find the text of an address about BCIS that I recently gave at an educational forum. I hope you find it interesting. If you are intrigued by the final few paragraphs, please come along to the ELT breakfast on Friday January 13th to find out more.

Dear Parents,

You will not be surprised to hear that the school is planning some improvements to the educational programme for next year and beyond. These improvements include those embedded within our strategic plan, but there are also others. One such plan is particularly exciting – in fact it will put BCIS in the forefront of curriculum and facility development worldwide. If you come along to the ELT breakfast and PTA general meeting on Friday January 13^th I will tell you all about it and answer your questions!

Dear Parents,

To take a break from my usual “In Focus” messages, I though you would like to see the BCIS School Goals for 2011/2012. Many of you will notice that they are similar to last year’s goals, which is as it should be because we are very serious about long-term improvement in key educational areas.  An important additional goal this year is the improvement of children’s reading and writing skills because these are so important and we will always aim to do better.