by André Double
LYIS is absolutely delighted to have spent the day at the Canadian International School of Guangzhou as guests of the Head of School, Dean Croy. Meeting leaders for the first time is always a pleasure, and with Dean it already felt like we had known each other for a long time…..Dean actually wrote our 46th Principal’s Blog nearly a year and a half ago!
A purpose-built international campus in Panyu, what sets this school apart from others we have visited is its sense of calm and the internal feeling of space. As we walked around the school, we witnessed a thriving through-school community that Dean was immensely proud of introducing us to. The school will shortly host a TED-x Event and preparations are continuing in earnest.
Talking with Dean is a real pleasure. The conversation flows, and he has a deep sense of self-awareness. He knows what the school is working to achieve and places great trust in his staff in the process. He is quick to praise his staff both in front of me and when we meet later, for how they add such a tremendous holistic value to the school life and extended curriculum of the students.
One of the key features of the school is its IDEALab – a hub of innovation and creativity, where students convene to immerse themselves and develop their coding and robotics skills in a marvellously resource-rich environment.
The school really is about being internationally-minded and with students from more than 45 countries around the world, it is physically evident.
Music is a big part of school life at CIS Guangzhou and you can’t help but feel inspired by the sounds and motions that emanate from the many music rooms. You’ll hear many new sounds, including Saxophones and other instruments not always learned in international schools.
I was delighted to hear that many of the international students from CIS go on to study education at university, in addition to the Arts, Business and Marketing and Economics. Students clearly value the education that they receive, and it is important as international school communities, we are contributing to the global teacher challenges.
As with other Canadian International Schools we have visited, the students are curious, confident and happy. Given the incredible sports facilities and the professional coaches who deliver their Physical Education programmes, there are ample opportunities for students to excel physically.
LYIS extends its warmest thanks to Dean Croy and the entire leadership team at CIS for making our visit such a special one. We look forward to staying connected and wish the school every continued success in the future.
To read Dean Croy’s Principal’s Blog #46 ‘Developing Middle Leaders: Get in the Boat‘, click here
LYIS launches its professional leadership qualification, the LYIS-Q, this September.
