Dear Parents ,
It’s a pleasure to reach out to you, and share some important thoughts about our children’s growth. I am writing to emphasize the indispensable role of home-school cooperation in our children’s journey of growth. Our collective focus on their mental, physical, and social development is the cornerstone of nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Mental Development
In today’s fast-paced and complex world, children are exposed to various pressures, from academic demands to social comparisons. This makes their mental health a top priority. At school, we have a dedicated team of counselors and SEN teachers who offer one-on-one sessions, group workshops, and Individualized Education Plan. These resources help students recognize and manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional and academic challenges.
There are four professional counselors and SEN teachers with extensive international experience at XLIS:
- Ms. Michelle Taylor (USA), the Whole School Counselor, has 26 years of counseling experience, holds an LPC license, and is a certified trainer for the QPR Suicide Prevention Program. She specializes in emotional management and psychological trauma intervention. You can reach her at michelle.taylor@xalis.com
- Ms. Xuelun Wu (Singapore), the Whole School Counselor, has 13 years of counseling experience, with expertise in adolescent psychological development and support for students with special learning needs. Her email is xuelun.wu@xalis.com
- Mr. Wally Mann(Sweden), the Whole School SEN Teacher, has 27 years of experience in inclusive education, with a strong professional background and interest in Universal Design for Learning. You can contact him at wally.mann@xalis.com
- Mr. Dean Leuty(UK), Whole School SEN Teacher holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Leeds and has over 10 years of teaching experience in inclusive education, specializing in language and communication skills of primary school students. His email address is dean.leuty@xalis.com
Our counselors and SEN teachers are under the supervision of principals. They engage in class observation, have conversations with parents, and collaborate with homeroom and subject teachers to better support our students’ growth in an effective way.
The home environment plays an equally crucial role. When you notice changes in your child’s behavior, such as sudden mood swings, loss of interest in activities they once loved, or difficulty sleeping, please feel free to email the teachers above for help. If you discover that your child is facing serious emotional issues, such as significantly distracted attention or other unusual potential problems, please contact the following professionals for timely advice, evaluation and guidance. The school is happy to work further with the below external professionals and experts to better support the student.
Olivia’s Place
Address: Room 117, 1st Floor, Building 2, Anding Plaza, No. 8 Xidajie, Lianhu District
Contact: Wu Jingyi – 18618221396
Email: jingyi.wu@lih-healthcare.com
Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital Psychological Assessment and Treatment Department
Address: North Campus, Building B, 11th Floor
Phone: 029-89811922, 19829856836
Of course, it’s completely normal for students to face challenges at different stages of their development. Please don’t worry too much. I am excited to inform you that in April, our school is planning to hold a Mental Health Week. This event aims to provide essential mental health knowledge, psychological awareness and practical methods for emotional regulation. It will be a great opportunity for both you and your children to learn more about maintaining good mental health. The plan for the event is currently under design, and more details will be sent out soon.
Physical Development
At school, our comprehensive physical education curriculum includes a variety of physical activities like soccer and swimming. Participation in physical activity not only improves strength, flexibility, and endurance but also teaches the value of teamwork and sportsmanship. When you support your child’s participation in interscholastic sports or plan family-centered physical activities, such as Mindfulness Meditation sessions on Sundays or a friendly game of badminton in the park, you are strengthening their physical health. Regular exercise also has a profound impact on mental well-being, releasing endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety. By working together, we can ensure that our children develop healthy lifestyle habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Recently, our boys and girls school teams have been actively participating in basketball and soccer matches, which has significantly boosted their self-confidence and social skills. The simplest and most effective way of family education is to encourage students to participate in school competitions, either as players or as supporters to cheer for XLIS community. Please refer to the attached competition schedule for more details.
Social Development
In the school setting, group projects, clubs, and school-wide events provide countless opportunities for students to interact with their peers. They learn how to collaborate, lead, and follow in a team. For example, during a science fair project where students work in groups, they must divide tasks, share ideas, and respect each other’s opinions. At home, when you encourage your child to host a small gathering with friends or participate in community activities, you are further developing their social skills. They learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build lasting relationships. The combined efforts of home and school in social development help children become confident, empathetic, and socially responsible citizens.
In particular, for families with only one child or those where the child is primarily cared for by a nanny due to parents’ busy work schedules, fostering peer interactions during weekdays, weekends, and holidays is crucial for developing social confidence. At school, we encourage students to join the student council, participate in diverse activities, and confidently engage with teachers and peers from different cultural backgrounds.
I also want to take a moment to celebrate our students’ recent achievements in events such as the Silk Road Music Festival and the Science & Math Fair. I look forward to seeing more of their creativity and dedication in upcoming opportunities, such as the DP Art Exhibition, the Sports Day, the PYP Exhibition, and Summer Fair, and other events, where they can showcase their talents and engage with the community.
Our shared commitment to our students’ well-being and success is what makes our community strong. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership. Together, we will continue to empower our children to grow, lead, and achieve their full potential.
Warm regards,
Lily Liu
Head of XLIS
Email: lily.liu@xalis.com
WeChat: lily6_sunshine
March 18th, 2025
