Dear Parents,
As we come to the close of this academic year, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. Your partnership has been instrumental to everything we’ve achieved together this year. From strengthening our school’s educational leadership to witnessing our students grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. It has been a year full of meaningful progress.
Due to your support, all four of our academic divisions, ECE, PYP, MYP & DP, have successfully completed the school year. Most notably, we are proud to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025. Our DP graduates have received offers from more than sixty prestigious institutions across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, with a large number scholarships. None of this would be possible without your commitment to our shared mission.
As the summer break approaches, I wanted to reach out with warm wishes for a vibrant, restorative season ahead. Whether your schedule allows for travel or you’re staying in China, I hope this time offers precious opportunities to connect with your children, after all, the IB’s emphasis on holistic development starts with the relationships we nurture at home.
As you plan your family’s summer, remember that healthy rhythms lay the foundation for learning and well-being. We all know how challenging sleep is for children, especially during the holidays, however, having consistent sleep schedules (9-12 hours for kids, 8-10 for teens) preserves their circadian rhythms. Mealtimes are also vitally important. try to anchor mealtimes with colorful, balanced plates, think fresh fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Carve out 60 minutes daily for movement, a bike ride, swim, or even a backyard soccer game. Most importantly, create space for emotional check-ins. Ask “What made you smile today?” or “How can we tackle that worry together?” Rituals like morning walks or evening journaling not only foster stability but also shows our children that their mental health matters as much as their physical health.
A big challenge today is screen and device time, and developing good reading habits. While numeracy continues to be a strength at XLIS, we still need to work together to achieve our first school-wide goal of language acquisition. To build on the students’ English language literary proficiency, I encourage you to model the love of reading for your children. In a world where smartphones, tablets, and smart devices constantly fragment attention, let’s reclaim the power of focused engagement. Too often, modern comforts tempt us to scatter our time across endless choices rather than committing to simple, meaningful habits, and this is where intentional parenting makes all the difference.
For primary students, consider a screen-free summer blueprint. For secondary students, set a clear boundary of 1 hour or less of daily screen time. More importantly, create rituals around reading, perhaps a family book club, or a “reading hour” where everyone picks a book and dives in together. It is important to celebrate small wins. Praise your child for reading daily, and reward consistency with weekend activities they love, whether a soccer match, a family dinner, or a game night with friends. Above all, prioritize face-to-face social connections. Help your child engage with mentors, elders, or peers in real-world interactions. Teach them the art of kind communication, active listening, and collaboration, skills that lie at the heart of IB’s mission to cultivate global citizens.
Finally, remember to save these two important times in your calendar.
- Primary Parents Meeting, August 14th, 1:00-2:00pm
- Secondary parents Meeting, August 14th, 2:00-3:00pm
On August 14th, we will host our first Community Day for the 2025-2026 school year. Parents are requested to attend the meeting, students do not need to come to this event.
Our leadership team and faculty are eager to welcome you back, hear about your family’s summer adventures, and celebrate how you’ve brought IB values to life beyond the classroom. Your presence helps strengthen the vibrant community we’re proud to build together.
As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This summer, let’s gift our children the feeling of being seen, heard, and supported, whether through a shared book, a game of catch, or a quiet conversation.
Wishing you sunlit days, joyful memories, and a renewed sense of connection. We can’t wait to welcome our students back in August, energized and ready to thrive! Last but not least, I wish our DP2 parents a free and wonderful holiday!
Warm regards,
Lily Liu
Head of XLIS
Email: lily.liu@xalis.com
WeChat: lily6_sunshine
June 17th, 2025
