A variety of extracurricular activities, a welcoming environment, and a great learning experience – read on for all the reasons this family loves Canadian International School.
When asked about what they feel about Canadian International School (CIS), Marc and Nicolas Jaureguiberry confidently said, “It’s the best school we’ve ever attended!” This comes as no surprise to their parents, who have heard many positive things about the school from their children.
We spoke to Mr. and Mrs. Jaureguiberry to find out why their children love attending CIS, and what they, as parents, feel about the school.
Hello Mr. and Mrs. Jaureguiberry, can you share some of the important aspects you were looking for in a school for Marc and Nicolas?
There were a few factors that we looked at: learning method, adaptation for non-English speakers, availability of sports facilities, as well as the overall ‘feel’ of the school.
We are originally from Barcelona, so adaptation for non-English speakers is key. We wanted to be sure that our children can receive extra support in the English language should they need it. Another thing we looked at was the curriculum. CIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is also what we were looking for.
Moving to a new country and new school can be tough for kids. How did CIS make your kids feel welcome?
CIS assigned class buddies to each of them when they joined. The class buddies showed them around school, and helped them catch up with all the routine school activities. It was great!
You mentioned availability of sports facilities as one of your criteria. What kind of sports facilities does CIS have and how have they benefited your boys?
My boys like sports – they attend different extracurricular activities four days per week, which are all sports. CIS has a swimming complex, gymnasiums, and outdoor fields for students to take part in sports activities. Marc and Nicolas also enjoy the well-stocked library, and the theatre too!
What else do they like about CIS?
The first thing that comes to mind is the friends they have. They also mentioned that they love the sports activities available, the different subjects they learn in class, and especially the way they learn.
What’s the communication like between the school and parents?
We receive a weekly update on Fridays where teachers explain the summary of the week. It’s great as we can then talk to our kids about what they’ve learned in school.
Is there a community for parents at CIS?
Yes. CIS has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), which I was a member of last year. The PTA facilitates and helps parents in all aspects. It also encourages parents to participate in school events.
What do you value most about CIS?
It’s a great school because it welcomes everybody. CIS has a right balance in terms of student expectations and freedom for students to express themselves. It has an easy-going and open atmosphere. My kids love it.
Last but not least, any tips for parents who are looking for the perfect school for their kids?
Be pragmatic when weighing your key decision factors. Try to also get some ‘emotional feeling’ from the school to see if your kids are going to enjoy it.
Thank you for sharing with us!
This post is in partnership with Canadian International School.
