The Moreau family shares how the Canadian International School won them over with its warm, genuine community and innovative programmes.
When you find families who are genuinely happy with their choice of school, it shows. Not only have Kate and Philippe Moreau, parents to Julien and Charlotte, enrolled both their children in Canadian International School (CIS), but it’s also clear from the way they talk about their experience how enthusiastic they are. From the school’s outstanding reputation to its caring community, CIS has certainly impressed them. We recently spoke to the Moreaus to get the full lowdown.
Hi Philippe and Kate! Tell us more about your kids, Julien and Charlotte.
Julien is in Grade 11 at the Lakeside campus and in his first year of the IB DP program. He has been at CIS since the beginning of Grade 2. Charlotte is in Grade 3 at the TK campus and in the PYP program. She has been at CIS since starting in Pre-K.
What made you decide on CIS?
We wanted a school that not only had an outstanding reputation but one that offered our family the feeling of a community that cared – something we genuinely felt when we entered the school for our visit. It was something we hadn’t experienced at any other school; there was laughter and joy in the classrooms and playgrounds. CIS Tanjong Katong was the school that ticked all the boxes – with the bonus of being right in our neighbourhood.
And has it lived up to your expectations?
Yes, absolutely. The campus at Tanjong Katong offered just what we were looking for: an international school that offered a close-knit community while delivering a great education. We also admire how CIS offers great opportunities to the children at appropriate levels, from the incredible Open Minds program that brings learning to life in a completely different way to the inclusion of STEAM-based ideas in each subject. We love the security in knowing our children are being taught in a school that is helping us to raise rounded global citizens, while still achieving love for the academics.
How did the school make you and your children feel welcome?
From the greeting of the students on arrival each and every morning to having an open-door policy at the principal’s office, the school makes sure each child feels welcome. For parents, the PTAs are active on both campuses and the school is supportive of ideas and events. Outside the PTA, the school has created class Hangouts to assist in parental intercommunication.
Now we know you’re both big fans of the school, what do your kids think about CIS?
The Tanjong Katong campus offers a Primary Years Program only up to the end of Grade 6. However, it was my son Julien’s choice to continue with CIS even though that meant travelling across from east (where we’re based) to west every day. His reasoning was that he loved the way his teachers taught him and the ideas behind CIS, so there was no reason to change.
What advice would you give other parents trying to choose a school?
While social media offers a chance to get feedback from other parents, remember that choosing a school is very personal. What is outstanding to one parent may have you shaking your head in despair! Book the tours at each of your top choices of school and go with your eyes and ears open to all that is going on around you as you walk through the school. Attend Open Days if you can – and of course the HoneyKids International School Fair!
Thank you, Philippe and Kate!
This post is in partnership with Canadian International School.