In the blink of an eye, the end of the school year is upon us. Undoubtedly, the students have worked hard and achieved much over the course of the year. Alongside them, teachers and school staff have toiled tirelessly to support them in their pursuits. As we celebrate the progress made by the students, it would be fitting to also show our heartfelt gratitude to all teachers and staff of YCIS Chongqing. With the Parent Organisation (PO) taking the lead, we held a Staff Appreciation Day on 20th June 2023.

The Great Hall was turned into a daytime ‘pub’ to let teachers and staff unwind amid hectic school hours. The centrepiece was a bar counter manned by PO’s very own resident bartenders, complete with bar stools, a dartboard and pop music streaming in the background. An interesting drinks list of alcohol-free beers was available for patrons to choose from, with the most popular choice being the Longjing Tea Weissbier.

Lining the perimeter of the hall were tables filled with culinary delights painstakingly prepared by our lovely parents. The menu reflected the diverse cultures of our YCIS community, featuring signature local Chongqing dishes as well as international favourites. Hardly anyone could leave the hall without going for seconds!

Teachers and staff were also treated to much deserved self-care in the VR Room, which was transformed into a spa with soft lighting, scented candles, and soothing music. Professional therapists were brought in to provide neck and shoulders massages, and nailcare treatments. In this regard, the PO engaged some visually impaired masseuses - a way to celebrate the diversity in our local community that has aided our growth. Teachers and staff emerged from the spa looking rejuvenated and pleased with their shiny, polished nails!

As staff flowed through and time trickled by, the day’s hustle and bustle gradually wound down. Teachers and staff went up to parents to express sincere words of appreciation. Indeed, the event was made successful only because of the immense support from our parents. The PO would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who helped, and we look forward to creating more fun activities together in the future.