The Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) celebrated a landmark 25th anniversary and its Founder’s Day on October 9, 2020. With a sports theme, the Honglingjin Campus hosted athletic, musical, and academic events as students and teachers joined in to display their skills. The school is honored to have been witness to China’s rapid development over the last quarter-century.

Doctor Betty Chan Po-king, the CEO and School Supervisor of Yew Chung and Yew Wah (YCYW) schools delivered an inspiring speech thanking staff for their dedication amid a highly disruptive pandemic. Said Dr. Chan, “Our passion for education will continue to help us overcome unforeseen challenges.” Students and staff members across the YCYW network in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Tongxiang, Yantai, Rizhao, Shenzhen, and Silicon Valley in the US, listened in and participated through a live stream.

The new Alumni Hall of Fame – established to recognize those who have made significant contributions to the community – stirred the imagination of younger students as they consider their own future paths to success.

The YCIS Beijing students had a fun-filled day participating in assorted sports activities. A 35-strong choir – drawn from Secondary students – showcased its considerable talent with performances of popular classics such as “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers and “Hey Jude” by The Beatles. The choir was accompanied by the school orchestra.

Founder’s Day is celebrated on the second Friday of October each year to commemorate YCYW founder Madam Tsang Chor-hang and her bold forward-thinking vision for education when she started her first school in 1932. Over almost 90 years the group has been committed to its philosophy of holistic education that develops the “whole person” while combining the best of the East and the West.

Founded in 1995, YCIS Beijing is one of the oldest international school in the capital. In 2016, the school became the first in the YCYW group to launch Learning Communities, innovative reinforcement of soft skills to prepare students for a balanced life and future success.

KEEP READING: Blank Canvas: Students From YCIS Beijing Share Their Favorite Sports

Photos: courtesy of YCIS

If you found yourself crooning along to some favorite Christmas songs and carols, this winter holiday, why not channel that talent and put it to use in a choir. Shout! Rock Choir is starting a brand new season of singing, and they’re looking for more people to join in and have some fun. If you have a sweet tooth, and love to be creative, why not combine the two at a lollipop making workshop at Green T.House. As New Year’s celebrations are upon us, it’s time to start planning ahead for 2015. The schedules for some sports and coaching classes for kids are already available and registration now open. Don’t leave it too late to sign up that budding young gymnast or soccer player. Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) opened their new Shunyi campus earlier this year. They are hosting an open day in January, where parents can find out more about the school, curriculum, and facilities.

Rock Choir
Shout! Rock Choir starts a brand new season from January 12. If you haven’t tried this rock choir yet, now’s your chance. A fun singing activity for adults, it takes place each week at BSB Shunyi on Mondays, 6.30-8.30pm, and Beijing Riviera on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. It’s free to try out and no singing experience is necessary. You can register online at www.imagine-china.com/shout-rock-choir. Do you have an event coming up this spring, perhaps a Birthday party or a ball? Why not book the rock choir for a performance. To book contact choir@imagine-china.com

Lollipop Secrets
Learn how to make delicate, hand crafted candies, at a lollipop workshop. This coming Friday January 2 and Saturday January 3, Julia Chang will be at Green T. House, showing you how to craft and create lollipops. The sessions run from 2-3pm, and participants will be provided with all the materials you need, plus gift packaging. Winter bamboo jasmine tea and Spanish organic fruit champagne will also be served. RMB 180 per person, the sessions are open to all ages and lollipop making abilities. To reserve a place, call 136 0113 7132 or 6434 2519.

Gymnastics and Karate
The new class schedule, for Flips & Kicks Plus gymnastics and karate, is now up on their website. Please note that on some dates there will be no classes, due to scheduled holidays. For more information and to sign up, contact (177 1009 2884, info@flipsandkicksplus.com)

Monday Gymnastics BSB Shunyi January 12-March 23
3-4 years old 3.30-4.15pm RMB 1,080 (9 classes)
5-6 years 4.15-5pm RMB 1,080 (9 classes)
7+ years 5-6pm RMB 1,080 (9 classes)

Tuesday Karate & Martial Arts BSB Shunyi January 12-March 25
7-12 years old 5-6.30pm RMB 140 per class (RMB 1,540 per block)

Wednesday Karate & Martial Arts BSB Shunyi January 6-March 24
7-12 years old 5-6.30pm RMB 140 per class (RMB 1540 per block)

Friday Gymnastics WAB, January 9-June 5
Beginners: 4-4.55pm RMB 1,800 (15 classes)
Returners: 5-5.55pm RMB 1,800 (15 classes)
Intermediate and Advanced: 6-7.25pm RMB 2,100 (15 classes)

Sunday Gymnastics WAB, January 11-June 7
Beginners: 9-9.55am RMB 2,400 (20 classes)
Returners and Intermediate: 10-10.55am RMB 2,400 (20 classes)
Advanced: 11am-12.25pm RMB 2,800 (20 classes)

Winter Soccer Coaching
Spaces are still available on some of ClubFootball’s winter indoor soccer coaching courses. The weekend courses start in early January 2015, and course venues include ISB, DCB, and BSB Shunyi. All sessions are taught by ClubFootball’s team of 12 full-time professional coaches, from the UK. The program is overseen by Alex Arnold, ex-head coach at Liverpool Football Club’s international academy. Boys and girls of all levels are welcome, suitable for 4 years and over. Advanced teams, girls-only groups, and goalkeeper courses are also offered. For more information, and to reserve a place, contact (5130 6893, coaching@clubfootball.com.cn) www.clubfootball.com.cn

BIBS Open Day
On Friday January 30, Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) will be holding an all-day open day. Come along to find out why BIBS could be the right choice for your children. Visitors will listen to presentations from the school’s senior educational leadership teams, be given a guided tour of the Shunyi campus, visiting classrooms and different facilities, and be given the opportunity to speak to teaching staff. Refreshments will be available. To reserve a place, contact info@bibs.com.cn and for more information, contact (5130 7951, lili@bibs.com.cn) www.bibs.com.cn

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: courtesy of Imagine, Flips & Kicks Plus, BIBS