December 30, 2011
One of the things I really enjoy and admire about our school community is its giving nature. YCIS Chongqing once again showed their kindness in this year’s Christmas Shoebox Drive.
Over the last few weeks before Christmas, the foyer was slowly filled with brightly wrapped shoeboxes packed with gifts for the disadvantaged students of Shiban Primary School. They were collected from the YCIS Chongqing community.
On December 16, 14 students from the Student Council, along with some teachers and parents, set off to Jiulongpo District to play Santa. Arriving in the rain, we were led to a conference room to organise the 145 boxes we had collected. Excited chatter filled the room as the young Chinese students entered the room. After short speeches in both English and Chinese from representatives of both schools, it was time to give out the gifts! Joyful laughter followed as very grateful students ripped into boxes and played happily with their new toys.
After the presents had been unwrapped, the students proudly showed us around their classrooms. As the sun started to shine, we headed outside to play games and the skipping ropes we had brought with us. Finally, after a lot of hugs, kisses and “thank you’s”, and a food refuel provided by Shiban School, we headed back to school.
Having the opportunity to make a room of children smile was a truly special and rewarding experience. Thank you to our entire YCIS Chongqing community for your kindness and generosity in making this amazing exchange happen!
Ms. Laura Pearce, Year2/3 Co-Teacher, YCIS Chongqing
