On April 1^st and 2^nd, the Shanghai High School International Division Puxi Campus hosted its first Parents’ Meetings of the semester for Grades 4 and 5. These gatherings provided a valuable opportunity for parents to gain deeper insight into the school’s educational philosophy, student development goals, and signature programs. More importantly, they served as a bridge for open dialogue between parents, homeroom teachers, and subject specialists, strengthening the partnership in guiding each child’s holistic growth.

Grade 4: Home-School Collaboration in Fostering Independent Learners

The Grade 4 Parents’ Meeting centered on the theme of “Home-School Collaboration: Cultivating Independent Learners.” Through in-depth discussions, the event aimed to strengthen communication and explore ways to support students in developing both academic skills and personal responsibility.

Ms. Zhuo Yue, Supervisor of Grade 4, opened the session with a recap of the semester’s highlights, showcasing how experiential learning activities such as the Geo Fair, Kindness Challenge Week, and Charity Fair have enriched students’ understanding, character, and sense of social responsibility. She emphasized that these events not only broaden students’ horizons but also equip them with essential skills for upper elementary years. A key takeaway from her address was the indispensable role parents play in these experiences, reinforcing that education thrives best in a strong home-school partnership. Ms. Zhuo also highlighted the importance of adequate sleep as a foundation for students’ physical and cognitive well-being. Additionally, she encouraged parents to involve their children in household chores, fostering responsibility, independence, and practical life skills that contribute to overall growth.

A highlight of the session was a subject introduction video prepared by the Arts, Music, and PE departments. The engaging presentation offered parents a closer look at how these disciplines are interwoven into the curriculum, supporting a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, physical health, and artistic expression.

Ms. Sun Fanfan, the psychology teacher, then provided an overview of SHSID’s psychological well-being programs. She elaborated on how homeroom teachers guide students through morning meetings and PG courses, helping them navigate academic and social transitions in Grade 4. She also introduced initiatives such as Parent Lectures and the “Chat Room Service”, which offer additional layers of support for students. Notably, she highlighted Kindness Challenge Week and previewed upcoming puberty education sessions, underscoring the school’s commitment to fostering students’ emotional well-being.

Ms. Lu Luting, Director of SHSID Puxi Campus Grade 4-5, provided an insightful discussion on education through the lens of three carefully chosen books. She encouraged parents to recognize their children’s unique strengths and talents, emphasizing the importance of active listening and fostering a growth mindset. Viewing mistakes as learning opportunities, she suggested, can help children embrace challenges with confidence and resilience.

Closing the main session, Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, encouraged parents to take a long-term perspective on education. She likened learning to a lifelong journey that requires patience, curiosity, and adaptability. Observing children from multiple perspectives, recognizing their strengths, and employing a holistic evaluation system, she noted, are key to nurturing well-rounded individuals.

Following the presentations, parents moved to their children’s homerooms for more personalized discussions with subject teachers. The teachers provided an in-depth look at the semester’s curriculum, emphasizing key learning objectives and strategies for overcoming academic challenges. Through interactive displays of student work—including project-based learning showcases—teachers highlighted how creativity and critical thinking are nurtured in the classroom. Practical strategies on study habits, time management, and fostering intrinsic motivation were also shared, reinforcing the message that learning is most effective when students take ownership of their educational journey.

Grade 5: Opening a New Chapter in Growth

As the final year of elementary school, Grade 5 marks a crucial transition period. Themed “Opening a New Chapter in Growth,” the Parents’ Meeting focused on preparing students for the academic and personal challenges of middle school through a collaborative home-school approach.

Ms. Shi Zhan, Supervisor of Grade 5, reflected on the semester’s key activities, from the teamwork-driven Word Fair to the problem-solving challenges of Pi Day, the community service spirit of ASB projects, and the generosity inspired by the Charity Fair. These experiences, she noted, not only created lasting memories but also helped students build the essential skills needed for their next academic stage. She emphasized that Grade 5 is a critical time for developing independence, and it is through aligned goals and strategies between home and school that students can successfully transition to middle school. She also introduced upcoming events, including the Graduation Photo Shoot and Class Logo Design Project, which will celebrate students’ elementary school journey.

Ms. Sun Fanfan then provided an overview of the school’s psychological support framework, focusing on initiatives tailored for pre-adolescents. She highlighted Kindness Challenge Week, which incorporated activities such as Kind Greetings and Gratitude Mailboxes to foster positive peer relationships. She also introduced the upcoming Puberty Education sessions, designed to provide guidance and support during this transformative stage.

Next, the heads of the Chinese, Mathematics, English, Science, and Geography departments outlined their curriculum plans and upcoming projects. Programs such as Chinese Culture Week, English Reading Month and Storytelling Contest, and the World Fair are designed not only to align with academic standards but also to ignite students’ passion for lifelong learning. Each subject lead emphasized the importance of nurturing core competencies and provided practical advice for parental support. Additionally, a video presentation from the Arts, Music, and PE departments showcased the school’s commitment to a holistic education that fosters creativity, physical well-being, and artistic appreciation.

Ms. Lu Luting, Director of SHSID Puxi Campus Grade 4-5, then introduced the Future of Education and Skills 2030 framework by the OECD, sparking a discussion on the evolving landscape of education in the AI era. She stressed the need to move beyond rote learning and instead cultivate independent thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. By embracing formative assessments and viewing mistakes as part of the learning process, students can develop resilience and a mindset geared toward continuous improvement.

The second half of the meeting took place in homerooms, where homeroom teachers shared personalized Growth Timelines of each class, illustrating students’ progress over the year. In a unique addition to this year’s meeting, parent volunteers were invited to share their experiences on Parent-Child Communication and Home-School Collaboration. Some discussed strategies like Family Contracts and Parent-Child Reading, highlighting the balance between setting expectations and fostering emotional connection. Others explored approaches to building equal parent-child relationships, with one parent sharing how Family Meetings empowered children to participate in household decision-making, strengthening their sense of responsibility. Another parent emphasized the value of Moderated Freedom, advocating for children to explore their interests and develop their own learning and life strategies. One particularly inspiring story came from a parent who discovered their child’s hidden talent for debate through daily discussions—an ability that eventually led to a debate championship victory. These exchanges not only fostered meaningful dialogue among families but also deepened the collaborative bond between home and school.

Through structured information sharing and engaging discussions, the Parents’ Meetings reinforced a shared educational vision between families and the school. Parents gained a clearer understanding of SHSID’s teaching philosophy and classroom practices, while the school strengthened trust and communication with the parent community. By working together, home and school will continue to lay a solid foundation for students’ lifelong growth and success.

Written by Cathy Cao, Teng Chen

Proofread by Judah Kuhn

Pictures by Minxuan Cao

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Luting Lu, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo