Stage set, banner unfurled, HIS ushers in the big day—and a special visitor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The word “decade” originates from Middle English, and originally denoted each of the ten parts of a literary work. It is fitting that a school should celebrate its first decade of existence. It is a work in progress, each year a new chapter. Hangzhou International School (HIS) is like many other schools on the dynamic Asian scene. Between 30 and 40 percent of our students are new each year, and we are not alone in facing the challenges of continuous growth. Indeed, predicting staffing and enrollment numbers in China is like gazing into a hazy crystal ball—not brought on by pollution, although this too is a reality of economic growth. We celebrate structures, but without community a school is but a building... Buildings shelter us, and in international schools we are often blessed with world-class, cutting edge “shelter” and technology. But they are not a school, they are mere reference points. We do not describe childhood Sundays taking place at 47 degrees N, 77 degrees W, we recall being with grandparents and family. It is people who mark the passages of our lives. Such is also the story of a school. At our Tenth Anniversary Party last October, banners, balloons, games, amplifiers, and guitars did not transform a schoolyard into a celebration. That would have been the people who attended. Our party included a slide show through the years, which placed emphasis on buildings as reference points to change, as the school grew from 8 to 360 students. Such images help us appreciate the school’s development. It is more difficult, however, to relate to the faces of children or teachers from years ago. But those photos are the windows to a school’s soul. Schools are “people places,” and the transfer of knowledge is the most uniquely human of pursuits, distinguishing us from all other species. We have the potential to learn mistrust, hate, to make weapons, and wage war. But in school, especially international schools, we can learn respect appreciation, tolerance, and empathy and—dare we say it—reverence for diversity. It was somewhat appropriate that our celebration coincided closely with Halloween. HIS is full of spirits. Not scary ones that trick or treat or inspire ghost stories. More like blessings, accumulations of positive energy from learning together. This spirit builds schools. It is said, “teachers touch the future.” As we searched through old photos, we reflected on the faces of former community members and wondered where they are today, and realized that schools like HIS touch the four corners of the planet. A school is a story that is expansive, yet intimate. It is what everyone, past and present, has contributed to and individually taken away from the experience.
Please fill out the form below if you would like to post a comment on this article:
Comments
There are currently no comments posted. Please post one via the form above.
The articles presented in TIE are a reflection of the variety of perspectives within the international school community and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the organization.
