Principals' Pen

ECC & Elementary

Dear Parents,

We have a fun-filled Christmas weekend with the ECC and Elementary Christmas Concert and the Christmas Bazaar on Saturday. We hope to see you all at both. I realized, as I was writing this, how many “favorite” times of the school year I have, since this is also one of them. It’s a time to celebrate and enjoy the Christmas festivities, and they bring up all the memories from my Elementary years.

Though one of my fondest memories is giving to others in need, for several years, my family and I worked at a soup kitchen serving soup and sandwiches to homeless people in the middle of the winter in Alaska. At Christmas, different people would fill backpacks with coats, hats, boots, and sleeping bags, and we would give those out. This year, our third graders learned about refugees who are far from their homes and missing essential things. Our third graders, then asked what they could do to help. As part of a larger group of schools and educational services, LifePlus has a group in Egypt that works with refugees. So, when the third grade asked how they could help, Mr. Brito reached out to the organizer, and at the Christmas Bazaar, the third grade will be selling squishies to raise money for backpacks for Sudanese refugee kids in Egypt.

Please buy a squishy tomorrow and help third grade learn about the joy of giving to those in need.

Warmly,

Miss Barsalou

Secondary

Parents,

Wow! What a December it has been. I’m still smiling from the incredible band and choir concerts last week. I was so impressed with our students’ abilities to perform challenging pieces at a high level. Both Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Jin really out-did themselves. They both raised the already high bar even higher. It was inspiring to see students perform so professionally and have fun while doing it. Well done students and Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Jin!

But if you are like me, there’s still more Christmas to be had. I encourage you to come to the annual Christmas Bazaar tomorrow. This is one of my favorite events all year round. This is where my family buys lots of gifts for others and it’s a great way to build community. I look forward to seeing you there!

As the semester winds down, I hope that each of you also have an opportunity to wind down as well. One of my favorite Christmas movies is an old one, but a good one, called “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It follows a man who is really down on his luck and wonder if life is worth living. He then sees a version of the world if he had never been born. He sees that his loved ones are sad without him and his entire town is worse off without him. He then wakes up and gets a second chance at life. He lives to the fullest; loving life and those that have been put around him. It’s a wonderful reminder of the joy that we bring to others and the huge impact every single person has. No one is here by accident there is a purpose and reason for everything and everybody. I hope, like the person in the movie, you are also able to reflect with your loved ones, no matter your circumstances, it truly is a wonderful life. It’s a pleasure and honor to serve you and this community. 2025 was great, and I know that 2026 will be even better.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good year!

Sincerely,

Mr. Way

School Wide Announcements

ECC & Elementary Choir Christmas Concert

Busing to TIS on Friday, December 12

Apple Line (苹果): 5:35 p.m. 阳光100 YG100 -> 5:45 p.m. 奥城 AC -> 6:30 p.m. 学校 TIS
Litchi Line (荔枝): 5:15 p.m. 华兰国际 Hopeland -> 5:25 p.m. 鲁能城 Lu Neng -> 5:45 p.m. 奥城 AC -> 6:30 p.m. 学校 TIS
Grape Line (葡萄): 5:25 p.m. 天津宾馆 Tianjin Hotel -> 5:45 p.m. 奥城 AC -> 6:30 p.m. 学校 TIS
Pineapple Line (菠萝): 6:00 p.m. 半岛豪庭后门 BDHT (back gate) -> 6:05 p.m. 云水园 YSY -> 6:20 p.m. 流苏园/雀榕园 QYC/LSY/QRY -> 6:30 p.m. 学校 TIS
Coconut Line (椰子): 5:50 p.m. 海逸后门 HYCZ (back gate) -> 6:00 p.m. 半岛豪庭正门 BDHT (front gate) -> 6:30 p.m. 学校 TIS

Busing leaving TIS on Friday, December 12

Apple Line (苹果): 8:15 p.m. 学校 TIS -> 奥城 AC -> 阳光100 YG100
Litchi Line (荔枝): 8:15 p.m. 学校 TIS -> 奥城 AC -> 鲁能城 Lu Neng -> 华兰国际 Hopeland
Grape Line (葡萄): 8:15 p.m. 学校 TIS -> 天津宾馆 Tianjin Hotel -> 奥城 AC
Pineapple Line (菠萝): 8:15 p.m. 学校 TIS -> 流苏园/雀榕园 QYC/LSY/QRY -> 半岛豪庭后门 BDHT (back gate) -> 云水园 YSY
Coconut Line (椰子): 8:15 p.m. 学校 TIS -> 海逸后门 HYCZ (back gate) -> 6:00 p.m. 半岛豪庭正门 BDHT (front gate)

Christmas Bazaar

Our Christmas Bazaar, one of the favorite events of our local Tianjin community, is tomorrow! Start your Christmas wish list now in preparation for shopping from one of our 60+ vendors, and come hungry to enjoy the delicious treats offered. We’ll have hot chocolate, pizza, cookies, sandwiches, and more! And one of the most exciting features of our Christmas Bazaar is a picture with Santa!

Join us tomorrow, on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for this festive event. Invite family and friends, as this is a celebration open to all. Tickets are 10 RMB at the door, and proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

Christmas and New Year's Break

Merry Christmas and happy New Year! We hope you have a restful and memorable Christmas and New Year break. Spend time with family and friends in celebration of this great season, and we’ll see you again in the new year on January 6!

Friday, December 19 will be a half day for students, with students returning to school on Tuesday, January 6.

Divisional News

ECC & Elementary

Guidance Counselor

Upcoming SAT Dates:

• March 14, Regular Registration - February 27; Late Registration March 3
• May 2, Regular Registration – April 17; Late Registration April 21
• June 6, Regular Registration – May 22; Late Registration May 26

*Late Registrations will incur a fee

Register for upcoming SATs here: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines

Summer Opportunities

Many Summer programs — both academic and extracurricular — have already begun accepting applications for 2025. Now is an excellent time to start exploring opportunities that will help your child make the most of their Summer, whether through academic enrichment, leadership development, community service, or pursuing a personal passion.

If you would like guidance on selecting programs that align with your child’s interests and could strengthen future college applications, please feel free to schedule a meeting with me.

PTO

Health Office

During this cold and flu season, please be reminded that good handwashing and wearing a mask are the BEST way to prevent the spread of germs. Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. You should avoid going to places where many people are gathered, and please wear a mask when you go to public places. It is also important that you remain highly immune by having good rest, enough sleep, and regular and nutritious meals and snacks.

Some of the symptoms of flu and cold are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Flu viruses can cause mild to severe illness, including common signs and symptoms listed above. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with the flu, cold, or other respiratory infections. You can find more information by clicking here.

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