Western International School of Shanghai hosted a Christmas activity center as part of the German Christmas Fair on Sunday at the Millennium Hongqiao Hotel. More than 150 children, mostly from the Shanghai expatriate community, participated in the school-sponsored activity.

 

The children, aged between two and 15, enjoyed a wide range of fun and educational activities that included gingerbread decoration, Christmas-ornament decorating, a reindeer-making craft activity, and Santa fun sheets.

 

For the children it was an opportunity to experience Christmas activities in the lead up to the school vacation period.

 

Daniela, a recent arrival in Shanghai, said she was excited about Christmas while cutting out reindeer figures. "I hope Santa can find us in our new house this year," said the seven-year-old.

 

The activity center was hosted and sponsored by WISS which started classes in September for students up to grade three. Eleven teachers and parents helped organize the fun which was attended by school director Dr Alfonso Orsini.

 

"It's is great to do something out in the community and help sponsor this type of holiday activity. The kids are having a great time," Orsini said.

 

From September next year, the school will offer classes to grade eight. It is currently reaching out to the foreign community to highlight the institute's unique aspects.

 

Hands-on, inquiry-driven activities are an important part of the WISS core curriculum. It is also one of the few schools to have its curriculum underpinned by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, an educational model which emphasizes inquiry and discovery in a structured environment.

 

"We are following up (this event) with our own Christmas party at the school," Orsini said. "Any family in the Shanghai community is invited to join us. It is a chance to have some fun, as well as to learn about the International Baccalaureate and inquiry-based learning."

 

The WISS Xmas holiday party is on December 9 from 1PM-4PM at the school. Parents can contact the school for more information.

  

(Shanghai Daily November 29, 2006)