Upper School Newsletter - Aug 24, 2026
Upper School | 24 August 2026
Upcoming Events
Visit the HIS School Calendar
Aug 26 (Wed): Grade 12 Parents. Navigating the Road ahead 5:30-6:30
Aug 27 (Thu): Grade 11 Parents. Navigating the Road ahead 5:30-6:30
Sept 1 (Tue): Upper School Back-to-School Night
Sept 3 (Thu): Lower School Back-to-School Night
Sept 5 (Sat): HIS Welcome Back BBQ
Sept 7 (Mon): CCAs begin
Sept 11 (Fri): No School (in-service day for staff)
Sept 25 (Fri)-Oct 02: No School (holiday and in-service)
Oct 20 (Tue): Parent-Teacher-Student ConferencesSept 1 (Tue): Upper School Back-to-School Night
Sept 3 (Thu): Lower School Back-to-School Night
Sept 5 (Sat): HIS Welcome Back BBQ
Sept 7 (Mon): CCAs begin
Sept 11 (Fri): No School (in-service day for staff)
Sept 25 (Fri)-Oct 02: No School (holiday and in-service)
Oct 20 (Tue): Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Aug 27 (Thu): Grade 11 Parents. Navigating the Road ahead 5:30-6:30
Sept 1 (Tue): Upper School Back-to-School Night
Sept 3 (Thu): Lower School Back-to-School Night
Sept 5 (Sat): HIS Welcome Back BBQ
Sept 7 (Mon): CCAs begin
Sept 11 (Fri): No School (in-service day for staff)
Sept 25 (Fri)-Oct 02: No School (holiday and in-service)
Oct 20 (Tue): Parent-Teacher-Student ConferencesSept 1 (Tue): Upper School Back-to-School Night
Sept 3 (Thu): Lower School Back-to-School Night
Sept 5 (Sat): HIS Welcome Back BBQ
Sept 7 (Mon): CCAs begin
Sept 11 (Fri): No School (in-service day for staff)
Sept 25 (Fri)-Oct 02: No School (holiday and in-service)
Oct 20 (Tue): Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Message from the Upper School Principal
Dear Parents and Families,
A Wonderful Start to the School Year!
What a wonderful start we have had to the new school year! Our hallways and classrooms are once again filled with energy, curiosity, and connection. Each of our students brings an incredible story with them, and as we begin this new chapter together, we look forward to the many new stories, experiences, friendships, challenges, and successes that are still waiting to be written.
As we settle into our routines, a friendly reminder that the school day begins at 8:00 a.m. Students should be in the building by 7:55 a.m. to give them ample time to get organized and arrive at their first class ready to learn. We recognize that traffic can sometimes be unpredictable—and getting tired teenagers up and moving in the morning can be its own adventure! Your support in establishing consistent evening and morning routines is greatly appreciated.
Please also keep in mind that local schools will begin orientation next week and start classes the following week, which will inevitably mean increased morning traffic. We encourage families to plan accordingly and allow a little extra travel time.
Thank you for helping us begin the year so positively. We are excited to see the stories our students will write together in the weeks and months ahead!
Toddle Parent Access
Everyone should have received an invitation from Toddle to login into our new learning management system. Please make sure you respond to the invitation to access your child's learning. If you did not receive an invitation (and you checked junkmail), please contact the school and let us know.
Save the Date!
Upper School Back-to-School Night September 1st
Starting in the theater at 6:00pm.
We are excited to invite you to our Back-to-School Night! This is a special evening designed for you to connect with your child’s teachers and gain insight into the year ahead.
During the evening, you will meet with all the subject teachers. You’ll hear about subject expectations, curriculum highlights, and the many ways we’ll support your child’s learning and growth this year. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, meet other parents, and see how we can work together to make this a successful school year.
Please note the following:
A Wonderful Start to the School Year!
What a wonderful start we have had to the new school year! Our hallways and classrooms are once again filled with energy, curiosity, and connection. Each of our students brings an incredible story with them, and as we begin this new chapter together, we look forward to the many new stories, experiences, friendships, challenges, and successes that are still waiting to be written.
As we settle into our routines, a friendly reminder that the school day begins at 8:00 a.m. Students should be in the building by 7:55 a.m. to give them ample time to get organized and arrive at their first class ready to learn. We recognize that traffic can sometimes be unpredictable—and getting tired teenagers up and moving in the morning can be its own adventure! Your support in establishing consistent evening and morning routines is greatly appreciated.
Please also keep in mind that local schools will begin orientation next week and start classes the following week, which will inevitably mean increased morning traffic. We encourage families to plan accordingly and allow a little extra travel time.
Thank you for helping us begin the year so positively. We are excited to see the stories our students will write together in the weeks and months ahead!
Toddle Parent Access
Everyone should have received an invitation from Toddle to login into our new learning management system. Please make sure you respond to the invitation to access your child's learning. If you did not receive an invitation (and you checked junkmail), please contact the school and let us know.
Save the Date!
Upper School Back-to-School Night September 1st
Starting in the theater at 6:00pm.
We are excited to invite you to our Back-to-School Night! This is a special evening designed for you to connect with your child’s teachers and gain insight into the year ahead.
During the evening, you will meet with all the subject teachers. You’ll hear about subject expectations, curriculum highlights, and the many ways we’ll support your child’s learning and growth this year. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, meet other parents, and see how we can work together to make this a successful school year.
Please note the following:
- This night is meant for parents and not students.
- This is not the time to meet with teachers and have conversations about your child or individual concerns. You have opportunities to request meetings at any time or wait until the Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences in October.
Understanding Our Attendance Framework
A Partnership Approach to Supporting Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. At HIS, we partner with families early and supportively whenever patterns of absence begin to emerge. Our goal is always the same: to understand barriers, offer help, and keep students engaged in learning.
Below is a simplified overview of how we respond as absences accumulate. You will always be contacted and invited into the conversation as a valued partner.
How We Respond as Absences AccumulateA Partnership Approach to Supporting Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. At HIS, we partner with families early and supportively whenever patterns of absence begin to emerge. Our goal is always the same: to understand barriers, offer help, and keep students engaged in learning.
Below is a simplified overview of how we respond as absences accumulate. You will always be contacted and invited into the conversation as a valued partner.
How We Respond as Absences Accumulate
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. At HIS, we partner with families early and supportively whenever patterns of absence begin to emerge. Our goal is always the same: to understand barriers, offer help, and keep students engaged in learning.
Below is a simplified overview of how we respond as absences accumulate. You will always be contacted and invited into the conversation as a valued partner.
How We Respond as Absences AccumulateA Partnership Approach to Supporting Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success. At HIS, we partner with families early and supportively whenever patterns of absence begin to emerge. Our goal is always the same: to understand barriers, offer help, and keep students engaged in learning.
Below is a simplified overview of how we respond as absences accumulate. You will always be contacted and invited into the conversation as a valued partner.
How We Respond as Absences Accumulate
What This Means for Families
We reach out early not to punish, but to partner: Most attendance concerns are resolved through simple conversation and practical support. The earlier we talk, the easier it is to find solutions that work for your child and family.
You will always be informed and invited in: At every stage, families receive clear communication and are welcomed as essential partners in the process.
Credit is the last step, not the first: Formal credit review occurs after extensive support has been offered and documented. Our priority remains helping every student remain on track for success.
Questions or concerns? Please reach out to your child’s counselor or advisor at any time. We are here to support you and your student.
We reach out early not to punish, but to partner: Most attendance concerns are resolved through simple conversation and practical support. The earlier we talk, the easier it is to find solutions that work for your child and family.
You will always be informed and invited in: At every stage, families receive clear communication and are welcomed as essential partners in the process.
Credit is the last step, not the first: Formal credit review occurs after extensive support has been offered and documented. Our priority remains helping every student remain on track for success.
Questions or concerns? Please reach out to your child’s counselor or advisor at any time. We are here to support you and your student.
HIS News
Health and Safety
Bicycle & E-Bike Safety Reminder
As we begin the school year, we would like to remind families about the rules regarding children riding bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) on public roads in China.
Chinese road traffic regulations establish clear minimum ages:
These age requirements are important safety regulations designed to protect children as they navigate traffic, intersections, pedestrians, and other road users. We ask parents to please ensure that your child’s transportation arrangements follow these requirements.
For students who are old enough to ride a bicycle legally, families should also ensure that children understand basic road safety expectations and are wearing a helmet every time they ride. Thank you for helping us keep our Dragons safe - not only while they are at school, but also on their journeys to and from campus.
As we begin the school year, we would like to remind families about the rules regarding children riding bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes) on public roads in China.
Chinese road traffic regulations establish clear minimum ages:
- Children must be at least 12 years old to ride a bicycle on public roads.
- Children must be at least 16 years old to operate an electric bicycle (e-bike) on public roads.
These age requirements are important safety regulations designed to protect children as they navigate traffic, intersections, pedestrians, and other road users. We ask parents to please ensure that your child’s transportation arrangements follow these requirements.
For students who are old enough to ride a bicycle legally, families should also ensure that children understand basic road safety expectations and are wearing a helmet every time they ride. Thank you for helping us keep our Dragons safe - not only while they are at school, but also on their journeys to and from campus.
Athletics and CCAs: News &
Updates
CCA 1 Dates: September 7 – February 5
Weeks without CCAs: November 9–13 and December 14–18
CCA 1 registration is now open and will close at 13:00 on August 26. There is no need to rush your registration. Students will be allocated randomly to their activities, with as much effort as possible made to place students in their highest preferences.
You can choose 3 preferences for each day. Please take the time to discuss selections with your child to ensure they are activities they will enjoy.
Semester 1 Sports Teams are also available for registration on SchoolsBuddy. We run an inclusive sports program at HIS and endeavor to provide opportunities for all, while ensuring student safety and a positive experience. Registration for any Semester 2 sports teams will take place in December.
On Friday, August 31, your child's CCAs will be confirmed and will appear on their SchoolsBuddy calendar, along with any sports team practices.
Details on additional clubs and activities, including Performing Arts, MUN, Robotics, and more, which run outside the CCA program, will be shared or updated shortly. If any of these are of interest to your child, please feel free to contact us, and we can direct you to the staff members responsible for each.
If you are experiencing issues with SchoolsBuddy or have any questions, please contact the Athletics & Activities Department at activities@hisdragons.org.cn
Weeks without CCAs: November 9–13 and December 14–18
CCA 1 registration is now open and will close at 13:00 on August 26. There is no need to rush your registration. Students will be allocated randomly to their activities, with as much effort as possible made to place students in their highest preferences.
You can choose 3 preferences for each day. Please take the time to discuss selections with your child to ensure they are activities they will enjoy.
Semester 1 Sports Teams are also available for registration on SchoolsBuddy. We run an inclusive sports program at HIS and endeavor to provide opportunities for all, while ensuring student safety and a positive experience. Registration for any Semester 2 sports teams will take place in December.
On Friday, August 31, your child's CCAs will be confirmed and will appear on their SchoolsBuddy calendar, along with any sports team practices.
Details on additional clubs and activities, including Performing Arts, MUN, Robotics, and more, which run outside the CCA program, will be shared or updated shortly. If any of these are of interest to your child, please feel free to contact us, and we can direct you to the staff members responsible for each.
If you are experiencing issues with SchoolsBuddy or have any questions, please contact the Athletics & Activities Department at activities@hisdragons.org.cn
News from the Pool: Aquatics
Updates
Aquatics Department
Please scan the code for an overview of our Aquatics Department and our new Aquatics Handbook.
The Aquatics Department will be available on the ‘Open Day’ to discuss any Aquatics-related activities, sign-ups, enrollment in our program for old and new student-athletes. On ‘Open Day’ the Aquatics Information table will be close to the main entrance next to the Athletic Directors table. We look forward to welcoming you back to school.
The Aquatics Department will be available on the ‘Open Day’ to discuss any Aquatics-related activities, sign-ups, enrollment in our program for old and new student-athletes. On ‘Open Day’ the Aquatics Information table will be close to the main entrance next to the Athletic Directors table. We look forward to welcoming you back to school.
Ensuring Proper
Uniforms
Uniform and Dress Code
HIS students adhere to a dress code which promotes a sense of orderliness and school community and helps with campus and field trip security.
Middle School students (Grades 6-8) wear beige trousers, shorts, or skirts and the HIS dark blue polo shirts (short- or long-sleeved). High School students (Grades 9-12) wear beige trousers, shorts, or skirts, or a plaid navy skirt and a light blue collared button-down shirt. Tights and socks should be white, black, nude, or navy blue. During cooler weather, students may wear sweaters, jackets or hoodies of school colors and winter coats. It is highly recommended that uniform items be labeled on the tag to assist in retrieval of lost items.
Please note that the plaid pajama-type bottoms are NOT part of the standard HIS uniform and should only be worn for after-school sporting events.
All students wear laced shoes or sturdy sandals. Athletic shoes or sneakers are acceptable. Flip-flops, thong sandals, and other beach-type footwear are not appropriate for school. Caps or hats in buildings are also inappropriate.
All students are expected to be well groomed and appropriately dressed at school or during school-related functions off campus.
There are occasionally free dress days on which students are not required to wear the school uniform. These may occur approximately once a month, usually in connection with a special holiday or event. Students will normally wear the school uniform for field trips, unless otherwise indicated on the permission form.
HIS students adhere to a dress code which promotes a sense of orderliness and school community and helps with campus and field trip security.
Middle School students (Grades 6-8) wear beige trousers, shorts, or skirts and the HIS dark blue polo shirts (short- or long-sleeved). High School students (Grades 9-12) wear beige trousers, shorts, or skirts, or a plaid navy skirt and a light blue collared button-down shirt. Tights and socks should be white, black, nude, or navy blue. During cooler weather, students may wear sweaters, jackets or hoodies of school colors and winter coats. It is highly recommended that uniform items be labeled on the tag to assist in retrieval of lost items.
Please note that the plaid pajama-type bottoms are NOT part of the standard HIS uniform and should only be worn for after-school sporting events.
All students wear laced shoes or sturdy sandals. Athletic shoes or sneakers are acceptable. Flip-flops, thong sandals, and other beach-type footwear are not appropriate for school. Caps or hats in buildings are also inappropriate.
All students are expected to be well groomed and appropriately dressed at school or during school-related functions off campus.
There are occasionally free dress days on which students are not required to wear the school uniform. These may occur approximately once a month, usually in connection with a special holiday or event. Students will normally wear the school uniform for field trips, unless otherwise indicated on the permission form.
Community Events
Market Day is back on Fridays!
Every Friday, Hangzhou International School, along with our community artisans, will offer to purchase tasty treats and excellent snacks from the different food vendors attending.
Come for a pleasant afternoon to end the school week, and head out for a relaxing, fun weekend with a happy stomach!
Come for a pleasant afternoon to end the school week, and head out for a relaxing, fun weekend with a happy stomach!
HIS Welcome Back BBQ 2026! Saturday, September 05, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Let’s get together and meet the new and not-so-new members of the HIS community! Please note that this event is exclusively for Hangzhou International School parents, students, and faculty.
Please register by September 01 by scanning the QR code on the poster to receive a meal coupon to use at one of the designated food vendors.
Join us for a good time with activities, food, drinks, performances, and sweets, provided by HIS and vendors from our community. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Andrea: andreastubbs@hisdragons.org.cn
Let’s get together and meet the new and not-so-new members of the HIS community! Please note that this event is exclusively for Hangzhou International School parents, students, and faculty.
Please register by September 01 by scanning the QR code on the poster to receive a meal coupon to use at one of the designated food vendors.
Join us for a good time with activities, food, drinks, performances, and sweets, provided by HIS and vendors from our community. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Ms. Andrea: andreastubbs@hisdragons.org.cn