Join us for a special season finale as we sit down with Mr. Mark Andrews (Secondary Principal) and Mr. Jason Hayes (Elementary Principal) for a heartfelt and fun reflection on the school year. Like the best school assemblies, this episode balances laughs, a few surprises, and plenty of proud principal moments. #CAISPodcast #SeasonFinaleHost: Mimi (MYP1)Editor: Marco (MYP1)
Join us as we sit down with Mr. David Watts, Head of Early Years, and Ms. Zaura Nuñez, Nursery Teacher, to uncover what makes CAIS's Early Years program so special for our youngest learners.In this episode, you'll discover:🎈How play-based learning builds skills while honoring each child's unique journey.🔍 A Day in Nursery - Why every moment of "just playing" is packed with intentional learning 📆 Preparing for PYP - How playful inquiry lays the foundation for future IB success 🎨 What Makes Us Unique - From art-inspired hallways to celebrating the "100 Languages of Children" Perfect for:• Parents curious about Early Years at CAIS• Educators passionate about play-based learning• Anyone who loves hearing how little minds grow!#CAISPodcast #EarlyYears #PlayMatters #IBPYP
As our MYP5 students prepare to present their Personal Projects next week, we go behind the scenes with Mr. John, our MYP Coordinator, and Minnie, an MYP5 student, for an inside look at one of the most meaningful experiences in the IB Middle Years Programme.In this episode, you'll discover:🔍 Why the Personal Project is about growth, not just the final product🎤 Mr. John's unexpected journey from aspiring biologist to passionate educator📆 How students balance passion with academics while developing crucial life skills💡 Minnie's firsthand experience and how the project increased her self-awareness and confidencePerfect for:• MYP students preparing for their Personal Projects• Parents curious about this IB milestone• Educators interested in student-led learning🎙️ Host: Marco (Grade 6) , Editor: Mimi (Grade 6) Guests: Mr. John Salgado and Minnie (MYP5 student)
Join Mimi, our MYP1 student host, as she sits down with Mr. Michael Rylance, CAIS's beloved PYP Coordinator and 10-year veteran educator, for an insightful look at what makes the PYP program - and especially the famous Grade 5 Exhibition - so special at our school.In this episode, you'll discover:🎤 Mr. Michael's unexpected journey from a one-year English teacher to decade-long MYP teacher and PYP leader at CAIS🔍 What makes PYP unique - six-week inquiry units where student voice drives learning💡 Behind-the-scenes of the PYP Exhibition - how students turn passions into meaningful projects🍖 Teacher secrets revealed (yes, there are staff BBQs students don't know about!)Perfect for:• Current PYP students curious about the Exhibition• Parents wanting to understand our inquiry-based approach• Anyone who loves hearing how great teachers think!🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!#CAISPodcast #PYPExhibition #InquiryBasedLearning #StudentVoiceHost: Mimi (Grade 6) Editor: Marco (Grade 6) Guests: Mr. Michael Rylance (PYP Coordinator)
Join us for an insightful conversation with Ms. Natalie (School Counselor) and Ms. Catalina (Learning Support Specialist) as they share how they help CAIS students thrive—both emotionally and academically.In this episode, you’ll discover:💡 How the support team works together to address students’ holistic needs🧠 Practical strategies for managing stress, schoolwork, and friendships🔒 Why counseling is a safe, confidential space (and how to access it)📚 Real success stories of students who overcame challengesPlus, hear their simple but powerful message to hesitant students: "Just ask—we’re here for you!"Perfect for: Students, parents, and educators who want to understand CAIS’s supportive learning environment.Host: Mimi (Grade 6) Editor: Marco (Grade 6) Guests: Natalie Hewitt and Catalina Wilches
Join us for a special episode of The CAIS Podcast as we sit down with Ms. Catherine Chou, a proud alumna and Projects Coordinator at CAIS, who also serves on the Board. What makes this conversation unique? Ms. Catherine was part of the very first class of seven students when CAIS opened its doors in 2006—and now she's back to help shape its future!In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Ms. Catherine shares:🎓 Her remarkable journey—from CAIS student to NYU and Columbia graduate, and finally back to her alma mater as a leader.🏫 The founding story of CAIS—how her parents, Mr. Daniel Chou and Mrs. Irene Chu, created the school to provide international education to the Changchun community, starting with just seven students (including her and her brother, Christopher!).🌍 What makes CAIS unique—from its globally diverse student body (30+ nationalities!) to its pioneering role in educational technology.🚀 The school's bold vision—becoming a regional hub for education and innovation in the next five years.Tune in to discover how one school's humble beginnings grew into something extraordinary—and where it's headed next!Host: Marco (Grade 6)Editor: Mimi (Grade 6)Guest: Catherine Chou (CAIS Alumna, Projects Coordinator, and Member on the Board)
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Mr. Dan Popescu, CAIS's dynamic Physical & Health Education teacher and Athletics Director. A lifelong sports enthusiast turned educator, Mr. Dan shares his incredible journey from the playing field to the classroom, revealing how he cultivates teamwork, discipline, and resilience in every student-athlete.Discover how Mr. Dan:⚽️ Transforms PHE classes into engaging, inclusive experiences that go beyond just physical skills🏆 Motivates students to push their limits in after-school programs and competitions🤝 Fosters true sportsmanship through creative IB-aligned approaches🏅 Leads CAIS's growing presence in regional sports associationsWhether you're a student, parent, or fellow educator, you'll walk away energized by Mr. Dan's passion for developing not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals through sports.Host: Mimi (Grade 6)Editor: Marco (Grade 6)Guests: Mr. Dan Popescu (CIAS Physical & Health Education teacher and Athletics Director)
In this exciting second episode of The CAIS Podcast, our host Marco (Grade 6) sits down with our Performing Arts Coordinator and Drama teacher, Mr. John; and one of our talented PYP Visual Arts teacher, Halina Trela, to dive into the creative magic behind our school productions. This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how ideas come to life on screen, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final cut. Our guests share their passion for the arts, the collaborative process of working with students, and how creativity is nurtured at CAIS.Discover how the arts play a vital role in building confidence, teamwork, and self-expression in our students, and learn what it takes to bring a school production to life. Whether it’s designing sets, choreographing dances, or perfecting performances, this episode highlights the dedication and imagination that make our school productions unforgettable.Tune in to hear inspiring stories and why the arts are such an integral part of the CAIS experience. Don’t miss this celebration of collaboration, creativity, and the incredible talent within our school!Host: Marco (Grade 6)Editor: Mimi (Grade 6)Guests: Halina Trela (PYP Visual Arts Teacher) and John Cogollo (Performing Arts Coordinator)
In this inaugural episode of The CAIS Podcast, MYP1 students Mimi and Marco interview Dr. Ildiko Murray, our head of school. The episode is filled with insights into exciting school initiatives and personal anecdotes that will make you appreciate Ms. Ildiko's journey even more. In this conversation you will also hear how CAIS prepares students for a technology-driven world, emphasizing the importance of exposing students to new technologies in a safe and collaborative environment. She explains that the school models appropriate technology use, fosters critical thinking, and ensures students are equipped with the skills needed to navigate the digital world as "digital natives." Tune in and find out why we're all so proud to be part of this amazing Tiger community!Hosts: Mimi and Marco (Grade 6)Guest: Dr. Ildiko MurrayEditors: Mimi and Marco (Grade 6)Logo Art: Created using Padlet AI Image Generator by Amy (Grade 7)