by Christopher J. Dawe

Few challenges in international education in China are as complex and rewarding as navigating the delicate balance between Chinese and international approaches to parent engagement. As the Secondary Principal of HD Qingdao School, a bilingual institution catering to Chinese students, I have found myself at the intersection of two distinct educational philosophies, each with its own expectations and nuances.

The journey of harmonising these approaches has been challenging. Chinese parents, steeped in a tradition that places value on academic achievement, often approach education with a level of intensity that can surprise Western educators. On the other hand, international educational philosophies emphasise holistic development, critical thinking, and student agency – concepts that may seem foreign or counterintuitive to many Chinese families.

Strategies for Parent Engagement

At HD Qingdao School, we have implemented several strategies to bridge this cultural gap and foster meaningful parent engagement. One of our most successful initiatives has been our regular “Coffee with Chris” sessions. These informal meetings provide a relaxed environment where parents can connect with me directly. Importantly, these sessions are not designed for information sharing; they are an opportunity for me to learn about their children, understand their concerns, and gain insights into their educational perspectives. The informal nature of these gatherings helps break down barriers, allowing for more open and honest conversations. Parents often share insights about their children that might not come up in more formal settings, giving me a fuller picture of our students’ lives and needs. This direct line of communication has proven invaluable in better serving our school community.

We have found that this personal approach goes a long way in building trust and understanding. Parents appreciate the chance to be heard, and I have gained valuable insights that have helped shape our approach to education and communication. It is a reminder that effective leadership in an international school setting is not just about implementing policies; it is about listening, learning, and adapting.

Another key aspect of our parent engagement strategy is our commitment to regular, comprehensive updates. We understand that keeping parents informed is crucial, especially in a bilingual setting where there may be language barriers. Our updates cover not just academic progress, but also extracurricular activities, upcoming events, and insights into our educational philosophy. By providing this information consistently and in both Chinese and English, we ensure that all parents feel included and informed.

We have also put significant effort into revitalising our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). The PTA is crucial in bridging the gap between the school and the parent community. We have empowered our PTA to actively organise events, provide feedback on school policies, and act as a liaison between parents and the school administration. This has increased parent involvement and provided us with a valuable channel for understanding and addressing parent concerns.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our parent engagement efforts is increased participation in school-wide activities. We have made a concerted effort to welcome parents into the school community, inviting them to assemblies, performances, sports days, and cultural celebrations. These events provide parents with a firsthand look at our educational approach, helping them understand and appreciate the value of a well-rounded, international education.

In a previous school I worked at, we implemented a ‘Parent Shadow Day’ that proved to be an eye-opening experience for many parents. On these special days, parents were invited to follow their child’s schedule for an entire school day, attending classes and participating in activities alongside their children. This immersive experience allowed parents to see firsthand how our teaching methods worked in practice and to understand their child’s day-to-day life at school. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many parents expressing a new appreciation for our educational approach after experiencing it themselves. 

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Of course, challenges remain. Balancing the expectations of Chinese educational traditions with our international approach is an ongoing process. We continue to work on helping parents understand the value of extracurricular activities, creative subjects, and our emphasis on critical thinking and independent learning. At the same time, we strive to incorporate elements of Chinese educational strengths, particularly in areas like mathematics and sciences.

Looking back on my tenure at HD Qingdao School, I am struck by how much I have learned about the art of cultural navigation. Every interaction with a parent, every “Coffee with Chris”, and every PTA meeting is an opportunity to build understanding and trust. It’s a continuous process of education—not just for our students but for our entire school community.

Advice for International School Leaders

To my fellow international school leaders, I offer this advice: listen actively, communicate clearly, and always seek to understand the underlying concerns driving parent expectations. Be flexible in your approach but firm in your educational philosophy. Most importantly, view parents not as obstacles to be overcome but as partners in the educational journey.

I am reminded daily of the profound impact of our work. We are not just educating students; we are building bridges between cultures, fostering understanding, and preparing the next generation to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. It is challenging work, but there’s nothing else I would rather be doing.

Christopher J. Dawe is the International Principal of HD Qingdao Secondary School.

If you have a question or would like to meet Chris, Email: andre@leadingyourinternationalschool.com

Next week’s Principal’s Blog is written by Alissa Kordprom, High School Principal, Korea International School, Jeju Campus

LYIS is committed to providing expert guidance on all aspects of international school leadership. If you are an international school leader and would like help, support and advice about parental engagement strategies, Email: andre@leadingyourinternationalschool.com

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