CIS Caring Families｜Milly & Zenith: Growing in Love

CIS has just begun its new academic year, and families and children are gradually adjusting to the new learning rhythm and environment. Today, we interviewed a family who chose CIS. Through their shared parenting experiences, we gained insights into the efforts and achievements this family has made in their children's growth.

The Zhou Family:

 Mr. Zhou, his wife Cathy, and their three children.

Two of the children in this family: Milly (8 years old) is in Grade 3 at CIS, and Zenith (3 years old) is in the PK3 class in the kindergarten. According to their mother Cathy, in just two weeks, both children have shown remarkable progress in their learning and daily life at CIS. Not only have they achieved academically, but they have also experienced holistic growth through a variety of activities.

This family is passionate about charitable work. The children's grandfather, Mr. Zhou Zhikun, has been involved in charity for nearly 20 years. Even after retiring, he continues to contribute to charitable causes and holds key positions in several important charity projects.

The family’s spirit of charity is not only reflected in their actions but also passed down as a model for the next generation through their words and deeds.

Under the influence of her family, 

Milly has been actively involved in charitable activities

for a long time.

At the same time, golf holds an important place in this family. Three generations share a love for the sport and often practice together. Cathy, the mother, particularly emphasizes how golf cultivates perseverance and focus. Both children have been committed to golf training for years and have achieved significant results, especially Milly, who completed a competition in adverse weather conditions, showcasing her resilience. This spirit not only shines through in sports but also influences every aspect of their daily lives.

In their parenting journey, Mr. Zhou's family focuses on instilling a sense of responsibility, perseverance, and discipline through charity and golf. They believe that respecting their children's individuality and interests, while giving them the freedom to make choices, is key to fostering responsibility and self-confidence.

Cathy studied in the UK and later pursued further education while accompanying her daughter in Hong Kong, maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning. During this time, she earned a Master of Arts in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This achievement reflects her dedication to both personal and professional growth, and serves as a strong role model for her children.

She also emphasizes the integration of interests and academics, encouraging her children to learn how to manage their time independently. This not only helps them develop good habits but also fosters greater independence. Her eldest daughter is currently studying on her own in Hong Kong, and her experience of living independently has set a strong example for Milly and Zenith.

Cathy maintains daily contact with her eldest daughter through video calls or WeChat, staying updated on her studies and life. This mode of communication is also applied in the education of Milly and Zenith, especially with Milly, who has shown increasing initiative and independence in her CIS classes.

She bravely communicates in English, actively asks questions, and is growing into a confident young student.

Milly confidently communicates 

with CIS Head of School, Nathan.

This family chose CIS primarily for its over 20 years of international school experience, excellent teaching staff, and rich learning resources. CIS offers a diverse curriculum and international education philosophy that aligns closely with their educational values.

Their daughter Milly has shown remarkable progress in her Grade 3 studies at CIS. She not only confidently expresses herself in English but also actively participates in class discussions and has developed the habit of completing her assignments independently.

Milly in the K3 classroom

Their younger son Zenith has also quickly adapted to kindergarten life within just two weeks, improving his self-care skills and learning to follow rules.

Zenith’s class in PK3.

This year on Teacher's Day, Milly and Zenith made cookies and potted plants by hand to give to their teachers.

Milly independently made cookies 

for her teachers to express her gratitude.

Zenith and his sister Milly 

packaged the potted plants together to give to their teachers.

Cathy shared that through this activity, she hopes her children can appreciate the subtle beauty in everyday life and learn the importance of gratitude. Although the cookies may seem simple, the children put their heart into every step, from choosing ingredients to baking. This is not only an expression of gratitude to the teachers but also a lesson for the children to discover beauty and experience life in meaningful ways.

Mr. Zhou, the father, expressed his deep gratitude to the CIS teaching staff for their care and support for the children. Both parents maintain smooth communication with the school, and whether it’s academic issues or the children's emotional development, the teachers always provide timely feedback, helping the children make comprehensive progress. The collaboration between parents and the school has given them confidence in their children’s future.

Mr. Zhou and Cathy have high hopes for their children’s future. They hope that their children will not only progress academically but also grow in character, perseverance, and self-management. Cathy said, “We want our children to become responsible, independent-thinking global citizens, which is one of the main reasons we chose CIS.”

Through their close partnership with CIS, the family has created a supportive and opportunity-filled environment for their children’s growth. With CIS’s education, the children are poised to move toward a broader and brighter future.