Every year, as I sit down to write my December family update, I am reminded of how quietly, yet swiftly, time passes. Here we are again, at the close of 2025, already stepping toward 2026. Time moves softly, almost unnoticed, yet its traces are written so clearly in our students. They grow taller, stronger, more confident, carrying the subtle proof of each passing day.
Watching our 8th graders charge across the futsal court with boundless energy, I am often overcome with emotion. In my mind, their faces remain those of the 1st graders they once were. Their growth is both beautiful and bittersweet, a reminder of how far they’ve come and how fleeting each moment truly is. As adults privileged to witness this journey, we live in a gentle tension: rejoicing in their growth while quietly wishing time would slow. We celebrate who they are becoming, even as we long to hold just a little longer onto who they once were.
On a personal note, I still cherish the warmth and support I received from our community when I returned from maternity leave. Recently, I completed the application for my baby to join CAIS’s 2-year-old program in 2026. Moments like these remind me: in the midst of life’s rush, do we not owe it to ourselves to savor every bit of sweetness along the way?
Perhaps connected to this feeling of time moving swiftly, I have also been reflecting on the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and technology. Everywhere, I see questions about how we can lead the way in AI education. It is both natural and essential to think about preparing our students for a future shaped by these advances. I am confident that CAIS will continue to set the standard in this ever-evolving field.
Yet amid this accelerating pace, another truth stands out: our students must be guided to move thoughtfully, step by step, finding balance within themselves rather than being swept away by the constant noise around them. As they explore new technologies and vast streams of information, it is their inner compass, their core values, that will help them make decisions that are both wise and meaningful. In nurturing this balance, we equip them not only to navigate a fast-paced world but to do so with purpose, care, and integrity.
One effort I would like to highlight is our teachers’ consistent communication with families through biweekly class updates. These updates share the learning experiences happening in the classroom, offering insight into both the content and the language we use to guide our students. By building on these efforts together, we can support our children in strengthening their inner compass and flourishing as thoughtful, balanced learners.
As we approach the end of this year, I am grateful for the trust, partnership, and shared commitment of our families and teachers. Together, we celebrate the growth of our students and treasure the moments that make this journey so meaningful.
Warmly,
Wei Qian
Lower School Director