At the Shanghai French School, we provide numerous opportunities for parents to get involved throughout the year, and the impact is truly remarkable! A dedicated group of parents works tirelessly to enhance our school, organize enriching activities for students, and strengthen our community bonds. Read on to find out how you, too, can contribute if you’d like!
Our school was founded nearly 30 years ago by parents who came together to pool their time and resources, ensuring their children could receive a high-quality French education here in Shanghai. To this day, the voluntary commitment of parents remains one of the unique hallmarks of our school and serves as a cornerstone of its operations.
In addition to the 8 volunteer parents elected by the General Assembly to serve on the Board—who oversee management, development strategy, and the school’s legal representation—many other parents generously give their time to support the school’s daily life. Below, we’ll introduce the key roles and functions they fulfill.
These committees serve as a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration, mirroring similar structures in France.
🏫 The 12 parents elected to the Education Committee focus on the school’s pedagogical and educational matters.
They meet at least three times a year with the heads of school, primary school directors, teacher representatives from all levels, staff representatives, and two student representatives. Together, they adopt policies such as the school’s project plan, academic calendar, and internal regulations, ensuring the school operates smoothly.
🧒 The 30 parents elected to the Primary School Committee work similarly, focusing specifically on kindergarten and primary schools. They collaborate with the primary school community, including directors and teachers, to address key issues.
Both committees’ parent representatives work hand-in-hand throughout the year, addressing concerns raised by families. They meet monthly with the school’s pedagogical and administrative teams and stay in close contact with the Board.
🎒 At the middle and high school levels, more than 50 parent delegates (2 per class) facilitate communication between parents and teachers for each class. They attend class councils at the end of each term and participate in class WeChat groups.
Good to know
Parents are also welcome to participate in student councils such as the Middle School and High School Life Councils (CVC and CVL). Student representatives are also part of the Education Committee.
Parents can contribute to other groups too, such as the Health, Citizenship, and Environmental Education Committee, where annual projects are discussed. They may also sit on disciplinary boards when needed.
All parent volunteers are welcome to join specialized committees, which typically meet twice a year.
🍽️ 🚌 The 4 parents on the Canteen and Bus Committees often combine meetings into one morning and even get to sample the cafeteria food! These are Eurocampus committees. Suppliers attend these meetings, allowing parents from both the Shanghai French School and the DSS (German School) to provide direct feedback and improve services, with discussions typically held in English.
🤾 🎭 The Extra-Curricular Activities (ASC) Committee, the newest addition, gathers parent input on extracurricular offerings, registration processes, and more.
🧳 🌏 The School Trips Committee meets 6-8 times a year as needed. Parents receive detailed information about upcoming trips and can share their feedback.
While these committees do not make final decisions, their consultative role is crucial in shaping improvements.
🍚 Parent volunteers for school lunches work alongside our School Life team to oversee meal times and midday recess for primary students. They help create a pleasant, calm, and organized environment, ensuring the children enjoy a positive and sociable mealtime experience.
🤾🎭 Extra-curricular Activities (ASC) parent volunteers are key to enriching our extracurricular activities. They support teachers in supervising students and often share their talents in areas like the arts, culture, or sports. This allows children to enjoy unique, hands-on experiences while sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm in a fun and engaging way.
🎡 🎦 The Events Committee is made up of parent volunteers dedicated to organizing fun and recreational activities for all students.
They are the ones behind the festive events that benefit the entire Shanghai French School community: welcoming new parents, organizing celebrations throughout the year, flea markets, lucky draws, Halloween activities, Christmas festivities, movie nights, and special treats for students like Christmas breakfasts and Kings’ cakes.
👔 Experienced professionals can volunteer as mock interview panelists, helping high school juniors and seniors prepare for university or job interviews (once a year).
Eurocampus Collaboration
Committed to bringing Eurocampus to life for our students, parents from both the Shanghai French School and DSS on both campuses have relaunched the Gr(o)u(p)e 63 initiative. You’re welcome to join!
We are incredibly proud of our vibrant and active parent community!
Whether it’s your time, skills, or energy, we warmly welcome enthusiastic parents eager to support or launch activities that benefit the school.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact the CET (Education Committee) parent team:
📧 parents.cet@lyceeshanghai.com
To learn more about the committees and opportunities to get involved, visit:
🔗 Meeting Minutes: https://www.lyceeshanghai.cn/proceedings/?lang=en
🔗 Volunteer Page: https://www.lyceeshanghai.cn/parents-volunteers/?lang=en