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Parent Support Group

Come join us!

The Parent Support Group (PSG) is made up of parents who come together to promote a sense of belonging and mutual support among all members of the school community.

The PSG achieves this by organizing activities for CAISL families and staff, as well as some adults-only activities during the school days. To get an idea of the variety of activities, scroll down on this page or visit our dedicated activities page.

The group brings together a significant number of parent volunteers and functions without a hierarchical structure. They meet at least once a month, charge no fees and any school parent is welcome to attend.

Photo of trekking for parents

(No, this is not a postcard. It is really a photo of PSG parent-only activity!)

Roasted chestnuts

Trekking activity to the historic village of Sintra

Photo of Trekking for Parents

Trekking activity to Quinta do Pisão, and its biologic farm

Event Samples

Below is a sampling of events the group puts together yearly. Please note, activities vary each year based on PSG member rotation and input. 

The PSG benefits from all kinds of parental involvement. Some parents like to be involved in the planning of events, while some prefer to simply volunteer on event days.  Member participation varies—from 'very involved,’ to 'giving a hand when it is possible;’ from 'coming to every meeting,' to 'never attends meetings'—and that is absolutely fine!

Photo of Welcome Back Picnic

 

CAISL Welcome Back Picnic

For all ages and all community members

In September there is usually a Welcome Picnic, sometimes with a theme. In September of 2019, the party was called 'CAISL Western BBQ'. It was pouring rain outside but it was hard to notice with so much fun happening inside.

Photo of trekking for parents

 

TREKKING EVENTS

For parents only, about once a month.

CAISL is fortunate to be located very close to Serra de Sintra and the sea. The PSG meets regularly to explore enchanted places nearby and build a strong sense of community among parents.

PSG Book Club

 

PSG BOOK CLUB

For parents only, about once a month.

CAISL parents also enjoy reading and exchange ideas about what they read. Previously read books include Becoming by Michelle Obama, A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende, and The first Global Village by Martin Page.

Photo of Movie Night - Inside Out

 

Movie Night

For all families, about twice a year.

Family movie nights are always fun but even better if they are also shared with  friends. The PSG selects a movie, decorates accordingly, and invites everyone to the screening in CAISL's spacious theater at no charge.

Photo of Fall Tournament Fundraising

 

Fundraising activity

For parents only

The PSG usually does about one fundraising activity per year to offset the expenses of any activity that did not break even. Usually, this event happens during the Fall Tournament and it consists of a concession stand.

Photo of Parents decorating the School

 

winter season decoration of the school

For parents only.

During one day in early December, a bunch of elves get together and, in a few hours, transform the school with lights, ornaments and lots of spirit.

Photo of Santa in the Building

 

santa in the building

For Pre-schoolers: EC3/4 and Kindergrten.

One special day in December, Santa, and his most trusted elf, come to meet the children in Pre-school and don't leave until all children have had a chance to whisper their special wishes.

Photo of Teacher Appreciation breakfast

 

Teacher appreciation

For parents, faculty and staff.

Every year, this group prepares a special way to say 'Thank You' to CAISL teachers and staff. From small gifts, to preparing a special meal, it is always meaningful and heartfelt.

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CAISL is a student-centered educational community in which we challenge ourselves and each other to do our best and to make positive contributions to our diverse and ever-changing world.