Parent Experience
The ZIS experience is not just for our students. There are also many ways for parents to get involved with school life. Especially for new families, this can be a great way to get to know other ZIS community members, and to settle into life here.
#ZISExperience
Community Events
The school and the Parents' Association organize a wide range of community events and initiatives each year. Below is a selection of annual highlights.
August
- New family orientation
- Community BBQ
- Parents' Association Welcome Coffee
- Meet the Director breakfasts
September
- Nationality and Area welcome coffees
October
- WorldFest international festival
December
- Grade 10 Career Forum
- Singing Christmas Tree
January
- Biannual Charity Gala
February
- Book and Bake Sales
April
- Parents' Association Volunteer Thank You and Spring Luncheon
May
- Ghana Cup football tournament
- Annual General Assembly Meeting
Area and Nationality Groups
The Parents' Association has a network of respresentatives within the parent body for different residential areas of Zurich as well as respresentatives for different nationalities.
Area and Nationality representatives offer new families a warm welcome to ZIS and host a minimum of two social engagements per school year for their respective group as well as participating in WorldFest (which is an annual celebration of international culture).
Volunteering
We are always seeking enthusiastic parents who can help with classroom activities; help in the libraries; take part in social events, fundraisers, support sports teams; or coordinate after-school clubs. The PA also seeks volunteers to welcome new ZIS families through its Welcome Volunteers, and social, cultural and academic events for families and adults within the school.
Here are some examples on how you can get involved:
Be a Room Parent or Grade Level Representative
Room Parents and Grade Level Reps offer key community and coordination support to families in their child's class/grade level. They also play an important role in welcoming new families into the community.
Fulfill a position on the Parents' Association Executive Committee
Being a member of the Parents' Association Executive Committee requires a significant commitment of time and energy. At the same time, it offers an opportunity to make a significant positive impact on the ZIS community.
Work with the Community Relations team
Support ZIS behind the scenes by working with school advancement projects such as marketing, promotions and alumni relations, including volunteering with the Annual Fund Committee.
Support the ZIS Library teams
The ZIS libraries are very well stocked. This means our librarians are always in need of volunteers to support circulation services.
Offer classroom support - Mentoring Program
In the Early Childhood Center and Lower School Campus, there are many opportunities for parents to volunteer with small groups of students, for example in reading time.
Support the Athletic & After School Activities
Assist with school athletic tournaments including housing visiting athletes and supporting game and tournament organization; help coaches and teachers with after school activities as needed.
Accompany field trips
ZIS students get to experience many field trips. This often means additional accompanying adults are required, particularly in the Early Childhood Center and Lower School Campus.
Share your expertise
Do you have experience working in an unusual field? There may be ways for you to share your skills with our students! Please email ecom@zis.ch if you are interested in an opportunity.
If you are interested in volunteering please complete this online form.