When Elizabeth White (Class of 2008) joined Canadian International School (CIS) back at our very first Toh Tuck campus in 1998, she was a Grade 2 student just beginning to explore the world. Now, almost three decades later, she returns to CIS but this time as a proud alumna and a parent watching her son Owen begin his own educational journey.

Canadian-Korean by heritage, Elizabeth has called Singapore home for the past 27 years. Together with her husband, she has built a life here and is now raising their two children, Owen (5 years) and Olive (11 months), in the community that shaped her own formative years.

Elizabeth knew that when she became a parent, she wanted to provide her children with the same high-quality international schooling experience that she valued in her upbringing.

She shares, “It’s remarkable to see how much CIS has grown since the late 90s, with its expanded facilities, increased student population, and the wide variety of extra-curricular activities offered. Despite the significant growth in size and numbers, we never feel that Owen is just another student. The school has managed to maintain its close-knit, community feel, which is something we truly value as a family.”

It was love at first sight for Elizabeth and her family when they visited the Early Years campus at CIS. The facilities such as the Outdoor Discovery Centre, bright and inviting classrooms, interactive learning pods, and swimming facilities stood out as key reasons for choosing CIS for Owen.

Beyond the facilities, she appreciates how teachers take the time to get to know each child, understand their personalities, and work closely with families to help them grow. They stay in touch regularly, sharing updates and progress along the way, which helps create a real sense of partnership in Owen’s learning journey.

A highlight for her has been the school’s balanced approach to learning. She mentions the way CIS integrates play and academics so naturally, combined with extensive facilities including a junior gym, black box theatre, learning kitchen and age-appropriate pool right next to the Early Years campus, reflects the school’s thoughtful approach to holistic development.

When asked about Owen’s favourite part of the day, Elizabeth says it's when he gets to explore in the Outdoor Discovery Centre. She remembers outdoor learning being an important part of her own CIS experience, and finds it heartwarming to see the same love of discovery continue from one generation to the next.