Celebrating Diversity & Embracing Identity at CISB
At the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB), diversity is not something we simply acknowledge — it is something we intentionally designed for, protect, and celebrate. As an international school serving families from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and belief backgrounds, we are committed to creating an environment where every member of our community feels seen, respected, and supported.
This commitment is reflected not only in our curriculum and community life, but also in the physical spaces, systems, and daily practices that shape students’ experiences at school. By intentionally designing our environment to reflect the needs of our community, we ensure that inclusion is lived every day, not just stated.
Creating Space for Faith and Reflection
One important step in strengthening inclusion at CISB has been the opening and equipping of a dedicated Faith and Reflection Room. This space was thoughtfully designed to offer students and staff a quiet, respectful environment for prayer, reflection, or spiritual practice.
By providing this space, we affirm that faith and belief are an important part of many individuals’ identities. The Faith and Reflection Room supports students in practicing their beliefs with dignity and privacy, while also promoting understanding, mutual respect, and intercultural awareness within our wider school community. It stands as a clear message that CISB values belonging without compromise.
Honoring Cultural and Dietary Needs Through Food
Food is deeply connected to culture, identity, and well-being. As part of our ongoing work to celebrate diversity, CISB has expanded food options on campus to better reflect the needs of our community.
We continue to make our food offerings more culturally diverse and increasingly responsive to dietary requirements, including halal options, vegetarian choices, and support for medical or religious dietary restrictions. These efforts ensure that students feel safe, respected, and included during one of the most social and meaningful parts of the school day.
This approach reinforces the understanding that inclusion is experienced through daily routines and shared moments, not only through formal learning.
Dignity, Safety, and Access in Our Facilities
Equity also means ensuring that all students have access to facilities that support their health, comfort, dignity, and cultural practices. In response to student needs and family requests across divisions, CISB has taken intentional steps to improve infrastructure and accessibility across the campus.
We have ensured that toilet shower facilities (handheld bidet sprays) are installed in both student and adult bathrooms and are available on every floor across Early Years and Elementary (EY/ES) as well as Middle and High School (MS/HS). These facilities are used for personal hygiene and are an essential requirement for many Muslim students and staff, for whom cleanliness after toilet use is a religious and cultural practice.
By providing these facilities, CISB supports students and staff in maintaining personal hygiene in ways that respect their beliefs, cultural norms, and sense of dignity. These improvements also benefit the wider community by promoting inclusive, hygienic, and respectful environments for all.
By aligning facilities with student needs, we reinforce a culture where care, safety, and respect are intentionally built into the school environment.
Living Our Values Every Day
These initiatives — opening a Faith and Reflection Room, diversifying food options, and improving student facilities — are not isolated actions. They are part of a broader commitment to equity, inclusion, and student voice at CISB.
When students see their identities acknowledged and their needs met, they are better able to engage, learn, and thrive. By embedding diversity into our spaces, systems, and daily practices, we ensure that CISB remains a community where differences are not only accepted, but valued as strengths.
