Dear AISC,
In the United States, the fourth Thursday of November is celebrated as Thanksgiving Day. It is mainly a secular holiday these days, characterized by big family gatherings, and the copious consumption of turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, yams (if you’re lucky, with a marshmallow topping), and cranberry sauce. In our house, Thanksgiving Day also marks the unofficial start to the Christmas season, which means tree decorations and delightfully timeless (endless?) Christmas music playlists.
Living away from the United States for so long, though, has allowed me to experience so many different kinds of harvest festivals around the world. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know Pongol here in Tamil Nadu, and had the opportunity to participate in Holi when I spent time in Delhi. Everywhere I’ve been in the world, there is some moment in the cycle of the year when everyone is supposed to stop, remember how great it is to be part of a community, and celebrate the abundance of connections, friends, and family that we enjoy.
I hope you and your friends and families have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday if you celebrate it, and that everyone has a restful three-day weekend.
Warmly,
Greg Clinton
Head of School
November Long Weekend | November 28–30
Please note that campus and all facilities are closed on Friday, November 28.
Campus will be open on Saturday & Sunday, November 29 & 30.
Please note that the swimming pool is closed for maintenance on Sunday, November 30.
💡Expert Tip: Did you know you can add AISC events directly to your personal calendar? Click “Subscribe” at the top of this calendar to sync Elementary, Middle, or High School events with iCal, Google Calendar, or the calendar app you use every day.
Additional Information
Christmas Fair at the Alliance Française | Saturday, November 29 | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Several AISC parents from our French community are helping host this year’s Christmas Fair, a festive day of artisan stalls, workshops, student performances, and seasonal treats. Free entry — all are welcome!
Where: Alliance Francaise of Madras
When: Saturday, November 29 | 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
For questions, message Céline Sabatier (+91 93425 93172).
PCA Meeting | Transitions Care | December 1
Being part of an international community brings both joys and challenges. At this time of year, we find ourselves preparing to say goodbye to some of our families while also looking forward to welcoming a new cohort who will join us in January. This cycle of transition is a natural part of life in our international school community, impacting both students and staff—whether we are the ones leaving or staying.
This session will be facilitated by our expert counseling team, who deeply understand the intricacies of globally mobile international communities and the emotions that come with transitions.
When: Monday, December 1, 2:00–3:00 p.m.
Where: Madras Hall
We encourage families who are leaving AISC to attend this session, where they will find valuable information and support to help navigate the transition smoothly.
We are offering a hybrid format for parents who are unable to join in person.
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 937 3200 2577
Passcode: 161607
Save the Date | The Art Collective | 3rd Edition | Opening on December 4
The IBDP Visual Art students are pleased to announce the third edition of The Art Collective (TAC), a collaborative exhibition featuring their own work and that of three traditional artists from Tamil Nadu. We invite you all to meet the artists on Thursday, December 4, at the Grand Opening and Preview.
Artists Featured:
- Mr. Esvanthiran, Chennai | Stone Sculptor
- Ms. Aamena Milwala, Chennai | Stained Glass Artist
- Mr. Anand, Pudukottai | Tanjore Painting
- Mr. K. Manikandan, Mahabalipuram | Wood Sculptor
- Mr. K. Deyivaraj, Mahabalipuram | Metal Casting
The Art Collective (TAC) is aimed at creating opportunities for our students to meet, interact, and collaborate with local artists while providing a platform for our community to engage with the Chennai arts scene. AISC Gives – Holiday Giving Boxes Coming Home Soon!
AISC Gives | Holiday Giving Boxes Coming Home Soon!
The Community Relations Team invites all AISC families to prepare a holiday gift box for a child from either the Seva Samajam Children’s Home or the Hope Foundation School.
- Next week, each family will receive one shoebox-sized, reusable container, sent home with the youngest child in the family.
- Families are asked to fill and return it to the collection tables (inside the Main Entrance and the ES Entrance) by Tuesday, December 9, 5:00 p.m. Please do not gift wrap the boxes.
- Each box will include an information guide with instructions and suggested items across four categories:
- Personal Essentials
- School Supplies
- Toys & Games
- Candy
- You can easily fill the box with items from any neighborhood shop or by ordering online (Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, etc.).
We encourage families to involve students in the shopping, packing, and wrapping—a simple way to foster giving and care.
Tree Lighting Ceremony | December 5 | 7:00 p.m. onwards | The Leela Palace
The Leela Palace Chennai warmly invites AISC families to join their Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtyard. Enjoy a festive evening of holiday cheer featuring a special performance by the AISC Choir.
To attend, please RSVP to Ms. Raichel Lydia at +91 87545 40202 or raichel.lydia@theleela.com
Parent Art Workshop Recap
Our Parent Art Workshops were a hit! From carving wood with a master sculptor to crafting stained-glass designs with vibrant color and light, parents explored new skills and creativity together. One participant shared, “A lovely and enriching experience… a fantastic way to learn in such a wonderful environment!”
NEW! | Cycling on the Track
Looking for a safe place to ride your bike? Great news—the AISC running track is now open for cycling! Students and families may bring bicycles on campus under the following conditions:
- Weekends only
- Helmets are mandatory
- Bicycles should only be used on the running track
- Elementary and Middle school students must be supervised by a parent/guardian
For more information, please contact Gemma Adderley, Athletics & Extended Learning Director (agemma@aischennai.org).
Coconut Leaf Straws Now in Use at AISC
As part of our commitment to sustainability, our Food Service Team has moved from paper straws to coconut leaf straws. These naturally fallen-leaf straws help us:
- Reduce waste and prevent the burning of discarded leaves
- Avoid tree-based materials altogether
- Use a fully biodegradable, non-toxic alternative
- Offer a stronger, safer option for our community
A small switch with a big impact for our planet!