The CAIS Podcast

In this insightful episode, join our CAIS podcast hosts as they sit down with Mr. Ranto and three of our talented MYP mathletes to unpack their journey in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC). Hear firsthand how our students tackled tough problems, developed strategies to persevere, and discovered the value of embracing challenge. Mr. Ranto shares the teacher’s perspective on why competitions build resilience, curiosity, and growth—highlighting his belief that “mistakes allow thinking to happen.” Whether you love math or are just curious about how challenges shape learning, this conversation is full of relatable stories and practical inspiration for anyone looking to grow through a challenge.

Guests: Natasha MYP4, Cindy DP1, Eric MYP MYP5, and Mr. Ranto.

Host: Mimi MYP2

Editor: Eric MYP5 and Mimi MYP2

Teacher Supervisor: Ms. Marie

Podcast Episode Description:

Join student hosts Mimi and newcomer Eric for a special interview with Mr. Robert, the Principal of Deutsche Internationale Schule Changchun (DISC)! In this warm and insightful conversation, learn what makes our German Section unique, the exciting plans to better connect DISC and CAIS students, and how Mr. Robert's journey from Austria to Changchun has shaped his vision for education. Hear personal stories and discover the welcoming, community-focused leader behind one of our school's vibrant sections.

Topics include:

• The unique role and curriculum of the DISC German Section
• Mr. Robert's unexpected path to education—from aspiring professional football player to inspired educator
• His teaching philosophy balancing academic and social skills
• What he enjoys most about our international school community
• Personal advice on embracing curiosity, trying new things, and finding one's personality/ identity.

Tune in for a genuine chat about connection, growth, and what makes our international community so special.

Hosts: Mimi MYP2, Eric MYP5

Guest: Robert Moser, DISC Principal

Editors: Mimi MYP2, Eric MYP5

#CAISPodcast #DISCGermanSection #InternationalEducation

Join hosts Lucia and Leo for a special conversation with Ms. Joyce, Principal of TCFLS! In this episode, they explore her daily work, inspirations, and vision for the school's future, celebrating the dedicated educators who help our community grow and thrive.

🎧 Listen for stories, insights, and a look behind the scenes at TCFLS!

Guest: Ms. Joyce Ju

Hosts: Lucia and Leo

Editors: Leo and Riley

In this episode, our hosts Mimi and Lucia sit down with Ms. Kristy, CAIS DP Coordinator and University Counselor, to explore what sets the IB Diploma Programme apart, the challenges and rewards students experience, and how MYP learners can start building the skills and habits that lead to success in DP.

Guest: Ms Kristy Goodman

Hosts: Mimi MYP2 and Lucia MYP1

Sound Engineer: Mimi MYP2

To kick off Season 2 of The CAIS Podcast, our students hosts sit down with the newly elected members of the Primary Student Council. Tune in to hear how they felt when they were chosen, what leadership means to them, and their ideas for making CAIS an even better place for everyone.

Guests: Avery PYP4, Georg PYP4, Mathieu PYP5, and Sven PYP5

Hosts: Mimi MYP2 and Lucia MYP1

Sound Engineers: Riley MYP1, Mimi MYP2, and Lucia MYP1

Join us for a special season finale as we sit down with Mr. Mark Andrews (Secondary Principal) and Mr. Jason Hayes (Elementary Principal) for a heartfelt and fun reflection on the school year. Like the best school assemblies, this episode balances laughs, a few surprises, and plenty of proud principal moments. #CAISPodcast #SeasonFinale

Host: Mimi (MYP1)

Editor: Marco (MYP1)

Join us as we sit down with Mr. David Watts, Head of Early Years, and Ms. Zaura Nuñez, Nursery Teacher, to uncover what makes CAIS's Early Years program so special for our youngest learners.

In this episode, you'll discover:
🎈How play-based learning builds skills while honoring each child's unique journey.
🔍 A Day in Nursery - Why every moment of "just playing" is packed with intentional learning 
📆 Preparing for PYP - How playful inquiry lays the foundation for future IB success 
🎨  What Makes Us Unique - From art-inspired hallways to celebrating the "100 Languages of Children" 

Perfect for:
• Parents curious about Early Years at CAIS
• Educators passionate about play-based learning
• Anyone who loves hearing how little minds grow!

#CAISPodcast #EarlyYears #PlayMatters #IBPYP

As our MYP5 students prepare to present their Personal Projects next week, we go behind the scenes with Mr. John, our MYP Coordinator, and Minnie, an MYP5 student, for an inside look at one of the most meaningful experiences in the IB Middle Years Programme.

In this episode, you'll discover:

🔍 Why the Personal Project is about growth, not just the final product
🎤 Mr. John's unexpected journey from aspiring biologist to passionate educator
📆 How students balance passion with academics while developing crucial life skills
💡 Minnie's firsthand experience and how the project increased her self-awareness and confidence

Perfect for:
• MYP students preparing for their Personal Projects
• Parents curious about this IB milestone
• Educators interested in student-led learning

🎙️ Host: Marco (Grade 6) , Editor: Mimi (Grade 6)

Guests: Mr. John Salgado and Minnie (MYP5 student)

Join Mimi, our MYP1 student host, as she sits down with Mr. Michael Rylance, CAIS's beloved PYP Coordinator and 10-year veteran educator, for an insightful look at what makes the PYP program - and especially the famous Grade 5 Exhibition - so special at our school.

In this episode, you'll discover:
🎤 Mr. Michael's unexpected journey from a one-year English teacher to decade-long MYP teacher and PYP leader at CAIS
🔍 What makes PYP unique - six-week inquiry units where student voice drives learning
💡 Behind-the-scenes of the PYP Exhibition - how students turn passions into meaningful projects
🍖 Teacher secrets revealed (yes, there are staff BBQs students don't know about!)

Perfect for:
• Current PYP students curious about the Exhibition
• Parents wanting to understand our inquiry-based approach
• Anyone who loves hearing how great teachers think!

🎧 Listen now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts!
#CAISPodcast #PYPExhibition #InquiryBasedLearning #StudentVoice

Host: Mimi (Grade 6)

Editor: Marco (Grade 6)

Guests: Mr. Michael Rylance (PYP Coordinator)

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ms. Natalie (School Counselor) and Ms. Catalina (Learning Support Specialist) as they share how they help CAIS students thrive—both emotionally and academically.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
💡 How the support team works together to address students’ holistic needs
🧠 Practical strategies for managing stress, schoolwork, and friendships
🔒 Why counseling is a safe, confidential space (and how to access it)
📚 Real success stories of students who overcame challenges

Plus, hear their simple but powerful message to hesitant students: "Just ask—we’re here for you!"

Perfect for: Students, parents, and educators who want to understand CAIS’s supportive learning environment.

Host: Mimi (Grade 6) Editor: Marco (Grade 6) Guests: Natalie Hewitt and Catalina Wilches