When the school year is in full swing and the days are busy, gestures of appreciation can make all the difference, like finding coffee and pastries waiting for you on a Monday morning. That’s the kind of thinking behind the Sunshine Committee, a new staff initiative at BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan this year.
Made up of staff who love bringing people together, the committee has found creative ways to celebrate their school community, from surprise treats during the workday to theater trips, holiday parties, and a tropical-themed end-of-year gathering.
We spoke with ECE teacher and committee member Hattie Gordon about what the committee has been up to and what it means to be part of it.
What made you want to get involved with the Sunshine Committee?
I enjoy organizing events and was already organizing trips to the theater in our staff social group chat. Joining the Sunshine Committee seemed like a natural progression when it was being started earlier this year. I could continue to organize events, but with the added benefit of a budget and more available resources. I liked the idea of boosting staff morale when needed, even if that just meant ensuring everyone had a coffee and a pastry on a Monday morning.
What kinds of activities and events did the committee organize this year?
We have tried to offer a real variety of activities. During working hours, staff have been treated to coffees and treats, and we have transformed some meeting times into something a little more special, like an ice-cream stall, a dumpling-making workshop, and a tropical summer social to close out the year. Outside of work, we have organized trips to the theatre, Halloween and Christmas parties, and we even have a fitness club that meets every week in the staff gym. We have tried to make sure there is something that appeals to everyone!
How does the committee decide what events and activities to put on?
We asked faculty for input on events and spoke with them to encourage them to send ideas to us at any time. We also spoke with faculty throughout the semester in more casual settings to get a sense of what would be most appreciated. For example, sometimes people are too busy to want to attend events, so we try to do things during meeting times or simply buy everyone a coffee!
What have you enjoyed most about being part of the committee?
I’ve most enjoyed it for the creative outlet. The other members of the committee are a joy to work with and lots of fun, which makes meetings enjoyable and means that putting on events or treats is genuinely enjoyable for us to organize and for staff to enjoy.
What is the biggest benefit of the Sunshine Committee?
Most definitely, it is how it brings our staff together. We see each other in passing throughout the day, but we may rarely get to spend real time with some members of staff. The Sunshine Committee allows staff to get together as a whole group in a more relaxed setting, without always requiring evenings or weekends, which can sometimes restrict staff due to commitments outside of work. Being able to occasionally turn meeting times into something more fun gives everyone social time together without taking away from important personal time. Even when simply buying staff a coffee or a treat during the workday, we can see the pick-me-up effect it has, and hopefully, this helps everyone feel that much more seen and appreciated.
Hattie Gordon
ECE Teacher
BASIS Bilingual Kindergarten Nanshan
Conclusion
Teaching abroad is about more than discovering a new country. It’s about finding a community where you’re supported, valued, and encouraged to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Initiatives like the Sunshine Committees reflect the culture at BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, where meaningful connections, shared experiences, and everyday acts of appreciation help create an environment where educators can do their best work. If you’re looking for an international teaching career where people matter as much as professional growth, BASIS International & Bilingual Schools offers both.
For more information on teaching with BASIS International & Bilingual Schools, visit our careers website.
