- Whole School
For many parents, nothing matters more than knowing their child is safe, supported, and cared for throughout the school day. At Hangzhou International School (HIS), student safety is not viewed as a single policy or procedure. It is a proactive, schoolwide commitment that influences everything from campus design and transportation to staff training and emergency preparedness.
One of the most visible aspects of this commitment is our regular emergency preparedness program. Throughout the school year, students and staff participate in fire drills, evacuation drills, and lockdown drills designed to ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do in the event of an emergency. These exercises help build confidence, reduce anxiety, and create familiar routines that allow for calm, orderly responses when every second matters.
Preparedness, however, extends far beyond drills. Every year, more than 150 HIS faculty and staff members complete First Aid, CPR, and AED certification training as part of our professional development program. In a unique example of community expertise, many of these sessions were led by trained HIS staff members themselves after completing instructor certification. The goal is simple: ensure that adults across campus have the skills and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency situation.
Safety is also central to our aquatics program. HIS is proud to serve as an International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) Training Center, providing ongoing professional development in water safety, rescue procedures, first aid, and emergency response. Our aquatics team recently passed an advanced facility safety audit conducted by international organisation Ellis & Associates, with auditors highlighting the team’s professionalism, rescue readiness, teamwork, and ability to respond effectively during simulated emergencies.
At our campus entrances for both the main building and ECE, security has been enhanced this year through the use of facial recognition access technology, helping ensure that everyone entering campus can be identified efficiently and accurately. This technology is supported by highly trained security personnel who monitor campus activity, manage visitor access, and help maintain a safe environment throughout the day.
Student transportation is another important part of our safety framework. Every HIS school bus is supported by a dedicated bus monitor who assists students, oversees behavior, and ensures that safety procedures are followed during each journey.
Beyond these systems, safety considerations are embedded into everyday decision-making at HIS. From child protection programs and trained response teams to carefully supervised playground improvements, traffic management procedures, and ongoing facility audits, we continually review and strengthen the measures that protect our community.
Creating a safe school requires constant attention, investment, and vigilance. At HIS, we believe that when students feel secure, they are free to learn, explore, take risks in their learning, and thrive.
Our commitment to safety is not something that happens behind the scenes. It is a visible and essential part of our promise to every family who entrusts us with their children each day.
