At the heart of the Copenhagen International School (CIS) community is the CIS Parent Teacher Association. Sharon Cunningham, the dedicated PTA Chair and Transitions Lead shares some of the work of this tireless group, exemplifying collaboration, empathy, and global citizenship that define the school. Sharon’s role is deeply personal, drawing on her own experiences as a newcomer to Denmark. This perspective fuels her passion for creating a welcoming environment for all families.
The PTA at CIS was established as a structured and collaborative group, designed to give parents a voice and a role in shaping school life. Its formal constitution ensures continuity and clarity, while its democratic structure, led by an executive committee, invites active participation from all parents. This solid foundation enables the PTA to work hand-in-hand with school leadership, aligning its efforts with the school’s vision and mission to empower students as active global citizens.
The structure of the PTA is critical for long-term success. With clearly defined roles and rotating responsibilities, the organization remains dynamic yet stable, able to support school initiatives and advocate for the community effectively.
“This makes it very manageable and very comfortable. Whether it’s about understanding how the coffee machine works, setting up a parent social event organising communications on Instagram, each of the roles are very different and very specialized, and very much a team effort. It takes a large and dedicated team of parents donating their time, enthusiasm and expertise to bring our organization together. We are incredibly lucky to have such an engaged and generous parent community at CIS,” explains Sharon.
The collaboration between the PTA and the school administration fosters mutual respect, ensuring that parent perspectives are heard and valued. Among its many contributions, the PTA is best known for its flagship community-building events. From the joyfully scary Halloween celebration to the festive Winter Market, from parent socials to the traditional International Festival, these events create a sense of belonging for students, parents, and staff alike. Not just social gatherings, these are carefully planned opportunities for intercultural connection and shared celebration.
Another vital function of the PTA is its role in easing transitions. As the Transitions Lead, Sharon spearheads programs that support families arriving at or leaving CIS. Orientation events, buddy systems, and information sessions help new families navigate not only the school but also life in Copenhagen. The emphasis on emotional and social support underscores CIS’s commitment to holistic education.
Coffee mornings with parents who share interests, ideas and concerns are also a success: “what works best is when there is a theme,” says Sharon. “We have a subgroup for learning support for example and this year, whilst working alongside the CIS learning support team, our PTA representatives have been hosting themed coffee mornings around dyslexia and ADHD and autism. Attendance has been great. Once again this is about building community and sense of belonging. Parents feel less alone, there is a learning support collective with all that neurodiversity brings. They are part of a group and are able to have a conversation about this, learn from each other and support each other in meaningful ways.”
In essence, the PTA at CIS is more than a parent organization: it is a cornerstone of the school’s vibrant, inclusive culture, an association that, year after year, continues to nurture a strong, connected community that embodies the values of compassion, respect, and shared responsibility.
