Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas break filled with rest and quality family time. It's hard to believe that the first term has already come to an end, but we have an exciting few weeks ahead of us before the Chinese New Year break. As always, South Island School will be buzzing with numerous events from our academic, pastoral, and values-in-action curricula. It was fantastic to welcome the students back after such a long holiday.
This week, we marked the start of the Year 13 mock exams, a critical milestone for our students as they prepare for their final examinations. We understand that this can be a stressful time, not only for the students but also for their families. However, I am pleased to share that our students have been handling the pressure admirably. Our teachers and support staff are committed to providing the necessary guidance and support to ensure they are at their best during this crucial period.
In addition to the mock exams, we have several celebrations lined up next week. Stay tuned for updates in the next newsletter! One major celebration for this week relates to our alumni. I am thrilled to announce that two of our alumni have been awarded the HKAYP Gold Award. This prestigious honour highlights their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to personal growth. You can read more about this in the newsletter.
Throughout the newsletter, you will find numerous examples that showcase the strength and unity of our South Island School community. From inspiring academic achievements to acts of kindness and service, these stories exemplify the values that make SIS so special. Please take some time to read through the articles and celebrate the accomplishments of our remarkable students.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will make this term a memorable and successful one for our students.
Carolyn Andrews
Interim Principal
(1) Y9 ENGLISH SHAKESPEARE PROJECT
In English in Term 1, Year 9 stretched their analytical and creative muscles in response to Shakespeare. After completing an analytical essay, students chose to recreate Shakespeare in various forms. From baking cakes to dioramas, modern retellings and filmed extracts, Y9 students found engaging ways to explore what they had learned about the characters, themes, and narratives. I'm sure you'll agree they did a fantastic job
(2) MYP COMMUNITY PROJECT KICKOFF
It’s the beginning of Term 2, which means our Year 9 MYP Project has commenced! Ms Le introduced the Y9 MYP Community Project to our Y9 students this week. With the help of a few Y10 students, who shared their insights from their experience last year and took questions from the Year 9s during a Q&A session, the Year 9s are excited to make a difference in our community!
Thank you to the Year 10 students who spent time over their term break to prepare for their sharing. They include: Agastya Rekhi (10N1), Isaac Kwong (10K2), Alexander Yang (10N1), Charlotte Kuan (10S1), Ashlyn Mak (10C1), Chloe Chan (10B1), Ashe Agarwal (10K1), Corliss Young (10N1), Belmira Iong (10M1), Adeline Chan (10K2), Ronith Borthakur (10K2), Cayden Kan (10N1), Anabelle Tam (10B1), Emma Sien (10C1), Vedika Sreejesh (10C2), Rose Steicke (10K1), Jasper Siu (10K1), Jane Hau (10K2), Jason Chu (10N2)
(3) MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID WORKSHOP
In the early parts of the holiday break, our school social worker, Ms Kamy Yeung, led a 2-day Youth Mental Health First Aid course with 11 Year 12 students. This certificate course, from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong, equips students to not only learn more about various mental health related topics, but also to equip participants with skills to provide helpful aid for themselves and others. A few students shares about their experience with the workshop
“The workshop was really interesting and meaningful. It allowed me to understand the different levels regarding various mental health topics, and also how to provide help to others”
- Christy Cheung (12N2)
“From this course, I was able to learn a multitude of disorders and problems people can suffer from, for example, anorexia nervosa, different kinds of anxiety disorders, self-harm, and so much more. This course made me see that the mental state of a person is much more serious when a person has a problem and that it cannot be ignored or overcome so easily. It requires a lot more than just “getting over it” to help a person recover.”
- Jayden Lee (12N2)
“[Through the workshop], I learned how to navigate complex scenarios and deal with difficult situations using challenging mental health scenarios. Communication skills were taught when individuals' mental and physical health were at stake. It was impactful as it allowed me to practise to ensure I could provide the best assistance should I ever face similar circumstances. My mindset has completely changed regarding these types of situations. You must have more patience and empathy for individuals as no one can fully comprehend an individual’s struggles.”
- Isla Grieve (12C1)
Earlier in Term 1, Ms Kamy also led the same training course with 10 Year 12 students.
Always exciting to see our students equip themselves to make a difference!
(4) START OF TERM ASSEMBLIES
We started the new term with year group assemblies across Years 7 - Year 12. Ms Purves and Ms Nicholas spoke to our students on the theme of our Common Humanity. As an international school amid so much global conflict, we must remember to be inclusive and respectful of everyone in our wonderfully diverse school community. Ms Purves, Ms Nicholas, Ms Beaumont, and Mr Lewis focused specifically on educating our students about the harms that come from the use of offensive language. This sent out a powerful message to our community that we are a stronger school when we are respectful and inclusive to all in our community.
(5) YEAR 11 RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUAL EDUCATION (RSE)
Continuing on the theme of creating an inclusive school community, our Year 11 students had their RSE (Relationship & Sexuality Education) Morning today. Such sessions are designed to ensure our students make well informed and safe choices. The focused morning gives our students the space to learn in-depth and ask questions about a range of sensitive topics in a comfortable environment. Mr To and Ms Purves began the day with an assembly on the social aspects of gender roles and important information about sexual harassment. Afterwards, students participated in different interactive activities led by South Island teachers to learn more about sexually transmitted infections, contraception and the importance of consent.
“This morning’s session is important and informative. By equipping us with essential knowledge about relationships and sexuality, it prevents unintended consequences due to misunderstanding or lack of knowledge.” - Matthew Leung (11C2).
“It gives us a chance to learn about what keeps us safe, so when you actually have to use it in life, it won’t be surprising.” - Hal Bayne (11S2).
“This morning’s RSE session equips us with the knowledge that can help prevent any irreversible consequences.” - Isley Lu (11N2)
(6) HONG KONG AWARD FOR YOUNG PEOPLE GOLD AWARD CEREMONY
With Chief Executive John Lee presenting the awards to recipients, Victor and Ivan earned this prestigious honour by:
During the ceremony, Ivan shared his experience regarding his camping expedition to China and was given the honour of lighting the eco-friendly Christmas tree.
Great job to our alumni Ivan and Victor!
(1) CASA MaD WEEK
Casa Mad Week is next week! This year, our focus will be on promoting INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY. We have an exciting lineup of activities planned with loads of prizes:
We’re excited to see you all at Casa MaD Week!
(2) INTERNATIONAL EVENING
The annual SIS INTERNATIONAL EVENING will be held on Thursday, January 25th, 2024!
International Evening is an annual student-led charity event in South Island School celebrating the wonderful cultural diversity of our community. Over the 15+ years this event has taken place, we have seen and showcased so much talent and diversity within our school community.
This year's theme is "MYRIAD", celebrating the vast diversity of cultures that make up South Island School. Look forward to a variety of student performances, fun and interactive game booths (with exciting prizes), and a night you won’t want to miss!
All our proceeds from the event will be donated to the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong (ADAHK). This organisation promotes equal opportunities and inclusivity for people with disabilities in Hong Kong's artistic field. We will also get a chance to see a performance by an ADAHK youth artist on the night!
Tickets will go on sale next week! Stay tuned!
(3) TEDXSIS - REQUEST FOR SPEAKERS
SIS Parents and Guardians, the Head Team for TEDxTSIS 2024, an official TED-affiliated event, is looking for speakers from our SIS Community!
TEDxTSIS aims to bring together a diverse group of individuals from within and outside our school community to deliver speeches that encompass a wide range of subjects - to foster learning, inspiration and wonder - and to provoke conversations that matter.
This year's theme for our event is “The World Ahead”, which we have defined as “a look at the challenges and obstacles of the ever-changing future”. We are calling on the greater South Island School community to contact us if you are a parent, guardian, or anyone with a story to tell and are interested in sharing and becoming an external speaker. It can be anything you are passionate about - whether it revolves around an academic subject or a personal story worth telling.
Please contact the head organisers of TEDxTSIS, Tisya Gupta (guptat1@webmail.sis.edu.hk) and Paul-Antoine Jolly (jolypa1@webmail.sis.edu.hk) if you are interested or want more information.
(4) PTA - DIMSUM MORNING
**On behalf of the SIS-PTA**
We are excited to host our first DimSum Morning of the year on Tuesday 23 January 2024 from 9:00 to 10:15 am at the SIS Atrium for parents of students in Years 8, 9 and 10. The session will explore the topic of positive parenting and screen time regulation. Our experienced school counsellor, Kate Tse, will lead this informative session.
During the session, Kate will share valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate screen time challenges and promote positive parenting in the digital age. Additionally, we are providing a Q&A segment, aiming to address specific concerns and provide tailored guidance to support your child's journey.
We will host sessions for other Year Groups throughout the year, so please stay tuned!
If you would like to join the session, please sign up using this GOOGLE FORM.
(5) MUSIC MORNINGS
By popular demand, Music Mornings is back! Whether it is calming piano melodies in the morning or dramatic crescendos during break and lunch, students are welcome to share their piano skills in the Foyer! If the piano is not your instrument of choice, contact Mr Crichton; he can set you up with the equipment you need to share your musical talent with the school! Happy playing!
(6) SCHOOL HOURS UPDATE - 2 FEBRUARY
On Friday February 2, South Island School will host the ESF University Fair. To ensure sufficient time for presenters to set up, there will be no Extended Tutor Time on that day, and school will end at 12:25 pm after the last lesson. School buses will leave at 12:45 pm (30 minutes earlier than usual). Inter-house activities will be rescheduled to another day. After-school activities will continue to run, and Friday afternoon activities buses will leave at their regular time (3:00 pm). Please ensure you make the necessary arrangements for student pickups on that day.
CAFE & REFECTORY RE-MODEL
Students and teachers were in for a huge surprise when they came back on campus this week, as over the break, the catering areas underwent a completely fresh redesign.
Cafe 50 has been fitted with an updated design, giving it a rustic coffeehouse feel.
A fresh set of re-designed graphics and themes were applied in the Atrium and Refectory with new signage!
In the Refectory, a new layout of the different stations was implemented, and a new and efficient queuing process was implemented. A new MTR-inspired floor graphic, designed by Ms Cook, in the Refectory adds a bit of South Island School warmth as students go through the queue.
Reupholstered outdoor stools in the Refectory patio give students another comfortable outdoor space to enjoy lunch.
The Staff and Students have been excited about the new design and upgrades. They find them to be fresh and energising to the space.
(1) RAPHAEL MAK - 29ER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Early last month, Raphael Mak (10M1) took to the seas and competed in the 29er National Championships at the Hong Kong Southside Regatta. With Raphael at the helm, he and his partner Louis took 3rd place overall, 1st in U16, and 2nd in Male/Mix divisions. Great job Raphael!
(2) ABIGAIL LAU - WOMEN’S FOIL JUNIOR WORLD CUP
Congratulations to the Hong Kong Junior Women’s Foil team and Abigail Lau (12N2) for their silver finish at last month’s Women’s Foil Junior World Cup held in Bangkok, Thailand. Once again representing Hong Kong on the international stage, the Year 12 student was instrumental in the team’s victories in the tournament, including an exciting 1-point upset against the world number 1 United States Junior Women’s team in the Quarterfinals!
Great job ladies!
(3) JASON CHU - ASIA OCEANIC JUNIORS AND MASTERS ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congrats to Jason Chu (10N2), who recently competed for the U20 Hong Kong Ultimate Frisbee National Team at the Asia Oceanic Juniors and Masters Ultimate Championships in Malaysia over the Christmas holiday. The standard at the championship tournament was very high, and the team won the "Best Team Spirit" award in the Junior Division. What a fantastic learning experience for Jason. Well done!
(4) ANDREA LAM - PICASSO INTERNATIONAL YOUTH ART COMPETITION
Year 11 student Andrea Lam (11K1) was awarded Champion in the junior division at the Picasso International Youth Art Competition. Inspired by the belief that “everyone has two faces that they wear throughout their life,” Andrea creates a dramatically contrasting piece through the use of dark and light colour tones and patterns.
Andrea shares, “Winning this competition fills me with immense joy and a deep sense of accomplishment….Reflecting on my journey, I realised that persistence, a valuable lesson learned at SIS, plays a crucial role in my success as I encountered various challenges in the course of my work. I also had to persevere through these challenges, pushing through moments of self-doubt and frustration, refining my techniques, and exploring new possibilities.”
Amazing work Andrea! Looking forward to your next creation!
(1) U14 BOYS BASKETBALL - by Captain Aidan Fu
In their last match before term break, fresh off their first win of the season the previous week, the U14 Stingrays were focused going into their game against GSIS. Though SIS were down almost immediately, with GSIS scoring right off the tip, the South Island boys were able to battle back in the first quarter. The team heated up quickly, and the team got into a nice flow on offence with pinpoint passing, finding open players all over the court. The defence played great inside and outside, with blocks in the low post and great on ball defence on the wings. South Island eventually took the lead early in the second half before breaking the game wide-open with great defence, leading to easy offence. The Stingrays took their second win of the season as they cruised to victory with the final score of 48 - 29. The boys look to continue their winning streak in a match against Delia School next Tuesday as they wrap up group play at home.
(2) U12 BOYS BASKETBALL - by Coach Darin Slethaug
The U12 boys' basketball team has now won two in a row with a hard-fought battle against West Island School. Down by 2 points to start the fourth quarter, the boys came back and won 21-18. This was a nice victory as WIS had previously defeated SIS the first time a few weeks ago. We hope the winning streak continues.
(3) U12 GIRLS BASKETBALL - by Coach Martin Pate
The U12 Girls basketball team finished their ISSFHK league campaign undefeated with a convincing 23-17 victory against the CAIS Lions. Travelling to the Lion’s Den, the Lady Stingrays performed with grit and determination. Special mention goes to Penelope Wilde, whose tenacious defence stifled the Lions’ top player, and Natalie Huang, who was again excellent leading the offence, getting buckets through drives and from beyond the arc. With a 5 - 0 record, the SIS girls locked up the top seed in the group and will now prepare for the playoffs as they wait for the rest of the table to play out.
(4) U16 GIRLS BASKETBALL - by Captain Viera Yip
In the second game of the SIS v CAIS doubleheader, the U16 girls fended off the Lions and swept the season series against CAIS with a 21 - 14 victory in the Lion’s Den. The U16 Lady Stingrays looked fresh and focused after the holiday break, with great energy and communication throughout the game. A tight game after 3 quarters, the U16 girls, with crisp passes finding open players and great off-ball movement, stayed strong through the entire game, eventually pulling away from the Lions and securing the win. Game MVP goes to Sophie Chan, whose all-around offence and defence effort contributed greatly to the victory. The U16 girls have a chance to finish group play with a 0.500 record as they take on ESF rivals West Island next week. Great effort girls, keep it up.
(5) U20 BOYS BASKETBALL
With many Year 13 players unavailable due to exams, a shorthanded U20 boys team took on ESF rivals West Island School this past Thursday. Despite being without close to 10 players, the Stingrays still managed to put up their highest scoring output of the season with a 52-point effort. Fatigue played a huge role, and the U20 boys also gave up the most points they had this season in the 52 - 73 defeat. Despite being short-handed and seeing the gap widen throughout the game, the U20 boys gave great effort from tip-off to the final buzzer. Way to battle boys!
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Please access the latest school calendar HERE
—
If your child has a particular highlight or achievement you would like to share with the community, please email a short description and photo to ebulletin@sis.edu.hk