Dear Parents and Guardians,
Just when I thought I could not enjoy South Island School any more than I already do, I experienced a week that filled me with such admiration to be part of such a fantastic learning community.
Firstly, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Year 6 students to our school for the highly anticipated "secondary school taster days." These special days are designed to boost their confidence and build excitement as they prepare for the next academic year. The enthusiasm and energy they brought with them were infectious!
In addition to our Year 6 transition event, we had the privilege of hosting representatives from the Hong Kong Education Bureau (EDB). They visited our school to learn more about our outstanding educational programs and experience the unique qualities of an international school. It was a proud moment for all of us as every person the representatives met left a lasting impression with their warmth and unwavering commitment to our children's education.
On top of these events, our regular schedule continued, allowing our staff and students to make a positive difference in our community. From engaging in vertical tutoring to the silver HKAYP expedition, our school remains dedicated to creating a better world.
We also want to celebrate you, our parent community. We hosted our annual options evening for Years 9 and 11 last night, and the turnout was fantastic. Having such a strong school-home partnership is very important for our children, and the support they received tonight was extra special. I am continually inspired by the passion and determination demonstrated by our community.
To conclude, I am excited to share that we are making steady progress towards the start of building the new annex. This expansion project is a significant milestone in providing additional opportunities for our children. Rest assured that I will keep the community well-informed as the project progresses. The future holds great promise, and I am genuinely excited about the possibilities it brings for our children.
As always, please feel free to reach out to me or any member of our staff if you have any questions, concerns, or ideas. Your feedback is highly appreciated, and we value your active involvement in our school community.
Thank you for being an integral part of our school's journey. Together, we will continue to create an extraordinary educational experience for our children.
Carolyn Andrews
Interim Principal
(1) Y6 TASTER DAYS
This past week, we hosted Y6 students, future South Islanders, from Bradbury School and Quarry Bay School, and students from various Hong Kong schools. They had two full days of fun, collaborative lessons in various subjects, including English, Maths, Science, Spanish/French, Creative Arts, Individuals and Society, and Global Thinking.
Additionally, Year 6 students got a chance to meet and learn from some of the teachers who will guide them for the next 7 years and also explore our little school on the hill. We look forward to seeing them again on transition day later this year!
Thank you to the Y8 Prefects, who guided our Y6 guests from class to class and offered support during the taster lesson, and to the Bauhinia Prefects, who welcomed our Y6 students during the assembly.
(2) CASA MaD WEEK
This week, Casa House held its MaD Awareness Week to promote INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY. Throughout the week during tutor time, students learned more about disability inclusivity. On Monday, students had a chance to learn to read and write their own messages in braille. Students were also challenged at the origami station to fold various animals and objects with one hand. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Family Bauhinia students were treated to a showing of the film Wonder.
It was the Casa Paralympics in the Sports Hall on Thursday as students participated in modified activities such as a blindfolded obstacle course, a monocular blind bean bag toss, one-handed basketball and a one-legged shuttle run. We wrapped up the week with a Kahoot! during Extended Tutor time to review about the week’s events and information on disability inclusion and the importance of creating an inclusive space for the disabled community. We look forward to our students taking positive steps to make our community an inclusive and diverse space for all!
(3) Y9 & Y11 OPTIONS EVENING
Though we are not even halfway through the school year, the planning for next year begins now! Last night, over 400 parents and Year 9 & Year 11 students had a chance to chat with teachers and students about the many options available next school year. With different options available in (i)GCSE and IB, this can be a stressful decision for students and parents. With the help of our teachers and students, we aim to provide as much information to our SIS families, giving them a chance to make the most informed decision.
We have changed the format based on feedback from last year. To ensure we are offering the best possible event for our community, please take a few minutes to complete the Google Form HERE.
(4) HORTICULTURE GROUP GARDENING
After a successful Term 1 growing and selling herbs and spices, our Horticulture group has begun growing tomato plants in the 5F Atrium Garden. Led by Mr Melson, the students refortified the rapidly growing tomato plants with bamboo, zip ties and rope. Through their weekly garden time, our students have learned the cultivation process, responsibility, and persistence as they take time out during their lunch and break to tend to it. Our Horticulture group and Y10 Enrichment students tend to our Atrium Garden.
We can’t wait to see these tomatoes ripen!
(5) PETER GASPAR - ENDURING AND OVERCOMING THE HORRORS OF THE HOLOCAUST
This morning, South Island School had the privilege and honour to host Mr Peter Gaspar, who shared his testimony on enduring and overcoming the horrors of the Holocaust. Over 350 of our students attended to listen to Peter’s story. Born in Czechoslovakia in 1937, Peter was 5 years old when the Germans began their occupation throughout Europe. Speaking to our students, Peter shared his experience of growing up in German occupied areas, going into hiding and then being separated from his parents in Theresienstadt concentration camp. He shared with us the stories of the many different people who put their lives at risk to ensure his family were protected as they hid from the Nazis in numerous attics and cellars. The students were captivated and inspired by Peter’s testimony and, through it, learned that being an upstander and making a difference may be hard and take great courage at times, but the impact it leaves on others can be life-changing.
Peter is hosted by the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre. He is in Hong Kong to speak at the UN Holocaust Memorial Day Ceremony next week.
(1) INTERNATIONAL EVENING
The annual SIS INTERNATIONAL EVENING will be held on Thursday, January 25th, 2024!
International Evening is a yearly 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 see a performance by an ADAHK youth artist on the night!
Tickets are on sale NOW! Click HERE to purchase!
(2) 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.
(3) 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. After her talk, Kate will open the floor for a Q&A segment, aiming to address specific concerns and provide tailored guidance to support your child's journey.
Additionally, after this session with Kate, we will hold a separate Q&A regarding any specific questions about the academic options for Years 8 and 9 that we could then share with the teachers.
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.
(4) 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.
(5) SWIMMING CAP PICKUP - [FINAL CALL]
If you ordered the new ESF/SIS Swim Cap during our pre-order period last term, please have your child pick them up by 26 January. Any remaining unclaimed swim caps will be donated to the PE department.
(6) IB EVALUATION - 29 TO 31 JANUARY
South Island School will soon welcome representatives from the IB for our Programme Evaluation. This evaluation process is to ensure the education we offer at South Island School is the best it can be and fulfils the IB mission to "develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Over the past year, South Island has diligently collected documentation to ensure we meet IB requirements and held numerous self-study sessions where we evaluate ourselves on IB's Programme Standards and Practices.
This process culminates in the Evaluation Visit, which will be taking place from 29 to 31 January. A team of IB evaluators will hold remote meetings with various stakeholders, focusing on our efforts to develop as a school. Thank you to all the Y7 - Y9 parents and Y12 - Y13 parents who have graciously volunteered their time for the parent interview portion of the review and your input in this will be important as we seek the stamp of approval from IB. We look forward to celebrating with you all when the evaluation process is complete.
(1) SONYA WONG - HSBC JUNIOR ORDER OF MERIT
Congratulations to Sonya Wong (7S2) for being awarded the HSBC Junior Order of Merit (Age 9 - 10) by the Golf Association Hong Kong, China. This annual award is given to each age group's top amateur golfer in Hong Kong. Sonya won the award by sweeping the 2022 - 2023 tournaments, taking home all 5 eligible championships this season. To wrap up an amazing 2023, Sonya even got her first hole-in-one at a recent tournament.
Amazing job Sonya! We look forward to seeing you continue developing your game on the course!
(2) MICHELLE WONG - HONG KONG JUNIOR NATIONAL TEAM
In other golf news, Michelle Wong (12N2) has been selected for the Hong Kong Junior National Team!
After a whirlwind finish in 2023, playing in 7 tournaments in the past couple of months with multiple top 10 finishes, the Golf Association Hong Kong, China has selected Michelle to represent Hong Kong in International Tournaments. As a national team member, Michelle will now be supported by the GAHKC as she continues to compete on the links.
As a recognised Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AEFC) by the World Academy of Sports, our students are given every opportunity to pursue their athletics goals. They work incredibly hard both in and out of the classroom and are well supported by our staff at South Island School, allowing them to make a difference not just in our school but out on the field.
Well done Michelle! Your commitment and hard work to both school and golf is admirable!
(3) CAMERON LEE - OPERA HONG KONG CHILDREN CHORUS PRESENTS, PETER PAN JR
Bravo! Cameron Lee (09N1) recently performed as Captain Hook in Opera Hong Kong Children's Chorus' production of Peter Pan Jr in the Shouson Theatre of the Hong Kong Arts Centre. Taking on the role of the famed antagonist in this musical based on the J.M. Barrie classic, Cameron had an outstanding experience. He was recognized for his comedic portrayal with an award for Outstanding Performance.
Great job Cameron! Looking forward to the next time you take the stage.
(1) U14 GIRLS BASKETBALL - by Coach Nat Webster
A huge well done to the U14 Girls’ Basketball team who have just finished their season with a closely fought game against GSIS. GSIS took an early lead with three quick baskets. However once SIS found their rhythm, a run of points followed thanks to excellent defence turning over to fast break offence. The girls went into the final period with a 6 point lead. Unfortunately a series of fouls saw the girls in team foul trouble with 4 minutes remaining on the clock. GSIS went on to score a couple of baskets in open play and then stepped up to the line with 20 seconds on the clock. They scored the first but missed the second free throw allowing SIS to gain possession and run the clock down. The game finished 14 – 14. A special mention goes to Coach Jade who injured her ankle earlier in the day but still attended the game. Jade offered some excellent advice to the team throughout the game. Impressive insight from such a young player. The girls have improved hugely over the course of the season and should be extremely proud of how far they’ve come. We’ll continue to train and play friendly matches ready for our season next year. Well done girls!
(2) U12 BOYS BASKETBALL - by Coach Darin Slethaug
The U12 boys basketball team played a hard fought game with the league leaders, Victoria Shanghai Academy. The SIS boys came out swinging and quickly jumped out to a 5 point lead. We knew that the first placed VSA would eventually make a run and they did. VSA eventually took the lead with their height advantage. SIS made a final run to cut their lead to 5 points. But the SIS boys could not sustain the comeback and the final score resulted in a 38-27 loss. However SIS secured 3rd place with our league play and will play WIS in the semifinals.
(3) U16 GIRLS BASKETBALL
It was the season finale for the U16 girls this past Wednesday as they took on ESF rivals West Island School at home. WIS took the lead with a quick transition basket right from the tip. The Lady Stingrays looked sluggish in the first quarter as they were quickly down 8 - 2 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, South’s lock down defence led the way, generating turnovers and leading to quick transition baskets. The South girls were able to trim the lead down to 2 points as they headed into halftime. The Lady Stingrays tied the game right away in the opening possession of the second half, however both teams struggled to score the rest of the quarter and they head into the final period tied 15 - 15. The SIS girls took over early in the fourth quarter with a 10 - 2 run that gave them the separation they needed. Stifling defence both on the wings and in the post led to easy transition baskets and great fight and energy got the girls multiple second chances on offence.
South Island School avenged their earlier loss against this West Island team with a 27 - 19 victory and finished the season at 0.500 with a 3 - 3 record.
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
Please access the latest school calendar HERE
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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