Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are one week away from the end of Term 2. Time certainly does fly when you are having fun! This week, I am pleased to share some highlights from recent events at South Island School that demonstrate our commitment to a well-rounded and balanced education for our children. A well-rounded education encompasses not only academic excellence but also opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and social interaction. By participating in these events, our students engage in meaningful experiences that contribute to their holistic development and help them discover new passions while having fun and making friends along the way.
A few examples of how we created the environment to engage our students this past week include our annual Easter Book Hunt in our Learning Resource Centre, fostering a love for reading, our Maths department spreading the love of mathematics and celebrating a week of Pi and our Creative Arts Faculty showcasing the exceptional talents of our students in music, film, and media. Looking ahead, our Learning Support Enterprise Team is busy preparing for the upcoming sale of handmade scented candles and home-grown herbs and plants. These are only a few examples of this past week!
As you read this edition of the newsletter, I invite you to not only read about the wonderful opportunities we offer our students but also look at the photos and see the excitement and happiness these opportunities bring.
As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership in providing the children with a comprehensive education. We are very fortunate to have such a caring and committed school community.
Have a lovely weekend.
Carolyn Andrews
Interim Principal
(1) CODE(H)ERS - by Mr Iain Williamson
With International Women’s Day last Friday, Code(h)ers took place this past Saturday 9 March at Chinese International School. The event welcomed several hundred girls from international schools all over Hong Kong as they attended a series of workshops covering all manner of coding related tasks. The atmosphere was very lively and warm as students held conversations about the future of technology, changes brought about by AI and the ethical implications of these developments, as well as robotics and the many coding languages being taught.
SIS Education Technology Coordinator, Mr Iain Williamson shares, “I sat in on a packed session led by two of our students, Sophia Yim (11M2) and Vanessa Lok (11B1). They introduced the coding language of Java and what struck me was the collaborative nature of the session, with groups of girls advising one another, showing solutions to glitches in code and intelligent questions being asked. The sense of solidarity between the girls was palpable.”
A big thank you to Mr Paul Baumgarten, the Head of Computer Science from Sha Tin College for his huge contribution to this event in supporting the organising committee which included four of our girls, including Sophia and Vanessa as well as Emily Kung (10K1) and Candice Law (10B2). A big shoutout to our attendees Aadya Garg (07N1), Bianca Iong (08M1), Emi Hayashi (10K2), Yu Xi Lin (10B2), Chloe Kwok (10N1), Hannah Kwok (09K1), Tara Lee (10M2), Cordelia Lee (10B1), Rose Steicke (10K1), Sarah Sum (08N2), Sophie Wong (07B2), who, despite the wet and dreary weather, remained through the three sessions, showing their passion for the subject and desire to connect with others with the same kindred spirit.
(2) PI WEEK
In celebration of Pi Day (3.14), the Maths Faculty put on lunchtime activities throughout this week. Kicking off with some arts and crafts, students created a Pi-Chain On Tuesday students got together for a fun Pi(e) Quiz as Ms Craig tested our students on their knowledge of Pi, Pie, and Py(thagoras). On Wednesday, students took to the Food Tech labs and made mini Banoffee Pies. On Pi Day (Thursday), the students broke out their pencils and teamed up for a lunchtime Gecko Maths competition. The school caterer, Chartwells, even joined in the celebration and offered a variety of pies for enjoyment at Cafe 50! All in all, it was a light-hearted way to celebrate maths at SIS.
Maths teacher Ms Fox shares, “The aim was to get students celebrating and talking about maths, beyond their most recent test result. It was an opportunity for all students to experience maths in a different way, and share in the joy of doing something new and different. It has been a real success and we look forward to next year!”
A big thank you to our maths faculty for the fun week of activities and to all the students who participated.
(3) BAHAY MaD WEEK
In partnership with the MaD Council, Bahay MaD Week focused on raising awareness for long-time SIS Charity partner, International Care Ministries (ICM). Resources on ICM’s work were shared with students early in the week, drawing students’ attention to ICM’s active work in providing aid and support to the ultra-poor families in the Philippines. On Wednesday, Bahay held a carnival for students, to raise funds for ICM. Students got to enjoy a bit of fun at the carnival but more importantly, became partners with ICM’s work through their purchase of game tickets. On Thursday, Bahay House hosted representatives from ICM Hong Kong, who gave us an update on the work they are currently doing at their ICM Family Academy in Bacolod, Philippines. They provided students with a VR simulation of their Transform and Family Academy programme, showing how we can support ultra-poor families and school-aged children.
“As Bahay MaD leaders, we were thrilled to have organised ICM x Bahay MaD week for the school community with a special focus of raising awareness and support for ICM. The school has been partnering with ICM for a long time and this week provided an opportunity for students to learn in depth about ICM's impactful work in providing aid and support to the ultra poor in the Philippines,” shares Bahay MaD Leaders, Mikayla Lee (12B1) and Katelyn Chui (12B1)
Thank you to Bahay House for organising and preparing this week for the community.
(3) SIS-PTA COFFEE MORNING
**On behalf of the SIS-PTA**
(4) LRC EASTER BOOK HUNT
To celebrate the upcoming Easter season and encourage reading over the term break, the Learning Resource Centre hosted its annual Easter Book Hunt!
During lunchtime this week, students were given clues and searched the LRC for designated books located throughout the library. Upon finding the book, the students can claim a treat! Books were selected from a pool of Good Reads recommendations from our Year 7 Student Library Monitors. Through such activities, our students have a fun way to learn how a library functions, explore the numerous resources available to them in the library and find new books to read!
With the help of the library monitors, student participants had loads of fun hunting for good reads and enjoyed the Easter atmosphere through fun books, special treats, and prizes
Shout out to all our Student Library Monitors – Pedro Chung (07M2), Jiwoo Kim (07M2), Rishab Aatreiya (07S1), Rina Shin (07K2), Sophie Chan (07B1), Kaydence Lee (07C1), Sophie Wong (07B2), Sarah Chen (07K1) & Ranica Kwok (07B1) – who prepared the material and took the time out of their lunch to run the event and a big thank you to Ms Ow and Mr Li for organising this fun event!
(6) CREATIVE ARTS EVENING + IBDP VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION
On Wednesday evening, our Creative Arts Faculty hosted over 100 parents, students and friends for our latest curriculum evening. Students from the Music department filled The Space with gentle melodies, while Film and Media students showcased dynamic photography and film work. The evening was filled with creative discussion and an insight into the learning involved in our Creative Art classrooms.
The Creative Arts Evening also kicked off our Year 13 IBDP Art Exhibition. Our Year 13 Visual Art students – Naomi Fok (13C1), Clarice Ho (13S2), Celine Huang (13S2), Kelly Ngai (13S1), Sophia Pyo (13B1), Max Stilgenbauer (13S1) – exhibited their final artworks developed over the past two years, a fitting wrap-up to their IBDP Visual Arts course. Showing a variety of art forms, from painting, printmaking, and textiles to sculpting, the students had the chance to showcase their work with friends and family and share the inspiration behind their creative journey.
(7) DRAGON MATHS
Last Friday, 16 Year 8 and 9 SIS students travelled to Harrow International School Hong Kong to participate in the annual Dragon Maths Competition. With over 300 students from 20 schools competing, it was a great opportunity for our young mathematicians to put their skills to the test.
Congratulations to Year 8 students Jayden Chan (08S1), Karlson Ng (08N1), Joshua Lam (08S1), and Aidan Kwan (08K1) for coming in second in the Year 8 division. Their dedication to problem-solving and teamwork was evident in their result.
We also want to give a shoutout to all SIS participants – Zoe Wang (08C1), Kyra Zhong (08N1), Zeno Cheung (08C1), Oceana Chan (08S2), Youn Cho (09C2), Lechen Li (09S1), Oscar Tao (09S2), Isaac Wong (09M1), James Chan (09M2), Asher Kwan (09B1), Vuihuo Chan (09S2), Carolyn Chang (09K1) – who represented our school with enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Experiences like Dragon Maths help develop our student’s skills in maths while also honing their soft skills. Well done to everyone involved!
(1) TERM 3 ACTIVITIES SIGN UP
With Term 2 activities in the books, it’s time to get ready for Term 3!
The Term 3 Activities will begin on 22 April and the sign-up window is currently open. Students may sign up for the activities of their choice through the VLE. Reminder, activities allocation is NOT on a first-come-first-served basis.
Students have until Sunday 17 March, to sign up. Any sign-ups after Sunday will be automatically placed on a waitlist.
Final allocation of activities will come in the early part of Term 3. Additional forms and payment information will be shared with parents after allocation is complete.
For more information, please refer to the full details per the email sent to parents and students on 11 March.
(2) LEARNING SUPPORT HORTICULTURE EASTER SALES
The LS Enterprise Team will hold their next sale on 20-21 March during break time in the foyer. To celebrate the Easter holiday, students will be selling handmade lemon and vanilla-scented candles for $30 each (or 2 for $50) and home-grown herbs and plants for $20 each. Come by the Foyer next week and support our LS Enterprise Team!
(3) THE INNOVATION XVII
The Innovation is back!
The Innovation is the annual student-led charity fashion and arts show. This year, for the 17th annual show, we embody the theme of “Clarity”, representing freedom of movement and expression. With “Clarity”, we welcome new approaches whilst bringing the past back to life.
The Innovation XVII will be held on Thursday 21 March 2024. Doors will open at 5:30 pm, and the show will begin at 6:00 pm. Prepare for incredible student models, designers, performers, and a wonderful show. Tickets will be $150.
This year’s ticket sales proceeds will go to our partner charity, Mother’s Choice. Mother’s Choice is a local charitable organisation that aims to aid and support young children and pregnant teenagers. The charity is motivated to help a vulnerable group directly while bringing everyone education and awareness.
Get your ticket HERE today! See you there!
(4) SIS-MODEL UN
The SIS Model UN is back! SIS Model United Nations is a student-led simulation of the United Nations that enables students to learn about international affairs and diplomacy. SISMUN has consistently proven to be a catalyst for inspiration over the past few years, and we are beyond thrilled to announce its return.
SISMUN allows students to represent nations and work with other delegates to discuss solutions for current affairs. It provides opportunities for every student to voice their ideas regardless of their backgrounds while supporting broader issues and topics in our community.
This year’s SISMUN will be held from the 13th to the 14th of April, beginning at 9 am. Our conference will consist of the following committees: General Assembly, Security Council, Historical Security Council, US Senate and NATO. Make sure to join us for a wonderful and unforgettable experience at SISMUN 2024.
For any questions regarding the event, please email James Choi (choim18@webmail.sis.edu.hk)
(5) ESF ART EXHIBITION - CALL FOR ENTRIES
The ESF Art Exhibition is now taking submissions!
With the Paris Olympics around the corner, this year's exhibition celebrates humanity's remarkable nature. This year’s theme is Faster, Higher, Stronger, highlighting humans and their extraordinary power to achieve. Every single day, people in our schools, in our homes and in our communities are doing remarkable things, and this is what we seek to celebrate in this show.
This art exhibition is open to ALL SIS students from Year 7 – Year 13. You do not need to be in MYP Visual Art, GCSE Fine Art or IBDP Visual Art to participate.
Deadline: Friday 12th April at 12.00 pm.
Interested students can fill out this Expression of Interest Google Form. For full details, students can check their email.
(6) SCHOOL BUS REMINDER
As Term 2 is coming to a close, we would like to remind parents of changes to the school bus schedule in the coming weeks. Please note the following:
(1) ADRIAN PUN (09N2) - HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL
Congratulations to Adrian Pun (09N2) for winning third place at the Hong Kong Schools Music Festival in the Piano Solo - Composer of the Year category. This year competitors had to play, from memory, a piece from French Composer, Gabriel Fauré. Adrian chose Barcarolle No 1 in A minor, Op 26 as his piece. The competition was strong as only those who hold high qualifications are eligible for this category. The competition gave Adrian a great opportunity to show his musicality and maturing piano playing skills. We look forward to seeing more performances from Adrian on the SIS stage!
(2) SOPHIE IP (10C2) - INTER-DISTRICT BASKETBALL
A big round of applause for Sophie Ip (10C2) for contributing to her team’s win in the LCSD Inter-District Basketball Final this past Sunday. With great efforts on offence and defence, Sophie and her teammates were able to beat their opponent and take home the gold!
Sophie has been playing basketball for years and firmly believes that practice makes perfect. Through basketball, she has gained self-confidence and developed a team-first mindset with her teammates. She looks forward to continuing to develop her skills on the court.
Congratulations Sophie on a great achievement!
(1) HKSSF ATHLETICS - GIRLS FINALS
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the HKSSF Athletics Division 1 Girls Finals took place last Friday. We want to acknowledge and celebrate our girls for their amazing efforts and sportsmanship throughout the three days. It was another cold day and our girls went up against some of the top athletes in all of Hong Kong, yet they never wavered in their efforts. Great job girls on a fantastic competition!
Here are the results from last week’s finals:
C Grade
Chloe Herminjard: 800m, 8th place (2.45.17)
Maggie Dowding, Adelaide Williamson, Clarice Chow, Chloe Herminjard: 4 x 400m, 6th place (4:43.61)
Final C Grade Standing: 9th (out of 12th)
B Grade
Julienne Chong: Long Jump, 20th place (3.37m)
Siena Poulton: Discus, 9th place (21.16m) Personal Best
Sara Harries: Discus, 20th place (14.87m)
Final B Grade Standing: 11th (out of 12th)
A Grade
Jessie May: 800m, 9th place (2:46.21)
Nellie Froidevaux: 800m, 11th place (2:50.89)
Abigail Lau: Discus, 19th place (12.97m)
Emmie Cheng: Discus, 20th place (10.80m)
Final A Grade Standing: 11th (out of 12th)
(2) U20 GIRLS FOOTBALL - Coach Gwillym Cornes
After last week’s strong second half against CDNIS, our U20 girls football team travelled to HKU Stanley Ho Sports Ground Tuesday to take on ESF rivals West Island School for their second game in the ISSFHK season.
With a couple of extra players available, Coach Cornes made a few changes to this week’s lineup, going with the graduating senior Joy Tan in goal, Aprilia Comsa came in defence, and another graduating senior Jessie May at striker.
The Lady Stingrays started strong and took an early lead when Rachel Li sliced through the midfield and played through Ava Jakeway who got her second consecutive opener with a powerful shot into the bottom right corner.
This week however, the U20 Girls defence held up strong with Joy making two quality saves and the defence weathering incessant pressure, denying WIS from a distance.
Just before the half, SIS doubled their lead when Rachel once again played through the midfield defence and made another sweet pass, this time setting up Jessie who took control of the ball and finished with a powerful shot up high.
The second half continued in a similar vein with WIS creating the strong chances but Joy made more great saves and SIS looked more clinical and took the opportunities when they presented themselves.
With 10 minutes to go, Ava shot from a distance which the keeper parried right to Ashley Bertagnoli, who gently redirected the rebound and slid the ball into the bottom corner.
In the final minutes, the U20 girls capped off the strong victory with another goal when Rachel completed her hat trick of assists with a pass to Ava who calmly finished the scoring with a rocket from 20 yards out, giving her her fifth goal of the young season.
A great team performance with all 11 girls getting valuable game time and a well-deserved 'W'.
(3) C-GRADE BOYS RUGBY - Coach Roshan Hingorani
The C-grade Boys Rugby we're back at it this week with a doubleheader on Thursday. Taking on ESF rival KGV and Canadian International School, our boys rolled to a 3 - 1 win over KGV in the first game followed by 4 - 0 victory over CDNIS. Still some work to do in the breakdown and tackling but tries are being scored by a variety of players as they are passing well.
(3) C-GRADE GIRLS NETBALL - Coach Helen Hadley
C-Team 2
The South Island school Netball C2 team came away victorious on Wednesday night playing against St Paul’s School at Wong Chuk Hang, with a resounding 14-2 victory. The C2 team played maturely and were able to experiment with various combinations and positions, demonstrating the versatility of the squad. Juliana Ng played great on defence, making multiple interceptions and consistently locking down St Paul’s offence. She was voted SIS players’ choice for MVP, alongside Emma Soon who dominated in the circle both as GS and GK. Emma also received the MVP vote from St Paul’s coaches and players. With their strong play this week, the win has boosted confidence and set a solid foundation to build on for our next match against ISF on Monday.
C-Team 3
The SIS C3 team also came away triumphant on Monday afternoon, taking on ISF. It was a close match as each quarter ended tied or with only a 1 point lead to one team. ISF looked strong right from the start, with slick set plays and centre passes. This did not phase our girls, many of whom are new to the netball court.
The Stingrays moved the ball down the court well and made some fantastic feeds into the shooting area. On the other side of the ball, Chloe Davis and Amelie Webster worked relentlessly in the SIS circle against some strong ISF shooters. SIS’s strong defensive pressure caused turnovers and helped the Lady Stingrays pull capture the win. Caroline Lindsay was voted MVP by both ISF and SIS players, dominating the court and demonstrating versatility playing GA, C and GD. Clarice Chow was voted coach’s player. Confidence is high as the young Stingrays look to build upon this win and prepare to play against St Paul and, netball powerhouse, Kellett School next week.
MARCH
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