PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

 

South Island School Community

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At South Island School, our mission is to create an environment where every student can grow and be the best that they can be. This nurturing atmosphere stems not only from the support we provide but also from the collective efforts of our entire school community. When I say "we," I refer to all stakeholders—parents, teachers, support staff, the PTA, the School Council, sub-committees, and the invaluable support from ESFC. Together, we contribute to fostering the make a difference spirit within our school.

One notable opportunity for growth this month for our Year 10 students was their Bronze AYP practice expedition. Congratulations to all Year 10 participants who completed their hike! While they may have returned with sore feet, their smiles were a testament to the experience. I am sure they would have had a tail or two to tell, especially those on the second weekend and the ‘friendly’ cow who wanted to eat their dinners!

I also want to express my appreciation for your overwhelming presence and support during our school play, Emilia.  It was a resounding success, and the accomplishments of all those involved were truly celebrated, from those of you who joined us for all three nights to those parents and teachers who supported our students even though their own children were not performing. Your encouragement and support are invaluable.

I am pleased to congratulate Christina Wong on her new role as the School Council Parent Member. I look forward to collaborating with her and enhancing our school community. I share with you Christina’s biography:

As an experienced academic and researcher, I am eager to contribute my expertise to the School Council of South Island School (SIS). My career at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has been marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence in both teaching and research, aligning with SIS's goals of fostering a dynamic and forward-thinking educational environment. 

Throughout my tenure, I have been involved in numerous research projects focusing on environmental management, governance, and green supply chain management. These projects have expanded my knowledge and allowed me to collaborate with industry leaders and fellow academics, fostering a network of professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable practices. My work has been recognised with the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship and the Research Grant Council Senior Research Fellowship, underscoring my contributions to the field.  

I have taken on leadership roles within the university and international projects, serving on various committees aimed at enhancing the educational experience for research students and improving research quality. These roles have honed my skills in strategic planning and policy development, which I believe would be beneficial to SIS. I hope to bring a forward-thinking perspective that emphasizes sustainability and innovation, key priorities for SIS. I am passionate about integrating cutting-edge research into the curriculum, ensuring that students are well-prepared for future challenges. I am committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment where diverse ideas can thrive, ultimately contributing to SIS's mission of excellence in education and preparing students to be responsible global citizen.

A special shout-out goes to our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), who is hosting the much-anticipated NightFest tonight. The excitement from students purchasing their MaD dollars outside my office all week has been palpable. I am confident that tonight will create countless fabulous moments and memories for us all. We will share photos of this wonderful event in next week’s newsletter. A heartfelt thank you goes to all PTA committee members and the many volunteers who have dedicated their time to ensure tonight is a resounding success for our entire community.    I look forward to seeing many of you there.

Wishing you a lovely Nightfest and the rest of the weekend.

 

Helen Thew

Principal

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

(1) Guiding Day - Feedback  

 

Dear Parents, 

Thank you again for attending our Guiding Day last week. We hope that you have enjoyed connecting with your child(-ren)’s tutor and discovering the enriching experiences our school offers. 

In response to some questions we received, let us share with you additional insights as follows: 

Bauhinia Family: Supporting your children at home 

For parents with children in years 7 to 9 who wish to gain a deeper insight into their children's academic curriculum and learning at home, we recommend some strategies that may help:

1. Begin by exploring the curriculum diagram and overview for Years 7-9 on the school website: https://www.sis.edu.hk/academic/

2. Next, delve into the ESF App > VLE > Curriculum and Assessment Tool (CAT) to gain insights into the units of learning across different subjects.

3. Finally, sit down with your child to review their coursework in each subject by accessing the student's work on Google Classrooms.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out should you need further information. 
 

(2) Parent Survey - Feedback on Digital Device Guidelines Pilot  

In August 2024, South Island School introduced new Device Guidelines. The Digital Leadership Council would like to invite you now, to evaluate this project. 

Please note that we won't be returning to our previous approach to mobile phones/device use but we will use feedback from all stakeholders to review the guidelines to make any enhancements/modifications. We will also be surveying teachers and students and will review the feedback to help inform any possible amendments to the guidelines.

Link : here.

Deadline : Thursday 21st November.

Thank you very much for taking the time to complete the survey.

 

(3) Night Fest is happening TONIGHT! @15th NOVEMBER

Dear All, 

Tonight’s event marks South Island School’s first Night Fest since 2017, and the students and PTA have worked very hard to organize this special event. We can't wait to share the evening with you.

Here is the LINK for the event programme, along with the free shuttle bus schedule below for easy transportation. 

See you soon! 

 

(4) Embracing the Spirit of Christmas @ 11TH DECEMBER

Students have been working hard over the last few weeks in preparation for the Christmas Concert on Wednesday 11th December. Orchestra numbers have grown so much since last year that they now need to rehearse in the Space! As always, if you would like to join any of our ensembles (Orchestra, Rock School, Jazz Band or Choir) please contact Mr Crichton.

Details on tickets for the Christmas Concert will be shared soon with students and parents, please keep your eyes open for the announcements on the TGM and newsletter.

 

(5) CREATIVITY CALL : Last call for ESF Christmas Card Competition 2024 

SIS students are invited to express their imagination throughout the art of card-making. 

Join us in celebrating the holiday spirit and share your artistic creations for a chance to appear on the ESF Christmas and ESF Year of the Snake cards. 

Details as follows: 

See previous cards here.

 

(6) ESF CoCo Hackaton Committee - Support Staff Application

ESF CoCo Hackathon Committee is currently recruiting support staff members to help make sure their event runs smoothly. Their tasks will include things like setting up and taking down equipment, and supervising participants. 

Should you be interested in supporting your peers, fill out this Sign-Up Form here.

The Hackathon will take place on the 30th of November at the ESF Center, but it would be preferable for the support staff to be free on the Friday afternoon before setting up some equipment. 

Application Deadline :  November 18th.

 

(7) TO ALL THE RUNNERS OUT THERE - Unicef Charity Run is here @12th January 2025

Dear Running Lovers, 

UNICEF Charity Run event is around the corner @Fanling Golf Course, and/or @Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and Inspiration Lake, this year! 

Should you wish to have any further information, please reach out to ltsang@unicef.org.hk or at (852) 5321-8365 (mobile & whatsapp). 

UNICEF Charity Run is looking forward to welcoming the SIS community at these upcoming events. 

 

 (8) TeDxTSIS - CALL FOR SPEAKERS

As you know, this year’s TeDxTSIS event will take place in March 2025 and our Head Organizers, Ashley Bertagnoli (Y13B1) and Kriti Tutika (Y13B2) have begun preparations ; here comes their message for you:

“Hello South Island School! We are the Head Organisers for TEDxTSIS 2025, which is an official TED affiliated event that aims to bring together a diverse group of individuals from both 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. The event will take place Wednesday 5th March 2025.

The theme for our event this year is “Solving For Why”, which we have defined as: “Discovering and embracing purpose in the world around us”. We are calling to the greater South Island School community to contact us if you are a parent, guardian, or know anyone else, who has stories they are interested in sharing and becoming an ‘external speaker’. 

It can be anything you are passionate about - whether that revolves around an academic subject, or a personal story worth sharing. 

Please contact the head organisers of TEDxTSIS, Kriti Tutika (tutikk2@webmail.sis.edu.hk) and Ashley Bertagnoli (bertaa1@webmail.sis.edu.hk), if you are interested or want more information. 

We greatly appreciate your cooperation and support for our event!” 

 

(9) SIS Calendar News 

We are pleased to be able to share with the community our first version of the SIS calendar for next academic year, available here. 

Please note that minor adjustments may be necessary pending the gazetting of public holidays 2026.

The final version will be confirmed following that announcement from the government in April/May 2025.

 

 

 

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RECENT HAPPENINGS

 

SPORT

(1) U14 boys - Basketball - Match report update from Mike WONG (09K2)

Last Tuesday, despite a narrow 3-point loss, our team demonstrated significant growth and resilience. Our strong ball movement was a highlight, as we effectively swung the ball around, creating open shots and opportunities. We also excelled in fast break points, capitalising on turnovers and pushing the pace to keep the score close. Our leading scorer Rajvir definitely managed to keep the team hype and scored tough buckets. As well as Hayden who scored a lot of threes and layups. Throughout the match, our determination kept us competitive, and we were always within striking distance of a win. While we didn’t secure the victory, the progress we made in teamwork and strategy is commendable. We will build on these accomplishments as we prepare for our next match. 

Mike WONG (09K2)

 

 

(2) TSIS vs SDBNSM - A Grade Cricket WIN!

The South Island School Grade A Cricket boys team, captained by Paarth SRIVASTAVA (12B1), managed to grab a sweet, well-deserved first victory of the season at Gin Drinkers Bay. They played against the Salesians of Don Bosco Ng Siu Mui Secondary School (SDBNSM) finishing with a score of 148/2. 

The squad that played was as follows:

Paarth Srivastava (12B1), Arjun Srviastava (08B1), James Walker (10S1), Alvin Ng (12C2), Maxi Hurle (11B2), Benjamin Caplin (09K2), Xander Lee (08N2), Cameron Lee (10N1), William Phillipson (11B2), Matthew Phillipson (10B1), and Isaac Lu (10N2).

In the first innings, our boys managed to keep the field tight with some fantastic catching. Special mentions to James Walker for keeping for 10 overs then bowling his 4 overs in the mid afternoon sun and Maxi Hurle for a great over the shoulder catch. MYP for the fielding goes to Isaac Lu, who managed to send three batsmen back to the sheds in one spectacular over. Many thanks to our 3 C Grade boys, Benjamin Caplin, Arjun Srviastava, and Xander Lee for coming out to play, some great fielding from all three of these boys and a striking bowling performance from Arjun. In the end, restricting SDBNSM to 147.

Following this, our boys came through with a batting performance just as amazing as the fielding, only losing 2 wickets over 118 balls, with the captain, Paarth staying in for all 19.4 overs, while racking up a whopping 89 runs at a strike rate of 125. Props to three other batsmen, James Walker, Alvin Ng, and Maxi Hurle for also batting brilliantly and allowing us to get to the total.

Overall, a very well-deserved win for SIS who did a great job out there, with some exceptional performances in both innings, good luck in the next one boys!

Scorecard:here. 

Fantastic game and great determination and spirit shown until the end!

 

 

EXCHANGE

(1) French Exchange Programme 2024 - SIS & Lycée Couperin, Fontainebleau

From Wednesday 30th October to Wednesday 6th November, the French department was excited to welcome 20 students from Lycée Couperin, Fontainebleau, as part of the French exchange programme 2024. The French exchange provides a unique opportunity for linguistic and cultural exchange, and in October 2023, SIS students visited France, stayed with host families and explored the scenic town of Fontainebleau. A year later they had the opportunity to host their respective partners in Hong Kong for the return leg of the programme. The exchange not only allows SIS students to further develop their French language skills, but also to experience cultural immersion and to showcase the spirit of Hong Kong and South Island School.

Highlights from the week included a warm reception at the airport for our French visitors, a trip to the markets in Stanley, and a visit to the iconic Big Buddha. Students enjoyed an adventurous treasure hunt around Cheung Chau, working collaboratively and exploring the area together. They also walked an impressive 17,000 steps while discovering Kowloon, which included a visit to the beautiful Chi Lin Nunnery. SIS students took the opportunity to teach Cantonese to their French peers, enriching the cultural exchange. The French students also experienced a day in the life at SIS, deepening their understanding of different cultures. The week culminated in heartfelt farewells at the airport, where emotions ran high as students said goodbye to their new friends.

This exchange has undoubtedly created lasting memories and connections for all involved. Thank you to all SIS students and host families who made the French students so welcome.

Merci à tous, à la prochaine fois!

 

LEARNING

(1) ASSEMBLY Y7 Students - Our common humanity and the importance of embracing our differences

This week Year 7 students attended an assembly led by Ms Lucie Purves (Vice Principal) and Ms Syrita Nicholas (Head of Phase 7-9). The theme of the assembly was our common humanity and the importance of embracing our differences. As an international school, we are fortunate to be able to learn from each other's differences and are committed to nurturing global citizens who can make a positive difference to the world.  The assembly also focused on the power of words and the importance of using respectful and kind language at all times. As a community, we value diversity and want everyone to feel a sense of belonging. The students were given a very clear message on the firm approach the school has to racist, sexist and homophobic language. Students were informed about the history of certain racist words and why these terms are so offensive and therefore not tolerated in our community. They were also warned about the dangers of "roasting" where insults are exchanged between students as a game. This is not something students should be engaging with because of the detrimental impact it can have. If anyone has been affected by offensive language or unkind behaviour, please do speak to your tutor or Head of Year/House. The school has a firm approach to this type of behaviour and will ensure students receive the appropriate support. 

 

(2) VEX IQ Robotics Scrimmage: A Successful Day of Learning and Competition

On November 9th, robotics coaches Toni Greene and Jo Williamson led two competing and two non-competing teams to the Stamford American School VEX IQ Open Scrimmage.

The VEX IQ competition involves two-robot alliances competing on a 6x8 foot field. Teams work collaboratively to score points during 60-second matches. While neither of our competing teams, Pixel Puffs and CyberFusion, advanced to the semi-finals, they gained valuable competition experience.

Our non-competing teams, Error 404 and SLAC, also made significant progress. They spent the day building and refining their robots, successfully creating functional machines that demonstrate their engineering and problem-solving skills.

The Pixel Puffs were particularly recognized by winning the prestigious Courage Award  which was given to the team that rose above adversity, showed great strength in character, and a positive attitude.

Overall, this scrimmage was a fun and valuable learning experience for all involved. The knowledge and skills gained will undoubtedly benefit our teams in future competitions, including the upcoming event on December 7th.

We are incredibly proud of our young SIS engineers!

 

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STUDENT CELEBRATIONS

 

1) Hong Kong U15 Netball - 13th International Youth Netball Challenge Tournament

A huge congratulations to Lois Lui (10N2), Adelaide Williamson (10N2), and Kiana Lin (10C1) on their selection for the Hong Kong U15 Netball Academy Singapore Tour Team 2024!

From November 22nd to 29th, they will represent Hong Kong at the 13th International Youth Netball Challenge Tournament, competing against top-tier netball teams from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa. Wishing them the best of luck in the competition!

 

2) Making a Difference - Crochet Club Supports the Box of Hope

As part of South Island School’s commitment to making a difference, the Crochet Club has been busy creating special items for the Box of Hope.

Hear what Anvi Mamgain (10N1) and Viviette Sze (10K1) have to say to you: 

“In the spirit of the holiday season, they crafted a variety of handmade items, such as festive Santa sacks, hearts, and stuffed animals, aimed at bringing joy to the children in need. We are proud to contribute to this meaningful cause and hope our efforts will make a positive impact”.

 

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THE WEEK AHEAD & IMPORTANT DATES

 

NOVEMBER

• 12th - 22nd - Year 11 Mocks
• 15th - NightFest 
• 19th - 20th - Group 4 Project Day
• 22nd - Athletics Day
• 25th - 29th - Art Week
• 25th - School Council Meeting

Please access the latest school calendar HERE and the 2024-2025 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