West Island School Weekly Bulletin 11th November 2011

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Dear Parents and Friends of West Island School,

"What did you learn at school today?"

As we approach our annual Horizons week I am writing to remind you of the value the school places on experiential learning and on learning in authentic situations outside of the classroom.

In our own Middle Years Diploma and the IB and International Diploma there is an emphasis placed upon learning through Creativity, Action, and Service and also on a learner profile which values:

• Collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Tolerance and Respect for others and others views

In our own written school values the school community (students, parents and staff) has placed a value on:

• Challenge
• Courage
• Commitment
• Community
• Consideration

Our Horizons week is a vital part of learning these values in context and away from structure of the classroom and we work hard to ensure that the students have opportunities beyond those classrooms to broaden and fulfill their learning potential. Indeed, students often tell us that it is these very experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the effort staff put in to organise these events and to recognize and acknowledge the planning time required. We do work to ensure that there are a range of trips and types of trips for students in year 9 to 13 so that parents can plan into the future for particular trips we are running. In Year 7 and 8 the focus is on getting students both challenged and prepared to be outside their comfort zone so that they are able in year 9 upwards to go onto a more challenging experience; perhaps to offer service to others.

Genuine and real education in my view is not about exam results. They are, of course, a necessary rite of passage to the future but what students learn at WIS must transcend this if it is to be of any use of value to our students as they grow.

I wish your child a wonderful experience wherever they are going and whatever they are learning.

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Dear Parents and Friends of West Island School,

"What did you learn at school today?"

As we approach our annual Horizons week I am writing to remind you of the value the school places on experiential learning and on learning in authentic situations outside of the classroom.

In our own Middle Years Diploma and the IB and International Diploma there is an emphasis placed upon learning through Creativity, Action, and Service and also on a learner profile which values:

• Collaboration
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Tolerance and Respect for others and others views

In our own written school values the school community (students, parents and staff) has placed a value on:

• Challenge
• Courage
• Commitment
• Community
• Consideration

Our Horizons week is a vital part of learning these values in context and away from structure of the classroom and we work hard to ensure that the students have opportunities beyond those classrooms to broaden and fulfill their learning potential. Indeed, students often tell us that it is these very experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the effort staff put in to organise these events and to recognize and acknowledge the planning time required. We do work to ensure that there are a range of trips and types of trips for students in year 9 to 13 so that parents can plan into the future for particular trips we are running. In Year 7 and 8 the focus is on getting students both challenged and prepared to be outside their comfort zone so that they are able in year 9 upwards to go onto a more challenging experience; perhaps to offer service to others.

Genuine and real education in my view is not about exam results. They are, of course, a necessary rite of passage to the future but what students learn at WIS must transcend this if it is to be of any use of value to our students as they grow.

I wish your child a wonderful experience wherever they are going and whatever they are learning.

Jane Foxcroft
Principal

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Dear Parents

As the cooler weather is upon us, I am writing to ask for your support in ensuring that your child hhfghkfghjk;has the correct uniform for the winter months.

Fleeces and coats are on sale at the PTA shop.  Students are only allowed to wear these to and from school and not their own coats. Students’ own scarves (as long as they are blue) may be worn.  For girls, white and black tights are allowed.  Finally, trainers - in school or on the way home or to school - are not allowed for any student.

Thank you for helping to keep our student population looking neat and tidy.

Paul Tough
Vice Principal

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Are you thinking of buying your son or daughter a new laptop for Christmas? If so, then can I suggest you carefully consider the benefits of purchasing the through the approved WIS laptop program. Here are a few of the important benefits you and your child gain via this program  …

• a professional class machine at a consumer product price
• system comes pre-imaged with leading industry software packages MS Office and Adobe CS5.5 Creative Suite bundled into the price
• full access to the WIS Laptop Loan Pool meaning your child is never without a computer. Did you know that the average turn round time for repair of a consumer laptop can be as long as 2 to 3 weeks … lost time for your son or daughter at school and home
• an exceptionally generous accidental damage policy that allowing every major component to be replaced free of charge once per year for 3 years no matter how the damage was caused. Did you know that replacing a broken laptop screen normally costs around 70% of the original cost of the laptop?

If you would like further information on the program then contact Hugh Brown on hugh.brown@wis.edu.hk or myself on graeme.deuchars@wis.edu.hk

Graeme Deuchars
Vice Principal

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WIS Choir, Cantare  - please read this letter

Sinfonia, Sinfonietta, Jazz Band, Dynasty Drummers, Bauhinia Ensemble – please read this letter

Thank you
Music Department

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Circle in the Water will present "Blood Wedding" by the celebrated Spanish dramatist Federico García Lorca in The Auditorium at 7pm on Thursday 8 December, 2011.

Tickets will be available to purchase in the main office from lunchtime on Monday 7 November priced at $100 Adults, $50 Students. Cash only please. Seating is numbered and will be allocated at time of ticket purchase.

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Assessment and and Parent Guides 2011

Dear Parents

As promised, please find attached the files which explain the assessment Levels we use in the mathematics for Years 7-11. This will help you interpret reports and keep track of your son/daughter's progress. (Mathematics Assessment Guidelines.pdf, AFL_Maths_Levels.doc)

I also attach our 'Principles of Teaching and Learning', 'Parent Guide to Supporting Mathematics Homework' and 'Parent Guide to Mathematics Tutors'.  I hope you will find them helpful in making informed decisions.

Please email me if you have any further questions.

Ian Bengey
Head of Faculty

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What’s Maths Got To Do With It?
The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology workshop/presentation will be presenting an interesting lecture on: ‘What’s Maths Got To Do With It?’

When: Monday 28 November from 13:20pm-14:20pm

Where: Auditorium (3/FL)

This will be a popular event and pre-registration is necessary! Click here for more information.

University Events Calendar
An updated copy of the University Events Calendar is attached for your information. This version is dated 11 Nov 2011

Regards
WIS Careers Team

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WIS Retains Cross Country Title for 3rd Year!
For the third successive year WIS remain the dominant force in Cross Country by retaining the title of both boys and girls overall Champions at the ISSFHK Cross Country Championships on 2 November 2011. WIS were triumphant in 6 out of 8 categories. To read about this fantastic result click here

WIS Inter-Dynasty Athletics 2011 Program

All heats will take place at the HKU track and parents are welcome to spectate or assist (please contact richard.lant@wis.edu.hk if you can help, e.g. time keeping).  All students will get the opportunity to take part in 3 events.

Senior Girls Division 1 Hockey
After an extremely frustrating first half, West Island yet again managed another victory against KGV. Our first goal, scored by Sally Choi was the only goal that we achieved in the first half. The goal consisted of a number of players hectically hitting the ball into the goalkeeper’s pads, until, along came super Sally Choi who aimed for the left corner of the goal and this time succeeded.

In the second half we came back a lot stronger. We accomplished a thrilling backhand slap shot into the goal by Veronica Morlotti, but unfortunately the umpire did not allow it as a goal, much to our teams’ disappointment. Nonetheless only minutes later the ball was brilliantly passed around our midfield and Rebecca Mould dribbled the ball up the field and struck a beautiful hit straight to the penalty spot in the D, where Ella Morrison was eagerly waiting. Ella then deflected the aerial ball straight into the goal. This brought up our team to 2-0, and inspired our team to play even harder.

Our third goal was scored by one of our new players, Hannah Fraser. She was one on one against the goalkeeper, and in a feat of astounding power, whacked the ball so hard that it rocketed past the goalie and into the goal. We finished the match with a satisfactory 3-0.

We voted Lara Morrison as our player’s player due to her distribution skills as center mid, and Vicky Chan was voted coaches player due to solid passing and excellent decision making.

Written by Veronica Morlotti and Kyrah Mckenzie

Senior Girls Hockey
West Island School had an excellent game against Island School, with a final score of 8-0. We started well, scoring 3 quick goals before half-time. After a good team talk, we came back out very confident and strong, with tight marking and fantastic dribbling.

Well done to the  goal scorers, Ella Morrison, Veronica Morlotti, Amy Brookes and Hannah  Fraser. A great game for West Island!

By Amy Brookes

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The West Island Community School for Adult Education would like to remind you about some exciting courses shortly about to commence.

Jason's Wordie's Pokfulam walks
Choose either Saturday 19 November afternoon or Tuesday 22 November morning (11 October walk postponed due to monsoon.)

Magic Makeover with Savvy Style
Tuesday evening, 22 November. Eve Roth, Managing Director of Colour Me Beautiful will hlp transform your look in this highly personalised session.

Set Up Your Own Business
Tuesday evenings on 22 & 29 November. Learn how to write your business plan, register your business and go to market.

Everyone Loves a Curry
Tuesday evenings on 6 & 13 December. Join this hands on, spice filled culinary adventure and learn how to make authentic, mouth-watering curries.

Booking form and further details available from http://wis.edu.hk/west-island-community-evening-school

Regards
WIS Careers Team

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