Principal’s Message

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,

A week of collaborative approaches to learning!

Firstly, this week we held what has become two very successful Service Days for Year 8 and Year 7. Both focussed on practical and real ways students can consider and understand issues in Hong Kong and globally, and look at ways to action and tackle these issues.

Year 8 worked on environmental service, considering creative ways to uncover and communicate issues of air pollution and ocean pollution through film, drama and information gathering. The interdisciplinary nature of the approach really aided students in connecting their learning and understanding. Teachers across disciplines worked collaboratively to create deep learning.

Year 7 worked on understanding the issues of food wastage and food use, particularly in Hong Kong, a collaborative atmosphere. They learned  that a large percentage of families in Hong Kong live on very little. Students worked hard to understand how to create nutritious meals for families for very little ending with the creation of a soup to sell to the school and serve to street sleepers too.

We are proud of the way we raise student awareness of these issues so they really begin to understand that the way they live and interact can make a difference.

My thanks to all teachers who helped with this, but particularly Ms Hudson for her oversight and ideas.

We also held a showcase of lower school Drama work overseen by Ms Rochester in the Drama Studios this week, which allows students to collaborate in another creative forum, bringing their voices and ideas to light.

I was also invited to see the Friday Fitness Club by a Year 7 student. I am impressed by our students commitment to good health which really does aid brain development as well as physical fitness. Sessions take place on every Friday in the main gym from 7am; do encourage your child to join.

Finally, I am also pleased to let you know that Mr Christopher Sammons, our new Principal for West Island School, will be in school next week for collaborative handover sessions with me for two days. I am sure he will take this great school to still greater heights. Mr Sammons will lead the school from August onward.

Yours,
Jane