Principal’s Message
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,
This week, we were pleased to be able to celebrate two milestones in students’ lives.
On Thursday, we hosted our Year 13 Graduation where we honoured all the students who are leaving us after their IB, ID or Foundation Diplomas for university and beyond.
It was a wonderful accolade to them as a year group with the Head Students from 2015 to 2016 speaking eloquently and with great affection of their time at this great school. Students also performed to the audience a high level of musical creation. We have some truly gifted students.
As it is my last time to address any Year 13 group at WIS, I too graduated with them, and was duly presented with a graduation certificate to mark my 25 years at WIS and 10-year tenure as Principal. I was humbled by the student’s words and know the Class of 2016 will go far in their futures. Good luck to them in their IB and ID examinations and outcomes too. Enormous thanks goes to every teacher at WIS who helped to shape them into the young adults they are today. In particular, many thanks to the upper school team of tutors and teachers, especially Ms Hannaford, Ms Carey and Ms Fisher for their support over the last crucial two years at WIS. My thanks to Rachel Hoey who carried on the tradition of a graduating student’s parent speaking with an inspirational speech to the assembled parents and students.
On Friday, we also held a graduation ceremony for the Year 11 students who are finishing their Pre 16 journey with us. Some are leaving us for new pastures, but we know they take the WIS spirit with them and wish them well. The ceremony is a key transition into upper school responsibility and leadership, and was overseen by Mr Cornes and Mr Hewson. Again, the talent of the students was evident in their speeches about their journey and in the creative performances they gave to entertain the guests.
Both events showcased pride in the school and a solid dignity in their journey.
Previously on Wednesday, we held our annual Sports Awards where students were awarded for their commitment to school sport. We hosted some inspirational speakers including WIS Alumni, Max Woodward, Captain of the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens Team. Max spoke of his personal journey, how WIS shaped him and his early life. Mr Lant and Ms Caldwell organised a really special event.
As I write I know you will have received the news of the new Principals appointment for September 2016, Mr Chris Sammons. Chris spent time at WIS during the recruitment process and I was impressed with his knowledge of the school, his student-centered approach and his professionalism. I am delighted with the choice ESF have made and will work to ensure there is a smooth handover to him.
As I said to the Year 11 and Year 13 students at their respective graduation ceremonies, ‘Change for everyone can be daunting, but it’s exciting too!’
Yours,
Jane Foxcroft
