Principal’s Message

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,

It has been good to meet parents of Year 12 who attended the information evening on Thursday. The Post16 team gave a thorough presentation on the IB and ID programmes which led to a number of interesting conversations on how parents can best support their children. A number of learners are still narrowing down their choices and I would reassure you that the best choice is for young people to study subjects they most enjoy. As adults we know that life is often imperfect and to learn to follow your own dreams will sustain motivation and interest now and in the future too. With this is mind, it was an honour to host a delegation from Kings College London who gave a series of talks for those wishing to specialise in Law and other KCL courses. I would encourage students and parents to attend these events as they really help clarify future goals. There is a spotlight on European Universities planned for 22 September and a further 38 UK universities will be at West Island School the following day. Students will be able to gain advice on specific subjects, career prospect and any questions they may have about future university study.

The range of destinations for West Island Students is extraordinary. In particular, those who received Chairman’s Awards last week are testament to the high aspiration and high achievement of both our students and staff.

I have included a list of winners here who have gained awards for both their service to the school, their creativity in the Arts, their excellence in Sports and most of all, for embodying the Spirit of West Island School. It is exciting to think that our students will be working with academics at the forefront of global research agendas including the University of Hong Kong, Cambridge, New York, Berkeley, Guildford and Newcastle. The list goes on and it is inspiring for us all. Well done to you and I wish you well in your futures which will just be launching as Universities begin their first semester.

In pursuit of excellence, we were delighted to agree a partnership with Ronaldo Academy this week. Retired soccer legend Ronaldo is aiming to have 100 training schools worldwide by 2020 and we are delighted to offer our facilities for the first in Hong Kong. The academy’s methodology will be based on Ronaldo’s skills and achievements throughout his career on the soccer fields. My congratulations and admiration go to two more exceptional athletes this week. Annette Chan has been ranked first in the Asian Junior Figure Skating Challenge held in Shenzhen following two flawless programmes and Francesco Cammisa has been selected by the Hong Kong Rugby Union to referee in the Sevens Hong Kong leg this week. An outstanding achievement for you both to represent your sport and region.

For the rest of us at school, this week has definitely been about food. We have enjoyed helping Food Technologists by sampling their many fine baking moments in preparation for coursework completion. Next Friday, we will celebrate the first Dynasty day of the academic year to be hosted by Yuan and Tang. Students are working hard to ensure it is a day dedicated to promoting a healthy active lifestyle; all funds raised will go towards overseas service projects. Simultaneously on the same day, the first ever WIS bake off will take place. As one of the judges, I look forward to tasting all the scrumptious baked goods that will be produced by our students and staff.

Wishing you an enjoyable and relaxing weekend.

Yours,

Christopher Sammons
Principal