Principal’s Message
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,
One of our five core values is to develop “community: collaboration, team work, unity of purpose”. The last week has been real testament to this from start to finish.
It began on Sunday last with two teams representing West Island School in community activities throughout Hong Kong. Our Year 13 team, entered in the annual Sedan Chair Race, came first and we believe may also have set a record, more to follow when it is confirmed. The competition was strong as the race was won by siblings from a previous WIS team – inevitably, they wanted to win the cup and beat their brothers and sisters previous time.
On the South of the Island, four of our most-able swimmers competed in the Community Chest Challenge at Repulse Bay. Again the competition was strong and they were up against a number of adult teams in our category. Swimming 4×4 in open water is tough for anybody but to be placed fifth against older teams meant our finish was very respectable. 31:19 against the best time of 30 minutes 9 seconds. Both of these teams have made a difference for the money that has been given to charities as a result of their efforts. Well done to you all.
Parents have also been working hard in the community last week too. We were very grateful to those who volunteered for Year 11 interviews. As a result, all of our students have had formal business interviews to prepare them for the future world of work and university entrance. Students rose to the occasion having prepared themselves thoroughly. Parents have given helpful feedback and advice for the future and students will reflect on what they have learned.
So too, a significant contribution from all the parents who either helped organise or attended our 2016 Diwali Ball. Children have been practicing for months and the student leadership team should be rightfully proud of the occasion. The dancing got better and better as the evening progressed, culminating in a lively dance to ‘Let’s Nacho’ – the fashion show was equally impressive with some stunning saris on display. It was a joyous occasion for all and it was heartening to see so many Alumni return to this landmark event. So too to receive the following:
“……..every time I realise that WIS still do this event it warms my heart!! Remember when we started the very first one? We had asked permission of the school to use the auditorium and they said ‘fine… as long as it doesn’t cost us anything! ‘ it looks so big budget now in comparison ! I remember printing the tickets on Mr Stanley’s computer and chopped up every ticket by hand! I had to hand paint every single sign! We decorated the hall with my grandmother’s saris, choreographed our own dances, wrote a play about Diwali, organised a fashion show and we also MCd the whole thing ourselves. It was a true labour of love. A huge event put together with donated items and the cooperation of the Indian Students Association that we had formed 3 months before the show. It was one of the greatest experiences of my high school years and the first big event I ever planned. Now I have my own party planning business and organize large scale charity events and corporate events. All because one of you amazing, life altering teachers said ‘yeah why not, let’s have a Diwali Ball’.
I couldn’t say it better myself, the teaching team here are to be commended for all their support of young people. Thank you to everyone in WIS community for this memorable week: students, parents and teachers.
We have our annual Pink Week coming up from November 14-18 with a number of events and initiatives taking place including a triathlon in which three of our teachers will be participating. You can read more about it here.
And, it doesn’t stop there…. onto Horizons Week next week. If you haven’t already, please create your Remind account so you can can receive regular updates of your childs activity.
Have fun!
Yours,
Christopher Sammons
Principal
