Principal’s Message

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,

Sports Day last week was a real success and it was great to see so many parents there cheering us on. The weather was perfect and the competition strong. The final winner was Song closely followed by Qing and then in third place, Yuan. Congratulations to so many students entering the different events and being prepared to compete for their Dynasty. I would also like to celebrate the staff team led by our PE Department in organising the day. It would not have been complete without the PTA who provided much needed warm soup and refreshments throughout, a real community event. Thank you.

Monday was a different tone when Year 8 and 9 students received a visit from Mr Micha Gelber to remind us all that 27 January is Holocaust Memorial Day. As a survivor of the Nazi Holocaust, he shared the difficult story of his childhood being interned, the horror of the time and the impact on his own world and humanity. Students listened with respect and awe, asking some thoughtful and challenging questions. The talk follows learning in Year 8 where students have been studying “The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas”. The more recent history of Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur underlines the importance of Mr Gelber and the other survivors work across the world. A huge honour for us to host him at West Island School. For any interested parents, Mr Gelber will also be talking at Sai Ying Pun on Monday evening. Please click here for more details.

A hearty congratulation to the WIS Equestrian team who are competing in Hong Kong’s largest equestrian competition led by Year 13 student Xaviera Artaza. WIS is being represented by Jade Leshetz, Kyra Haskins, Meghan Haskins and Sophia Jeffery. We are already receiving placings in both dressage and jumping. The main events are coming up in March and we will keep you posted.

It was also time to celebrate this week as we found out a number of students have already received offers from Georgetown University, Stanford University, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. It is important for young people to know that ‘the best’ university is the one they want to go to and nobody should feel that their personal choices are of any less value because I don’t mention it here. It is equally important, however, to recognise that if you wish to attend Ivy League or Oxbridge, our school counsellors and Post 16 team have the experience and support to get you there. Congratulations on these early placements as it is exciting to think our learners have the acumen and potential to be selected for study with some of the world’s leading academics.

Looking ahead, the Year of the Rooster is imminent. I like this year in particular as any animal sign can flourish in the Year of the Rooster. I am looking forward to the Chinese New Year assembly on Wednesday which includes the Kennedy School Dragon Dancing team and the Chinese New Year Art Exhibition on Tuesday and Wednesday in our Auditorium. The exhibition is open to the community to come and view our talented artists.

I am also looking forward to the ‘ESF’s Got Musical Talent’. Of the many participants, 18 are from West Island. The event looks really special including tributes to Adele, The Doors and Steeley Dan – a perfect weekend.

Yours,
Christopher Sammons
Principal