Principal’s Message

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,

Last week we were visited by Professor Gin and his team from the Chinese University’s Faculty of Medicine. Professor Gin challenged our aspiring medics to make the most of the opportunities offered to non-Cantonese speaking IB applicants in the accelerated five-year MBCHB programme. He highlighted the necessity of training medics who practise human compassion and of a doctor’s privilege in being entrusted to care for strangers. Afterwards, parents commented on their pride in being part of the WIS community that has nurtured outstanding trainee doctors like Shreenidhi Subramaniam, Timothy Tipoe, Annie Fung and James Hooi. Currently, West Island School holds the HKSAR record for sending 9 medics to the Chinese University in one application cycle. Well done to our Careers team.

This week saw the exhibition of talented artists from the IB programme in our West Island School Art Show. I would like to commend all the artists who exhibited and treated us to a range of abstract, classical and modern pieces in a variety of media. Congratulations on your success and to the many hours of perseverance to get this far.

Well done also to the Equestrian Team for completing their heats last week. After a very tough competition with some of the strongest junior riders in Hong Kong competing, Jade Leshetz and Meghan Haskins received third places in their dressage divisions. The riders have shown commitment and perseverance throughout the year and deserve to feel very proud of themselves.

And now some parent homework. This week, our Digital Leaders planned and led assemblies for all year groups to remind students about responsible and legal use of social media. It is important that social media is not used to squabble or harass others. The golden rule being if you can’t type something nice, then don’t type it at all. Students also asked each other to consider the limits of privacy and the concept of digital footprints which can never be erased. We have a world of teenagers who are increasingly regretful of posting things in haste. The assemblies were well received and I would encourage you as parents to revisit the expectations of your child when they engage online, both in terms of time and content. Don’t forget the very best advice you can give your child is to block any unwanted comments, to not publish anything they would not want their grandparents to view and if your child is struggling to be self-disciplined, take charge and pull the power cord. Electronic devices are a privilege and should be treated with respect.

There is still some time to book your ticket for the 25th Anniversary Concert on Wednesday 29 March at 7pm. Tickets are aptly priced at $25 to celebrate our 25th year of concert music. Please click here to order your tickets.

If you haven’t already done so, please also save Friday 2 June for our 25th Anniversary Gala. The evening promises to be a great evening of entertainment and revelry. Tickets will be on sale shortly.

Yours,
Christopher Sammons
(Principal)