Principal’s Message
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,
On Friday last week, we celebrated Learning Differences. A student produced video was shared and activities were made available so learners could understand how and why learning is experienced differently by us all. Most importantly, to consider that despite these differences we are all of equal value. Steve Job’s dyslexia and Justin Timberlake’s ADHD may just have been their greatest strengths in helping achieve success. Well done to Maya, Sebastian and Lucas for the resources we could share with others.
Tuesday we interrupted learning to hold a silence for the fallen from Australia and New Zealand for Anzac Day. Students were reminded by a student produced presentation of the battles and sacrifices which others have made. Lest, we forget.
The evening saw the semi-finals of the 2017 WIS Chef Challenge and we were delighted to recognise the achievements of 13 students who go forward into the finals. We were even more delighted with the food tasting! The quality of each plate, standard of presentation, service and technical ability is a close match to many fine restaurants in Hong Kong.
Wednesday was another edition of Brilliance in Business. Students pitched to parent investors with products as diverse as real-time swim wear goggles, anti-mist glasses and transport apps. The overall winning group pitched solar panelled house blinds, ingenious. The team will repeat the pitch to the H&M Hong Kong Sustainability Team in coming weeks and who knows; we may see them on the shelves before too long. Thank you to parents who judged and spoke at the event.
Student Digital Leaders also visited Kennedy School last week to talk about the changes and challenges in using electronic media. As the number of media channels and apps grow, we can insulate young people through open conversations and encouraging personal responsibility. Most online sources do have filters, and even Netflix has parent settings.
Imagine my joy on Thursday when three smiling ladies entered my office with not just one but three golden trophies. They must have listened hard to ex New Zealand Silver Ferns who visited us to improve their skills and game play. The C grade netball teams have smashed the recent HKSSF tournament and the first time we have turned out so many teams. Well done to you all. We have set them the challenge to win at the ISSFHK tournament next week.
Planning for our birthday continues and the 25th Anniversary Gala Celebration will be an event to remember. Please join us to celebrate. It will be the best value $150 you will spend in Hong Kong with live entertainment, food and drink. A glass of bubbles, canapés and exclusive live food stations are all included in the ticket price – Gala by name and Gala by nature.
With gratitude,
Christopher Sammons
(Principal)
Breaking News – I just heard that Annette Chan has qualified to represent Hong Kong in the National Team for ice-skating! More next week.
