Principal’s Message
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,
I began this week meeting with Deputy Director, Mr Eng Khoon Gan who gave a seminar to parents of children interested in attending the National University of Singapore. Rated first in Asia as part of the QS rankings, Mr Khoon was able to share his expertise about university applications.
On Wednesday, we met parents of Year 7 students in a more informal setting. The PTA hosted our evening and entertainment was provided by lower school musicians and vocalists. I was very grateful for the work of Mr Hewson who has adapted our transition programmes for the last four years to meet the needs of families. We are impressed and heartened by the way in which Year 7 are effortlessly fitting into our values and expectations. For any families not able to attend, please don’t hesitate to make contact with us.
The week has been notable for a number of student achievements. Kala Sharpless, the youngest dive master in the world has returned from China where she gave seminars on her diving experiences and how these are helping her grow. Talented, confident and aware of the seas which need our care and protection over the coming years, she is already changing the world for the better.
Bruce Xu is to be commended to you all for his outstanding achievement in his iGCSE examinations. Bruce is a humble young man who has achieved the highest score in Hong Kong and Macau for AS Critical Thinking Skills and the highest score in the world for his performance in Cambridge iGCSE maths.
As the youngest to attend, Mikkel Christensen has returned from his selection trials for the U20 World Rugby Series in Uruguay. What is more remarkable is that Mikkel worked over the summer to complete the majority of this term’s work without knowing if he was going to be selected. He has already been invited to the next training camp for his commitment and potential.
From our Alumni, I received news of four West Island School graduates that have received citations at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Sapna Manglani, Man Hei Gee, and Ayesha Nihal have all been cited with honours from the Business and Management faculty after their first year of study there.
All of these students represent the very best of our values: Commitment, Community and acting with Courage to push beyond your comfort zone. West Island applauds you all. So too, the many students who have been auditioning for Star Search 2017. I have been able to drop into a couple of auditions which started on Monday; more news to follow as we build to the final over coming weeks.
A quick reminder to submit your e-vote for your choice of Parent Representative for the School Council. Voting closes at 12 noon on Monday 18 September.
Don’t forget casual dress Friday next week, for Yuan and Tang’s Dynasty Day.
Best wishes for the weekend,
Christopher Sammons
(Principal)
Key dates coming up:
19 September- UK Education Roadshow
20 September- WIS Open Day
22 September- Yuan and Tang Inter-Dynasty Day/ WIS Bake Off Begins
26 September- Star Search Finals
28 September- Swim Gala and Sports Festival
22 October- ESF Marathon
6 December – ESF 50 Gala Dinner
