Principal’s Message
Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,
We have just finished the Swim Gala & Sports Festival and enjoyed a day of competition and cheering for our Dynasties. The atmosphere was great despite the heat and all the participants went full out in their races. The top three places in rank order were Qing (3rd), Song (2nd) and Ming (1st).
A huge thank you to the PE faculty who led us and to the wider staff team for their support and willingness to compete alongside the students; West Island spirit at its best.
Staff have been achieving their own personal bests in other arenas. Ms Sarah Boesenberg competed and won her category in the World Kettlebell Championships last weekend in Malaysia. Ms Mai Schroder has been living a different type of challenge building on her work with refugees and has been living off $40 per day this week to raise awareness and sponsorship for the most under privileged in Hong Kong. Well done to both of you.
Tuesday was memorable for many reasons. I watched a performance of dance from our Learning Centre students who were exploring emotions and communication. Young people were able to connect with themselves and the audience in some really moving experiences and I wish to commend Ronald, Marcus, Anais, Nikki and Sasha for your exceptional commitment and performance skills.
The artistic talent continued into lunch as I watched the final winners of Dynasty’s Got Talent. Dancing, singing, instrumentals and some smooth moves from Fode rocked the auditorium. Congratulations to everybody who took part and those who were celebrated for excellence. I want to mention Natasha Tait. We have created an individual recognition for Natasha because of her unassuming character and the commitment she has shown to others by performing as an accompanist throughout the term. A talented and unassuming young lady who has impressed us so much. Thank you to Harmeet and Georgia for your leadership of the event alongside Mr Jolly and Ms Dalgarno.
Our athletes also ranked highly this week. Dominic Yap won a silver medal in the C Grade Fencing Competition held in China last week. After only a year his effort and perseverance is paying dividends. Likewise Lila Man who won first in category and placed 10 overall in the Hong Kong Ladies Road Runners Club (a time of 15:56 over a distance of 3.5km). Lila, this was an incredible racing achievement. You are following the family tradition of running success, well done.
Although the term has seemed long and we are ready for some respite, the atmosphere in school has been brilliant for young people. Last week’s Yuan & Tang Dynasty Day saw food and fun throughout break and lunchtime, and raised over $25,000 for charities. In preparation for Horizons Week our student leaders took to Lamma Island over the weekend as part of their leadership training programme and within a few weeks we will all be set to go on new adventures.
For now, take heart in the fantastic achievements and efforts demonstrated in our community by teachers, parents and students. We are blessed and fortunate to belong here.
West is Best, now enjoy some rest.
Yours,
Christopher Sammons
(Principal)
