Principal’s Message

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of WIS,

Horizons Week is an important part of our student’s preparation in becoming responsible global citizens. Our curriculum enables students to acquire other languages, learn about different cultures and appreciate the issues which affect us globally. The most significant aspect of our programmes are the values and virtues which learners develop. Through Horizons Week, learners put this into meaningful service or action. Whether conquering fears in new countries, testing limits in a new physical endeavour, assisting with stray dogs in Hong Kong, packing emergency boxes for aid relief or building new facilities in remote parts of Asia.

The week has come and gone too quickly; we are in the process of collating memories from Horizons Week which will be available on the website shortly. I commend each learner for what they have gained and what they have given during the week. November 20 is the United Nations Universal Children’s Day which celebrates international togetherness and could not have arrived at a more apposite moment for learners here.

I have received two great emails from parents expressing gratitude for their children’s experiences and to thank teachers who have given freely of their time last week to create some wonderful moments. Staff have already begun to plan next year.

Horizons Week did not stop the sport. After some adjustments, our cross country runners were out in force at Fan Ling last Monday to achieve some notable success. For many, it was their first race at this level and they certainly rose to the occasion. Final results were C grade, 4th place. B grade, 5th place and A grade 4th place. This means West Island finished third out of all Hong Kong Schools overall.

Before Horizons Week was underway, West Island School students competed in a debating and public speaking competition. The standards were high and I was really pleased for Ethan Nicholas who is now selected to represent Hong Kong at the global competition in Capetown. Freya Boerner also competed for the first time and achieved a standard to make us proud.

Well done to Tanushree and Archita who also received recognition this week after being selected for the next round of Hong Kong’s Outstanding Student of the Year. We wish you well at the next round.

Yours,
Christopher Sammons
(Principal)