KIS Newsletter – December 2023

Principal’s Message

Dear KIS Parents & Guardians

Welcome to our New School Newsletter!

As we approach the end of the first term of the academic year, now is a golden opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved since school resumed in August 2023. Learning very quickly got into full swing in August/September 2023, and we have shared reports and feedback on student progress with parents. A wide variety of Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs) have been offered this term and these have been enjoyed by many of our students, and we would like to see even more students participating as the new ECA cycle begins next year. For me, it has been particularly exciting to see students going out on trips, both internationally and locally. Learning in a different environment, outside one’s comfort zone, is a profoundly valuable experience and complements learning in the classroom wonderfully. We have had several whole school events this term where the community can come together, and there are more planned soon. 

In this newsletter, you will find updates on upcoming events, valuable resources, and highlights of our students’ achievements. We are committed to keeping you informed and engaged in our school community. I look forward to working together to make this academic year a resounding success for our students. Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

I would like to wish everyone a wonderful and restful break for the upcoming Christmas holiday, and a special word of support for those students preparing for examinations in January. A balance of study and high-quality family time is the best way to feel ready for these examinations.

Highlights of The Month

Park Byung Won & Lee Nae Kun Scholarship Award Ceremony 2023

The Park Byung Won and Lee Nae Kun Scholarship Award Ceremony was held Tuesday 7th November at the Heritage Center, and it was a celebration of academic excellence! The ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of deserving students who received scholarships, and it was an opportunity for them to meet and interact with the donors. The event was graced by the presence of both Mr. Park Byung Won and Mr. Lee Nae Kun, who awarded the scholarships and certificates to the deserving students.

Let’s give a round of applause to the Korean Section students who received the Park Byung Won Scholarship: 김루아(Kim Rua) – KG6, 김주하(Kim Juha) – KG7, 최지유(Choi Jiyu) – KG8, and 김건하(Kim Geonha) -KG9. Congratulations also to the International Section students who received the scholarship: JEON Ryan Jayoon – Year 7, KANG Minjun (Leo) – Year 7, PRASAD Amba – Year 8, NAIR Vihaan Vinod – Year 8, CHAI Max Thomas – Year 9, SUNG Si Hyun (Kyle) – Year 9, FOO Ka Hei Darius – Year 10, and KWONG Hoi Yam (Seven) – Year 10.

But wait, there’s more! One lucky student received the Lee Nae Kun Scholarship (University Scholarship), and we want to give a huge congratulations to Lai Tsz Chun Alpha – Year 13 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

The ceremony was a memorable occasion for all involved and a testament to the importance of supporting education and academic achievement. It was truly inspiring to see the donors and awardees come together to celebrate academic excellence.

Outstanding Cambridge Learners Award 2023

We were excited to celebrate officially on Saturday 25th November 2023 with three of our students from the AS Level Cohort (June 2023 exam series) who have received the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards from Cambridge Assessment International Education. Crystal Tong has been awarded for Biology and Psychology, Ambrose Yau for Chemistry, and Dominic Hilton for Music. These awards recognise exceptional learners who have achieved outstanding results in their Cambridge examinations.

Again, we are incredibly proud of their achievements. Congratulations, Crystal, Ambrose, and Dominic!

Box of Hope 2023

Box of Hope donations left the campus on Monday 20 November. Our school community has shown tremendous support, with the Korean Section contributing 87 boxes and the International Section donating 278, resulting in a combined total of 365 boxes! It’s heartwarming to witness everyone coming together to support this meaningful initiative, especially during the holiday season.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone and Box of Hope for making this possible.

School Feeders

We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Grace Garden International Kindergarten & Nursery and Maple Bear Hong Kong in a feeder school program. These partnerships are a crucial component in fostering strong connections between our schools, the local community, and parents. Our goal is to enhance the continuity of our curriculum, strengthen the school’s understanding of and attention to our students, and improve student adaptation upon their transition between our both of these schools. To achieve these goals, we will work collaboratively with both Grace Garden and Maple Bear to provide a seamless and informative transition for students and parents into KIS school life and curriculum.

Christmas Fair (Secondary)

On Friday 8th December, Secondary students, representing the Houses of Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth, came together to host an electrifying Christmas fair for the entire school. The air was filled with excitement as the event unfolded, featuring a myriad of exhilarating activities and games. From Nerf target shooting to ring toss, aiming games, and even arm-wrestling with Santa, the fair was a whirlwind of fun and festivity. Additionally, students and teachers alike enjoyed indulging in tattoos, face painting, nail art, and an array of decorative pieces. The Christmas fair was not just a celebration of the holiday season, but also a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Secondary Houses. It served as a vibrant showcase of their creativity, teamwork, and dedication. The event brought the school community together in a joyous celebration, fostering a sense of unity and merriment as the holiday season approached. It was a day to remember, filled with laughter, cheer, and the warmth of the festive spirit.

Cultural Fair (Primary)

What a fantastic event on Thursday 14th December! Our first annual Cultural Fair was a huge success, showcasing the incredible diversity and talent within our school community. Students representing various countries, including Hong Kong, China, Japan, India, Philippines, South Africa, Ireland, France, Australia, South Korea, USA, and Canada, came together to celebrate their cultures through live performances, food, games, and education. It was truly amazing to see so many students actively participating and sharing their unique cultural heritage with the rest of the school. Our primary and primary springboard students truly shone during the event. They put on outstanding performances that showcased their incredible skills and knowledge of their respective cultures. The energy and enthusiasm they brought to the stage were infectious, and their performances left the audience in awe. Some highlights of the event included:

• Live performances by students showcasing their cultural dance moves and singing with passion and pride.
• Delicious food from various countries, allows everyone to experience the taste of different cultures.
• Engaging in games and activities that brought the spirit of the fair to life.

This event was not only a celebration of our school’s cultural diversity but also a chance for students to learn and grow. It was an opportunity for them to explore new cultures, make new friends, and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. As we look back on this incredible event, we cannot help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Our students truly made the fair a memorable and inspiring experience. We look forward to making this an annual tradition and watching our students continue to share their cultural heritage with the rest of the school community. Thank you to everyone who participated and made our first annual cultural fair a truly unforgettable event.

Upcoming Events & Activities

• Mon 8th – Term 2 Starts
• Mon 8th – Fri 19th Jan – Year 7 to 13 exams
• Tue 9th Jan – U16 Boys Football (KIS vs CAIS)
• Mon 13th Jan – Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) Primary Starts
• Mon 22nd Jan – Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) Secondary Starts
• Tue 16th Jan – U12 Boys Basketball (KIS vs MCHK)
• Thu 19th Jan – Ndebele Artwork Workshop (Reception & Year 1)
• Thu 25th Jan – Report Cards To Parents (Primary)
• Fri 26th Jan – Sports Day (Secondary)
• Tue 6th Feb – Report Cards To Parents (Secondary)
• Fri 9th – 16 Feb – Chinese New Year Break
• Fri 19th – PD Day For Staff (No School For Students)

Stay Connected