Monthly Newsletter (October 2024)
> PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
> UPCOMING EVENTS & INFORMATION
> RECENT HAPPENINGS
> STUDENT CELEBRATIONS
> AUGUST WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
> KEY DATES & REMINDERS
Principal’s Message
Principal’s Vlog
End of Make a Difference (MaD) Week Reflection
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we approach the conclusion of our Make a Difference (MaD) week, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable experiences our students have had at South Island School. I hope you enjoy the video we have created, showcasing the activities our Year 7 students participated in during their time on campus this week.
We firmly believe that education goes beyond textbooks and exams; it is about creating an environment where students can actively apply their knowledge and skills to bring about meaningful change in the world. Our Expanding Horizons curriculum serves as a vital platform for this purpose, with MaD week standing out as a key highlight where our students can truly put our Values into Action.
Throughout this past week, our students have engaged in a variety of activities that have allowed them to translate their learning into real-world action. From community service projects to environmental initiatives, they have embraced opportunities to make impactful contributions toward the betterment of society. It fills me with immense pride to witness the passion and dedication they bring to each experience.
A vital component of our Expanding Horizons curriculum is the emphasis on allowing students to take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and grow within a safe and supportive environment. We believe that valuable learning occurs not only through successes but also through setbacks. By encouraging our students to venture beyond their comfort zones, we equip them with the resilience and adaptability necessary for success in an ever-evolving world. This week, through overseas trips and trying new activities, our students truly pushed their boundaries.
We eagerly anticipate welcoming our students back and hearing their stories about the experiences they had and the positive impacts they made. I have genuinely missed the vibrant energy of having all the students in school this week, although the Year 7 drumming activity has certainly kept my toes tapping and spirits high!
Thank you for your continued support. Wishing you a wonderful weekend ahead!
Helen Thew
Principal of South Island School
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UPCOMING EVENTS & INFORMATION
(1) 2024-25 STUDENT GRANT – PAPER APPLICATION
Kind Reminder to Parents who have submitted their paper application during the 2nd phase :
| 5 Nov | Return the signed and completed paper application form to the Collection Box at the Reception Desk. Please keep a copy for future reference. |
| General Guidelines |
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Please note this will be the last window for application. No late application will be accepted.
(2) STUDENT HEALTH SERVICE 2024 – 2025
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am writing with information regarding the Student Health Service Assessment provided by the Department of Health for 2024 – 2025. The Student Health Assessment is free of charge for eligible students. Please find the Department of Health notes below which explain the eligibility criteria for this free assessment. For those who wish to enrol into the Student Health Service, kindly download and complete the Application & Consent form below and submit a hardcopy to the Medical Room before November 8, 2024. Late submission will not be accepted.
Kind regards,
Ms. Jeanette Hui School Health Professional. South Island School.
jhui@sis.edu.hk
Letter and Information from the Department of Health for Parents/Guardians HERE
Notes for Parents/Guardians HERE
Application & Consent Form for Student Health Service 2024/2025 HERE
DEADLINE OF SUBMISSION: November 8, 2024
(3) SIS’s FIRST EVER FRIGHT FEST! @31ST OCTOBER
Nicholas WAN (12N1), Nadia LAXTON-KWOK (12S1), Giselle LI (12N2), Andrea LAM (12K1), Katrina CHAN (12K2), and Sebastian QUINT CARBONNELL (13M2) from the BTEC Business Team, are thrilled to share an exciting news with you All.
“Dear South Island School,
We are delighted to invite you to SIS’s first ever 🎃 FRIGHT FEST! 🎃 On Thursday 31st of October we will be hosting a variety of halloween games and music events with chances to win sweets and other prizes! Below you will find a schedule as well as a sign up form for the scavenger hunt:
Break Time (10:05-10:25) – Scavenger Hunt ( Space )
Win prizes and sweets for participating or winning our scavenger hunt, click the link below for instructions and to sign up! https://forms.gle/D3hQBbLwNkdB6Q9o8
Lunch Break (12:25-13:15) – Main Event ( Lower Playground ) Open Mic Concert! If you have any interest in participating, please fill out the following form: https://forms.gle/i2pxZHvY98aqMAx69
Popcorn and Cotton Candy! Stop by for a snack while you watch the live performances! Bring CASH to get popcorn or cotton candy. Please try and bring the exact amount of cash for a more efficient process!
Face Paint Stall: We will have a face paint stall next to the stage so students can get spooky face paints. There will be student volunteers who take art there as well!
We hope to see you there!!
From BTEC Business Team”.
(4) BOX OF HOPE CONTINUES UNTIL @NOVEMBER 4TH
Our Box of Hope week continues until November 4th. Please continue to spread the love and donate whatever you can. Boxes are available at the Foyer. Big thanks to Cynthia KAM (07B1) for her informative flyer. Let’s continue to make a difference together!
(5) JOIN THE MOVEMENT AND HELP US SAVE THE PLANET @7th NOVEMBER
Shtep Up / Power Down
The rising air pollution levels in Hong Kong result in approximately 2,800 premature deaths and over 90,000 hospital admissions annually, primarily due to lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, and asthma.
Imagine a day when an entire school community refrains from using lights, air conditioning, laptops, and any devices that emit carbon dioxide. Welcome to “Shtep Up / Power Down.” This event, organised by the Shtepi House Leadership Team, will take place on Thursday, November 7th, and will focus on minimising energy consumption throughout the school day.
This initiative aims not only to increase awareness about the impact of global warming on our community but also to reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases in a heavily polluted area like Hong Kong, which is three times more polluted than cities such as Los Angeles, New York, and London.
On “Shtep Up / Power Down” day, we will prevent 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere—2 tonnes of a harmful gas that contributes to the suffocation of our planet. Our goal is to save over 5,000 kWh of electricity.
Through this small step, we can demonstrate to the world—and our community—that change is achievable.
Thank you in advance for your support! Please keep an eye on the VLE for more details in the upcoming weeks and for an exciting competition to estimate the total energy saved on that day.
To make up for the absence of certain activities, the Shtepi Leadership Team will provide break and lunch entertainment, including a Treasure Hunt and a Sports Competition. Sign up through the links available below, in the TGM or on the @shtepisharks Instagram page.
Additionally, during break and lunch, our Year 13 BTEC Business students will host “Thrift and Thrive.” It’s a chance to give new life to the clothes you no longer wear and update your own wardrobe with other student’s donations! Please drop off any clothing or accessories—such as tops, jeans, scarves, and shoes—in the donation boxes located in the foyer. You’re invited to join us for “Thrift and Thrive” in the hall foyer. Remember, it’s absolutely free! 😏
Go Shtepi!!
Treasure Hunt sign up: link here
Sports Competition sign up: link here
Thrift & Thrive: link here
(6) AN EVENING OF CULTURE @12-14 NOVEMBER
Emilia, a triple Olivier Award winner will soon be at our school’s door. Don’t miss out on this fantastic performance!
Emilia had its world premiere at London’s Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in 2018. Critically acclaimed, beloved by audiences and Award winner, including Best Entertainment or Comedy play, it transferred to the West End in 2019. Emilia is an imaginative (re)telling of the life of the English Renaissance poet Aemilia Bassano Lanyer, who in addition to having been one of the first females to write and publish her own poetry, was the chief contender for having been the “ Dark Lady” of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Emilia and her sisters reach out to us across the centuries with passion, fury, laughter and song.
Let us honour her legacy, and ensure that her remarkable life journey continues to inspire generations to come. 30 of our outstanding SIS students will be performing, and together with the original score by composer Luisa Gerstein, Emilia promises to be a cultural highlight in the school calendar.
Location: South Island School, The Hall, 2nd floor.
Date & Time: 12th- 14th November at 7pm
Ticket Price: HKD$100 for adults, HKD$50 dollars for students or children (under 18). Ticket purchase details to follow.
(7) TeDxTSIS – CALL FOR SPEAKERS
As you know, this year’s TeDxTSIS event will take place in March 2025 and our Head Organizers, Ashley Bertagnoli (Y13B1) and Kriti Tutika (Y13B2) have begun preparations ; here comes their message for you:
“Hello South Island School! We are the Head Organisers for TEDxTSIS 2025, which is an official TED affiliated event that aims to bring together a diverse group of individuals from both within and outside our school community to deliver speeches that encompass a wide range of subjects – to foster learning, inspiration and wonder – and to provoke conversations that matter. The event will take place Wednesday March 5th, 2025.
The theme for our event this year is “Solving For Why”, which we have defined as: “Discovering and embracing purpose in the world around us”. We are calling to the greater South Island School community to contact us if you are a parent, guardian, or know anyone else, who has stories they are interested in sharing and becoming an ‘external speaker’.
It can be anything you are passionate about – whether that revolves around an academic subject, or a personal story worth sharing.
Please contact the head organisers of TEDxTSIS, Kriti Tutika (tutikk2@webmail.sis.edu.hk) and Ashley Bertagnoli (bertaa1@webmail.sis.edu.hk), if you are interested or want more information.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation and support for our event!”
(8) NIGHT FEST
- NIGHT FEST VOLUNTEER BRIEFING – JOIN US @28th OCTOBER
We are glad to inform you that the Night Fest Volunteer Briefing session will be on Monday 28th October from 4pm to 5pm via Zoom. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Night Fest and the various duties involved. Whether you’re a returning volunteer or new to the team, we encourage you to join us to ensure a successful and enjoyable event for everyone.
Zoom Meeting Details:
Date: Monday 28th October 2024
Time: 4 PM – 5 PM
Meeting ID: 931 2553 3816
Passcode: 274193
Sign up – link
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the briefing!
- NIGHT FEST 2024 MAD Dollar Presale Begins @4th NOVEMBER
We are excited to announce that Night Fest 2024 MAD Dollar will go on presale starting Monday 4th November 2024! This year’s Night Fest will feature a variety of activities where you can use MAD Dollars for games, food, drinks, our book drive, bubble soccer, bouncy castles, and inflatable games.
Stay tuned for more details on MAD Dollar purchasing and event activities!
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a fantastic Night Fest!
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RECENT HAPPENINGS
PTA
FUN MEMORIES FROM NEW JOINER EVENT ON OCTOBER 18TH
We are excited to share that our New Joiner Event on 18th October was filled with joy and connection! New parents enjoyed a delightful meal in the Refectory, with ordering options available for students that day, providing an experience similar to what our children enjoy.
Afterward, everyone gathered in the Atrium, where Ms Helen Thew, our Principal, shared her back story allowing us to get to know her better and offering valuable tips on settling into a new environment.
To wrap up the event, we played a fun Kahoot game, answering interesting questions about South Island School, and had a wonderful time together!
Thank you to everyone who participated, and we are excited for more enjoyable events ahead!
SPORTS
(1) GRADES A AND B NETBALL GIRLS
Our netball girls both had their first matches of the season on Wednesday 16th October at Wong Chuk Hang.
The A Grade girls were first up against KGV with a new combination of players compared to last season. The first quarter was tight but the girls found their rhythm, working hard to create space and move the ball efficiently down court to the shooters. Iris Peel (13K2) had a stormer of a game as GA/GS and won the TSIS MVP vote. Julienne Chong (12B2) is voted MVP by KGV for her amazing work midcourt, consistently feeding well in attack and pressing hard in defence with some flying interceptions. The end result was a win for TSIS 24-12.
A Grade L to R: Samriddhi Rana, Zoe Lim, Amelia Chow, Iris Peel,Julienne Chow, Mishti Vijay, Lucy Guest, Ahlia Koram.
B Grade L to R: Kiani Lin, Maggie Dowding, Ruby Ramsay, Lois Lui, Liora Turner, Giselle Hung, Cassandra Skoett, Kourtney Lee, Louise Lindsay, Adelaide Williamson.
The B Grade girls, inspired by the A Grade girls, stepped on court to play DGS. The team is a young B Grade team with many players having played together last year in C Grade. The girls took a few minutes to settle before playing superbly together.
Lois Lui (10N2), who I don’t think missed a shot, was voted MVP by both DGS and TSIS. A special mention also goes to Cassandra Skoett (11S2), Maggie Dowding (10K2) and Kiana Lin (10C1) for their outstanding play.
An excellent start to the season for both teams and looking forward to the rest of the pool matches! Well done girls!
(2) U20 FOOTBALL TEAM
Brayden TSAO (12C2), Rishaan KULKARNI (12K1), Jayden LEE (12S1), Markus CHOY (12K2), William WU (12B2), Justin HO (12K1), Nicolas LESTER (13N1), Jongik CHOI (12M2), Tom GREGORY (13M2), Nicholas KEELEY (12K2), Paul WILLIAMS (13M1), Ryan LI (12K2), Nicholas WAN (12N1), Joshua KIM (13S1) and James WRIGHT (13M1).
The U20s Football Team faced a challenging match against an experienced St Joseph’s College. Once again, SIS went into the game with key players unavailable and once again the boys performed remarkably well. As the underdogs, SIS played cautiously and were extremely disciplined whilst the opposition dominated possession. SIS went a goal down before half time but kept their heads up. They boys grew into the game and applied more pressure with each attack. An equaliser was scored via a sublime free kick from Rishaan. The opposition were rattled and SIS kept pushing for a second. Unfortunately, a slight lapse in concentration after a gruelling encounter resulted in the opposition scoring a winner in the dying seconds of the game.
Final score: TSIS 1 SJC 2
The boys were bitterly disappointed, but have grown as individuals and most importantly as a team. We are very proud of them.
(3) SIS SWIMMING TEAMS – BOYS & GIRLS
Our SIS boys & girls swimming team recently went to Victoria Park for the finals of the division 3 HKSSF competition.
The boys had some absolutely fantastic individual performances during the day. Sean “the fish” Wong (13K2) led the way treating us to a masterclass and winning golds in both the 200IM & 100M freestyle in the A grade competition. Osman Kwok (12C2) showed us his breast stroking prowess claiming silver in the 100m with Ms Webster comparing him to the great Adrian Moorehouse. Andre Yeung (13S2) then pushed Osman in the 50m breast and helped him secure bronze.
Bosco Fung (11C2) took it to the next level in breaststroke winning the B grade 50m race with a performance a young Adam Peaty would have been proud of. In the B grade competition Colin Wijono (10C2) showed us his all round ability with a 3rd place finish in the 200IM & 50M freestyles with onlookers mistaking him for a young Thorpedo.
In the C grade competition, Mike “Michael Phelps” Wong (09K2) followed in his brother’s footsteps and claimed gold in the 200IM before powering to gold in the 50M butterfly.
The boys finished the day with some great performances in the relays. Antony Bertagnoli (09B1) & Hayden Cheung (08B2) shook off the cobwebs watching all day and Brian Lee (09S1) came in fresh after his maths assessment to help the team with Mike Wong again showing us his butterfly skills. In the B grade relays, the medley race of Carter Kokora (10C2), Bosco Fung, Humphrey Hau (10B2) & Warren Wong (10B2) just pipped them to the finish. Whereas the B grade Freestyle relay of Alex Yang, Ryan Liem, Marcus Tui & Colin Wijono had a cracking race to secure the bronze medal and helped the B grade boys win the overall competition for the B grade.
A great day overall, some fantastic performances and plenty to look forward to in the inter-house in the third term.
(4) SIS A GRADE GIRLS AND BOYS – RUGBY
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SIS finished off the group stages with two games at the home of HK rugby, King’s Park. In the first game against the BaaBaas (combined WIS, Harrow, AIS), SIS had a challenging start and took an early lead. The BaaBaas then scored to take a 7-5 lead. Two excellent tries from Sophie Aranha (12S1) leading SIS into a 17-7 half time lead. SIS were even better in the second half and won 34-7.
In the second game against KGV, SIS were disciplined and worked well throughout to win 42-0. Tries from Sara Harries (12K2), Saidhb Martin (12C1), Ahlia Koram (12B2), Skye Semple (12B1) and the two debutants Cassandra Skoett (11S2) & Louise Lindsay (10S1).
As for the SIS A grade boys rugby team, they finished off their final league games against HKIS at their Tai Tam Fortress. Without much practice, the boys came away 12-0 winners with both tries coming from Calum Tang (13B2). The boys showed their desire in defence with a last ditch effort and a try saving tackle by Ollie Phillips (12M1) to keep a clean sheet.
The next test is the semi final on Wednesday 30th October, where both our girls and boys will be attending for the season finale. Let’s go Team!
(5) SIS A GRADE BOYS – FOOTBALL TEAM
Team – back row R to L – Max Juilliene (13K1), Aidan Lee (13C2), Josh Kim (13S1), Tom Gregory (13M2), Elliot Shepherd (13N1) (inj), enthusiastic supporter Abraham Poon (13C1), Nicky Lester (13N1). Front row R to L – William Wu (12B2), Paul Williams (13M1), Benji Zavou (13S1), Aiden Hong (12M2) & Jeremy Lui (13B1).
It was an eventful end to the HKSSF A grade boys football team league games as coach Sama & Alpesh enjoyed some rest-bite through ‘the international break.’ Coach Pate & Au ‘took the reins’ of the skeleton team due to lots of Year 12 players being unavailable due to MAD week trips. SIS were playing WYK and both teams were aware that a win could mean progression to the Jing Ying knock out stages. SIS managed to field 11 players and knew that a tough challenge lay ahead to pull off a win with no substitutes. The first half was a fairly even affair with WYK hitting the woodwork and were denied some very good chances by captain and goalkeeper Joshua Kim (13S1). Despite chances being available for both teams it was 0-0 at half-time. Both teams battled hard at the start of the second half and it was apparent that this was going to be a close game. Half way through the second half, the WYK goalkeeper made an unfortunate mistake which was capitalised on by Jeremy Lui (13B1) who slotted the ball home to put SIS 1-0 in the lead. SIS were then denied what looked like a clear penalty. Shortly afterwards, WYK were then awarded a very dubious penalty which was rightfully saved by Josh. SIS held on for the victory but unfortunately did not end up with 11 players on the pitch. Jeremy was sent off with minutes to go due to a lack of discipline. In the end, it was a dramatic second half and lots more lessons were learned. The SIS spirit was in full flow with many of the players volunteering to step up and join the team for the first time, despite not playing regular football. Players’ player of the match was Aiden Hong who showed a determined attitude until the final whistle.
Both Coaches Pattel and Sama are immensely proud of the Grade A team. It’s been a rollercoaster of a season but they have never seen such team spirit in school football. In their eyes, they are champions!
(6) THE ASIA CUP 7’S TOURNAMENT IN MALAYSIA – RUGBY UPDATE
A few weeks ago, the HK U18’s women won Gold Medal at the Asia Cup 7’s tournament in Malaysia.
Everyone was thrilled to see so many representatives / alumni from the South Island School.
SIS Students – Left to Right – Liam Gordon (former student in the boys team), Lizzie Stanton (former student), Saidhb Martin (12C1), Elsie Hulme (13S2), Sara Harries (12K2), Sophie Aranha (12S1).
Congratulations to the HK U18’s women for winning the Gold Medal!
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MONTH WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS
Linked below are this month’s weekly newsletters:
REMINDERS & KEY DATES
November
- 4th – Box of Hope
- 4th – 8th – French Exchange Students in Hong Kong
- 6th – Guiding Day
- 7th – Shtepi MAD: ‘Power Down / Level Up’ [y10-13]
- 7th – Diwali Night
- 8th – Year 10 HKAYP Bronze Practice Training Camp
- 11th – SIS CPD DAY
- 12th – 22nd – Year 11 Mocks
- 12th – 14th – Emilia Performance
- 15th – NightFest
- 15th – Group 4 Project Assembly (Extended Tutor Time)
- 19th – 20th – Group 4 Project Day
- 22nd – Athletics Day
- 25th – 29th – Art Week
- 25th – School Council Meeting
Please access the latest school calendar HERE and the 2024-2025 Calendar HERE
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If your child has a particular highlight or achievement you would like to share with the community, please email a short description and photo to ebulletin@sis.edu.hk
