Issue No. 7 (28 October 2016)

Recently we have had two school closures for staff training days. I thought it might be an opportunity to share with you what we have been doing on these days.

On Sept 15^th was our Launch Day for our upcoming move to the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. What this entailed was our whole staff being involved with learning about the philosophy and values of an IB World School and looking at putting those principles into practice. The staff were split into 3 different groups with three different workshop leaders delivering the workshop on behalf of the IBO. As we are quite a way down the MYP planning route, the workshops were tailored to the needs of the school and the expectations of an MYP launch. Within these groups, subject staff were also able to look at subject specific guides. This built on quite nicely from what we had already done on our CPD day last April 29^th which was based on Teaching and learning. In April we had looked at a different approach to Concept Based Learning which is relevant to the planning of the MYP units of work. As a reminder, MYP will be introduced for Years 7 to 9 only.

Last Monday Oct 17^th was an ESF CPD day. As all ESF schools are embarking on the MYP framework for Years 7-9, but at different stages, the workshops that were offered had to be differentiated. SIS and WIS were the host schools. At SIS, 26 of our staff attended the Category 3 level in Creating Authentic Units of Work, while others attended MYP subject specific workshops. At WIS workshops included such topics as Teaching and Learning Instructional Coaching, Mindfulness, IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) Embedding Service Learning, SEN within the MYP programme, Design in Design Technology. The MYP workshops were delivered by trained IBO staff while the remainder were taken by ESF teachers.

Although we do realise these days are disruptive to students and parents, they are ‘additional’ days, originally drawn from school holidays and placed within the term. They are also a valuable opportunity for staff learning and collaboration within and across the Foundation.

SIS is pleased to inform that the Influenza Vaccination Program 2016 – 2017 scheduled, Tuesday, November 22, 2016, Time: 8:45 am to 10:00 am.

Kinetics Medical Staff will be in school to administer the SANOFI Pasteur -QUADRI VALENT INFLUENZA VACCINE (4 – STRAINS).

Recommended by WHO: SANOFI Pasteur (QIV, 4 – STRAINS) is available to those who wish to take part. This vaccine is suitable for individuals aged 6 months of age and older.  It is not suitable to those who are allergic to eggs, chicken protein, including Neomycin/Gentamycin or Fever on that day

The cost per vaccine will be HK$170.00. Payment will be made on Vaccination Day (cash only).

Registration is now being taken: Consent forms are now available at the medical room.

In order to increase flexibility of the service to the students, staff and their relatives who cannot attend the onsite vaccination, you can purchase the vaccine voucher and receive the injection at their local clinic.

Please email the School Nurse, Ms. Hui, at jhui@sis.edu.hk to register or for further information.

Mark the dates on your calendar because Diwali Night is back with a bang! To experience a night filled with spectacular performances from the South Island School community alongside some amazing authentic Indian food, make sure to attend Diwali Night 2016 with all your friends and family on FRIDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 6:00-9:30pm in the HALL! Dinner will be served from 6:00-7:15pm and performances will be 7:30pm onwards.