KOREAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

This IssueSpecial EventsSpecial WeeksLibrary NewsSports DayClass TripsAssemblyWall of FameAnnouncementNotice to ParentsMixed Bag

find PASSION; foster VISION; encourage ACTION

INTERNATIONAL SECTION NEWSLETTERMarch 2017

April 18th: School reopens after Easter breakApril 18th: Y1 AssessmentsApril 19th: Y6 Checkpoint examsApril 20th: Y1 AssessmentsApril 24th: Literacy Festival beginsApril 28th: Y2 assembly [all parents welcome]April 28th: Y6 Primary Checkpoint ExamsApril 24th‐26th: Y9 Secondary Checkpoint ExamsApril 28th: Final Report (Scores only) issued to Y11‐Y13 & Study Leave for Y11 ‐ Y13 begins

Dates to Remember

Dear ParentsFrom the Principal’s desk

C. ChadwickPrincipal – International Section

KIS has been buzzing over the last few weeks!The students have been working very hard, but now as we speed towards the Easter break we have the chance to catch our breath and reflect on an amazing couple of months when our school shone out in Hong Kong like a star in the night sky.

Primary-Secondary Information Evening [March 2nd]Parents, teachers and students were invited to this evening for parents in Primary who want to know more about the Secondary educational programme/systems/ curriculum, IGCSE, A levels, etc. Everything you wanted to know about our Secondary Section, but were afraid to ask! Parents heard from the teachers and the student’s points of view about what life is like in Secondary for them. They heard about our way forward, new ideas, courses and plans for the International section.

Cambridge Presentation Ceremony (10th March] This event was a presentation for our award winning students.

International school’s fair[March 11th]

History /spelling bee competition[March 11TH]

Y9/10/11/12/13 Science visits to the University[13TH-17TH March]

Y11/12/13 Mock exams;[ Monday, 27th February until Friday, March 10th ]

ART WEEK; and exhibition [13th -17th March] with dress up day

Sports day awards assemblies[March 16th-17th]

Parent Teacher Conferences [Monday March 20th]

HKYWA; at Cyberport for our budding authors[22nd March]

Secondary Student dance night (Y7-Y13) Thursday 23rd March

Everyone has been so involved in their activities and celebrations. There has been so much happening, with special activities in classes too.

We look forward to a busy but exciting last few weeks of the academic year. Thank you for your continued support.

Ms Chan and Ms Brown organised a great event. It was a celebratory evening for our successful Cambridge students Results – Awards –IGCSE / A Level.Every year Cambridge awards students that achieve the highest marks in a subject in their city, country or the world. This year we have 3 students that have received awards for the highest exam mark in Hong Kong. Cambridge Presentation Ceremony (10th March) / Mini Auditorium Mr Eric Ding (Regional Director East Asia, Cambridge International Examinations), Ms Jamie Jin (Senior Manager South China, CIE), Mr Tony Cai – (Hong Kong Representative, CIE) attended from Cambridge for this special ceremony.awardsHighest mark in Hong Kong for High Achievement in IGCSE Foreign Language Malay – Arina Syahirah Raizal AzharHighest mark in Hong Kong for High Achievement in AS Level Biology – Jessica HunterHighest mark in Hong Kong for High Achievement in AS Level English Language – Jessica HunterHighest mark in Hong Kong for High Achievement in AS Level Mathematics – Sammi TamHighest mark in Hong Kong for High Achievement in AS Level Psychology – Sammi Tam

Other excellent results to mention:Cambridge AS & A Level, Chinese Language : The students were: KUNG Yin Lam Muriel A CHAN Cheuk San Jason A YU Cheuk Sze Jessie A TANG Wing Hong Marco A

The three students who received awards for the highest exam mark in Hong Kong each received an engraved crystal keep sake from the school. Cambridge presented a special medal to each student and they also received their official certificate. The PTA and their Chairman Ms Esther Buls gave all the students a voucher of 150 dollars.The PTA again provided specialist support with food, drinks and even non -alcoholic champagne.The parents were impressed ,as were Cambridge. They told us we were the only school to honour its award winners. Congratulations to all the students

Ms Chan and Ms Brown organised a gre ttat eve

Cambridge evening

KIS wishes to give a big thank you to The Standard Newspaper for inviting us to attend their International School Fair on March 11, 2017 at the JW Marriott! It was a brilliant opportunity for us for us to network with prospective parents, students and other international schools. We learnt that many parents have heard of us from word of mouth and held us in high regard as they made a trip down just to talk to us about our Cambridge curriculum and teaching methodology. It was a day of academic fun and knowledge-sharing. Many thanks to the student leaders, teachers and office staff who made this event possible.

For more information about this event, you can also refer to The Standard International Schools Guide Magazine 2017 that is available online http://www.thestandard.com.hk/emagazines/20170316181223magazine.pdf

KIS wishhes to igive a big tthhankk you to ThThe Standad rd Ne

International School Fair

Special Events

Congratulations to Mr Green and his team of organisers who set up the History Bee for many visiting schools and their families. It was a busy day but the students did us all proud in their efforts.Our campus hosted nearly 300 student contestants for the History Bee and Bowl Hong Kong Championships, including students from Hong Kong International School, Chinese International School, South Island School, Renaissance College, Island School, Sha Tin College, International Christian School, as well as other international schools from Hong Kong and Macau. Also, our event was attended and emceed by both of the organisation’s cofounders: Mr. David Madden and Mrs. Nolwenn Madden. The competitions for the Bee and Bowl are organised by age groups. KIS was represented by Omega Lai (Y9), Aimee Wong (Y9), Lok Yin Yun (Y9), Jadealyn Jancosko-King (Y9), and Christopher Lo (Y12). Lok Yin finished 6th overall in the preliminary competitions for the Middle School Bee. He advanced to the semifinals which included the top eight students from the original field of 35.In the semifinals he moved up to the top three and earned his spot in the finals. After a hotly contested back and forth, in the end,Lok Yin fished with 3rd with only two points separating bronze and gold - a very close finish indeed. Both Aimee and Lok Yin have qualified to represent Hong Kong in the Asia Championships which are hosted in Singapore in June.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Madden individually complimented our school on its accommodations and our students on their performance in this round. Only one of our students had previously attended an event like this before. This was a great showing on our part and we look forward to the program growing in the terms to come.

Once again, congratulations to Mr Green for organising a great competition for our students. It was their first time and they did so well, we are all proud. Thanks to PATTI AND HER TEAM TOO.

Congratulations and thank you to all the above; I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who made all these events possible; they showed great enthusiasm , hard work, involvement, help, support and commitment for our school

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History BeeSpecial Events

With a generous donation from the PTA, our pyjama themed party had a photo booth, DJ and cotton candy machine, as well as suitable bedtime food such as hot chocolate and cakes. Many people came in their pyjamas to follow the theme and had fun using the photo booth to capture themselves with their friends in funky accessories, even the teachers! There were also many other activities such as pillow fights, dancing and beer pong (don't worry - it was root beer!). At the end of the night, we had a raffle draw and one lucky person won the bedtime themed prize! Overall, this year's KIS dance was a relaxing and fun night for everyone and a good break from school work. Everyone left with good memories, and I'm certain that everyone will come again next year!

Author: Jessica Hunter - Head girl

and cotton candy machine

Student Dance

sday / Pancake Day SShhroroovve e TTTTTTuuuuuuueeeeeeeessdday y / PPaancnccaakeke DDay Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day

Special Events

Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day (28th Feb ) was a great success! KIS celebrated Shrove Tuesday on February 28th, 2017 with a feast of pancakes! The pancakes were delivered to the classrooms by Jeana and her amazing staff. They arrived piping hot and the students were delighted to see the butter and real maple syrup served with them. A round of thanks go to the PTA for sponsoring the event and the KIS catering team for making the delicious pancakes and decorating the canteen. Also a special mention goes to the Primary Special Committee for planning the fun activities and keeping the whole event green by making sure that no plastic forks and knives were used on that day.

Pancake DayDuring literacy we gorged ourselves with pancakes. There was syrup and butter, I did not want to get syrup since it was sweet. We even watched a video, it was so awesome. Some people even wanted 1 more pancake. The videos were about the pancake race, all students in our class were really delighted!!! by Adam, KK.

More than 100 parents, teachers and students attended the Primary-Secondary Information evening to learn more about the Secondary educational programme, systems, curriculum, IGCSE and A levels. It was a lively session as many parents and primary students seized the chance to ask the senior staff, subject teachers, form tutors and the secondary students many questions about life in the Secondary Section. They also got to hear future ideas, courses and plans for the section from the principal himself, Mr Chris Chadwick; and many went home with clearer ideas about our Secondary Section. Our thanks go to the teachers, general office and the PTA team for organising the logistics and providing a lovely buffet spread for our attendees.

a y Seconda Information EveninPPrriimamaararryy-yy----SeSececocoonnddaarrarry y IInnffoorrmmaattiioon EEveveenniinngPrimary-Secondary Information Evening

Special Weeks

KIS experienced its first Numeracy Week in the last week of March from 27th to 31st. There were games and activities in class covering a range of topics including Number System, Calculations, Geometry, Handling Data and Problem Solving. Students enjoyed solving different challenges and puzzles. We had a “My Favourite Number” poster activity where students designed and made posters for their favourite number with drawings/photos and reasons for why they like that number. There was a fantastic response and we received many wonderful and creative posters! Teachers and students had fun during Numeracy Week. Not only have we extended our skills in the subject, we have also learnt to appreciate that Numeracy is all around us!

from 27th to 31st There were games and activities in

Numeracy week begins...

We were excited to have brought Art Week to the International Section this year. Art takes on all forms from the visual, musical, and performance; it encapsulates and can engage or incite us. We were fortunate to have started the week with a musical presentation by the HKPhil String Ensemble for Primary and a special assembly Art Talk for Secondary. Throughout the week, students worked on various art projects and challenges, while some local, professional artists visited the school to do presentations and workshops to encourage exposure, understanding, and involvement.

Art Week kicked off on 13th March and peaked with a special assembly on the 17th March, 2017. It culminated with our 1st Korean International School International Section Open Arts Exhibition on 20th March that displayed artworks from our creative and talented students and some staff. It was a hit! Thank you for the positive feedbacks and looking forward to next year’s exhibition.

Art week

Library News

Ken Spillman, a terrific and wonderful Australian author, visited KIS on the 28th of February 2017!!He is a successful writer and an experienced and stimulating storyteller. He has been inspiring primary and secondary school students to read, imagine and write for many years. Students had an amazing time listening to his stories about Jake and his adventures.

On Thursday the 9th of March, we participated in the ‘reading buddies’ programme in the library. Who are the reading buddies? Our reading buddies were Reception students from RY. Why do we need to have the reading buddies? It is because our teachers want us to have better communication and reading skills and to have fun while reading. By Eunice 5KK

Library activity, Mystery Challenge, was a success!! The main purpose of this activity is to explain the quote “ Do not judge a book by its cover”.Here are some photos from the Mystery Challenge.

Sports DayFebruary 16th brought fabulous weather for our annual sports day and the children had plenty of fun.The two House system was used for the first time in the secondary section and the competition was as intense as ever. The eventual winners were Artemis. Some of the outstanding individual performances saw our students win multiple medals. Among those to win 7 were Oswin Wong, Janice Yau, Ari Yu and Jason Wong whilst those winning eight included Omega Lai, Jared Ling and May May Tam. EAGLES? PANDAS? LIONS? COUGARS?The Primary section competed in the traditional 4 house system. After a long morning in the sun racing on the track the students turned to the team game section in the afternoon. At the end of the day the overall winners were EAGLES? PANDAS? LIONS? COUGARS?

Class Trips

March 4th – Junior Secondary School Activity 2017 @ HKUFarm Visit

March was a busy month for the Secondary Science department. Our students travelled to Hong Kong University to participate in a Junior Secondary School Activity and to attend a workshop on Biodiversity in Hong Kong. They also attended various lectures on Climate Change and Genetics at the Hong Kong Science Museum.

March 7th – “Exploring the Rich Biodiversity of Hong Kong” Workshop @ HKU

“The climate change lecture was quite interesting. I learned about the difference between land ice and sea ice and how they affect sea levels when they melt. The lecturer also had many demonstrations to show us the adverse effect of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) to our aquatic environment.” – May May Tam, 11LC

“On the 4th of March, I went with 7 other KIS students to HKU. We were put into separate teams with other students from different schools. The first part of the activity was checkpoint based. We were asked to complete different science-related activities to earn ‘money’ for purchasing materials. Our final task was to use the materials that we bought to build the tallest tower possible. Unfortunately, my team’s tower was not as tall as the one Lok Yin’s team built. It was a good experience working with students of our age from other schools in Hong Kong.” – Omega Lai, 9HY

“I got a chance to explore around the HKU campus and its surroundings while looking for and identifying insects and birds in the area. It was surprising to know how diverse Hong Kong’s ecosystems are. We should all take part in conserving the diversity of wildlife in Hong Kong.” – Ivy Ho, 12CS

March 14th – “The future of genetic testing” Lecture @ Hong Kong Science MuseumMarch 15th – “Reproduction without sex – what does technology have to offer?” Lecture @ Hong Kong Science Museum

“I feel very privileged to have taken part in such an intriguing lecture over the past two days. The topics surrounding genetics and biotechnology will affect our future greatly. Professor Joyce Harper was able to pass along a lot of information while keeping it entertaining by sharing her own experience with IVF (in vitro fertilization) and integrating a live survey throughout the lecture.” – Presley Mohm, 11WM

“After listening to Professor Joyce Harper’s lecture on PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis) and Genome Editing, we were left with a series of moral and ethical issues to ponder about the advancement of technology. With these technologies becoming more readily accessible in the future, I wonder how our world will change compared to where we are today.” – Anson Cheng, 12YC

“Professor Joyce Harper’s lectures were an eye-opener. The topics that she introduced were as interesting as they were controversial. The ethical issues behind every implication of Genetic Testing and Genetics Technology have led to a whole new way of looking at life. Genetics is a subject that should be treated with caution because it is rapidly changing and growing. I would love to keep learning about such topics, especially the moral and ethical issues behind this controversial subject.” – Maria Bezanilla, 11WM

March 10th – “What exactly is climate change and why should we care?” Lecture @ Hong Kong Science Museum

Class Trips

On March 6th,2017, our reception students went for a farm visit in Kam Tin. Students had a chance to pick strawberries, feed goats and rabbits, catch tiny goldfish and run around in the field. Both students and parents had fun on this beautiful day and are looking forward for more exciting excursions to come.

The Year 5’s went to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum on the 6th of February 2017, as part of their Social Studies curriculum on local history. Everyone enjoyed themselves and took notes during their field trip as they learned how Hong Kong transitioned from a sleepy Stone Age fishing village to the multicultural hub it is today.

The HKPhil String Quintet visited the school on the 13th of March. There were five professional musicians including two violinists, a violist, a cellist, and a bassist. They played classical favourites like Dvorak’s Humoresque, Strauss’ Pizzicato Polka, and Haydn’s Emperor Quartet. There were also fun games and interactive activities. Some of our students were even chosen to conduct the HKPhil ensemble! All in all, it was a great ensemble visit.

Assembly

The first annual KIS Sing Up Day took place on Friday, March 24. There were 17 performances in all. It started with awesome groups singing Baby by Justin Bieber and Marry You by Bruno Mars, followed by the excellent Korean song and dance by Y4 students Yein and Jihye. Then the focus shifted to songs from different countries with Alouette, sung in French, Ode to Joy, sung in German, Little Donkey, sung in Mandadrin, and Arirang, in Korean. Most of the lower primary classes also led songs of their own, including favourites such as One Call Away and Do Re Mi. The assembly ended with a bang with the singing of the school song.

Year 1 Wisdom and Kindness AssemblyDuring their beloved Library time, the Year 1’s found a book full of truth and wisdom, called “Only One You – by Linda Kranz”. They shared it with KIS during their February assembly. They reminded us all to notice and appreciate our surroundings, and be kind and helpful to one another whenever we have the chance. They wrapped up the assembly with a fun song that explains what it means to “fill your bucket” – it maybe be invisible, but it can make a big difference in someone’s day.Have you filled yours or someone else’s bucket today yet?

Special thanks to Ms. Feg, Ms Yuen, Mr Jay, Ms Ivy, and Class 1F and 1Y for putting it all together for us!

Year 1 assembly

Wall of Fame

Anjitha Nair, Y5GK, was presented with a certificate from the HK Academy of Gifted Education on the 17th March, 2017 for the successful completion of a Training Workshop and participation in the 2016/17 Hong Kong Budding Poets (English) Award. Fingers remain crossed for the results to be released on 17th May, 2017!

Leia Tong’s short fiction story (Reunited in Shanghai) was shortlisted for publication in the 2017 HK Young Writers Anthology Series. Her achievement was honored at the HK Young Writer’s Award Ceremony in Cyberport. Congratulations to Leia for being a published author at the age of 10!

Wesley HO (8WB) is a member of the Asia Karate Confederation.He actively trains 3-4 times a week mastering the techniques of karate and entering solo competitions.

Achievements and timeline:2013 - started learning karate2014 - promoted to green belt 2014 - promoted to blue belt2015 - Police Government karate competition 2015 Bronze plate

2017 - promoted to brown belt

We would like to wish him all the best in his upcoming Police karate competition this April and in his judging heats. If Wesley succeeds he will have the chance to compete in Russia. Good luck Wesley!

Announcement

Schools are small in area, but they can create an environment full of vitality by using small plants. The extensive planting of trees and flowers in schools will directly benefit the schools, students in many aspects.

Plants come in a great variety of types and forms. Their shape, foliage, colours and flowers constitute graceful forms and shapes for our pleasant visual and spiritual experiences. Plants can effectively soften and set off structures; and cover up unsightly scenes. Some species shed leaves and grow new shoots, produce flowers and bear fruit throughout the year, bringing different seasonal charms to the school campuses.

Over the next 2 years we will aim to cultivate the greening consciousness of the school population in order to effectively implement the concept of greening the environment. In the modern world, a students' learning time is mostly spent in schools. If schools are grown intensively with plants, students can get in touch with nature from their childhood and develop their interest in plants. In this way, their greening consciousness will be cultivated gradually. With the encouragement and guidance of teachers, the results produced will be even more obvious.

We raised HK$ 7000.00 towards this project at the “Greening KIS” non-uniform day. ‘From small acorns mighty oaks grow’, we are on our way.

Our Recycling Bins have arrived in time for Green Day! They are the property of the ECC.Special thanks to Ms Jorge for applying and having the bins bought to KIS. They were delivered to the classrooms.

REMINDERS FOR ALL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS:Have students continue to be responsible for the recyclingThe bins are given/loaned to us by the Environmental Campaign Committee. They will pick up the materials and send it to the appropriate recycling facility. The Company sends someone to come and take away our materials to be recycled once a week at the moment. T he best thing is to rinse any plastics and metals first. Please bring materials down to the bins near the buses at least once a week; the company picks up the materials on Mondays. Each class is responsible for keeping their bins clean.Look after your bins and recycle responsibly. They are property of the ECC.

Teresa Jorge and Jeremy Green Happy Recycling.

Salvation army came and picked up the 8 boxes of used clothes that KIS donated before Chinese New Year. Thank you all again for your donation! You have improved the lives of many people.

Notice to ParentsDear Parents,

Pokemon CardsReminder: sadly, we have decided to ban Pokemon cards from School. The vast majority of children did play sensibly with the cards and most parents only allowed their children to bring in a few cards to school. However,it is difficult for us to ‘police’ cases of;trading / misplacement / loss or theft / agreement breaking and due to a few accusatory emails directed at the school and at individual parents and their children, we have now decided to ban Pokemon cards from school. Sorry!

Expensive itemsOn this note, can I remind parents that any items that children bring from home to school are their/ your responsibility. I would suggest that you say ‘no’ to your child if they want to bring expensive or important items to school!

ChickenpoxWe have several students who have been confirmed to have Chickenpox. We are updating the Centre for Health Protection on a regular basis and are following their advice. I would ask that you keep a close eye on your child, checking for any signs of a rash. Sometimes other symptoms may start a day or two before the rash appears.These can include:o feeling tired and generally unwello a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or overo feeling sicko a headacheo aching, painful muscleso loss of appetiteNot everyone has these symptoms. If in doubt please keep your child away from school and consult a doctor. This link to the Centre for Health Protection website may be of interest. Thank you for your assistance.

PARENT SuggestionsIf you have any suggestions you would like to make for an event or a service, please email them directly to: Jenny Choi.Your email will be received directly by her. She will reply to you at the earliest available moment.

Staff professional developmentOver these past weeks many teachers have been out learning and training with professional providers on Professional development days for the betterment of your children. May 2nd is a school closure and a whole staff training day.

School Uniforms As the weather is turning warmer, students returning to school after the Easter Holidays will be expected to put on the summer uniform. Please ensure that your son/daughter is wearing the school-approved uniform from 18/4/2017. Please contact the office if you have any questions. Your cooperation is appreciated.

Reception/Primary: BOYS: Short sleeve polo shirt, Boy’s shorts, Black leather shoes, gray socksGIRLS: Short sleeve polo shirt, Girl’s skorts, Black leather shoes, gray socksPE attire: PE T-shirt, PE shorts, Sports Shoes / Sneakers

Secondary: BOYS: Short sleeve polo shirt, Boy’s trousers, Black leather shoes , black socksGIRLS: Short sleeve polo shirt, Girl’s skorts, Black leather shoes ,black socksPE attire: PE T-shirt , PE shorts, Sports Shoes / Sneakers

No hat no playAPRIL-JUNE; Hot weather protocolsThis week saw the hottest day of 2017 the Observatory recorded a temperature high of 30.7 degrees CelsiusYesterday was the hottest day of the school year in Hong Kong.

So the temperature rises over the next few weeks, have a hat ready at all times, in your child’s school bag : named of course.

Wet Weather SeasonWe are entering the wet season. Whilst we make every effort to promptly INFORM families about school closures, weather warnings can be issued at short notice and you are encouraged to monitor Hong Kong Government websites for information when these situations arise.

The staff and I hope you were able to enjoy some quality time with your families during the Easter holiday. We are now back in full swing for our final term of this academic year. As usual, we have already been planning ahead for the 2017-18 academic year and this inevitably brings some staffing changes which I will share with you very soon.

Mixed bag

from the IS Newsletter Team- Ms. Kavitha Suresh, Mrs. Glenda Khoo & Ms. Faye De Lacy

KIS in news - HK Standard

Sing Up - Talent Show