Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3 Principals Message
Celebration in Honor of Prof. Charles Kao Nobel Laureate in Physics
2009 - 2009 Visit by Prof. and Mrs. Charles Kao Visit from Primary
School Affiliated with Xian Jiao Tong University Author Visits
Visit from Other Schools P.1 P.2 P.3 P.4 P.5 P.6 P.7
2009/1020103 ()Winter Carnival Chinese New Year Celebration
University Guidance Office Chinese Cultural Center Library News
Secondary Community and Service Teams Field Trips Admission News
PTA News P.7 P.8 P.9 P.10 P.12 P.13 P.14 - P.17 P.18 P.19 P.20
P.23
Principals MessageBuilding a Better World: When Values Count
The
Independent Schools Foundation Academy is currently developing a
strategic plan to chart the course of development for our school
over the next five years. As a community exercise aimed at taking
into account the needs and aspirations of our key stakeholders
students, parents, teachers, as well as our Foundation Board, the
Hong Kong Government, and even the IBO developing and refining a
strategic plan is a complex task, demanding both broad vision and
fine attention to detail. One of the most challenging steps in the
planning process is choosing what to leave out of the plan; if we
set out to achieve all things, we will end up producing very
little. We nurture and develop potential in our students that may
lead to an almost infinite number of future paths and
opportunities. We can plan for facilities and learning programs
that are optimally flexible, but we cannot cover every possible
need. Ultimately, our plan is a commitment to a specific vision of
education, one that is clear about our chosen direction and the
initiatives to be taken to reach our stated goals. One foundational
element of our vision that frames the direction and detail of the
strategic plan is the set of core values of The ISF Academy. While
many aspects of our schools curriculum may undergo incremental or
even radical development and change, and buildings and other school
facilities may be built and rebuilt, it is the values and
attributes that we want our graduates to display that must stand
the test of time, reflecting what we hold to be most important
about our school.
PRINCIPALS MESSAGE
1
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Principals Message
At the 2010 International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Asia
Pacific Annual Regional Conference, I have been asked to speak at a
school leadership seminar on the topic of reconciling the IB
Learner Profile to our own Eight Virtues + One. The IB Learner
Profile consists of ten attributes that all IB World Schools aspire
to inculcate in their students. All IB students are expected to be
balanced, caring, communicators, inquirers, knowledgeable,
openminded, principled, reflective, risk-takers, and thinkers. The
IB vision is that these attributes are to be used by IB students to
create a better and more peaceful world. Curiously, and perhaps
reflecting the cultural context in which the Learner Profile was
developed, these attributes are largely individual. They say very
little about what a better world looks like. Only two of the
attributes, caring and communicator, specifically describe what
social interaction might look like in a better world. Our own
system of values, the Eight Virtues + One, on the other hand, is
strongly focused on building a community with a clear set of values
and expectations. Loyalty, respect, compassion, love, harmony and
balance are to be the hallmarks of a just society, in which
courtesy and etiquette are universally practised, and wisdom is
prized above all. These traditional values transcend the individual
to reflect what we believe a better world might be like. Of course,
both individual and collective values are needed. We build a better
world one day at a time, one person at a time. We need to nurture
individual attributes, while keeping a keen eye on what each
individual might contribute to the overall vision of a better
world. Similarly, we build a great school, not just with values,
visions and plans, but one lesson at a time, one student at a
time.
2010
Mr. Malcolm Pritchard Principal
PRINCIPALS MESSAGE
2
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Celebration in Honor of Prof. Charles Kao Nobel Laureate in
Physics 2009 - 2009
On Thursday, December 10, 2009, the2009 Nobel Prize Award
Ceremonies took place in Stockholm, Sweden. To cerebrate the honor
bestowed on Prof. Charles Kao, our Founding Chairman, the school
organized a series of activities for all the students, teachers and
staff. Two of our governors, Prof. Matthew Yuen and Dr. William Lo,
gave talks to our secondary students at The Inaugural Prof. Charles
Kao Seminar at Cyberport on Thursday, December 10, 2009 on the
development and application of fiber optics. The primary students
learnt about Prof. Charles Kaos contribution to society during a
special Guided Discovery Lesson as well as enjoyed a wonderful
piano recital by Russian Pianist Mr. Kirill Gerstein. Present with
us to celebrate the occasion was Mr. Peter Wong, the Vice Chairman
of our Board of Governors, and our Principal, Mr. Malcolm
Pritchard. (Contributed by: Ms. Mimi Yeung, Manager of Admission,
Development and Community Relations)
200920091210() ()
NEWS & EVENTS
3
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Visit by Prof. and Mrs. Charles Kao
On Wednesday, March 17, 2010, the school had the honor ofhosting
a visit from the 2009 Nobel Laureate in Physics and our Founding
Chairman, Prof. Charles Kao and his wife Mrs. Gwen Kao. Hundreds of
students gathered at the schools Secondary entrance and warmly
greeted Professor Kao and Mrs. Kao on their first visit back to the
school since Professor Kao was awarded the Nobel Prize for his
groundbreaking achievements in fiber optics. Happy students led the
couple to the Secondary Square, where other guests were gathered,
including Ms. Frances Wong, Founding Member and current Chairman of
the Board of Governors, Professor Cheng Kai-ming, Board of
Governors and former Chairman, Mr. Malcolm Pritchard, Principal,
and hundreds of supporters from the wider ISF Academy community. In
a joyful ceremony, the Secondary Square was renamed The Professor
Charles Kao Square and Professor Kaos achievements were highlighted
and celebrated. A mini-exhibition was also unveiled. Now on
permanent display at the school, it covers the science behind fiber
optics and Professor Kaos role in the global communications network
that we now enjoy. (Contributed by: Ms. Mimi Yeung, Manager of
Admission, Development and Community Relations)
Prof. Charles Kao with The ISF Academy bear presented during the
visit.
2010317()2009 ( ) The Secondary Square was renamed The Professor
Charles Kao Square where a mini-exhibition has been established to
commemorate Prof. Charles Kaos Achievements.
NEWS & EVENTS
4
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Visit from Primary School Affiliated with Xian Jiao Tong
University
We
have had several successful exchanges with the Primary School
Affiliated with Xian Jiao Tong University (PSAXJTU) and their visit
on Wednesday, February 24, marked yet another fruitful visit. The
warm welcome for the 40 students and teachers was quickly followed
by an ice-breaking activity for the students to know each other
better. It was conduct by our own teacher, Ms. Lillian Tan.
Thereafter, our students brought them on a tour of our campus and
facilities, sharing classes, sporting activities, lunch, library
periods, visiting Cyberport, as well as learning more about each
others lives. Xian students shared about Xian Local Culture with
our students. The ISF Academy Chinese teachers and Xian teachers
also shared their teaching experiences. At the end of the visit,
students exchanged gifts with each other and took a group photo.
The exchange allowed our students to experience being taught by a
teacher from Xian and to be exposed to the study habits of Xian
students. Our students had a great time interacting with our
visitors in Putonghua. Likewise, the Xian students learnt more
about Hong Kong and experienced The ISF Academy style of learning.
(Contributed by: Ms. Caroline Xu, Head of Year (Grade 6))
Students discussing how to compose their English poem during the
English Lesson.
Students exchanging gifts
224() 40 Dr. Levi Gao, Acting Secondary Head, exchanges gifts
with our guests from Xian. (())Group Photo from the Xian Exchange
Program A language teacher from Xian having a lively discussion
with our students during the Chinese lesson.
NEWS & EVENTS
5
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Author Visits
Ms Sarah Brennan, the author of the best-selling Chinese
Calendar Tales, visits the Primary Division - "Chinese Calendar
Tales" Sarah Brennan
The ear-piercing roar of Tiger Temujin and the scream of
PrincessPrecious echoed in the S.K. & Margaret Wong Gymnasium
when Ms. Sarah Brennan visited The ISF Academy Primary Division on
Thursday, February 25, 2010! Ms. Brennan told her enthusiastic
audience a brief history of Genghis Khan and how she got her ideas
to write about him in the book The Tale of Temujin. Students were
not just attentive listeners during Ms. Brennans presentations but
they were also involved in the storytelling performance when they
roared and screamed like the main characters in the humorous story!
The fun and educational event was well received by the students and
teachers in the Primary Division! (Contributed by: Ms. Tam Lai Ha,
Teacher Librarian)
Sarah Brennan225() Brennan Brennan ()
Ms. Deborah Ellis, a renowned writer of children and young adult
literature from Canada, visits the Secondary Division
Ms. Deborah Ellis, a renowned writer of children and young adult
literaturefrom Canada, visited the Clifford C. F. Wong Secondary
Library on Thursday, February 4, 2010, to share her experiences
with Grade 6 to 9 students. She was well-received by all the
students. In her talk, Ms. Ellis discussed the difficulties faced
by children all over the world: living in war zones, human rights
abuse, child and drug trafficking, poverty, and HIV/AIDS in
Southern Africa. Ms. Ellis highlighted the ways in which children
around the world overcome the challenges in their lives and many of
her novels focus on this theme. She also shared some insights on
creative writing with Grade 6 students. Grade 7 and 8 students
particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet an author whose book
they had read in class. To the delight of her audience, Ms. Ellis
ended her talk with an autograph session. (Contributed by: Ms.
Annie Tam, Teacher Librarian)
201024() /
()
NEWS & EVENTS
6
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Visit from Other Schools St. Francis of Assisis English Primary
School Visit to the ISF Academy
On March 5, 2010, teachers and the education psychologist from
St. Francis of AssisisEnglish Primary School visited the Primary
Division. Throughout the morning, Ms. Farrah Ching, Dean of
Curriculum, Ms. Cui Jin Di, Subject Head of Chinese (Primary), and
Ms. Mary Jew, Deputy Head of Upper Primary and Bilingual Immersion
Curriculum Coordinator shared our curriculum settings, Chinese
teaching and learning, and bilingual immersion teaching. The
highlight of their visit was the opportunity to conduct classroom
observations, giving the visitors the chance to see our curriculum
and instruction methods in operation. (Contributed by: Ms. Shan
Ning, Primary Head) Ms. Chan from St. Francis of Assisis English
Primary School exchanging gifts with our Principal Mr. Malcolm
Pritchard.
201035 ()
Winter Carnival
This years Winter Carnival was held on Friday, December 18,
2009. 20091218()
Foundation Zhi Students receive avisit from Santa Claus.
Ms. Jenny Shao, the mother of AlexShao, played games with the
students. Jenny
Ms. Abi Tyrrell, the mother of PoppyTyrrell, taught students in
Foundation Zhi how to decorate a ginger cake. It looked beautiful
and tasted really yummy!
Poppy Abi, !
(Contributed by: Ms. Rebecca Sung, Teacher) (: )
NEWS & EVENTS
7
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Chinese New Year Celebration Our Chinese New Year Celebration
was held on Friday, February 5, 2010. This article is a reflection
from Ho, Yan Ni of Grade 3 Ren. In order to keep the originality of
the student work, we do not provide a translation. 2010 2 5 ()
25 Grade 3 students made a paper cut Tiger to celebrate the CNY
Festival. -
(()) (Contributed by: Ms. Shek Wai Wai Shek, Head of Year (Grade
3) )
Grade 3 students making dumplings during the CNY
celebration.
Everyone enjoyed our student performances during the CNY
celebrations.
NEWS & EVENTS
8
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
University Guidance Office
Greetings from The University Guidance Office!
I joined The ISF Academy in January 2010 as the Director of
University Guidance and am very excited to be part of this school
community. Some background information on myself: and I am a
graduate of Georgetown University (Washington, DC) and Harvard
University (Graduate School of Education); an IB Diploma holder;
and have had experience working with top universities around the
world through my previous position in International Partnerships at
The University of Hong Kong. Prior to my time at HKU, I lived and
worked in Shanghai and Zhuhai to help set up two new IB
international schools and have also had experience working with New
York City public schools. Some of the events that we have held
since January this year relating to university guidance include:
Introduction to UCAS (Universities Colleges and Admissions
Services) and UK UniversitiesPresented by UCAS and the British
Council Hong Kong representatives; Spotlight on Canada: Introducing
Canadian Universities Presented by University of British Columbia
(UBC) representative; and Spotlight on Health Professions:
Introducing Health Studies at The University of Newcastle,
Australia Presented by The University of Newcastle Associate
Professor of Medical Radiation Science, Dr Helen M. Warren-Forward.
Other developments that are occurring in University Guidance
include: Individualized Counseling Meetings with Grade 10 students;
Introduction to the University Guidance Process Information Session
(to be held in mid-April); Introduction of University Guidance News
and Summer Opportunities Boards in the Prof. Charles Kao Square;
New University/College Guidance Section and New Library Resources
in the Clifford C.F. Wong Secondary Library; and Development of
Parent Careers Network.
--( ) --( University of British Columbia ) ( )
() / Patricia Tung [email protected].
With regards to the last item, the development of a Parent
Careers Network, we are looking for parents who would be willing to
volunteer to speak to our upper secondary students about their
respective universities, update the Guidance Office with
information on HK alumni events, and also to speak to our students
during future Career Days about careers and professions. If you
would like to help out in this regard, please contact Ms. Patricia
Tung at [email protected] am very excited to be part of the
secondary school team of educators working to develop the school. I
appreciate your suggestions and ideas, and do look forward to
meeting you in person soon!
()
(Contributed by: Ms. Leslie Tam, Director of University
Guidance)
NEWS & EVENTS
9
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Chinese Cultural Center
2010312( )
Grand Opening Ceremony of The ISF Academy Chinese Cultural
Centerthan 100 students, teachers, parents, and guests from our
community attended the grand opening ceremony of The ISF Academy
Chinese Cultural Center at the Clifford. C. F. Wong Secondary
Library on Friday, March 12, 2010. Mr. Malcolm Pritchard,
Principal, emphasized the necessity promoting Chinese culture at
The ISF Academy community, while Chairman of the Board Ms. Frances
Wong pointed out that amidst the rapid change of information and
technology today, Chinese culture remains a treasure grove for
innovative ideas. Parent Representative Ms. Yu-Hwei Chen explained
that based on the vision of our school, Rooted in Chinese culture
with a global prospective, the mission of the Chinese Cultural
Center and Acting Secondary Head, Dr. Levi Gao, thanked parents Ms.
Lin Wei, Ms. Luk Ning, and Ms. Wang Hao for their tremendous
efforts in helping to set up the Center and introduce activities
already held and to be held by the Center. Dr. Gao also stated that
the Center is for everyone and he welcomes ideas from all for
future events. He hopes that all members of The ISF Academy will
embrace and appreciate Chinese culture through the series of
activities hosted by the Center.
More
CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER
10
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Chinese Cultural Center
Seminar: Confucius and Rusim -- Did Confucius establish Rusim or
did Rusim bring Confucius to light?
On
Seminar: The Cultural Scene in Hong Kong Past, Present and
Future: Reflections on the West Kowloon Cultural District
Thursday, January 21, The ISF Academy Chinese Cultural Center
organized its debut seminar -- "Confucius and Ruism: did Confucius
establish Ruism or did Ruism bring Confucius to light? delivered by
Professor Chen Zhi. More than 60 participants attended the seminar,
including parents, teachers, students, and guests from our
community. During the seminar, Professor Chen not only clarified
the relationship between Confucius and Ruism but also introduced
the various angles from which this subject can be explored. The
audience listened attentively and raised profound questions, such
as whether Ruism can be viewed as a religion. The Chinese Cultural
Center Committee is extremely impressed and encouraged by the
enthusiasm of the audience, and it looks forward to bringing more
cultural programs to our community at The ISF Academy.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 2, 2010, The ISFAcademy Chinese
Cultural Center was honored to have Ms. Ada Wong, JP, conduct a
seminar on Hong Kong culture and the West Kowloon Cultural
District. Ms. Wong is a practicing solicitor in Hong Kong and a
promoter for creative education, sustainable development and
culture. She was in public service for 13 years and is currently a
member of the Consultation Panel of the West Kowloon Cultural
District Authority. In the audience were our Principal, teachers
and parents of The ISF Academy, as well as guests from our
community. Ms. Wong gave an introduction of the heritage and the
current status of Hong Kong's culture scene, explored the validity
of the statement which calls Hong Kong a "cultural desert", and
discussed the potential impact of the West Kowloon Project - the
largest cultural project in Hong Kong for the next 30 years with an
approved budget of HK$21.6 billion. She also encouraged us, as
citizens of Hong Kong, to re-think our expectations and
responsibility for Hong Kongs culture development in the
future.
121() 60
201032() 216
CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER
11
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Chinese Cultural Center Exhibition: Mothers Art Chinese
Patchwork
To celebrate the Chinese New Year and the year of Tiger, The
ISFAcademy Chinese Cultural Center has invited Mothers Art
Foundation from Taiwan to bring us a unique selection of
traditional Chinese patchworks and folk arts. The "Mothers' Art
Chinese Patchwork Exhibition will be on display in the Clifford
C.F. Wong Secondary Library from Monday, February 1, 2010 to
Wednesday, May 5, 2010. The exhibition shows us how traditional and
modern elements can be interwoven into fantastic art pieces. Mrs.
Cecilia Chen, founder of The Mothers Art, has worked to preserve
this artistic heritage and has mounted exhibitions in the Taiwan
Museum of History, Shanghai Public Library, and the ancient city of
Cicheng in Ningbo, China. We have also invited Mrs. Chen to give a
seminar on traditional Chinese needlework and organize a workshop
to demonstrate how to make tiger toys and tiger mobile bags in May
2010. We will inform The ISF Academy community of the date and
venue in due course.
Demonstration and Introduction: A Close Encounter with Chinese
Musical Instruments
More
than 50 teachers, parents and children attended the Chinese
musical performance hosted by The ISF Academy Chinese Cultural
Center on Friday, March 12, 2010. Erhu Master Mr. Ching Sau-wing
and other members of the Hong Kong City Chinese Orchestra Ms. Yu
Wing-ka, Ms. Yu Hong and Ms. Cheng Chawen gave us a special
performance with the Erhu, Pipa, Zheng and Dizi. The masters not
only performed both classical and popular pieces, but also
demonstrated each instruments unique sound quality and playing
techniques. They also introduced the cultural backgrounds of the
pieces they played. Children were mesmerized by the masters
techniques as parents held their breath, waiting for the best
moment to ask the question: At what age can kids start to learn
these Chinese musical instruments? The answer by Master Ching was
simple: not too early, not too late; only when a child is
ready.
2010312()--
201021()5 5()
(Contributed by: The ISF Academy Chinese Cultural Center
Committee) ()
CHINESE CULTURAL CENTER
12
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Library NewsIn which book ?
Chinese Reading Relay
In
which book is there a sentence: Swords are for paladins, rouge
for ladies? This was one of the questions at the first Chinese
Reading Relay held on Friday, March 5, 2010, for our secondary
students. In order to stimulate students reading interests and
promote Chinese culture, with the help of the Chinese Department,
the Secondary Library organized this interhouse event. The
atmosphere was heated and tense for the whole duration of the
two-part-competition: relay and jeopardy, and ended with a tie
between Wood House and Fire House. In the end, all five houses
gained a highly commendable number of points; members of winning
teams received book coupons; and all participants will get a set of
four bookmarks designed by Ms. Niu Jun as a souvenir. (Contributed
by: Ms. Jun Niu, Librarian)
201035() ()
Enneagram parent workshop II
Following the enthusiastic response to the first Enneagram
parent 200911workshop in November 2009, a second Enneagram parent
workshop entitled Nurturing your child through Enneagram hosted by
Mr. Jacob Yu, Training Director of Spiritual Stepping-Stone, was
held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Parents who participated in
this workshop welcomed the insights the lecturer gave into children
behaviors and corresponding parenting skills in the realm of
Enneagram. In addition, parents acquired a better understanding and
appreciation of the use of Enneagram in parenting through real
cases shared by the speaker and small group discussion. We thank
the PTA for their help in organizing the event. (Contributed by:
Ms. Penny Ho, Senior Counselor) 20102 3() ()
LIBRARY NEWS
13
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Secondary Community and Service Teams
Community and Service: Grade 6
The Grade 6 community and service project took place on March20,
2010. The theme of this years project was Different Perspectives.
During the October Camps, the students were encouraged to look at
the world through the eyes of their peers, their camp leaders, and
of the creatures around them. Throughout the school year, the
students have examined what it means to live in a community, what
it means to live in Hong Kong, and who are some of the more
vulnerable people in Hong Kong. On Saturday, March 20, during Open
Day, the students finally put their knowledge into action by
hosting a party for some underprivileged students in Hong Kong.
During the party, The ISF Academy and visiting students
participated in games, shared snacks, and learned about different
types of music and instruments. This was the culmination of a lot
of hard work by many students and teachers as all the details for
the party were handled by them. A great day was had by all! The
Grade 6 students will continue to reflect on the idea of Different
Perspectives and work on this theme through their subject work and
homeroom activities.
:
2010320 3 20
(Contributed by: Ms, Clare Alcock, Community and Service
Coordinator) ( Clare Alcock)
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
14
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Secondary Community and Service Teams Community and Service:
Grade 7
Our Grade 7 students have been working on their community and
service projectsince the beginning of the year. The theme of this
years project is Environmental Citizenship Exploring, Reflecting,
and Protecting. During the October Camps, the students were
encouraged to explore the environment of Hong Kong and how
pollution affects the environment in which they live.During the
week of March 22 to 26, 2010, the Grade 7 students conducted an
Earth Week Campaign. The weeks activities included things such as
trivia questions, displays of environmentally-themed work,
electricity black-outs to encourage participation in Earth Hour on
Saturday, March 27, and a secondary school assembly to encourage
all students to be environmentally responsible. Earth Week is the
culmination of a lot of hard work by our students and teachers. It
was a great event and the Grade 7 students hope that The ISF
Academy community will strive to live in an environmentally
friendly way.
:
327() 201032226
Community and Service: Grade 8 and 9
Like our Grade 7 students,
our Grade 8 and 9 students have also been working on their
community and service projects since the start of the year. The
Grade 8 campaign focuses on Human Rights and their key question is,
What are the basic human rights and how can we ensure that they are
met? The Grade 9 students are focusing on Student Leadership and
they look to answer the question, How can we create a positive
learning environment and a sense of community within our school and
our city? Students in both grades have created projects on these
topics in all subject areas. Some students have gone even further
and developed their own projects outside of the subject areas. Many
of these projects, both curriculum based and individual, were on
display during Project and Open Day. The students put their heart
and their soul into the projects, both during class time and on
their own time, to make the community and service themes come to
life this year. Well done!
:
? ? ! (Contributed by: Ms, Clare Alcock, Community and Service
Coordinator) (Clare Alcock)
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
15
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Secondary Community and Service Teams
This article is a reflection from Edward Leung, Grade 9 Zhong.
In order to keep the originality of the student work, we do not
provide a translation.
My name is Edward Leung, and I am a student of The ISF Academy.
I'm a Grade 9 student and I am working on a project that helps save
energy. Did you know: Chinas thermal power generation has risen by
800% since the 80s 78% of all the energy generation in China comes
from burning coal China, having the worlds third largest coal
reserve, was the worlds number one producer and consumer of coal in
2005 According to Monte Enbysk, instead of saving energy, 3-D
screensavers can use up to 114.5 watts of energy Even when turned
off, our computers use 2.3 watts of energy Our computer monitors
consume more energy than the computers themselves Hairdryers use
over 1,500 watts a year Refrigerators use up approx. 1,750 watts of
energy a year Over 40% of the energy used in American homes come
from space heating I think we can fix this. I think we can do
better. I want to ask everyone in our community to work together to
solve the energy crisis. By asking you to join, I am also looking
forward to the bond we can share -- student to student, parent to
student, teacher to students, and beyond.
(Contributed by: Ms, Clare Alcock, Community and Service
Coordinator) (Clare Alcock)
Earth Hour for 2010 has just ended. This occurred on Saturday,
March 27 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This was a really important
hour for the whole world. We told our governments and each other
that this issue is important to us. It affects our lives now and in
the future. I would like to encourage everyone in The ISF Academy
community to continue to spread the message of Earth Hour and to
continue to live a low carbon lifestyle. Small changes today can
mean big rewards tomorrow. Thank you for caring about the
Earth.
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
16
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Secondary Community and Service Teams This article is a
reflection from Edward Leung, Grade 9 Zhong and Keith Mak, Grade 9
Ren.
We are Grade 9 students and we would like to introduce to you an
important topic. For our community and service project this year,
we hope to raise awareness about an endangered species, the Blue
Fin Tuna, to our community. As many of you know, the Blue Fin Tuna
has been dramatically over-fished. Blue Fin is a specific breed of
deep sea tuna that is sweeter and fatter than other tuna. It is
especially tasty when made into sushi or sashimi. Many sushi
restaurants in Hong Kong sell Blue Fin Tuna meat for a high price
as it is considered a delicacy. Blue Fin Tuna has been supplied to
restaurants for over a decade, and their numbers have decreased
dramatically. Fisheries have been fishing Blue Fin Tuna without any
limit. The Northern Pacific Blue Fin Tuna population has decreased
by 95%; while the Southern Pacific Blue Fin Tuna population by 85%.
These alarming numbers are rising! Soon, the Blue Fin Tuna will be
no more. We want to do something to stop the extinction of the
species. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has started a campaign called
Save the Blue Fin Tuna. It is a campaign to raise awareness and to
encourage people to stop consuming Blue Fin Tuna. They have an
online petition site that introduces the campaign in further
detail, and also allows individuals to make a pledge to refrain
from consuming Blue Fin Tuna so that this species can be saved from
extinction. They will also petition restaurants to stop selling the
tuna. Your signature makes a difference. We would like to encourage
everyone to look at the website and make a pledge to not eat Blue
Fin Tuna. Please help us in our efforts to save this noble
creature. We thank you in advance for your support!
http://apps.wwf.org.hk/seafood/eng/bluefintuna/consumer.php 85-90 !
http://apps.wwf.org.hk/seafood/chi/bluefintuna/consumer.php
(Contributed by: Ms, Clare Alcock, Community and Service
Coordinator) (Clare Alcock )
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
17
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Field Trips
Visit
to Hong Kong Science Museum on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 by
Grade 3 students
2010223()
Below are reflections from the Grade 3 students who visited the
Hong Kong Science Museum. In order to keep the originality of the
student work, we do not provide a translation.
Students taking notes after their experiments. Look! They are so
diligent!
many
Students understand the concept of magnetic polarity as they
move the train using magnets.
Teh, Kiana Hui Yu, Grade 3 Ai
Cheng, Tsz Grade 3 Li Ching Hilarie,
Students learn about the dispersion of light.
Students learn about electric and magnetic fields through an
experiment.
Leung, Soen Ryan, Grade 3 Zhong
Grade 3 Students Hong Kong food tasting activity on Thursday,
December 17, 2009 20091217( )
Contributed by: Ms. Shek Wai Wai, Head of Year (Grade Three) )
(() )
FIELD TRIPS
18
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
Open Day
Admission News
Our Annual Open Day on Saturday, March 20, was a hugesuccess and
saw around 500 prospective parents visiting the school. They were
treated to performances by our primary and secondary students,
school tours conducted by our parent volunteers and student
ambassadors, as well as admission briefing and Q&A sessions in
English and Putonghua/Cantonese conducted by our Principal, Mr.
Malcolm Pritchard, our Vice Principal (Development), Ms. Jo-Ann
Seow, our Primary Division Head, Ms. Shan Ning, and Manager
(Admission, Development and Community Relations), Mr. Coleman Chau.
As visitors walked around the school they were able to discuss the
projects which our Foundation Year to Grade 10 students had
prepared for Project Day that were displayed all over the campus.
Our visitors left the school with a better understanding of our
curriculum and an appreciation of why our students enjoy learning
at The ISF Academy.
320()500 () /
Open Campus Day
Since our last
newsletter we have welcomed more than 150 parents to our two
Open Campus Days on Tuesdays, December 15, 2009 and January 19,
2010. The visiting parents very much enjoyed talking to our parent
volunteers as well as our student ambassadors. The remaining Open
Campus Days for the rest of this academic year will be on Tuesdays,
April 20, May 11 and June 8, 2010. Interested parties please
contact our Admission Office, Telephone no.: 2202 2028 or email
[email protected].
2009121520101
Invitation for Early Admission (2011/12 Foundation Year
Program)
Assessment 19() 150
Nominees of Capital Note Holders who are born between the
201042051168() period September 1, 2005 to December 31, 2006 are
eligible for 2202 the Early Admission Assessment for our 2011/12
Foundation [email protected]. Year Program. We are now
inviting capital note holders whose nominees are eligible for our
2011/12 Foundation Year Program 2011/12 to submit an admission
application. The Early Admission Assessment gives the child an
additional opportunity for 200591200612 assessment and should the
child pass the assessment test, 312011/12 parents can be assured
that their child has a place in the 2011/12 Foundation Year Program
at least six months earlier than those who are not nominees of
Capital Note Holders. The completed admission application form
together with the required documents should be submitted to our
Admission Office before Friday, April 30, 2010. The admission
assessment is tentatively scheduled for 20104 mid-May / early June
2010 and all applicants will be notified of 30() the scheduled date
in due course. 201056 The admission application form can be
downloaded from our website
http://www.isf.edu.hk/eng/admissions_ape.html or obtained from our
Primary or Secondary Division Office. Should you have any queries,
please feel free to contact our Admission Office at 2202 2028.
(Contributed by: Mr. Coleman Chau, Manager of Admission,
Development and Community Relations)
http://www.isf.edu.hk/eng/admissions_ape.html 2202 2028
(: )
ADMISSION
19
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
PTA News
PTA Autumn Outing
More than 70 families of The ISF Academy community joined infor
a day of fun with animals and nature at Tai Tong Lychee Valley in
the New Territories on Sunday, December 13, 2009. Family members of
all ages enjoyed activities ranging from horseback riding, feeding
small animals (including rabbits, fish and goats), visiting the
stables, riding a carriage pulled by an ox, riding bicycles on a
really bumpy surface, and just being in touch with nature. A few of
the Grade 2 students felt compelled to perform their wushu routine
in this natural setting -- it would definitely make Yu Lao Shi
proud. A few people even went on for a small adventure and found a
dead snake. All in all, everyone had a relaxing day and was happy
to doze off on the bus ride back.
7020091213()
PTA evenings
Be it a frigid and windy January 14 or a warm and calm March18,
parents came out to enthusiastically support the Thursday PTA
Evening gatherings and to meet Principal Malcolm Pritchard and some
members of his senior management team (Ms. Sheila Klein, Mr. Andy
McHugh, Dr. Levi Gao, Mr. Nick Forde and Ms. Leslie Tam). In a
relaxed outdoor setting over a glass of wine, they engaged in
lively discussions about the schools development. Parents from
Foundation Year to Grade 10 were joined by their hosts, the PTA
Representative Council members, who were there to listen to those
parents concerns, thoughtful opinions and constructive suggestions.
Come join us for the final two PTA Evenings of the school year on
April 15 and June 3.
114318 () Sheila Klein Andy McHughNick Forde
4 1563
PTA
20
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
PTA News PTA Spring Dinner
On March 12, 2010, close to 600 members of The ISFAcademy
community gathered at The S.K. & Margaret Wong Gymnasium, the
Covered Playground, and the Dining Hall to enjoy a festive evening
together. Prior to the PTA Spring Dinner, more than 50 parents and
teachers got together in the Food Technology Room, rolled up their
sleeves and wrapped an impressive 1,000 dumplings which were cooked
and served as part of the buffet dinner.At the Dinner, while adults
enjoyed the Fun Competition on stage which pitched teachers,
parents and students against one another, children were busy lining
up for a bite of Chinese snacks or one of the many Chinese
handicrafts that were available. The lantern riddles and colorful
decorations added to the general festivity of the night; the Shop
in the Corner ran a buzzing business as teachers and parents
shopped for low-priced items; and the Tea House was a sanctuary for
those who looked for a quiet corner to enjoy Chinese tea. Thanks to
parents generosity, we had more than 100 Lucky Draw prizes, which
were drawn by Chairman of the Board Ms. Frances Wong, Principal Mr.
Malcolm Pritchard, and PTA President Ms. Lisa Gove. The PTA thanks
all the parent volunteers, school staff and vendors who helped to
make this event such a success. We look forward to continuing this
annual community building event in the future.
2010312600 1,000 Lisa Gove
PTA
21
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
22
Newsletter 2009/10 March, 2010 Issue 3
2009/1020103 ()
PTA News PTA support to School Teams
The PTA believes that School teams are a great way to nourish
students strengths, enrich their experiences and buildschool
spirit. During the last few years several school teams have been
formed; teachers, coaches, and parents have gone the extra mile to
organize the students, arrange training and practice sessions, and
enter the teams in competitions. To show our support to the School
teams, the PTA has made an amount of funds available to the School
teams - all teams are welcome to apply for funding as a one-off
subsidy to help build up the teams. The funds could be used for
team outfits, equipment, teaching materials, and specialized expert
coaching that are considered by the leader or coach of the teams to
be important and essential to the teams. The Chess Team and the
Swimming Team have, through this channel, received funds to support
their activities. (Contributed by: PTA)
()
The Independent Schools Foundation Academy 1 Kong Sin Wan Road,
Pokfulam, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 2202 2000 Fax: (852) 2202 2099
Website: www.isf.edu.hk Email: [email protected] Editorial Team:
Department of Admission, Development and Community Relations
1 : (852) 2202 2000 : (852) 2202 2099 : www.isf.edu.hk :
[email protected] :
23