INFO BOOKLET TEST

PROSPECTUS

BOARDING

CONTENTS WELCOME FROM THE HEAD

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WELCOME TO BOARDING

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BOARDING BASICS

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TRIAL BOARDING

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BOARDING AT HARROW HONG KONG

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BENEFITS OF BOARDING

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THE HOUSE STRUCTURE

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A BOARDER’S DAY

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PREP AND STUDIES

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BOARDING ACTIVITIES

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ACCOMMODATION

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PASTORAL CARE

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A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

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FOOD AND NUTRITION

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BOARDING FACILITIES

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WELCOME FROM THE HEAD Boarding is at the heart of what makes Harrow so special. Every pupil in the Upper School is assigned to one of our fifteen Houses, whether they are a day pupil or a boarder. The excellent relationships that our staff have with our pupils, and their consequent ability to deliver outstanding pastoral care, are founded on the time they devote to their pupils. All of the House Masters and House Mistresses, the Assistant House Masters and House Mistresses, Matrons and, in the case of the Prep School Houses, the Gap Tutors, live within the House and it is in this environment that a real sense of community is built and House spirit is developed.

Most of all though, boarding at Harrow Hong Kong offers the best of both worlds. Pupils are supported in their learning and stimulated by the academic atmosphere provided both by their peers and their tutors. Boarders also have access to academic staff who assist during evening ‘prep’ sessions each evening, and they are encouraged to get invoiced in a rich programme of activities, encouraged to challenge themselves, try out new things and venture outside of their comfort zone, all of which enhance university applications and build a CV bursting with the skills employers are looking for.

The supportive House structure at Harrow Hong Kong enables children from across the ages and nationalities to mix together, and learn tolerance, understanding and an appreciation that we are all different, but that we are all members of the same Harrow family.

These are essential life skills that hold them in good stead for the future and also aid considerably in their understanding of self.

I do hope you have the chance to take a tour of one of our Boarding Houses. I am certain your child will relish the experience of boarding, develop lifelong friendships and enhance their academic and cocurricular potential.

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Rosie McColl HEAD

“Before Harrow, the thought of packing and unpacking my suitcase twice a week was unheard of. Ever since living in a boarding house, I have become massively more independent in taking care of my own living space, diet and hygiene. Boarding at Harrow is a lovely way to develop independence as a young woman!”

Sylvia (Year 13, Gellhorn)

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WELCOME TO BOARDING At its core, boarding is about developing emotional and social intelligence within a family environment that nurtures children to flourish and develop resilience, respect, empathy and a boldness of character rooted in self-awareness and authenticity. At Harrow Hong Kong we therefore strive to create a welcoming home-from-home for your child where they feel accepted, comfortable and at ease amongst their friends in a diverse and vibrant atmosphere. The school has a culture that stimulates and inspires throughout the day, empowering our pupils to achieve their best academically and socially, in our happy and close community. Each pupil is known and cherished as an individual. Consequently, we are able to equip our pupils with the personal and social skills which will allow them to reach their future goals, whilst teaching them the value of camaraderie, leadership and teamwork along the way.

At the heart of the boarding system and the School’s pastoral provision are the Houses, each ably led by an experienced House Master or Mistress and their dedicated team. Their primary role is to care for the physical, emotional and social well-being of your child and to ensure that each and every pupil under their care has the same opportunity to thrive and to reach their full potential. All our Houses are close knit communities within the broader Harrow family, and pupils take pride in their House, representing it within the School across the academic year. The contribution of each individual towards the good of the whole is an intrinsic element of our philosophy. Our boarding environment is ideally suited to facilitate the development of self-confidence and the independence of thought to seek new opportunities and to grasp these when and where they are available. Boarders learn to be independent, to value and support others, to develop the skills needed for future challenges in a global marketplace.

Ultimately, boarding is about broadening the experiences that a pupil can gain from their educational journey and nowhere in the School are the Harrow values of honesty, humility, courage and friendship more prominent that in the boarding houses. The whole pastoral team is here to help your child make the most of their education, and the nature of boarding life means that the pupils are able to enjoy a wealth of cocurricular opportunities, enabling them to carve out a unique learning path according to their interests and has the space and tine to thrive within our supportive community.

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We look forward to welcoming your family to Harrow Hong Kong in the near future.

Allison Spillman Deputy Head (Pastoral, Boarding and Safeguarding)

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BOARDING BASICS In today’s busy world many families find boarding to be a way of relieving pressure on family life by reducing the time spent commuting, and by ensuring that family time is quality time by meeting most of school commitments during the course of the working week.

At Harrow Hong Kong, boarding starts for pupils from Year 6 and is on a weekly basis with pupils arriving on Sunday evening and departing after classes on Friday afternoon.

We have found that this suits Hong Kong’s busy lifestyle very well. Not only does it mean that travel time can be used far more productively, but it also allows the majority of the pupil’s work to be completed in a supervised and supported way throughout the week - whilst many parents would still be at work. The weekends, however, can be given over to quality family time and are all the more special as a result.

TRIAL BOARDING If boarding is something that you or your child would like to explore further, the School is very happy to offer a one-off week-long ‘trial’ boarding period so that your son or daughter can experience the benefits that this unique educational experience offers. Trial boarding is subject to a bed space being available and in the first instance, interested parties should contact their House Master or House Mistress to discuss this option further.

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BOARDING AT HARROW HONG KONG 13+

10+ Help given by qualified staff to ensure sound academic progress

Homework supervised with staff guidance through Key Stage 3 and GCSEs

16+ Independent learning encouraged but with support through A levels

Healthy and varied meals Children nurtured by caring boarding staff in a family environment

Increasing independence with strong support from boarding staff

Personal choice and responsibility encouraged, with advice provided by boarding staff

Close communication between teaching staff, boarding staff and parents Comfortable bedrooms with separate newly-fitted shower rooms

High quality accommodation

Single bedrooms* for Sixth Form *Where available

Strong mixed boarding community across age and nationalities, mixed with day pupils Range of sports and activities to suit all interests

Range of Co-Curricular Activities available to develop lifelong enthusiasms

Involvement in a range of School activities, fostering leadership and responsibility

Based in the Gold Coast, the School is integrated into the local community A valued partnership with supportive parents allows family life to be enhanced

Positive relationships between boarders and their parents maintained during adolescent years

Mature relationships between boarders and their parents form the foundation for future years

Health Care Centre is open 24 hours a day Ample time and opportunities to build social skills and strong friendships

Social opportunities develop confidence, security, tolerance and respect for others

To allow self- motivation, independence, make lifelong friendships and prepare for life beyond Harrow.

Access to School’s facilities including Music rooms, Library, ICT network and leisure/Sport facilities 10

Christina (Year 10, Keller) “My favourite thing about the Boarding House is the comfortable facilities, having many of my peers around for support, and being able to talk to and connect with older students.“

Junelle (Year 8 Parks) “Living in the Boarding House taught me how to overcome homesickness, manage my own chores and build stronger friendships, all of which have helped me to become more independent and confident.”

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BENEFITS OF BOARDING EXPERIENCE VARIED ACTIVITIES At Harrow Hong Kong, we have a responsibility to keep our boarders busy in their downtime. This means that they have numerous opportunities to develop themselves and to get involved in House productions, musicals and competitions. There is healthy rivalry and camaraderie between the Houses, and pupils often mix with each other when they pick particular activities to try during their week.

IMMERSE INTO THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY One of the main reasons pupils choose Harrow Hong Kong, apart from the excellent education, is the rounded experience in which they can participate. Super-Curriculum Activities (SCAs) are integrated throughout the School day with Co-Curricular Activities interspersed outside of the timetable. Being part of a Boarding House, learning a musical instrument, taking up a sport, or even practising for their role in a Drama production are just some of the activities that your child will be able to make the time for and participate in, alongside their studies.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Our Houses are effectively family units with older pupils caring and supporting for younger pupils, alongside the House Pastoral Team. Almost invariably, pupils rise to the occasion when given the opportunity to shoulder such responsibility, and this significantly enhances their leadership qualities.

SENSE OF INDEPENDENCE Being away from home for five nights of the week gives a child a real sense of independence. Boarding develops so many of the essential skills necessary to succeed in today’s workplace and provides a precursor to a pupil’s university life.

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LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

HOUSE SYSTEM

All pupils, both day and boarding, will make friends at school, however, the development of great friendship is often enhanced in a boarding environment. These are the friends they will live with, eat meals with and the ones with whom they will share the joys and tribulations of everyday School life. We see these strong and deep friendships growing over the years. Not only do pupils keep in touch with one another, we are proud to say that many of them keep in touch with the School long after they have left.

The Harrow Hong Kong House system develops a child’s confidence because they have to interact with other pupils across a variety of year groups, some of whom they would never have had the opportunity to meet during the day. This, along with the supportive buddy, Shepherd and mentor system, are key components of what makes the Houses at Harrow so successful.

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THE HOUSE STRUCTURE The House system is integral to Harrow Hong Kong. It is embedded in the footprint of all the Harrow Schools, and it is through the House system that our values and ethos are instilled in each pupil.

The House Masters and House Mistresses keep a watchful eye over the welfare and personal and academic development of every pupil in their care. For parents, their child’s Tutor, House Master or House Mistress is their main point of contact, and a child’s development is very much a partnership between pupil, parent and School. We encourage regular communication via phone and email, and parents receive a fortnightly newsletter every Saturday with an update of the past week’s events and forthcoming dates.

Boarding means that pupils can fully immerse themselves in the School day and not worry about finishing up and going home. They have time for extra subjects and create much more time for Sport, Music, Art, Drama and other activities.

At Harrow Hong Kong, pupils in Years 6-8 are in a Prep School House. Alongside the House Master and House Mistress and their Assistant, we also have a resident Gap Tutor and a matron to support the pupils. All Houses in the Upper School are single sex. Pupils can be part of a mixed boarding and day House or a day only House.

PREP HOUSES BOYS

GIRLS

DARWIN BANKS SHACKLETON LYON

| DAY HOUSE

PARKS NIGHTINGALE FRY | DAY HOUSE

SENIOR HOUSES BOYS

GIRLS

CHURCHILL

KELLER

PEEL

GELLHORN

SUN

ANDERSON | DAY HOUSE

SHAFTESBURY | DAY HOUSE

WU | DAY HOUSE 15

PREP SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

7.00 AM

Wake Up

6.30 AM

Wake Up

7.30 AM

Breakfast

7.00 AM

Breakfast

800 AM

Callover in Tutor Base or House

8.00 AM

Callover in Tutor Base or House

(8.15 AM - 4.30 PM IN SCHOOL)

(8.15 AM - 4.30 PM IN SCHOOL)

4.30 PM

Day pupils leave, boarders sign in in Houses

4.45 PM

4.45 PM

Co-Curricular Activities / Academic Clinics /

Lectures

Lectures

5.30 PM

Character, Culture and Ethos time in House

6.00 PM

Character, Culture and Ethos time in House

6.00 PM

Dinner

6.30 PM

Dinner

6.30 PM

Prep time (40 minutes for Y6, 60 minutes for Y7,

75 minutes for Y8)

7.00 PM - 8.30 PM

Prep time in House

7.15 PM

HM/AHM time for Y6

8.45 PM

Y9/10 Hand in electronic devices

7.30 PM

Device time for Y6/7

7.45 PM

Activity run by Boarding Tutor

8.45 PM

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Co-Curricular Activities / Academic Clinics /

- 9.15 PM

Evening activity

8.15 PM

Showers for Y6, HM/AHM time for Y7, Device time

9.30 PM

Y9 Lights out (Y11 hand in electronic devices)

for Y8

9.45 PM

Y10 Lights out

8.30 PM

Reading for Y6, Showers for Y7, HM/AHM time for

10.00 PM

Y11 Lights out and Sixth Form in rooms

Y8 8.45 PM

Lights out Y6, Reading Y7, Showers Y8

9.00 PM

Lights out Y7, Reading Y8

9.15 PM

Lights out Y8

PREP AND STUDIES There is a real emphasis placed on ‘prep’ (homework) for boarders at Harrow Hong Kong and every measure is taken to ensure they are challenged on a daily basis. With the support of the House Pastoral Team, the focus is on the quality of prep, ensuring that their time is used effectively. With subject specialist teachers and peers on hand in the evenings, all of whom are willing to help, the opportunities for academic advancement are significant. The House system allows younger pupils to seek assistance from those in other year groups and this in turn promotes a nurturing community full of camaraderie and genuine respect.

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BOARDING ACTIVITIES All boarders enjoy a weekly programme of post-prep activities. After prep time on Monday to Thursday evenings, boarders may choose from a range of sporting, academic, musical, creative and wellbeing activities, staffed by the Boarding Tutors and House Masters and House Mistresses. These sessions provide boarders with further opportunities to access the School’s facilities, develop new and existing skills, support their mental health, and interact with boarders from other Houses.

It is also a great opportunity to ask subject teachers further questions and to get assistance with their revision. Pupils from Year 10 to Year 13 particularly benefit from these clinics during revision time for their public examinations.

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Example of Prep Boarders Post-prep Evening Activity Schedule Monday

Games/Hot Chocolate

Board Games / Cards

Sports Games

Crafts and other

QEII - basketball/ Volleyball

Tuesday

Tournament Tuesday

Computer Science

Card Games

Art and hot choc

Sewing/crafts

Wednesday

Lucky Dip (Active)

QEII / Astro Games

Gymnastic Astro

Leadership skills, sports

Astro/Film

Thursday

Family Fortunes

Astro / Craft Activities

Hot Chocolate-Quizzes

TBC

House competitions

Example of Senior Boarders Post-prep Evening Activity Schedule

Monday

Games/Hot Chocolate

Board Games / Cards

Sports Games

Crafts and other

QEII - basketball/ Volleyball

Tuesday

Quiz/ Hot Chocolate

Cookery

Card Games

Art and hot choc

Sewing/crafts

Wednesday

Mindfulness

Badminton

Mahjong

Astro Games

Karaoke

Thursday

Volleyball

Chess

Beading

House Family Challenge

Dodgeball

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ACCOMMODATION Our Boarding Houses are part of the main School building overlooking our campus with views of the sea. Being in the main building provides a safe and secure environment whilst also giving easy access to facilities including the Dining Room, Library, Hawking Sixth Form Zone, music practice rooms, the astroturf (where the majority of outdoor sporting activities take place), and study areas. All doors to the Boarding House are secured by electronic locks, restricting access to only residents and key staff.

There are common rooms within each Boarding House as well as shared kitchens so that pupils can relax together after School. The main aim of the Boarding House is to provide a ‘home from home’ environment where pupils can feel relaxed and comfortable.

Each room has a comfortable bed, desk, chair, lamp, pinboard, wardrobe and drawers. Pupils are encouraged to personalise their room with posters, plants, rugs and soft furnishings. Pupils regularly bring their specialist musical instruments with them, which they are able to keep in their room.

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PASTORAL CARE Our pastoral care is one of the central pillars upon which we have built our values and ethos. We aim to ensure that our pastoral system delivers real care and that pupils know who they can turn to for any support or help that they need. We strongly believe that effective pastoral care underpins all aspects of School life, and it is vital that a pupil feels happy and comfortable in their environment in order to succeed.

At Harrow Hong Kong, we think of pastoral care in two ways; •

The tangible personal care that we take of your child during their time with us. This is achieved through caring House Masters and House Mistresses; ensuring School work is completed to a high standard; health care provision; wholesome food; arranging exciting activities; encouraging participation in team sports and co-curricular activities.

•

The depth of care, often intangible and all the more pertinent in a boarding environment where a child is away from home. It is the creation of a loving community around them, to make them feel part of a family to which they can turn to, during the ups and downs of life. It is also teaching pupils, not only from books, but from real life. Equipping them to learn to face the world with confidence, self-esteem and an understanding of how to treat others with respect and kindness.

All of the key boarding staff live on site and in the same building as the boarders. They are there to provide 24-hour care and assistance, and also to ensure that the boarders enjoy a community life to the full, with the right balance of study, relaxation and challenge.

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A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT A child’s physical and mental wellbeing is extremely important. We have a fully equipped Health Care Centre on site, which is staffed 24 hours a day during term time, and there is always a member of the boarding team on duty outside of School hours, to respond to any health-related matters. Alongside the House Masters and House Mistresses, we also have School Counsellors and a dedicated School Psychologist, who can talk to pupils about issues that they may wish to raise privately, and a team of Matrons who are all highly experienced pastoral practitioners.

Subject Teachers

Assistant House Master/ House Mistress

House Master/ House Mistress

Heads of Department

Heads of Houses (Senior)

PUPIL School Psychologist

Matron

Prep House Ambassadors (Prep)

School Counsellor

Pupil Wellbeing Ambassadors

Tutor

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Arjan, Year 13, Peel “The most rewarding part of my boarding experience at Harrow Hong Kong has been how much I have grown, both as a person and as a student. Transitioning from a day pupil to a boarder meant I was suddenly living in an environment where learning, activities and friendships continued well beyond the school day, which pushed me to use my time more purposefully. Having structured prep in the evenings, easy access to teachers and quiet spaces has made me more focused, more consistent with my revision and, generally, a better and more motivated student.”

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FOOD AND NUTRITION Food is an important part of boarding school life. Active, growing children require plenty of nutritious food and regular meals. At Harrow Hong Kong, we use as much fresh food as possible and our menus are often created with seasonal and local produce. We are very conscious of additives, preservatives and excess salt and sugar in the food that we serve, and the pupils and parents have a voice in this process via their respective Food Committees.

At Harrow Hong Kong we want our boarders to really enjoy their food. We recognise the importance of providing a quality menu with flexibility and choice which our pupils enjoy. A great deal of time is spent on menu planning and we are able to adapt to different menu styles and requests.

There is a fresh supply of homemade snacks, fresh fruit and drinks in all of the House kitchens, for when pupils wish to enjoy a snack during the day and in the evenings.

The menu on the opposite page is an example of a typical week.

BREAKFAST Breakfast is a treat at Harrow Hong Kong. There is a selection of Chinese hot options, including steamed pork buns, Siu Mai, Har Gow, Nor Mai Gai and Gyoza. A full English breakfast is also served daily and includes eggs, baked beans, hash browns, sausages, croissants, scones, waffles and pancakes. There is always toast and a selection of jams, fruit and yoghurts. For breakfast and supper, pupils sit together as a House, replicating a family-style environment at meal times.

Lunch

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Hot Dish A

Beef Bourguignon

Turmeric and Coconut

Pork Loin, Mushroom

Chicken

Sauce

Hot Dish B

Sweet & Sour Fish

Char Siu Chicken

Vegetarian

Stir Fried Rice Vermicelli

Fried Tofu with Zucchini

option

in Soy Sauce

& Mushroom

Carbohydrate

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Vegetables

French Bean

Stir Fried Beef & Vegetables in Oyster Sauce

Thursday

Friday

Rosemary Chicken Steak

Fish Pie

Chicken Coconut Curry

Pork Adobo Penne, Eggplant &

Spaghetti Napolitana

Tofu & Vegetable Stew

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Chips, Steamed Rice

Broccoli and Carrot

Cauliflower

Green Peas

Tomato and Zucchini

Thursday

Friday

Tomato Basil Sauce

Salad bar with 20+ options

Supper

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Hot Dish A

Pork Loin, Prune Gravy

Breaded Chicken Fillet

Seafood Pizza

Chicken Yakitori, Miso

Wonton Rice Noodle

Chicken and Preserved

Chicken, Shrimp and Fish

Udon Soup

Soup

Vegetable Rice Noodle Soup

Cake Ho Fan Laksa

Hot Dish B Vegetarian option

Vegetarian Paella

Roast Cauliflower, Ricotta Cheese

Pizza Margherita

Beef Sausage, Onion Gravy

Gobi Masala, Spring Onion Roti

Carbohydrate

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Potatoes, Steamed Rice

Dessert

Mango pudding

Cheesecake

Apple Crumble

Double Fudge Cake

Boarders go home after School

Salad bar with 20+ options

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BOARDING FACILITIES One of the numerous advantages of boarding is the access to the facilities after school. Pupils are encouraged to go for a swim, workout in the gym, play a game of tennis, visit the library, use the Sixth Form Zone, practise their instrument in a music room, use the art room to finish their work or practise for a play in the Shakespeare Studio. There are so many facilities around the School open to boarders and they are encouraged to take full advantage of these opportunities.

Music

Astro Pitch

Art 28

Queen Elizabeth II Hall

Library

Dance Studio

Science

Swimming Pool

STEAM Centre

Girls’ Common Room

Girls’ Bedroom

Kadoorie Dining Hall

Boys’ Common Room

Boys’ Bedroom

Gym 29

Wesley (Year 8 Banks) “Living on campus has helped me focus on both my studies and personal growth. There is always ample time to complete assignments and then some. I’ve been able to form close friendships in such a short space of time. The challenges my housemates and I have faced together have pushed us beyond our comfort zones, allowing us to bond, overcome obstacles, become better leaders and grow in confidence.”

Alan (Year 8 Darwin) “Boarding activities organised by our Tutors are always enjoyable and enriching, teaching valuable life skills like bed-making, independent study within set timeframes, and more.

My house feels like a “home away from home” the peer support and shared happiness here are unmatched, creating meaningful experiences.”

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HARROW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories, Hong Kong Tel: (+852) 2824 9099 Fax: (+852) 2824 9928

harrowhongkong.hk 32