When we started, there was curiosity and concern regarding transportation for next year; later in the year, after school activities became more widely mentioned. With parents of children as young as three and as old as 17, one would expect a range of responses to the questions posed. While there were definitely some age-specific questions and concerns – homework in G4, discussions of cliques in upper grades – overwhelmingly we heard the same themes over and over, both in regards to the positives as well as challenges.
Technology Service Suspension
Here are the highlights:
During this time period, there will be no access to: •First Class via your school account •FirstClass webmail •FirstClass mobile (android/ ipad/iphone etc)
• There is a true appreciation for diversity among the students and faculty, the lack of a “one size fits all” mentality. Parents know the school acknowledges that all students are different, all have something to offer, and there is more to a school than the academic side – and these principles are truly practiced, and not just touted at Open Houses.
With the imminent move to Sai Kung there will be some Technology disruptions for an anticipated period of 48 hours towards the end of July.
• The fact that the school is deliberately smaller than other PreK-12 schools means no child can slip through the cracks. Parents cited their ability to know what is happening with their child(ren), and that HKA teachers truly know all the kids. Individual attention and differentiation is making all the difference.
Even if you have forwarded your FirstClass mail to an external mail system, it will be unavaiable during this time.
• There is a unique culture of tolerance among the students from the earliest ages. Parents feel this mutual respect helps the school go one step further and strengthens the learning experience.
Once the date has been set, the school will send out an early warning via First Class.
• The people here – students, parents, and teachers alike – are intentional about being here and all expect to contribute to the community. Parents praised the high caliber of teachers and programmes like the Buddy Families, the buddy classes, and the community organization that allow for interactions which strengthen bonds between all groups.
During the move, the school website will still be running, though some functions will be restricted. Continual updates will be posted on the website.
• Parents recognize the changing needs of students moving from Primary to Secondary School, whether academic, co-curricular, or social. They expressed interest in a Secondary School that was slightly bigger than the Primary school to provide the range of classes, activities, and opportunities necessary for a developing adolescent. • Everyone understands the intrinsic tension between growing the school in a manageable fashion, maintaining our close-knit community, achieving financial sustainability, and staying true to the school’s mission - all at the same time. Negotiating the next few years and ensuring that we continue to admit the types of families that have made HKA successful is key. • And finally, as more and more students graduate and move on to further education, there will be a need to continue to build the positive brand of HKA and gain recognition as a leading international school in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Academy is at an exciting, and critical point. We’ve accomplished so much already, and there are great things yet to be done. I have no doubt that with the continued support and participation of the
All class websites will still be active via Weebly. During this transition, should you need to contact someone at the school, you can do so via the main phone number. If there are any questions, please contact the Technology Department. -Michael Taylor, Director of Technology
Look throughout this issue of Xiao Xi to discover some of the ways HKA teachers plan to recharge over the summer break.
Xiao Xi 14 June2013 3