Expat Parent June 2014

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the really useful magazine June 2014

Growing up bilingual Hong Kong Academy

School’s out!

Summer camps for kids

NEW MAGAZINE Issue TWO

276

things to do

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‘Mummy, can I go to Koh Sa?’

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Contents

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What’s on 6 Editor’s letter Expat Parent’s Adele Brunner says hello to June.

8 Calendar Happening this month.

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12 Date night Where to play hooky.

14 News Need to know.

18 Day in the life How children’s author Sarah Brennan gets creative.

20 Must have Alfresco accessories for garden parties.

23 The monthly quiz Are you ready for June?

Family 24 Meet the parents Raising bilingual children.

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30 Feature Summer camps for kids.

Education 36 School days Inside Hong Kong Academy’s purpose-built campus.

40 Principal’s office A word with Hong Kong Academy’s head, Stephen Dare.

42 Education ITS Educational Services gives tips for relocating. Plus gifts for teacher.

44 After School Learn to strum the ukulele.

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47 Me and My Hobby Saddle up with 16-year-old horserider, Tania Poelmann.

Food 48 What’s in season Food for June. expat-parent.com

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Contents

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50 Table for four Family-friendly dim sum restaurants.

Home

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54 The home front Baby steps to building a nursery.

Adventures 56 Big day out Explore Route Twisk and the roof of Hong Kong.

60 Travel Should you let your school leaver go to Koh Samui?

Money 66 Money and me Tequila Kola founder Michelle Koller opens her wallet.

68 Buy this, not that Debentures explained. Plus what to do when tragedy strikes.

Resources 72 Marketplace Your guide to shops and services.

76 Business directory Numbers that make life easier.

80 Distribution Where to find Expat Parent.

Back page 82 The bald truth about fatherhood Simon Parry’s initial misgivings.

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Editor’s letter Editor Adele Brunner adele@fastmedia.com.hk Senior Consultant Editor Jane Steer jane@fastmedia.com.hk Managing Editor Hannah Grogan hannah@fastmedia.com.hk Editorial Assistant Cherrie Yu cherrie@fastmedia.com.hk Art Director Kelvin Lau kelvin@fastmedia.com.hk Graphic Design Evy Cheung evy@fastmedia.com.hk

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t’s June, which means that, for most expat families, the end of the school year is on the horizon. If you’re a child, the time can’t go quickly enough; for adults, it’s as though the days are on fast forward. Almost worse than the run-up to Christmas, you find yourself dashing from pillar to post trying to get organised on the work, home and holiday fronts while simultaneously cramming in a whirlwind of leaving parties, birthday parties, teacher’s drinks and school events.

For many families, it’s the countdown to the annual pilgrimage back to one’s homeland and everything that entails – including negotiating the maximum number of hours you have to spend with tricky in-laws, trying to arrange meetings with friends who won’t travel further than five kilometres from their homes (even though you’ve just flown halfway across the world to see them) and how to keep children under five amused on a long-haul flight without packing everything but the kitchen sink in your hand luggage.

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Po Tsang po@fastmedia.com.hk Business Development Manager Jackie Wilson jackie@fastmedia.com.hk

For families staying in Hong Kong over the summer, it’s all about finding activities that don’t involve a screen to keep the children gainfully occupied. In this, our second issue of Expat Parent magazine, we’ve tried to cover all bases with summer camp suggestions, places to go and things to do plus expert advice on travelling with toddlers. As for the in-laws… suggest they do some solo bonding with their grandchildren and you’ll meet them for a late lunch.

I didn’t realise June 1 is World Parents’ Day. Sandwiched between Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day on June 15, Hallmark et al clearly thought parents didn’t need any more recognition, which is why the day goes all but unnoticed. But we do. We think you’re all fabulous, are doing a brilliant job of raising your children and you look great. So give yourselves a pat on the back.

Parents, we salute you.

Happy holidays!

Adele Brunner

Sales Executive Angela Tsui angela@fastmedia.com.hk Rica Bartlett rica@fastmedia.com.hk Digital Content Editor Sharon Wong sharon@fastmedia.com.hk Accounts Manager Connie Lam accounts@fastmedia.com.hk Publisher Tom Hilditch tom@fastmedia.com.hk Contributors Carolynne Dear Simon Parry Elizabeth Kerr Anthony Wong Jodee Fong Sophia Ho Kelly Li Printer Gear Printing, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Published by Fast Media Ltd LG1 Kai Wong Commercial Building, 222 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong Contact us Editorial: 2776 2773 Advertising: 2776 2772 Expat Parent is published by Fast Media Limited. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication.

Expat Parent cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors.

The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

w w w.fastmedia.com.hk

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Picture: Mark Lehmkuhler

What’s on

JUN 1 Sai Kung Sunday Market

UNTIL JUN 2 The Little Prince

JUN 2 Dragon-boat Festival

A monthly market for gourmet food, craft beer, organic goods, clothes, jewellery and more. 11am-5pm. Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, saikungmarkets@gmail.com.

Art installations, drawing competitions, workshops and tours around the popular French children’s book. Part of Le French May. Olympian City 2, 18 Hoi Ting Road, West Kowloon, www.frenchmay.com.

Public Holiday. Races take place all over Hong Kong, including Stanley, Aberdeen, Cheung Chau and Sai Kung, from about 8am. www.hong-kong-traveller.com.

JUN 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Island East Farmers’ Market Sunday market for organic produce, arts and crafts, live music, kids’ activities and more.

11pm-6pm. Tong Chong Street, TaiKoo Place, Quarry Bay, www.hkmarkets.org.

JUN 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 PMQ Night Market New weekend night market with food, drinks, musicians, arts, fashion and more.

Free. PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, www.pmqnightmarkets.org.

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Yat yee... dragon-boat races at Stanley Main Beach.

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What’s on UNTIL JUN 14 The Faust Festival Faust International Youth Theatre celebrates its 15th anniversary more than 60 shows by its young performers. McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai. Tickets from $80 at www.urbtix.hk, 2111 5999.

JUN 4 Tiananmen Square Anniversary It’s 25 years since the crackdown in Beijing.

Light a candle in Victoria Park.

JUN 6-7 The Mirror by Théâtre des Asphodèles A theatrical circus, with elements of Chinese opera. In French and Mandarin, with English surtitles. Part of Le French May. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tickets $180-$280 from www.urbtix.hk.

JUN 6-8 Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Carnival More dragon boats, this time with teams from around the world. Tsim Sha Tsui East, www.discoverhongkong.com.

Island East Market.

JUN 6-8 Rapunzel Let your hair down at this inventive live musical retelling of the classic fairy tale

by British children’s theatre troupe, Tutti Frutti Productions. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$495 from www. hkticketing.com, 3128 8288. See News, p.14, for a chance to win free tickets.

JUN 7-8 Italian Market Celebrate Italian culture and craftsmanship with food, wines, car and motorbike displays, music, dancing, fashion and beauty products. The Arcade, 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam. Tickets $100 from Italian Chamber of Commerce, 2521 8837, www. icc.org.hk.

JUN 7 & 14 Garage Sale The Mirror by Théâtre des Asphodèles.

Car Park, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clearwater Bay, 9045 5942, gujean@ust.hk.

JUN 7-SEP 15 The Extraordinary in the Ordinary: Chairs for Viewing the World through Time A fresh look at the humble (and not so humble) seat. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Road, Sha Tin, 2180 8188, www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk.

JUN 8 PLAY! Family Concert New Dutch Academy introduces kids aged five-11 to Bach, Vivaldi and baroque music, with a special interactive programme.

HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $171-$450 from www.hkticketing.com, 9545 6851.

Rummage for bargains at this popular sale of secondhand treasures. 9.30am-3pm, LG3 expat-parent.com

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What’s on JUN 8 & 22 Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathon Swimming and running races for adults and kids around Repulse Bay. Entry $155-$780 at www.revolution-asia.com.

JUN 10-11 LA Dance Project Black Swan choreographer Benjamin Millepied brings his new contemporary dance project to Le French May. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $90-$380 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

JUN 12-JUL 13 FIFA World Cup Gooooaal! A perfect excuse to be wildly patriotic in living rooms and venues across Hong Kong. First up: Brazil vs Croatia.

Jun 14 Strum One, Strum All Take your ukulele to join in the Big Jam, courtesy of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation. Performances, workshops, singalongs and picnic. Free; registration recommended for workshops. 12.30pm4.30pm. The Space, South Island School, 50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, 2561 3201, www.hkyaf.com.

Splash ’n’ Dash Aquathon

JUN 15 Father’s Day

UNTIL JUN 28 Le French May

Be extra nice to Daddy.

The annual celebration of French arts, opera, music, theatre, fashion and more.

Details at www.frenchmay.com.

JUN 20-21 L’Immédiat Contemporary circus by Camille Boitel in a collapsing set. Part of Le French May. Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Road, Kwai Chung. Tickets $80-$280, www.urbtix.hk, 2406 7505.

JUN 22 Robocon Future engineers and IT nerds will love this showcase of robots on the theme “A Salute to Parenthood”. 2.30pm-5pm. The Arcade, Cyberport, Pok Fu Lam, www.robocon.hk/2014.

JUN 26 Transformers 4: Age Of Extinction LA Dance Project.

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The first of the summer blockbusters was filmed right here in Hong Kong. Coming to a screen near you.

JUN 28 Italian Cuisine Workshops Award-winning Italian chefs reveal the secret to authentic rustic dishes in a feast fit for a king. Tickets $400 from icc@icc.org.hk.

The Food and Wine Academy, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, 2521 8837, www.icc.org.hk.

JUN 28-29 Hong Kong Inter-City Athletics Championships More than a hundred athletes from Hong Kong and Asia compete in track and field events. Free. Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, 109 Po Hong Road, Tseung Kwan O, 2504 8215, www.hkaaa.com.

Book Now Jul 11-13

Aug 12

Sep 23-28

Dora The Explorer Live

Ellie Goulding

Potted Potter

Help everyone’s favourite explorer find her missing teddy in the City of Lost Toys.

Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $135-$650 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

She’s gonna let it burn, burn, burn, burn...

Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay. Tickets $540-$640 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

All seven Harry Potter books and a live Quidditch match in 70 minutes. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $395-$550 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Oct 9-12

Oct 17-19

Mar 18

Dr Bunhead’s (Don’t) Try This At Home

Stick Man

One Direction On The Road Again

Wacky experiments with the Blue Peter and Brainiac science guy. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

The favourite children’s book live on stage.

Drama Theatre, HKAPA, Wan Chai. Tickets $195-$435 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

Brace yourselves for 1D mania when the boy band hits Hong Kong. AsiaWorldArena, Lantau. Tickets are $998-$3,488 and go on sale on June 11 at www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

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Date night

Playing hooky Put a spark back in your relationship with an indulgent afternoon date.

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here are few things quite so indulgent as having fun while the rest of the world is working. Take an afternoon off in the middle of an ordinary week to see what we mean. Slope away from work, organize a play date for the kids, and meet your significant other for a mid-week afternoon date. The unexpected freedom feels illicit even when it’s not and is bound to slap a silly smile on your face. Now, good mood guaranteed, where shall you go?

Start at Hong Kong’s hottest new destination, PMQ (Police Married Quarters).

You shall not be alone. In June, 1,600

Little Black Book Plateau Spa, 11/F Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2584 7688, plateau.hkggh@hyatt.com Aberdeen Street Social, G/F, JPC Building, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, 2866 0300, www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk Ten Feet Tall, 20/F-21/F, L Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central, 2971 1010, www.tenfeettall.com.hk Director’s Club, UA Cinema, Cityplaza, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay, www.directorsclub.com.hk The Roger Room, G/F 39 Peel Street, Central, 9637 7701

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pandas by French artist Paulo Grangeon will descend on the new design and social hub in what has to be the cutest art exhibition to hit Hong Kong since the Rubber Duck.

Browse the galleries, studios and design shops at the PMQ, or head to the garden terrace at brand new venue Aberdeen Street Social for something sweet and sticky courtesy of modern British chef Jason Atherton. His gorgeous new venue is set over two floors, with a fine-dining restaurant upstairs and a more relaxed bar-restaurant on the ground floor – we’re loving the mini paper cups of popcorn that come pegged to the cocktail tumblers. There’s even a pastry shop, Sweet Social, selling gelati, homemade chocolates and other goodies.

“It’s stylish without being stuffy and I love that,” Atherton says. “Downstairs is a more casual, buzzing all-day space for easy dining or just hanging out over coffee or cocktails.”

Pandas and patisserie not your thing?

How about a foot-rub and dim sum? Stylish foot-massage parlour Ten Feet Tall offers a Massage Lunch package, including dim sum or sashimi salad from sister establishment Dragon-i (from $328), noon until 3pm. It has private rooms for two and double massage beds arranged side-by-side so you can have a tete-a-tete while your feet are given a good seeing to with a choice of foot reflexology or pressure-point massage.

Double seats are also on the menu at the Director’s Club cinema, the perfect place to while away a sneaky few hours

The unexpected freedom feels illicit

off. Most parents associate cinema trips with 3-D glasses, animated princesses, talking animals or cartoonish superheroes and, inevitably, toilet trips during the good bits. So a chance to watch a grown-up Category IIB film on the big screen – with a drink from the private cocktail bar and, preferably, another adult to snuggle up with on the giant plush seats – is a real afternoon delight.

Should the sun shine, however, head straight to the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong and its unfeasibly leafy 11th-floor garden oasis. Throughout June, the Plateau Spa’s Spa Party Package includes a choice of one-hour or 90-minute treatments ($1,380 and $1,650 respectively) plus – and this is the clincher – a day pass to its beautiful 50-metre heated pool, sauna and sundeck, as well as canapés and a glass of bubbly or health juice. It’s almost a shame not to take the children. (Just kidding.)

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News

Second stretch for French elastics Three cheers for Hong Kong-based momtrepreneur Michelle Fenton, who has revived the popular 1970s playground game French elastics, or French skipping, as Jumpelastics.

Women of a certain age might remember playing it with a loop of ordinary dressmaker’s elastic. Fenton’s version comprises a special elastic loop in a rainbow of six colours with instructions on different

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moves and a handy pouch to keep everything in. The game is best played with three or more people (one “jumper” and two “enders” using their feet to hold the elastic open; chairs can substitute if necessary) and involves a series of jumps and twists.

Jumpelastics make great gifts for keeping kids off electronic devices and cost $115 from www.jumpelastics.com.

Street Life book release

Win tickets to Rapunzel

Hong Kong’s unsung workers are the focus of journalist Nicole Chabot new book, Street Life Hong Kong. It is filled with indepth interviews with outdoor workers from scaffolders to lifeguards and illustrated with powerful black and white photography.

The book goes on sale in major bookshops this month, with Chabot signing copies at the official launch on June 22, 2pm-4pm, at Commercial Press Book Centre, B1/F Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. All welcome.

Let down your hair as ABA Productions stages the classic fairytale, Rapunzel, from June 6-8 at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Wan Chai. Tickets are $195$495 from www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288.

For details on the show, please visit www. aba-productions.com Expat Parent has four tickets to give away to one lucky family for the performance on June 6 at 5pm. To enter, simply email your full name and telephone number to marketing@fastmedia.com.hk.

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Letters from our readers Third-culture kids bull’s eye

New fresh baby-food delivery service Have fresh, healthy and seasonal baby and kids’ food delivered to your door with new online delivery service, Homemade Foods.

It’s the brainchild of chef and mother of two Amy Ward, who was tired of feeding her children long-life jarred food. Partnering with Priscilla Soligo, a qualified gourmet living-foods chef and executive chef at Rawthentic Foods, the pair cook up small batches of kid-friendly fresh and healthy food with a four-day shelf life. All recipes use organic produce from the United States, Europe and Australia, with strictly no

genetically modified produce, colourings, preservatives or filters.

The menu changes monthly in line with what’s in season: in June, the menu includes steamed broccoli and purified water, thicker oatmeal with apples and pears, wild Halibut fish fingers and more.

Suitable for children from the age of four months. Delivery is made twice a week, and dishes arrive hand-packed in eco-friendly boxes with reusable ice packs.

Prices start at $35, and delivery is $55. For details, visit www.homemade-foods.com.

Aussie teens stage 13

New institute for fashionistas

Students at the Australian International School Hong Kong are staging the awardwinning musical, 13, this month with a cast of 65 students from years five to 12.

The musical follows 13-year-old Evan Goldman as he navigates a new school, makes new friends and learns about being a teenager in today’s world. Written by American composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 premiered in Los Angeles in 2007 and was performed on Broadway by a teenage cast.

Tickets are $160 or $100 for concessions by emailing performing_arts@aishk.edu.hk.

7.30pm, June 3-6, Australian International School, 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, 2304 6078.

Budding Armanis hoping to break into the fashion world can consider taking a course at the new Academy of Design (AOD). Its founders come from various fashion backgrounds and offer advanced certificates, professional short courses and summer programmes in fashion image and styling, design and merchandise, embroidery and beadwork, and more.

Courses range from two months’ full time to one year part time in English or Cantonese. Summer programmes and short courses begin this month, with advanced courses starting in September.

For details, visit www.aod.education.

Irish dancers win gold Hong Kong’s Irish dancers have returned victorious from the European and world championships with more than 150 medals and trophies. Representing Asia, Echoes of Erin School of Irish Dance took three wins in the European Championships and placed second, sixth and ninth in the World Championships solo competition.

Find out what all the fuss is about, at the third Hong Kong International Rince Feis and Premierships on June 8, with competitors coming from as far away as Australia. 9am-7pm, Hong Kong Academy, Wai Man Road, Sai Kung.

Tickets $200 at the door. For details, email info@echoesirishdancing.com.

We discovered Expat Parent at our local Starbucks while enjoying our regular hot chocolate. What a first issue! We even connected with some of the faces – we pass Calum most early mornings walking the dog and didn't realize he was such a good sailor.

What perhaps struck the most enduring chord for us was the conversation and developing topic of the third-culture kids (May 2014). You've hit your audience bull's eye, particularly the interwoven stories of John and Ruth Hill Useem who coined the 1950s term and how it relates to multigenerational residents raising families, retiring, or working in Hong Kong.

Thanks for the issue taster. We're now hungry… and look forward to reading more timely pieces.

Fred and Amy Sai Kung

Congratulations I just saw a copy of Expat Parent. What a brilliant magazine! I just wanted to say congratulations, it’s fabulous and a great read. You must be proud. I can't wait to receive future issues.

Christine Smith-Mann

Cockatoo coup?

I picked up a copy of your magazine from Seasons' health club and was very impressed by the many interesting articles and information.

One particular question about the cockatoos (The Monthly Quiz, June 2014).

I am a historian of World War II in Hong Kong and have read before about the cockatoos being released at that time and thriving ever since. However, I have never seen or read that Governor Sir Mark Young was responsible for releasing them. I wonder if the person who wrote this answer could let me know what the source was for this interesting information.

Poor Mark Young – nothing named for him in Hong Kong (as far as I know) and yet he was a good man who spent the war years as a prisoner and returned after the war and helped Hong Kong recover.

Many roads and such were named by the British after minor officials but nothing for Sir Mark.

Many thanks and keep up the good work.

Geoff Emerson

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Day in the life

Signs of the times

Author Sarah Brennan.

Children’s author Sarah Brennan reveals the creative process behind her Chinese zodiac books.

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wake up at 6am because my husband, Philippe, wakes me – otherwise, I’d stay in bed until 10am. He is the getter-upper in the family and he wakes us all. My girls spend at least 15 minutes doing their faces because they’re 13 and 16 and have to be perfection itself before they go to school.

We sit down for breakfast as a family at 6.30am sharp. We eat breakfasts and dinners together and at weekends we share every meal. We are big sitting-aroundthe-table people. The girls, who go to the Australian International School, leave with Philippe at 7am. I put on my running gear and leave the house with them. I don’t run, I walk.

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I live in Pok Fu Lam so I tend to walk around Sandy Bay. I’m a bit of a twitcher and I love birds so sometimes I take my binoculars. It is lovely especially from November to March when we get all the migrating birds and lots of different species.

I have an office in Tin Wan, near Aberdeen, but it’s variable as to whether I work there or not and this is something I love about my job. I used to be a lawyer and work in the same office every day and the tedium got to me. Now, I do what I feel like. Sometimes, I work from home but being in my office focuses my mind and I get heaps of work done. If I don’t want to be at home or in my office, I go to a café and sit typing, à la J.K. Rowling.

I’m disciplined about getting down to work. I have busy times of the year particularly from January until April when my books, which are picture books illustrated by the brilliant Harry Harrison, are in hottest demand because they are about Chinese zodiac animals. [A new book is released every Lunar New Year about that year’s animal.] The rest of the year, I’m either on promotional book tours or writing, marketing and visiting schools locally. I love writing and I love kids. Those are the best things about my job.

I started writing full time when I came to Hong Kong as I couldn’t work as a lawyer here. Being a lawyer was stimulating and interesting but also stressful and my creative urges weren’t fulfilled.

Day in the life There’s no such thing as a typical day for me, which is great because I was born in the Year of the Rat and I hate being bored.

I love constant action.

I always have ideas but I can’t write constantly because I am a sole business owner and publish my books as well. It has been a steep learning curve as I knew nothing about this business when I started.

I find 95 per cent of my time is spent on marketing – touring schools and bookshops or finding distributors overseas. My books are in the US, Australia, mainland China, Singapore and Britain.

The good thing with the Chinese zodiac is I know which animal is coming next. I like to incorporate Chinese history or folklore into the story. I’m always making notes.

Have you decided where to spend the

SUMMER? PGEM offers world-class academic theme based study programmes in the UK, the US and other exciting international locations!

In the office, I usually have a sandwich at my desk. At home, my helper makes me a lovely lunch and I watch a bit of daytime TV before forcing myself back to work. When I’m writing, I find it hard to stop. I wrap my day around my girls and usually down tools when they get home to spend some time with them. Teens need you as much as little kids.

Reading My husband is trying to educate me with a biography of Balzac but I’m also reading Between the Assassinations

by Aravind Adiga. It’s dark but fascinating.

Listening Taylor Swift because that’s what my girls are listening to. I’m very fond of Taylor, she’s a sassy girl.

Watching The Danish TV drama Borgen. It’s about a powerful woman who is also a good woman.

I try to stop writing after dinner. We never argue about what to watch on TV as I always fall asleep on the sofa and my husband gets to watch whatever he likes.

My challenge is actually going to bed.

I plan my story and work out what’s going to happen on every page before I start writing. I’ve often had the story in

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my head for some time so I find a lot of the verse pops out almost as if somebody else wrote it. It’s quite magical. I struggle with some verses: the challenge with writing in rhyme is it has to sound natural. Even as a kid, I found writing in rhyme easier than writing in prose. It’s the way my mind is wired… ever since I fell in love with Dr Seuss when I was about seven.

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Must have

How does your garden glow?

Alfresco accessories for garden parties. By Sophia Ho and Cherrie Yu.

Jungle Print tablecloth $699, from Zara Home, Level 3, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.zarahome.com.

Cane swing sofa $32,480, from Everything Under The Sun, 8/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing St, Ap Lei Chau, 2554 9088, www. everythingunderthesun.com.hk.

Pastries & Pearls birdcage cake stand $230, from Eezy Peezy Parties, www. eezypeezyparties.com.

Mint ceramic jug $599, from Indigo Living, 6/F, Horizon Plaza, 2552 3500, www.indigo-living.com.

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Must have

Ă„pplaro gazebo $2,490, from IKEA, Upper Basement, Parklane Hotel, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, www.ikea.com/hk.

Blue Conrad dining chair $1,990, from Indigo Living.

Polka dot paper straws $28 for 25 pieces, from The Party Boutique, www.partyboutique.com.hk.

Watergun $229.90, from Toys R Us, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2730 9462, www.toysrus.com.hk.

Fermob Bistro chair $1,150, from Everything Under The Sun.

Small Acadia lantern $699, from Indigo Living.

Tiki bamboo torch $129, from The Candle Company, 11 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2545 0099, www.candles.hk.

Plant fibre ice-cube holder and tongs $699, from Zara Home.

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Are you ready for June?

The Monthly Quiz Question 1 How will you celebrate Tuen Ng festival on June 2? a) A long lie-in. You can’t beat a public holiday. b) It’s dragon-boat festival! You’ve been practicing since January, you’re pumped, ready and in it to win it. c) Hasn’t Buddha already celebrated his birthday?

Question 4 Question 2 You need to stash your pooch for the summer holiday, but where to start? a) Ask your neighbour to take care of it. b) No need to make arrangements, Rover is self-sufficient. c) Consult the SPCA. d) Set Rover free in a country park; a dog is for Christmas not for life, right?

Question 3 June 4 is the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown. How will you mark the day? a) Surf the net for related news. b) Visit the June 4th Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. c) Join the annual candlelight vigil at Victoria Park. d) All of the above.

Where’s the best place to spot pandas in Hong Kong this month? a) Ocean Park’s Panda Village. b) Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok. c) T he new Police Married Quarters (PMQ) on Aberdeen Street. d) Sha Tin Racecourse. e) All of the above.

Question 6 It’s World Cup month, who will you cheer for?

Question 5 It’s Father’s Day on June 15, how will you treat the old man? a) B reakfast in bed, a handmade card and a heartfelt thank you. b) Badly (you haven’t forgiven him for the petrol-scented bouquet he bought at Caltex on Mother’s Day). c) G rant him full use of the remote control for the day. d) Take him shopping – everyone knows dads love it really.

a) The country where you were born. b) The country where your parents were born. c) The country where your passport is from. d) The underdogs. e) None of our business.

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Are you ready for June?

The Answers sizes. Like last year’s Rubber Duck, the pandas have appeared across the globe at nearly 100 exhibitions in Europe and Taiwan. During June, they will be at Hong Kong International Airport, the big Buddha, Tsing Ma Bridge, Sha Tin Racecourse, the Hong Kong Coliseum, the Clock Tower at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Victoria Park, Ocean Park and PMQ on Aberdeen Street, Central. For details, call 2712 0873 or visit www.pmq.org.hk.

5. Answer: a or c It’s the little things in life that make dads feel loved. Serve him a fry-up (possibly with chips) on a tray in bed, with a homemade card and a big hug. Take him for lunch at his favourite restaurant, let him have the remote control (it’s probably been a while), or offer to get up with him at 6am to watch England vs Italy in the FIFA World Cup.

1. Answer: b

3. Answer: d

6. Answer: e

Tuen Ng, or the dragon-boat festival, is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. Dating back to the third-century Warring States period (see Food, p.49), it is characterised by colourful, competitive dragon-boat races.

Paddling at a furious pace set by drummers in the bows of the long, narrow boats, local and international teams race up to 500 metres for glory, silverware and roast suckling pigs. Catch the action from 8am off Stanley Main Beach, Sai Kung waterfront and Tai O, from 8.30am at Aberdeen Promenade or from 10am at Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter.

The June 4th Museum opened in permanent premises on April 26 ahead of this month’s 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, after two years in temporary locations. Exhibits include bullet casings, T-shirts signed by activists and a six-foot replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue.

Run by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, the museum aims to allow people from the mainland to understand more about the event, which is censored there.

On the anniversary, head down to Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, at 8pm to join the candlelit vigil, the largest annual event to commemorate the crackdown. 5/F, Foo Hoo Centre, 3 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, www.64museum.org.

You’re quite right, it’s none of our business how you decide which team to support.

Besides, it's not always easy deciding where your loyalties lie for expats. Whatever you decide, gear up with a football shirt from the Ladies Market (Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok), then get ready for the competition.

TVB is screening 22 matches live on its freeto-air stations (including English-language station TVB Pearl), including the opening and closing ceremonies, two quarter finals, two semis and the final. Its pay service, TVB Network Vision (www.tvbnetworkvision. com), will be showing the other 42 matches for $128 a month. For details, visit www.fifa. com/worldcup.

2. Answer: c The SPCA offers dog and cat boarding services to members. Its facilities are spacious and hygienic in an air-conditioned, well-ventilated and pleasant environment.

Kennel staff exercise and play with boarding animals and on-site vets deal with any health issues. Fees start at $115 a day for cats and $150 for dogs. All boarding animals must be fully vaccinated; pets over 10 years old will receive a pre-boarding check. For details, call the SPCA on 2232 5501.

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4. Answer: e Ocean Park is no longer the only place in Hong Kong to see pandas. This month, 1,600 papier-mâché pandas – the number thought to be left in the wild – made by French artist Paulo Grangeon will invade more than 10 Hong Kong landmarks.

Organised by All Rights Reserved and the WWF, the pandas come in six shapes and

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Meet the parents

One tongue, two languages Adele Brunner talks to multicultural families about raising bilingual children.

The Doubledays Linda Doubleday is Swedish and her husband Jeremy is English. Their three girls – Ella, 11, Clara, nine, and Maya, eight – were all born in Hong Kong.

Although I don’t speak Swedish exclusively to any of my girls, I did try to talk to them all in Swedish from birth.

Typically, I was more consistent and disciplined with my eldest and I would say she is fairly fluent, able to read and write Swedish. My younger two understand most of what is being said in Swedish but they struggle to answer straight away and mostly reply in English. They can write simple letters in Swedish, read recipes and such like but they can’t read Swedish books.

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We speak English as a family because my husband isn’t bilingual but when he is away, we communicate in Swedish more frequently. I’m not as consistent about speaking Swedish as I used to be and the children are getting more reluctant about practising. We go on holiday to Sweden every summer and the girls use Swedish constantly. After a week, they swap languages without any problems and after 10 days their fluency improves dramatically.

It is quite difficult to raise your children bilingually in a country that doesn’t speak your mother tongue. I am the only exposure they have to Swedish apart from Swedish movies (when I can get them) and Swedish friends. For years, I took the children to playgroups with a lot of Swedish mothers but in the end it was the mothers who

spoke Swedish while the children played in English! There is a Swedish school in Hong Kong, which takes children aged six to 13 for a 90-minute lesson, once a week, but my children stopped going about a year ago owing to too many other activities and homework.

When the girls were aged seven, five and three, I took them to live in Sweden for half a year. The move was prompted after Maya, my youngest, came home from her bilingual Chinese/English kindergarten one day and said, “Mum, I don’t understand a word they say. They must be speaking in Swedish.” I thought it was about time they learned my mother tongue properly.

It was good timing as I was taking a break from work and the children were young enough to slot easily into school and

Meet the parents

After six months in Sweden, the girls struggled to have an elaborate conversation in English

kindergarten in Sweden. I had very good support from Kellett School. The principal told me not to try to keep up with the Hong Kong curriculum while we were away but to fully immerse the children into Swedish culture and language.

The first month was tough because they were away from home and didn’t understand very much. At that age, Swedish children don’t speak any English so my girls were forced to learn the language quickly to be able to be understood.

Within six weeks, they started playing and talking in Swedish among themselves.

Within four months, they were fluent and after six months, the girls struggled to have an elaborate conversation in English.

That quickly changed on returning to Hong Kong though.

I gave them a lot of support the first term back in Hong Kong and they picked up English, friendships and school work quite quickly. They absolutely loved the whole Swedish experience, though, and because of it have since identified themselves with Sweden and Swedish life much more strongly than I would have imagined.

To any parents thinking of raising their children bilingually, I would say make it fun.

Buy lots of books, games and DVDs in the language, set up playdates with children who speak the same language but make sure you supervise the activities so they are forced to practise it. The more exposure they get the better, but nothing beats actually living in the country even for a short period of time. expat-parent.com

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Meet the parents

The Bruwers Sylvette Bruwer is French, her husband Frank is German. They have two girls, Zoe, 12, who was born in Malaysia, and Joana, 9, born in Hong Kong.

I am French, my husband is German and we both are fluent in English. My girls speak both “mother” and “father” tongues as well as English and some

Mandarin. Frank can speak French and, although I don’t speak German, I understand a little bit. When Zoe was only four, she acted as a translator for me when we were on holiday in Germany – it was surreal! The girls are happy to speak French and German and find it perfectly natural to swap from one language to another because it has always been like this for them. There is, of course, the

occasional mix-up of three languages in one sentence, which can be really funny.

It was natural for us to speak to the girls in both languages from birth. Why would we speak a language other than our mother tongues, the language that is part of our personalities, heritage and culture? We didn’t speak to them in English because we didn’t want to confuse them. We realised after some time that

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Meet the parents

Neither of my children experienced any delay in language abilities as toddlers

they naturally categorised each person based on their language: for example, if German Grandma asked them a question in English, they would get confused.

Neither of my children experienced any delay in language abilities as toddlers even though they were trying to absorb more than one language.

However, Zoe and Joana are most fluent in English. It is what we speak as a family, the language they communicate in together and it has always been the language used with friends and outside home: at school and in art classes, tennis lessons and sailing courses. They can read and write in French and German, but not fluently and make mistakes in grammar and spelling. Their vocabulary isn’t as wide as it is in English.

When Zoe started school, we decided not to choose a French or German school system because we live in an international community and don’t have any plans to move back to France or Germany in the near future. She went to ESF Abacus Kindergarten and Clearwater Bay School,

as did Joana, who still attends the latter.

Their English was very poor when they started kindergarten but the teachers were supportive and they picked up the language incredibly quickly. Zoe has now started secondary school at the French International School in the international stream because the school offered the right language options to suit us. The plan is for Joana to follow the same path.

We’ve found it pretty easy to raise our children speaking more than one language because so many families in Hong Kong do the same and we are not the odd ones out. We are lucky to be able to go back to France and Germany once or twice a year, and each time this immersion helps the girls to improve their language abilities and their confidence. Visits from relatives help a lot too. The Internet also offers some great resources: the girls can watch cartoons and movies in French or German.

My advice is to speak to your kids in your own mother tongue from birth, regardless of the environment, and stick to it.

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Feature

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Feature

sun Fun in the Summer camps for kids. By Carolynne Dear.

Wet and wild Aberdeen Boat Club Sail away (well, to Middle Island), with the Junior Summer sailing programme.

Week-long camps run throughout June and July, with a choice of morning, afternoon or all-day sessions. Children must be aged seven or up and have "water confidence" to participate in Optimist courses. Book by June 6 for June courses, or June 20 for July.

Details at 2518 9500, www.abclubhk.com.

Ark Eden Environmental group Ark Eden is running Eco Adventure camps on Lantau Island every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout July and August. Catch a ferry from Central to spend the day farming, tree planting, swimming in secret waterfalls, island hopping, hiking, meeting Charlie the pig and enjoying an Eco barbecue. What could be nicer? Details at 6110 9293, www.arkedenonlantau.com.

Hebe Haven Yacht Club

Make a splash with Surf Hong Kong.

Cool off at Hebe Haven Yacht Club’s popular week-long courses. Children aged seven to 12 will love the Watersport Adventure Weeks – sailing, raft building, mini Olympics, junk trips, barbecues and more – while older kids and more serious

sailors can take part in HKSF certificate, Optimist and race training courses. Open to all, with discounts for members. June 30-August 29. Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, 2719 0926, www.hhyc.hk.

Surf Hong Kong Wake up on some of the territory’s cleanest and most beautiful beaches at Tai Long Wan in Sai Kung Country Park with Surf Hong Kong’s fab summer camps. Its overnight camps vary from three to five nights for children aged eight-17 years.

Camps run from June 30 to August 22, and are divided into Groms (eight-12 years) and Surfers (13-17 years). Pick up and drop off from Sai Kung and Central. Details at www.surfhongkong.com.

Treasure Island Hong Kong's biggest surf camp is back.

Every week from June 23 to August 15, kids will be hitting the waves on beautiful Pui O Beach, Lantau. The camp welcomes kids aged five to 18 years, from beginners to young pros. Beginner "Grommet" classes focus on learning to surf and water safety, with beach games and arts and crafts thrown in. Older kids get the chance to surf, hike, mountain bike, kayak and spend a night under canvas. Details at 2984 8710, www.treasureislandhk.com. expat-parent.com

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Feature

Go on an adventure with environmental group, Ark Eden.

Sporty ESF Educational Services Popular multi-sport camps will be held at South Island School, Renaissance College and the Australian International School.

There are also specialist clinics for soccer, basketball, swimming, gymnastics and tennis. Sign up before June 17 for an earlybird discount at www.esf.org.hk.

Hong Kong Junior Golf Learn to pitch and putt and more at golf camps for kids aged three to 18 years.

Beginners play at Golf Waterfall Range in Olympian City, Tai Kok Tsui, while more experienced golfers can practice their swings at Nine Eagles Golf Course, Chek Lap Kok. Maximum of six students a class with instruction in English and Chinese. Details at 2271 4953, www.juniorgolf.com.hk.

Sport4Kids Kids aged three-12 years can develop their skills at Sport4Kids’ Multi-Sports Camps.

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Basketball, soccer, rugby, gymnastics and athletics are all covered in three-hour, weeklong camps from July 21-August 15 at venues across Hong Kong, including Parkview in Tai Tam, Hong Kong Academy in Sai Kung, French International School in Happy Valley and Club Siena in Discovery Bay. Details at 2773 1650, www.sport4kids.hk.

sessions for beginners and afternoons for more advanced dancers. From July 7-11, over-sevens can explore street dance such as B-Boy, popping, locking and funk.

Studios in Aberdeen and Central. For details, call Jacqui on 9813 0079, www.redshoedance.com.

RockABaby

Irish dancing camps will be held throughout the summer at venues all over Hong Kong.

Little dancers will be high kicking with world- and European-ranking dancing instructors. Details at 9093 2015, www.echoesirishdance.com.

The summer programme kicks off with a Mini World Cup family event on July 5. More than 10 creative workshops for children aged nine months to 10 years run from July 7-August 16, including dance jam, drum jam, mini theatre, paint a story and more. Talent Wanted on August 22 is the grand finale. 6/F, 244-248 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan, 3685 3071, www.rockababy.com.hk.

Red Shoe Dance School

Starlit Voice

Ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary and musical theatre will keep kids aged five and up bopping from July 2-6. Each day focuses on a different style, with morning

Budding actor or young politician? Starlit Voice summer camps are running drama and theatre courses and public-speaking workshops to keep young minds and active

Performing arts Echoes of Erin

Feature bodies absorbed, inspired and having lots of fun. 10/F Universal Trade Centre, 3 Arbuthnot Rd, Central, 2108 2182; www.starlitvoice.com.

Time for Action Got a budding Spielberg on your hands?

Time For Action is a film school for kids teaching all aspect of filmmaking from “Action” to “Wrap”. There are two camps this summer: one for 11- to 16-year-olds on June 30-July 4, 9am-noon at Hong Kong Academy, Sai Kung; and one for nine- to 12-year-olds, August 12-15, 9am-2pm at Hong Kong Adventist College, Clearwater Bay. For details, call Matt on 9455 8512 or visit www.timeforaction.com.hk.

Tutti Music Nursery music classes for babes aged one to three years, and nursery classes (without a caregiver) for children aged two and a half to four years. Children aged three to eight can join the Little Voices singing programme promoting large ensembles at four centres across Hong Kong. For details, visit www.tmusic.com.hk.

Little Picasso

Keep young minds and active bodies absorbed and inspired Art & Craft Colour My World Art in Practice week-long workshops for four- to 18-year-olds will run all summer. Mentored by top industry creatives, students can choose to create a masterpiece in painting, photography, sculpture or drawing. Theatre in Practice workshops will focus on audition skills, presentation skills and playwriting. Room 108, Aberdeen Marina Tower, 8 Shum Wan Road, Aberdeen, 2580 5028, www.colourmy-world.com.

Summer-long camps and workshops vary from two days to two months, for children aged three to teens. The workshops use a range of art media and each child receives a tote bag to take their work home. Materials, smocks and refreshments are all provided. Studio 10, 21/F, Oceanic Industrial Centre, 2 Lee Lok Street, Ap Lei Chau, 3521 1046, www.littlepicasso.hk.

Language and learning Eton House This summer, Eton House is running twoweek Mandarin Immersion programmes for children aged two years and up. The sessions will run for two hours every morning and snacks are provided. Redhill Plaza, Tai Tam, 2353 5223, www.etonhouse.com.hk.

ESF Educational Services Children can try their hands at science, beginners’ Spanish, debate and presentation, science, cooking and drama

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Feature

Ouch! Learn to fence at the YWCA.

at courses held at ESF schools all over the territory. Suitable for all ages. For details, visit www.esf.org.hk.

ITS Educational Services Budding history enthusiasts can learn all about Hong Kong during World War II at this course with ITS, including visits to the Wong Nai Chong Gap Trail and the museum of Coastal Defence. ITS is also offering intensive writing courses teaching children in years three to six what makes a good story, poem or script. Details at 2116 3916, www.itseducation.asia.

old. As well as Chinese songs, character writing, grammar, drama and storytelling, there will be weekly trips to places such as Ocean Park, the beach and more. From $600 a day, June 30-August 29. Room 809 One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, 3427 9619, www.southsidemandarin.com.

For the smalls

YWCA

Lighthouse Playroom

There’s dawn to dusk action at the YWCA this summer, with a huge variety of camps

The Sai Kung playgroup is running weekly Happy Friday parties for children aged three and up with themes such as Teddy Bear, Pyjamas and Chef parties. Have fun and make new friends while your kids have a ball. 11.30am-1.30pm, Fridays, July 12-August 15.

It is also running Super Tot Summer Pre-school classes for two- and three-yearolds about to enter kindergarten. Taught in Cantonese and English, the classes use song and movement, storytelling and arts and crafts to help children cope with school life without their caregiver. 9.30am-11.30am or 2pm-4pm, Monday-Thursday, July 7-August 14. 183B Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2918, www.lighthouseplayroom.com.

Lighthouse Playroom Children aged three to six can improve their Mandarin with fun activities including song and movement, storytelling, games, science, craft and cooking. 9.30am12.30pm, Monday to Thursday, July 7-August 14. 183B Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2918, www.lighthouseplayroom.com.

Southside Mandarin Mandarin lessons in and out of the classroom for children up to seven years

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There will be messy play, singing and dancing

including Mandarin, writing, maths, science, personal growth, arts, cooking, dance and soccer. For children aged one to 17. YWCA HQ, 1 Macdonnell Road, Central, 3476 1340, www.clle.ywca.org.hk.

Feature Parkview International Pre-School PIPS is running three, two-week English playgroup and bilingual camps this summer for children aged one to six years. Expect themed sessions using storytelling, drama, cooking, music and movement and arts and crafts. Summer sessions run July 7-August 15. Tower 18, Parkview, 88 Tai Tam Road, Hong Kong, 2812 6023, www.pips.edu.hk.

Playtent Learning Centre There’s lots of crazy fun at Playtent. Its twohour morning and afternoon summer fun programmes including messy play, cooking, singing, dancing, craft, science, literacy and more. For children aged three to seven years. Shop B1, 18 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2276 0488, www.playtent.com.hk.

SKIP Paint & Play in Sai Kung for children aged one to five years, accompanied by an adult. There will be lots of messy and water play, arts and crafts, circle time with stories, singing and dancing every weekday morning from July 7 to August 15. Some

Develop your rugby skills with Sport4Kids.

afternoon sessions are available in August.

Sessions cost $150 each and tickets must be bought in advance. Sai Kung Pre-school, 159 Che Keng Tuk Road, Sai Kung, 2791 7354, www.skip.edu.hk.

Woodland Pre-schools Woodlands Pre-schools across Hong

Kong will be throwing open their doors for a summer fun programme. Bigger and better than ever, the camps run for seven weeks over the summer for children aged six months to six years. There is also a programme entirely in Mandarin. For details, call 2559 4855 or visit www.woodlandschools.com.

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Open day

INSIDE

HONG KONG ACADEMY Adele Brunner visits the IB through-school’s state-of-theart Sai Kung campus. Pictures by Hannah Grogan.

H

ong Kong Academy (HKA) in Sai Kung is the epitome of a modern international school.

With soaring ceilings, acres of glass, stylish dĂŠcor and state-of-the-art facilities, it is a far cry from the typical schools of yesteryear with their narrow corridors, cramped classrooms and murky colour schemes.

Designed initially by GHD and completed by LDAsia (Llewelyn Davies Hong Kong), the 23,000-square-metre, purpose-built campus opened in August 2013 and is a model for sustainable school design. It is one of the only schools in Hong Kong to be accredited as a BEAM platinum-rated building, with key green

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features including rainwater harvesting, low-E glazing on windows to reduce the amount of heating and cooling required and energy-efficient air-conditioning.

Bold graphics announce the various departments and areas, and spacious, open-plan classrooms are equipped with Scandinavian-style furniture and Apple Macs.

Facilities include an awe-inspiring 350seat theatre with a recessed orchestra pit that can be covered to provide extra floor space, plus professional lighting and sound systems, and dressing rooms. Add to the mix an enormous sports hall, all-weather sky pitches and well-stocked music rooms and you get an idea of how high HKA has set the bar.

Open day

Clockwise from top: senior music room; group work in art class; reading time; Mandarin lessons.

Quiet study time in the seniors library.

Hong Kong Academy’s bright cafeteria.

There’s a great feeling of optimism about the school Founded in 2000 and previously located on Stubbs Road and in Kennedy Town, HKA is a private, independent, non-profit, international school. It can accommodate about 650-700 students but currently has 563, ranging from three-year-olds in the pre-kindergarten classes to 18-year-olds about to graduate from Grade 12.

“We are seeing the most growth

in the secondary school as the primary school, which was established before we moved to Sai Kung, is full,” says Head of School Stephen Dare. “Since coming to this new campus the interest in secondary school places has been considerable and we anticipate the secondary school will be full in the next three to five years. The maximum class size is 22. One reason we expat-parent.com

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Open day Colourful decor in HKA’s primary division.

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are keen to stay a middle-sized school is that we think it is good for learning. The teachers get to know the kids well and nobody slips through the cracks.”

HKA operates on a grade system similar to that in the US and Australia, and is a fully authorised International Baccalaureate school, offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and IB Diploma. It operates a debenture system requiring only one debenture a family regardless of the number of children attending the school.

The school embraces diversity and is committed to being inclusive with regard to both learning ability and culture, with students of more than 45 nationalities. New students are assessed purely to see what stage they are at rather than for the school to select the crème de la crème. Gifted students and those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and other learning needs all work in mainstream classrooms with individual support when required. There is also a fulltime occupational therapist and speech and language pathologist.

Open day

Primary school children enjoy lunchtime.

Hong Kong Academy After almost a whole school year in the new campus, Dare feels HKA is going from strength to strength. About half the students are based in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, but there is still a sizeable Island community and a growing contingent from Kowloon. The bus system, which was a concern for parents before relocation, is apparently working very well.

“There’s a great feeling of optimism about the school. It’s a really nice

community to be part of and we have also felt a huge sense of goodwill from the local neighbourhood,” Dare says. “It’s like a family: there are some fantastic things and things you have to keep working at.

And the HKA family is no different. On the whole, I’m very happy with where we are.

We are committed to fulfilling our mission statement, to growing and getting better and to providing a first-class education for our students. It's really very simple.”

Address: Wai Man Road, Sai Kung Phone: 2655 1111 Website: www.hkacademy.edu.hk

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engage in combat but just to experience the speed) or a Formula One driver.

Stephen DARE Head of School Hong Kong Academy Q: What did you want to be when you were a child?

A: I don’t think I actually knew. All I was interested in was kicking a football around.

Looking back, I would love to have flown fighter jets (not that I really wanted to

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Q: Why you become a teacher?

A: It was fortuitous in some sense. When I was studying at 18, I was all set to become an accountant. I didn’t have a great experience with my exams and went back for a third year to retake. At that point, I had some thought-provoking conversations with my teachers about what my main interests were. I used to spend a lot of my time working with children and young people in sports programmes and playgroups and I was asked why not keep that going. Here I am ‘a few years later’ involved in education.

It was a positive learning experience that from bad things (my exam results) come good things. I might have made a good accountant but I’m not all that enthused to find out.

Q: How long have you been a teacher?

A: I did straight teaching for five years and then became a divisional principal, overseeing an area of a school as well as

teaching. I’ve taught overseas for more than 20 years but this my first role as Head of School and I’ve done this for four years, which is also how long I’ve lived in Hong Kong.

Q: What are some of the challenges of being a principal?

A: Dealing with conflict is always challenging. I like to think we are a school that is quite innovative and creative. We spend a lot of time thinking and reflecting on what we are doing. It is inevitable that you’ll get different perspectives and opinions and conflict will arise. Having healthy discourses is important but there isn’t always one right answer and you have to live with the fact that not everybody will be happy with the outcome.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your position?

A: I never watch the clock and every day is different. I love that I’m in an organisation that is very people focused whether that’s students, teachers or parents. I enjoy

Principal’s office doing something I find fulfilling and feel is worthwhile.

Q: What has been one of the most memorable events of your career?

A: Opening this new campus. It’s a reflection of a massive amount of work by a tremendous number of people and I think it’s going to have such an impact on the lives of so many. That feels a really major achievement. There are other things that are memorable for different reasons such as when I was a primary school principal in Washington DC when 9/11 happened.

Q: What do you like best about Hong Kong?

A: I think Hong Kong is a very vibrant place, a very easy place to live in and I love living in Sai Kung. I’ve always dreamed about having a home overlooking the ocean and since coming to Hong Kong, I’ve lived in four places with sea views.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve been given?

A: Always continue to try and grow and don’t try and be someone you’re not.

Remember who you are and stay true to yourself.

Q: Give us some tips for handling stress?

A: Remember not to take yourself too seriously. We all make mistakes and miss deadlines… that’s the reality of being a human being. As long as it’s not a life or death situation, we can overcome things.

Adversity and challenge is all part of the fun. I also relieve stress by playing plenty of sport and taking time to enjoy things.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I play a lot of squash. I like to travel.

I like kicking back with a glass of wine and reading what’s in front of me.

Simple pleasures.

Q: What talent would you most like to have?

A: I wish I could type well. I’m an absolutely hopeless typist. It would probably make my life easier. I’m a one-hand typist and everyone in my family laughs at me.

Q: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A: I don’t believe in perfect happiness. I believe it’s a mindset. You can choose to be happy and positive. If Arsenal were to win a Champion’s League that would be close to perfect happiness.

Q: What is your greatest fear?

A: Having to deal with something that might endanger the lives of students and staff working under my care. Fortunately, it doesn’t happen often but we’ve all read about such situations and I think it would be the most horrific thing to cope with.

Q: What quality do you most value in your friends?

A: Tolerance – none of us is perfect. If people can accept you for who you are, see your good side and forgive you the stuff that’s not so good, that makes for a lasting friendship.

Q: Tell us one secret about yourself.

A: I’m not going to because then it wouldn’t be a secret!.

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Sponsored column

Starting a new school ITS Educational Services offers tips on relocating with children.

Relocating with children is always challenging. As a parent you want the best for your child when you move to a new city and finding the right school is even more important than finding a new home.

Relocating changes many things for a family such as friends, schools and extracurricular activities, but it does not have to be traumatic. Communication is the key to making a move a positive experience for the whole family.

Advance planning is very important especially when children are involved.

Certain questions immediately spring to mind: What school is suitable for my child?

How do we search for a school? How do we secure places for our children? Do we need to pay a debenture? What do we do if we are on waitlist?

Before looking for a school, it is a good idea to have a clear picture of what is

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really important to you. The first step is to prepare a list of your wishes for the perfect school. Then decide where you could compromise and where you could not.

Communication is the key to making a move a positive experience If you have more than one child, consider their general needs first then the specific needs of each individual. Be open to change and don’t be afraid of considering different schools for your children.

It’s useful to look at school web sites and speak to other parents, but do not rely

solely on either of these sources. Opinions given by other parents will be based on the experience of their own child, who may have entirely different interests and personality to your child. Remember that comments from people who do not have children in a school will be based on hearsay, not solid evidence. As parents, you know your children best and only you can decide.

Once you’ve devised a wish list, look at the schools available and make a shortlist of those that seem to meet your requirements. It is worth visiting as many schools as possible, so you can compare them and cross off the ones you don’t like.

Only by visiting a school will you know if it is the right choice.

Anne Murphy is the Director of ITS Educational Services. ITS offer a variety of education solutions – from single consultations, to step-by-step management of school placements and admissions. For details, email anne.m@itseducation.asia.

A present for teacher

Education

Sophia Ho thinks beyond the apple.

With one teacher per class shouldering the bulk of teaching time at kindergartens and primary schools, it’s not surprising many children want to give their teacher a present at the end of a school year. But what? Think tokens of appreciation rather than lavish gifts. Some families send in something personal such as a handwritten note, others go for hand cream or wine. Lai see packets aren’t appropriate,

and there are only so many coffee mugs one teacher can use. Often the class contact (usually a parent volunteer who acts as a bridge between the parents and teacher of a particular class) organises a joint present, asking for a donation of up to $200 from each family for a more substantial thank you. No teacher expects a gift – but it always feels good to be appreciated.

Bond Street Blue Kings envelopes, $170, and correspondence cards, $160

By Smythson from Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, Central, and Pacific Place, 88 Queensway. www.smythson.com

1950 photo of Hong Kong Harbour from the Peak, $550-$980 Picture This, 2/F, Prince’s Building, Central, 2525 2803, www.picturethiscollection.com.

Shou enamel bangle, $1,280 Shanghai Tang, 1 Duddell Street, Central. Outlet at 18/F, Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, 2798 5318, www.shanghaitang.com.

French Lavender & Champagne Rose gift package, $480.60 The Candle Company, 11 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 2545 0099, www.candles.hk Ellenisia Eau de Parfum, $1,010/50ml Penhaligon’s, Level 3, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2111 4147, www.penhaligons.com

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After school

Learn to strum With the world going crazy for ukulele, Jodee Fong finds string instrument teachers.

AurorAloha Product designer Ringo Sito channels the happy spirit of the ukulele with his locally produced instruments. AurorAloha stocks top-quality ukuleles, including Kamaka brand, which is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary. Look for its products at the Hong Kong Ukulele Association (see below). Details at www.auroraloha.com.

ukulele lessons for children aged eight and up, with private and group sessions available. As well as learning to play their favourite tunes, students write their own songs. The studio also offers singing and vocal lessons in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. 2B, Timmar Court, 10-12 Wing Hing Street, North Point, 2762 0112, www. singing-in-hongkong.com.

GVS Music Studio With walls lined with colourful ukuleles and acoustic guitars, the school offers ukulele and guitar classes for children and adults, provides a band practice room and sells instruments. Lessons are $500-$600 for four sessions, depending on skill level. 38 San Hing St, Cheung Chau, 2981 7581, www.facebook.com/gvsmusichk.

Bernard Music Workshop

Hong Kong Ukulele Association (UkeHK)

Experienced guitar and ukulele tutor, Bernard Yim tailors lessons for students of all skill levels from age five to adult. One-on-one lessons are $350 an hour, joint workshops for two (parents welcome) are $500 an hour.

In English or Cantonese. 3/F, Eton Tower, 8 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, 9789 4487, www.facebook.com/ bernardmusicworkshop.

UkeHK is Hong Kong’s biggest ukulele school and sells the best imported ukuleles. It offers private and group lessons for children over the age of six and family workshops for parents and kids. Students get a chance to perform publicly. Private lessons cost from $150 to $250 for 30 to 60 minutes. Family and group lessons for six to eight students are $400 for four lessons of 45 minutes. B2, 1/F, Block B, Friend's House, 6 Carnarvon Road,Tsim Sha Tsui, 2418 9355, www. ukehk.com.

Christine Samson Music and Arts Studio (CSMA) Local celeb and The Voice finalist Sam Lau offers customised guitar and Rock A Baby ukulele school.

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After school M.I.N.D Education The name stands for “Multi-Intelligence And Development”, reflecting the school’s aims to inspire and develop the senses through music, sports and art. It offers ukulele lessons for children from age five and guitar classes from age eight, as well as art jamming, watercolour classes and academic tutorials. Private 30-minute classes are $440 for four lessons and $1,000 for 10. 2/F, 50A Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin, 3482 1665, www.mindeducation. wordpress.com.

Molten Music HK Guitar School Professional music teachers come to your home for private tuition and group lessons (up to three students) in ukulele or guitar for children and adults of all skill levels.

Students learn songs in a variety of music genres, as well as strumming and fingering techniques, and music theory. Contact Terry on 2756 8823, tyau.guitar@gmail. com, english.learnguitarinhongkong.com.

Parkland Music Private and group classes for students of all ages and skill levels. Classes include an introduction to the ukulele structure, coaching in pop songs and different fingering, strumming and performance techniques. Courses start at $520 for groups of two or three students (one-hour lessons) at five branches across Hong Kong.

Electric, acoustic and bass guitar lessons are also available, as well as piano, drums, band training, singing and more. For details, visit www.parklandmusic.com.hk.

Parsons Music Centre With about 30 stores across Hong Kong, the school offers ukulele, electronic guitar, acoustic guitar and drum courses for children from age five at all skill levels.

Students can request different tutors and the songs they want to learn. Class times are flexible and prices vary. Details at www.parsonsmc.com.hk.

Rock A Baby Teachers take an innovative and dynamic approach to children’s ukulele and guitar lessons, and all-round musicianship training, including music jamming and ensemble playing. Private and group lessons for children start at $340 per lesson. Workshops for parents and children are also offered for a musically bonding experience. 6/F Tung Hip Commercial

Bernard Music Workshop.

Building, 244-248 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, 3586 3070, www. rockababy.com.hk.

Rock Kong International teachers offer guitar and bass lessons for kids from age six at all skill levels. Individual classes can be held at your home on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Parent-child lessons and workshop nights in Central are available.

The school guarantees students will be performing iconic guitar songs within a month. $450 for a private 50-minute lesson; $600 for two students and $3,500 for 11 private lessons. Details at www. rockkong.com.hk.

Soul Music Studio With a jam-packed schedule every day, the studio specialises in ukulele strumming and singalongs. Courses for children and adults from beginner to advanced levels, plus one-hour parent-child workshops.

Taster classes are $10; $280 for five children’s lessons and $320 for five adult’s lessons. 14/F, High Win Factory Building, 47 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, 2591 9020, soulmusicstudiohongkong@gmail.com, www.facebook.com/SoulMusicStudio.

Tom Lee Music Academy Established for more than 60 years, Tom Lee Music Academy provides private and group ukulele and guitar lessons for

toddlers, children, teenagers and adults.

Private lessons are 30 minutes and group lessons are 60 minutes at showrooms across Hong Kong. For details visit www. tlmf.org.

Tutti Music Ukulele and guitar lessons for children from age four and teenagers at four locations across Hong Kong (Kennedy Town, Tai Kok Tsui, Tseung Kwan O and Kowloon Tong). Prior to enrolment, students will be provided a free assessment to evaluate their finger and music development. Private lessons are $300 for 30 minutes, group lessons for three children are $275 each for 30 minutes. Details at 2331 2068, enquiry. mghk@gmail.com, www.tmusic.com.hk.

Strum One, Strum All Hong Kong Youth Arts Festival is inviting all young ukulele players to strum along to Oh Susannah (download the music at www.hkyaf.com) at its Big Jam and ukulele performance day. There will also be performances by 100 junior ukulele players and professionals as well as ukulele workshops. Pre-register for the workshops by emailing phoebe.chu@ hkyaf.com. 12.30pm-4.30pm, June 14.

The Space, South Island School, 50 Nam Fung Road, Aberdeen, 2561 3201.

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Hobby Horse Equestrian team rider Tania Poelmann, 16, saddles up.

Learn to ride I began riding when I was eight years old after trying it on holiday in Australia. I have been riding ever since. My mum and two younger sisters are also into riding so it’s something we can do as a family.

I used to have lessons at the Lo Wu Saddle Club but it was a long drive. When the Clearwater Bay Equestrian & Education Centre opened down the road in 2008, it was a big relief. I now ride twice a week.

I’m part of the equestrian team at King George V School. Last year, my school team won a competition in which the prize was a week’s trip to the Ingestre Stables in Stafford, England. It was an amazing experience.

I’m not great at dressage but I like jumping because you have to think quickly and it’s all about timing. Dressage takes a lot of skill to train the horse but I find it less interesting than jumping. You have to do both when you enter most competitions though.

Most stables will lend helmets, boots and equipment, but it’s best to buy your own gear because it is more comfortable. I’d recommend getting jodhpurs, riding boots, a helmet, a body protector and gloves.

Seven is a good age to start riding. You start on a lead rein, learning how to control the horse and stay on. You don’t start jumping until you’re a competent rider.

I love riding because it’s unpredictable as you’re dealing with a live animal that has its own mind and moods. It’s never boring.

I ride a different horse each week which gives me an opportunity to practise a range of skills.

Riding is all about confidence. If you fall off, you have to forget about the fall and get straight back onto the horse. Riding has made me a much braver person.

LEARN TO RIDE Clearwater Bay Equestrian & Education Centre, www.ceec.hk Lei Yue Mun, Pok Fu Lam and Tuen Mun Public Riding Schools, www.campaign.hkjc.com Lo Wu Saddle Club, www. lowusaddleclub.com Beas River (members only), www.member.hkjc.com

Be prepared for a few bumps and bruises. You’ve only ridden properly when you’ve fallen off!

I want to continue riding but I don’t want to become a professional. Anyone who does has to devote their entire lives to riding and I’m not sure that’s for me.

It would be fantastic to work in a stables because I really like being around horses. expat-parent.com

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Food

In season Jodee Fong hunts the wet markets for summer specialities.

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White eggplant Cost: $24 a pound Chinese name: Ngai gua Best served: stir-fry this local, organic eggplant in Sichuan style with garlic, soy sauce and chillies.

Aloe vera Cost: $38 a root, $10 a leaf Chinese name: Lo wui Best served: mix with coconut milk and honey to make a smoothie, or peel and apply to the skin to soothe sunburn and insect bites.

Dragon-eye fruit or longan Cost: $28 a pound Chinese name: Lung ngan Best served: enjoy this exotic fruit on its own or use in jams or liqueur. Dried longans are served with herbal tea for their nourishing and calming qualities.

Persimmon Cost: $35 each Chinese name: Tsz Best served: persimmons are ripe when soft and bright orange. Use to make jam, marmalade, compote, or even sorbet.

Figs Cost: $10 each Chinese name: Mo fa gwor Best served: stuff the lusciously sweet fruit with blue cheese and bake, or wrap halved figs with thin slices of bacon and roast until crispy for a delicious starter.

Wax jambu aka rose apple Cost: $26 a pound Chinese name: Lin mo Best served: crunchy and chilled straight from the fridge, or sliced into Chinese stirfries and salads.

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Picture: Cherrie Yu

What’s in season

Zongzi (粽) Cherrie Yu splashes out on the dragonboat festival speciality.

Qu’s body. Over time, this evolved into the dragon boat festival and zongzi.

Zongzis are little parcels of rice and other ingredients wrapped in bamboo leaves and traditionally eaten during Dragon Boat Festival. Like dragon boats themselves, zongzis commemorate the death of admired Warring States poet and minister Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in the Miluo River in protest at corruption. Locals raced out in their boats to try to save him, splashing the water, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings to drive fish away from

Cost: From $25 in food market, Wing Wah, Maxim’s, and Cafe de Coral.

Chinese name: Zhung Tsz Best served: one popular zongzi is a pyramid-shaped glutinous rice dumpling, filled with mung beans, salted duck egg yolk, Chinese dried mushrooms, barbecue pork or dried scallops, wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves and steamed. A sweet version is jianshui zong, which is served with sugar or syrup and tea. expat-parent.com

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Table for four

Maxim’s Palace’s dim sum spread.

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Table for four

Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour.

Little bites of the heart Cheerful, small and yummy, dim sum is kid-food heaven. Cherrie Yu tucks in.

Maxim’s Palace Food Kid-friendly Dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall is an iconic Hong Kong experience. Middleaged ladies push steaming trolleys through acres of tables under majestic chandeliers, calling out “char siu, siu mai”. Big groups of families and friends chitchat loudly over tea, pencilling in the dim sum order form, pointing to dishes and peeking into bamboo steamers. There’s even a harbour view through the floor-to-ceiling windows, where nervous newlyweds can be seen

heading to the nearby wedding registry.

There’s a wide selection of dim sum.

Each trolley has available items listed in English and Chinese, so keep an eagle eye out for your favourites: once they’re gone, the sign will be replaced. Baked and fried snacks are aligned behind sliding glass doors, including chewy, sticky dumpling with dried shrimp and minced pork and baked barbecued pork pastry. Other trolleys specialise in steamed items, such as turnip cake with conpoy, chicken’s feet, or glutinous rice in lotus leaf. For dessert, scan the room for a trolley bearing a massive bamboo steamer filled with doufu hua (sweet tofu pudding).

It’s noisy, cheerful and colourful, with high chairs for small kids. Dim sum dishes from $31.

No reservations. Open Mon-Sat 11am3pm, 5.30pm-11.30pm, Sun 9am-3pm, 5.30pm-11.30pm. 3/F Low Block, City Hall, Central, 2521 1303.

Sai Kung Beach Cuisine Food Kid-friendly Try dim sum alfresco at this beachfront restaurant, which has arguably one of the expat-parent.com

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Table for four best views in the territory across Inner Port Shelter to High Island Reservoir. Tables line the edge of sheltered Sha Ha Beach under a row of white pergolas divided by white picket fences and small privet hedges. (Watch out for dive-bombing

Maxim’s dim sum cart.

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sparrows, which line up along the pickets waiting for a chance to help themselves to your yeung chow fan.)

The beach is popular with dog walkers (no LCSD lifeguard service) and watersports enthusiasts, who can hire reasonably priced windsurfers, kayaks, standup paddle boards and even swan-shaped pedaloes from the beach. Kids play in the sand while mum and dad tuck into pan-fried lotus cakes, siu mai loaded with shrimps, Chinese mushrooms and crab roe, steamed dumplings with prawns and pea leaf (in season) and generously sized dishes such as minced pork congee with preserved egg.

The restaurant is a 10-minute walk along the waterfront promenade from Sai Kung town centre, which is a wonderful way to build up your appetite for an afternoon of dim sum-on-sea. Minimum charges apply at weekends at alfresco tables, but not at inside tables.

Reservations available. Open MonFri noon-10pm, Sat noon-11pm, Sun and public holidays 10.30am-10.30pm. Sha Ha Beach, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung, 2792 4990.

Jumbo Kingdom Food Kid-friendly Jumbo Kingdom is not just for tourists.

This kitsch floating restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour is a fun weekend destination.

Decked with gaudy plaster dragons and other mythological creatures on the outside and like a Ming dynasty palace within, it has tables for 2,300 diners on three floors. Dragon Court on the second floor is the more expensive, and has alfresco tables on a verandah.

Kids will enjoy catching the shuttle ferry from dedicated piers at Shum Wan (near Aberdeen Marina Club) and Aberdeen (near the fish market) for the short ride through the harbour. Snap selfies on large thrones, count the dragons and check out the floating “pearl” fountain near the ferry dock.

All your dim sum favourites are on the menu, including steamed shrimp dumplings, deep-fried mashed squid with agar-agar and unusual crispy Shanghai

Table for four cakes. The dessert menu is a standout with unusual dishes. Dim sum from $26.

Open Mon-Sat 11am-11.30pm, Sun and holidays 9am-11.30pm. Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, 2553 9111.

Tin Lung Heen Food Kid-friendly Celebrate a special occasion by treating the family to refined dim sum at two-Michelin-starred Tin Lung Heen.

The restaurant is overseen by chef Paul Lau Ping-lui, who has 34 years’ experience, and it shows in every elegant, mouthwatering morsel.

The venue is as pretty as the food.

Located on the 102nd floor of the ICC, it has an amazing view of the harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. Inside, the restaurant is all soaring ceilings, wood panelling and deep leather chairs (bring a favourite toy for fidgets). The dim sum comes with a contemporary twist – cue

Tin Lung Heen’s baked barbecue pork buns with almond flakes.

steamed rice rolls with barbecued Iberian pork, pan-fried wagyu beef dumplings, wok-fried frog’s legs with oats, salt and chilli and baked egg custard tarts with caramel. Dress codes apply.

Reservations available. Open Mon-Fri noon-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm, weekends and holidays 11.30am-3pm, 6pm-10.30pm.

102/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 2263 2263.

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The home front

Baby steps There’s more to designing a nursery than painting it pink or blue, Elizabeth Kerr discovers.

T

here’s a lot to think about when you’re expecting your first child – natural birth or Caesarian, methods of pain relief, organising a helper, learning to look after a baby and, of course, preparing a nursery. But do you

Bumps to Babes Mama & Papas rialto cot.

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need a $17,000 cradle? How soon will you need more space? Are you going to march to the pink and blue beat?

“Your baby will spend about 70 per cent or more of their time in the nursery during the first year so it’s worth taking the time to plan it carefully and pay special attention to baby-proofing,” says marketing manager Lucy McLennan of baby-supplies store Bumps to Babes.

“Consider the size of the room, storage, sleeping and somewhere for you to sit. Try to plan your nursery so the furniture and essentials you choose will still be the right choice as your baby grows.”

When it comes to designing a good nursery interior designer Natasha Grays starts with the practical and emotional needs of parents and baby as the primary users, and she advises against “babythemed” rooms.

“A well-designed nursery will incorporate soft, calm colours to soothe and calm the baby, neutral furniture, natural fabrics and materials,” she says.

“Ensure it has good lighting, including blackout blinds for daytime naps and a soft night light for those 2am feeds. Finally, some lovely accessories to give visual interest when baby is awake – especially

near the changing table.”

Be practical, suggests interior designer Monique McLintock, and remember that babies don’t stay babies for long. “Use low-VOC paints and don’t crowd the space with too much furniture. Buy a few good quality pieces that last, and look at a convertible wooden crib that can later become a toddler bed,” she says.

From a safety perspective, choose furniture with curved or rounded edges to protect toddlers against sharp corners and keep cords out of reach and sockets covered, but think twice before soundproofing.

“Babies grow fast and angels turn to ‘monkeys’ and get active in their [space],” says JC Vision’s Joseph Chang, who doesn’t recommend soundproofing a nursery, because it makes it hard to hear a crash, bang or shriek. “Unless there’s a rock star in the house,” he cracks.

He suggests sticking to flexible earthier tones for fixtures, and saving vibrant shades for loose items such as bedding. “Cartoon wallpapers are old school,” he says.

Creating a perfect nursery does not necessarily mean major renovations, the experts insist. Which is good news for families living in rented accommodation.

Chang recommends loose furniture, such as IKEA’s inexpensive and easily replaced pieces, with natural-fibre rugs and oversized cushions to create a cosy atmosphere.

“There is tons you can do to a nursery in a rental,” McLintock says. “You can change the paint colour, add fun decorative curtains, put up removable wall stickers and add stylish pieces of furniture.”

It’s important to remember babies don’t care about your home’s vintage motif.

“Babies and toddlers love colour,” says Clarissa Becker of children’s retailer Mums (known as Baby Central until this month).

“Fill your nursery with bright images. In the very early months, the nursery should be more about convenience for the mother over the baby’s appreciation of aesthetics.”

Mothers need a solid feeding chair (maybe one that’s later good for storytelling) and a sturdy, safe changing table; use the top of a chest of drawers, perhaps. Becker suggests a sofa bed for mums who find themselves offering more

The home front

frequent nighttime care.

“I find most people forget to think about a ‘Mum zone’ in the nursery,” Grays says. “A small side table next to the nursing chair with space for a drink and healthy snacks is paramount. Add a small angled reading light so she can read a book or magazine.”

When it comes to baby’s bedding, choosing a Moses baskets or a cot is purely a matter of preference, but you’ll need at least four fitted sheets, cellular blankets and an extra mattress protector for sick days. A fully equipped nursery is rounded out with a changing mat, room thermometer and baby monitor.

“It is recommended to buy a new mattress for each new baby owing to unseen mould spores that might be present,” McLennan says. She is also quick to emphasise that, with baby essentials, brands matter to guarantee current safety standards.

As well as Hong Kong stores Mums and Bumps to Babes, Grays likes Mothercare, Petit Bazaar and London-based The White Company. “Mothercare and Bumps to Babes have a good selection of nursery furniture, bedding requirements, as well as food, toiletries and toys,” she says. “The White Company has beautiful bedding and they ship to Hong Kong and Petit Bazaar [is great] for nursery furniture and exquisite handmade toys and accessories for finishing touches.”

Chang recommends the fourth floor of Prince’s Building, where there are several shops selling baby and children’s outfits and gear, much of it organic, as well as branches of IKEA and the stores in Horizon Plaza for nursery furniture. And remember that furniture ordered from overseas may take months to arrive, so start looking in the first trimester rather than the third.

All agree that function trumps form in nurseries, so don’t go crazy at Armani Bambino. “[Babies] certainly don't care and won't love you any less if their nursery doesn't win awards among your friends for being the most beautiful,” Becker points out. “Nurseries should be functional and practical so parents can do their jobs with maximum convenience.”

Because, really… what a job.

TREE Ferum-storage box and hanger.

Who to call?

Designers Joseph Chang, JC Vision, jcvision@biznetvigator.com Natasha Grays Interiors, www.natashagraysinteriors.com Monique McLintock, Monique Interior, moniqueinterior.com Retailers Mums, www.mums.hk (until midJune known as Baby Central, www. babycentral.com.hk) Bumps to Babes, 21/F Horizon Plaza,

2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau, www.bumpstobabes.com.

Mothercare, 3/F Prince’s Building, Central (and branches), www.mothercare.com.hk Petit Bazaar, 9 Gough Street, Central, 2544 2255, www.petit-bazaar.com.

TREE, 28/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau (and branches), www.tree.com.hk The White Company, www.thewhitecompany.com Toys Club, 19/F Horizon Plaza, Ap Lei Chau, www.itoysclub.com

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Big day out

Junk trippin’ How to get out on the water this summer.

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Wetter is better Junk food

Catering to the floating fraternity.

Gingers, 2964 9160, www.gingers.com.hk Shamrock Catering, 2547 8155, www.shamrock.com.hk Monsieur Chatte, 3105 8077, www.monsieurchatte.com Pomegranate Kitchen, 2580 0663, www.pomegranate.com Percy’s, www.percys.hk Chicken on the Run, www.chickenontherun.com

Clockwise from opposite: sail away on the luxury 80ft Michelangelo junk; make some memories in Sai Kung; catering

by Monsieur Chatte; perfect your swan dive off the top deck.

Junk hire Who doesn’t love a junk trip? The best way to beat the heat, the junk is a much-loved Hong Kong institution. Leaping from the top deck is a rite of passage – you probably have your own signature style. Take a junk from Aberdeen or Central piers to the beaches around Southside, Lamma, Lantau or Po Toi. Or venture out to Sai Kung, where you’ll find space to lay your towel on its beautiful country park beaches on even the busiest Sunday.

Island Junks Classic teak motor junks with PA systems, Nespresso coffee machines, kayaks, snorkels, sailing dinghies, beanbags and boxes of toys make Island Junks a great option for families. And with optional extras such as catering and free-flowing drinks

packages, wakeboarding, banana-boating and on-board Thai massage, what’s not to like? Boats sail from Aberdeen; other pickup locations may incur extra charge. Details at 2877 5222, www.islandjunks.com.hk.

Jaspa’s Junks Experience Jaspa’s legendary hospitality at sea. The fun begins the moment you climb aboard, with free-flowing Sea Breeze cocktails, beer and wine, a fully loaded iPod and canapes. Swim, sunbathe, bob about on a noodle (staff will lob cold beers your way), or wakeboard (at additional charge).

Lunch is a laidback barbecue with a special kids’ menu for tiny tummies. Just bring a towel. Jaspa’s Junks sail from Central or Pak Sha Wan in Sai Kung. Details at 2792 6001, www.casteloconcepts.com.

Jubilee Choose from a fleet of 45 boats, including a teak sailing junk, top-of-the-range sleek white cruisers, huge ferries and a host of classic junks, with options for fishing, sightseeing, water sports, squid fishing and mahjong. Speedboat with banana and wakeboarding equipment available. Details at 3555 5666, www.jubilee.com.hk.

Koh Thai Junks Spice up your next boat trip with yummy Thai snacks, curries and fruit platters on Koh Thai Junks’ classic teak junks and

Drop anchor Disembark for a seafood meal on terra firma.

Yau Ley, High Island, Sai Kung Laidback Yau Ley, with its fish farms, view of Tin Hau Temple and pretty back beach, is a gem. Order a seafood feast – steamed fish, clams in black bean sauce, curry crab – and relax as the kids jump off the pier or dig in the sand. Can organise a boat for you. Sha Kiu Tsui, High Island, 2791 1822.

Rainbow, Lamma Island Watch the world go by over a plate of baby lobster or black-pepper prawns at one of the largest restaurants on the Sok Kwu Wan seafood strip. Popular with junk-trippers, it also runs its own ferries from Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Cyberport or Aberdeen. 24 First Street, Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island. 2982 8100.

Ming Kee Seafood Restaurant, Po Toi Island Half an hour from Stanley, this restaurant is famous for its big wooden deck and arguably the best blackpepper squid in the territory. It even has a freezer full of Haagen-Dazs for dessert. Po Toi can also be reached by ferry from Stanley. Bookings essential at weekends, 2849 7038.

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Big day out Lazydays Lazydays accommodate small sailors with on-deck paddling pools, water sports and a kid-friendly menu, while grown ups will love the packages with free-flowing champagne and the indulgent Spa on the Sea. Cruise and hike packages available. Details at 3488 1534, www.lazydays.com.hk.

This party boat is seriously good fun

Michelangelo

The Aqualuna cruises the harbour.

sophisticated white cruisers. As well as beaches on Hong Kong Island, Sai Kung or Clearwater Bay, for a surcharge its boats will sail further afield to beautiful Tai Long Wan or Tai O, Lantau, for dolphin-watching.

Boats sail from Central, Aberdeen, Tsim Sha Tsui and Stanley. Details at 6014 8460, www.kohthai.com.hk.

This meticulously restored, 80ft luxury junk is all sleek mahogany and shiny brass with sun decks, comfortable lounge, separate dining room and reverse-cycle air conditioning. Available for evening charters around Hong Kong Island or day trips for up to 59 guests anywhere in the territory, including Tai Long Wan. Details at 6621 1691, www.luxurysuperjunk.com.

Vikings Charter

Standardboat

Party boats

A wide range of junks and cruisers, plus sailing junks and large ferries, for hire day or night, as well as lots of yummy catering options. Or arrange your own catering.

Details at 2570 1792, www.standardboat.hk.

With a fleet of sleek pleasure cruisers and wooden junks, Vikings Charter offers all the usual junk options. Its special $5,000 weekday package includes a motor cruiser for 30 guests, pick up at any pier in Victoria Harbour to go anywhere in Hong Kong, and a speedboat with watersports. Details at 2814 9899, www.vikingscharters.com.hk.

Aqualuna

Handmade in Hong Kong, the red-sailed Aqualuna was painstakingly can be hired for private parties of up to 80 guests. Details at 2116 8821, www.aqua.com.hk.

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Wetter is better Jungle Jane This party boat is seriously good fun, with zorbing, a slide off the top deck, 24ft bathing platform and huge open deck with space for 46 guests. This boat is party central, with floating loungers, beanbags and state-of-the-art sound system. Details at 2526 0151, www.hongkongyachting.com.

Victoria Harbour cruises with 290 of your nearest and dearest. A sound system and washrooms are provided but you’ll need to organize your own catering. From $5,000 an hour, for a minimum of three hours. Details at 2118 6120, 2118 6203, www.starferry. com.hk.

for destinations anywhere in Hong Kong waters. Details from Hong Kong Resort Company on 2295 8288, enquiry@ aubergediscoverybay.com.

The Huan This three-masted, 89-foot traditional Chinese junk is available for parties of up to 59 guests. Once a training vessel for underprivileged children it was bought by SpySea in 2005 for private charter. Details at 2861 2911, www.spysea.net.

The Bounty Star Ferry

This stunning 42m replica tall ship can accommodate up to 60 guests. It can pick up from Central or Tsim Sha Tsui

One of the most iconic boats in Hong Kong, the Meridian Star is available for

Hong Kong Yachting’s Jungle Jane.

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Travel

Koh Samui: should you let your teenager go?

Thousands of school leavers will flock to Thailand’s Full Moon Party on June 12. Should yours be among them?

E

urope has Ibiza, the United States has Florida Spring Break, Australia has Gold Coast Schoolies, and Asia has Koh Samui.

Once the destination of choice for a handful of hippies, the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin on nearby Koh Phangan is a rite of passage for thousands of school leavers from Hong Kong and around the world, who head to “Koh Sa” in June to celebrate the end of their school days. With no rules, no limits and definitely no parents, it is teen heaven.

This hotbed of adolescent

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entertainment is the ultimate in seaside hedonism and, inevitably, is accompanied by undesirable aspects that strike fear into the hearts of parents. So do you let your offspring go and hope the worst that will befall them is a loss of dignity?

Or do you keep them at home, sulky but safe?

THE TEENAGERS Nick finished international school in Hong Kong last year and is currently on a gap year. Harry finished in 2012 and is now at university in Britain.

When did you go to Koh Samui?

Nick: June 2013 and May 2014.

Harry: May-June 2012.

Why did you want to go?

Nick: Heard about it from the year above… seemed like the thing to do after exams.

Harry: Everyone is off to universities around the world and it’s the last opportunity to be together as a group. It sounds perfect: go on holiday with your mates to an exotic island and blow some steam.

Where did you stay?

Nick: In a villa with six other boys.

Travel Harry: For the first five days three of us stayed in a travel lodge, which was nothing special, then we joined up with 10 mates in a luxury villa. It had it all: swimming pool, cooked breakfast, plasma TV… Best memory of the trip?

Nick: The Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.

Harry: Hiring motorbikes and touring Koh Samui with everyone. We stopped at every beach that looked nice. Parties on Koh Samui are a different story..

What were your favourite places to go or things to do?

Nick: Loved the beach, the nightlife, the party atmosphere, the FOOD! Harry: Lamai Beach had so little to offer but at the same time everything to offer. Fire shows, reggae bars and a huge night scene.

Because Chaweng is considered the place to be, Lamai is overlooked – this plays to your advantage.

How was the Full Moon Party?

Nick: It was great! I had so much fun I did it twice. Great catching the last ferry back in the morning.

Harry: It was amazing to be around so many different people, but it has its downfalls. It’s a great experience – but people big it up to be something it’s truly not. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing like it anywhere else in the world. If you

Believe it or not, not all students are idiots really want to enjoy it, stick with a small group of friends and don’t hold back. But be careful.

Parents worry about drink and drugs on Koh Samui – justified?

Nick: Yes. Harry: Yes. Drink and drugs are inevitably part of some people’s experience in Koh Samui. However, believe it or not, not all students are idiots. We’ve all read articles and heard the bad stories. We’re simply there to have a good time. It would be a lie to say that drugs aren’t integrated into some people’s trip to Koh Samui. However, having friends around and having the responsibility that is rarely given to you at that age limits the extent to which people “go crazy”.

What advice did your parents give you before leaving?

Nick: Don’t go on a moped, safe sex, don’t

do drugs. “The death penalty exists in Thailand.” If officials are corrupt pay them off, but barter and don’t argue with them.

“Phone home... please.”

Harry: Watch out for one another. Be careful. But, most of all, enjoy yourself.

What advice would you give to Year 13s going this year?

Nick: Wear shoes. Do not take a moped out unless you really know how to ride it – two friends had to pay 30,000 baht because of damage.

Harry: Be careful of people trying to scam you. It happens. Keep an eye on your valuables and on each other. You’ll be surprised how quickly people and things can go missing at the Full Moon Party. But, honestly, enjoy yourself. It’s amazing. Don’t stress too much, just be wary. It’s one of the only times in your life when you get to experience true freedom.

Who did you hang out with?

Nick: I mixed with all the Hong Kong kids as I knew most of them.

Harry: People from school, from other schools in Hong Kong and people travelling through Koh Samui.

If you could do it all again, is there anything you would do differently?

Nick: I would stay in town in a hotel. Tuktuk rides to the villa were too expensive and the hill was too long to walk.

Harry: I would interact with more people outside our social group. It’s a great opportunity to meet people and make friendships. Make the most of it.

THE PARENT Kay Jones, mother of four boys.

My second son went to Koh Samui in June 2012 after finishing school. As the parent of an 18-year-old, you have to let go and going to Koh Samui is part of snipping the apron strings. You’re trusting them to go to university on their own in a few months and, at 18, you can’t really stop them other than refuse to pay. If you say no, it could raise its ugly head in later life. At some point, you have to trust that all your parenting has done its job.

I was worried about the drugs and the alcohol but he was self-disciplined and I believe that was due to good parenting and good education. They looked after each other and there were no problems – they enjoyed themselves. expat-parent.com

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Travel How to Koh Sa For parents * Wait until the exam timetable comes out before booking anything – there is often a clash between exams and the Full Moon Party. * Send them with a copy of their passport, Hong Kong ID card and travel insurance to keep separately in case of loss, and a number for the relevant consulate. * Give them an old copy of their passport to use as ID in bars and clubs. * Use WhatsApp’s “last seen at” time function, to check if your child is at home or at least somewhere with Wi-fi.

For teenagers * If you catch a ferry, make sure it’s a proper one and not any old banker, and check it has lifejackets. If it doesn’t, wait for another ferry. * If you rent a moped or jetski, insist on a helmet and take photos recording its condition in case of damage disputes afterwards. * If there is an incident in a nightclub, never try to leave the way you came in – it’s likely to be overrun – but use an emergency exit.

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Before he left, I gave him lots of advice, mostly about contraception, staying together and looking after the girls – although I’m sure all he heard was “blah blah blah”!

I told him not to hire a moped, and that was the first thing he did on day one.

I didn’t think to say “No tattoos”, and sure enough he came home with a tattoo.

Fortunately, it was on his foot so he can cover it up if he needs to. Unfortunately, it was surrounded with Thai writing that was supposed to say something poetic about friends and family, but when he tried to get it translated on his next trip to Thailand it turned out to be gobbledegook. Beware!

He shared a villa with a group of friends, which can be cheaper than a hotel, but the villas are out of town so cost a lot in taxi fares and sometimes they had trouble getting home at night.

Afterwards, he said he would have preferred a hotel in town – more convenient and less hassle

than having to clean up at the end of the holiday. My advice is not to be the parent that pays upfront for a villa: parties change, people drop out and you can end up out of pocket.

I found a secret pocket in his backpack and hid an extra $500 in it for emergencies – he still doesn’t know I did that. We gave him about $300 a day, some in Thai baht, and he took a bank card and some of his own money. It was just about enough.

Another boy was the only one in the group with international roaming on his phone, so they all used it to call each other in Koh Samui and to phone home, and he came back with a $6,000 bill. Send them with an old phone they can use with a local SIM card to contact each other – much cheaper.

THE PROFESSIONAL Dr Jadis Blurton, psychologist at the Blurton Family Development Centre and mother of six, via Justine Campbell, family life coach, counsellor and founder of Mindquest Group.

Travel Any child whom I would even begin to consider for such an experience as the Full Moon Party would need no “preparation”.

This would be perceived by the teenagers as superficial and hypocritical and, although it might be tolerated, it would be pretty much ignored. The idea we would tell these young people, who are soon going away to university, they should stay away from drugs and monitor alcohol consumption is self-deluding.

If they don’t already know those things, they certainly won’t obey them while in Koh Samui. If they do, there is no need to repeat them. The only reason a parent sending a young person off for such a weekend would say those things is to excuse themselves – so that later they can say “I TOLD him not to use drugs!” – or because they need to self-soothe. (“He’s probably okay because I told him not to use drugs.”)

I would advise parents to inform themselves about the event to see if it is tolerably in line with their own family’s values; that they ensure the teenagers go in a group so that they are alert for (or at least aware of) each other; and that they are not

I didn’t think to say ‘No tattoos’, and sure enough he came home with a tattoo

naive about what their child will be doing.

Ensure the teenagers have an “escape plan” or safe haven to which they can retreat if they find themselves in trouble, and a method of communication that works in Thailand and has enough battery power.

Parents also need to remember that alcohol lowers barriers and boundaries and throws judgment (and parental advice) out the window. Not only is their own child’s

judgment likely to be impaired, but also that of their friends and of strangers. Even if one’s own kids are behaving themselves, other people may well be behaving in ways that are dangerous.

Adolescence is a time of high risks and great affiliation. That’s good and bad (it’s why teens protest for civil rights and are used for soldiers), but also poses risks in a crowded or unmanageable situation.

I would encourage kids and parents to look into alternatives. Among them are a trip with good friends to an amazing place that is not just a hangout with a huge and uncontrollable group: a hike through wilderness, a trip with a humanitarian or environmental group. There is so much adventure in the world, and one whose centre is alcohol and hedonism is probably not the most satisfying or memorable.

These teens probably view the Full Moon Party as “an event of a lifetime”, but as a child of the 1960s I have to point out that Woodstock was the event of a century.

My parents didn’t let me go to Woodstock – and I’m still annoyed with them.

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Money & me Hong Kong was starting to internationalize.

I have always loved home decorating. I saw a gap in the market and started Tequila Kola. Our first shop opened in the Prince’s Building in August 1991 with US$250,000 that we scraped together. We were young so didn’t worry too much about the risk.

We used the money to fit out the shop, pay deposits and buy stock. I worked seven days a week for little money.

What represents a big investment for you now?

A recent fairly large investment would be our new 120-page catalogue. It was a large investment in time and printing costs, plus we used models this time so we had to pay them too.

Are you a spender or a saver?

Both, but when business is going well I spend more.

Do you play Mark Six? Never. But I like playing blackjack in Macau.

Sometimes I win! I always set a losing limit of HK$1,000.

Michelle Koller The founder of Tequila Kola, and mother of two, furnishes her financial details.

How much is in your wallet?

It varies from $10 to about $3,000.

What credit cards do you use?

My favourite is Citibank Visa’s Premier Miles card to collect Asia Miles for Cathay Pacific upgrades. I also carry Amex and HSBC cards. At the end of the month I use autopay to pay off every card.

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How did you come to set up homefurnishing pioneer Tequila Kola in 1991?

My boyfriend (now husband) was transferred from New York via Tokyo to Hong Kong. I came with him. I tried to get a job as a pattern maker/designer, but I would have had to work six days a week for little money. No way. So I looked around for a business. It was the early 1990s and

When were you poorest?

In 1997 and 98. The Asian financial crisis hit Hong Kong very hard. The economy collapsed. Business was very tough. I was pregnant with our second child. We had to take drastic steps. We cut our rent dramatically – landlords were desperate to keep tenants rather than leave the space empty We also got better terms and prices from our suppliers We cut a few staff but not many. On a personal level we had to cut our spending. We stopped having holidays for a while and curtailed entertaining. Our daughter was born in July 1998 – things started to get better after that.

What did you learn during the financial crisis?

We learned to keep going and not to give up.

Do you prefer to manage your own affairs?

No, my husband is the family financier. He quit his job and joined the business in 1994.

I manage the creative side. He manages the business/finance side.

What was your best investment?

Hong Kong property. We bought our home in Parkview in 2004. We have tripled our money (at least).

Where do you own property?

We have some investment residential apartments in Hong Kong. We only buy in Hong Kong because the apartments are easier to manage.

What was your worst investment?

Some so-called blue chip stocks just before the global financial crisis – I think it was Citibank and AIG. It was fairly annoying to see “giltedged” stocks decline so dramatically. I haven’t been able to get enthusiastic about the stock market since.

What MPF do you use?

We use HSBC through the company.

What was your best-paid work?

Running my own company. At times it has also been the worst paid.

Any advice on teaching children about money?

Make them get a part-time job. It’s not that easy in Hong Kong but still possible. My son is 18 and has had a job teaching English. He is quite frugal.

My daughter (aged 15) is more inclined to spend.

We don’t pay them to do chores. We probably should, but my husband and I both work so we have no time to manage the whole thing!

How much pocket money do you give your children?

They get $500 a week each, which is supposed to cover everything but rarely does. They are quite spoiled. We have “help” so they don’t do that much. We have had a lot of amazing holidays – much more than any of their relations in the USA or Australia.

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?

A Gucci handbag for about $30,000. Very extravagant. It’s red, a colour I love, and yes, I use it. I’m not sure if it’s increased in value – I never plan to sell it.

What steps are you taking to ensure a financially comfortable retirement?

We are buying more property and making sure my business stays strong.

Any thoughts on Octopus cards?

I use Octopus all the time – ferries, parking, Starbucks – it’s very convenient.

What would you change about the Hong Kong tax system?

Eliminate the extra stamp duty on property. Hong Kong is a property town. When you kill this market you hurt everything else as well. expat-parent.com

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Investments

School debenture$ Anthony Wong gets to the bottom line of international school capital levies.

“If competition for good schools continues to increase, there will be more and more expat families looking to buy debentures.”

Parent Scott Harmer, who bought an individual debenture to secure a Year One place at Victoria Shanghai Academy for his elder daughter, Jasmine.

S

ome schools call it a debenture, others like to call it a capital levy. Whatever the terminology, internationalschool parents are no strangers to paying these fees in exchange for priority in the school’s application process or to help sustain its long-term development.

A debenture, simply explained, is a loan from you, the parent, to the school.

The school keeps the interest earned but returns the loan (usually) after your child completes schooling.

Policies regarding debentures vary.

They are compulsory in some Hong Kong schools and optional in others; they can be corporate or individual.

Victoria Shanghai Academy (VSA), an IB authorised school in Sham Wan, has been operating since 2004 but only decided to issue optional debentures for the first time in 2013 following requests from parents wishing to secure a place at the school.

Through the debentures the school is able to finance expansion projects without having to increase the school fees significantly for current students. The school

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plans to have more classrooms and a bigger library by 2018.

The school’s deputy supervisor, Dr Maggie Koong, says: “Debentures only provide a priority for admission and will not be made a requirement for all students. However, children nominated by a debenture holder will be given additional opportunities for reassessment and priority for admission to the school.

“As a private institution that receives no regular funding or grants from the Hong Kong Government, the school needs to raise capital for funding various long-term projects for improving and enhancing the facilities and equipment of the school.”

VSA offers corporate debentures, held by a director or employee of a company, for $2.5 million each and individual debentures for $800,000.

“Each Individual Debenture can nominate one child. Parents with more than one child, may apply for more than one individual debenture, and there is no limit to the number of applications a corporation may make,” Koong explains.

Companies often acquire corporate debentures to attract international talent

“With no support from the government, ESF schools need to finance improvement projects. If no levy is charged, schools are left with no choice but to increase school fees significantly.”

Stewart Aldcroft, parent of a Year Seven student at West Island School.

to relocate in Hong Kong. “Corporate debentures assist the business community to place students in the school. If a corporation needs to find a replacement urgently it often has to find a school first. It is important for parents to ensure their children are able to receive quality education in a foreign country,” Koong says.

Individual school boards decide how many debentures can be issued and they often cap the number of corporate debentures to ensure there are places for children that do not have access to one.

At some schools, debentures are compulsory. Every student at the German Swiss International School, for example, must pay a $375,000 standard debenture, which is refunded when the child leaves the school. Parents can also choose to pay a $262,500 “non-redeemable” debenture as a donation to the school.

The English Schools Foundation (ESF), which runs nine primary and five secondary schools in Hong Kong, charges a one-off, refundable capital levy of $25,000 for every student (reduced to $10,000 for the third and subsequent child in a family)

Is it a loan? Is it a donation?

No, it’s a debenture!

entering its primary and secondary schools, and $7,000 for each student at ESF International Kindergartens. The levy is refunded when the child leaves the school.

Managing and reviewing the use of funds raised by the levy are the ESF Finance Committee, ESF Committee of Parents and school councils, subject to approval by the ESF Board of Governors. The Committee of Parents is comprised of the chairpersons of all ESF parent teacher associations (PTAs), one elected parent member of each school council and the parent members of the ESF Board of Governors. There are also parent representatives sitting on the school councils and the ESF Board of Governors who are directly elected by parents.

Not all schools refund debentures. Take the ESF’s Private Independent Schools, for example: Renaissance College charges an oneoff, non-refundable building levy of $50,000 a student and Discovery College charges an annual non-refundable building levy of $5,900 a student. Other schools operate depreciating debentures, with the value reduced by a certain fixed percentage over the years. For full details on a particular school’s debenture, please check with its admission office.

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Money

Guardianship 101 What happens to children if both parents suddenly die? Catherine Dulude, partner at Harvey Law Group, explains Hong Kong’s guardianship laws.

Most people don’t like to think about death. For anyone with children, it is almost unbearable to contemplate what might happen if both parents were to die unexpectedly and simultaneously. But accidents happen. Even though the likelihood of both parents dying at the same time is remote, the issue of guardianship has to be faced and plans made for the future care of any children left behind.

If parents have a trusted and reliable person in mind to take care of their children, they should make arrangements to appoint them as a guardian in the event of their untimely death. If nothing is arranged, the situation can become complicated.

Concordia International School Admission Office: Tel: +852 2789 9890 Fax: + 852 2392 8820 Email: office@concordiaintl.edu.hk 68 Begonia Road, Yau Yat Chuen, Kowloon, HK www.cihs.edu.hk

Invites Applications for Grades 7-12

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CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION Email: office@concordiaintl.edu.hk EDB Reg. No.21599

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What happens if no prior arrangements have been made?

If one parent dies, typically the surviving parent will become the sole guardian of the children, although this may not always be suitable if the family is living apart or estranged. It depends on the situation: if the parents weren’t married, the father doesn’t automatically have parental responsibility and a court might consider it in the children’s best interests for them to be with another party. If the parents are divorced, it usually depends on the access rights of the surviving parent, his or her relationship with the children and whether a custody order exists. Either parent can appoint a guardian in the event of their death, but if an existing “legal” parent is present, the non-parental guardian must apply to the court, specifying why it would be more suitable for him/her to care for the children rather than their surviving parent. Where step-parents are involved, it would hinge on whether they had formerly adopted their step-children.

A specific requirement of the Cap 13 Guardianship of Minors Ordinance is that the appointing parents take into account the wishes of the child according to their age and understanding. The views of a mature 15-year-old would have a great deal of influence on the court’s decision compared with those of a five-year-old.

In Hong Kong, the Court of First Instance may appoint a person to be the guardian of the child where no guardianship arrangements have been made. Relatives may apply to the court to become designated guardians but the court would act in the best interests of the child. The court’s decision could lead to disagreement and discord among remaining family members, and may not be what the parents wished. Anyone applying for guardianship (who was not already nominated as a guardian) is required to convince the court why it is best for the children to be with them. If several parties wish to claim guardianship, the court may require the Director of Social Welfare to prepare a report on each of the prospective guardians, which would likely include various background checks.

How can a guardian be appointed?

Parents can appoint one or more guardians in two ways. Either they can add a provision in their last will and testament, or make a fairly simple written appointment, signed and attested by two witnesses.

The written appointment is easier. When appointing a guardian, a parent is required to take into account the views of each child as far as is practicable. The general view is that after a traumatic event the last thing siblings would want is to be split up, and the court endeavours to keep children in the same family together, although this is not specified in the Ordinance.

If a guardian is designated, it has no effect unless that person accepts the responsibility. This can be done “expressly” by the guardian agreeing to do so, or “impliedly” where their actions in relation to the child indicate clearly they have accepted the role. It is also possible that someone could have been nominated in a written agreement without their knowledge (not recommended). Providing they take care of the children, they would be considered to have impliedly accepted the appointment. Alternatively, the potential guardian may refuse the appointment.

Parents aren’t required by law to submit their written appointment to a lawyer (although it is a good idea), but parents are recommended to give an original copy to the nominated guardian.

Where a guardian has been appointed, guardianship takes effect automatically if, immediately prior to the parent’s death, the appointing parent either had a custody order over the child, or lived with the child and the child has no other surviving parent or guardian. In all other cases, the person appointed must apply to the court to assume guardianship. Once granted, that person has parental rights and authority with respect to the child.

The guardian appointment can be cancelled or changed by the person(s) who made the original appointment (or by a successful application to the District Court by a third party). A new written and dated guardianship document or will must be written.

Who will take care of the children during the transition?

If the appointed guardian lives overseas, and no temporary guardianship arrangements have been made, the court may appoint the Director of Social Welfare to be the legal guardian of a child or juvenile until the legal guardian gets to Hong Kong. A child may be taken into care during the interim period.

Parents can appoint a temporary guardian to take care of their children until the permanent legal guardian arrives. It is worth specifying who that person is in a will or a separate document. It is also important to indicate whether the temporary guardian has the authority to take the children from Hong Kong to “deliver” them to their permanent overseas guardian.

Once the guardian has arrived, he/she can take the children overseas immediately unless the court is aware, or made aware, of any reasons why this wouldn’t be in the children’s best interest.

Do guardians have access to the family’s bank accounts?

Guardianship does not give access to bank accounts; these will be controlled by the personal representatives of the deceased parents.

Guardians can apply to the court under S11 & S12 of the Ordinance for maintenance to be paid from an existing parent, if that parent is not a guardian. Family assets are typically left to minors in the form of a trust, in which case the guardians may also be appointed trustees or a separate trustee can be authorised in a will or trust instrument to pay maintenance to guardians. expat-parent.com

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Business Directory To advertise, email marketing@fastmedia.com.hk or call 2776 2772.

Events ABA Productions proudly presents Rapunzel June 6th – 8th Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts 3128 8288 | info@aba-productions.com www.hkticketing.com www.aba-productions.com Asia Contemporary Art Show May 15-18 www.asiacontemporaryart.com/tickets www.hkticketing.com Dora the Explorer LIVE! 3128 8288 | www.doralivehk.com www.hkticketing.com Shoppinghongkong presents: Summer Collections bazaar Wednesday June 4th at The American Club. 28 Tai Tam Road 10am-10pm 9326 3093 info@shoppinghongkong.net www.shoppinghongkong.net

Children’s Toys and Supplies Bumps to Babes 2552 5000 (Ap Lei Chau Main Store), 2522 7112 (Pedder Building Branch) www.bumpstobabes.com Apple & Pie 3103 0853 | www.appleandpie.com BIVA 2868 0444 (General Line) 2696 9218 (Stanley Shop)

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2915 6000 (Causeway Bay) 2868 0408 (Happy Valley Shop). hello@biva.com.hk www.biva.com.hk HK with Kids - Toys www.hkwithkids.com/toys.htm Micro Scooters Hong Kong 2526 0420 info@microscooters.com.hk www.microscooters.com.hk Smile Garden 2151 1098 | www.smilegarden.com.hk Toys R Us www.toysrus.com.hk

Sports and Fitness Auskick Hong Kong headcoachauskick@gmail.com www.auskick.hk.com Escapade Online www.escapade.com.hk ESF - Sports Program 2711 1280 | Sports@esf.org.hk www.esf.org.hk Everfine Membership Services Limited 2174 7880 | enquiry@evergolf.com.hk www.evergolf.com.hk

Expert-Transport & Relocations 2566 4799 | contact@expertmover.hk www.expertmover.hk FTC Relocations 2814 1658 | sales@ftcrelo.com www.ftcrelo.com Ika Moving Ltd. 2323 2233 | info@ika.com.hk www.ika.com.hk Luxe Travel 2539 0628 | info@luxetravel.com.hk www.luxetravel.com.hk Relosmart Limited 2561 3030 | enquiry@relosmart.asia www.relosmart.asia Store Friendly 8202 0811 | info@store-friendly.com store-friendly.com.hk UniGroup Relocation 2418 4333 hongkong@unigrouprelocation.com www.unigrouprelocation.com

Parties and Entertainment Beau Party adriana@beauparty.com www.facebook.com/beauparty

Sport4Kids 2773 1650 | info@sport4kids.hk www.sport4kids.hk

Eezy PeezyParties 2580 2530 info@eezypeezyparties.com www.eezypeezyparties.com

Stanford Swim School 2267 8866 | www.stanfordswim.com.hk

Rumple and Friends www.rumpleandfriends.com

Travel and Relocation Allied Pickfords 2736 6032 | alliedpickfords.com.hk Avis Car Rentals 2890 6988 | rentacar@avis.com.hk www.avis.com.hk Club Med 3111 9388 www.clubmed.com.hk Crown Relocations www.crownrelo.com

Maternity and Pregnancy Annerley Maternity and Early Childhood Professionals 2983 1558 info@annerley.com.hk www.annerley.com.hk Bloom and Grow (Asia’s leading nursery and maternity producer) www.bloomandgrowasia.com Canossa Hospital 2522 2181 canossahospital.org.hk

Hong Kong Adventist Hospital 2574 6211 | www.hkah.org.hk

Matilda International Hospital 2849 6301 | www.matilda.org Mayarya (Post-pregnancy fashion) 2968 0929 | www.mayarya.com Mothers En Vogue 2866 7171 info@mothersenvogue.com.hk www.facebook.com/ mothersenvogueHongKong A Mother's Touch www.amotherstouch.com.hk Nine Months (High-end maternity fashion) 2868 5988 | www.ninemonthshk.com Sabrina Swims (Maternity swimsuits) 2115 9975 | www.sabinaswims.com Sanatorium Hospital 2572 0211 | www.hksh.org.hk Sono Vaso (Maternity fashion) www.sonovaso.com.hk Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital 2276 7676 | www.twah.org.hk Union Hospital 2608 3388 | www.union.org

Home and Interiors

Hidestyle 2790 3801 | www.hkhiderigs.com Home Styling 9673 9443 | Email@thehomestylist.org www.thehomestylist.org Indigo Living Ltd. 2552 3500 | info@indigo-living.com www.indigo-living.com JCAW Consultants 2524 9988 | jcawltd@biznetvigator.com www.modernhome.com.hk Opus Design Limited 2121 1497 | info@opusdesign.com.hk www.opusdesign.com.hk

Important numbers to cut and keep EMERGENCY SERVICES

(Police, Ambulance, Fire)

999

Business Directory

Linea Negra (Maternity fashion) 2522 7966 | www.lineanegra.com.hk

Everything Under the Sun 2544 9088 info@everythingunderthesun.com.hk www.everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Fire: 2723 2233 Rescue: 2735 3355 Marine: 2803 6267

Patio Mart 2555 8988 | patio@kh-group.com www.patiomart.com.hk Smiling Winds Landscape & Maintenance 60569010 smilingwindslandscape@gmail.com Wofu Deco 2768 8428 | info@wofudeco.com.hk www.wofudeco.com.hk Xava Interiors 852 2858 9866 | info@xavainteriors.hk www.xavainteriors.hk

Community & Health

Car Mechanics

Adrian Sing: 6030 0484 Golden Sun: 2792 2808 HP Cars: 2558 0222 Sai Kung Motors: 2792 2998 Sun On Motor Services: 2792 4280

Doctors

OT&P General: 2155 9533 Central Health Medical: 2824 0822 International Doctors Limited: 2537 7281

Government Departments

Government Call Centre: 1823 Health Department: 2961 8989 Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department: 2311 3731 SPCA Emergency Hotline: 2711 1000

Allure Living (Central) 2153 1022 www.facebook.com/AllureLiving

Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons Ltd. 25261061 | www.bjdental.com

Brooks Thompson Ltd 2851 3665 iqbalhk@netvigator.com

SPOT Centre 2807 2992 | contact@spot.com.hk www.spot.com.hk

Chictack 9848 9683 cecilia@chictack.com chictack.com/store

Stanley Wellness Centre 2372 9700 info@stanleywellnesscentre.com www.stanleywellnesscentre.com

Website: www.hko.gov.hk General enquiries: 2926 8200 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal Enquiries: 1828 200

Eco Living 2792 7998 askus@ecoliving.hk www.ecoliving.hk

Watermark Community Church 2857 6160 wow@watermarkchurch.hk www.watermarkchurch.hk

Hong Kong Tourism Board

Hong Kong Observatory

Visitor hotline: 2508 1234

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Business Directory

Hospitals

Public: Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan: 2595 6111 Prince of Wales, Sha Tin: 2632 2211 Queen Elizabeth, Jordan: 2958 8888 Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam: 2255 3838 Ruttonjee Hospital, Wan Chai: 2291 2000 St John's Hospital, Cheung Chau: 2981 9441 Tseung Kwan O Hospital: 2208 0111 Tuen Mun Hospital: 2468 5111 Tung Wah Eastern Hospital, Causeway Bay: 2162 6888 United Christian, Kwun Tong: 2379 9611

Bronze mobile spray tanning 6234 8594 bronzemobilespraytanning@yahoo. com.au www.bronzemobilespraytanningandha irextensions.com.hk

Private: Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, Stubbs Road: 3651 8888 Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Kowloon Tong: 2339 8888 Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Happy Valley: 2572 0211 Matilda International Hospital, The Peak: 2849 1500 St Teresa’s Hospital, Kowloon City: 2200 3434 Union Hospital, Sha Tin: 2608 3388

Sense of Touch Spa 2791 2278 www.senseoftouch.com.hk

Police Departments Website: www.police.gov.hk Police Hotline: 2527 7177

Post Office

Website: www.hongkongpost.com General Enquiry Hotline: 2921 2222

Transport

Hong Kong International Airport General Enquiry Hotline: 2181 8888 MTR Train Service & Airport Express, 24-hour passenger hotline: 2881 8888 Urban Taxi: 2398 1881 New Territories Taxi: 2657 2267 Lantau Taxi: 2984 1328 Taxi Lost and Found 24-hour hotline: 3620 3744 Utilities China Light & Power, 24-hour hotline: 2728 8333 LPG Gas: 9097 2235 Water Supplies Department Customer Services Hotline: 2824 5000

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Gaia Language Company Limited 2530 9888 www.gaialanguage.com Generations Christian Education 2537 2552 office@generations.edu.hk www.generations.edu.hk

Clean 9 Detox Contact Sia: 5467 5778 hk.foreverliving@gmail.com

HKU Space hkuspace.hku.hk enquiry@hkuspace.hku.hk

Queen’s Castle Organic Day Spa 2719 4444

Hong Kong Academy 2655 1111 | office@academy.edu.hk www.hkacademy.edu.hk

Sabai Day Spa 2104 0566 | www.facebook.com/ SabaiDaySpaStanley

Tala’s Hair & Beauty Centre 2335 1694 talashair@biznetvigator.com www.talashair.com

Education ITS Education Asia 2116 3916 es@tuition.com.hk itseducationasia.com Bebegarten 3487 2255 www.bebegarten.com Concordia International School 2789 9890 office@concordiaintl.edu.hk www.cihs.edu.hk ESF Educational Services Language & Learning Programme Language@esf.org.hk 2711 1280 / www.esf.org.hk

International College Hong Kong Kindergarten & Primary Campus 2658 6935 | info@hlyis.edu.hk www.hlyis.edu.hk Secondary Campus 2655 9018 | info@ichk.edu.hk www.ichk.edu.hk The International Montessori School 2861 0339 | info@montessori.edu.hk www.montessori.edu.hk Kellet School www.kelletschool.com Kids Academy 2871 2631, 2871 2636 admin@kidsacademy.hk www.kidsacademy.hk Miles International Academy info@milesinternational.com.hk www.milesinternational.com.hk The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay m.i.l.k. (mansang interactive learning kingdom) 28569801 | admin@imilk.co www.imilk.co Nord Anglia International School 3107 8158 | www.nais.hk

ESF Educational Services Sports Programme 2711 1280 | Sports@esf.org.hk www.esf.org.hk

Paradigm Group 2877 8836 | 2877 9336 info@paradigm-gem.com www.paradigm-gem.com

Eton House International Pre-School 2353 5223 enquiry@etonhouse.com.hk www.etonhouse.com.hk

Parkview International Pre-School PIPS Kowloon: 2812 6801 PIPS Hong Kong: 2812 6023 www.PIPS.edu.hk

Bricks 4 Kids 2791 0007 | info@bricks4kidz.hk www.bricks4kidz.hk

Southside Mandarin 3427 9619 info@southsidemandarin.com www.southsidemandarin.com

The Clearwater Bay Equestrian & Education Centre 6398 6241 | info@ceec.hk www.ceec.hk

Top Schools 8120 3172 | hello@topschools.hk www.topschools.hk

Kids Land 6112 2675 | info@kidslandhk.com www.kidslandhk.com

UUIA 5185 0885, 9189 9591 iuuokok@gmail.com www.uuokok.com

Starlit Art Sace Unit 1005, 10/F, Universal Trade Centre, No.3 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong. 2108 2108 www.starlitartspace.com

Woodland Pre-Schools www.woodlandschools.com

Food and Beverage South Stream Seafoods Units 202-204, Lai Sun Yuen Long Centre, 27 Wang Yip St East, Yuen Long, N.T. Hong Kong 2555 6200 fish@south-stream-seafoods.com www.south-stream-seafoods.com Castello Concepts 2792 0970 www.casteloconcepts.com Pacific Gourmet Ltd 2137 9985 butcher@pacificgourmet.com.hk www.pacificgourmet.com.hk

Extra-Curricular Colour My World 2580 5028 info@colour-my-world.com www.colour-my-world.com Tutti Music 2176 4028 tuttimusic.tko@gmail.com www.tmusic.com.hk All 4 Kids - Creative Curriculum for Children 2117 1348 info@all4kids.com.hk www.all4kids.com.hk

STARLIT VOICE Unit 1005, 10/F, Universal Trade Centre, No.3 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong kong 2108 2182 | www.starlitvoice.com Yoga Kingdom Ltd 8348 1683 | info@yogakingdom.hk

Hotels and Private Clubs The Country Club at Hong Lok Yuen 2675 8899 | www.cchly.com Hebe Haven Yacht Club 2719 9682 | www.hhyc.org.hk

Real Estate

Onsite Computer and Internet Services Company 23976418 enquiry@microtechhk.com www.microtechhk.com A-1 House Doctors Contractors Handyman Service 2573 5235 housedoc999express@gmail.com BioCycle Pest Control 3575 2575 Dr Fix It All 2525 0055 | sales@DrFixItAll.hk www.drfixitall.hk/contact_us.php Heliservices 2802 0200 | www.heliservices.com.hk Hong Kong Laser Eye Centre Central 2526 3333, TST 2628 1111 admin@hklasereye.com www.hklasereye.com L Squared 5499 0261 | homesolutions@L2q.hk www.L2q.hk Lung Hing Engineering 2792 9787 Ord Minnett 2912 8989 | bpatterson@ords.com.hk www.ords.com.hk

Habitat Property 2869 9069 | habitat-property.com

Professional Wills Limited 2561 9031 | www.profwills.com

Hong Kong Sotheby's International Realty 3108 2108 | hksothebysrealty.com

Regus 3507 6150 | www.regus.hk

Locations 9819 7870 | www.locations.com.hk Savills (Exchange Square Branch) 2801 6100 | www.savills.com.hk

Business Directory

Safari Kid 2177 0001 | info@safarikid.com.hk www.safarikid.com.hk

Tri Style - Fitting Models 9777 2486 Tung Tai Key Cut (Locksmith) 2792 4886 Vandalies Plumbing 6319 4745

Professional Services Harvey Law Group 2116 1333 contact@harveylaw corporation.com

Village Holdings Insurance 2893 5233 www.villageholdingsinsurance.com liam.morarjee@ villageholdingsinsurance.com

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Aberdeen / Ap Lei Chau Elite PT Studio Larvotto Sift Toof Contemporary TREE

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Central / Sheung Wan A Mother’s Touch Barista Jam Blooming Buds Cafiene Cafe O Classified Dymocks Escapade Sports Gaia Language Company Limited Gateway Supermarket Habibi Cafe Holly Brown Jaspa’s Kisses Cupcakes Paisano’s Pepperoni’s Rockababy Seasons Fitness Sense of Touch • Lan Kwai Fong • The Ovolo Sift Dessert Bar Sushi O The Cupping Room The Dutch The Press Room Wagyu Wagyu Lounge

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Sportsworld Subway Uncle Russ Coffee Zak’s

Deep Water Bay Beach Club Park N Shop 1 Shouson Hill Road East

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Island East Island Lodge Grand Seaview Heights Sift The Floridian 18 Upper East

Mid Levels / The Peak 31 Robinson Road 62B Robinson Road Ladies Recreation Club No. 29 Severn Road Oolaa Po Garden Robinson Place Ying Piu Mansion

Pok Fu Lam / Kennedy Town Bel Air on the Peak Delaney’s Harbour One High Street Grill Jaspa’s • Kennedy Town • Sai Ying Pun K-TOWN Bar & Grill Kennedy Heights Mount Davis Missy Ho’s Skyla Serviced Apartments The Merton The Sail at Victoria

Repulse Bay 3 South Bay Close Belleview Place Dymocks Helene Tower Manhattan Tower Ruby Court The Lily

Sai Kung / Clearwater Bay/ Tseung Kwan O Agua Plus Allure Casa Chip In Fish & Chips

Classified Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre Colour Brown Cool Doggies Grooming Firenze Hill View Jaspa’s Leisure Book Shop Let’s Jam Olde Hong Kong Tea Café Paisano’s Park n Shop (Fusion) Pepperoni’s Pets Central Piccolo’s Pole Paradise Queen’s Castle Organic Day Spa Sai Kung Animal Hospital Sai Kung English Sai Kung Reflexology Centre Sense of Touch • Sai Kung • Tseung Kwan O Starbucks Steamers Tala’s Taste – Tseung Kwan O The Bottleshop The Courtyard The Dutch The Giverny The Hive The Sandwich Club The Village Restaurant Wood + Kitchen 鬆Zone @ Sai Kung Reflexology Center

Shek O Cococabana Shining Stone Restaurant

Stanley BIVA Boathouse Cafe de Paris Cheers Real Estate Ltd Chez Patrick Classified Pacific Pets Pickled Pelican Playtent Ricacorp Properties Limited Smuggler’s Inn Spiaggia Stan Cafe Stanley Veterinary Centre Stanley Wellness Centre Taste The Cupping Room Vern’s Beach Bar

Tai Tam Hong Kong Cricket Club Rosecliff

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81

Fatherhood, the bald truth

Initial misgivings Simon Parry tries to crack the school codes.

F

ew things make you feel more of a failure as a parent than watching your children pick up your bad habits. It starts with relatively innocuous traits like sloth, recreational flatulence and torturing small animals, but soon escalates into more embarrassing tendencies such as swearing.

So imagine my annoyance the other evening when I came downstairs to overhear my 15-year-old daughter shouting, “WTF, Georgie?” at her 16-year-old sister, who then yelled back: “FU, Lauren.”

I was about to tackle the issue head-on by turning the air blue and calling them every name under the sun when Lauren gently explained it had been an entirely innocent profanity-free exchange about the coming school day.

She was simply asking Georgie if she would be attending the Worldlywise Teaching Forum (WTF) only for Georgie to remind her she already a pre-existing appointment at the interschool sports society, the Friendship Union (FU).

Admittedly, I may have taken a bit of artistic licence in describing the above incident, which may not have happened quite as I described, or even at all. But any parent with a child in the ESF (Extortionate School Fees) system will share my bewilderment at the overuse of acronyms.

A little-known fact I have just made up is that one of the main factors driving up ESF school fees by seven to eight per cent a year is the humongous amount of money and resources spent creating acronyms that are incomprehensible to everyone, including most parents and some teachers. There is an entire department dedicated to it. Probably.

It is clearly money well spent because they’ve got hundreds of them now. When a student wails “EE” at you, they haven’t stubbed a toe: they’re telling you they have to write an Extended Essay. And when another yelps, “I have to go PP”, don’t evacuate the bathroom: they’re just popping out to complete their overdue Personal Project.

Homework isn’t homework anymore. It’s HL, the L standing for “learning” (“work” apparently has negative connotations, but call it learning and they’ll happily drink Red Bull and coffee and stay at it until 2am).

Remember parents’ evenings? They’re now SLCs (Student-Led Conferences). And today’s school timetable includes entirely new subjects and assignments such as TOK (Theory of Knowledge, apparently about knowing things) and IOP (Individual Oral

Presentation, which requires getting up in class and saying stuff).

Afternoons when teachers go to the pub are, brilliantly, called CPD (Continuous Professional Development) days. Best of all, school trips are called EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom), justifying in four pithy syllables why you must pay the cost of a five-star weekend break in Bali for a spotty expat school-leaver to teach your 11-year-old son how to survive on scurvy-inducing Pot Noodles for three days on a free campsite in Sai Kung.

Much as I appreciate the money and effort that has gone into creating these unfathomable acronyms so that we can stare blankly and incomprehensibly when our children talk about their school day, I would prefer euphonious acronyms – ones that make memorably appropriate words and phrases.

Student-Led Conferences, for instance, could be renamed Tired Explanations for Disinterest, Inertia and Underachievement in Maths (TEDIUM), Continuous Professional Development days could be called San Miguel and Karaoke Is Very Enjoyable (SKIVE) while Education Outside the Classroom outings could be rebranded Recreational Intelligence Programme for Outdoor Freedom and Friendships (RIPOFFs).

If that’s too blunt, the ESF could try employing gentle euphemisms like one private Hong Kong school I know where the part of term time set aside for eye-wateringly expensive school trips lucratively farmed out to so-called adventure companies is called Enrichment Week.

Assuming it’s not unintentionally ironic, I like the mocking humour of Enrichment Week. If only they would call it that at ESF schools, I’d give a wry smile and share the joke as I handed over my next fat EOTC cheque and feeling just a tiny bit less of a Tutorial Wealth Accumulation Tactician (or whatever the acronym is for that).

I like the mocking humour of Enrichment Week

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Formerly the owner of dreams and a full head of hair, Simon Parry is a jaded, middle-aged journalist and father of four. He lives in Sai Kung with his wife, his children and his sense of profound disappointment.

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