NEWS

Over the past 18 months, most in-person activities in schools, including fundraising events, have been cancelled due to Covid. While many have opted to go online to continue their efforts, the Parents Teachers Association at International Montessori School (IMS) have chosen to do things differently. Last month, they organised ‘Spirit Week’ which included a coin drive, a virtual games day and a walkathon during which the students soaked up hours of sunshine on the Bowen Road Trail, Aberdeen Reservoir Trail, and the Tai Tam Family Walk. The fundraiser was a great success and provided a muchneeded bonding opportunity for families.

The English Schools Foundation has recently appointed Dr Kim Mak as chair of the ESF Board of Governors. He will be taking over from the Hon Abraham Shek, who stepped down from the ESF Board having served the maximum term of six years. “It is a privilege and honour to be the Chair of the ESF Board and I will take most seriously the trust invested in me. I will work with Board members, and the wider ESF community to ensure our Foundation continues to thrive,” said Mak. esf.edu.hk

Stamford American School Hong Kong has received full authorisation to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma to students at its campus in Ho Man Tin starting at the beginning of the next academic year. Stamford understands that the rigour and structure of the IBDP might not fit certain career paths where students need to focus on specific areas, which is why the IBDP is offered alongside an American high school diploma. This diploma has also recently been awarded full accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). sais.edu.hk

Last month saw the soft-opening of a new hotel. The Arca owned by Yulan Group is a commercial, arts and recreation hub that looks out over Aberdeen Harbour and the mountains of Southern District. The pet-friendly hotel boasts 187 guest rooms and suites along with a rooftop infinity pool, fitness studio and casual indoor and outdoor dining spaces. As an art and design cultural destination, The Arca presents a diverse curation of over 40 artworks by some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated artists and up-and-coming talents alongside work from the international art scene. thearca.com

Hong Kong has very few laws governing wildlife crimes, a Members’ Bill currently being considered by the government aims to change this and provide greater investigative powers to crack down on wildlife trafficking crimes. To raise public awareness of the Bill, non-profit platform, ARTISTS who LOVE ANIMALS & NATURE (ALAN) hopes to collect over 10,000 signatures from concerned citizens. Five murals have appeared across the city, which use augmented reality to bring the artwork to life and raise awareness for the campaign in locations including Hollywood Road. To sign the petition visit

In an effort to rally behind local business owners, members of the Stanley Residents Association have launched a campaign to bring crowds back to the seaside town. Several events are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks including beach cleanups and watersports activities such as wakeboarding and SUP. Residents are also hosting regular meetings to discuss ways to support local business. Current initiatives to help boost community morale include poster promotions, the launch of an Instagram account @stanleyvillagehk and even t-shirts with the slogan “Summer in Stanley”.