Dear West Island community,

In this week’s newsletter, we want to highlight a group of ten students who have grown and shown their entrepreneurial abilities in a South Island School business competition, as well as another Year 13 BTEC student’s story on successfully opening her own baking business.

Through being risk-takers, they have stretched their limits in what they are capable of achieving, both individually and collaboratively. We hope their stories inspire not only those students interested in the area of business, but also encourage other students to take a risk and try something new, explore different areas and pursue activities they are passionate about.

Please read on for these students sharing about what they have learned in their pursuits, along with some news and spotlights around the school over the week. 

Last but not least, to Year 13 students and parents - wishing you a great night of celebration at the graduation formal tonight. 

Have a lovely weekend.

Vicki Hallatt

Principal

In this year's Battle of the Book's final, WIS students wins second among all Hong Kong secondary schools, losing only 2 points to the winner Shatin College.

Year 7 students shared their pitches on how to make the school more sustainable in reducing food waste.

Netball

U12B Emeralds ISSFHK

v The Independent Schools Foundation Academy (ISF)

Netball

U14A Opals ISSFHK

v Kellett School Kowloon Bay (KSHK)

Touch

Boys-U14A

v Sha Tin College

Pickleball

Mixed-U20A

v Match 2

Year 10 student Misuzu Sumiyama attended figure skating training camps in Tokyo and Osaka from April 28th to May 3rd. 

Farewell to Computer Science teacher Vicki Millson who is leaving the school.

Speaking of her time at WIS, Ms Millson said:"I love how generous the students at West Island School are! You often see them helping each other when they're stuck, and they really care about their community. "

As the year comes to an end, it's a great time to consider donating the uniform that your kids have outgrown. Your donations will be greatly appreciated. You can leave the uniforms at the reception for us to collect or get in touch with pta@wis.edu.hk Thank you for your generosity!

Congratulations to Year 13's on completing their IB exams! We would like to applaud you all for your hard work and wish you all the best in your future endeavours. As you transition to the next phase of your academic journey, we encourage you to consider donating your IB books to the PTA.

Your donations will greatly benefit future students who will be embarking on their IB studies. To arrange your donation, you can simply leave the books at the school reception or reach out to us at pta@wis.edu.hk

Thank you for all parents and students who have ordered the yearbook. 

For those who still would like to order, please fill in this form no later than this Sunday (May 19). Any orders received after this Sunday will not be taken.

If your family only wants to order one copy, please make sure that you only place one order as a family (e.g. only a parent/child places an order). 

Many students at WIS sit the PSAT every year. Michelle Shen, as an eligible US citizen, sat the PSAT in Yr12 in Oct ‘22. Michelle scored in the top 0.5% of all test takers in the international region, and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. She submitted additional documentation and was recognized as a National Merit Scholar Finalist. 15,000 students receive this honor out of 1.6 million applicants. National Merit Scholar Finalists are eligible for 100% scholarships at 22 US universities.

Year 9

On June 7th, the Higher Education team will be hosting a Careers Fair for all students in Year 9. This is a great opportunity for our Year 9 students to explore different career pathways as they start to think about their future.

The Careers Fair will feature guests from a variety of industries and different career paths. Students will be able to speak directly with these representatives and learn about the qualifications and skills needed for different careers. 

This is a mandatory event. It's never too early to start thinking about your future career, and this event can help provide valuable insights and information. 

We will share more details with students closer to the date.

Year 10

The Higher Education team met with Year 10 parents last week during the parent consultation evening.

The Higher Education Team will be conducting 2 more parent information sessions this term:

May 30th - Introduction to the HK and UK application processes

June 12th - Introduction to the US and Canadian application process 

Please sign up via the link HERE if you have not already done so.

Year 12 

• The Higher Education team is now in the process of completing meetings with Year 12 students with regard to their university applications and desired educational paths. 

• The Higher Education team has commenced careers lessons with the Year 12 students. These lessons are conducted once per cycle and are designed to support and prepare students for their university applications and the transition from high school to post-secondary.

Cycle 1 - we introduced the students to the department, provided them with the timeline for Years 12 and 13, outlined the objectives of the course, and discussed how to research universities and courses. The slides have been shared with students via Google Classroom and to parents by email.

Cycle 2 - we gave an overview of international applications, the application procedure, and

platforms and ways to research for countries such as The UK, US, Hong Kong, and Canada. 

Cycle 3 - we introduced students to choosing universities and factors to consider when

choosing one. We also introduced them to the Reach-Match-Safety strategy.

Cycle 4 - students used the Reach-Match-Safety strategy and worked on their university list.

Cycle 5, 6 and 7 - students have been introduced to the concept of a brag sheet and its

various elements.

Cycle 8, 9 and 10- students were introduced to how to write a personal statement and essay for their university applications. They were also provided with an explanation of the UAG (university application grade).

The Higher Education team supports students with applications to all countries. Students are requested to reach out to their Higher Education Counsellors for any advice or support required.

On May 16th, we welcomed Ms Becca Cheshire from the University of Nottingham. During her visit, she provided a briefing for current offer holders and covered admission-related Q&A as well as information about the university's courses.

University Visits @ WIS: Open for students only  (only for the Year 11s, 12s and 13s)

For details on University Visits and Webinars, please click Here

For more details on External events and Summer programmes please visit the school website