Principal’s Letter

Dear Upper Primary School Families,

On behalf of the Upper Primary faculty and staff, welcome to the 2022-2023 school year. I feel privileged to lead the Upper Primary and look forward to working alongside our children, faculty, and parents as we journey through this school year together. You will come to know the Upper Primary as a warm and inviting place, where children’s passions and interests are nurtured, and learning is placed at the heart of all we do.

Over the past two years the global COVID pandemic has challenged educational institutions around the world to find unique ways in blending the realities of online learning with limited faceto-face instruction. Students, parents and faculty have had to endure many changes in routines, and schedules, while supporting ongoing learning from home.

Through this experience, I am proud to say that HKIS has learned to be highly adaptive and effective in ensuring that student learning, and the health and safety of our entire community, remain our highest priorities. Never before have our core competencies of building Collaborative, Creative, and Resilient learners been more important than they are today.

The Upper Primary years are a time where children become deeply curious about their world, actively seeking to understand and engage in issues that are important to their lives, their community and the world around them. It is a time to solidify friendships, develop empathy for others, build resilience and a greater awareness in knowing themselves as learners.

Walking through the halls of the Upper Primary, you will see our talented and dedicated faculty facilitating learning experiences that promote curiosity and deepen conceptual understanding. We hold ourselves accountable to high standards of achievement and are committed to ensuring your child’s learning is personalized, while enabling them to access their full academic potential.

We understand the importance of partnering with families to ensure the development of their child’s academic, social and emotional growth. We encourage parents to play an active role in their child’s school life and welcome your involvement in our community.

Whether you are a returning family, joining us from the Lower Primary, or new to HKIS, we extend a warm welcome. I look forward to building strong relationships with all of you in the coming weeks and months of school, as we work together to support your child’s personal growth.

Yours in learning,

Ben Hart

Upper Primary School Principal Hong Kong International School

Principal’s Letter 2

Mission and Character of HKIS History Accreditation Process Board of Managers Student Population Religious Dimension 4 4 4 4 4 4

HKIS Community Partnership and Communication Guidelines 5

Working in Partnership

5 Expectations for Communication at HKIS 6 Sequence of Communication Channels for Parents 6 Addressing Disagreements 6 Harassment 6 Discussing HKIS on Social Media 6 HKIS Marketing Office: Stories & Snapshots 6 Educational Program 7 Organization of Grades 7 Academic Program 7 Curriculum 7 Schoolwide Assessment Philosophy 7 Literacy 8 Mathematics 10 Science 12 Social Studies 12 Religious Education 12 Chinese Studies 13 Specialist Classes 16 Extended Music Opportunities 18 Outdoor Camp 18 Digital Literacy 18 Beyond the Classroom 19 Student Services Center 21 Program Objectives 21 Counselling and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Program 21 Learning Specialists 21 Health Office 22 Health Information and Forms 22 Emergency Contact Information 22 Medication During School Hours 22 Medical Policies and Guidelines 22 Nut-Free / Nut-Aware Zones 23 Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) 23 After School Activities 24 Activities for Upper Primary Students 24 Transportation to School 24 Busing Policy 25 Changing Buses 25 Bus Supervisors 25 Safety Rules for All Bus Rides 25 Enforcement of Bus Rules 26 Frequently Asked Questions 26 Walkers 26 Car Transportation 26 School Policies, Guidelines and Procedures 27 Advertisements and Announcements 27 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures 27 Attendance and Absences 27 Behavior Expectations, Procedures and Rules 29 Birthday and Party Invitations 29 Bullying and Harassment 30 Communication between Home and School 30 Covid-19 31 Dining Hall and Lunch Program 31 Discipline 32 Dress Code Policy 32 Drug Policy 33 Early Leaving 33 Field Trips 34 Gifts and Entertainment 34 HKIS ID Card 34 Homework 34 Illness at School 35 Language Policy 35 Lost and Found 35 Make-up Work 35 Money and Valuables at School 36 Parent Participation 36 Parents’ Presence in Hong Kong 36 Parking 36 Pets in School 36 Reporting Student Learning 37 Re-enrolment/Transfer/Change of Address 37 Safety Procedures 37 School Hours 37 School Supplies / Backpacks or Bookbags 37 Separated/Divorced Parents 37 Six-day Schedule 38 Social Distancing at School and Virtual Home Learning 38 Standardized Testing 38 Student Council 38 Tutoring 38 Visitors and Parent Volunteers 39 Weather Warning Procedures 39 Yearbook 40 Yearbook Photos 40 Parent Groups and Activities 41 Annual Fund Committee 41 Booster Club + Dragon Shop 41 Parent Advisory Group (PAG) 41 Parent Faculty Organization (PFO) 41 Appendices 42 Upper Primary Faculty and Staff 42 Upper Primary Building Plan 43 HKIS Shared Philosophy of Education 45 Trandisciplinary/Teacher Goals 45 HKIS Core Values 45 SLR Operational Definitions 45 Upper Primary Calendar 47 Upper Primary Six-day Schedule Inside Back Cover