Dear Parents,
What a fantastic week we had celebrating our musicians and sports students, well done to everyone who took part in Battle of the Bands and Volleyball finals. Enrichment week is around the corner, please do log into the relevant webinars to receive all the up-to-date information, the first webinars take place today.
It was wonderful to see students engaged in meaningful reflections on our core school values: Integrity, Kindness, Courage, Ambition, Open Mindedness, and Respect. These insights were shared during our values assemblies, fostering a deeper understanding of what these values look like in action among all students.
One way for students to demonstrate these values is through the new student leadership opportunities. This Friday we were excited to launch our new Student Leadership Council, starting with Year 10 and Year 12.
This initiative provides multiple opportunities for students to participate in school decision-making and ensure their voices are heard. We look forward to applications coming in from a diverse selection of the student body.
Our Year 11 students also demonstrated their ambition, initiative and teamwork by organising a highly successful bake sale, raising funds. We commend their efforts and commitment to making our school community vibrant and engaged.
Poppy Appeal – Remembrance Day 2024
On November 11th, our school community will come together to honour the sacrifices made by Hong Kong servicemen and women during times of war. As part of this year’s Remembrance Day, our Year 12 students will be selling poppies. The poppy is a powerful symbol of remembrance, representing the gratitude and respect we hold for those who have served and sacrificed.
All proceeds from the poppy sales will support Hong Kong residents, including former servicemen and women and their families, who are facing challenges and hardships.
If you would like your child to participate by purchasing a poppy, please send them with a donation this week.
Battle of the Bands
Spectacular Showcase: Battle of the Bands 2024 Rocks Our School!
What an incredible musical extravaganza we witnessed last week! Our annual Battle of the Bands Competition brought together six phenomenal bands who delivered unforgettable performances that had the whole school buzzing with excitement.
The Journey to the Finals:
Monday kicked off with an electrifying heat featuring our amazing new Year 7 talent, Melody Makers (Moses H, Aldrik T), who shared the stage with returning band Wild Kids (Stacey L, Zachary T, Ranae F, Amara C, Kasey L, Candice T).
Tuesday's showcase sparkled with the brilliant performances of Solly's (Jac H, Isabella C-G, Sahana V, Adidev R, Jayden T, Moses W) and Expired Milk 2.0 (Aiden C, Curtis C, Andrew B, Lucas C, Chloe M, Anthony Z).
Thursday brought us the sensational sounds of newcomers Taki's (Maya F, Roselyn S, Yu Wen C) and returning band Est. 2023 (Nicholas F, Gabrielle H, Scarlett N, Aiden F).
After outstanding performances from all bands, three exceptional groups emerged as finalists: Wild Kids, Taki's and Expired Milk 2.0!
Grand Finale Under the Sun:
Friday's rooftop final was nothing short of magical! Under brilliant sunshine, our finalists delivered show-stopping performances:
The atmosphere was electric, with students and teachers alike singing along to all performances!
Our distinguished panel of judges - Miss O'Malley, Miss Cocker, and Miss Rankin - had the challenging task of selecting a winner from these extraordinary performances. While every band showcased remarkable talent and teamwork, Taki's took the crown with their professional-grade performance noted by the judges of performance worthy at a wedding!
The dedication of all participants shone through in their countless rehearsals - from early mornings to late nights - filling our school with inspiring music throughout the competition season.
We are thrilled to announce that our champions Taki's, along with runners-up Expired Milk 2.0 and Wild Kids, will represent NAISHK at the prestigious Nord Anglia Global Campus Young Musician of the Year Competition in early 2025!
A standing ovation to all our talented performers, enthusiastic audience members, and dedicated judges for making the week an absolute musical triumph! Your passion for music makes our school truly shine! 🎸🎤✨
To see highlights of all performances please go to our firefly page: https://naishk.fireflycloud.asia/music/results-battle-of-the-bands-2024
Energise
The Energise programme got off to a flying start this morning with Year 7 taking part in a range of student led activities. Energise aims to improve students’ health and wellbeing by encouraging students to take part in a variety of activities organised and led by their Sports Leaders. From football to mindfulness, our Year 7 students had a great start to the day!
Crossroads
On October 30th, Year 12 students participated in a service project at the Crossroads Foundation. They were divided into different groups, engaging in various tasks such as moving large furniture, cleaning electronic appliances, sorting stationery and clothes, and folding blankets. It was a productive afternoon, and the students found joy in their service work. As Tawfiq remarked, “I worked hard to clean the appliances. I got my T-shirt dirty, but I really enjoyed this activity.”
PE fixtures and results
End of Season 1 Results
Monday 28th October ISSFHK U14 Girls Volleyball Finals
The U14 girls' volleyball team recently competed in the ISSFHK playoffs, achieving remarkable success. They won the semi-final match against the American International School with a dominant score of 2-0, thanks to outstanding serves from Scarlett, Chloe, and Roni. Energized and confident, the girls entered the finals against Sha Tin College, taking the first set with impressive teamwork. However, in the second set, focus and communication dropped, leading to a tough loss. The final set became a nail-biter, with both teams battling for every point, but unfortunately, STC pulled ahead to win 15-12.
Despite the disappointment of not clinching the championship banner and gold medals, the girls proudly wore their silver medals, reflecting on a fantastic season filled with growth, teamwork, and dedication. Their hard work and perseverance throughout the tournament showcased their potential and commitment to the sport. Congratulations to the team on an outstanding season!
Wednesday 30th October ISSFHK U16 Girls Volleyball Finals
On Wednesday, the girls went to CDNIS to play in the finals of their Volleyball division. They went straight through to the finals as ICHK, who they were due to play in their semi’s pulled out earlier in the day. AIS played CDNIS in their semi and the team eagerly awaited their result to see who we were playing for the gold medal. AIS beat CDNIS and then it was our time. The first set was nail biting and was so close with the girls winning 25 – 23. The second set we saw the pressure begin to take effect on some of the team with a few silly mistakes, mis-timed calls or over powerful serves. This caused us to lose the second set, taking the final to a 3rd set. After some serious team talking and deep calming breathing the girls headed back to the court. Alyssa started the 3rd set with some extremely powerful hard to return serves giving us an early lead, it was this early lead that however hard AIS tried to catch us up, they just could not, and we won the 3rd set 15 – 13, meaning U16 Girls Volleyball were Division Champions for 2024. Well done to the team and to Miss Lachqar and Ms Curley who have been guiding and supporting this team to this fantastic ending to the season!
Wednesday 30th October ISSFHK U14 Boys Volleyball Finals
In a gripping semi-final match, the U14 Boys volleyball team narrowly fell to SIS with sets marked by lead changes, ending 2-0 in favor of SIS. Despite the loss, their resilience shone through. Regrouping for the 3rd place final against HKA, they dominated with a resounding 2-0 victory. Their season showcased dedication and skill, culminating in a strong finish. The team's impressive performance throughout the season is a testament to their hard work and they should take pride in their achievements.
Season 2 begins this week. The sports we will be competing in are Basketball and U16 Football.
Matches this week:
Wednesday 6th November - U12 Girls Basketball, home @ Lam Tin vs MCHK
Thursday 7th November - U16 Boys basketball home @ Kwun Tong vs DBIS
Futures
This week, Sai Kung Stray Friends came to speak to the Y11s. They told the students about the history of the organisation and how they support the dogs in their care, including: providing shelter, food and medical care; they also ensure that the dogs are socialised and exercised. Our year 11s are excited to have the opportunity to support the invaluable work that Sai Kung Stray Friends does in the community!
Splash Foundation – Making Waves Charity Event!
Support our parent Ella Karsemeijer who will be taking part in Make Waves for Hong Kong on Friday 8 November. Make Waves is a multi-relay swim around Hong Kong Island, fundraising for the Splash Foundation, a charity teaching children and adults from disadvantaged communities to swim.
Starting at 3am, the 45km swim will take the Make Waves swimmers 12 hours to complete.
47% of Hong Kong teens cannot swim. A donation of HK$2000, can teach one person to swim, for life.
To support Ella, please visit www.give.asia/makewavespurple2024
House Information
We have some exciting house events happening over the next few weeks. Please see the information below and encourage your child to take part. Students should speak to their tutor or their House Champions for further information. Let’s get the competitions started!
Halloween Dance Challenge!
The time has come to show off your spooky moves!
Our House Champions are thrilled to welcome you to this year’s fun and exciting Inter House Halloween Dance Challenge!
Halloween Inter House Halloween Dance Challenge Padlet Link: Halloween Dance Competition
Here’s how students can join in on the Halloween fun:
1. Watch the Dance: Check out our House Champions as they demonstrate the Addams Family-themed dance or the original video, which is also on Padlet.
2. Record Your Moves: Grab your costume (bonus points for house colours, with family and/or unusual locations!) and film yourself copying the dance OR performing free moves.
3. Upload Your Video: Post your entry on the Halloween House Padlet—only one entry per person!
Padlet Link: https://naishklamtin.padlet.org/aurorajenkins/halloween-house-dance-competition-24-please-upload-your-vide-w72xnrbdk0zuomcq
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Anti-bullying week awareness
Anti-bullying week will begin Monday 11th November. To help raise awareness, students are invited to wear odd socks on Tuesday 12th November. Please be aware that this is not a non-uniform day.
Enrichment Webinar Dates
Tanzania:
Monday 4th November 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Link to Tanzania Meeting
Cambodia:
Monday 4th November 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Link to Cambodia Meeting
Bali:
Monday 4th November 4:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Link to Bali Meeting
Spain:
Tuesday 5th November 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Link to Spain Meeting
Laos:
Tuesday 5th November 4:45 pm – 5:15 pm
Link to Laos Meeting
Vietnam:
Tuesday 5th November 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Link to Vietnam Meeting
Prague:
Monday 11th November 4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Link to Prague Meeting
Looking Ahead:
Best regards,
Fiona Thorndike
Head of Secondary
