These are some of the questions and answers we are frequently asked by prospective parents
STARTING SCHOOL - Will my child settle in easily to school?
Starting school is probably one of the most important moments in life! When your child starts school, we want them to feel secure, to feel that they can manage without you or your helper to assist, and to learn how to relate to new groups of children and adults. Children settle into the routine of Nursery and Reception class far more quickly if they are able to do such things as begin to dress and undress by themselves with only a little help.
The first few weeks may be unsettling for your child. Please try to be particularly patient with them during this time and do not hesitate to tell us if there are any problems.
Above all, be positive about school. Rather than talk about any concerns you may have in front of your child, make arrangements to speak with the teacher privately. We are always pleased to meet with you.
For older students starting new to the school, making friends is often the most important concern. To begin with, we always pair up your child with a 'buddy' to show your child around school and get used to routines. Many students at our school have had to make 'fresh starts' during their Primary schooling and understand what it feels like to be new to the school. As a parent, try not to be over anxious for them, do keep in touch with the teacher, and join into the life of the school yourself and make friends.
TERM DATES AND HOLIDAYS - When are the school holidays?
The academic year commences at the beginning of September. There are three terms, which end just before Christmas, Easter and early July. We observe all Hong Kong public holidays and also have one week half- term break in late October / early November and one at Chinese New Year. During the year, two days are also scheduled as staff development days, when children are not required to come to school. A calendar of dates is available.
SCHOOL HOURS - What are the school hours?
Pre-Nursery (January to June) 12.30 pm - 3:00 pm
Nursery 8.20 am - 11:30 am
Reception and Primary 8:20 am - 3:00 pm
*There is an option for full-day Nursery the beginning of September if parents prefer this.
*There is an option when students in Nursery and Reception attend full time, there is an option to make every Wednesday a half-day attendance only.
BUSES - Is there a school bus?
School Buses serve various areas such as the Chinese University, Tai Po, the Gold Coast, Ma On Shan, Sai Kung and Palm Springs. We have an agreement with a bus company, whom you should contact directly. If you would like your child to travel by bus, please ask at the office for further information.
CARS, BIKES AND PEDESTRIANS - Can my child cycle to school?
Whilst we are fortunate that our school is on an estate far from any main road, like any school, congestion can occur at peak times. To ensure the safety of our students, it is vital that all adults and children obey our Road Safety Code. The school works closely with Hong Lok Yuen Management to ensure that everybody adheres to the rules!
Students who cycle to school may leave their bicycle at the bike rack provided in the car park. All children under 11 years of age are expected to be accompanied by an adult, and all cyclists (including adults!) are expected to know and abide by the rules of cycling safely. (Please note it is a one way street outside the main gate of the school!)
As a school, we encourage everybody to walk to school if possible. Not only is this good for everybody's health, but it reduces vehicle congestion on the roads around our school. From time to time, we remind all the students how to use roads safely.
LUNCH AND BREAK TIMES - Will my child have long enough to eat their lunch?
All students have a 20 minute breaktime in the morning during which they can play and eat a snack they have brought to school. The snack should consist of a small piece of fruit, a small sandwich or other savoury food.
The Lunch break is from 12:30 pm to 1:20pm. Years 1 to Year 6 have their lunch in the hall, during one of two, 25 minute sessions. Reception have lunch in the hall after the class settles into the class routines. Prior to that, the Reception students eat lunch in their classrooms. We have picnic lunches on the last Friday of each month and we invite you to come and join us!
Although your child may go home for lunch, we encourage them to stay at school. Part of the socialisation process is to eat and play together. During lunch we encourage your child to have good table manners and eat as much of their lunch as possible, taking home any food that is left.
We encourage healthy eating at all times.
SCHOOL CLOSURES - How will I know if the school is closed? (Link to school policy)
SICKNESS and ACCIDENT- What happens if my child becomes sick at school?
If by any chance students fall sick or have an accident at school, we will take them to our sick bay in the Resources room and contact you immediately. Please collect your child as soon as possible. Whilst we act in our best judgement and some staff have first aid qualifications, we cannot profess to have medical expertise. Rest assured however, that we will care for student until your arrival.
If students are on prescribed medicine from the doctor and the course is not finished when students return to school, we prefer you to come to school to administer it during breaktimes.
If student has any type of ailment, it is very important that you inform the class teacher, the office and the Physical Education teacher if appropriate. Students who suffer from asthma and need to bring inhalers to school should give them to the class teacher for safe keeping, together with instructions for use.
HOMEWORK - How much homework will my child have?
Homework is provided to enable you to share in the learning process and, for students to take responsibility for organising and completing work independently.
All homework given by the teacher is relevant to what is going on in class and should give you an insight into activities in the classroom.
Please encourage students and show interest, but also encourage student to take the initiative. The homework is for the students - not you! It is also intended that homework does not become a burden, cause friction between you and your child, or cause mental fatigue. If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact the class teacher.
For students in Reception to Year 2, general homework should take no longer than 10-15 minutes per night and will include some literacy and numeracy work. In Year 3 and Year 4 students will have approximately one and a half-hour's work a week and in Year Year 5 and Year 6, two and a half-hours per week. It is expected that all children read at home at least three times a week and preferably everyday.
Students who take a leave of absence during school term will not be given additional homework, but may be expected to write a journal.
In addition, children who are on the intensive Chinese Studies programme receive additional homework.
FIELD AND PLAY AREAS - Can my child play on the field at the weekend?
We are fortunate to have extensive grounds including a very large field. This field is for authorised school use only. Students are not permitted to play in the grounds after school hours or during the weekend, unless as part of a club activity. Bikes, scooters or skateboards are prohibited.
SWIMMING, CAMPS AND VISITS - Do you have a swimming pool?
We are fortunate that we can use the club swimming pool next door to the school. All children from Reception onwards, have a weekly swimming lesson during term 1 and term 3.
The class teachers arrange a number of educational visits as part of the units of inquiry. All classes from Year 3-6 go on a residential outdoor educational visit to support both their academic learning as well as personal and social development.
LIBRARY - Do you have a school library?
We have an excellent library of English books as well as a collection of Chinese and Dutch Language books! Each week, students have the opportunity to borrow books. Please encourage them to look after these books and return them in good condition.
Library available for parents and student s when
There are computers for research purposes and for electronic circulation. At present we have a Library Improvement Team working with Parents to enhance the facilities.
COMPUTERS - Will my child be able to use a computer in the classroom?
We have Interactive Whiteboards and computers in all classrooms networked to the Internet. Mac computers are used from Year 3 but this is due to be extended to all year groups. We have a wide selection of cameras and actively encourage the use of multi media. Students become proficient in all areas, for example, film making, stop frame animation and podcasts. We continually strive to keep up to date with all mobile technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL AREA - What is this area used for?
We have a very active gardening club, herbs and simple vegetable are grown from time to time. The area can be used to support our learners in a number of areas, for example, science, art, and environmental sustainability.
LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT - Do you cater for students with Special Learning Needs?
Please refer to our Prospective Parents page for our Educational Support Policy. From Nursery to Year 6, we constantly monitor student’s individual progress. If at any point we think the student requires extra support, then we will contact you and advise you of the specialist help we can provide.
Sometimes students have 1:1 support throughout the day, special support assistants work in close liaison with the classroom teachers and parents to support individual students who require specific differentiation.
We also have an English as an Additional Language (EAL) teacher who has responsibility for co-ordinating English support lessons, diagnostic assessment and screening throughout the school.
COMMUNICATION WITH SCHOOL - I work. How will I know how my child is doing at school?
As a school we strive to keep you informed. Communication is a two-way process and we work in partnership with you.
Our management information system - the ORCHARD - which we are currently developing will be the main conduit for information. Parents can log-in to find all relevant information, regarding past and up and coming events. The school publishes a newsletter every Thursday. We also inform you of more important events via e-mail or SMS.
Our Business Manager deals with all matters related to fees, we have two secretaries, one of whom deals with registration and general enquiries.
For general matters or advice, concern or simply to share ideas, please don't hesitate to approach the Head of School, Principal or Deputy Principal. They are always available in the playground in the morning.
For queries or concerns regarding students, please contact the class teacher or one of our specialist teachers if appropriate. Staff are always available in the playground for exchange of messages or to make an appointment for further discussion, at the end of each day. Alternatively a message can be taken by the office or you can use the staff or school email addresses info@hlyis.edu.hk.
At the beginning of each school year we invite you to a "Meet the Teacher "evening. Please do attend, as this will provide you with information about the routines, experiences and requirements of each class. You will also have an opportunity to find out about our Chinese Studies Programme.
Later on in the first term, there is an evening when you will have the opportunity for a confidential interview with the teacher. At the end of the second term you can review progress again with the teacher at our scheduled parent interview sessions.
In the last term, you will receive an Annual Report of your child's progress for the year. There are also Student Led Conferences when your child will share with you their learning throughout the year.
However, if at any time you would like to review your child's progress with the teacher, don't wait for the next parent interview, just ask for an appointment at the end of the school day! Staff are also in their rooms from 8:20 daily, should you need to urgently contact them. Students from Nursery to Year 2 have a Home/School Book that is used for communication. From Year 3 Parents are encouraged to contact teachers via e-mail. We will endeavour to reply within 24 hours. Any urgent messages can be left at the office, and the teacher will be informed immediately.
SECONDARY SCHOOL
Students graduating from Year 6 go to ICHK (International College Hong Kong) which is our own secondary school. The campus is set in stunning surroundings, 20 minutes north of Hong Lok Yuen International School and has maximum class sizes of 20. Please see the link www.ichk.edu.hk
