A few weeks ago, several HKA teachers, administrators and myself had the chance to attend a workshop with Andrew Hargreaves from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College in the United States. Andy talks a lot about leadership in education and when he talks about leadership, he talks about the importance of stories in our lives. Hargreaves reminded us of the power of stories to change our lives and shape our future.
I thought about that again this week during Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences. At HKA, we know the importance of data and test scores but when we think about students and learning, we think first of stories and we are keen to share those stories with you. I hope you heard some meaningful stories about your children this week, and I hope that your students are regaling you with tales from HKA!
When we talk about HKA to people beyond campus, we tell stories, too. If you have a story you think we should be sharing, please let us know. Email me at stephen.dare@hkacademy.edu.hk, or email kitty.lau@hkacademy.edu.hk. to set up a time to say hello in person.
Wishing you a lovely holiday, see you on the 26th!
Friday 16 October 2015
Friday 9 October 2015
eNews Issue 9
This week at a meeting with parents, I was reminded again that educators use a lot of jargon. That’s okay in the staff room but when we’re talking to general audiences, we try hard to skip the acronyms and the specialised terms. Clear language is key to any effective partnership and we want to use language that is accessible. And just as we value an inquiry-based education for our students, we also value our parents’ spirit of inquiry, too. Please always feel free to ask your questions at HKA!
We’ve got a lot in the works right now for parents. First, the Community Fair is soon upon us, and the co-ordinators are eager to know who is bringing what delicious dish! If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to fill out the online form (available in the eNews) to indicate whether you can bring food or volunteer for an activity.
We also launched an online climate survey this week. The purpose of the survey is to hear your thoughts about life at HKA. This is our first survey in several years and your feedback is extremely important. The survey shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes and all results will be aggregated and kept entirely confidential. You will find a link to the survey in an earlier email to all parents.
Next week is Parent Teacher Conferences. This is a highlight of the year for us as it gives us the chance to meet with you in person to focus specifically on your student(s). And thanks in advance to the Information Technology team who will host an informal genius bar for parents needing assistance with with Veracross or Managebac.
We’ve got a lot in the works right now for parents. First, the Community Fair is soon upon us, and the co-ordinators are eager to know who is bringing what delicious dish! If you haven't already done so, please take a moment to fill out the online form (available in the eNews) to indicate whether you can bring food or volunteer for an activity.
We also launched an online climate survey this week. The purpose of the survey is to hear your thoughts about life at HKA. This is our first survey in several years and your feedback is extremely important. The survey shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes and all results will be aggregated and kept entirely confidential. You will find a link to the survey in an earlier email to all parents.
Next week is Parent Teacher Conferences. This is a highlight of the year for us as it gives us the chance to meet with you in person to focus specifically on your student(s). And thanks in advance to the Information Technology team who will host an informal genius bar for parents needing assistance with with Veracross or Managebac.
Friday 2 October 2015
eNews Issue 8
Greetings for our short week! I hope you all had nice holidays and thanks again to the HKACO for organising a wonderful Moon Festival party last Friday.
Our 2016-17 term calendar is available for viewing. The calendar for the next academic year differs somewhat from our typical practice, so I would like to bring some dates to your attention. School will begin next year on Tuesday, 16th August 2016 and will end on Friday, 16th June 2017. Normally we commence on the 3rd Wednesday in August. But for next year, we will begin on a Tuesday in order to accommodate some holiday dates throughout the year.
We’ve got a lot of great events on campus next week and I hope to see you then. Whether it’s a coffee morning with the counsellors, an information evening on curriculum or the Coffeehouse, HKA strives to support a dynamic learning community of students, faculty and parents. Thanks again for your support.
Our 2016-17 term calendar is available for viewing. The calendar for the next academic year differs somewhat from our typical practice, so I would like to bring some dates to your attention. School will begin next year on Tuesday, 16th August 2016 and will end on Friday, 16th June 2017. Normally we commence on the 3rd Wednesday in August. But for next year, we will begin on a Tuesday in order to accommodate some holiday dates throughout the year.
We’ve got a lot of great events on campus next week and I hope to see you then. Whether it’s a coffee morning with the counsellors, an information evening on curriculum or the Coffeehouse, HKA strives to support a dynamic learning community of students, faculty and parents. Thanks again for your support.
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