CHECK OUT THE LEADING LANTAU SCHOOLS FROM KINDERGARTEN AND PRIMARY RIGHT THROUGH TO SECONDARY
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten, Lantau International School, Silvermine Bay School & YMC A of Hong Kong Christian College
In this supplement, we’ve focused on four of the top schools on the island: ESF Tung Chung Kindergarten, Lantau International School, Silvermine Bay School and YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College (YHKCC). The aim is twofold: to provide a useful overview of each school (philosophy, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, campus facilities), and to celebrate the ongoing dedication shown by local educators in supporting children and parents through the pandemic.
If the government’s decision to ease social distancing measures goes as planned, primary schools, international schools and kindergartens across Hong Kong will reopen for in-person lessons on April 19, and local secondary schools will follow suit on April 22. No doubt the school principals interviewed in this article are looking forward to welcoming students back to the classroom but, as they have also highlighted, distance learning has been a worthwhile learning curve.
“Online learning is so challenging and it takes so much effort from the children, parents, grandparents, helpers and of course the teachers to keep the energy going. I have been so proud of how the children have adapted and the quality of the work that is being produced,” opens James Lambert, Principal of Lantau International School. (Read more about Lantau International School here)
In navigating such challenging times, Will Tong, Principal at Silvermine Bay School, highlights the importance of listening, making adjustments and being flexible. “I’m really grateful we have a great team of teachers who are going above and beyond to help students and support each other. We do a lot of sharing sessions; we are learning from each other. For surviving COVID, it’s important that we are willing to listen to each other and to parents.” (Read more about Silvermine Bay School here)
Likewise, Allison Banbury, Principal at ESF Tung Chung International Kindergarten, says how important it has been to build upon strong partnerships between educators and parents. “During COVID times, we need parents’ support more than ever, particularly with distance learning. We’ve encouraged parents to contribute their ideas and give us feedback. This also means we can identify where parents need additional support, and we can understand what they are going through.” (Read more about ESF Tung Chung here)
YHKCC, as a direct subsidy secondary school, will reopen on April 22, and the students have been on ‘early summer break’ since January. With distance learning on hold, Principal Diana Lo has made it a priority to ensure that students’ education is ongoing. “Even during the holidays, our students communicate with teachers, and they produce independent programmes and self-directive learning programmes together with parents. Our students have revision buddies, and support each other through Zoom.” (Read more about YCMA here)
