Parent Handbook 2012-13.pdf - Beacon Hill School

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Beacon Hill SchoolParent Information Booklet1

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13A Message from the PrincipalWelcome to Beacon Hill School! We hope thatyour time with us is a rich and rewarding one forboth your child and your whole family.We are very proud of our school and we trust thatyour child will enjoy the wide variety ofprogrammes on offer. I hope you find theinformation in this booklet helpful and I lookforward to meeting you soon.Mr. John PrincipalPrincipal2

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Staff – 2012 / 2013PrincipalMr John BrewsterVice Principal Vice Principal Vice PrincipalMs Rachael BlaikY3 & 4 Phase & PYP Co-ordinatorMs Susan ChungYr 1 & 2 Phase Co-ordinatorMr James HarrisonYr 5 & 6 Phase Co-ordinatorClass Teachers1B Ms Frances Burley Room 2011G Mr Andrew Greene Room 2021T Ms Jane Trotter Room 2032T Ms Abbie Tsang Room 2042J Ms Emily Jeves Room 2052K Mrs Alison Kutrzyk Room 2063F Mrs Charlotte Fennelly Room 3013D Mrs Chloe Dale Room 3023K Miss Susan King Room 3034D Mr Rudi Dray Room 4014W Mrs Julie Wu Room 4024H Ms Merry Hamilton Room 4035W Mrs Sarah Westmacott Room 4045M Mrs Gabbe McKinnon Room 4055H Mr Dave Hubbard Room 4066L Ms Laura Fisher Room 5016F Ms Jennifer Fearn Room 5036H Miss Katrina Heywood Room 5043

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Specialist and Single Subject TeachersMrs Belinda McLaughlinMs Emily JevesMs Rose FletcherMs Deana BriaMrs Helen PickeringMr Scott GibsonMr Chad PheasantHead of Special Educational NeedsEnglish CoordinatorYear 1 & 2 Learning Support TeacherYear 3 & 4 Learning Support TeacherYear 5 & 6 Learning Support TeacherMusic TeacherLearning Technologies Teacher / CoordinatorMrs Lynn Xu Head of Mandarin (Room 506)Ms Xiao Bing Yu Mandarin Teacher (Room 304)Ms Pu Xu Mandarin Teacher (Room 505)Mr Tim TeahanPE Teacher / CoordinatorEducational Assistants1B Mrs Vicki Berridge 1G Ms Jane Wu 1T Mrs Jigisha Sanghvi2T Mrs Liza Turner 2J Ms Megan Lau 2K Ms Joanna Wong3F Mrs Carlotta Mo 3D Ms Raju Jagtiani 3K Mrs Shams KamaruddinY4 Mrs Colleen MarcotteY5 Mrs Priya Chainani Y6 Mrs Brigitte Lussier / Mrs Pinky PanjabiSEN Educational AssistantsMs Mirander Wong Ms Ms Abi Hutter Ms Tulika AhujaMrs Skye Evers (PMP) Miss Rosita Yau (PMP)Mandarin Educational AssistantsMrs Gina Wang Mrs Chia Chi Chao Ms Catherine Lie4

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Support StaffOffice Manager / AdmissionsHR and Finance ManagerClerical AssistantClerical AssistantNurseLibrarianICT ManagerICT Support TechnicianHead CaretakerMrs. Barbara WooMrs. Shiree YamMs Carlotta MoMrs Shirley YuenMs. Rosalind ChenMrs. Shirley LoweMr. Gabriel WuMr Hung TuMr Peter Wong5

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13AUTUMN TERM 2012Monday 20th AugustFriday 28th SeptemberMonday 1st OctoberTuesday 2nd OctoberFriday 12 th OctoberTerm Dates 2012 - 2013Term begins – 8:45 am to 3:00 pmSchool Closed - ESF CPD DaySchool Closed -The day following Mid-Autumn FestivalSchool Closed -The day following the National daySchool Closed - BHS CPD DayMonday 22nd to Friday 26th OctoberFriday 21st DecemberHalf Term HolidayEnd of Term - School Finishes at 12 noonSPRING TERM 2013Monday 7th JanuaryMonday 11th to Friday 15th FebruaryFriday 22nd MarchTerm begins – 8:45 am to 3:00 pmChinese New Year Half Term HolidayEnd of Term - School Finishes at 12 noonSUMMER TERM 2013Monday 8th AprilMonday 29th - Tuesday 30th AprilWednesday 1st MayThursday 16th MayFriday 17th MayWednesday 12th JuneFriday 28th JuneTerm begins – 8:45 am to 3:00pmSchool Closed –BHS CPD DaySchool Closed - Labour DaySchool Closed -ESF CPD daySchool Closed- Buddha BirthdaySchool Closed – Dragon Boat FestivalEnd of Term – School Finishes at 12 noon6

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13IntroductionWelcome to Beacon Hill School. The information listed in this booklet should assist you inunderstanding our school and in particular Year 1.We hope your child enjoys their stay at Beacon Hill School and works hard to achievesuccess. The staff at Beacon Hill School requests your co-operation and support in makingyour child’s school life as successful and happy as possible.Parent meetings will be held during the year to bring you up-to-date with current methodsand strategies in teaching, as it is likely there will be differences to your own schoolingexperience.Beacon Hill School aims to provide a safe, secure and caring environment where all ourstudents, irrespective of ability, are valued as individuals. Our school is a happy place wherestudents want to come and learn. The staff is made up of dedicated professionals providingan all-round education of the very highest quality academically, creatively and sociallyensuring that each child has the opportunity to reach their potential.The students come to us from over thirty countries and this international mix adds a greatdeal to the atmosphere and the richness of the school experience.An active Parent Teacher Association and School Council support our school ensuring theschool achieves its aims.Together through mutual support and participation we will be able to provide your childwith experiences that will allow them to enjoy success and become a self-confident andhappy member of Beacon Hill School.We are a community that is very proud of the school and we hope that you and your childwill enjoy being a part of the Beacon Hill School family.7

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13The English Schools FoundationBeacon Hill School is part of the unique family of schools, which constitutes the EnglishSchools Foundation. It is made up of nine primary schools, five secondary schools, two allthrough schools, four kindergartens and one school for students with special educationalneeds. These schools are located all over Hong Kong.School HistoryBeacon Hill School was founded on 11 th September 1967 and moved to its present locationin 1968.The school occupies a well-equipped seven storey building and has classroom space toaccommodate a three form entry – a total of 540 students. The summer of 2004 saw a hugerenovation of the sixth floor (funding shared by ESF and the PTA) resulting in a number ofspecial purpose rooms that are state of the art; these include a fully equipped drama studio,music rooms, art room and library. During the summer of 2008 further redevelopment wasimplemented creating much improved facilities such as the resources and reprographicsroom and the multi-purpose rooms on the ground floor, along with playgrounddevelopment. Our dedicated ICT Room has been upgraded during the Christmas of 2008.During the summer of 2009 and 2010 redevelopments for the ‘shared areas’ at the end ofeach corridor and all classrooms have been carried out. During the summer of 2011 allclassrooms had air conditioners replaced and the playground was resurfaced and newplayground equipment was installed. During the summer of 2012, the main is beingrefurbished.8

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Beacon Hill School Mission‘The Beacon Hill School community is a safe, caring and stimulatingenvironment where everyone is respected and valued. The studentswill have every opportunity to achieve in all aspects of school life andthey will understand their responsibility as global citizens.’The School VisionThe curriculum at Beacon Hill School will be well balanced, meeting the academic, social,personal, emotional, physical and cultural needs of each child. It will celebrate thedevelopment of child–centred independent learning with particular reference to students’own experiences and the community of Hong Kong. The students will be empowered andencouraged to become confident citizens of the future.The physical environment will be welcoming and stimulating throughout. The schoolbuilding and immediate surroundings will be effectively managed and resourced so as tocreate a healthy and safe teaching and learning environment.Students will be motivated independent learners with the ability to acquire and applyknowledge. They will be confident, have a passion for learning and be ready to face newchallenges. They will develop interpersonal skills enabling them to value all individuals andrespect the worth of others. Above all they will enjoy coming to school.Parents/Families will be active partners in their students’ education. They will be proud tobe an integral part of the school community.Teachers will be recognised as supportive and caring professionals who are sensitive to theneeds of all members of the school community. Through reflective practice they will delivera creative, imaginative, challenging and child-centredcurriculum, which will ensure that the students of BeaconHill School will have a passion for learning.Collaboratively written by BHS students, parents and teachers.First presented, September 2004. Revised 20099

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13knowledge and experience from international schools. Furthermore, it is line with currenteducational research. The PYP is a challenging programme that demands the best from bothmotivated students and teachers.What Will My Child Be Learning?The PYP provides an opportunity for learners to construct meaning, principally throughconcept-driven inquiry. Traditional academic subjects are part of the programme but itemphasises the interrelatedness of knowledge and skills through a transdisciplinaryprogramme of inquiry. The most important premise of the PYP is that students learnthrough their own curiosity – and that it is the school’s responsibility to encourage them tobe curious, to ask questions and to explore ways of finding the answers to their questions.This is called inquiry based learning, and it shapes our entire programme.There are six transdisciplinary themes which help teachers and students explore knowledgein the broadest sense of the word. Teacher and students use key questions that areconcept-based to structure the units of inquiry. Students acquire and apply a range of skillswhile developing an understanding of these important concepts. The PYP has designed atransdisciplinary curriculum, which draws the individual disciplines into a coherent whole,while preserving the essence of each subject.At BHS your child will:Develop a deep understanding of important conceptsConduct research into knowledge which has local and global significanceAcquire and practise a range of essential skillsProvide opportunities for individual and collaborative planning and researchBe encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards learning, the environment andother people. These attitudes include tolerance, respect, integrity, independence,enthusiasm, empathy, curiosity, creativity, cooperation, confidence, commitmentand appreciationHave the opportunity for involvement in responsible action and service. All PYPstudents are encouraged to be responsible members of their communityLearn a second language, Mandarin, which reflects the spirit of internationalismLearn vital knowledge and skills in all subject areas - English, Mathematics, Science,Social Studies, the Arts (visual, dance, drama) with their classroom teacher as well asattend specialist lessons, Learning Centre (library), Physical Education and Music,once per week.The most significant and distinctive feature of the PYP is the six transdisciplinary themes.These themes are about issues that are both important and meaningful for us all. Theprogramme offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas, andlearning beyond them. The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinaryframework that allows students to go beyond the confines of learning within subject areas.11

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13From Year One onwards each year group will explore six dynamic and engaging Units ofInquiry, one under each of the following transdisciplinary themes:Who we areWhere we are in place and timeHow we express ourselvesHow the world worksHow we organise ourselvesSharing the planetAn inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values,personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health;human relationships including families, friends,communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities:What it means to be humanAn inquiry into orientation in place and time; personalhistories; homes and journeys; the discoveries,explorations and migrations of humankind; therelationships between and the interconnectedness ofindividuals and civilizations from local and globalperspectives.An inquiry into the ways in which we discover andexpress ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs andvalues; the ways in which we reflect on extend andenjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; theinteraction between the natural world (physical andbiological) and human societies; how humans use theirunderstanding of scientific principles; the impact ofscientific and technological advances on society and onthe environment.An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human madesystemsand communities; the structure and function oforganizations; societal decision-making; economicactivities and their impact on human kind and theenvironment.An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggleto share finite resources with other people and withother living things; communities and the relationshipswithin and between them; access to equalopportunities; peace and conflict resolution.Teachers and students use key questions that are concept based to structure the units ofinquiry. They acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding ofthese important concepts. Student learning is reinforced and extended through off-site fieldtrips, in-house speakers and experts and sharing amongst peers.Assessment is an important part of learning in the PYP as it allows students to reflect onwhat they know, understand and can do and therefore enhances learning. The teachers12

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13feedback to the students on a regular basis and this provides the direction, the tools and theencouragement for them to become more proficient, more skilful and better atunderstanding how to learn.In summary, The PYP aims to offer a balanced and engaging programme that focuses onacquiring significant knowledge, developing essential skills, understanding meaningfulconcepts, and developing positive attitudes, all of which may lead to thoughtful action.This is best articulated in the PYP Model:13

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13IB World School-the authorisation processTo become an IB World School all schools must go through a challenging but rewardingauthorisation process. This process is designed to support schools in making the decision tobecome IB World Schools and to allow the school time to fully understand the nature andrequirements of the Primary Years Programme (PYP).Firstly, to become eligible for authorisation, schools must successfully complete variousstages, which usually occurs over a 2 to 3 year period. Schools first apply to become acandidate PYP School, and if granted by the IB the school takes on candidate status andtrials the programme before an official authorisation visit. After a trial implementation,representatives from IB visit the school to ensure that the candidate school is genuinelycommitted to the pursuit of excellence in international education. The IB visiting team alsoascertains the school’s preparedness to offer the programme and verifies that the school’splanning has been both systematic and comprehensive. BHS went along this journey as acandidate PYP School and following a very successful visit from IB in November 2009 and wewere granted official IB World School status for the PYP in January 2010.Following authorisation, schools may receive further visits from IB teams to ensure that theeducational standards of the programme are being maintained and developed, and threeyears after authorisation the school will go through a rigorous evaluation process by the IBto ensure the high standards are maintained. Following a successful evaluation visit the IBwill continue to visit every 5 years. BHS will go through the evaluation process in the 2012-13 academic school year. Programme evaluation is a requirement of the IB Organisation.The aim is for the IB to ensure on a regular basis that the standards and practices of theprogramme are being maintained.The programme standards and practices is the foundational document used by schools andthe IB to ensure the quality of the programme is maintained. The implementation of the PYPis an on-going process and schools make a commitment of meeting all the standards,practices and programme requirements.Evaluation is a process of formal reflection involving all stake holders within the schoolcommunity. During the process we will assess ourselves against the Programme standardsand practices and programme requirements and identify major achievement during theperiod under review and as well as identify practices that need further development14

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13IB Learner ProfileAt Beacon Hill School we aim to enable students to become life-long learners and to equip themwith the academic and life skills to take them in to the rapidly changing global world they aregrowing up in as responsible citizens.The PYP promotes strongly an international education, which is embodied in the IB Learner Profile.The PYP philosophy believes that schools should be proud to send out into the world students whoexemplify the qualities expressed in this profile. This profile is central to the work of the PYP. Itrepresents the qualities of internationalism which will develop in students the ability to live andwork anywhere in our global society. An international person is one with the attributes and adisposition described in the following Learner Profile and applies to all people within the communityincluding students, parents and BHS staff:ProfileDefinitionInquirersThinkersCommunicatorsRisk TakersKnowledgeablePrincipledCaringOpen MindedBalancedReflectiveThey develop their natural curiosity. They have acquired skills necessary to conductinquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learningand this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recogniseand approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in morethan one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectivelyand willingly in collaboration with others.They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, andhave the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They arebrave and articulate in defending their beliefs.They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In doingso, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad andbalanced range of disciplines.They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respectfor the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility fortheir own actions and the consequences that accompany them.They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference tothe lives of others and to the environment.They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are opento perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They areaccustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to growfrom the experienceThey understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance toachieve personal well-being for themselves and others.They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are ableto assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support theirlearning and personal development.International Baccalaureate Organization 200915

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Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Reporting ProcessesThere are many ways in which we keep parents informed of the learning that is taking place.Parents will receive a weekly update via e-mail which will give information on what thestudents will be learning and events that may be scheduled for the following week. Allparents will be invited to their child’s class assembly and a sharing of their learning in oneunit of inquiry. In addition to this, we have the more formal reporting procedures asdetailed below.*Dates may vary depending on the school calendarAugustNovemberDecemberNovemberFebruaryMarchAprilAprilJuneThe Year Ahead Meeting / Meet the Teacher EveningThis is an opportunity to meet your child’s class teacher and find outabout the exciting things that will happen in the year.Years 1 - 3 Parent Teacher ConsultationsYears 4-6 Parent Teacher Consultations (Parents have the option to includethe child)In these meetings, parents will find out about their child’s progress andhow they have adapted to the new year group. Targets will be set inthese meetings.Appointment with Single Subject Teachers by appointment onlyReports on first two Units of Inquiry accessible on the GatewayStudents’ Portfolios will be sent home for a weekend.The portfolios are a record of the student’s learning journey. There willbe samples of teacher and student chosen work and will demonstratework across all areas of the curriculum. The portfolios will show howthe student is reflecting on their learning.Year 6 Student Led ConferenceThis will give the parents an opportunity to see their child as a learner.There will be various stations set up in the classroom and the studentswill lead their parents through each one. They may be sharing andtalking about their work in English or teaching their parents somestrategies for Mathematics. Areas for development will be discussed inpreparation for the Year 6 ExhibitionReports on second two Units of Inquiry accessible on the GatewayYears 1-5 Student Led ConferenceThis will give the parents an opportunity to see their child as a learner.There will be various stations set up in the classroom and the studentswill lead their parents through each one. They may be sharing andtalking about their work in English or teaching their parents somestrategies for Mathematics.Students’ Portfolios (a Record of their Learning Journey) will be senthome for a weekendEnd of Year Reports sent home and on The Gateway17

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13CIS AccreditationIn December 2008, Beacon Hill School became a member of the Council of InternationalSchools (CIS) and began the process of accreditation. The accreditation process involvesthe school submitting an initial report on their Philosophy & Objectives, Curriculum,Governance and Management, Staff, Student Support Services, Resources and Students andCommunity Life. This is followed by a preliminary visit from the CIS accreditation team toassess our readiness to undertake the self-study process. The self-study is an 18 monthprocess where all members of the school community undertake an evaluation of the schooland identify areas of strength and areas for development. A team of 8 professionals fromother international schools in the Asia-Pacific region were invited to affirm the school’s selfevaluationin December 2010. In March 2011, Beacon Hill School became fully accredited byCIS and the report was extremely complimentary. An extract from the report perfectlysummarises the ethos of Beacon Hill School:“Something that makes Beacon Hill School special is its passion for inclusion. Welcoming andproviding programmatic support for students with additional learning needs is remarkable.The natural manner in which these students are assimilated into the student body isexceptional and a model for other international schools around the world. It fosters a senseof pride among the adults to watch all the students interact in such a way that it leads oneto a new heart-warming definition of the word ‘normal’. Spending time at Beacon Hill schoolis inspirational.”School PoliciesSpecific school policies can be accessed via the school website www.beaconhill.edu.hk.ESF policies can be accessed via the ESF website www.esf.edu.hk.Parental InvolvementAt BHS, we pride ourselves on the wonderful partnership we have with Parents. Wewelcome parental involvement by asking for volunteer helpers in the lower year levels tohelp with small groups or listen to students read. We encourage parents with expertise inparticular areas to support the learning in units of inquiry by giving talks to the students.School excursions is another area where we welcome parent support. At the start of theyear we provide a ‘Risk Assessment’ workshop for any parents wishing to attend schoolexcursions so that they feel fully prepared to lead a group. We also encourage parents tobe involved with the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in organising special school eventsand activities.18

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13How to contact Beacon Hill SchoolSchool Address:23 Ede RdKowloon Tong, Hong KongTelephone Number: 2336 5221Fax Number: 2338 7895Web Address:Email addresses:PrincipalVice PrincipalYr 1 & Yr 2 Pastoral CareMiss Susan ChungVice PrincipalYr 3 & Yr 4 Pastoral CareMrs Rachael BlaikVice PrincipalYr 5 & Yr 6 Pastoral CareMr James Harrisonwww.beaconhill.edu.hkjohn.brewster@bhs.edu.hksusan.chung@bhs.edu.hkrachael.blaik@bhs.edu.hkjames.harrison@bhs.edu.hkOffice Manager/Admissions SecretaryMrs Barbara WooAccounts / HR ManagerMrs Shiree YamPTA SecretaryMs Fanny ChanSchool Nurse:barbara.woo@bhs.edu.hkshiree.yam@bhs.edu.hkpta@bhs.edu.hkrosalind.chen@bhs.edu.hk19

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13School CouncilOur school council consists of parent, PTA, community, staff and ESF representatives.ChairpersonMr Michael TannerParent RepresentativesCommunity RepresentativeMrs Michelle TsangMrs Annie Van WeerdenburgMrs Eva ChamMrs Rhonda LamPrincipalMr John BrewsterTeacher RepresentativesSupport Staff RepresentativeESF Centre RepresentativeMrs Lynn XuMiss Susan ChungvacantMr Chris Durbin20

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Parents & Teacher’s AssociationThe PTA is an integral part of the school – parent partnership.ChairpersonJCPTA RepresentativeVice ChairpersonTreasurerSchool Council RepresentativeMs Michelle Tsangtrista93@netvigator.comMrs Annie Van Weerdenburgalf@partnershippacifc.comMrs Eliza Cheunghksunee@hkstar.comMs Michelle TsangMrs Annie Van WeerdenburgParent Representatives Mr. Chris Lee Mrs. VictoriaBerridgeMrs. Sonia JonesMrs. ShareenHellenMr. Tim TeahanMs. Rowena ChowMr. Paul ChanMrs. RachanaBakshiPrincipalTeacher RepresentativesPTA AdministratorMr John Brewsterjohn.brewster@bhs.edu.hkMs Katrina HeywoodMr Chad PheasantMrs Charlotte FennellyMs Fanny Chanpta@bhs.edu.hk21

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13School HoursMonday – Friday : 8.45am – 3.00pm (Morning start : 8:45am)Break 1 – Yr 1, Yr 2 & Yr 3Break 2 – Yr 4, Yr 5 & Yr 6- 10.30am - 10.50am- 10.55am – 11.15amThe ‘split break’ ensures all students have space to play in the playgroundLunch (12.45pm - 1.30pm)Yr 1, Yr 2 & Yr 3 students eat their lunch from 12.45pm – 1.05pm while Yr 4, Yr 5 & Yr 6students play. At 1.10pm Yr 1, Yr 2 & Yr 3 students go and play while Yr 4, Yr 5 & Yr 6students go back to their classrooms to eat their lunch.Educational Assistants supervise students during the eating part of lunch. Teachers and EAssupervise students in the playground during all break times. A member of the SeniorManagement Team is also available if required.Dismissal for Year 1At 2:55, Year 1 classes are brought to the front foyer where they are dismissed at 3pm. Buschildren move to bus lines in the playground. Extra-curricular clubs are offered during theyear for all age groups. These are posted on the school website shortly after the start ofterm 1. At the start of the year, Year 1 students leave school around lunchtime. It isimportant for you to inform the bus escorts and the school office, via email, if your child willnot be using the bus service as normal due to your child’s participation in an activity.Change in RoutineStudents are not permitted to leave the school premises during school hours, unless theschool is informed by a parent. When a parent informs the school that a child must leaveduring school hours the parent, or an appointed representative, will come to the school tocollect the child. This is necessary to ensure your child’s safety and to avoid unnecessarydisruptions to the classroom routine.Yr 1 & Yr 2 DismissalAt 2.55 pm Yr 1 and Yr 2 students are brought from their classrooms to the front foyerwhere they are dismissed at 3.00pm. Bus students move to bus lines. Extra-curricular clubsare offered during the year for all age groups. These can be found on the school website.School BusesThe school buses are run privately by independent bus companies. Any concerns relatedto a child’s bus should be directed directly to the bus company. Parents must also notifythe school office and class teacher if the daily bus journey arrangements change for yourchild. This is necessary to ensure your child’s safety.22

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13School Assemblies Yr 1 - Yr 6Golden Book Assembly - Monday (9.00am – 9.25am)A member of the Senior Leadership Team leads this assembly.Teachers select a child from their class for inclusion in the Golden Book – students areannounced and their achievement celebrated by the school.School Assembly – Friday (9.00am – 9.25am)Most weeks, individual classes present their class assembly. Notification of upcoming classassemblies is published in the Year Group Weekly Updates and Home-School Diaries.Phase Assembly – Friday (2:30 – 2:55)These are times when two year groups at a time come together. They happen once everythree weeks and are a time when information, stories and songs can be shared that arerelevant to the particular age groups. These will normally take place in the Hall and will beled by all team members in turn.The School NewsletterThe School Newsletter is sent home to each family in the school every second Friday viaemail. A copy of the newsletter can also be viewed on the school website. The newslettercontains reports and notices and all forthcoming events at the school.Each week, on Fridays, we send home via email a weekly update for each year group. Theseare also available on the school website. These provide important information aboutupcoming events, trips and reminders as well as keeping parents informed as to what thestudents and teachers are doing in class. These should be prepared as a Year Group teamand saved on the server by 3pm each Friday. Your phase Vice Principal should be informedwhen completed.23

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13School UniformThe uniform is compulsory for all students and should be worn during school hours when travellingto and from school. Most items can be obtained from the PTA office during the school day.Girls Summer Uniform Short sleeve blouse Skort School ankle socks Black polished shoes or sandals with closed toes Navy or red ribbons School hatGirls Winter Uniform Long sleeve blouse Skort or long trousers School ankle socks or stockings Black polished shoes or sandals with closed toes Navy or red ribbons Red school sweater or fleecy jacket School all weather jacket / wind jacket Scarves, gloves, ribbons etc. should wherever possible, be in the schoolcoloursBoys Summer Uniform Short sleeve shirt Shorts School ankle socks Black polished shoes School hatBoys Winter Uniform Long sleeve shirt Long trousers School ankle socks Red school sweater or fleecy jacket School all weather jacket / wind jacket Black polished shoesPE Uniform – Boys and Girls T-shirt with school logo Skirts – girls Shorts – boys White ankle socks White PE shoes or trainers School track suit School hat PE Jacket (for winter only) All students are required to have a BHS School Bag24

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Toys, Jewellery and Special Items at SchoolAnything brought to school is the child’s responsibility. To avoid distress, students should not bringprecious or expensive belongings to play with in the playground. If something is brought to show, itshould be left in the classroom all day. Only watches and stud earrings are permitted at school.Students wearing jewellery will be required to remove it during PE lessons as it presents a danger tothem and to others.Learning CentreYears 1 -3Your child will visit the Learning Centre each week for a library lesson. During this time, yourchild will be returning and borrowing books to share with family at home. To avoid damageto the books, they must be carried to and from school in a waterproof book bag, which hasbeen clearly labelled with your child’s name and class. School book bags are available fromthe PTA shop for a small fee.Learning Centre lessons include research activities related to class work and literatureimmersion, as well as learning to use the library and its computer system.Your child is encouraged to return and borrow new books each week; however, theborrowing time for each book is two weeks. In the event of your child not returning theirbook by the due date, the librarian will send a reminder letter home. Then if the book is stillnot returned, a second letter is sent home which includes the replacement cost of the book.Parents are required to pay for lost books or those that are damaged beyond repair.The Learning Centre is also open to Years 1, 2 and 3 during some lunch periods. Your child isable to visit during this time with their friends.Years 4 – 6Children will visit the Learning Centre each week for a library lesson. This lesson will focuson developing research skills, as well as an understanding of the library and how it is set out.For part of the school year they will have two visits per week to allow the students todevelop their inquiry skills.Years 4, 5 and 6 students are able to return and borrow books at break and lunch timethroughout the week. Your child can borrow a maximum of two fiction and two non-fictionbooks. A book may be borrowed for up to two weeks. To avoid damage to the books, allstudents must carry their books to and from school in a clearly labelled waterproof bag.School book bags are available from the PTA shop fora small fee.In the event of your child not returning their book bythe due date, the librarian will send a reminder letterhome. Then if the book is still not returned, a secondletter is sent home which includes the replacementcost of the book. Parents are required to pay for lostbooks or those that are damaged beyond repair.The Learning Centre is open during break and lunchfor students to relax, borrow, read and complete class work or research tasks. Thecomputers are available at this time for students to use.25

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13MandarinChildren in Years 1 and 2 have Mandarin lessons three times per week for 45 minutes eachlesson. In Year 1 the class stays together, whereas in Year 2 the children are split into one ofthree Pathways to cater for the different levels of understanding. Children in Years 3 to 6have daily Mandarin lessons.MusicAll classes have one lesson per week taken by Scott Gibson.PEYear 1 and 2 classes have two PE sessions per week taken by Tim Teahan.PMPAll children in Years 1 and 2 will have two 45 minutes sessions a week taken by Ms. SkyeEvers. The class teacher and EAs should attend both of these sessions. A few children fromother year groups will receive PMP sessions at other times in the week. You will be notifiedby Belinda McLaughlin if any of your children will be included.ICTAll classes receive one ICT lesson per week with Mr Chad Pheasant.26

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13HealthStudents will not get the best out of their years at school unless they are healthy.Immunization for Primary One and Six StudentsThe Immunization Team of the Department of Health visits BHS to offer vaccination toPrimary One and Six Students ONLY. This is free of charge. More information about thiswill follow in due course.Student Health Service + / - School Dental Care Service for ALL Primary School StudentsThe Student Health Service (SHS) include physical examination; screening for healthproblems related to growth, nutrition, blood pressure, vision, hearing, spine, psychologicalhealth and behaviour; individual counseling and health education. This service is providedfree to “eligible students”; for non-eligible students, an annual fee will be charged.The School Dental Care Service (SDCS)Students are offered: Oral health education (i.e. good oral health care habits) Oral examination Basic dental treatments Preventive treatments Emergency service during office hoursThis service is also provided free to “eligible students”; for non-eligible students, a fee willbe charged.Please Note: SHS + / - SDCS is a joint application and consent form. More detailedinformation about this will follow in due course. The Immunization, the Student HealthService + / - the School Dental Care Service; these are ALL OPTIONAL.Communicable Diseases AND Students’ SicknessCommunicable diseases, for examples, Chickenpox, Influenza, Norovirus Infection, AcuteInfectious Conjunctivitis, Head Lice, Fifth Disease, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD)and others may occur from time to time and we need to remain vigilant against them.Parents should check their child’s hair regularly for lice.school and have prompt treatment at home.If found, they should inform theIf parents have any concerns regarding their child’s return to school, they should contact ourschool nurse.*IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE SCHOOL IS NOTIFIED OF ALL CASES OF COMMUNICABLEDISEASES.*27

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Most importantly, parents should not send their child to school if s/he is not well and / orwhen s/he has not completely recovered from illness. They should let him / her rest athome and / or seek medical advice promptly. The child should return to school when fit todo so as advised by the doctor.Parents should inform the school via e-mail explaining the reason for the absence (andimmediately, if s/he is admitted to hospital). The child needs to regain his / her energybefore returning to active school life, otherwise, complications will arise and may becomeserious.The Administration of MedicationWe do not encourage medication to be given during school hours. If a child is prescribedmedication, they should complete the course of medication at home and NOT at school. Ifit is absolutely necessary for a child to have the prescribed medication during school hours,a note from the doctor who prescribed the medication is required. In addition, a requestin writing from the parent / guardian must be received with the correct ESF / BHS formcompleted and handed in to school.Contact NumbersParents must inform the School Office (via e-mail) of any changes in their home number,office number and mobile number. If they are not in Hong Kong SAR, they must leave acontact number and a name of the person to contact, in case of need and / or emergency.28

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Picking up and Dropping off Students - Questions and AnswersCan parents park in the school grounds?Unfortunately we don’t even have enough space for all the staff to park their cars thereforeno other cars are allowed to park in school either during or out of school hours, unless theyhave been given specific permission.Are there any exceptions to the parking restrictions?Yes. When a function takes place after the students have gone home at the end of theschool day e.g. parent’s evenings, concerts etc. parents are allowed to park on theplayground. Notification will be given.Where can parents stop their car to let their child out in the mornings?If parents are just letting their child out and you are staying in the car, they may stop infront of the school. If they want to get out of the car for any reason they will need to parktheir car in a safe place well away from the school entrance.Where can parents stop their cars when collecting their child?They must always park their car in a safe place well away from the school entrance.Why can parents not stop just outside school to collect their child?We have 540 students leaving the school at the end of the day and our most importantconsideration is their safety. Parking in front of the school even for ten seconds is extremelydangerous because it,‣ obscures the view of drivers and pedestrians‣ forces people to make dangerous overtaking manoeuvres‣ leads to traffic congestionIs there a special place for children and parents to cross Ede Road at the end of the schoolday?Yes. We have a special crossing area outside the main entrance, which is supervised bythree experienced members of the support staff. They will give clear instructions about howand when it is safe to cross the road. Everyone who needs to cross Ede Road, both adultsand students, should use the crossing area.Are there any other places parents should avoid parking their cars?Some of our students have a long journey on the school bus and these buses leave fromWarwick Road. Not parking here would enable the buses to leave punctually and would alsomean the students could get onto the buses as safely as possible.Children catching a school bus. What happens to them at the end of the school day?They make their way onto the playground where they line up before being escorted ontothe bus.29

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13For children walking home up Ede Road, what should they do?They should leave the school through the main entrance.For children walking home down Ede Road. What should they do?They should leave the school through the Warwick Road (back steps) entrance.Why can’t students leave through the main entrance then walk down the road on the sameside as the school?Doing this has the potential to be extremely dangerous as they have to walk past theentrance to the school car park.For children being collected.Children should be collected at the main entrance.What happens if parents want to change the arrangements for how their child leaves schoolat the end of the day?This should be avoided as changes in the arrangements tend to confuse the students andcan be quite upsetting particularly for the younger ones. Sometimes changes are necessaryand when this is the case the school office must be informed in writing (not a telephone callor verbally) for the attention of the class teacher. If appropriate a copy also needs to begiven to the permanent bus escort.30

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Health and SafetyHealth and Safety within the school (and on school excursions) is the responsibility ofeveryone. Any Health and Safety concerns should be brought to the attention of the H & SRepresentative – James Harrison or any other members of the H & S Committee – ShireeYam and Peter Wong. Regular checks are carried out throughout the year Practiceevacuation and lockdown procedures take place at different times in the school year. Allstaff should familiarise themselves with the emergency procedures and codes.Tropical Cyclone ProceduresSIGNAL 1 - BHS will operate as NORMAL.SIGNAL 3 - BHS will operate as NORMAL unless advised by theEducation Department, or ESF Foundation Management office.SIGNAL 8 - BHS will CLOSE.If school is not in session when a typhoon is approaching Hong Kong, the Director ofEducation will, if circumstances warrant it make an announcement over local radio andtelevision channels advising parents whether or not to send their students to school. Theannouncement will be made in the evening or early morning, and will be timed, wheneverpossible before students set out from their homes for school. The first radioannouncement in the morning will be not later than 6.15am. The announcement will berepeated at regular and frequent intervals.Please ensure that you listen to radio and television announcements during inclementweather.If the BHS day is in session under a No.1 or No.3 Signal, and the Director of Education isadvised that the situation is likely to deteriorate rapidly, a Public Announcement will bemade over local radio and television stations advising the immediate closure of schools. Allstudents will remain in class awaiting dismissal by bus or being collected by a parent ordesignated responsible adult.E-mails will be sent to parents on our e-mailing list to inform them of the situation as well asSMS alerts to parents whose mobile phone numbers we have on record. Bus helpers willendeavour to ring individual parents to organise collection from drop off points. Nostudents will be dropped off without a parent or designated responsible adult present at thedrop off point. Non-bus students must be collected from the classroom as soon aspossible. If the number 8 Signal is hoisted ALL BUSES will cease to operate and all studentswill need to be collected from the school. If the No. 8 Signal is hoisted once students have31

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13set out for school in the morning students will be kept in the school hall until it is safe toleave and they have been collected by a parent or designated responsible adult.RAIN STORMSAMBER SIGNAL(i)BHS will operate as NORMAL.RED OR BLACK SIGNAL(i)(ii)(iii)(iv)Before the start of school BHS will close for the whole day.After students have set off for school but before the commencement ofschool, students will be retained in their classrooms until it is safe to allowthem to proceed home.When the BHS day is in session school will continue until the end of normalschool hours and students will be retained until conditions are safe for themto return home.If the red or black rain storm warning is still in place at 4.00pm all busesincluding private mini-buses will be cancelled for the day. If the buses arecancelled parents will need to organise for the collection of their studentswhen it is deemed to be safe to do so. Students will be kept safely at schooluntil they are able to be collected. Under no circumstances will students beput on buses or released without a parent or designated adult to collect themduring red or black rain storm earningsNo buses will operate during Red or Black rainstorm warnings.ALL STAFF should be at school as normal during amber or red rainstorm warnings. It theBlack Rainstorm warning or Typhoon 8 Signal is lowered before 12pm, staff should maketheir way to school provided it is safe to do so.THE SAFETY AND WELFARE OF BHS STUDENTS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR.32

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Rainstorm Warning (for students)The Amber, Red, Black warnings are independent of other warnings e.g. landslip or typhoonwarnings.RainstormSignal HoistedBefore leaving home School open School closed School closedDuring school hoursClasses continueas normal Remain in school Remain in schoolTyphoon WarningTyphoonSignal HoistedNo 8 or aboveBefore leaving home Classes continue School closedDuring school hours Classes continue Remain in schoolPlease always refer to the school website (www.beaconhill.edu.hk) or ESF site(www.esf.edu.hk) for the most updated information during bad weather.SMS alerts may also be sent to parent mobile phone numbers we have onrecord.33

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Home and School LinksA child spends more time out of school than in it and so parents are their first and mostimportant teachers. Learning begins with the child’s first experiences. Listening and talkingare a vital part of all learning and are the foundations for reading and writing. Your child’sattitude to learning, school and other people will be formed in your home - what is valuedby you will also be valued by them. There is a very strong relationship between homeencouragement and school achievement, especially in reading and writing. The co-operationof home and school working together will be of benefit to your child.Communicating with TeachersYour child’s teacher will always be happy to talk to you, but PLEASE ARRANGE ANAPPOINTMENT BY CALLING AT THE OFFICE. Remember that teachers are very busy withchildren and do not have time for lengthy discussions at classroom doors or whilst onplayground duty.If Problems Arise...........At HomeIf there is a change in your child’s life, which affects their emotional well being, please let usknow. Children’s behaviour and ability to work at school can be affected by disturbances intheir lives.At SchoolIf a problem arises, please contact the class teacher first. If assistance is still required thencontact the relevant Vice Principal (Phase Co-ordinator) or Mr. Brewster the Principal, sothat the matter can be investigated.PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOUR CHILD IS OUR PRIME CONCERNWe are eager to work with you to make their school life happy34

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13What Your Child Will Need For School• A school bag (labeled with name) from the PTA• A library bag (labeled with name) from the PTA• A lunch box and plastic drink bottle (labeled with name)• A handkerchief / tissues• A spare pair of underpants in a plastic bag in case of an accidentPreparing Your Child for SchoolTalk to them about how exciting it will be. Buy them clothing which is easy for them tohandle. Label clearly all articles, which they will bring to school. (First and surnames, withspaces for class name to be added). With 540 children in our school it is extremely difficultto trace the owners of unlabeled articles.Teach your child to:• put on and take off jumpers, shoes and socks.• tie shoelaces and do up buttons.• recognise and care for their own belongings.• open and close their school bag.• differentiate between break food and lunch.• unpack and eat their break and lunch.• put their rubbish in the bin.• make their needs known by raising their hand.• use and flush the toilet without assistance.• cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze.• notice when their face and hands are dirty and wash them.• use a handkerchief / tissue and put it away when not in use.• sit still and listen attentively when being spoken to or read to• talk about pictures in books.• answer and ask questions.• share and take turns.• care for toys and books.• finish a task and tidy up afterwards.• carry out simple instructions.• greet friends and adults by name.• say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.35

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13On The First DayPlease do not arrive too early. A long wait may be upsetting for your child. Be positive andencouraging. Show enthusiasm about school and assure your child that you will be waitingat the end of the day to listen to all they have done.Be prepared to ‘let go’ when they are taken to their classroom. If you are upset don’t letthem see this or sense tension in your voice - they will only become upset too. If they cry orcling to you, leave immediately and they will soon settle down.Be on time to collect them in the afternoon. Your child will worry if you aren’t there to greetthem and ask about their day.Food at SchoolDo not give your child too much food as Year 1 children become distressed if they cannoteat all that has been packed for them. Snack packed separately from lunch will avoidconfusion at eating times. In the first weeks, don’t worry if all the food you have packed isn’teaten.Remember to pack a healthy lunch and snacks as sweets and treats do not support brainpowerand learning.As we have several students who have severe reactions to nuts and nut products, we do notallow nuts or products containing nuts into school. Please consider this when packing snacksand lunches.We do not allow children or their parents to bring in cakes, candies or goodies to share withtheir friends for birthdays or celebrations as this usually causes disruption to the day’slessons.Remember Children Need• no unrealistic and stressful demands made on them.• constant support and encouragement to face new situations.• praise to develop self-confidence.• opportunities to do things for themselves.• special jobs at home to help develop independence and a sense ofresponsibility36

Parent Information Booklet 2012 - 13Make sure your child knows how to travel to and from schoolsafelyKeep your child safe on the way to and from school or the bus stop. Walk this routetogether several times and point out .....SAFE ROAD CROSSINGSCross hereLook both ways for approaching trafficDRIVEWAYSWatch out for cars reversing orturningFOOTPATHSThey’re the safest place to walkDIRECT ROUTETell your child to go directly to and fromschool. Don’t stop to play or explore.BUS STOPStay off the road and keep close to the bus stopCross the road after the bus has left.Remembering to look both ways for traffic.A Final NoteWe hope this booklet has provided you with lots of useful information andwe look forward to getting to know you and your child.37