Page 8 - Demo

Values in Action and Learning Systems Report Values In Action
Value In Actions (ViA) is the term we use for all the out-of-class opportunities for students that help them to become more rounded and engaged individuals. The Third Curriculum is where students put our school values into action and become active members of our school, our community and the world around them. It is their chance to ‘Make a Difference’.
There were many challenges that the South Island School community had to endure this year. The Values in Action curriculum was one of the areas that was unfortunately impacted by the difficult situation in Hong Kong. Our community remained strong, resilient, and agile throughout this period and should be commended for all of our efforts. There were some amazing highlights of the students who showcased their talents by participating, performing and/or volunteering to make a difference. One of the main highlights was again ‘Making a Difference’ week, where our 1400 students participated in one of 35 trips to develop their own skills and help, both locally or globally, to make themselves, and the world better. It is always wonderful to hear the students’ special stories when they return. However, often the most memorable stories from students at SIS are not always the moments on an extravagant trip, but are the ones on a sports team, a production cast, or an orchestra that are the simple, spontaneous memories that will be cherished for the rest of their lives.
Learning Systems
The learning systems that are intended to quietly support, behind the scenes, all the learning that occurs at SIS were suddenly thrust to the forefront this year due to the unusual circumstances of distance learning. Things like digital technology, e-resources, bespoke timetables, ESF App development, e-payment and communication suddenly became essential in the daily operation of a virtual school. It was great to see that staff and students alike embraced technology in classes and were able to engage so actively using the likes of Zoom, Padlet, Pear Deck, and Google Applications for example. The teaching and learning seamlessly continued by following the normal timetable--only the students weren’t physically onsite.
Another highlight of the year was the development and the rollout of the ESF App. This App was an essential communication tool for emergency notifications, two-way communication flow and return to site preparation. In the future, the School and the English Schools Foundation, as a whole, will have the ability to notify all parents quickly through the App to their mobile device. The new App will also be essential by fully utilizing the new e-payment system which will streamline efficiency for all stakeholders.
It was a highly unusual year this year with many of our activities ultimately being postponed or cancelled due to health and safety concerns. I look forward to seeing when SIS can once again return to some normality and return to the ways of the old by doing all the fantastic things that we previously did. However, I would also like to see the continuation of the amazing things that we learned and changed during this unusual period and make the school an even better place.
Darin Slethaug
Vice Principal
Values In Action & Learning Systems
8 School Report