26 Feb
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For this Week
ESF Commitments
Early Years Connect- February issue
Mid-Year PRD Chats
ESF Wellbeing - Collecting staff and student voice
- Upcoming Parent Webinar: Sleep
- Child Protection Resource - Against Child Abuse (ACA)
- Celebrating Neurodiversity at RCHK & ESFC!
- ESF HR Roadshows
- Staff Calendar
Morning everyone. We have several updates/ messages from ESFC. Please give it a read and take note of the information shared.
For this Week
K1 PTCs
Monday (PM) - HKCA PLK KG visit, ESF Explorer New Senior Teacher, Valarie Lagarde, visits
Tuesday - Glenealy School K2 to Y1 visit all day, (PM) HKCA PLK KG visit
Thursday - Peak School K2 to Y1 visit, K2 author visit
Friday - K2 author visit
ESF Commitments
ESFC has initiated several working groups and initiatives lately. As a result, you may have noticed that we are attending more meetings than usual. One of the groups that Laura and I are actively involved in is called "Inclusion Evolution," where we focus on improving inclusion practices across the foundation. Kindergarten reps' main aim is to ensure that all the kids who start their ESF journey in K1 continue all the way through to K13. Once they're in, we want them to stay with us!
We also have the ESF Senior Leadership Conference coming up on 14 & 15 March, so Laura, Brenda and I will have to attend on both days.
Unfortunately, these working groups require time away from school, which I'm already struggling with the limited hours in a day, but I know it's all about making positive changes that will benefit the children.
Lastly, I wanted to give a big shout-out once again to all the amazing Hillside presenters at the recent EY conference. I hope everyone, whether you were presenting or participating, had a positive experience networking and took away some valuable insights from the event. I want to give a special mention to Brenda for her invaluable support and preparation for the keynote and plenary sessions. It was a massive undertaking, and I know it had its frustrating moments, but your hard work was truly appreciated.
Let's not forget that the visitor requests we receive are a testament to the great work we're doing here at Hillside. We are making a difference! 💪🏼💪🏼
Early Years Connect - February issue
This month, we explore:
Reflections from the Early Years Conference and the cognitive tensions we may encounter
What the many possible forms of teacher action may be following professional learning
The dichotomy between planning THE play vs planning FOR play
Studio for Playful Inquiry
The great work Mind HK is doing and how you can get involved, especially if you’re a nature lover!
Check out the Feb issue here.
Mid-Year PRD Chats
With the busy schedule, we will have to spread out the meetings with me. Teachers, please use this link to schedule a check-in session with me any time before Easter https://calendly.com/audrey-tang
Let’s revisit the goals from the beginning of the year:
- Home-school partnership
- Personal-wellness
- Colleague-support
EAs, I know Laura and Brenda are setting aside days during the last week of term to catch up with you. You will receive a separate email for the timeslots.
ESF Wellbeing - Collecting staff and student voice
Across ESF the wellbeing network will collect student and staff voice in relation to Wellbeing. This provides an excellent opportunity to hear from our school community about what matters to them and to highlight aspects that might not ordinarily be shared.
Participation is optional. Responses will be used to create short recordings that will be shared on the April 8th CPD day and other wellbeing events.
Staff Survey - Gathering Educator Voice: This survey invites educators to answer one or both of the following questions:
- 'What is one piece of wisdom you would like your students to know (and remember!)?"
- "What is the most important thing for your wellbeing right now?
The deadline for completing the survey is Friday, March 8th.
Upcoming Parent Webinar: Sleep (March 14th | 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm)
ESF is excited to announce an upcoming webinar on Sleep for ESF parents and families - Lights Out, Sweet Dreams: a Practical Webinar on Sleep for Parents and Caregivers. Registration Link
This webinar will be delivered by ESF Educational Psychologists Dr Rachael Edwards and Dr Steff Ho.
Please see the enclosed flyer for more information. This information will be shared with ESF parents via the ESF App. We would also welcome your support in sharing this with any families during PTCs who need support with this. Colleagues are also welcome to sign up and attend!
Child Protection Resource - Against Child Abuse (ACA)
ACA was established in 1979 as the only non-governmental organisation specialising in child protection. As part of our last CPO meeting, ACA presented and shared information on their parenting support courses.
If any parents reach out for support regarding family issues, we now have a brochure in Chinese with information on the ACA hotline and parenting support courses.
As always, if you suspect something, please raise it with Audrey and Laura before communicating and sharing this with parents.
Celebrating Neurodiversity at RCHK & ESFC!
Remember Dr. Liz Angoff CPD on Using Neuro-affirming language at school in February? As we continue to highlight the importance of recognising and celebrating neurodiversity as of paramount importance in schools, come and be part of an inspiring journey as we celebrate Neurodiversity Week this coming March! Join us for a series of engaging events, thought-provoking workshops, and eye-opening experiences that will transform your perspective on neurodiversity.
Workshop with Jonathan Mok: Foster Understanding and Acceptance
Invisible disability: Seeing the unseen - What does neurodiversity mean for everyone? What are the roles for neurotypicals? Learn more from Jonathan Mok, a committed advocate for neurodiversity, having been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD at the age of 37.
- March 12th 2024 (Tuesday)
- 4.30-5.30 (English session) | 5.30-6.30 (Cantonese session)
- ESFC
ESF HR Roadshows
ESF HR is conducting roadshows/ school visits for various workshops. Hillside dates are set for two of the workshops.
Date: Wednesday, March 20th (lunch meeting).
Title: Dignity and Respect
Description: This session focuses on fostering a culture of respect and effective communication. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical skills to address harassment, combat bullying, navigate tone in communication, master professional email etiquette, and understand the various ways to escalate concerns. By addressing these interconnected topics, participants will be equipped with the tools necessary to promote positive and inclusive communications with colleagues or parents.
Date: Wednesday, May 8th (lunch Zoom option) or Tuesday, June 4th (in person at Bradbury Hall after school)
Title: 2024 ESF Flexible Benefits and MPF
ESF has selected Bupa to be ESF's medical and dental insurance provider, effective summer 2024. There will be a cross-kindergarten Zoom on May 8th (lunch meeting) and an in-person option at Bradbury on June 4th after school.
ESF HR will have more communications in Term Three to educate people about the move to Bupa.
Upcoming Dates
Please check our internal calendar below, as we might forget to remind everyone of odd dates. We will continue to add events to the calendar as soon as it's confirmed. Here's the full 2023/24 Calendar
Thank you!
