Hillside News 7 September 2020
Hillside Kindergarten’s latest newsletter is now available to read.
Important Dates
Click HERE for the Full Hillside Calendar and instructions to subscribe.
| 1-30 September | K1, Y1 ESF Central Applications |
| 19-23 October | Term Break |
Head of School’s Message
Dear Parents
We are so excited about the news of children being able to return back to school very soon! Following the EDB announcements, we have had internal discussions across ESF, and are working on our Return to School plan at the moment. We are looking at safe ways to have all children in school and any resources and new strategies we will need to have in place to maximise safety, wellbeing and learning. Once our plans are approved by EDB, we will share details with you, so please bear with us in the interim. We anticipate being able to share the details with you on Wednesday but as a heads-up, we are anticipating a quick turnaround time.
At this time, we can confirm that:
- Commencing 16 September schools may have up to ⅙ of their children in school for ‘special events’ such as orientation for a short period of time
- Commencing 29 September all children may return to school
In the meantime, distance learning will continue, and our plan was to build-up our capacity as the children adjust to this new model of learning. We are continuing to refine and enhance our distance learning provision and will be seeking parental feedback along the way. Based on the parent survey feedback from the last term, we have shifted the focus of distance learning from the heavy slide deck content to more synchronous live zoom sessions instead. These zooms are where the core of teaching and learning will take place and where teachers will build relationships with children and make regular observations to inform our future planning. Therefore, these daily class zooms are essential for learning this academic year.
The most recent enhancements include the small group class zooms and live weekly sports sessions. Given the impending return to school, these will be the final enhancements for this distance learning cycle.
Campus Cleaning and Disinfection
To ensure that the proper environment is provided for students and staff, we have completed a deep cleaning along with antimicrobial and antiviral fogging of the entire school campus in August. In addition to this initial work, our front line cleaning staff have been allocated to undertake daily cleaning and regular disinfection across our campus throughout the day. This will continue as classes resume on campus.
ESF App Transition
In preparation for the return to school. We encourage parents to download the ESF App as soon as possible. Parent Guide HERE. The main purpose of the App is to:
- Record daily temperature checks at home;
- Health declarations;
- Communicate messages in the quickest possible time frame to class groups, year groups and the whole school;
- Link you to your child’s portfolio;
- Link you to the school website for any additional information you need.
We will progressively add links to enhance the use of the app. However, the best way to communicate 1:1 with your child’s teacher remains a normal email.
Lastly, here’s a helpful website for some tips: http://covid19parenting.com/#/tips
Thank you and kind regards
Audrey
Head of School
Inspiring Futures
In accordance with our Personal Data Handling Policy, ESF Hillside and English Schools Foundation may place your child’s photos, name, school work, activities and accomplishments in our newsletters or other publications (including but not limited to our websites and social media sites). If you would like to opt-out, please email the school office at kinder@hillside.edu.hk.
