A second round of Parent Teacher Conferences up and running, colleagues have greatly enjoyed a series of engagements typically revolving around progress made against a set of personal targets shared earlier in the year.

Next week will see the visit of two large groups of parents keen to learn more about the unique benefits of a Shrewsbury education and bring plans for the hosting of our Board of Governors to a conclusion. It will also see the continuation of an observation cycle sure to stir deeper thought in regard to the efficiency of our interactions with students.

With March now on the horizon, I can look forward too, to an upcoming engagement with Heads from across the region, during a conference hosted by the Federation of British International Schools in Asia (FOBISIA).

With the mid-week gathering of our School Management Committee prompting further reflection upon progress made in light of our Strategic Plan, it was the triumphant return of students assigned to Year 5 and 6 classes from extended residential visits this afternoon that provided a fitting conclusion to another enriching week here in Tseung Kwan O.

Next week, we can look forward to the initiation of a second round of Parent Teacher Conferences. Conversation will centre upon the set of personal targets held within Term 1 Reports and the planning of extended challenge for the second half of the academic year. It will also see the launch of a second observation cycle that will allow us to revel yet further in the pedagogical expertise of our academic colleagues.

Able to reflect upon an enjoyable and productive series of engagements with candidates for positions among the academic team for August 2025, I'll be back in Hong Kong over the weekend on the eve of our very first out-of-region residential visit. Highlights of a week spent well wrapped primarily revolve around a series of social engagements with Shrewsbury School Headmaster, Leo Winkley, Packwood School Headmaster, William Goldsmith, International Development Director, Maghin Tamilarasan, and members of the Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong Board of Governors, all of whom have given their time and expertise generously. I can be grateful too for the excellent company of school leaders from our sister schools in Bangkok.

With Year 5 and 6 students off on Residential Visits next week, campus may be a little quieter than usual on return. A mid-week meeting with the School Management Committee will keep us whirring away however, as will the delivery of a parent workshop on the subject of Chinese language learning and the resumption of our class assembly programme.

With the second half of our second term now on the horizon, we can look forward to a training day with the academic team prior to the return of students on Tuesday 4th February. Before then, I'll be off to the UK and have been told to prepare for cold weather during a visit that will centre upon the engagement of prospective teachers, keen to join our outstanding team.

Back at home, Key Stage 1 students will be gearing up for an Athletics Meet in Tseung Kwan O, our Global Goal Ambassadors will be hosting assembly and our four academic committees will be gathering to review plans for the remainder of the year. 

On return, I greatly look forward to reconnecting and to engaging more formally in the search for my successor.

Having broken up for a mid-term break yesterday, the school campus sits unusually still at the end of a week otherwise characterised by the glorious cacophony of colour and sound common to the marking of Chinese New Year. Culminating in an exceptional showcase of linguistic excellence and the hosting of hundreds of families in our Auditorium, I'd like to take this opportunity to pass on my very fondest hopes for a prosperous and enriching new year.

新年快樂

新年快乐

A particularly energising meeting with the School Management Committee followed another excellent parent workshop this week and, with Chinese New Year now firmly on the horizon, the Auditorium has been a flurry of activity too. 

Monday will see the arrival of our seasonal flower market and the gathering of parent volunteers. It will also mark the arrival of the Year of the Snake. For the many of you leaving the region for the upcoming break, I would like this opportunity to wish you well on your travels - and to all, my fondest hopes for a prosperous and enriching new year.

新年快樂

新年快乐

With students back on campus and plans for the marking of Chinese New Year in partnership with parents well underway, we have hit the ground running and can report positively upon the resumption of the many trusted routines that ensure the successful engagement of students each day.

With a first round of interviews for academic appointments also underway, plans for a return to Shopshire to finalise the makeup of our team for August are now safely in the diary. The search for my successor, meanwhile, has now begun.

Next week, we welcome the restart of our parent workshop series: Computing Coordinator, Jess Wheeler, is due to take the reigns on the subject of internet security. The School Management Committee is also scheduled to gather, shortly prior to the hosting of a first full dress rehearsal of a production that will draw upon the expertise and enthusiasm of students in Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5.

The return of students for the start of our second term now firmly on the horizon, this week has supported reconnection with our operational team and the opening of a report for Governors ahead of a meeting scheduled to take place shortly after Chinese New Year.

Next week will see the hosting of a coffee morning for parents, the hosting of a campus tour, a flurry of academic interviews and the delivery of an assembly on Chinese culture and celebration - I can't wait!

A new calendar year now on the horizon, thoughts have turned to the return of students on Monday 6th January and plans for the first half of our second term.

A trip to Shropshire now in the diary, a three-week run open with a coffee morning with parents and conclude with a flurry of events designed to mark the Year of the Snake. 

Whilst steadily working through applications from teachers keen to join our ranks in August, preparations for Christmas are now well underway in the Keeling household, with the youngest members keen to enjoy another winter season in the region.

Wherever you find yourselves, I hope you revel in the festivities of the season, surrounded by those you most cherish. 

Our annual Winter Concert and the announcement that Balsam House have taken to lead for the much-coveted House Cup this year drew another eventful term to a conclusion this week.  A restful and regenerative break ahead, I hope that students, staff and parents alike enjoy a very merry Christmas.

We return on Monday 6th January for three weeks, before marking the arrival of the Year of the Snake. Between now and then, I look forward to engaging with a select group of talented teachers keen to join our ranks for August 2025. 

Following the release of news this week, you will now be aware that this is to be my last year in the role of Principal at Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong. 

Having seen the school develop and mature over the full span of eight exceptionally eventful years, my departure presents a significant professional and personal juncture. Events upcoming now brim with significance and the months ahead are sure to test my poise. Whilst excited about the adventure ahead, I will desperately miss all that it has become.

Among the many highlights of this week, a festive performance from our youngest students stands out most prominently. Having enchanted a packed Auditorium on Thursday morning, they have set a high bar for the upcoming Winter Concert.

Next week will be our last of the current term. Marked by the delivery of academic reports, a campus tour and the gathering of our School Management Committee, five school days will lead us neatly towards a three-week long winter break.