West Island School Newsletter

Principal's Update Video

September was an inspiring month packed with action.

Watch the Principal’s update to relive the excitement!

Find Your Purpose, Realise Your Potential

Medical Pathways Programme Webinar offers a valuable opportunity for Year 10–12 students and parents to discuss future planning for aspiring medics. Join us on Tuesday, 28 October, at 6pm. Please register here by Friday, 24 October 2025.
ESF Sustainability Alliance is a student-led initiative dedicated to addressing environmental challenges through advocacy, raising awareness and implementing sustainability-focused projects. If you aspire to drive meaningful change, click here to apply by Sunday, 12 October 2025.
Diwali DIY Disco Ball Competition is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your creativity. Please complete this form to confirm your entry in this competition and submit your disco balls before our Diwali Ball on Friday, 17 October 2025.
ESF International Evening 2025 will take place on 14 November at Renaissance College. This event celebrates the rich diversity of cultures within the ESF community. If you are passionate about sharing and representing a culture of your choice, please sign up via this form by Sunday, 13 October 2025.
ESF Computing Conference (ESF CoCo) has been rescheduled to 25 to 26 October. This event presents a fantastic opportunity for Years 7 to 13 students to learn from experts in fields like Generative AI, Internet of Things (IoT), System Architecture (RISC-V) and more. Workshops are open for registration. For more details and to register, please visit ESF CoCo 2025 before Monday, 20 October 2025.

Have a great holiday and a happy Mid-Autumn Festival. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 14 October 2025.

Dyansty Day

Splash Bash

Dynasty teams battled it out in a fun sponge dodge activity — soaked but smiling from start to finish!

Swim Gala

Nearly 200 students dove into action at our annual Swim Gala, showcasing energy, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. The event was a celebration of participation, friendly competition and school spirit. A huge well done to all our swimmers for their effort and teamwork.

Science Experiment Challenges

Years 9–10 students worked in teams and achieved collective results. Their collaboration and team spirit in the labs has been fun and inspiring, showcasing creativity, problem-solving and scientific curiosity.

Battle of the Books

Years 7–8 students explored their English knowledge through playful quizzes and challenges, sparking curiosity and confidence in the classroom.

Inter-Dynasty Star Search Finals

The exciting finals of the Inter-Dynasty Star Search showcased the outstanding talent of our students. This year, we received over 100 entries spanning 14 diverse categories—including a newly introduced film category. Dance performances featured modern, K-pop, ballet and traditional Indian and Chinese styles. In the Originals category, participants impressed with original songs, magic acts, gymnastic routines and even stand-up comedy.

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up. Well done to our Year 12 students Ishina and Katrina and the Circle in the Water Committee for their dedicated support in this year’s Star Search.

Model United Nations (MUN)

From 27-28 September, 20 delegates from Years 8-12 represented our school at the Model United Nations at German Swiss International School. Congratulations to our award winners:

Best Delegate– Navya, Rochelle, Aastha, Jeffrey (Year 12)
Honourable mention – Reet (Year 9), Ridhima (Year 12), Caiel (Year 13)

Their achievements reflect outstanding diplomacy, public speaking and teamwork. Well done to all participants.

Year 7 English: Field Trip

Students from Dynasties HAN, MING and QING visited the Hong Kong History Museum with our English Faculty last Friday. As part of their 'Journeys' unit, they explored how Hong Kong has transformed over time through inquiry and observation.

Year 8 Physical and Health Education

Year 8 students explored how lifestyle changes impact health and wellbeing. Through creative planning and safe training practices, they designed fitness sessions to improve cardiovascular and muscular endurance, reflecting on their routines to refine them.

Year 13 IB Physics: Practical Day

On Monday, 43 of our Year 13 Physics students rolled up their sleeves for a full day of hands-on experiments as part of their IB Internal Assessments — a key milestone worth 20% of their final grade.

After weeks of planning, they brought their investigations to life, exploring everything from road bikes to musical instruments. Focused and dedicated, they now move on to the final challenge: writing up their reports. Great work, physicists-in-the-making!

Higher Education Insights: SAT

Over 95% of US universities remain test-optional, but more institutions are now requiring SAT or ACT scores, especially for honours programmes and merit scholarships. Some universities offer SAT-specific admission schemes, and strong SAT scores can be used internationally.

IBCP students are particularly encouraged to consider the SAT, as some universities require a minimum score for admission. This Thursday, 60 students from Years 11 and 12 sat the Preliminary SAT — the practice version of the SAT. Well done to our students who prepared diligently and gave their best effort.

Note: U.S. citizens who score in the top 0.5% globally may qualify for scholarships through the National Merit Scholar Program.

Sports: Girls U16A Netball

Our Girls' U16A Netball team celebrated a well-earned win with a final score of 25–20. Their commitment to representing West Island School shines through consistent training, teamwork and impressive performances.

CAS Corner

Robotics

This week’s CAS spotlight shines on our vibrant Robotics group. Students actively collaborated to design, build, and programme innovative machines — taking their ideas into competitions and showcasing hands-on learning, problem-solving, and teamwork. Their creativity and dedication highlight essential skills and a genuine passion for innovation.

Box of Hope

West Island School proudly supports the Box of Hope campaign, donating gift boxes to children aged 12–15 across Asia.

Contributions are welcome from 31 October to 14 November 2025.

Full details and packing list available here.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival

A big thank you to our dedicated parent volunteers who poured their hearts and time into decorating the school for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Their thoughtful selection of colourful lanterns and beautiful displays brought Chinese culture and heritage to life.

Upcoming Events

Diwali Ball: 17 October 2025

We warmly invite our students and families to join us for this annual celebration—a joyful tribute to the Festival of Lights. This special occasion brings our entire school community together to celebrate our rich cultural diversity and share in the festive spirit.

Date: Friday, 17 October 2025

Time: 6pm - 9pm

Location: West Island School

Tickets are available for purchase through this link.

Check out the FAQs if you would like to find out more.

PTA Coffee Morning: 23 October 2025

We are excited to invite you to our first PTA Coffee Morning of the school year, featuring a special presentation from the Maths Department. This is a great opportunity to learn how the school approaches maths education and how you can best support your child's learning at home.

Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025

Time: 9.45am - 11.30am

Location: Staff Room, West Island School

Join us to hear more about your child's Maths lessons. Please register through this link.

School Musical: 3-4 December 2025

Circle in the Water will present school musical Into the Woods Jr, showcasing our students' passion for storytelling and performing arts.

Date: Wednesday, 3 December 2025 to Thursday, 4 December 2025

Time: 6pm - 8.30pm

Location: Auditorium, West Island School

Save the date. Ticketing details will be announced before November.

Sports Day: 13 February 2026

Sports Day is a celebration of energy and excitement. We invite our students' families to witness the friendly competition and be part of the inter-Dynasty spirit as we create unforgettable moments together.

Date: Friday, 13 February 2026

Location: Wan Chai Sports Ground

Save the date. Details will be announced closer to the event.

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