Upcoming Dates

Click to download the 2022-23 Hillside Calendar. You can also access the school calendar via the ESF App.

23 August - 2 September: K1 Induction Period

1-16 September: K2 to Y1 Mainstream Transition Application

14 September: Parent Webinar - What is the PYP? (For anyone new to PYP)

Logistics

As the K1 children complete the induction period, we anticipate that more children will be travelling on the school bus from now on, and there will be fewer non-bus children/ walkers.

On this note, please be prepared for changes or delays to your child’s bus schedule as more families are starting the bus service each day.

We are reviewing our dismissal routines and would like your cooperation to ensure a smooth home-time transition. Please follow our staff’s instructions to queue up by class and collect your child one-by-one. 

Always have your digital pick-up cards (sample attached) with you for safety reasons when you collect your child at school or from the school bus. We are still learning to recognise all the families. 

If you plan to change your child's going home arrangements, you must inform the bus company and the school Admin Team (via the app) or call us for any last-minute changes. 

If you drive your children to school, please do not park in front of the Hillside or Bradbury exit gates. Please keep in mind parking etiquette and that we are in a school zone. Be swift, and no unnecessary honking. Parking will always be problematic, given our location and limitations on Stubbs Road, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation with this request.

Principal's Message

Dear Parents

It has been lovely to catch up with all the returning children and parents the past week, and I look forward to getting to know our new children and families over the coming weeks. We have some important information to share this week, so please take some time to read through the newsletter.

Warm regards
Audrey

Separation Anxiety

Dropping off a young child at kindergarten for the first time can be an emotional experience for both the child and the parent. While some children are fully confident to say goodbye, others cry, scream, or go into a full tantrum. 

In these cases, it is important to establish a "Goodbye Routine". Talk to your child about a special goodbye ritual you will do when you leave them at school each day. Maybe it's a high-five, a double kiss, or a big bear hug. Try doing your goodbye ritual when you are practising time apart (e.g. going for a quick coffee) or even just when tucking your child into bed at night.

It might also be helpful to bring a "Transitional Object" such as a small stuffed animal, a photo, or even a smiley face drawn on their hand. These familiar items, or "transitional objects" called by child psychology experts, ease separation anxiety and help your child feel closer to you when you are absent.

Children often take their cues from trusted adults (parents and teachers). Stay upbeat, and try not to let your child see that their separation anxiety is getting to you. Instead, smile, remind them of what they can expect that day, and talk about how much fun they will have at school.

However, at the same time, don't minimise their concerns. It is essential to acknowledge their emotions. Instead of saying, "stop crying", say, "I know you're sad, but your teachers will keep you safe, and you will have fun." 

Say goodbye using the ritual you've practised, reassure your child you will be back after school, and then "Make the Break". It may feel insensitive to leave when your child is crying or begging you to stay, but lingering can backfire. Don't delay or give them "one more minute," as it can give children the misleading impression that you may be able to stay indefinitely.

- Referenced:
Very Well Family 
Raising Children Network  

If the separation anxiety persists, please don't hesitate to contact your class teacher for support.

Helpful stories and websites:

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst [Web Link]

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn [Web Link] 

Wimberly Worried by Kevin Henkes [Web Link]

Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney [Web Link]

Bye Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick [Web Link]

 

 

 

Parent Webinars

What is the PYP? (especially for K1 families and anyone new to the PYP) 

Sept 14, 2022 @1pm

In the session, our PYP Coordinator, Brenda Yuen, will talk about “What is the PYP?” and what does it look like in the early years and at Hillside? Is it just playing? Join us to learn more about our curriculum and for some ideas and activities to connect your child's learning between home and school. 

Zoom link [Web Link]

Positive COVID Cases Communication

We've had a few positive cases reported over the weekend. As such, we have reflected on this and reviewed a few of our health & safety protocols. One is our communication flow, as we want to keep our community well-informed.

Please note below:

• The number of cases will be shared with the community, but individual names will remain anonymous. 

• There will be an individual class message for the ‘concerned’ class.

• There will be a summary message for the entire Hillside community with all the cases reported for that day. 

• If there are no new cases, there will be no messages. 

The CHP will monitor the number of positive cases in each school on the same school day. If the number of positive cases exceeds their defined threshold or are considered serious cases, this might trigger an investigation with appropriate follow-up measures, including class suspension and thorough school disinfection. We continue to report this to the CHP on a daily basis. 

Please refer to this COVID Matrix for easy reference.

As our teachers may not have the latest information on school administrative matters (including COVID questions), please contact kinder@hillside.edu.hk for further assistance. The admin team will also be able to provide a more timely response whilst our teachers are in the classroom.

 

K2 to Y1 Transition Application

The ESF Admissions Team has prepared some information for our current ESF K2 parents to complete the Y1 transfer form for the academic year 2023-24.

Please click on the links below to access the information:

K2-Y1 Transfer application process for Aug 2023 Video 

K2 to Y1 Aug 2023 Presentation Slides

FAQs for K2-Y1 Allocation

We strongly encourage all parents to view the video before they submit their Y1 transfer form on Gateway. The deadline to submit the form on Gateway is 16 September 2022.

Please access this infographic as a quick summary reference.

If you have any further questions, please contact ESF Primary Admissions Team at primary.admissions@esfcentre.edu.hk