Upper School Newsletter June 3 , 2024

UPCOMING EVENTS

June 3-11      Gr. 11 Exams                                          June 4           Gr 8 Community Project Exhibition      June 11-14    Gr. 9 World of Work                              June 11-13    Senior Presentations                              June 14         Senior Breakfast. 8:30                            June 14         Graduation Practice                                June 14         Graduation Parade   2:30                        June 14         Graduation  5:00pm                                June 16         Dragon Run                                            June 18         Music Festival. 1:30                              June 19         Film Festival Finals                                June 20         Grade 8 Promotion Ceremony 1:30      June 21         Last Day of School                                June 21         US Assembly                                          June 21         Whole School Assemblly

      CLICK HERE MORE PHOTOS     

PHOTOS FROM WEEK OF MAY 20

  A NOTE FROM ADMINISTRATION 

Mr. Fursey Gotuaco

Upper School Principal

THE ROAR AND THE DANCE

"I AM IMPELLED, NOT TO SQUEAK LIKE A GRATEFUL AND APOLOGETIC MOUSE, BUT TO ROAR LIKE A LION OUT OF PRIDE"

                                       John Steinbeck   

"THE ONE THING THAT YOU HAVE THAT NOBODY ELSE HAS IS YOU.  YOUR VOICE, YOUR MIND, YOUR STORY, YOUR VISION.  SO WRITE AND DRAW AND BUILD AND PLAY AND DANCE AND LIVE AS ONLY YOU CAN."

                                                                 Neil Gaiman 

There is a ROAR within all of us.  It comes from deep within our soul.  It is authentic and it has a vitality that cannot be measured.  It is an element of our personality that burns with a fierceness.  But like all fires, it needs oxygen.  Are we willing to breathe life into it?

Our roar is often buried under shame, or embarrassment, or fear, or maybe a lack of confidence.  We might hide it behind shyness or cover it with false bravado.  It might lie in our darkness... scared of the light.  But make no mistake... It is there.. smoldering.. I see it there in each and every one of our students.  

At HIS, we create opportunities for every child to find his or her roar.  We see to peel back the layers of their doubt, like an onion, until we find that which is within them and ready to propel them to greatness.  And when they are ready to release these gifts, we will see them dance for joy.

This DANCE can look different for every individual.  It is as unique as our personalities and the sound of our ROAR.  The dance might be the dance of their feet as they run a race or kick a soccer ball.  It might the dance of their hands as they paint or as they play the violin.  It might be the dance of their eyes as they read or as they analyze a problem.  It might even be the dance of their hearts as they bring enemies together to make friends.  

The DANCE is the manifestation of their inner talents that we have learned to harness.  We uncover these talents and rejoice in understanding who we are and what we can bring to this world.  Our minds might dance with ideas as we solve problems while our hearts dance with a positivity that makes the day a little brighter for others.  

We will work every day to help every child find their ROAR and watch them DANCE.  When we hear it and see it, we will then celebrate it.  

This past week we celebrated the grade 11 TOK and Extended Essay exhibitions.  

We also celebrated our grade 12s as they learned new life skills.

Last week we heard from Middle School student in NATURAL HELPERS as they found their voice by helping others throughout the school.

This week we hope to hear the roar of some grade 8s as they reveal their COMMUNITY PROJECTS.

And next week, our Grade 9s will have an opportunity to explore their World At Work.  I can't wait to see them DANCE!

And last but not least, we have our PAFA.  What an amazing group of parents who have found ways to contribute their talents to our community.  They come to us as very successful people and have taken themselves to the next level through their leadership in parent activities.  I can see how they have found their voice... their ROAR!  I can see them dancing from cheer group to cheer group; from PAFA Kitchen to PAFA Fitness to PAFA Lunch.  I hear their ROAR and see their DANCE throughout the campus.  

We are HIS and our ROAR is vibrant! 

We are HIS and our DANCE is palpable!

WE ARE HIS - HEAR US ROAR!!!

WE ARE HIS - WATCH US DANCE!!!

ITS A GREAT DAY TO BE AN HIS DRAGON!!!  

Dear parents/guardians/friends, the G8 Community Project Exhibition is tomorrow -  Tuesday June 4th, in the Theatre Foyer, from 4-6 pm.

See the amazing service actions our Grade 8 students have completed this year!

                                   HIS                                          COLLEGE COUNSELING INFORMATION     

University Counseling Tips

Understanding the Australian Universities

Undergraduate Application Process

by Iris Zhang

College Counselor

Part 2: Submitting Your Application and Receiving Your Conditional Offer

Once you've chosen your course and university, it's time to submit your application. Most universities use online application portals, such as the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Create an account, fill out the application form, and upload required documents (e.g., academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency).

In addition to your application, you may need to provide supporting documents such as academic transcripts and certificates, proof of English language proficiency, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement or motivation letter. After submitting your application, the university will review your application and send you a conditional offer letter.

This is normal, especially for students who are still completing their final exams, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams. The conditional offer will outline the conditions you need to meet to secure your place at the university, such as achieving a certain grade in your final exams. Once you've received your conditional offer, make sure to meet the conditions outlined in the offer letter. If you meet the conditions, the university will send you a formal offer letter, and you can apply for a student visa through the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs.

After receiving your formal offer, you'll need to apply for a student visa. This typically involves submitting an application to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs, providing required documents such as your passport, academic qualifications, and proof of English language proficiency. Once your visa application is approved, you'll be ready to start your studies in Australia.

UPCOMING SAT ADMINISTRATIONS

Testing for next school year is below. 

The August testing is now open for registration.

BEST UNIVERSITY YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF

We encourage students to contact one of the university counselors  with any questions about university entrance requirements. 

                  Mr. Mark Donagher     markdonagher@hisdragons.org.cn

                          Ms. Iris Zhang     iriszhang@hisdragons.org.cn

                          Ms. Carrie Sun    carriesun@hisdragons.org.cn

                     Dr. Ryan Beddows    ryanbeddows@hisdragons.org.cn

                      Dr. Monica Prieto    monicaprieto@hisdragons.org.cn

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Student Leadership is a priority here at HIS. 

Each week, we spotlight a student leader and give them an opportunity to tell you about their clubs, sports, and activities.  

Leadership Conference Experience: A Reflection on Growth and Inspiration

by Andrew Zhu

Grade 11

I and some of my classmates recently had the privilege of attending to the leadership conference to represent Hangzhou International School in such a transformative event. The conference brought together faculties and admins from diverse backgrounds and schools, all coming together by a shared passion for leadership and a desire to learn from one another.

The conference was a mutualistic tapestry of insights, ideas, and experiences, an open platform for sharing and learning. Our job is to start the presentation, but at the same time open the scope for further discussion. One of the most significant themes was the importance of empathy in leadership. As we highlighted the need for leaders to be able to connect with their team members on a personal level, use sympathy as a motivation for charity projects, and be able to show gratitude towards our own school community who supported us. One of the audience agreed with us and came to realize that effective leadership is not just about issuing orders or making decisions, but also about building trust and fostering a sense of community.

Furthermore, the HIS has provided a platform for attendees to connect and learn from each other. One of the most insightful advice we got from a teacher was to expand the impact of our club. She particularly offered us an opportunity to develop a secondary Longyin club at her school in Hong Kong. In addition, one of the attendees offered us a donation to our charity project. 

In conclusion, my experience at the leadership conference was truly enriching and inspiring. The insights and ideas we are conveying and thoughtful questions from the audience, combined with the opportunities to connect with other attendees, have left me feeling motivated to make more applicable changes to the Lonyin Club and bring it to the next level.

       UNIFORM EXPECTATIONS       

CLICK for Dragon Shop Catalogue

Middle School Uniform Guidelines 6-8

Middle Schoolers should wear tan shorts, trousers, or skirts and a navy blue polo shirt (short or long sleeved) with the HIS book logo. A navy fleece or cardigan sweater with the HIS logo or other approved outerwear such as the HIS hoodie sweatshirt can be worn in the cooler weather. All students must wear laced shoes.

High School Uniform Guidelines 9-12

High Schoolers should wear tan shorts or trousers, or plaid skirts (girls only) and a light blue Oxford cloth button down short or long sleeved short with the HIS book logo. A navy fleece or cardigan sweater with the HIS logo or other approved outerwear such as the HIS hoodie sweatshirt can be worn in the cooler weather. All students must wear laced shoes.

Students will be asked to remove outerwear (coats, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc) in lessons unless they carry the HIS logos. Students who are cold will be invited to go to the Dragon Shop to purchase acceptable HIS items. 

Families can purchase items at the Dragon Shop open 

Mondays to Fridays from 

8:05am - 2:45pm and 3:15pm - 4:00pm

For more information, please contact the Dragon Shop: olivexu@hisdragons.org.cn

                                                LUNCH                                              

See the updated lunch menu weekly and monthly as posted on the school website. 

Lunch Menu

HIS Mission Statement

We provide international learners with opportunities to pursue academic and personal excellence within a caring community.

Hangzhou International School
2190 Xiangbin Road, Bin Jiang District, Hangzhou 310052
Phone: +86 571 8669 0045
Email: news@his-china.org Website: www.his-china.org