Newsletter 23 November 2015

Posted in - Latest News

Dear Parents,

First of all a Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American Friends. Expats always feel very small and far away at traditional family and cultural times in places where they don’t celebrate our special events. I hope you are able to find enough turkey and pumpkin pie, even if  friends and relations can only be present over SKYPE.

We appreciated the turnout at last week’s Community Forum. We hold regular meetings with the community and value the opportunity to share information and receive your input on school goals and achievements.

The long awaited winter weather has finally arrived with temperatures falling and a little snow in the forecast for USA Thanksgiving on Thursday. We have a few students who need to rethink their winter wardrobe and make sure they have suitable jackets and hats for outdoor play in colder weather.

There are ongoing problems with traffic congestion and parking around the school; particularly at 3:30 on wet days with many parents coming in to collect their students. The following points will help us to minimize this problem.

  • Please do not pick up students in your car if you live within the compound.
  • If driving up past the Bungalow 10 school entrance please go up past the clubhouse first and turn around so you can collect children on the way out rather than on the way in.
  • Do not stop for collection in the middle of the road – especially if you have cars behind you – Find somewhere to park and walk back for the kids.

Today I have confirmed with HHI Management that I will be resigning my Principals’ Position at HFS and finishing over the Winter Break.   After 3 and half years I have decided it is time to get back to my family in Australia. I am proud of how much has been achieved by the school in my time here and grateful for the support of the community and staff with our many projects. HFS is an outstanding school and students here are well served by a dedicated team of capable teachers and assistants.

Colin Jones will be Acting Principal for the remainder of the school year while a new permanent principal is recruited. Scott Kearney will take over as teacher of Ottawa class.  It will be a smooth transition with nothing to be concerned about.

Other Reminders:

  • Y1-9 Winter Variety Show at the Hanmaum Center on Wednesday 9 December at 7:00pm.  Non-religious Christmas themes in some items eg Santa 
  • School Leavers.  Please let the teacher and school office know as soon as you know that your family are not returning after the Christmas Break.  This will help us with school planning and ensure your leaving documents are prepared on time
  • Parents with Concerns are encouraged to raise these directly with the relevant staff as per the guidance in the Parent Handbook