Message from the Principal

A Great Start

Dear Parents

It has been a really positive start to the new school year as we welcomed back all our existing and new students. It was wonderful to see our 300 new Year 7 students start their KGV journey. Their faces beamed with a mixture of excitement, anticipation and nervousness as they paraded up our front steps into our historic hall for the first time as KGV students. It is truly a privilege to be the Principal of KGV and be given the opportunity to partner with our students, parents, teachers and community as we ensure all our students engage in ‘remarkable learning to be the best they can be.’

I had the opportunity to talk to all students at year level assemblies across the morning. I spoke about change, jobs of the future and making the most of opportunities that lie ahead. I also spoke about the challenging times right now in Hong Kong, and how as a community we need to acknowledge the reality of the current situation and the feelings that this may cause. I focused on our three KGV School values of:

Honesty – we are truthful, respectful, fair and authentic;
Courage – we are brave, bold and do what is right;
Resilience – we are all learners and never give up.

I also acknowledge that our students will be reacting in different ways to what is happening and some may be feeling a mixture of uncertainty and anxiety. We can all play a role in supporting our young people and providing as much as possible, a sense of normality and routine.

The following suggestions may be helpful as we work together to support ‘your child, our student’:

• Reassure them that they are safe and the family and school is here to support them
• As much as possible, maintain a normal routine with extra-curricular and sport activities proceeding, if feasible
• Provide opportunities for them to talk and share their feelings about what is happening
• Let them know it is ok to be upset and concerned, and this is a normal reaction
• Continue to provide opportunities for physical exercise and family time together.
• Keep an eye on the media and the news that they are watching and whether you think the content and volume of information is appropriate
• Let us know if you have concerns and if you would like us to help. We have counselling services at school that our students can access and talk things through in a non-judgemental and supportive way.
• Look after yourselves, as it is a challenging time for our community and increased stress can cause fatigue and increase the chance of illness.

As a school we will do our best to focus on student learning and wellbeing. We will also do all we can to ensure the safety of our students whilst at school and during extra-curricular activities. We will continue to do all we can to work with our parents and community to support our remarkable students.

Kind regards

Mark Blackshaw
Principal
King George V