Guidance and Support

Guidance and Support

The House System

Any child joining Island School will be placed in one of six Houses: Da Vinci, Einstein, Fleming, Nansen, Rutherford or Wilberforce.

The House system dates back to Island School’s beginning in 1967, the Houses are what alumni, of all generations, affectionately remember as The Spirit of Island School. The House represents a family within the whole school community. For new students it is the central point of reference for all that they do. The House group is also their form group for many courses in Years 7 and 8. It is often the main friendship group throughout the school and the group in which many sporting, artistic and academic activities are undertaken. The House staff – Form Tutors and the Senior Heads of House – will be the first point of contact for parents and the people who get to know individual students best from their arrival to writing university references and beyond.

Da Vinci House Einstein House Fleming House Nansen House Rutherford House Wilberforce House

Da Vinci House

Named in honor of Leonard Da Vinci, an Italian Renaissance; polymath, painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, cartographer, botanist, and writer whose genius, perhaps more than that of any other figure, epitomised the Renaissance humanist ideal.

Charity Connection – Cross Roads Foundation
Da Vinci supports the Cross Roads Foundation a charity that connects people, goods and services and promotes fair trade.

Head of House: Stephanie Marmagne, stephanie.marmagne@online.island.edu.hk

Einstein House

Named in honor of Albert Einstein a remarkable German scientist who developed the theory of relativity and sparked a revolution in physics. He was considered one of the most influential scientists of the 21st century and he also received the 1921 Nobel Prize for Physics.

Charity Connection – Katja House

In 1997, Island School started fund raising to buy a piece of land near Kathmandu in order to build an home for a group of orphans who were being sponsored but who had nowhere permanent to live. Katja House opened in 2001. Since then hundreds of Island School students have made the most of the opportunity to work with the 53 children living there. Nepal is one of the poorest countries in the world and the levels of deprivation and poverty that many people face in their day to day lives is unimaginable to those living in thriving economies such as Hong Kong. Katja House aims to support the children in its care from primary school through to tertiary education, providing a caring and safe environment that permits the children to grow into successful and happy adults.

Einstein Valentine’s Week
Einstein House holds the majority of its charity events in the week of or the week closest to Valentines Day. The Year 12 charity event leads our charity focus with the Valentine Delivery, alongside this a whole host of other fundraising events take place, from noodle sales to competitions and bake sales.

Head of House: Mr. Paul Harries, paul.harries@online.island.edu.hk

Fleming House

Named in honor of Sir Alexander Fleming a Scottish bacteriologist and Nobel Prize winner, best known for the discovery of penicillin. In 1928, while studying influenza, Fleming noticed that mould had developed accidentally on a set of culture dishes being used to grow the staphylococci germ. The mould had created a bacteria-free circle around itself, and after experimenting further, the active substance was named penicillin. Fleming wrote numerous papers on bacteriology, immunology and chemotherapy. He was elected professor of the medical school in 1928 and professor of bacteriology at the University of London in 1948. He was elected fellow of the Royal Society in 1943 and knighted in 1944. In 1945 Fleming, Florey and Chain shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

Source: BBC History website

Charity Connection – Feeding HK.

Every year Fleming holds a fundraising week, raising money for Feeding HK a charity dedicated to redistributing surplus food to people in need. Every Fleming form makes a contribution. The whole week was made up of creative and enjoyable fundraising activities ranging from a “Sponge the Teacher” event to a sponsored fast.

Head of House: Mr. Paul Atkinson, paul.atkinson@online.island.edu.hk

Nansen House

Named in honor of Fridtjof Nansen – a zoologist, athlete and adventurer. While a research professor at the University of Oslo, Nansen published six volumes of scientific observations. He led several oceanographic expeditions into polar regions. When the first world war started he became increasingly interested in international political affairs.

Charity Connection -
The whole of Nansen House gathers each year to participate in the biathlon. The Nansen biathlon is in remembrance of Amy Coxall and Gui Vezzaro, who both sadly passed away in 2010 and it is an event to raise money for our chosen charity;

Baiwan Community Island School supports the Baiwan community by fundraising for facilities, taking donations of clothes and toys and by teaching in the local schools. Current issues being tackled include breakfast and lunch clubs, to ensure the children have a healthy diet, and supporting learning through secondary to tertiary education.

Head of House: Ms. Melanie Newby, melanie.newby@online.island.edu.hk

Rutherford House

Ernest Rutherford ( 1871 –1937) was a New Zealand-born British physicist. In early work he discovered the concept of radioactive half-life and later won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In 1907 Rutherford and Thomas Royds proved that alpha radiation is helium nuclei. He is widely credited with first “splitting the atom” in 1917 in a nuclear reaction between nitrogen and alpha particles, in which he also discovered (and named) the proton.

Charity Connection – ImpactHK

Rutherford House supports ImpactHK, a charity that supports people experiencing homelessness in Hong Kong.

Head of House: Ms. Karen Coulson, karen.coulson@online.island.edu.hk

Wilberforce House

William Wilberforce is remembered today mainly for his long parliamentary campaign for the abolition of the slave-trade. The Act of Parliament for Abolition finally became law on 25 March 1807. Wilberforce students should take inspiration from his dogged stance, standing up for what is morally right.

Charity Connection –
Wilberforce House has an annual Charity Week where every Form holds different fundraising events as well as a whole House fundraiser. The Wilberforce Walk has raised thousands of dollars for their designated charity.

Wilberforce House supports the - Chicken Soup Foundation

The Chicken Soup Foundation provides education and health services to those that need it in Hong Kong

Head of House: Ms. Laura Hjelmeland, laura.hjelmeland@online.island.edu.hk

Specific Roles

The Senior Heads of House will have a depth of understanding of the broad needs of each child and will develop a close relationship with both student and parents. Each student is placed within a tutor group. The Form Tutor is a House member who supports and guides students, both socially and academically, on a day to day basis.

Wellbeing

The wellbeing of children is very important, which is why we have created a curriculum through which students gain the knowledge and skills they need to help manage their lives.

In Years 7&8 students look at topics such as Wellbeing and Identity.
In the Middle School, students have lessons every week on issues such as self esteem and risk.
Targeted lessons concentrate on specific issues at key points in students’ development. For example, in Year 9 there is a Sexuality and Relationships programme and in Year 10 there is a Drugs and Alcohol education programme. This often involves guest speakers.
In Years 12&13 students start a programme which includes sessions on mindfulness, stress management and life beyond school.

We view wellbeing as a whole school responsibility that extends to every member of the community and underpins our core values.

Communication

The Guidance Team welcomes regular communication with parents to ensure that students are happy and successful at school. The main points of contact at school should be; the Form Tutor, the Heads of House and Pastoral leaders Beth Hall and Angela Worthington.

Counselling

We recognise that as children grow up they can face problems which are more easily solved if they are able to speak with someone in confidence. For this reason, in addition to House Staff, we have counsellors available. Students are sometimes referred by House Staff but they may also self-refer by contacting a counsellor directly.

Kate Yu is a full time Counsellor on site and available to students Monday-Friday. We are also fortunate enough to have part-time counsellors to allow for greater student support. All counsellors can be contacted using the following email, counselling@online.island.edu.hk

Child Protection

The English Schools Foundation believes that every school community should work collaboratively to protect and promote the welfare of every child. In line with this, we believe that children have the right to learn and can only reach their full potential in a safe environment, free from fear of any form of physical or emotional intimidation.

Beth Hall and Angela Worthington, are responsible for coordinating all matters regarding child protection in the school.

The Island School Code Behaviour Code

What are the expected behaviours at Island School?

Conduct and relationships

Everyone should always be courteous and polite to all school community members.
Everyone should use appropriate and inclusive language.
Everyone should be treated with kindness and respect.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following activities are forbidden and will lead to serious consequences:

Bullying of any kind
Excessive displays of affection
Vandalism, including the writing of graffiti
Substance misuse
Gambling
Truancy
Theft
Physical misconduct, such as fighting
Substance misuse such as vaping, smoking, consuming alcohol or other illegal substances

Attendance

Students are expected to attend school every day, and 85% attendance is a condition for graduation from Island School. If there is a reason why a child is unable to attend school, parents notify the school via the ESF App. Tutors, Heads of Year/ House, and the Wellbeing Vice Principal closely monitor absences. Termly notifications are sent to students and parents with below 85% attendance, and appropriate support is implemented to help students improve their attendance.

Island School Attendance Policy

Arriving and leaving school

Students must arrive on campus by 7.55 am and are expected to be ready for registration or assembly at 8 am. Students are dismissed at 3 pm, though many remain on campus for extracurricular activities. All students must leave campus by 4.30 pm unless they are part of an activity supervised by a staff member.

As part of Island School’s commitment to sustainability and our ongoing effort to reduce the local impact of our operations, we have implemented a mandatory no-private-car use policy. This means that no private cars can be used for drop-off or pick-up of students on Borrett Road.

Students are not allowed to leave the school premises during the school day without permission.

Occasionally, students must leave school early due to medical or personal appointments. To be dismissed, students must present the early sign-out form to the security guard, which needs to have been signed by their Tutor.

Lateness

Suppose a student is late to school on three or more occasions within two weeks without extenuating circumstances. In that case, a consequence should be arranged, in consultation with the Head of House/Year. This may involve staying on a Friday afternoon, or early sign-in (7:45 am) for one week.

Between lessons students are expected to:

Move purposefully and safely from one lesson to another.
Not delay their journey with unnecessary actions..
Place litter in the appropriate bins (general/recyclable waste).
Walk sensibly and keep to the left in corridors and staircases.
Not shout or yell when walking around the school site.
Not lean out of windows or ledges.
Not play with balls unless in a designated area.
Not to buy food from the canteens in changeover times (Y12 and Y13 may buy food during free periods)

Use of Lifts

Students are not permitted to use the school lifts. An exception will be given on a temporary or permanent basis if students need to use the lift, and students will be issued a lift pass by their Head of Year/ House or by the Nurse. If a student needs help from another student in carrying a bag, this will be indicated on the lift pass. The Head of House/ Year or Nurse will be responsible for evaluating if this is necessary.

During lessons, students are expected to:

Inform their teacher if they are unable to attend a lesson for any reason
Arrive on time
Sit in the seating plan the teacher has implemented.
Bring the necessary equipment to each lesson.
Listen carefully to staff instructions.
Complete tasks to the best of their ability.
Take responsibility for their learning.
Not disturb the learning of others.
Treat everyone with respect.
Leave the room quietly.
Leave the room in an orderly manner.

Breaks/lunchtime

Students are not allowed inside classrooms during breaks and lunchtimes unless they participate in a supervised activity. This rule may be changed in inclement weather.
Ball games are allowed in safe areas such as the Astroturf, Sports Hall and rooftop courts. Ball games should not be played in corridors in the courtyard.
There is a rota for use of the Astroturf and students are expected to stick to the rota.
Laboratories, workshops, and other specialist rooms, which contain expensive or dangerous equipment, should not be entered by students when a teacher is not present.
Electronic equipment or teacher laptops left in the classrooms or teacher workspaces, such as offices, should not be touched under any circumstances, except when directed by a staff member.

Eating arrangements

Students may drink water during lessons unless it is unsafe to do so. However, students are not allowed to eat or chew gum during lessons. Chewing gum is not permitted anywhere on the school premises.
Students are expected to refill water bottles between lessons and not to leave lessons to do this.
Students may eat in the canteen area and on picnic tables around the school. Students must return their used cutlery and crockery to the canteen. Students are not allowed to eat inside the classrooms.
‘Energy’ drinks such as Red Bull or Monster Energy are prohibited in school.
Students are not permitted to have food delivered to school during the school day. If they are staying late on campus for an activity, they must have a staff member’s permission to order food to be delivered to school.

Uniform

Students in Years 7-11 are expected to wear the correct school uniform as explained here.
Years 12 and 13 are exempt from wearing the school uniform. However, students must maintain a clean, tidy, and smart-casual appearance.
For PE, Years 12 and 13 must wear the Island School PE uniform. Students should ensure that what they wear allows them to engage in their learning fully and, that they can do so safely. Some lessons require moving around, and clothing choices should enable students to do that comfortably. In addition, some specialist areas of the school have health and safety requirements around dress code. For example, in Science Labs, students must wear closed-toed shoes, and long hair should be tied back.
Students are allowed to wear jewellery to school, but it must not interfere with their learning, and they must be safe while engaging in activities in school. For example, students may be asked to remove jewellery for PE lessons or when working in a laboratory.
Whilst wearing the school uniform outside of the school grounds, students represent the values of Island School to all members of the community and the public and should be conscious that they represent the school.

Personal belongings in school

Every student has a lockable Island School locker, and they are encouraged to store their belongings inside their locker. Island School lockers are the school's property, and staff can open lockers anytime.
Students are advised not to bring expensive items to school. The school cannot accept responsibility in cases of loss or theft of property.
Students are not allowed to bring the following to school: knives, toy guns or other dangerous items; skateboards; cigarettes; matches and lighters; alcohol; or hazardous or illegal substances.

Mobile phones and other personal devices

Balanced and Responsible Use of Digital Devices Policy

Laptops

Students are expected to bring their laptops to school each day.
Their laptops should be fully charged overnight for use in lessons.
Students should close their laptops when instructed by their teacher to do so.
During lesson times, students should only use their laptops to complete the tasks assigned to them for that lesson.
Students should not use their laptops at break and lunchtime unless permitted in a designated learning space (Library and Senior Learning Hub).

Mobile Phones

A student is not required to have a smartphone and will not need one as part of learning activities. If students can use their smartphones as part of a learning activity, the teacher will ensure that students without smartphones are not disadvantaged.

It is recommended that students keep their phones in their lockers during the school day. Alternatively, they may be kept in their bags but should be switched off, unless used for educational purposes in agreement with the teacher.

Y7-11 Students:

Phones should not be used between classes or at break and lunchtimes.

Y12 and Y13 Students:

Phones may be used briefly between lessons and during break times for organisational purposes and essential communication.
Students should model responsible and balanced use of devices to other students, especially younger students.
Phones should only be used when such use will not cause a risk to others.

Headphones

Island School is a community, and the ability to greet each other and to interact as we move around campus is an integral part of our school values. Therefore, students are not allowed to wear headphones while walking around campus. If a student has permission to do so as part of their support plan, they will have a headphone pass they can show to staff.

What happens if a student is misusing their phone or headphones?

A staff member will confiscate them, and the student may collect them from the General Office at the end of the school day. Students who persistently and inappropriately use phones or headphones will be asked to hand them in before registration every day.

How can parents/caregivers support?

Ensure your child understands the school policy.
Do not contact your child via mobile phone during the school day. If you need to share an urgent message with your child, please contact the General Office, who will help to share the message.

Respectful Relationships and Anti-bullying

Public Photos / Files - Picture 1

Every student at Island School has the entitlement to enjoy life at school, free from the sort of behaviour classed as bullying, and we support Island School students in having respectful relationships.

We define bullying as wilful and persistent behaviour which results in someone being physically or emotionally hurt, threatened, frightened or humiliated.

All reported cases of bullying are taken seriously and dealt with appropriately, which may include suspension or expulsion in cases of severe or persistent bullying.

In respectful relationships, we see:

Fairness and honesty
Kind and inclusive behaviours
Discussions where all contributions are valued
Awareness of and sensitivity to others’ feelings

With bullying, we see:

The intention to cause distress or harm
Repeated patterns of behaviour
An imbalance of power
A breakdown in the positive and respectful relationships expected at Island School

How the School Supports Respectful Relationships and Anti-bullying

Students are taught about respectful relationships and anti-bullying as part of the Thrive Programme.
Positive and respectful behaviours are recognised and rewarded in the tutor group, the House, and awards ceremonies.
Students are encouraged to be upstanders and to take positive, proactive action if they witness disrespectful behaviour or bullying.
Bullying is taken seriously and dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Parents/caregivers will always be informed and included in ongoing discussions about bullying.
Severe sanctions may be a consequence. However, we always aim to restore relationships and promote positive behaviour change and learning.

What happens if a student’s behaviour breaches this Code of Conduct?

We are committed to supporting students to demonstrate and value positive behaviours that adhere to the IS Code to exhibit positive behaviour and to value the importance of doing so. By exhibiting positive behaviour and adhering to the Island School Code, students communicate respect for our community and take responsibility for their behaviour.

Sometimes students make mistakes, a normal part of the developmental process. We are a learning community, and any work to address misbehaviour will focus on reflection and growth. Island School is committed to restorative practices that strengthen relationships between individuals and improve social connections within the school community. Consequences for misbehaviour are an essential component of restorative practice.

All staff members are responsible for supporting students to behave positively and uphold the Island School Code. Parents/caregivers are key partners in helping students to act positively and adhere to the Island School Code.

Consistent implementation helps to create a predictable environment to support student well-being. Although we have a consistent set of expectations, staff will consider the student's needs when issuing a consequence.

Consequences

Consequences are decided on a case-by-case basis, and the incident's circumstances and the student's needs will be considered. Consequences may include:

Confiscating items such as headphones
A detention at break, lunchtime or after school
Removal of privileges such as access to the astroturf, early leave arrangements for Y12 and Y13, etc.

Detentions

Detentions are issued by members of staff in the school and serve several purposes, including:

Deterring students from engaging in misconduct, promoting a more respectful and focused atmosphere.
Instilling a sense of responsibility, encouraging students to take ownership of their behaviour and decisions.
Providing a structured environment for students to complete assignments, catch up on missed work, or engage in reflective activities.
Reinforcing school rules and expectations, signalling that adherence to these guidelines is essential for a positive school environment.
Providing an opportunity for students to receive support regarding their behaviour, helping them develop better habits.

Why might a student have a detention?

These are issued when a student needs to catch up on missed work, make up for lost time or complete personalised tasks to reflect on their behaviour. The consequence might also involve service contributions to the school community and removing privileges. Consequences are designed to be productive and support the student's progress by completing tasks or reflecting on their behaviour.

When do these take place?

Detentions may be issued during break/lunch or outside the school day. If a consequence is issued outside of the school day, parents will be informed in advance, and consideration will be given to ensuring students have appropriate travel arrangements. The child’s tutor and Head of House/ Year will also be informed. Students may be asked to stay at school for up to two hours. If a consequence is issued during break/lunch, students must be given a reasonable time to eat and use the bathroom.

Internal Suspensions

Students might also be issued with an internal rather than external suspension. This means that the suspension takes place on the school site. During an internal suspension, students will not attend their timetabled lessons. Instead, they will follow a specific schedule and complete various tasks, including reflection activities. Parents will be informed of the suspension in advance.

The ESF Suspension and Exclusion Policy enforces consequences for more serious misconduct.

How are consequences recorded?

The school keeps an internal record of all consequences, such as detentions or suspensions. This is to help us plan support for students if patterns of behaviour emerge. These records do not appear in any published Island School report about the student.

Restorative Practices

Island School is committed to restorative approaches to supporting positive student behaviour. Restorative practices help to:

Develop empathy by understanding one’s impact on the community
Strengthen community and civil society
Provide an effective process for dealing with harm
Encourage respectful communication and emotional expression, restore relationships, repair harm, and develop leadership
Reduce crime, violence, and bullying and both frequency and severity of discipline issues

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Parents and caregivers are expected to:

Be informed about the behaviour and progress of their child.
Ensure their children attend school each day punctually, suitably dressed, fed, rested, equipped and ready to learn.
Inform the school if their child is unhappy or struggling at school. The tutor is the best person for parents to contact.
Ensure staff are aware of any individual needs or other personal factors which may result in their child displaying behaviour outside of the norm.
Be prepared to work collaboratively with staff to support their child.
If requested, attend meetings with staff to discuss their child and adhere to the terms of any reasonable requests for parental support.