Dear Parents,
September is here, and while Hong Kong’s weather is still holding onto its summer warmth, we’re embracing the new month as a fresh start full of energy and learning opportunities.
I have truly enjoyed getting into classrooms and seeing learning in action over the past two weeks. It’s been wonderful to witness our students settling in so well and engaging enthusiastically with their studies. Last week we had a visit from our Regional Managing Director, Stuart White, who complimented us on the school’s strong sense of happy purpose—a testament to the dedication of both staff and students.
Looking ahead, we are excited to invite parents onto campus over the coming weeks to meet with our teaching staff. Please take a look at the upcoming dates; sign-up information will be emailed to you shortly. We very much look forward to welcoming you and partnering together to support your child’s success.
Introducing New Staff to NAIS HK
Ian Gallie – Head of English
It is with great pleasure that I introduce myself as the new Head of English at NAIS HK. I bring over 20 years of teaching experience from diverse international settings, including the UK, Bermuda, and Hong Kong. Originally from Birmingham, in the UK, I have guided students through various curricula, including IGCSE and IB programmes, with a mission to help learners achieve academic excellence while connecting their studies to the world around them.
My educational philosophy is centred on engaging students through interactive and personalised learning experiences. I firmly believe in the power of guided discovery to effectively address individual learning needs and foster a deep love for English.
Having made Hong Kong my home for over a decade, I greatly enjoy exploring its vibrant culture with my wife, our three-year-old daughter, and our dog.
I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated English team to inspire and empower our students on their educational journeys, and I am excited to contribute to the NAIS HK community.
Louise Meekings-Wong – Head of EAL
My name is Louise Meekings Wong and I’m the new Head of English as an Additional Language here at NAIS HK. For over twenty years, I have dedicated my career to supporting students from diverse linguistic backgrounds in international schools around the world. My primary focus is as an EAL (English as an Additional Language) Specialist, where I help students build their English skills to confidently access and succeed in all their classes, whether they follow the MYP, IGCSE, British, American, or Canadian curricula.
My goal is always to make sure every child feels welcomed, supported, and empowered. Beyond the classroom, I love fostering a strong school community through my work with student activities such as mindful colouring and badminton. I am thrilled to return to Hong Kong where I started my teaching journey and look forward to an exciting future here at Nord Anglia.
Robert Bounous – Head of Business and Economics
I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Head of Business and Economics. Over the past two decades, I have taught and led in a variety of international school settings, guiding students through IGCSE, MYP, and IBDP programmes. My focus has always been on helping learners not only achieve academic success but also see how economics and business connect to the real world around them.
Having trained originally in business management and banking, I bring both classroom expertise and practical knowledge into my teaching. I am especially passionate about making complex ideas accessible, engaging, and relevant for young people—whether through interactive lessons, case studies, or linking topics to current events.
Outside of school, I enjoy keeping active through football and fitness, and I am a devoted Liverpool FC fan. I also have a love of languages, being fluent in English and with an intermediate ability in Chinese, which I believe reflects the global outlook I hope to inspire in students.
I look forward to working together with you to ensure our students thrive both academically and personally.
ECAs – Shane Rogers
I’m thrilled to announce that our Extra Curricular Activities (ECAs) will start on September 15th and run through December 1st! This year, we have some exciting paid provider additions that are sure to keep students busy and engaged. These new ECAs will complement the already vast array of activities offered by our hardworking and dedicated staff.
Please keep an eye out for the sign-up email coming soon!
Please note that the teacher and paid provider-led ECAs for this term are different from the sporting ECAs that have already closed for sign-up. I apologise for any confusion this may have caused.
Enrichment – Shane Rogers
The Enrichment Team is excited to share that we are finalising the numbers for all trips now that all new students have had the opportunity to sign up for this exciting week!
Please keep an eye out for final payment emails for all international trips in the coming days. Additionally, we will be sending out in the upcoming weeks important information regarding visas, packing lists, and dates for the online parent trip meetings. These meetings have proven to be valuable for parents and trip providers to share information and address any questions.
Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for a memorable Enrichment Week!
Sports/Tryouts Update - Alex Wiltshire
Season 1 of the ISSFHK started this week with our first U14 Girls Football match. Next week the following teams are in action.
Monday 1st Sept – U16 Netball
Tuesday 2nd Sept – U14 Volleyball
Wednesday 3rd Sept – U16 Volleyball
Thursday – 4th Sept – U14 Girls Football
Friday 5th Sept – U16 Netball
U14 Girls Football match report
The Kitchee FC Training Centre was the location of the U14 Girls Football Team curtain raiser against ICS on Wednesday 27th August. Bright sunshine and amazing facilities greeted the team on arrival, and the scene was set for some entertaining football. The pre-match discussion was about purposeful possession with an intention to attack at every opportunity. The girls took the message on board. Within 10 secs the score was 1-0 after a powerful run by Lou Lou and her goal bound shot deflecting into the ICS goal. The pressure and intensity from our team saw another 4 quick goals shared around amongst the team including Kaia and Alicia. At half time the score was 7-0. At half time the talk was about looking to let the ball do the work in the searing heat by passing to team mates more.
The team continued to apply pressure and threaten the ICE goal and more players getting a goal. The end result was 12-0 with Dora in goal almost always an observer.
A great start to the season.
Looking Ahead
Tuesday 16th September – Y11 Parent Meeting – The Year Ahead
Wednesday 17th September – Y7 Meet the Tutors
Thursday 18th September – Y10 Parent Meeting – Welcome to IGCSE
Wednesday 24th September – Y12/13 Meet the Tutors
Thursday 25th September – Y8 Meet the Tutors
Tuesday 30th September – Y9 Options Webinar
Best regards,
Fiona Thorndike
Head of Secondary
