Secondary Campus Weekly Update 28 Sep 2026

Dear Parents,

As our community gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, I hope you all enjoyed a joyful and memorable weekend filled with family, friendship and tradition.

Our own school celebrations on Friday were a wonderful reflection of the significance of this special festival, with our Chinese Department leading a range of engaging activities for students and staff. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who donated mooncakes. These generous contributions were shared during our visit to a local elderly home, where students' musical performances and community spirit were greatly appreciated by the residents.

Last week also marked the conclusion of our Year Ahead parent partnership events. These evenings provided valuable opportunities to strengthen the connection between home and school, and we thoroughly enjoyed welcoming so many families onto campus. Thank you for your continued support and engagement.

We are also looking forward to welcoming parents back to school very soon for our Ryan Parke event on 4th November. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks.

This week, we are excited for our Year 11 students as they visit our Hung Hom Sixth Form Campus to explore the facilities and learn more about the opportunities available to them in the future.

For more information relating to our key dates, please see the bottom of this update.

We wish everyone a wonderful week ahead and hope you enjoy the long weekend beginning on Thursday.

Parent Teacher Conferences – Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November – Mr. Cross

This academic year, we are introducing a new approach to our Secondary Parent-Teacher Conferences, designed to give families more opportunities to connect with teachers and have meaningful conversations about their child’s progress, wellbeing and next steps in learning.

Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place across dedicated days during the school year, with different year groups allocated to each day.

All conferences will take place online, making it easier for families to attend from any location and giving teachers dedicated time for these important conversations.

As our Secondary teachers teach across different year groups, all Secondary students will learn from home on both conference days. Teachers will set appropriate learning activities for students to complete independently at home, allowing them to dedicate the school day to meeting with families.

Our first Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place in November:

Thursday 5th November
Years 8, 10, 12 and 13
8.00am – 5.00pm

Friday 6th November
Years 7, 9 and 11
8.00am – 3.30pm

We will also hold a follow-up afternoon on Wednesday 11th November, from 3.00pm–6.00pm, providing further opportunities for conversations with Heads of Year and our specialist support teams where needed. School will operate as normal for students on this day.

Bookings for our first Parent-Teacher Conferences will open on Monday 5th October on School Cloud for which we will share full instructions of the booking process at the end of this week.

Mid-Autumn Celebration Reflections:

Chinese Department – Mrs. Quan

Thank you for your continued support of our school's cultural activities. On 25 September, we held Mid-Autumn Festival assemblies for Secondary students. Through music, dance, bilingual hosting and the sharing of classroom learning, students celebrated and explored Chinese traditional culture.

The assembly opened with a piano and bamboo-flute performance of Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, followed by our MCs introducing the origins, legends and cultural significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

A violin-and-piano performance of The Butterfly Lovers and the Chinese dance performance Two-Sided Yan Xun, accompanied by bamboo flute, showcased the beauty and diversity of Chinese traditional arts. Students also demonstrated confidence, responsibility, collaboration, and leadership through their roles in performance, hosting, video production, technical support, and backstage organisation.

More than a celebration, the assembly provided a valuable opportunity for cross-year collaboration and cultural learning. Students were encouraged to reflect on the values of reunion, gratitude, and cultural heritage associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival.

We sincerely thank all students and staff involved in the preparation and delivery of the event, as well as our families for their ongoing support.

Music Visit – Mr. Sayce

As part of our Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, six student musicians visited a local senior citizens' home to perform for residents and staff. Following their successful morning assembly performance, they generously gave their time to present a second concert later that day.

The programme showcased a diverse repertoire, from Chopin to traditional Chinese folk music and contemporary Chinese compositions, reflecting both the students’ musical talents and the spirit of the festival. Residents responded warmly to the confident and expressive performances.

After the concert, students helped distribute mooncakes and gifts donated by the PTA before joining residents for games and conversation. These meaningful interactions allowed students to demonstrate empathy, respect, and community spirit while giving back to the wider community.

We are incredibly proud of the maturity, musicianship, and kindness shown by all involved. Their efforts brought joy to others and highlighted the power of music to connect people across generations.

The Year Ahead Reflections

Year 7: Mrs. Procter

Starting Strong: Building Relationships

It was a pleasure to welcome our Year 7 parents and guardians back into school for our Starting Strong: Building Relationships evening. As our second parent partnership event of the year, it provided an opportunity for parents and teachers to connect through meaningful conversation and personal pledges.

A key theme of the evening was that transition is a two-year journey and how this is a personal experience for every child. Over their first few weeks in Year 7, students have already built new friendships, established positive relationships with their teachers, and begun developing the confidence and independence needed to thrive in secondary school. They have also been learning to navigate new technologies and digital learning platforms, equipping them with the skills to make the most of the opportunities available to them throughout their secondary education.

As young people become more independent, technology plays an increasingly important role in their learning, communication, and relationships. School and home share a vital responsibility in guiding students to use technology with integrity, respect, and good judgement, ensuring it enhances their learning and wellbeing. By working together and using consistent language around expectations, values, and online behaviour, we can help students navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

Thank you to all the parents who attended and contributed to such thoughtful discussions. Strong partnerships between school and home are at the heart of a successful Year 7 experience, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Year 8: Mrs. Samtani

Trailblazers: Leading the way forward with Y8 Parents

It was so wonderful to meet so many of you at our recent Year 8 Meet the Tutor event. It was a fantastic evening, and the energy in the room clearly highlighted the strong partnership between our families and the school.

This year, our Year 8 cohort is embarking on an inspiring new annual theme: "Trailblazers: Paving the Way Forward." Year 8 is a truly pivotal year in secondary school - it is where students consolidate and build upon their Key Stage 3 foundation, establishing the academic and personal habits that will ultimately put them in the best possible position when choosing their GCSE/iGCSEs down the line.

During the event, it was brilliant to see such active engagement between parents and tutors as you worked through the slides and activities together - particularly as we reflected on how we can best collaborate to support your children through this important year.

Thank you for your overwhelming support and active participation throughout the evening. We look forward to continuing to work closely with you as we guide our Year 8s to take on greater leadership and personal responsibility, empowering them to step into their roles as true role models within our school community.

Year 9: Miss Pollard

Building Your Launchpad: A Fantastic Evening with Year 9 Parents

What a wonderful evening it was welcoming our Year 9 parents to the Building Your Launchpad event! The turnout and engagement were truly outstanding, and the energy in the room reflected a community that cares deeply about helping our students thrive.

The focus of the evening was clear: supporting our students in developing not just strong academic habits, but also their character, social skills, and willingness to try new ECAs and opportunities. Just as a rocket needs multiple fuels to launch, we explored how Academic Engagement, Leadership, ECAs & Enrichment, and Character & Wellbeing all work together to build the strongest possible launchpad for each child.

Throughout the evening, parents engaged thoughtfully with the slides and activities, reflecting honestly on where their child is flourishing and where they might need support. It was fantastic to see parents connecting with one another—discussing scenarios, sharing insights, and considering who to contact when challenges arise. The conversations were rich, and the willingness to be open about both strengths and areas for growth was genuinely inspiring.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a positive, collaborative atmosphere. Together, we're helping our Year 9 students take ownership of their journey—as the pilots of their own education, with all of us in Mission Control, ready to support them every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

There will be more information to follow in the coming weeks, so please keep an eye on our updates. We are also excited to announce that an Options Evening will take place later this year, where we will begin to consider how students will select and decide upon their GCSE/IGCSE subject choices. This will be a key milestone in their journey, and we look forward to supporting families through that process together.

We look forward to continuing this partnership throughout the year ahead.

Year 10: Miss. Schweable

Stepping It Up

Thank you to all parents who were able to attend our Year 10 The Year Ahead event! It was so great to see so many of you there, taking an active role in your child’s academic journey. The focus of the evening was to provide parents and guardians with two things: One being, what the school does to support their children, and more specifically with regards to the foundational GCSE/IGCSE year, being year 10. Giving parents important information about what GCSE/IGCSE is; looking at the roadmap with key dates and milestones for the rest of the year and what to expect from the next two years as well as what we as a school are doing to support students in all areas of their GCSE/IGCSE journey.

The second aspect of the evening was making parents aware of what they can be doing at home to support their children throughout this year. Stepping it up – is about rising to the challenge that is the new key stage that students have entered into. They need to be prepared, organised, independent and resilient to be able to succeed. Therefore, having the support and understanding from home will make the world of a difference in helping students reach their potential and ‘step it up’.

After the presentation parents followed their child’s form tutor to a class where parents themselves had to think and discuss amongst each other about the support triangle by participating in a range of activities. It was great to see parents so engaged and having thoughtful discussions around their child’s academic progress and how they can support them this year.

Thank you to everyone who attended and for the thoughtful discussions and parents' pledges that were made. I look forward to working with you and strengthening this partnership throughout this academic year.

Year 11: Miss Campbell

Finishing Strong

Thank you to all parents and guardians who were able to attend our Year 11 The Year Ahead: Parent Partnership evening. It was wonderful to see so many families engaging proactively in their child's educational journey and demonstrating their commitment to supporting them through this important year.

The evening was designed around two key objectives. Firstly, we wanted to provide families with a clear understanding of how the school will support students throughout their final GCSE/IGCSE year. This included an overview of the GCSE/IGCSE programme, key dates and milestones for the year ahead, and the range of academic, pastoral and wellbeing support available to help students navigate their examination journey successfully.

Secondly, we explored the vital role that parents and guardians play in supporting students at home. Achieving success in Year 11 requires students to be prepared, organised, independent, and resilient. By providing encouragement, structure and understanding at home, families can have a significant impact on helping students reach their full potential and truly finish strong.

Following the presentation, parents joined their child's form tutor for a workshop session focused on the support triangle. Through a series of collaborative activities and discussions, parents had the opportunity to reflect on the partnership between home, school and student, and consider practical ways to support their child's progress throughout the year. It was fantastic to see such thoughtful engagement and meaningful conversations taking place.

Thank you once again to everyone who attended, contributed to the discussions and made parent pledges to support their child throughout the year. I look forward to continuing to work closely with you and strengthening our home-school partnership as we support our Year 11 students towards success.

Introducing Our New Staff:

Mrs. Jenkins – MFL Teacher

Hello! I am delighted to have returned to NAIS HK as teacher of MFL! I hold a Master’s Degree in Applied Foreign Languages and a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages. Growing up in a bilingual French-Italian household on the French Riviera inspired a lifelong passion for languages and cultures. Since 2001, I have taught French and Spanish across primary, secondary, universities, and private language education settings in the UK and internationally.

Alongside teaching, I have worked as a professional interpreter, including assignments for Newcastle United FC and Ian Paice of Deep Purple. I have also contributed to innovative language education projects, notably Newcastle University’s award-winning Digital Kitchen initiative, and later supported trainee teachers as a PGCE Tutor.

My international career has taken me from Budapest, where I served as Joint Head of Modern Foreign Languages, to Bangkok and Hong Kong. Since 2020, I have taught across primary and secondary phases, including IB French B and Ab Initio. I look forward to inspiring students’ enthusiasm for languages and intercultural understanding.

Mr. Main – PE TLA

Hello! I am very excited to have joined NAIS HK this academic year! To begin my career, I studied a BSc in Strength and Conditioning Coaching in Plymouth, Devon, UK. Following the completion of my degree, I gained valuable experience working as an intern with the coaching staff at Plymouth Argyle FC before continuing my coaching career at Torquay United FC. During this period, I also worked seasonally as a House Parent at Millfield School in Somerset, supporting and mentoring students in a boarding environment.

Alongside my professional development, I pursued rugby at a high level, earning contracts with several clubs across the UK. An opportunity to sign for a club in Hong Kong brought me here five years ago, where I continue to play semi-professional rugby. Most recently, I achieved a career milestone by earning my first international cap for Hong Kong China Rugby.

After several years in strength and conditioning, I transitioned into education and joined Nord Anglia Education, where I now support teaching and learning across both the Primary and Secondary Physical Education departments.

Mr. Botha – Psychology Teacher

Hello! My name is Andreas Botha, and I specialise in teaching Psychology and English Language, with a grounding in the broader social sciences. My academic background includes foundational training in Communication Arts at the State University of New York, an undergraduate degree in Developmental Psychology at the City University of New York, and a postgraduate teaching qualification at Liverpool John Moores University.

My career in education began in the United States, where I worked with children from infancy through adolescence in childcare and one-to-one mentoring roles — experiences that shaped my interest in cognitive development and how children learn. While in New York, an internship with the College Board sparked a lasting interest in assessment. After graduating, I moved to Southeast Asia, where I specialised in bilingual education, academic readiness assessment, and language proficiency testing for post-16 education and university entrance.

Drawing on my background in developmental psychology and psychometrics, I use research-informed strategies to identify students' strengths, track their learning, and design clear pathways for progress.

Student Leadership Council – Miss. Teh/Miss. Kwong

SLC appointment emails for the 2026/27 Student Leadership Council have now been sent. Please check your emails to see the results. We congratulate all appointed students and thank everyone who applied and interviewed for their time, effort, and enthusiasm. We look forward to seeing our new leaders and members begin their roles in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead – Key Dates

• Thursday 1st October – Public Holiday: National Day (School Closed)
• Friday 2nd October – School Holiday
• Monday 5th October – School Reopens
• Wednesday 28th October – Young Musician of the Year Live Final
• Thursday 5th November and Friday 6th November – Parent Teacher Conferences (home-learning for students)
• Wednesday 11th November – Hung Hom Open Evening/Parent Teacher Conference Follow Up Appointments (school open to students as normal)
• Friday 13th November – Staff CPD Day (school closed to students)
• Wednesday 18th November – Battle of the Bands Final
• Wednesday 2nd December – Secondary School Winter Concert
• Friday 11th December – School Closes for Winter Break – 12:00pm
• Monday 4th January – School Re-Opens

Best regards,

Fiona Thorndike
Head of Secondary