News

MHIS 18th April 2015 “Information Session” Highlights

18 April 2015

Mission Hills International School held a Pre School Information Session on Saturday 18 April 2015. The event took place at the Mission Hills Resort and was attended by 136 parents and 71 children.

In his speech, Head of School, Mr. John Jalsevac, outlined the nature and benefits of the various International Baccalaureate programs and the application process schools must engage in to become an authorized IB World school. Mission Hills International School intends to apply for authorization to offer the IB Middle Years (MYP) and IB Diploma (DP) programs. MHIS will commence Trial Teaching in 2017 when the school is eligible for Candidate School status. An application to become authorized can be submitted 18 – 24 months after the Trial Teaching phase has begun.

At MHIS, we’re pleased that Mr. Jalsevac was the Chair of the IB Steering and Implementation Committee at the Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) and through this process has acquired significant experience and expertise leading a school through the various application and authorization phases.

The goal at MHIS is to provide students with the benefits of an IB education as cited by those who have conducted independent research on the organization and their programs. Specifically, results show that IB standards are aligned with best practice in education; that IB has a very positive impact on the culture of a school; that IB students have higher acceptance rates to universities; and that IB students perform better in post-secondary education than their peers.

Mr. Jalsevac also made reference to the school’s teacher recruitment plan and how each Pre School classroom will have 3 staff members for each cohort of 20 children including: a fully qualified western educated native English speaking teacher; a fully qualified native Chinese speaking teacher who can also speak English; and a Nursery Assistant. The school has hired several staff thus far who have exemplary personal and professional qualities and have demonstrated a commitment to developing the whole child through quality pastoral care.

The Associate Principal of the Pre School, Anna Packman, spoke about the curriculum plan in the Pre School. She addressed how the Early Years learning program from Ontario, Canada will form the foundation of the MHIS program and how this will be integrated with other best practice international standards and Chinese curriculum thrusts. An emphasis on structured and open play, inquiry, and values and virtues education is central to the school’s approach as they seek to develop creative and independent learners who are caring members of the school community.

Ms. Packman also outlined the components of a typical day in an international school setting from independent reading to register to wake and shake to carpet time to choosing an activity center to circle time to outdoor activities. Through it all, MHIS Pre School students will develop their thinking, numeracy, artistic, physical, and literacy skills in a creative and nurturing environment. The school anticipates that the children will be very active and engaged at all times!

Executive Director, Mr. Bill Wang, presented a detailed update on the Pre School design and building plans. He indicated that renovations to the building will be complete by 15 June and that school authorities will immediately occupy the facility to begin an air purification initiative to remove any lingering residues from the construction phase. Mr. Wang showed pictures of the safe, comfortable and environmentally friendly furniture, ceiling fans, LED lighting, and floor and window coverings that have been selected for installation in the school. The architect’s renderings paint a picture of a warm and spacious environment that is aesthetically pleasing and conducive to learning..

Mr. Wang informed the audience that parents could visit the campus and tour the inside of the school at the start of August 2015.

The second part of the information session featured a fun-filled cooperative game using a large parachute, mural painting, and an activity whereby children could design their own eyeglasses.

MHIS is now accepting Pre School applications for admission into K1, K2, and K3 for 3 – 5 year old children. The Pre School will open in September 2015. The Lower and Upper Schools will both open in September 2017. As space is now limited in the Pre School parents are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible.

For more information about the school or to register for the next Information Session on 16 May please visit the school website at: www.mhis.education.