Startof School Guide2019-2020

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Welcome to the Lower School

What Happens on the First Day of School?

Start of School for Pre Reception and Reception

• Arrival and Hours of Operation

• Washroom

• School Bag

• Snack

• Music and Movement Classes

• Personal Items

• Toys and Money

• Communication

• Staggered Entry

Start of School for Preparatory

• Communication

• Staggered Start

Start of School for Grade 1 to Grade 6

Lower School Open House and New Parent Orientation on Friday, August 16

Welcome to the Upper School

Grade 7 Supply List

Course Selection and Registration

Athletics, Clubs and Activities

Grade 11 IB DP Retreat

Experience Week

Upper School New Student and Parent Orientation on Tuesday, August 13

First Day of School

School Uniform

School Bus Registration

School Fee Structure (2019/2020)

1:1 MacBook and iPad Programme

Contents

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Moving schools is a big deal for children and parents too! For some it can be an intimidating experience. Together, we can ease any insecurities your child(ren) may have about starting at CDNIS by ensuring there are support structures in place on the first day.

Before the first day of school, there are some strategies you can put in place early on at home:

Involve them in the ProcessEmpowering your child by including them in the process will alleviate any anxiety they may be feeling about the change. If possible attend Open House on August 16 together. Older children might appreciate the opportunity to follow their schedule and young ones may just need to see their new environment with their own eyes.

Seek New Knowledge TogetherSeek the positive about the change. Visit the website for facts and photographs, lists of interesting classes, extracurricular activities and sports activities, and have a look at past publications such as the yearbook, school prospectus and Red & White magazine.

Meet Future FriendsStart socializing early on. Make contact with other students in the year group and invite someone over for a playdate. Socializing at home one-on-one can be less threatening for children. Future friends are everywhere. Sign your child up for summer camps and classes at CDNIS. They’ll feel less nervous on the first day if they see some familiar faces. Young children may need help meeting new friends, so through role-play rehearse the dialogue your child may need when engaging with new friends.

CommunicateRemind your children about other “firsts” they have experienced in their lives and how well they handled them. Find opportunities to talk about successes they have experienced and the advantages of taking that first step — like meeting a new friend or learning a new skill. This will build confidence and remind them that taking risks can pay off.

Welcome to the Lower School

Welcome to the Lower School

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Be patient. Children are extremely adaptable, but it may take a period of time for the transition to happen, to the point where they are settled and comfortable. If there is concern about your child’s transition to CDNIS, please speak to one of our school counsellors; however, odds are he or she will adjust just fine.

Whether your child is worried about making new friends, losing touch with old ones, you can help. Be an active communicator by asking questions and listening.

Get Involved in the SchoolThere are many ways to get involved in the school. If you’re able to volunteer in the classroom, you’ll get to know the teacher and your child’s classmates. Networking with other parents can be a great way to meet other kids, too, and to feel a part of the CDNIS community.

What Happens on the First Day of School?

• In order to identify new students in Prep to Grade 2, a nametag will be provided during Open House. Please ensure your child wears his or her nametag for the first day. Pre Reception and Reception students will not require a nametag as the bus mothers and/or parents will escort them directly to their homerooms.

• Lower School teachers will greet new students upon arrival on the 7/F and 9/F with grade level signs. Students should find the teacher holding their grade level sign. Teachers will escort new student groups to their respective playground. When it’s time for classes to begin, teachers will escort the students to their homerooms.

• Throughout the week, teachers will ensure new students are familiar with key areas including the cafeterias, play areas, single subject classes, school nurse, etc. They will also visit emergency evacuation routes and exit points.

• Homeroom teachers will match new students with a ‘buddy’ who will spend free time with them and show them around the school. New students will attend a welcome session during the first full week of school with guidance counsellors, at which they are welcome to bring a ‘buddy’.

• For morning and lunch breaks, all students will be taken to their respective cafeterias where routines will be modeled.

• At the conclusion of the school day our class teachers, educational assistants and bus moms will assist all students to find their buses or meet parents/helpers who have private pick up arrangements.

Start of School for Pre Reception and ReceptionThe Early Years are often a child’s first experience of school and we want our youngest students to know first and foremost that learning is fun. It is through play that children learn about their world. Research shows that play helps children learn how to work with others and solve problems. Play promotes executive functioning, imagination, independence and creativity. Children gain confidence and learn about risk-taking.

Relationships are at the heart of our programme. Children need to feel safe, secure and cared about in order to achieve their full learning potential. We spend a lot of time getting to know children. Conversations take place all day, every day, in multiple languages and all situations; we truly value the time we spend with our students.

Welcome to the Lower School

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There are opportunities for parents to be partners in their child’s learning through parent observation sessions, Learning Conversations, parent workshops, Curriculum Day and more. We encourage you to participate and become involved in the school community. Event dates are provided on our school website and through class announcements.

In spite of reading all this, the first day of school can be an anxious time for parents. Try not to let your anxiety show, as your child will pick up on this. Please be assured that the school staff is very experienced and will provide comprehensive support for your child. The following are some guidelines to help start the school year positively and to make the transition easier for you all:

Pre Reception and Reception Arrival and Hours of Operation:Children traveling to school by car should be brought to their classrooms on the 9/F by the parent/helper (after 7:30am or 11:30am). Children taking the school bus will be brought to the classroom by the bus mother. Name tags will be given to the children upon arrival in the classroom.

When you are ready, please say goodbye to your child. Leaving when they are not looking, to try and prevent tears actually breaks trust.

WashroomYour child will be required to use the toilet independently. Please work on this at home in the weeks preceding the start of school. We understand that accidents may happen, so please send a clean change of clothes, including underwear and socks, all clearly named, in a plastic bag inside your child’s school bag.

School BagA student school bag or backpack should be large enough to hold a plastic zip pouch and easy enough for your child to open and close independently. A small backpack is available for purchase through the uniform shop. Please do not send in large ‘suitcase-type’ bags with wheels, as they do not fit in our cubbies. Zips are easier to manage than buckles. Please ensure that your child’s belongings are all clearly named.

SnackPlease send a nutritious snack to school. We strongly discourage packaged, processed foods. Sandwiches, crackers, fruit, vegetables and sushi are examples of nutritious snacks that help little minds and bodies to function at their peak. Please ensure that your child’s snack containers are easy for them to open and close independently. A small, easy-to-open water bottle should also be included. Again, please ensure that your child’s name is clearly written on their snack container/s and water bottle.

Personal ItemsPlease label all items of clothing and personal belongings with your child’s full name and class.

Toys and MoneyChildren are discouraged from bringing toys and jewellery to school unless requested by the teacher. Your child may need to bring money to school from time to time. Please make sure it is in an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name and class and placed in the zipper pouch provided by the school.

CommunicationCommunication between teacher and parents will be predominently through email, Seesaw and the class website. Class announcements will be posted weekly via Seesaw. Please check this regularly.

Welcome to the Lower School

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Staggered EntryCDNIS uses a staggered entry transition for all Pre Reception and Reception students. Staggered entry starts on Monday, August 19, when only half of each Pre Reception and Reception class attends school at a time. Why do we use a staggered entry? It allows for students to settle into school as part of a smaller group during the first week, which helps them to be able to foster meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers. Staggered entry respects the different needs and experiences of all children and families beginning school. It also allows teachers a better opportunity to recognize any children that may need help adjusting to the transition and provide them with ample reassurance and support.

During staggered entry, children will be organized into two groups. In early August you will receive an email advising you of your child’s assigned staggered entry group.

Please be advised that children will not be marked absent for days on which they are not at school in the first week. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office at 2525 7088.

Start of School for Preparatory Classes

CommunicationCommunication between teacher and parents will be through email, Seesaw and the class website. Class announcements will be posted weekly via Seesaw. Please check this regularly.

Staggered StartFor many students, the Prep programme is their first full-day school experience. To support the transition from the half day to a full day programme, Prep students will come to school in the morning and depart at 11:30am each day for the first week of school beginning Monday, August 19. The full day programme for Prep students will start Monday, August 26.

In our experience, a half-day entry on return to school has proven to be a highly successful approach in supporting young children with transition and change. Adjusting to a full day at school can be very tiring at first. The half days for the first week therefore provide a ‘soft opening’ for Prep students. It allows them sufficient time to make the adjustment comfortably and without stress. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office at 2525 7088.

Start of School for Grade 1 to Grade 6

Lower School Open House and New Parent Orientation on Friday, August 16The Open House visit is the first part of the settling-in process. All students and parents are strongly encouraged to attend and meet the teachers, have a look around the classroom and meet some classmates. Please join us for the Open House on Friday, August 16, anytime between 8am and 11am. The New Parent Orientation will be from 10am-11am on Friday, August 16 so new families should plan to come to Open House before 10am. All parents who will attend the New Parent Orientation are asked to sign up via this link no later than Monday, August 12.

Parents of Pre Reception and new Reception and Preparatory students are kindly requested to make arrangements for child-minding during this time (10am-11am). Please contact the school if you need assistance with this. New Grade 1 to Grade 6 students will take the Chinese Placement tests at this time.

Lower School Mandarin Placement Assessment (Friday, August 16, 10am–11am at Chinese Culture Centre). Questions about the Mandarin Programme can be sent to Director of Chinese Studies, Ms Penny Pan at pennypan@cdnis.edu.hk.

If you have any questions about the Lower School, please contact Winnie McCarthy.

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All Grade 7 students are technically “new” to the Upper School and the Middle Years Programme, and CDNIS takes great care to also induct students that are new to the school as a whole. Dozens of new students will join CDNIS this fall in Grades 7 to 11 and parents can expect tremendous support in this transition from classroom teachers, guidance counsellors, and student leaders.

Grade 7 Supply ListPlease refer to this list of materials that students joining Grade 7 should acquire before the start of school.

Course Selections and Registration Grade 9-12The Course Sequencing Chart on the Upper School website provides a listing of current courses, including descriptions and prerequisites. Students unfamiliar with the courses and requirements should consult the chart prior to registering for courses. Guidance counsellors are available from August 13 (by appointment only) to discuss course choices. Please call Elsa Fung at 2240 6317 to arrange an appointment.

The Upper School website also provides information about timetables, resources, policies, awards and activities, and leadership team contacts.

Athletics, Clubs and ActivitiesNew students are encouraged to get involved in the many activities and teams on offer at CDNIS as this is an ideal way to meet other students with common interests. Season 1 Athletics tryouts are held in the second week of school. Students can find details about try-outs in the Upper School and can learn more about the Athletics programme through the Timberwolves website.

In early September, CDNIS will hold a Clubs Fair to introduce new students to the wide variety of school clubs and activities.

Welcome to the Upper School

Welcome to the Upper School

07

Grade 11 IB Diploma Programme RetreatAt the start of the two-year IB Diploma Programme, students have a two-day retreat at the beginning of the school year to build a sense of community and shared vision amongst Grade 11 students. They will also be introduced to the importance of goal setting, year-long planning, study skills and other aspects pertinent to the DP such as the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge course.

Grade 9-12 Experience WeekAll students in Grade 9–12 will participate in Experience Week Trips in the week of November 11-15 (some trips will last slightly longer). New students will have to register for an Experience Week trip. Details and additional contact information can be found via the Experience Week website. All trips combine students in grade 9-12.

Grade 7-8 Experience WeekAll students in Grade 7-8 will participate in Experience Week Trips in the week of March 9-13, 2020. The registration for these trips will occur in November.

Upper School New Student & Parent Orientation on Tuesday, August 13Parents and students will meet in the LLAC Lobby by 9:30am. Student Ambassadors will then take new students to their Mandarin placement assessments in the Chinese Cultural Centre while members of the Senior Leadership Team and other Upper School staff meet with the parents. Please complete the CDNIS Upper School New Parent/Student Orientation – Online Registration Form by Friday, July 26 if you wish to attend.

New students in Grades 7-11 who will take Chinese in this academic year have need to take a Mandarin class placement assessment at CDNIS in the Chinese Cultural Centre. Information on the different streams and levels can be found on the Chinese Studies website. Students who are new to Chinese or not taking it at all will receive an orientation by the student.

Students will also participate in the Learning & Teaching Technology (LTT) Orientation from 12:45pm-2:00pm in Room 706. Please ensure you have ordered the appropriate laptop and bring it with you if you have received it. A loaner laptop will be provided to students that have not yet received their laptop. Please see “MacBook and iPad programme” on page 10 regarding Upper School laptop requirements. Students will be introduced to the use of Apple laptops and software for school use. Contact John Turner at johnturner@cdnis.edu.hk if you will not be in Hong Kong for this orientation or if you have any technology-related questions.

There will be an opportunity to return to CDNIS on Wednesday, August 14 to complete registration, work out schedules/timetables, set-up laptops, buy uniforms, etc, but there will be no formal schedule.

First Day of SchoolAll Upper School students will find their Homeroom posted in the 6/F cafeteria and will proceed to that classroom for 7:45am. All will spend the first Block in Homeroom, then proceed to the large gym for a Welcome Assembly at 9:10am.

If you have any questions about the Upper School, please contact Winnie Kong.

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New this year – online ordering! Parents are strongly encouraged to order their child’s uniform online at www.cdnis.ufsonline.com.hk/. Orders placed by July 25 will be ready for pick-up from the school starting Monday, August 12.

All students are required to wear the school uniform supplied by Uniform Station, the school uniform supplier. The on-campus shop will open according to the following schedule:

August 12, 13, 14 (10am–4pm)The CDNIS Uniform Shop relocates all services to the 3/F small gym for the week before school starts. Students will be able to try on and purchase items in the small gym during this time period. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay or EPS (Hong Kong debit cards).

August 15, 16 (8am–4pm)Parents/students can go to the 3/F small gym to try on and purchase uniforms. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay or EPS (Hong Kong debit cards).

August 19, 20, 21, 22 (8am–4pm)Purchases can be made at the Uniform Shop, located in Room 502 on the 5/F, accessible by Elevator 1.

Regular opening hours from August 23 onwards (8am–4pm)Monday, Wednesday and Friday (open) Tuesday and Thursday (closed)

Uniforms should be worn in compliance with the School Uniform Policy. Skirts must not be shorter than 10cm (4”) above the knee. Students are required to wear 50% BLACK shoes except during physical education classes or scheduled recess periods.

School Uniform Shop on-campus, Room 502. Telephone: 2240 6388 Payment can be made by cash, cheque, Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay or EPS (Hong Kong debit cards).

The Jordan shop will be open for the whole month of August from Monday to Saturday 10am–6pm, and Sunday 11am–6pm.

Normal trading days and hours at Jordan are Monday to Saturday 10am–6pm, closed on Sunday and resume as of Friday, September 1.

Uniform Station2/F, Will Strong Development Building 59 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon

Telephone: 2523 2517 | Fax: 2526 4455

School Uniform

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Registration for the school bus service for new and existing students, via the Kwoon Chung (KCM) webpage should be completed by Friday, May 31 to ensure service is arranged for your child(ren) on the first day of school. KCM will continue to accept registrations throughout the year provided there is space on the route requested.

Consult the route list for pick-up locations and prices. Families new to the school should create a login account and register on the KCM webpage no later than the due date.

All bus service enquiries should be directed to KCM. Telephone: 2979 8798 or by email atcdnis@kcm.com.hk.

Please be reminded that there is no parking available at the school. Parent volunteers are welcome to use the school bus service if seating is available but MUST sign-up for a volunteer bus pass from the school office and register with KCM at least two working days in advance.

NOTE: Priority for seating is given to students, staff and volunteers. Parents who are not volunteering must find alternate transportation to the school if seating is not available on the bus.

Parental changes to bus drop off or car pick upPlease note that any change made by parents to your child’s bus schedule or pick up must be communicated ONE DAY PRIOR to the bus company and your child’s teacher or educational assistant by email or phone.

School Bus Registration

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Tuition fees for the first term and the Capital Levy are due on Friday, June 28. We ask that you settle any outstanding fees as soon as possible. All students must be covered by the Annual Capital Levy or Capital Debenture.

Invoices and StatementsCDNIS has moved to a more eco-friendly approach in invoicing and account statements by placing them in your account in the Parent Portal. Please remember to login and check your statements frequently to stay current on charges, payments, and account balances for your children. New parents will receive their invoice by mail.

For those who must have a paper copy of your invoices/statements, please notify the Accounts Department. By default, these documents will be posted to your online account, from where they can also be printed or even downloaded to your own computer.

School Fee Structure (2019/2020)

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CDNIS is an Apple school. The use of an iPad and MacBook is a core feature of our school’s learning and teaching experience. All students in Grades 1 to 3 will use their own iPad, while students in Grades 4 to 12 will use their own MacBook.

The iPad and MacBook is purchased individually by parents through a partner supplier (Senco-Masslink) to ensure personal ownership and high levels of systematic support; both key factors in ensuring such a programme achieves the highest learning outcomes possible.

The academic year sees the recommendation of the following Apple iPad or MacBook device for students:

iPad (2018 6th-generation) 128GB

MacBook Pro 13”2.3GHz dual-core 7th-gen Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM 256GB storage (space gray)

or

MacBook Air 13” with Retina Display 1.6GHz dual-core 8th-gen Intel i5 processor, 8GB RAM 256GB storage (space gray)

Every new Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty. AppleCare+, which is required for in-school support, extends your coverage to three years.

Detailed information of the 1:1 iPad and MacBook programmes and online ordering procedures can be found via this link on the OneDoor website starting Wednesday, May 15.

iPads and the required accompanying cover and headphones can be purchased thru Senco-Masslink to meet the school management requirement. At this stage it is intended for security and balance reasons that the iPad will not go home everyday. It will be sent home in the summer holiday. MacBooks in Grade 4-6 will be kept securely at school and be sent home in long holidays.

MacBook and iPad Programme

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MacBook and iPad Programme

Parents of new students who plan to order a iPad/MacBook with our vendor (Senco-Masslink) should make their purchase before July 15, 2019 to ensure the iPad/MacBook orders are processed, software is added, and are delivered in time for the commencement of the new school year. The summer months are also the time where everyone in the region is ordering. Ordering through a reseller will guarantee that you will get the latest model. If you have any questions regarding ordering, please use Senco Masslink’s contact information provided on the online ordering portal. Please note that Senco-Masslink cannot guarantee that orders received after July 15, 2019 can be processed before the start of the school term.

Families who plan to use a pre-owned Macbook or iPad need to contact OneDoor at 2240 6328 or via email at onedoor@cdnis.edu.hk with their model and purchase year to confirm the compatibility of the hardware and software. Pre-owned MacBooks must be at least – 13″ MacBook Pro or MacBook Air with 256GB storage and purchased within the last 3 years. Pre-owned iPads that are 2018 6th generation or newer with minimum of 128 GB storage can be used but must first be confirmed by OneDoor. If approved, students can bring their Macbook or iPad to OneDoor at the beginning of the new academic year for re-imaging / registration.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact OneDoor at onedoor@cdnis.edu.hk for more information at anytime.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, Hong KongPhone: (852) 2525 7088 Fax: (852) 2525 7579

schoolinfo@cdnis.edu.hkcdnis.edu.hk