Transcript Title of Presentation

Dear Parents and Students,
As a school we place strong emphasis on enriching the curriculum and offering a
broader education with off-site and residential experiences, both within Hong
Kong and overseas.
These activities change young people. They change attitudes and motivation,
relationships within school and provide powerful learning opportunities.
Ultimately, we want our students to make a difference to themselves and in the
world.
In order to reduce the disruptive impact that these trips can have on the
curriculum and on lessons throughout the year, we target these activities as much
as possible into one week – our ‘SIS goes MaD’ Week.
The week provides opportunities to bring the school values to life
•We work to nurture ourselves, our society and our planet and take personal
responsibility for a sustainable future
•We approach and engage other people with respect and honesty
•We manage ourselves and our learning by developing self awareness, resilience
and courage
•We explore our world with open minds and compassionate perspectives
•We use our initiative and commit to making a difference by being creative,
resourceful and reflective
On the following pages, you will find a diverse programme of activities, each of
which has highlighted the specific learning outcomes students will have the
opportunity to achieve. Creativity, Action and Service are three of the heartbeats
of an IB Diploma School and a community that sets its highest aspiration as
“making a difference”. These are some of the richest of life experiences a student
can encounter in school – I encourage each and every young person at South
Island to seize the opportunity.
Yours sincerely,
Graham Silverthorne
Principal
Please read the ‘General Guidelines’ and ‘Important Notes’ in this booklet carefully.
Submission without completed necessary forms, travel documents and required
deposit will not be processed.
Whereas every effort will be made to assign students to one of their three choices,
this may not always be possible. Should this happen, the student(s) concerned will
be invited to make three additional selections. Also if, when all applications have
been received, an activity is undersubscribed then it will be cancelled. Every effort
will then be made to allocate the student to one of his/her other choices. Because
some students may need to be asked to make three new choices, the names of those
allocated to each trip will not be announced immediately. Names of students
allocated to each activity/trip will be posted on the notice boards in the School Foyer
by June 22, 2012.
Parents need to review carefully all three choices, and to be sure that their children
are capable of participating in each. For example, if they choose an activity that is
physically demanding – are they able to endure the rigour? PLEASE be careful in the
selection process.
Students who choose an activity that involves a high cost must ensure that their
parents are fully in agreement with this. All forms MUST BE signed by parents or
guardian.
Activities listed on the SIS Website [Life at SIS -> ‘SIS goes MaD ’ -> Year 12 CAS ]
have been costed as well as possible, but costs may change in some cases because,
for example, airlines are unwilling to give firm prices well in advance. As sometimes
happens in Asia, natural or political difficulties can lead to a decision to reroute a
particular activity. It may be necessary to cancel an activity entirely, in which case
alternative arrangements will be made. Whilst the school will do all that is possible
to prevent any losses, parents do have to assume the financial risk involved with the
Week. Neither SIS nor its travel agents guarantee to underwrite costs of activities
cancelled for safety or other reasons.
If the demand for any activity is high, then parents may be invited to help. In this
case a charge of 50% of the cost of the activity will be required. Parents joining
activities will be required to help supervise students.
I hope that everyone will have a productive and enjoyable time.
Sue Thomas
Vice Principal
1.
All students are expected to participate in ‘SIS goes MaD’ activities.
2. The Head of Family, Heads of House and teachers-in-charge of each
activity, will approve the final group lists. Any student who has a
record of poor behaviour may be excluded from certain trips.
3. The teachers-in-charge of activities will not allow the students to
engage in any activity that is not covered under the parameters of
the description written on the website without consultation with
the school or supporting external organisation.
4. All groups will be under the supervision and direction of at least
one SIS teacher.
5. All school conduct and discipline codes will be adhered to
throughout the activity. In addition, if travelling abroad we expect
students to obey the laws of the host country and to be sensitive to
the culture of the people. We expect all students to refrain from
any involvement with alcohol or drugs. In some countries,
indulging in such activities carries very severe penalties.
6. Violations of school rules will be reported to the Head of House for
follow-up. Consequences of breaking rules are similar to in-school
violations of those rules.
7. The cost of medical insurance is included in the prices quoted in the
information for all off-site trips.
8. For overseas activities,
• The cost includes airfare, transportation, accommodation, meals,
airport taxes, and insurance. Costs do not include inoculation
fees, physician consultation fees or visa fees. There will be no
refunds for overseas trips once bookings have been made.
• Students are to ensure that their passport has at least 6-month
validity and they have valid visa/entry permit to the countries they
are travelling to.
• A non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of HKD2,000 is
required.
9. Although we are committed to an equal opportunity policy, some
of the activities are very physically demanding which may mean
that some students will need one-to-one support for them to be
able to participate. Parents should be aware that this can be
provided, but only at additional cost. They may also want to
consult with activity leaders about the demand involved.
Objectives
•To engage in Service, Creativity and Action in an unfamiliar setting.
•To gain an understanding of different cultures and life styles
•To build relationships with each other and with communities in the
places they visit.
•To be able to make a positive difference and impact to the people
they meet.
•To have a full understanding of the issues facing the populations who
they visit.
•To understand the philosophy and personal growth that can be
gained through CAS
Activities
We are offering a range of trips exclusively to Year 12 Students. Many
of these trips will be in China as it is our closest neighbour and provides
a very suitable and stimulating environment to carry out our activities.
We have enough students who speak Chinese to ensure that language
is not a barrier. Students should not expect luxurious accommodation
and in many of the options the food and accommodation may be very
simple. A large element of the week will be spent doing service
activities which may include teaching or even simple construction tasks,
but there will also be elements of Action and Creativity too. In addition
to options to China and Taiwan, there is a trip to Kenya where students
will continue the links South Island School has already with Africa. It is
expected whichever trip is chosen that there will be a number of
preparation sessions that will include fundraising, sharing trip
objectives with the entire school and planning some activities such as a
cultural exchange. The trips will be memorable experiences which will
give all students ample opportunity for reflection.
How to enrol for ‘SIS goes MaD 2012’
1.After viewing the activity details in this booklet, students must choose
three activities, nominating their first, second and third choices in order
of preference.
2.Students are to enrol their choices through their Gateway account,
using the ‘Activities’ module and choosing the ‘SIS goes MaD’ tab
between May 23, 6.00pm and June 4, 8.00pm.
Follow the same procedures as enrolling for other school
activities.
1.
Once an enrolment is submitted in the system, students can only
make changes with special permission from the Vice Principal in
charge of ‘SIS goes MaD’.
2. Parents are to complete and sign the ‘Parent Consent Form’ for ‘SIS
goes MaD’. The form can be downloaded from the SIS web site or
collected at the school main reception. Completed forms MUST be
returned by June 5.
3. Deposits are needed for some trips to secure places. This is stated
on each activity in this booklet. Deposit cheques, made payable to
‘South Island School’, should be submitted to the school main
reception by June 5. Deposits are non-refundable/non-transferable
once bookings are made.
4. Outstanding ‘Parent Consent Form’ or required deposit will result
in incomplete submission. Student’s choices are not processed in
this respect.
5. Students should realise that if they wish to be allocated one of their
choices, enrolling late or submitting after June 4 may affect the
chance of getting those choices.
6. Once students are assigned to an activity, payment must be
received. Final payment is required by September 14, 2012. Failure
to make full payment could result in student not being allowed on
their choice.
7. Students MUST submit a copy of their current passport for name
and validity checks. Changes to personal information on air tickets
will involve extra costs to students and parents.
8. Holders of ‘China Home Return Permit Card (回鄉卡) choosing a
China-based activity, MUST use their Card to enter China. A copy of
the Card should be submitted by June 5.
9. Holders of multiple passports MUST submit a copy of the passport
to be used for the trip.
10. Parents/Students are responsible for arranging their own visas, if
travel visas are required. SIS can provide necessary supporting
documents such as school letter, travel itinerary and travel
insurance for visa applications. As visa applications take time,
parents and students are recommended to arrange for visa once
the activity allocation is announced.
Important Dates
•Enrolment starts, via the Gateway: May 23, 2012, 6.00pm
•Enrolment closes, via the Gateway: June 4, 2012, 8.00pm
•Deadline for submitting Parent Consent Form, copy of current
passport, copy of of ‘China Home Return Permit Card (回鄉卡), to
School Main Reception on LG/F: June 5, 2012
•Balance payment submitted by: September 14, 2012
•Student medical information updated, via the Gateway:
October 12, 2012
For Year 12 Students Only
CAS01 – Kenya
CAS02 – Dongguan, China
CAS03 – Yangshuo, China
CAS04 – Yunnan, China
CAS05 – Xi’an, China
CAS06 – Xiamen, China
CAS07 – Taiwan
Trip Outline:
There will be a major service element lasting 8 days
in Limuru. This will include undertaking a major
project such as providing the finishing touches to a
boarding house so that more children can attend
school. There will be plenty of opportunities to
interact with and teach students from the local
community. One day will be spent on safari at Ol
Pejeta Conservancy including one night at
Sweetwaters Tented Camp. This trip will provide
opportunities on the creative side allowing students
to practice wildlife photography. Students should
be prepared to face new adventures and to be
challenged daily on this life changing trip.
More details will be provided closer to the trips
departure.
Requirements:
For most students, the whole African experience
can be life-changing. The schools have very little but
what the children and teachers lack in resources,
they more than make up for in terms of enthusiasm,
openness and a joy to life. Your time in a Kenyan
school will be truly unforgettable. Some planning
and ideas of exactly what to teach with the students
and a possible gift collection and cultural exchange
may be required.
Limuru
KENYA
Special notes:
The school and trip leaders reserve the right to
refuse to include any student on a trip who they
consider would be detrimental to the overall
success of the trip or in the case of medical/health
concerns.
Concern regarding travel in Kenya:
If students and parents have concerns about
travelling to Kenya, please consult:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel‐and‐living‐abroad/t
raveladvice‐by‐country/sub‐saharan‐africa/kenya
For queries about how this travel advice relates to
the trip, please consult the trip leader and your own
embassy.
Activity Code: CAS01
Trip Leader: Mr. C. Spielmann
Group size: Max – 20
Duration: 10D/9N
Provisional Dates: Nov 8 (night) to Nov 17 (late pm).
Students should keep the weekend either side of
MaD Week available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Direct flights between Hong Kong
and Nairobi. Students to make own way to HK Int’l
Airport on day of travel.
Physical / Skill Requirement: This activity is suitable
for all students, but note that on some days, there
will be quite a lot of physical activities.
Special Equipment: To be advised at a later stage, if
applicable.
Meals: Included for Kenya
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable.
Immunisation: Students to arrange own
immunisation
Estimated cost*: HK$18,500 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates, fuel surcharges and group
size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 2% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.
Trip Outline:
This trip involves working closely with a local
primary school. Students would plan to teach
lessons in a range of curriculum areas (e.g.: English,
PE, Drama, etc...). There would be an opportunity
for cultural exchange and sports. We will also
explore the possibility of a small project that could
improve the school environment. There might be
opportunity for a joint outing with students from
the school.
More details will be provided closer to the trips
departure.
Requirements:
Students should have the willingness to get
involved and plan some creative lessons.
Cantonese/Mandarin is not essential as students will
be grouped with mandarin speakers. This will
largely be a team-based project which will require
some planning meetings next term. Depending on
the requirements of the school we may organise a
collection of useful resources to take with us.
Special notes:
The school and trip leaders reserve the right to
refuse to include any student on a trip who they
consider would be detrimental to the overall
success of the trip or in the case of medical/health
concerns.
Dongguan
Further information if appropriate:
http://english.dg.gov.cn/TOURISM.htm
Activity Code: CAS02
Trip Leader: Mr. R. Best
Group size: Max – 40
Duration: 5D/4N
Provisional Dates: Nov 12 to Nov 16. Students
should keep the weekend either side of MaD Week
available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Coach bus direct from Hong Kong
to Dongguan, China
Physical/Skill Requirement: This activity is suitable
for all students, but note that on some days, there
will be quite a lot of walking.
Meals: Included for China
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable or use own China Home Return Card (回
鄉卡)
Estimated cost*: HK$3,500 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates and group size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 4% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.
Trip Outline:
We will stay in beautiful Yangshou, about two hours
drive away from Guillin. This is a spectacular part of
China with stunning karst scenery and the famous Li
river. This trip combines Creativity, Action and
Service.
Creativity can be trying your hand at fan-making,
attending a cooking school and keeping a
photographic or video journal of your trip. Action
activities include cycling, kayaking, rock climbing,
caving and hiking with an overnight camp. Service
is working with a local primary school, planning
lessons, creating resources to interact with and
teaching the children. You will also raise money to
donate to the school and take gifts and resources
from Hong Kong.
All activities are led and managed by Dragonfly’s
professionally trained instructors , and are made as
safe as possible with full support throughout.
More details will be provided closer to the trips
departure.
Yangshuo
Requirements:
Clearly an interest in outdoor activities is a help but
an open mind and a willingness to “have a go” is
most important. Some people worry about the train
trip but this is a most unusual and enjoyable way to
get to our destination which enables you to wake
up to a wonderful Chinese landscape.
Special notes:
The school and trip leaders reserve the right to
refuse to include any student on a trip who they
consider would be detrimental to the overall
success of the trip or in the case of medical/health
concerns.
Further information if appropriate:
http://www.dragonfly.com.hk
Activity Code: CAS03
Trip Leader: Mr. A. Llewellyn
Group size: Max – 60
Duration: 7D/6N
Provisional Dates: Nov 11 to Nov 17. Students
should keep the weekend either side of MaD Week
available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Students will meet at Hung Hom
Station for train from Hong Kong to Shenzhen,
where they will take an overnight sleeper train to
Guilin, followed by bus to Yangshuo. Student will be
transferred by bus direct to SIS, upon arrival at
Shenzhen at the end of the trip.
Physical/Skill Requirement: This activity is suitable
for all students, but note that on some days, there
will be quite a lot of physical activities.
Meals: Included for China
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable or use own China Home Return Card (回
鄉卡)
Estimated cost*: HK$7,600 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates and group size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 4% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.
Trip Outline:
We will be exploring Yunnan, a magnificent province
of China. The entire area is rich in diverse natural
beauty and is famous for its spectacular views.
Yunnan has year-round snow-capped mountains,
glaciers, lakes, hot springs, highland landscapes,
primitive forests & tropical rain forests. We will visit
local villages, experiencing the cultures of some of
the many minority groups in the area, impressive
monasteries & take a dip in the hot springs.
Arriving in Lijiang, we will embark on an
adventurous & demanding 2 day trek through the
world famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Service will be conducted in 2 different rural schools
where we will play games with the local students &
also take part in some physical service work such as
re-painting the buildings, planting trees or other
repair/maintenance work. For creativity we will be
experiencing local foods, preparing & cooking some
of our meals. We will also be devising games for our
students to play & producing a talent show.
Further activities include cycling & a cooking course,
camping & campfires.
Ending in Shangri-La, we will take part in our second
school service at a Tibetan school.
Lijiang
Planning for the trip will take place next term where
we will amongst other things, take opportunities to
train for the hike, plan some games and depending
on the requirements of the school, we may organise
a collection of useful resources to take with us.
More details will be provided closer to the trips
departure.
Requirements:
A willingness to take part in challenging physical
activities is required. Students should have the
willingness to get involved and plan some creative
games for the local students.
Special notes:
The school and trip leaders reserve the right to
refuse to include any student on a trip who they
consider would be detrimental to the overall
success of the trip or in the case of medical/health
concerns.
Further information if appropriate:
www.terratribes.com
Activity Code: CAS04
Trip Leader: (to be confirmed)
Group size: Max – 20
Duration: 8D/7N
Provisional Dates: Nov 10 to Nov 17. Students
should keep the weekend either side of MaD Week
available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Students will take coach bus from
Hong Kong to Shenzhen International Airport for
flight to Lijiang. Upon return, student will be
transferred from Shenzhen to downtown Hong
Kong.
Physical/Skill Requirement: This activity is suitable
for all students, but note that on some days, there
will be quite a lot of physical activities.
Meals: Included for China
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable or use own China Home Return Card (回
鄉卡)
Estimated cost*: HK$11,850 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates, fuel surcharges and group
size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 2% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.
Why Xi’an?
You think you know China? Think again.
Xi’an is not only home to the Terracotta Warriors
but is also the cradle of Chinese civilisation. As the
capital of ancient China, Xi’an preserves some of
China’s most significant cultural relics and stunning
scenery. In this trip, you will hike one of China’s Five
Great Mountains (五嶽) and experience Xi’an rich
heritage through various cultural exchange
activities. We promise you that after this trip to
Xi’an, you will get to know China in a brand new way!
For more info:
http://www.globaledutour.org/english/
What Others Have Said About This Trip
“I found the Xi’an trip very stimulating personally and
I know the kids found it very rewarding in terms of
the opportunity to form relationships with the local
students. The kids had a smile on their face
throughout and that was an invaluable thing.” –
S.Kripalani, Humanity Teacher, South Island School
“The tour was an amazing trip, especially the hike to
Huashan. The scenery was one of the most amazing
things I have ever seen before. Also the cultural
exchange programme with the local students gave me
some new insights into their culture and people. The
food in the Muslim Quarter was also pretty
amazing.” – Alfred, Student, Age 16
A trip packed with service, action and creativity
activities:
•Teach English at a local vocational tourism school
to improve students’ English communication skills in
preparation for their oversea internship. This
service activity will give you the freedom to design
and execute your own lesson plan, participate in
some fun and unique cultural exchange activities (i.e.
dumpling making) and make some new friends in
this part of the world!
•Hike one of China’s Five Great Mountains (五嶽) –
Huashan (華山), which is renowned for its steep
paths (2,154m high at the highest peak) and
breathtaking scenery
•Bike along the gangway of a over 600 year-old
ancient city wall (14km)
•Make your own pocket sized Terracotta Warriors
•See the world famous Terracotta Warriors and find
out why and how they got there
•Visit the Han emperor tomb and observe how
China uses new technology to preserve historical
sites
•Stroll along Muslim Quarter to discover the
Chinese Muslim food and culture
•Visit Shaanxi History Museum to see some of
China’s exquisite pieces of art and treasures.
Activity Code: CAS05
Trip Leader: Ms. S. Kripalani
Group size: Max – 40
Duration: 6D/5N
Provisional Dates: Nov 10 to Nov 16. Students
should keep the weekend either side of MaD Week
available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Direct flights between Hong Kong
and Xi’an. Coach bus while in the city.
Physical/Skill Requirement: This activity is suitable
for all students, but note that on some days, there
will be quite a lot of physical activities.
Meals: Included for China
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable or use own China Home Return Card (回
鄉卡)
Estimated cost*: HK$10,700 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates, fuel surcharges and group
size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 2% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.
Why Xiamen?
In the remote mountains deep behind the largest
world sea port in the 12th century live the Hakka or
“guest” people (客家), who fled from China’s heart
land and have been striving to preserve their
cultural heritage.
In this trip, students will have a rare opportunity to
stay in a hotel converted from a genuine Hakka
Fortress, or “tu lou” (土樓) amid an UNESCO World
Heritage site. The group will be doing English
teaching in a local primary school, where children
are always eager to take part in every opportunity
to learn and interact with outsiders, and so prone to
eyeful of tears when it is time to say goodbye. By
being part of the village’s everyday life, students will
get a taste of the unique communal life that the
Hakka people have preserved over the last few
centuries, in a reflective contrast with that in
modern urban city like Hong Kong. The kind
hospitality of the Hakka people will make you feel
like you are home away from home!
For more info:
http://www.globaledutour.org/english/
Xiamen
Planned activities:
•Biking along the Hakka Village countryside and
within the village
•DIY traditional peasant’s art: bamboo straw
weaving and string puppet show
•Tea leaves plucking, Oolong tea processing and
tea ceremony
•Teach basic conversational English and English
songs to upper primary students in village school
•First hand interaction with the local community
•Experience Chinese heritage deep in the remote
mountains
•Observe the impact of UNESCO status on the
development of the Hakka Village
•Experience traditional Hakka cuisine
What Others Have Said About This Trip
• “This trip not only broadened my experiences and
view, but also changed the way I looked at other
cultures. Before I went to Xiamen, I hadn’t realised
how lucky we were to have such a good education for
granted – I now know that people in other places
don’t have access to good schooling, and feel really
happy I could help them with their English.
Experiencing the village life first hand was an
unforgettable cultural experience too and I’d love to
go on another trip like this.” – Alvina, Student, Age 16
Activity Code: CAS06
Trip Leader: Mr. D. Kane
Group size: Max – 40
Duration: 6D/5N
Provisional Dates: Nov 10 to Nov 16. Students
should keep the weekend either side of MaD Week
available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Direct flights between Hong Kong
and Xiamen.
Physical/Skill Requirement: Students should be
reasonably competent cyclist to join this tour as it
includes some cycling on slightly sloped tarmac
paths and a full day scenic tour of 50km.
Meals: Included for China
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable or use own China Home Return Card (回
鄉卡)
Estimated cost*: HK$8,450 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates, fuel surcharges and group
size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 4% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.
Trip Outline:
Taiwan is a very varied country just over 1 hour’s
flight away from HK. It if renowned for the
friendliness of its people. In this trip we will be
based in Hua Lien (花蓮) on the East Coast. The
main focus for our CAS week is school service in a
school for the minority groups of Taiwan. However
there is an exciting days of white water rafting on
the Xiu Gu River as well as an opportunity to hike in
the spectacular Taroko Gorge.
More details will be provided closer to the trips
departure.
Requirements:
An open mind a willingness to spend time planning
lessons and preparing resources as well as a
willingness to get involved.
For Rafting you will need to be a competent
swimmer.
Do not worry about speaking Mandarin as you will
be put into groups with a mandarin speaker.
Special notes:
The school and trip leaders reserve the right to
refuse to include any student on a trip who they
consider would be detrimental to the overall
success of the trip or in the case of medical/health
concerns.
Hualien
Activity Code: CAS07
Trip Leader: Mrs. J. Thornton
Group size: Max – 30
Duration: 7D/6N
Provisional Dates: Nov 11 to Nov 17. Students
should keep the weekend either side of MaD Week
available in case of schedule changes.
Transportation: Direct flights between Hong Kong
and Taipei. Coach bus to Hualien upon arrival.
Students to make own way to HK Int’l Airport on
day of travel.
Physical/Skill Requirement: This activity is suitable
for all students, but note that on some days, there
will be quite a lot of physical activities.
Meals: Included for Taiwan
Passport Validity: 6 months
Travel Visa: Students to arrange own travel visa, if
applicable.
Estimated cost*: HK$8,800 (may vary due to factors
such as exchange rates and group size.)
Deposit: HK$2,000 (non-refundable/nontransferrable)
* Cost has included 4% administration fees. Final cost is subject to the number of
participants. In case of under-subscription, cost may be increased.