Students & Parents Visit Us

Where every learner thrives

Our vision is for every student to be the best that they can be.

Our mission is to inspire creativity and nurture global citizens and leaders of the future.

Our shared purpose is to create a joyful and inclusive learning community where every learner can thrive.

 

Discover Our Vision

Where every learner thrives

Our vision is for every student to be the best that they can be.

Our mission is to inspire creativity and nurture global citizens and leaders of the future.

Our shared purpose is to create a joyful and inclusive learning community where every learner can thrive.

 

Discover Our Vision

What can Hillside offer your family?

  • SIS offers icon-6

    ESF Network

    As part of the English Schools Foundation(ESF), our students are supported by the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong, providing them the resources and opportunities not found outside of ESF Schools.

    Find out more
  • World-class Education

    World-Class Curriculum

    Our kindergarten offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, providing a global perspective and preparing children for success.

    Find out more
  • Real-world Experience

    Inclusive Community

    We celebrate diversity and create a welcoming environment where every child feels valued and supported.

    Find out more
  • Well-rounded Education

    Exciting Learning Adventures

    Our engaging approach sparks curiosity, fosters creativity, and ignites a lifelong love for learning.

    Find out more
  • Comprehensive Student Support

    Expert and Caring Educators

    Our passionate educators bring expertise and warmth, nurturing each child's individual strengths and fostering a love for exploration.

    Find out more
  • Strong School-Family Connection

    Strong Collaborative Partnerships

    We believe in strong collaboration with parents, working together to ensure your child's growth and happiness every step of the way.

    Find out more
Copy of hillsidek_esf_6471

Academics

At Hillside, children learn through play-based inquiry, fostering curiosity and relevance. We empower independent learners and critical thinkers, encouraging action and making a difference. Discover a typical day at Hillside and the power of play in supporting learning.

Learn more

Our PYP curriculum integrates subject knowledge and concepts through a comprehensive Programme of Inquiry (POI). Students explore transdisciplinary themes and subject areas, developing global perspectives and balanced learning. Holistic assessment and strong home-school partnerships ensure continuous growth and communication.

Learn more

At Hillside, we create a vibrant learning community that values inclusion, well-being, and language proficiency. Positive relationships, leadership opportunities, and intentional learning environments support agency and inquiry-based learning. Language skills are nurtured through multiliteracies, fostering academic excellence and a strong home-school partnership.

Learn more

School Activities

hillsidek_esf_6467

Immerse in the World of Stories

Dive into an enchanting world of books in our library. Children listen to captivating stories and conduct research for their projects, fostering a love for reading and expanding their knowledge.

Find out more
IMG_1612

Unleash Creativity in our Outdoor Playground

Our outdoor playground, garden, and mud kitchen provide endless opportunities for children to play, explore, and build. From imaginative structures to messy fun, children channel their creativity and develop essential skills while enjoying the great outdoors.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6140

Bring Learning to Life through Role Play

Step into the world of make-believe as children engage in role play. Acting out scenarios and situations, they develop a sense of the real world and gain meaningful and relevant learning experiences that enhance their understanding and empathy.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6175

Explore the Wonders of Transdisciplinary Learning

Science, art, sensory activities, and mathematics come together in our transdisciplinary experiences. Children engage in hands-on experiments, unleash their artistic talents, and develop critical thinking skills, fostering a holistic approach to learning across various subjects.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6467

Immerse in the World of Stories

Dive into an enchanting world of books in our library. Children listen to captivating stories and conduct research for their projects, fostering a love for reading and expanding their knowledge.

Find out more
IMG_1612

Unleash Creativity in our Outdoor Playground

Our outdoor playground, garden, and mud kitchen provide endless opportunities for children to play, explore, and build. From imaginative structures to messy fun, children channel their creativity and develop essential skills while enjoying the great outdoors.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6140

Bring Learning to Life through Role Play

Step into the world of make-believe as children engage in role play. Acting out scenarios and situations, they develop a sense of the real world and gain meaningful and relevant learning experiences that enhance their understanding and empathy.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6175

Explore the Wonders of Transdisciplinary Learning

Science, art, sensory activities, and mathematics come together in our transdisciplinary experiences. Children engage in hands-on experiments, unleash their artistic talents, and develop critical thinking skills, fostering a holistic approach to learning across various subjects.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6467

Immerse in the World of Stories

Dive into an enchanting world of books in our library. Children listen to captivating stories and conduct research for their projects, fostering a love for reading and expanding their knowledge.

Find out more
IMG_1612

Unleash Creativity in our Outdoor Playground

Our outdoor playground, garden, and mud kitchen provide endless opportunities for children to play, explore, and build. From imaginative structures to messy fun, children channel their creativity and develop essential skills while enjoying the great outdoors.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6140

Bring Learning to Life through Role Play

Step into the world of make-believe as children engage in role play. Acting out scenarios and situations, they develop a sense of the real world and gain meaningful and relevant learning experiences that enhance their understanding and empathy.

Find out more
hillsidek_esf_6175

Explore the Wonders of Transdisciplinary Learning

Science, art, sensory activities, and mathematics come together in our transdisciplinary experiences. Children engage in hands-on experiments, unleash their artistic talents, and develop critical thinking skills, fostering a holistic approach to learning across various subjects.

Find out more

Testimonials

1 / 4

We are so grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment at Hillside and our daughter has had such a positive experience from the very first day at K1, thanks in no small part to the culture of inclusivity and belonging which you all live and demonstrate by example.

We are so grateful for the supportive and nurturing environment at Hillside and our daughter has had such a positive experience from the very first day at K1, thanks in no small part to the culture of inclusivity and belonging which you all live and demonstrate by example.

Parent, 2021-2023

2 / 4

Your school is truly one of the best I have experienced. Just warms my heart to see how my girls are discovering and appreciating their individuality, stretching their inquisitive minds, and just being so happy. Big thank you to you and your team for everything!

Your school is truly one of the best I have experienced. Just warms my heart to see how my girls are discovering and appreciating their individuality, stretching their inquisitive minds, and just being so happy. Big thank you to you and your team for everything!

Parent, 2019-2023

3 / 4

A belated vote of thanks to Hillside for the well run Sports Day, last week. Just the kids’ reaction, from screams of delight to spontaneous laughter was great to see. I think we parents enjoyed it more though…reminded me when alma mater QBS also held its sports day at the Football Club.

A belated vote of thanks to Hillside for the well run Sports Day, last week. Just the kids’ reaction, from screams of delight to spontaneous laughter was great to see. I think we parents enjoyed it more though…reminded me when alma mater QBS also held its sports day at the Football Club.

Parent, 2017-2019

4 / 4

Our children have both loved their time at Hillside and they both learnt so much, whilst having lots of fun in the process. We feel that all of the teachers are great and we would particularly like to mention our son’s teacher, as she really has gone above and beyond the call of duty with him.

Our children have both loved their time at Hillside and they both learnt so much, whilst having lots of fun in the process. We feel that all of the teachers are great and we would particularly like to mention our son’s teacher, as she really has gone above and beyond the call of duty with him.

Parent, 2013-2017

1 / 4

I just wanted to congratulate you and your team on the wonderful children and parents that we have been interviewing this week from Hillside. The inquisitive and joyful learners that you are producing, is a credit to you and the parents that I have interviewed reflect this in my conversations with them.

I just wanted to congratulate you and your team on the wonderful children and parents that we have been interviewing this week from Hillside. The inquisitive and joyful learners that you are producing, is a credit to you and the parents that I have interviewed reflect this in my conversations with them.

John Brewster, Principal, Kennedy School, 2016

Quarry Bay-Sue Yee(1000x1000)
2 / 4

Thank you for hosting us, it was great to see all the children in your lovely environment. We could not stop talking about the next steps for the children and it was full of takeaways and ideas.

Thank you for hosting us, it was great to see all the children in your lovely environment. We could not stop talking about the next steps for the children and it was full of takeaways and ideas.

Sue Yee, Principal, Quarry Bay School

3 / 4

We all thoroughly enjoyed the process and were extremely impressed by the professionalism of the Hillside staff. It was great to hear so many positive comments about the ‘Instructional Rounds’ process and the learning that came from it. Well done to all!

We all thoroughly enjoyed the process and were extremely impressed by the professionalism of the Hillside staff. It was great to hear so many positive comments about the ‘Instructional Rounds’ process and the learning that came from it. Well done to all!

Rebecca Clements, ESF Senior School Development Officer, 2016

4 / 4

Thank you for letting three of our teachers come and visit Hillside today. The teachers found it very informative and it gave them a great example of inquiry based curriculum delivery. Thank you also for sharing the sample planning documents and explaining how they are implemented. It was a wonderful professional development opportunity.

Thank you for letting three of our teachers come and visit Hillside today. The teachers found it very informative and it gave them a great example of inquiry based curriculum delivery. Thank you also for sharing the sample planning documents and explaining how they are implemented. It was a wonderful professional development opportunity.

Susan Ward, Director, Catiline Kindergarten Group, 2017

What's New at Hillside?

☀️ What a Wonderful Way to End the School Year! 💦

And that’s a wrap! We celebrated our last day with the return of a favourite event: Water Fun Day 💦 It was fantastic to see so many happy faces splashing, playing, and having a brilliant time in our outdoor area. For those who preferred to stay dry, there was plenty of fun to be had with our indoor activities too.

We were so pleased the weather held out for us, and we even enjoyed some lovely sunshine in the afternoon. The sound of laughter was the perfect way to close our school year.

Thank you to all our children for bringing so much joy to Hillside. We wish all our families a safe, restful, and happy summer holiday. We look forward to seeing you all again next term!

#HSK #esfhillside #LastDayOfSchool #WaterFunDay #EndOfYear #HappyHolidays #SchoolIsOut

513995770_17875367478364981_2605661913589096627_n

🎉 Congratulations, K2! 🎉

Thank you to all our K2 parents for joining last Friday’s Celebration of Learning ceremony. It was heartwarming to see so many of you there, and your presence meant the world to our children. 

We are so proud of our K2 learners 🥹 They have learnt new skills, made new friends, and have grown in so many ways this year. Seeing them stand proudly on stage was a privilege for all of us.

We are grateful for your partnership, which has helped us provide a happy and supportive learning environment for your children. Thank you for sharing this special milestone with us. 

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYearsGraduation #ProudTeachers #ParentPartnership

513971522_17875261206364981_4003576308768505001_n

🌟 A Wonderful K1 Celebration of Learning! 🌟

Thank you to all our K1 families for joining our Arts Open Day 🎨 Your support and participation made the day truly special for our children and teachers.

It was a joy to see the children proudly share their learning with you. They have been exploring the unit ”How We Express Ourselves,“ trying new things and learning so many new skills. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.
Seeing the pride on your faces means so much to our community. By working together, we have given our children a joyful and enriching learning experience. Thank you for being such wonderful partners.

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYears #HowWeExpressOurselves #ParentPartnership

511684150_17875136652364981_7567016333345622457_n

🌟 Protecting Childhood: The Power of Play and Connection 🌟

We’re always thinking about how to help our children grow up happy and resilient. “The Anxious Generation,” author @jonathanhaidt, reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: the most important things for our young learners are play and real-world connection.

Children need:
🧠 Lots of Unstructured Play: This is how children naturally learn to solve problems, be creative, and understand others. It is their most important work!
🌳 Real-World Exploration: Hands-on experiences, like playing outside and having face-to-face conversations, are vital for building strong brains and emotional skills.
⏳ Focused Attention: Helping children learn to focus without constant digital distractions is crucial for their future learning and well-being.

At Hillside, we champion these ideas every day through our play-based learning, outdoor adventures, and by helping children build friendships through direct interaction.

How You Can Help at Home:
✅ Prioritise Play: Make time for open-ended, child-led play, both indoors and outdoors.
✅ Limit Screen Time: For young (and old) children, less is more. When screens are used, we encourage you to watch and interact with your child. 
✅ Foster Real Connections: Encourage playdates and family activities that allow your child to explore the world around them.
✅ Create “Device-Free” Times: Simple habits, like putting phones away during mealtimes (for adults too!), can make a big difference in family connection.

By working together to protect this precious time of childhood, we help our children become resilient, happy, and engaged learners.

#HSK #esfhillside #EarlyYears #PlayBasedLearning #ChildDevelopment #TheAnxiousGeneration

505124690_17873624856364981_1668443516272853008_n

Little Ears, Big Inspiration! 🎶

What an incredible mid-unit boost for our K1 ‘How We Express Ourselves’ unit of inquiry! 🎉 To deepen our exploration and reinforce the children’s skills of noticing and responding to the arts, we had the pleasure of hosting some talented student musicians from Bradbury School. The K1 children were absolutely captivated, observing the different instruments with interest and curiosity, and it was inspiring for them to see bigger kids making such beautiful music! 

A huge thank you to Simone Elimelech, Bradbury School’s performing arts leader, for supporting this wonderful collaboration and making this fun incursion possible! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to expose our youngest learners to the magic of live music and demonstrate how powerful self-expression through performance can be.

#HowWeExpressOurselves #BradburySchool #EarlyYears #PerformingArts #JoyOfLearning

503909256_17873103300364981_1868350680330520031_n

Ahoy, mateys! 🏴‍☠️ Our K2 classes had an absolute blast with Move For Life, enriching our Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves! We jumped, wiggled, and even told a swashbuckling pirate story through dance, exploring how movement can tell a tale. Huge thanks to Move for Life for such a fun and active session at Hillside! 

#HowWeExpressOurselves #SchoolIncursion #DanceandMovement #PlayBasedLearning #KidsinAction

502341137_17872162770364981_8710473756938487805_n

📚✨ What a delightful day it was at Hillside!

Our K1 children had the wonderful opportunity to meet the talented author Diana Jou and illustrator KaiChin Chang!  
They shared their heartwarming book, “Thank You Auntie,” with us, reading it in both English and Mandarin. It was such a special way to enrich our curriculum and celebrate our school’s translanguaging practices. We also loved seeing your heartwarming photos of your little ones with their aunties or helpers! ❤️ 

If you’d like to own a copy of this lovely book, you can find it at Bookazine. Happy reading! 📖😊 

#BilingualStorytime #EarlyYearsLearning #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachingYoungMinds

500780159_17871394743364981_6887138524742586832_n

🌟 Fostering Writing Skills – Timing is Key! 🌟

Developing writing skills is essential. However, it’s important to remember that timing is key! Young children’s bones and muscles are still developing, which means it’s crucial not to rush them in their writing journey. Supporting their fine motor development is vital for their success in writing.
Here are some progress makers regarding writing skills:

Fine Motor Skills:
Children are developing the fine motor skills needed for writing, such as holding a pencil and using scissors. Their muscles are still maturing, so patience and practice are essential. You can help your child bolster these skills by strengthening their wrist, fingers, and hands through sensory play such as playdough and goop. 

Letter Formation:
Many (K2) children will begin to write some letters and may start to write their names. However, their ability to form letters accurately may take time to develop.

Expressing Ideas:
Children may express their thoughts and ideas through drawings and phonetic spelling (writing words based on how they sound rather than how they are spelled- which is developmentally appropriate!) Encouraging this creativity is important as they develop their identity as a writer.

How Parents Can Support Writing Skills:

• Provide Writing Tools: Offer various writing materials, such as crayons, markers, and different types of paper. Encourage free drawing and writing to build confidence.

• Practice Name Writing: Help your child practice writing their name regularly. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their writing.

• Engage in Fine Motor Activities: Incorporate activities that strengthen fine motor skills, such as playdough, threading, cutting or simple crafts.

500313954_17870850033364981_8058679001208251075_n

🌟 Building Early Reading Skills🌟

Many parents are interested in knowing more about pre-literacy skills. These foundational skills set the stage for reading and writing success. Understanding skill progression can help us support our children as they transition to the next stage. It is important to note that both K1 and K2 children could be along this continuum. Here are a few progress makers for early reading skills:

Print Awareness:
Children should understand that print carries meaning. They might recognise some letters and understand that reading goes from left to right.

Phonological Awareness:
Children should start to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. They might be able to rhyme, identify initial letter sounds, or blend letter sounds.

Story Comprehension:
Children should be able to retell stories, identify characters, and predict what might happen next in a story.

How Parents Can Support Early Reading Skills:

• Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Choose a variety of books and discuss the stories with your child. Many children enjoy non-fiction books as well, which supports inquiry and research skills.

• Engage in Rhymes and Songs: Singing and rhyming help develop phonological awareness. Use nursery rhymes and simple songs to make learning fun!

• Explore Letters: Point out print in your environment (NOT flash cards), such as on signs or food packaging. Encourage your child to identify letters and sounds in playful and meaningful ways, such as in names or familiar signs.

499993363_17870439195364981_1227632321421675820_n

Chinese Puppetry

Our little ones were captivated by the amazing Mr. Cheung! He brought the ancient art of Chinese puppetry to life, showing us how these incredible figures move and tell stories without saying a single word. 🎭A huge thank you to Mr. Cheung for sharing his talent and this rich cultural experience with us!
Did you know this art form is over 2000 years old?! What a fantastic provocation for our new unit, “How We Express Ourselves”! 🤔 The children were so engaged, thinking deeply about how movement and music can powerfully communicate and bring stories to life.

#ChinesePuppetry #IBPYP #HowWeExpressOurselves #CulturalExperience #SchoolIncursion

498631603_17869768257364981_2387795990486054979_n

☀️ What a Wonderful Way to End the School Year! 💦

And that’s a wrap! We celebrated our last day with the return of a favourite event: Water Fun Day 💦 It was fantastic to see so many happy faces splashing, playing, and having a brilliant time in our outdoor area. For those who preferred to stay dry, there was plenty of fun to be had with our indoor activities too.

We were so pleased the weather held out for us, and we even enjoyed some lovely sunshine in the afternoon. The sound of laughter was the perfect way to close our school year.

Thank you to all our children for bringing so much joy to Hillside. We wish all our families a safe, restful, and happy summer holiday. We look forward to seeing you all again next term!

#HSK #esfhillside #LastDayOfSchool #WaterFunDay #EndOfYear #HappyHolidays #SchoolIsOut

513995770_17875367478364981_2605661913589096627_n

🎉 Congratulations, K2! 🎉

Thank you to all our K2 parents for joining last Friday’s Celebration of Learning ceremony. It was heartwarming to see so many of you there, and your presence meant the world to our children. 

We are so proud of our K2 learners 🥹 They have learnt new skills, made new friends, and have grown in so many ways this year. Seeing them stand proudly on stage was a privilege for all of us.

We are grateful for your partnership, which has helped us provide a happy and supportive learning environment for your children. Thank you for sharing this special milestone with us. 

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYearsGraduation #ProudTeachers #ParentPartnership

513971522_17875261206364981_4003576308768505001_n

🌟 A Wonderful K1 Celebration of Learning! 🌟

Thank you to all our K1 families for joining our Arts Open Day 🎨 Your support and participation made the day truly special for our children and teachers.

It was a joy to see the children proudly share their learning with you. They have been exploring the unit ”How We Express Ourselves,“ trying new things and learning so many new skills. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.
Seeing the pride on your faces means so much to our community. By working together, we have given our children a joyful and enriching learning experience. Thank you for being such wonderful partners.

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYears #HowWeExpressOurselves #ParentPartnership

511684150_17875136652364981_7567016333345622457_n

🌟 Protecting Childhood: The Power of Play and Connection 🌟

We’re always thinking about how to help our children grow up happy and resilient. “The Anxious Generation,” author @jonathanhaidt, reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: the most important things for our young learners are play and real-world connection.

Children need:
🧠 Lots of Unstructured Play: This is how children naturally learn to solve problems, be creative, and understand others. It is their most important work!
🌳 Real-World Exploration: Hands-on experiences, like playing outside and having face-to-face conversations, are vital for building strong brains and emotional skills.
⏳ Focused Attention: Helping children learn to focus without constant digital distractions is crucial for their future learning and well-being.

At Hillside, we champion these ideas every day through our play-based learning, outdoor adventures, and by helping children build friendships through direct interaction.

How You Can Help at Home:
✅ Prioritise Play: Make time for open-ended, child-led play, both indoors and outdoors.
✅ Limit Screen Time: For young (and old) children, less is more. When screens are used, we encourage you to watch and interact with your child. 
✅ Foster Real Connections: Encourage playdates and family activities that allow your child to explore the world around them.
✅ Create “Device-Free” Times: Simple habits, like putting phones away during mealtimes (for adults too!), can make a big difference in family connection.

By working together to protect this precious time of childhood, we help our children become resilient, happy, and engaged learners.

#HSK #esfhillside #EarlyYears #PlayBasedLearning #ChildDevelopment #TheAnxiousGeneration

505124690_17873624856364981_1668443516272853008_n

Little Ears, Big Inspiration! 🎶

What an incredible mid-unit boost for our K1 ‘How We Express Ourselves’ unit of inquiry! 🎉 To deepen our exploration and reinforce the children’s skills of noticing and responding to the arts, we had the pleasure of hosting some talented student musicians from Bradbury School. The K1 children were absolutely captivated, observing the different instruments with interest and curiosity, and it was inspiring for them to see bigger kids making such beautiful music! 

A huge thank you to Simone Elimelech, Bradbury School’s performing arts leader, for supporting this wonderful collaboration and making this fun incursion possible! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to expose our youngest learners to the magic of live music and demonstrate how powerful self-expression through performance can be.

#HowWeExpressOurselves #BradburySchool #EarlyYears #PerformingArts #JoyOfLearning

503909256_17873103300364981_1868350680330520031_n

Ahoy, mateys! 🏴‍☠️ Our K2 classes had an absolute blast with Move For Life, enriching our Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves! We jumped, wiggled, and even told a swashbuckling pirate story through dance, exploring how movement can tell a tale. Huge thanks to Move for Life for such a fun and active session at Hillside! 

#HowWeExpressOurselves #SchoolIncursion #DanceandMovement #PlayBasedLearning #KidsinAction

502341137_17872162770364981_8710473756938487805_n

📚✨ What a delightful day it was at Hillside!

Our K1 children had the wonderful opportunity to meet the talented author Diana Jou and illustrator KaiChin Chang!  
They shared their heartwarming book, “Thank You Auntie,” with us, reading it in both English and Mandarin. It was such a special way to enrich our curriculum and celebrate our school’s translanguaging practices. We also loved seeing your heartwarming photos of your little ones with their aunties or helpers! ❤️ 

If you’d like to own a copy of this lovely book, you can find it at Bookazine. Happy reading! 📖😊 

#BilingualStorytime #EarlyYearsLearning #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachingYoungMinds

500780159_17871394743364981_6887138524742586832_n

🌟 Fostering Writing Skills – Timing is Key! 🌟

Developing writing skills is essential. However, it’s important to remember that timing is key! Young children’s bones and muscles are still developing, which means it’s crucial not to rush them in their writing journey. Supporting their fine motor development is vital for their success in writing.
Here are some progress makers regarding writing skills:

Fine Motor Skills:
Children are developing the fine motor skills needed for writing, such as holding a pencil and using scissors. Their muscles are still maturing, so patience and practice are essential. You can help your child bolster these skills by strengthening their wrist, fingers, and hands through sensory play such as playdough and goop. 

Letter Formation:
Many (K2) children will begin to write some letters and may start to write their names. However, their ability to form letters accurately may take time to develop.

Expressing Ideas:
Children may express their thoughts and ideas through drawings and phonetic spelling (writing words based on how they sound rather than how they are spelled- which is developmentally appropriate!) Encouraging this creativity is important as they develop their identity as a writer.

How Parents Can Support Writing Skills:

• Provide Writing Tools: Offer various writing materials, such as crayons, markers, and different types of paper. Encourage free drawing and writing to build confidence.

• Practice Name Writing: Help your child practice writing their name regularly. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their writing.

• Engage in Fine Motor Activities: Incorporate activities that strengthen fine motor skills, such as playdough, threading, cutting or simple crafts.

500313954_17870850033364981_8058679001208251075_n

🌟 Building Early Reading Skills🌟

Many parents are interested in knowing more about pre-literacy skills. These foundational skills set the stage for reading and writing success. Understanding skill progression can help us support our children as they transition to the next stage. It is important to note that both K1 and K2 children could be along this continuum. Here are a few progress makers for early reading skills:

Print Awareness:
Children should understand that print carries meaning. They might recognise some letters and understand that reading goes from left to right.

Phonological Awareness:
Children should start to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. They might be able to rhyme, identify initial letter sounds, or blend letter sounds.

Story Comprehension:
Children should be able to retell stories, identify characters, and predict what might happen next in a story.

How Parents Can Support Early Reading Skills:

• Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Choose a variety of books and discuss the stories with your child. Many children enjoy non-fiction books as well, which supports inquiry and research skills.

• Engage in Rhymes and Songs: Singing and rhyming help develop phonological awareness. Use nursery rhymes and simple songs to make learning fun!

• Explore Letters: Point out print in your environment (NOT flash cards), such as on signs or food packaging. Encourage your child to identify letters and sounds in playful and meaningful ways, such as in names or familiar signs.

499993363_17870439195364981_1227632321421675820_n

Chinese Puppetry

Our little ones were captivated by the amazing Mr. Cheung! He brought the ancient art of Chinese puppetry to life, showing us how these incredible figures move and tell stories without saying a single word. 🎭A huge thank you to Mr. Cheung for sharing his talent and this rich cultural experience with us!
Did you know this art form is over 2000 years old?! What a fantastic provocation for our new unit, “How We Express Ourselves”! 🤔 The children were so engaged, thinking deeply about how movement and music can powerfully communicate and bring stories to life.

#ChinesePuppetry #IBPYP #HowWeExpressOurselves #CulturalExperience #SchoolIncursion

498631603_17869768257364981_2387795990486054979_n

☀️ What a Wonderful Way to End the School Year! 💦

And that’s a wrap! We celebrated our last day with the return of a favourite event: Water Fun Day 💦 It was fantastic to see so many happy faces splashing, playing, and having a brilliant time in our outdoor area. For those who preferred to stay dry, there was plenty of fun to be had with our indoor activities too.

We were so pleased the weather held out for us, and we even enjoyed some lovely sunshine in the afternoon. The sound of laughter was the perfect way to close our school year.

Thank you to all our children for bringing so much joy to Hillside. We wish all our families a safe, restful, and happy summer holiday. We look forward to seeing you all again next term!

#HSK #esfhillside #LastDayOfSchool #WaterFunDay #EndOfYear #HappyHolidays #SchoolIsOut

513995770_17875367478364981_2605661913589096627_n

🎉 Congratulations, K2! 🎉

Thank you to all our K2 parents for joining last Friday’s Celebration of Learning ceremony. It was heartwarming to see so many of you there, and your presence meant the world to our children. 

We are so proud of our K2 learners 🥹 They have learnt new skills, made new friends, and have grown in so many ways this year. Seeing them stand proudly on stage was a privilege for all of us.

We are grateful for your partnership, which has helped us provide a happy and supportive learning environment for your children. Thank you for sharing this special milestone with us. 

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYearsGraduation #ProudTeachers #ParentPartnership

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🌟 A Wonderful K1 Celebration of Learning! 🌟

Thank you to all our K1 families for joining our Arts Open Day 🎨 Your support and participation made the day truly special for our children and teachers.

It was a joy to see the children proudly share their learning with you. They have been exploring the unit ”How We Express Ourselves,“ trying new things and learning so many new skills. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.
Seeing the pride on your faces means so much to our community. By working together, we have given our children a joyful and enriching learning experience. Thank you for being such wonderful partners.

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYears #HowWeExpressOurselves #ParentPartnership

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🌟 Protecting Childhood: The Power of Play and Connection 🌟

We’re always thinking about how to help our children grow up happy and resilient. “The Anxious Generation,” author @jonathanhaidt, reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: the most important things for our young learners are play and real-world connection.

Children need:
🧠 Lots of Unstructured Play: This is how children naturally learn to solve problems, be creative, and understand others. It is their most important work!
🌳 Real-World Exploration: Hands-on experiences, like playing outside and having face-to-face conversations, are vital for building strong brains and emotional skills.
⏳ Focused Attention: Helping children learn to focus without constant digital distractions is crucial for their future learning and well-being.

At Hillside, we champion these ideas every day through our play-based learning, outdoor adventures, and by helping children build friendships through direct interaction.

How You Can Help at Home:
✅ Prioritise Play: Make time for open-ended, child-led play, both indoors and outdoors.
✅ Limit Screen Time: For young (and old) children, less is more. When screens are used, we encourage you to watch and interact with your child. 
✅ Foster Real Connections: Encourage playdates and family activities that allow your child to explore the world around them.
✅ Create “Device-Free” Times: Simple habits, like putting phones away during mealtimes (for adults too!), can make a big difference in family connection.

By working together to protect this precious time of childhood, we help our children become resilient, happy, and engaged learners.

#HSK #esfhillside #EarlyYears #PlayBasedLearning #ChildDevelopment #TheAnxiousGeneration

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Little Ears, Big Inspiration! 🎶

What an incredible mid-unit boost for our K1 ‘How We Express Ourselves’ unit of inquiry! 🎉 To deepen our exploration and reinforce the children’s skills of noticing and responding to the arts, we had the pleasure of hosting some talented student musicians from Bradbury School. The K1 children were absolutely captivated, observing the different instruments with interest and curiosity, and it was inspiring for them to see bigger kids making such beautiful music! 

A huge thank you to Simone Elimelech, Bradbury School’s performing arts leader, for supporting this wonderful collaboration and making this fun incursion possible! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to expose our youngest learners to the magic of live music and demonstrate how powerful self-expression through performance can be.

#HowWeExpressOurselves #BradburySchool #EarlyYears #PerformingArts #JoyOfLearning

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Ahoy, mateys! 🏴‍☠️ Our K2 classes had an absolute blast with Move For Life, enriching our Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves! We jumped, wiggled, and even told a swashbuckling pirate story through dance, exploring how movement can tell a tale. Huge thanks to Move for Life for such a fun and active session at Hillside! 

#HowWeExpressOurselves #SchoolIncursion #DanceandMovement #PlayBasedLearning #KidsinAction

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📚✨ What a delightful day it was at Hillside!

Our K1 children had the wonderful opportunity to meet the talented author Diana Jou and illustrator KaiChin Chang!  
They shared their heartwarming book, “Thank You Auntie,” with us, reading it in both English and Mandarin. It was such a special way to enrich our curriculum and celebrate our school’s translanguaging practices. We also loved seeing your heartwarming photos of your little ones with their aunties or helpers! ❤️ 

If you’d like to own a copy of this lovely book, you can find it at Bookazine. Happy reading! 📖😊 

#BilingualStorytime #EarlyYearsLearning #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachingYoungMinds

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🌟 Fostering Writing Skills – Timing is Key! 🌟

Developing writing skills is essential. However, it’s important to remember that timing is key! Young children’s bones and muscles are still developing, which means it’s crucial not to rush them in their writing journey. Supporting their fine motor development is vital for their success in writing.
Here are some progress makers regarding writing skills:

Fine Motor Skills:
Children are developing the fine motor skills needed for writing, such as holding a pencil and using scissors. Their muscles are still maturing, so patience and practice are essential. You can help your child bolster these skills by strengthening their wrist, fingers, and hands through sensory play such as playdough and goop. 

Letter Formation:
Many (K2) children will begin to write some letters and may start to write their names. However, their ability to form letters accurately may take time to develop.

Expressing Ideas:
Children may express their thoughts and ideas through drawings and phonetic spelling (writing words based on how they sound rather than how they are spelled- which is developmentally appropriate!) Encouraging this creativity is important as they develop their identity as a writer.

How Parents Can Support Writing Skills:

• Provide Writing Tools: Offer various writing materials, such as crayons, markers, and different types of paper. Encourage free drawing and writing to build confidence.

• Practice Name Writing: Help your child practice writing their name regularly. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their writing.

• Engage in Fine Motor Activities: Incorporate activities that strengthen fine motor skills, such as playdough, threading, cutting or simple crafts.

500313954_17870850033364981_8058679001208251075_n

🌟 Building Early Reading Skills🌟

Many parents are interested in knowing more about pre-literacy skills. These foundational skills set the stage for reading and writing success. Understanding skill progression can help us support our children as they transition to the next stage. It is important to note that both K1 and K2 children could be along this continuum. Here are a few progress makers for early reading skills:

Print Awareness:
Children should understand that print carries meaning. They might recognise some letters and understand that reading goes from left to right.

Phonological Awareness:
Children should start to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. They might be able to rhyme, identify initial letter sounds, or blend letter sounds.

Story Comprehension:
Children should be able to retell stories, identify characters, and predict what might happen next in a story.

How Parents Can Support Early Reading Skills:

• Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Choose a variety of books and discuss the stories with your child. Many children enjoy non-fiction books as well, which supports inquiry and research skills.

• Engage in Rhymes and Songs: Singing and rhyming help develop phonological awareness. Use nursery rhymes and simple songs to make learning fun!

• Explore Letters: Point out print in your environment (NOT flash cards), such as on signs or food packaging. Encourage your child to identify letters and sounds in playful and meaningful ways, such as in names or familiar signs.

499993363_17870439195364981_1227632321421675820_n

Chinese Puppetry

Our little ones were captivated by the amazing Mr. Cheung! He brought the ancient art of Chinese puppetry to life, showing us how these incredible figures move and tell stories without saying a single word. 🎭A huge thank you to Mr. Cheung for sharing his talent and this rich cultural experience with us!
Did you know this art form is over 2000 years old?! What a fantastic provocation for our new unit, “How We Express Ourselves”! 🤔 The children were so engaged, thinking deeply about how movement and music can powerfully communicate and bring stories to life.

#ChinesePuppetry #IBPYP #HowWeExpressOurselves #CulturalExperience #SchoolIncursion

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☀️ What a Wonderful Way to End the School Year! 💦

And that’s a wrap! We celebrated our last day with the return of a favourite event: Water Fun Day 💦 It was fantastic to see so many happy faces splashing, playing, and having a brilliant time in our outdoor area. For those who preferred to stay dry, there was plenty of fun to be had with our indoor activities too.

We were so pleased the weather held out for us, and we even enjoyed some lovely sunshine in the afternoon. The sound of laughter was the perfect way to close our school year.

Thank you to all our children for bringing so much joy to Hillside. We wish all our families a safe, restful, and happy summer holiday. We look forward to seeing you all again next term!

#HSK #esfhillside #LastDayOfSchool #WaterFunDay #EndOfYear #HappyHolidays #SchoolIsOut

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🎉 Congratulations, K2! 🎉

Thank you to all our K2 parents for joining last Friday’s Celebration of Learning ceremony. It was heartwarming to see so many of you there, and your presence meant the world to our children. 

We are so proud of our K2 learners 🥹 They have learnt new skills, made new friends, and have grown in so many ways this year. Seeing them stand proudly on stage was a privilege for all of us.

We are grateful for your partnership, which has helped us provide a happy and supportive learning environment for your children. Thank you for sharing this special milestone with us. 

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYearsGraduation #ProudTeachers #ParentPartnership

513971522_17875261206364981_4003576308768505001_n
Comment

🌟 A Wonderful K1 Celebration of Learning! 🌟

Thank you to all our K1 families for joining our Arts Open Day 🎨 Your support and participation made the day truly special for our children and teachers.

It was a joy to see the children proudly share their learning with you. They have been exploring the unit ”How We Express Ourselves,“ trying new things and learning so many new skills. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.
Seeing the pride on your faces means so much to our community. By working together, we have given our children a joyful and enriching learning experience. Thank you for being such wonderful partners.

#HSK #esfhillside #CelebrationOfLearning #EarlyYears #HowWeExpressOurselves #ParentPartnership

511684150_17875136652364981_7567016333345622457_n
Comment

🌟 Protecting Childhood: The Power of Play and Connection 🌟

We’re always thinking about how to help our children grow up happy and resilient. “The Anxious Generation,” author @jonathanhaidt, reminds us of a simple but powerful truth: the most important things for our young learners are play and real-world connection.

Children need:
🧠 Lots of Unstructured Play: This is how children naturally learn to solve problems, be creative, and understand others. It is their most important work!
🌳 Real-World Exploration: Hands-on experiences, like playing outside and having face-to-face conversations, are vital for building strong brains and emotional skills.
⏳ Focused Attention: Helping children learn to focus without constant digital distractions is crucial for their future learning and well-being.

At Hillside, we champion these ideas every day through our play-based learning, outdoor adventures, and by helping children build friendships through direct interaction.

How You Can Help at Home:
✅ Prioritise Play: Make time for open-ended, child-led play, both indoors and outdoors.
✅ Limit Screen Time: For young (and old) children, less is more. When screens are used, we encourage you to watch and interact with your child. 
✅ Foster Real Connections: Encourage playdates and family activities that allow your child to explore the world around them.
✅ Create “Device-Free” Times: Simple habits, like putting phones away during mealtimes (for adults too!), can make a big difference in family connection.

By working together to protect this precious time of childhood, we help our children become resilient, happy, and engaged learners.

#HSK #esfhillside #EarlyYears #PlayBasedLearning #ChildDevelopment #TheAnxiousGeneration

505124690_17873624856364981_1668443516272853008_n
Comment

Little Ears, Big Inspiration! 🎶

What an incredible mid-unit boost for our K1 ‘How We Express Ourselves’ unit of inquiry! 🎉 To deepen our exploration and reinforce the children’s skills of noticing and responding to the arts, we had the pleasure of hosting some talented student musicians from Bradbury School. The K1 children were absolutely captivated, observing the different instruments with interest and curiosity, and it was inspiring for them to see bigger kids making such beautiful music! 

A huge thank you to Simone Elimelech, Bradbury School’s performing arts leader, for supporting this wonderful collaboration and making this fun incursion possible! We’re so grateful for the opportunity to expose our youngest learners to the magic of live music and demonstrate how powerful self-expression through performance can be.

#HowWeExpressOurselves #BradburySchool #EarlyYears #PerformingArts #JoyOfLearning

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504092980_17873103309364981_3061913810852921842_n
Comment

Ahoy, mateys! 🏴‍☠️ Our K2 classes had an absolute blast with Move For Life, enriching our Unit of Inquiry, How We Express Ourselves! We jumped, wiggled, and even told a swashbuckling pirate story through dance, exploring how movement can tell a tale. Huge thanks to Move for Life for such a fun and active session at Hillside! 

#HowWeExpressOurselves #SchoolIncursion #DanceandMovement #PlayBasedLearning #KidsinAction

502341137_17872162770364981_8710473756938487805_n
Comment

📚✨ What a delightful day it was at Hillside!

Our K1 children had the wonderful opportunity to meet the talented author Diana Jou and illustrator KaiChin Chang!  
They shared their heartwarming book, “Thank You Auntie,” with us, reading it in both English and Mandarin. It was such a special way to enrich our curriculum and celebrate our school’s translanguaging practices. We also loved seeing your heartwarming photos of your little ones with their aunties or helpers! ❤️ 

If you’d like to own a copy of this lovely book, you can find it at Bookazine. Happy reading! 📖😊 

#BilingualStorytime #EarlyYearsLearning #SocialEmotionalLearning #TeachingYoungMinds

500780159_17871394743364981_6887138524742586832_n
501256067_17871394746364981_4131695973525176671_n
Comment

🌟 Fostering Writing Skills – Timing is Key! 🌟

Developing writing skills is essential. However, it’s important to remember that timing is key! Young children’s bones and muscles are still developing, which means it’s crucial not to rush them in their writing journey. Supporting their fine motor development is vital for their success in writing.
Here are some progress makers regarding writing skills:

Fine Motor Skills:
Children are developing the fine motor skills needed for writing, such as holding a pencil and using scissors. Their muscles are still maturing, so patience and practice are essential. You can help your child bolster these skills by strengthening their wrist, fingers, and hands through sensory play such as playdough and goop. 

Letter Formation:
Many (K2) children will begin to write some letters and may start to write their names. However, their ability to form letters accurately may take time to develop.

Expressing Ideas:
Children may express their thoughts and ideas through drawings and phonetic spelling (writing words based on how they sound rather than how they are spelled- which is developmentally appropriate!) Encouraging this creativity is important as they develop their identity as a writer.

How Parents Can Support Writing Skills:

• Provide Writing Tools: Offer various writing materials, such as crayons, markers, and different types of paper. Encourage free drawing and writing to build confidence.

• Practice Name Writing: Help your child practice writing their name regularly. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride in their writing.

• Engage in Fine Motor Activities: Incorporate activities that strengthen fine motor skills, such as playdough, threading, cutting or simple crafts.

500313954_17870850033364981_8058679001208251075_n
Comment

🌟 Building Early Reading Skills🌟

Many parents are interested in knowing more about pre-literacy skills. These foundational skills set the stage for reading and writing success. Understanding skill progression can help us support our children as they transition to the next stage. It is important to note that both K1 and K2 children could be along this continuum. Here are a few progress makers for early reading skills:

Print Awareness:
Children should understand that print carries meaning. They might recognise some letters and understand that reading goes from left to right.

Phonological Awareness:
Children should start to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. They might be able to rhyme, identify initial letter sounds, or blend letter sounds.

Story Comprehension:
Children should be able to retell stories, identify characters, and predict what might happen next in a story.

How Parents Can Support Early Reading Skills:

• Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Choose a variety of books and discuss the stories with your child. Many children enjoy non-fiction books as well, which supports inquiry and research skills.

• Engage in Rhymes and Songs: Singing and rhyming help develop phonological awareness. Use nursery rhymes and simple songs to make learning fun!

• Explore Letters: Point out print in your environment (NOT flash cards), such as on signs or food packaging. Encourage your child to identify letters and sounds in playful and meaningful ways, such as in names or familiar signs.

499993363_17870439195364981_1227632321421675820_n
Comment

Chinese Puppetry

Our little ones were captivated by the amazing Mr. Cheung! He brought the ancient art of Chinese puppetry to life, showing us how these incredible figures move and tell stories without saying a single word. 🎭A huge thank you to Mr. Cheung for sharing his talent and this rich cultural experience with us!
Did you know this art form is over 2000 years old?! What a fantastic provocation for our new unit, “How We Express Ourselves”! 🤔 The children were so engaged, thinking deeply about how movement and music can powerfully communicate and bring stories to life.

#ChinesePuppetry #IBPYP #HowWeExpressOurselves #CulturalExperience #SchoolIncursion

498631603_17869768257364981_2387795990486054979_n
Comment
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