School Calendars

Call Us

+86 029 88693780

The Principal's Newsletter

Hanova’s waiting list and growing enrolment

By Mr Martin Hughes

Dear Parents and

Waiting list and the Early Years. We have had a lot of interest in the programmes we are running at Hanova. At the moment it looks likely we will have 70 students at Chinese New Year. We are very keen to keep the true international flavour of our school both in terms of nationalities, and in terms of the students’ L1 (first language) and proficiency in English. We also now interview parents and students to consider their suitability to the programmes we are able to offer. We are sorry that we have had to refuse the application of some students to our school, and now have some students on a waiting list. Students may be put on a waiting list if they wish to attend a class that is already full, either overall or for a particular L1, or if there is too high a proportion of a particular nationality. At the moment, the pressure on numbers is not the same across all the school and is greatest in Nursery to Year 1. The long term quality of education is our first consideration when we receive any new applications, as it is the strength of our programmes and school that are the most important factors.

Early Years. As you will be aware from last week’s newsletter Mrs Meme Bunting has joined us as an Early Years teacher. This has enabled us to increase the amount of differentiation we are already undertaking in Nursery Reception Year 1, particularly in Literacy and Maths. Thenumbers in Nursery to Year 1 are currently 16, but will rise to 19 at the time we intend to split the class at Chinese New Year. Numbers in Y2 will increase from 10 to 11. We are currently undertaking a reassessment of all the students’ needs particularly in these year groups to come up with the best plan to enhance the students’ learning to the highest levels. This will be discussed at the PSA meeting today (Thursday).

Chinese. Having welcomed Ms Sophia Suo to our Chinese department we are now undertaking some regrouping of the Chinese classes allowing for more differentiation. This regrouping based on assessments of the students will be finalised shortly. Most students, as before, will be in combined year groups but grouped usually by three levels instead of the current two. This will be depending on the needs of the students. We will then be writing to let you know which group your child has been placed in. Ms Suo will primarily focus on teaching the L1 (mother tongue) and more advanced Chinese language learners. Some more time will also be available for meetings for the Chinese department to enhance the quality and depth of planning.

Technology EAL and PE. Mr Mike Whitworth has changed his role to that of trainee teacher, after the Christmas holiday. He is continuing to work as EAL support teacher and Teaching Assistant in some classes. He has been studying and has started training, particularly in Technology and PE, areas where his skills and experience are particularly suited. This means that he will occasionally be taking classes under the guidance of more senior teachers.

Air quality. I wrote last week about the policy we have devised for cold weather in terms of students going outside at break and lunchtimes. The air quality index has been brought to my attention by one of our parents as it has not been good this week. On days when the weather is cold (roughly -1C or below), the students will be given a choice of being inside or outside. My first thoughts are that we could give a similar option on days when the AQI was 300 or above – the level where healthy children should consider restricting vigorous or prolonged activity outside. I would also suggest that the students bring a protective mask to school that they can wear outside. I understand these masks should be changed regularly if not daily. We may make it compulsory for any student to wear such a mask if they wish to be outside at lunchtimes. At the moment the policy just covers the option of being in or out. I hope to raise the compulsory wearing of masks with parents at the PSA meeting today.

Best regards,
Martin Hughes

 

Forthcoming events
Tuesday, 8th      Extra curricular activities (ECAs) begin

Thursday, 10th      Parent School Association meeting at 3pm

Friday, 25th      Student reports emailed hom


About the Author


Martin Hughes

Former School Principal

Mr Martin Hughes was the founding Principal of Hanova from 2012-15. Prior to his time at Hanova, he already had 23 years of experience as Principal in the UK and China at five different schools - including posts at Wuxi EtonHouse and EtonHouse's flagship Suzhou school. During his time as founding Principal at Hanova, he helped support the initial IB Diploma Programme authorisation (2014) and used his educational vision to help plant our then brand new school on a firm foundation. Under his leadership, Hanova's motto emerged, "Enabling children to become independent, creative and lifelong learners!"


More News & Events


© 2012-24 Xi’an Hanova International School. All Rights Reserved.