A Magazine for the Women of Hong Kong • March 2017 THE EXPERTS IN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE OPENING SEPTEMBER 2017 DAILY OR BILINGUAL STANDARDIZED ACADEMIC STEMinn CHINESE MAP® TESTING PROGRAM OPEN HOUSE | MARCH 18, 22, 23 & 25 We are pleased to launch a new campus in Hong Kong, September 2017, following our huge success at Stamford American International School in Singapore, which today has over 3,000 students from 70 nationalities. We offer a rigorous standards-based curriculum for students from 5 to 18 years, graduating students with the International Baccalaureate Diploma* to 1st tier universities worldwide. Contact Us [email protected] +852 2500 8688 www.sais.edu.hk *Stamford American School Hong Kong will apply to the International Baccalaureate for program candidacy in December 2017. Individualized Learning Plans from Age 5 Secondary and readies them for their future careers as ST scientists, engineers and business leaders. PUTTING YOUR CHILD 1 Stamford’s Outstanding Results Our students at our Singapore campus consistently ACHIEVING MORE THAN THEY BELIEVE THEY CAN achieve above the U.S. benchmark in their MAP® assessments. In Elementary, our students’ scores in Reading and Math are greater than the benchmark by one year CAMPUS OPENING on average. Progressing to Secondary, Stamford students perform above the benchmark in Math and Reading by two SEPTEMBER 2017! or more years on average. In fact, the average Stamford For students 5 to 18 years old Grade 6 student performs above the benchmark for Grade Every student at Stamford undergoes standardized 10 students in Reading, four grade levels above the norm. Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) assessments These outstanding MAP® results combined with the in Reading, Math and Science twice a year, allowing International Baccalaureate Diploma Program have led us to measure their academic growth throughout 90% of our graduates from Stamford’s Singapore campus to the school year and from year to year. We deliver acceptance to their 1st choice university. individualized learning plans based on each student’s instructional level, ensuring every child is stretched and challenged appropriately. Preparing Students for the Future Stamford’s unique problem-based STEMinn (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math & Innovation) Program challenges students from age 5 in these disciplines through critical thinking and real-world application. Laying strong foundations in these areas prepares our Elementary students for success in the highly challenging Physics, Biology and Chemistry courses offered in Discover more at Open House March 18, 22, 23 & 25 2017 www.sais.edu.hk | +852 2500 8688 *Stamford American School Hong Kong will apply to the International Baccalaureate for program candidacy in December 2017. Individualized Learning Plans from Age 5 Secondary and readies them for their future careers as ST scientists, engineers and business leaders. PUTTING YOUR CHILD 1 Stamford’s Outstanding Results Our students at our Singapore campus consistently ACHIEVING MORE THAN THEY BELIEVE THEY CAN achieve above the U.S. benchmark in their MAP® assessments. In Elementary, our students’ scores in Reading and Math are greater than the benchmark by one year CAMPUS OPENING on average. Progressing to Secondary, Stamford students perform above the benchmark in Math and Reading by two SEPTEMBER 2017! or more years on average. In fact, the average Stamford For students 5 to 18 years old Grade 6 student performs above the benchmark for Grade Every student at Stamford undergoes standardized 10 students in Reading, four grade levels above the norm. Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) assessments These outstanding MAP® results combined with the in Reading, Math and Science twice a year, allowing International Baccalaureate Diploma Program have led us to measure their academic growth throughout 90% of our graduates from Stamford’s Singapore campus to the school year and from year to year. We deliver acceptance to their 1st choice university. individualized learning plans based on each student’s instructional level, ensuring every child is stretched and challenged appropriately. Preparing Students for the Future Stamford’s unique problem-based STEMinn (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math & Innovation) Program challenges students from age 5 in these disciplines through critical thinking and real-world application. Laying strong foundations in these areas prepares our Elementary students for success in the highly challenging Physics, Biology and Chemistry courses offered in Discover more at Open House March 18, 22, 23 & 25 2017 www.sais.edu.hk | +852 2500 8688 *Stamford American School Hong Kong will apply to the International Baccalaureate for program candidacy in December 2017. MARCH 2017 The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong, Limited. 18 Established in 1956 A volunteer organization of women of all nationalities supporting Hong Kong charities and schools through community service and monetary grants, while providing educational and social activities for members. AWARE PRODUCTION TEAM EDITOR Brooke Richter [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Shelda Chickles Contents Rachel Parker Claudia Doherty Helen Carruthers Membership 3 Francis Nicholls Simeen Lubin AWA Enjoys 5 On-Line Shopping in Hong Kong 6 GRAPHICS Meet Rachel, AWA Communications Chair 8 Jacky Ngan 12 Fahima Ahmad Learning for Life 9 Hong Kong Neighbourhoods: 12 ADVERTISING MANAGER [email protected] Kowloon Walled City Lantern Festival in Tin San Village 14 Jet Lag Blues 16 PUBLISHED & PRINTED BY R&R Publishing Ltd. Who Will Take Care of Your Dog 17 2126 7812 [email protected] Jungle Living 18 www.rrpublishing.com.hk Calendar of Events 22 17 The AWA office is open from Monday-Thursday 9:30am-3:30pm. We are closed on Hong Kong public holidays. VISIT THE AWA WEBSITE: www.awa.org.hk LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/awahk FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @AWA_HK FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @AWA_HK Any opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author only and do not represent the opinion of the American Women’s Association. Any reliance by the reader upon any recommendation or opinion in this publication is at the reader’s own risk. The AWA accepts no responsibility for any loss which may result from such reliance. Copyright 2014. The content of the Aware publication is the property of the American Women's Association. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is strictly prohibited. Information from within the publication may not be distributed without the express written consent of the American Women's Association. WELCOME From the President Hello AWA members! We made it to March, and though I’m not a huge basketball fan, March Madness has a whole different meaning around the AWA. We’ve just concluded yet another successful Pub Quiz – our best ever! What a fun night! Thank you Angela Bellas and Rachel Bourke for your hard work and dedication to making another amazing night out for AWA members and friends, all From the Editor for an amazing charity – the Life Education Activity Program (LEAP) - The Year of the Fire Rooster is in full swing and the AWA’s which helps ethnic minority children been busy attending historical walks, cooking in Hong Kong work on life and social extravaganzas and festivals. The fun continues this month skills to help them fight against drug with a terrific slate of activity and service opportunities. and alcohol abuse. And next month it There are 18 local activities alone this month, including a is time for our big Fashion Show! You new historical talk and cultural outings and, as always, do not want to miss the Conscious some enticing offerings for fun, food and/or relaxation. For Couture event being held on April those wanting to help in the community, please consider 26th at The American Club in Tai the Kids4Kids Book Drive coming up next month and the Tam. Tickets are seriously selling like hot cakes, and the first numerous opportunities to serve in local ones to buy get VIP seating in the first rows. Please don’t wait! schools as detailed in Helen Carruther’s Grab a friend and get your tickets. (There will be bus service article “Learning for Life.” from the Ocean Park MTR to the American Club.) Also in this issue, Frances Nicholls takes As most of you know by now, we are in the midst of us on a walking tour of the fascinating nomination season and, no, I don’t mean the Oscars. Special Kowloon Walled City and Rachel Parker thanks to Sally Kooser and the individuals serving on the shares with us the recent Lantern Festival Nominating Committee. We hope to have a terrific slate off in Tin San Village that so many AWA new officers to lead the way forward. Working with the AWA is members attended and enjoyed. For an incredible experience. Speaking for myself, serving on the some afternoon reading, you can take in AWA Board over the past 3-1⁄2 years has been a blessing and on-line shopping tips, get the latest on a privilege. I could not have anticipated all that I have gained local dog care offerings, and learn what you can do to from this experience. And I cannot underscore how wonderful battle that all-too-familiar phenomenon of jet lag. And if it is to get to work with so many strong, motivated, intelligent you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to live beyond and creative women. It has been, and continues to be, a the concrete buildings and high-rises of Central or TST, blast! be sure to read Simeen Lubin’s “Jungle Living” article. What a diversity of environments (and apparently Be sure to mark you calendars for our upcoming AGM on creatures) we have here in Hong Kong! April 20 at the AWA offices. Until then, happy March Madness everyone! Last but not least, please check out the Vacancy Post on page 4 that lists many important positions within the AWA that need to be filled.