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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.

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  • 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.

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  • Well-rounded Education

    Exciting Learning Adventures

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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School Activities

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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
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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
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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?

𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫)

The ESF community (all ESF schools) will come together this Friday, 5 December, for a collective fundraising effort to support those affected by the Tai Po fire.

At Hillside, we will mark the day with a low‑key Dress‑Down Day. For our young learners, the theme of “Kindness and Helping Others” feels especially meaningful — showing care, generosity, and compassion for others.

Children are invited to come in casual clothes and may bring a small donation or make a contribution via the FPS QR code if they wish. All proceeds will go to the Government’s Tai Po Fire Relief Fund to support those directly impacted.

Thank you to everyone who is helping to raise much-needed funds for those affected at this heartbreaking time.

#ESFHillside #communitysupport #HongKong

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💛 支援兒童：安全與日常規律 💛

大埔火災實在令人痛心，我們想與大家分享我們如何情緒支援兒童，並為家庭在接下來的日子提供一些建議。

以下是一些在家中幫助兒童的方法：

📺 減少接觸： 反覆觀看同樣的影像可能會對孩子造成不安與壓力。除非孩子主動提及，否則不必主動談論這個話題。如需解釋，請保持簡短且簡單。

🛡️ 給予安全感： 如果孩子對火災表示害怕，請溫柔地安撫他們，讓他們知道自己是安全的，爸爸媽媽和身邊的成年人都會保護他們。

💬 接納情緒： 讓孩子表達自己的感受。您可以說：「這是一場很大的火災，感到害怕是很正常的。」傾聽並肯定他們的情緒，有助於讓孩子感受到被理解與支持。

👩‍🚒 強調支援與幫手： 提醒孩子，消防員、警察和醫護人員都是幫助者，他們正在努力保護大家的安全。

🤗 提供安慰： 有些孩子可能需要更多的安撫或陪伴。多一些擁抱、安靜的遊戲時間或是孩子喜愛的平靜活動，都有助於讓他們感到安心。

🕰️ 保持日常規律： 持續維持每日作息，例如用餐時間、遊戲時間和睡覺時間。可預測的日常規律能幫助孩子感到平靜與安全。

💛 Supporting Young Children: Security and Routine 💛

Following the distressing news of the fire in Tai Po, we want to share how we are supporting children at Hillside and offer some guidance for families in the days ahead.

For young children, the focus should be simple: Security, Support, and Routine.

Here are some ways to support young children at home:

📺 Limit Exposure: Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. Avoid introducing the topic unless your child brings it up, and keep explanations brief and simple.

🛡️ Reassure Safety: If your child expresses fear about fires, gently reassure them that they are safe and that their parents and trusted adults are here to protect them.

💬 Acknowledge Feelings: Let children talk about their feelings. You might say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Listening and validating their emotions helps them feel understood and supported.

👩‍🚒 Focus on Helpers: Remind children that firefighters, police, and doctors are helpers who work hard to keep everyone safe.

🤗 Offer Comfort: Some children may need extra reassurance or closeness. Extra cuddles, quiet play, or favourite calm activities can help them feel secure.

🕰️ Maintain Routine: Keep daily routines such as mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime. Predictable routines help children feel calm and safe.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing

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𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞. 💛

The Hillside community stands in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragic event. We send our heartfelt support to the victims, their families, the emergency workers, and everyone in Hong Kong who is feeling the sadness of this loss.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞
* Stay Calm: Children notice and take cues from how adults react. It’s fine to let them know you feel sad about the news, but try to stay calm and reassuring.
* Keep It Simple: If your child asks questions, answer them honestly but briefly. Avoid sharing details or images that may be upsetting.
* Acknowledge Feelings: Let them talk and share their feelings. You could say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Acknowledge your child’s emotions so they feel understood and supported. Listen to their feelings and help them calm down.
* Limit News Exposure: Restrict television and social media viewing of the event. Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. The news has been showing live streaming videos, which can contain disturbing images.
* Stick to Routines: Regular mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime help children feel safe and cared for.
* Offer Comfort: Extra cuddles, time together, or favourite calm activities can help children feel secure.
* Watch and Listen: You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, or behaviour. These can be signs that your child is feeling unsettled. Please let us know if you have any concerns so we can assist you.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #HongKong

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🌟 K1 Adventure at Bradbury School! 🌟

Our K1s had an absolute blast exploring Bradbury’s amazing 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱! The little hills were a huge hit, giving children the chance to practice their gross motor skills and body rolls!
Bradbury went above and beyond by setting up a variety of play stations for our little learners:

✅ Role play kitchen for collaborative play
✅ Construction play for budding builders
✅ Cozy big cushions for friends to relax and connect

One of the highlights? 🌱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻! Children got hands-on, using their senses to explore different plants and discover the wonders of nature.

A big thank you to Bradbury School for creating such a rich and engaging experience for our children! 💚

#ESFHillside #LearningThroughPlay #GrossMotorSkills #OutdoorLearning #CommunityConnections

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K1s at Pamela Peck Discovery Space

What a day at Pamela Peck Discovery Space! 🌟

Our K1s explored, played, and discovered so much—from zooming on bikes and scooters with confidence to discovering the resident turtle and saying hello! The children engaged in various play areas, both indoors and outdoors, and time flew by as they tried new experiences.

A huge thank you to all our parents and caregivers who joined us! Spending a whole day together as a class community is truly special. These shared experiences give us a chance to celebrate children’s independence, social skills, and curiosity—while building strong connections between home and school.

💡 When children lead the way, magic happens!

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🌿𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞🌿

From happy and excited to frustrated or tired — every feeling has a place at Hillside! 💛

This year, one of our school priorities is helping children build 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 skills — learning to recognise and manage their feelings, energy, and reactions in positive ways. The more children understand their emotions, the better they can express themselves, solve problems, and focus on learning.

Here are a few ways parents can nurture this at home:
🌬 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 – Take slow, deep breaths before problem‑solving. Modelling calm helps children feel calm too.
🎵 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – Gentle music, clapping games, or steady beats can help children reset their energy and focus (example in last Reel).
💬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Help your child put words to emotions: “You look frustrated,” “I can see you’re excited.” Naming feelings builds awareness and confidence.
🤗 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 – Familiar patterns of the day support a sense of safety and control, especially during transitions.

When children feel safe, connected, and understood, they’re ready to explore, learn, and flourish.

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #Wellbeing #EarlyYears #ParentPartnership #LearningThroughPlay

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🎶 𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎶

What an incredible day of music and movement we’ve had, thanks to the wonderful 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙨𝙖 — music teacher @beaconhillschool_hk and one of our own Hillside parent mums!

Ashley spent the day with our children and staff, leading lively sessions filled with singing, rhythm, creative movement, and instrument exploration. Every class was buzzing with energy and joy — and we’re especially thrilled that Ashley has also composed a 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 🎵

A huge thank you to Ashley for sharing her passion and expertise — and for an inspiring creative movement training session with our staff, which has left us eager to bring even more musical fun into our classrooms.

The classroom sessions were co‑planned around our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, supporting children to connect musical play with early learning goals.

These joyful experiences help children tune in to their bodies, focus on rhythmic patterns, and regulate their energy — all while having great fun!

#ESFHillside #MusicAndMovement #SelfRegulation #JoyfulLearning #Community #HillsideSong

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🚨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 & 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🚨

We carried out our first school fire drill of the year — and what a fantastic job our children did! Everyone stayed calm, listened carefully, and evacuated safely in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 👏

At the end, we blew a few 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 on the whistle, and to our surprise, all the children clapped the patterns back — no instructions needed! This spontaneous moment showed just how tuned‑in and regulated our children were after the drill.

Developing 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is one of our key school priorities this year. Experiences like this help children practise staying focused, following cues, and managing their energy — even during exciting or unfamiliar events.

We’re so proud of our Hillside learners for showing confidence, awareness, and teamwork. 💛

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #FireDrill #Community #Teamwork #JoyfulLearning

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💬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 – 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 💬

A big thank you to all families who completed our recent survey and to the parents who joined our focus group this week. We truly appreciate your interest in helping us enhance our approach to sharing each child’s learning, progress, and development.

Parents’ time and thoughtful input are greatly appreciated. During our session, we explored:
✨ What information parents value most
✨ What kind of details would be most helpful
✨ Different formats for sharing learning in clear and meaningful ways (not limited to reports)

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support!

#ESFHillside #ParentPartnership #Community #EarlyYearsLearning

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🎨 Celebrating Our Young Artist! 🎨

We are so proud of one of our talented Hillside students, whose painting “Picasso’s Dog: Lump” has received international recognition!

He was awarded the Gold Award in the Kentucky International Youth Arts Competition and the Silver Award in the Picasso International Youth Painting Competition. When he received his medal last week, he was beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to share the news with his teachers.

His artwork was exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris last weekend, alongside other award-winning pieces from around the world, and will be displayed at the Kentucky Folk Art Center in the US this November.

Congratulations to our young artist for his amazing achievement — we’re all so proud of you! 👏

#ESFHillside #StudentAchievement #ProudMoment #JoyfulLearning #EveryLearnerFlourishes

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𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫)

The ESF community (all ESF schools) will come together this Friday, 5 December, for a collective fundraising effort to support those affected by the Tai Po fire.

At Hillside, we will mark the day with a low‑key Dress‑Down Day. For our young learners, the theme of “Kindness and Helping Others” feels especially meaningful — showing care, generosity, and compassion for others.

Children are invited to come in casual clothes and may bring a small donation or make a contribution via the FPS QR code if they wish. All proceeds will go to the Government’s Tai Po Fire Relief Fund to support those directly impacted.

Thank you to everyone who is helping to raise much-needed funds for those affected at this heartbreaking time.

#ESFHillside #communitysupport #HongKong

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💛 支援兒童：安全與日常規律 💛

大埔火災實在令人痛心，我們想與大家分享我們如何情緒支援兒童，並為家庭在接下來的日子提供一些建議。

以下是一些在家中幫助兒童的方法：

📺 減少接觸： 反覆觀看同樣的影像可能會對孩子造成不安與壓力。除非孩子主動提及，否則不必主動談論這個話題。如需解釋，請保持簡短且簡單。

🛡️ 給予安全感： 如果孩子對火災表示害怕，請溫柔地安撫他們，讓他們知道自己是安全的，爸爸媽媽和身邊的成年人都會保護他們。

💬 接納情緒： 讓孩子表達自己的感受。您可以說：「這是一場很大的火災，感到害怕是很正常的。」傾聽並肯定他們的情緒，有助於讓孩子感受到被理解與支持。

👩‍🚒 強調支援與幫手： 提醒孩子，消防員、警察和醫護人員都是幫助者，他們正在努力保護大家的安全。

🤗 提供安慰： 有些孩子可能需要更多的安撫或陪伴。多一些擁抱、安靜的遊戲時間或是孩子喜愛的平靜活動，都有助於讓他們感到安心。

🕰️ 保持日常規律： 持續維持每日作息，例如用餐時間、遊戲時間和睡覺時間。可預測的日常規律能幫助孩子感到平靜與安全。

💛 Supporting Young Children: Security and Routine 💛

Following the distressing news of the fire in Tai Po, we want to share how we are supporting children at Hillside and offer some guidance for families in the days ahead.

For young children, the focus should be simple: Security, Support, and Routine.

Here are some ways to support young children at home:

📺 Limit Exposure: Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. Avoid introducing the topic unless your child brings it up, and keep explanations brief and simple.

🛡️ Reassure Safety: If your child expresses fear about fires, gently reassure them that they are safe and that their parents and trusted adults are here to protect them.

💬 Acknowledge Feelings: Let children talk about their feelings. You might say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Listening and validating their emotions helps them feel understood and supported.

👩‍🚒 Focus on Helpers: Remind children that firefighters, police, and doctors are helpers who work hard to keep everyone safe.

🤗 Offer Comfort: Some children may need extra reassurance or closeness. Extra cuddles, quiet play, or favourite calm activities can help them feel secure.

🕰️ Maintain Routine: Keep daily routines such as mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime. Predictable routines help children feel calm and safe.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing

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𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞. 💛

The Hillside community stands in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragic event. We send our heartfelt support to the victims, their families, the emergency workers, and everyone in Hong Kong who is feeling the sadness of this loss.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞
* Stay Calm: Children notice and take cues from how adults react. It’s fine to let them know you feel sad about the news, but try to stay calm and reassuring.
* Keep It Simple: If your child asks questions, answer them honestly but briefly. Avoid sharing details or images that may be upsetting.
* Acknowledge Feelings: Let them talk and share their feelings. You could say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Acknowledge your child’s emotions so they feel understood and supported. Listen to their feelings and help them calm down.
* Limit News Exposure: Restrict television and social media viewing of the event. Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. The news has been showing live streaming videos, which can contain disturbing images.
* Stick to Routines: Regular mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime help children feel safe and cared for.
* Offer Comfort: Extra cuddles, time together, or favourite calm activities can help children feel secure.
* Watch and Listen: You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, or behaviour. These can be signs that your child is feeling unsettled. Please let us know if you have any concerns so we can assist you.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #HongKong

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🌟 K1 Adventure at Bradbury School! 🌟

Our K1s had an absolute blast exploring Bradbury’s amazing 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱! The little hills were a huge hit, giving children the chance to practice their gross motor skills and body rolls!
Bradbury went above and beyond by setting up a variety of play stations for our little learners:

✅ Role play kitchen for collaborative play
✅ Construction play for budding builders
✅ Cozy big cushions for friends to relax and connect

One of the highlights? 🌱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻! Children got hands-on, using their senses to explore different plants and discover the wonders of nature.

A big thank you to Bradbury School for creating such a rich and engaging experience for our children! 💚

#ESFHillside #LearningThroughPlay #GrossMotorSkills #OutdoorLearning #CommunityConnections

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K1s at Pamela Peck Discovery Space

What a day at Pamela Peck Discovery Space! 🌟

Our K1s explored, played, and discovered so much—from zooming on bikes and scooters with confidence to discovering the resident turtle and saying hello! The children engaged in various play areas, both indoors and outdoors, and time flew by as they tried new experiences.

A huge thank you to all our parents and caregivers who joined us! Spending a whole day together as a class community is truly special. These shared experiences give us a chance to celebrate children’s independence, social skills, and curiosity—while building strong connections between home and school.

💡 When children lead the way, magic happens!

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🌿𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞🌿

From happy and excited to frustrated or tired — every feeling has a place at Hillside! 💛

This year, one of our school priorities is helping children build 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 skills — learning to recognise and manage their feelings, energy, and reactions in positive ways. The more children understand their emotions, the better they can express themselves, solve problems, and focus on learning.

Here are a few ways parents can nurture this at home:
🌬 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 – Take slow, deep breaths before problem‑solving. Modelling calm helps children feel calm too.
🎵 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – Gentle music, clapping games, or steady beats can help children reset their energy and focus (example in last Reel).
💬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Help your child put words to emotions: “You look frustrated,” “I can see you’re excited.” Naming feelings builds awareness and confidence.
🤗 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 – Familiar patterns of the day support a sense of safety and control, especially during transitions.

When children feel safe, connected, and understood, they’re ready to explore, learn, and flourish.

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #Wellbeing #EarlyYears #ParentPartnership #LearningThroughPlay

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🎶 𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎶

What an incredible day of music and movement we’ve had, thanks to the wonderful 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙨𝙖 — music teacher @beaconhillschool_hk and one of our own Hillside parent mums!

Ashley spent the day with our children and staff, leading lively sessions filled with singing, rhythm, creative movement, and instrument exploration. Every class was buzzing with energy and joy — and we’re especially thrilled that Ashley has also composed a 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 🎵

A huge thank you to Ashley for sharing her passion and expertise — and for an inspiring creative movement training session with our staff, which has left us eager to bring even more musical fun into our classrooms.

The classroom sessions were co‑planned around our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, supporting children to connect musical play with early learning goals.

These joyful experiences help children tune in to their bodies, focus on rhythmic patterns, and regulate their energy — all while having great fun!

#ESFHillside #MusicAndMovement #SelfRegulation #JoyfulLearning #Community #HillsideSong

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🚨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 & 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🚨

We carried out our first school fire drill of the year — and what a fantastic job our children did! Everyone stayed calm, listened carefully, and evacuated safely in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 👏

At the end, we blew a few 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 on the whistle, and to our surprise, all the children clapped the patterns back — no instructions needed! This spontaneous moment showed just how tuned‑in and regulated our children were after the drill.

Developing 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is one of our key school priorities this year. Experiences like this help children practise staying focused, following cues, and managing their energy — even during exciting or unfamiliar events.

We’re so proud of our Hillside learners for showing confidence, awareness, and teamwork. 💛

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #FireDrill #Community #Teamwork #JoyfulLearning

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💬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 – 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 💬

A big thank you to all families who completed our recent survey and to the parents who joined our focus group this week. We truly appreciate your interest in helping us enhance our approach to sharing each child’s learning, progress, and development.

Parents’ time and thoughtful input are greatly appreciated. During our session, we explored:
✨ What information parents value most
✨ What kind of details would be most helpful
✨ Different formats for sharing learning in clear and meaningful ways (not limited to reports)

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support!

#ESFHillside #ParentPartnership #Community #EarlyYearsLearning

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🎨 Celebrating Our Young Artist! 🎨

We are so proud of one of our talented Hillside students, whose painting “Picasso’s Dog: Lump” has received international recognition!

He was awarded the Gold Award in the Kentucky International Youth Arts Competition and the Silver Award in the Picasso International Youth Painting Competition. When he received his medal last week, he was beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to share the news with his teachers.

His artwork was exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris last weekend, alongside other award-winning pieces from around the world, and will be displayed at the Kentucky Folk Art Center in the US this November.

Congratulations to our young artist for his amazing achievement — we’re all so proud of you! 👏

#ESFHillside #StudentAchievement #ProudMoment #JoyfulLearning #EveryLearnerFlourishes

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𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫)

The ESF community (all ESF schools) will come together this Friday, 5 December, for a collective fundraising effort to support those affected by the Tai Po fire.

At Hillside, we will mark the day with a low‑key Dress‑Down Day. For our young learners, the theme of “Kindness and Helping Others” feels especially meaningful — showing care, generosity, and compassion for others.

Children are invited to come in casual clothes and may bring a small donation or make a contribution via the FPS QR code if they wish. All proceeds will go to the Government’s Tai Po Fire Relief Fund to support those directly impacted.

Thank you to everyone who is helping to raise much-needed funds for those affected at this heartbreaking time.

#ESFHillside #communitysupport #HongKong

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💛 支援兒童：安全與日常規律 💛

大埔火災實在令人痛心，我們想與大家分享我們如何情緒支援兒童，並為家庭在接下來的日子提供一些建議。

以下是一些在家中幫助兒童的方法：

📺 減少接觸： 反覆觀看同樣的影像可能會對孩子造成不安與壓力。除非孩子主動提及，否則不必主動談論這個話題。如需解釋，請保持簡短且簡單。

🛡️ 給予安全感： 如果孩子對火災表示害怕，請溫柔地安撫他們，讓他們知道自己是安全的，爸爸媽媽和身邊的成年人都會保護他們。

💬 接納情緒： 讓孩子表達自己的感受。您可以說：「這是一場很大的火災，感到害怕是很正常的。」傾聽並肯定他們的情緒，有助於讓孩子感受到被理解與支持。

👩‍🚒 強調支援與幫手： 提醒孩子，消防員、警察和醫護人員都是幫助者，他們正在努力保護大家的安全。

🤗 提供安慰： 有些孩子可能需要更多的安撫或陪伴。多一些擁抱、安靜的遊戲時間或是孩子喜愛的平靜活動，都有助於讓他們感到安心。

🕰️ 保持日常規律： 持續維持每日作息，例如用餐時間、遊戲時間和睡覺時間。可預測的日常規律能幫助孩子感到平靜與安全。

💛 Supporting Young Children: Security and Routine 💛

Following the distressing news of the fire in Tai Po, we want to share how we are supporting children at Hillside and offer some guidance for families in the days ahead.

For young children, the focus should be simple: Security, Support, and Routine.

Here are some ways to support young children at home:

📺 Limit Exposure: Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. Avoid introducing the topic unless your child brings it up, and keep explanations brief and simple.

🛡️ Reassure Safety: If your child expresses fear about fires, gently reassure them that they are safe and that their parents and trusted adults are here to protect them.

💬 Acknowledge Feelings: Let children talk about their feelings. You might say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Listening and validating their emotions helps them feel understood and supported.

👩‍🚒 Focus on Helpers: Remind children that firefighters, police, and doctors are helpers who work hard to keep everyone safe.

🤗 Offer Comfort: Some children may need extra reassurance or closeness. Extra cuddles, quiet play, or favourite calm activities can help them feel secure.

🕰️ Maintain Routine: Keep daily routines such as mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime. Predictable routines help children feel calm and safe.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing

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𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞. 💛

The Hillside community stands in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragic event. We send our heartfelt support to the victims, their families, the emergency workers, and everyone in Hong Kong who is feeling the sadness of this loss.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞
* Stay Calm: Children notice and take cues from how adults react. It’s fine to let them know you feel sad about the news, but try to stay calm and reassuring.
* Keep It Simple: If your child asks questions, answer them honestly but briefly. Avoid sharing details or images that may be upsetting.
* Acknowledge Feelings: Let them talk and share their feelings. You could say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Acknowledge your child’s emotions so they feel understood and supported. Listen to their feelings and help them calm down.
* Limit News Exposure: Restrict television and social media viewing of the event. Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. The news has been showing live streaming videos, which can contain disturbing images.
* Stick to Routines: Regular mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime help children feel safe and cared for.
* Offer Comfort: Extra cuddles, time together, or favourite calm activities can help children feel secure.
* Watch and Listen: You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, or behaviour. These can be signs that your child is feeling unsettled. Please let us know if you have any concerns so we can assist you.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #HongKong

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🌟 K1 Adventure at Bradbury School! 🌟

Our K1s had an absolute blast exploring Bradbury’s amazing 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱! The little hills were a huge hit, giving children the chance to practice their gross motor skills and body rolls!
Bradbury went above and beyond by setting up a variety of play stations for our little learners:

✅ Role play kitchen for collaborative play
✅ Construction play for budding builders
✅ Cozy big cushions for friends to relax and connect

One of the highlights? 🌱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻! Children got hands-on, using their senses to explore different plants and discover the wonders of nature.

A big thank you to Bradbury School for creating such a rich and engaging experience for our children! 💚

#ESFHillside #LearningThroughPlay #GrossMotorSkills #OutdoorLearning #CommunityConnections

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K1s at Pamela Peck Discovery Space

What a day at Pamela Peck Discovery Space! 🌟

Our K1s explored, played, and discovered so much—from zooming on bikes and scooters with confidence to discovering the resident turtle and saying hello! The children engaged in various play areas, both indoors and outdoors, and time flew by as they tried new experiences.

A huge thank you to all our parents and caregivers who joined us! Spending a whole day together as a class community is truly special. These shared experiences give us a chance to celebrate children’s independence, social skills, and curiosity—while building strong connections between home and school.

💡 When children lead the way, magic happens!

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🌿𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞🌿

From happy and excited to frustrated or tired — every feeling has a place at Hillside! 💛

This year, one of our school priorities is helping children build 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 skills — learning to recognise and manage their feelings, energy, and reactions in positive ways. The more children understand their emotions, the better they can express themselves, solve problems, and focus on learning.

Here are a few ways parents can nurture this at home:
🌬 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 – Take slow, deep breaths before problem‑solving. Modelling calm helps children feel calm too.
🎵 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – Gentle music, clapping games, or steady beats can help children reset their energy and focus (example in last Reel).
💬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Help your child put words to emotions: “You look frustrated,” “I can see you’re excited.” Naming feelings builds awareness and confidence.
🤗 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 – Familiar patterns of the day support a sense of safety and control, especially during transitions.

When children feel safe, connected, and understood, they’re ready to explore, learn, and flourish.

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #Wellbeing #EarlyYears #ParentPartnership #LearningThroughPlay

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🎶 𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎶

What an incredible day of music and movement we’ve had, thanks to the wonderful 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙨𝙖 — music teacher @beaconhillschool_hk and one of our own Hillside parent mums!

Ashley spent the day with our children and staff, leading lively sessions filled with singing, rhythm, creative movement, and instrument exploration. Every class was buzzing with energy and joy — and we’re especially thrilled that Ashley has also composed a 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 🎵

A huge thank you to Ashley for sharing her passion and expertise — and for an inspiring creative movement training session with our staff, which has left us eager to bring even more musical fun into our classrooms.

The classroom sessions were co‑planned around our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, supporting children to connect musical play with early learning goals.

These joyful experiences help children tune in to their bodies, focus on rhythmic patterns, and regulate their energy — all while having great fun!

#ESFHillside #MusicAndMovement #SelfRegulation #JoyfulLearning #Community #HillsideSong

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🚨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 & 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🚨

We carried out our first school fire drill of the year — and what a fantastic job our children did! Everyone stayed calm, listened carefully, and evacuated safely in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 👏

At the end, we blew a few 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 on the whistle, and to our surprise, all the children clapped the patterns back — no instructions needed! This spontaneous moment showed just how tuned‑in and regulated our children were after the drill.

Developing 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is one of our key school priorities this year. Experiences like this help children practise staying focused, following cues, and managing their energy — even during exciting or unfamiliar events.

We’re so proud of our Hillside learners for showing confidence, awareness, and teamwork. 💛

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #FireDrill #Community #Teamwork #JoyfulLearning

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💬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 – 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 💬

A big thank you to all families who completed our recent survey and to the parents who joined our focus group this week. We truly appreciate your interest in helping us enhance our approach to sharing each child’s learning, progress, and development.

Parents’ time and thoughtful input are greatly appreciated. During our session, we explored:
✨ What information parents value most
✨ What kind of details would be most helpful
✨ Different formats for sharing learning in clear and meaningful ways (not limited to reports)

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support!

#ESFHillside #ParentPartnership #Community #EarlyYearsLearning

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🎨 Celebrating Our Young Artist! 🎨

We are so proud of one of our talented Hillside students, whose painting “Picasso’s Dog: Lump” has received international recognition!

He was awarded the Gold Award in the Kentucky International Youth Arts Competition and the Silver Award in the Picasso International Youth Painting Competition. When he received his medal last week, he was beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to share the news with his teachers.

His artwork was exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris last weekend, alongside other award-winning pieces from around the world, and will be displayed at the Kentucky Folk Art Center in the US this November.

Congratulations to our young artist for his amazing achievement — we’re all so proud of you! 👏

#ESFHillside #StudentAchievement #ProudMoment #JoyfulLearning #EveryLearnerFlourishes

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𝐖𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 (𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟓 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫)

The ESF community (all ESF schools) will come together this Friday, 5 December, for a collective fundraising effort to support those affected by the Tai Po fire.

At Hillside, we will mark the day with a low‑key Dress‑Down Day. For our young learners, the theme of “Kindness and Helping Others” feels especially meaningful — showing care, generosity, and compassion for others.

Children are invited to come in casual clothes and may bring a small donation or make a contribution via the FPS QR code if they wish. All proceeds will go to the Government’s Tai Po Fire Relief Fund to support those directly impacted.

Thank you to everyone who is helping to raise much-needed funds for those affected at this heartbreaking time.

#ESFHillside #communitysupport #HongKong

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💛 支援兒童：安全與日常規律 💛

大埔火災實在令人痛心，我們想與大家分享我們如何情緒支援兒童，並為家庭在接下來的日子提供一些建議。

以下是一些在家中幫助兒童的方法：

📺 減少接觸： 反覆觀看同樣的影像可能會對孩子造成不安與壓力。除非孩子主動提及，否則不必主動談論這個話題。如需解釋，請保持簡短且簡單。

🛡️ 給予安全感： 如果孩子對火災表示害怕，請溫柔地安撫他們，讓他們知道自己是安全的，爸爸媽媽和身邊的成年人都會保護他們。

💬 接納情緒： 讓孩子表達自己的感受。您可以說：「這是一場很大的火災，感到害怕是很正常的。」傾聽並肯定他們的情緒，有助於讓孩子感受到被理解與支持。

👩‍🚒 強調支援與幫手： 提醒孩子，消防員、警察和醫護人員都是幫助者，他們正在努力保護大家的安全。

🤗 提供安慰： 有些孩子可能需要更多的安撫或陪伴。多一些擁抱、安靜的遊戲時間或是孩子喜愛的平靜活動，都有助於讓他們感到安心。

🕰️ 保持日常規律： 持續維持每日作息，例如用餐時間、遊戲時間和睡覺時間。可預測的日常規律能幫助孩子感到平靜與安全。

💛 Supporting Young Children: Security and Routine 💛

Following the distressing news of the fire in Tai Po, we want to share how we are supporting children at Hillside and offer some guidance for families in the days ahead.

For young children, the focus should be simple: Security, Support, and Routine.

Here are some ways to support young children at home:

📺 Limit Exposure: Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. Avoid introducing the topic unless your child brings it up, and keep explanations brief and simple.

🛡️ Reassure Safety: If your child expresses fear about fires, gently reassure them that they are safe and that their parents and trusted adults are here to protect them.

💬 Acknowledge Feelings: Let children talk about their feelings. You might say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Listening and validating their emotions helps them feel understood and supported.

👩‍🚒 Focus on Helpers: Remind children that firefighters, police, and doctors are helpers who work hard to keep everyone safe.

🤗 Offer Comfort: Some children may need extra reassurance or closeness. Extra cuddles, quiet play, or favourite calm activities can help them feel secure.

🕰️ Maintain Routine: Keep daily routines such as mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime. Predictable routines help children feel calm and safe.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #Wellbeing

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𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞. 💛

The Hillside community stands in solidarity with all those impacted by this tragic event. We send our heartfelt support to the victims, their families, the emergency workers, and everyone in Hong Kong who is feeling the sadness of this loss.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞
* Stay Calm: Children notice and take cues from how adults react. It’s fine to let them know you feel sad about the news, but try to stay calm and reassuring.
* Keep It Simple: If your child asks questions, answer them honestly but briefly. Avoid sharing details or images that may be upsetting.
* Acknowledge Feelings: Let them talk and share their feelings. You could say, “It was a really big fire, and it can feel scary.” Acknowledge your child’s emotions so they feel understood and supported. Listen to their feelings and help them calm down.
* Limit News Exposure: Restrict television and social media viewing of the event. Watching the same images repeatedly can be harmful and overwhelming. The news has been showing live streaming videos, which can contain disturbing images.
* Stick to Routines: Regular mealtimes, playtime, and bedtime help children feel safe and cared for.
* Offer Comfort: Extra cuddles, time together, or favourite calm activities can help children feel secure.
* Watch and Listen: You may notice changes in sleep, appetite, or behaviour. These can be signs that your child is feeling unsettled. Please let us know if you have any concerns so we can assist you.

#ESFHillside #CommunitySupport #HongKong

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🌟 K1 Adventure at Bradbury School! 🌟

Our K1s had an absolute blast exploring Bradbury’s amazing 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹𝘆𝘁𝘂𝗯𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱! The little hills were a huge hit, giving children the chance to practice their gross motor skills and body rolls!
Bradbury went above and beyond by setting up a variety of play stations for our little learners:

✅ Role play kitchen for collaborative play
✅ Construction play for budding builders
✅ Cozy big cushions for friends to relax and connect

One of the highlights? 🌱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗻! Children got hands-on, using their senses to explore different plants and discover the wonders of nature.

A big thank you to Bradbury School for creating such a rich and engaging experience for our children! 💚

#ESFHillside #LearningThroughPlay #GrossMotorSkills #OutdoorLearning #CommunityConnections

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K1s at Pamela Peck Discovery Space

What a day at Pamela Peck Discovery Space! 🌟

Our K1s explored, played, and discovered so much—from zooming on bikes and scooters with confidence to discovering the resident turtle and saying hello! The children engaged in various play areas, both indoors and outdoors, and time flew by as they tried new experiences.

A huge thank you to all our parents and caregivers who joined us! Spending a whole day together as a class community is truly special. These shared experiences give us a chance to celebrate children’s independence, social skills, and curiosity—while building strong connections between home and school.

💡 When children lead the way, magic happens!

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🌿𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞🌿

From happy and excited to frustrated or tired — every feeling has a place at Hillside! 💛

This year, one of our school priorities is helping children build 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 skills — learning to recognise and manage their feelings, energy, and reactions in positive ways. The more children understand their emotions, the better they can express themselves, solve problems, and focus on learning.

Here are a few ways parents can nurture this at home:
🌬 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 – Take slow, deep breaths before problem‑solving. Modelling calm helps children feel calm too.
🎵 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – Gentle music, clapping games, or steady beats can help children reset their energy and focus (example in last Reel).
💬 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 – Help your child put words to emotions: “You look frustrated,” “I can see you’re excited.” Naming feelings builds awareness and confidence.
🤗 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 – Familiar patterns of the day support a sense of safety and control, especially during transitions.

When children feel safe, connected, and understood, they’re ready to explore, learn, and flourish.

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #Wellbeing #EarlyYears #ParentPartnership #LearningThroughPlay

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🎶 𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎶

What an incredible day of music and movement we’ve had, thanks to the wonderful 𝘼𝙨𝙝𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙨𝙖 — music teacher @beaconhillschool_hk and one of our own Hillside parent mums!

Ashley spent the day with our children and staff, leading lively sessions filled with singing, rhythm, creative movement, and instrument exploration. Every class was buzzing with energy and joy — and we’re especially thrilled that Ashley has also composed a 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚 🎵

A huge thank you to Ashley for sharing her passion and expertise — and for an inspiring creative movement training session with our staff, which has left us eager to bring even more musical fun into our classrooms.

The classroom sessions were co‑planned around our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, supporting children to connect musical play with early learning goals.

These joyful experiences help children tune in to their bodies, focus on rhythmic patterns, and regulate their energy — all while having great fun!

#ESFHillside #MusicAndMovement #SelfRegulation #JoyfulLearning #Community #HillsideSong

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🚨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥 & 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🚨

We carried out our first school fire drill of the year — and what a fantastic job our children did! Everyone stayed calm, listened carefully, and evacuated safely in 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬. 👏

At the end, we blew a few 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬 on the whistle, and to our surprise, all the children clapped the patterns back — no instructions needed! This spontaneous moment showed just how tuned‑in and regulated our children were after the drill.

Developing 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is one of our key school priorities this year. Experiences like this help children practise staying focused, following cues, and managing their energy — even during exciting or unfamiliar events.

We’re so proud of our Hillside learners for showing confidence, awareness, and teamwork. 💛

#ESFHillside #SelfRegulation #FireDrill #Community #Teamwork #JoyfulLearning

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💬 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 – 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝’𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 💬

A big thank you to all families who completed our recent survey and to the parents who joined our focus group this week. We truly appreciate your interest in helping us enhance our approach to sharing each child’s learning, progress, and development.

Parents’ time and thoughtful input are greatly appreciated. During our session, we explored:
✨ What information parents value most
✨ What kind of details would be most helpful
✨ Different formats for sharing learning in clear and meaningful ways (not limited to reports)

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership and support!

#ESFHillside #ParentPartnership #Community #EarlyYearsLearning

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🎨 Celebrating Our Young Artist! 🎨

We are so proud of one of our talented Hillside students, whose painting “Picasso’s Dog: Lump” has received international recognition!

He was awarded the Gold Award in the Kentucky International Youth Arts Competition and the Silver Award in the Picasso International Youth Painting Competition. When he received his medal last week, he was beaming with pride and couldn’t wait to share the news with his teachers.

His artwork was exhibited at the Louvre Museum in Paris last weekend, alongside other award-winning pieces from around the world, and will be displayed at the Kentucky Folk Art Center in the US this November.

Congratulations to our young artist for his amazing achievement — we’re all so proud of you! 👏

#ESFHillside #StudentAchievement #ProudMoment #JoyfulLearning #EveryLearnerFlourishes

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