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?

🎵 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 🎵

We’re starting the new year with rhythm, movement, and joyful learning!

At Hillside, our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 continues — helping children tune in to their bodies, manage energy levels, and express emotions through music and movement.

This January, we invite families to join our 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 at home! 💫

Try a few fun, simple ideas together:
🎶 Clap or march to a steady beat — can you keep the rhythm for a minute? Beat synchronisation helps regulation.
🌿 Take a “movement break” to reset — stretch, sway, or dance slowly to calming music.
🥁 Freeze Dance - can you control staring and stoping during the dance? Practicing start and stop actions helps improve inhibition and impulse control.
🎵 Listen carefully: is the music fast or slow, loud or quiet? How does it make you feel? Connecting with our feelings.

Through these playful activities, children learn to notice their bodies, express emotions, and develop the focus and calm needed for learning.

Let’s begin 2026 by 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 — one joyful beat at a time! 💛

#ESFHillside #MoveAndGroove #SelfRegulation #MusicAndMovement #Wellbeing

591156841_881324424840046_548035514271016307_n

K2s at The Shed

✨ What’s the most dangerous thing in The Shed? Bradbury School’s Educational Technologies Coach had the perfect answer: “The children!” 🫣 Starting with this question helps build safety awareness while encouraging our little learners to be principled, brave risk-takers.

The Shed makerspace was a wonderful provocation for our K2s in their unit, How the World Works, with the big idea “Discovery helps us learn about the world and create new possibilities.”
Through play and exploration, children show us their thinking in wonderfully organic ways. Discovery isn’t always linear—it’s playful, messy, and full of possibilities! 💡

📸 Swipe to see our makerspace moments!

603938825_17896217187364981_2887000952092457198_n

🎄 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎄

What a wonderful end to the term! Our classrooms were filled with music, laughter, and festive cheer as the children enjoyed their Christmas celebrations together. 💫

It’s been a joyful term of learning, friendship, and growth — thank you to all our families for your continued support and partnership.

From all of us at Hillside, we wish you a happy and restful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year! 🌟

#ESFHillside #HappyHolidays #JoyfulLearning #Community

601982608_1218103616896002_3257817089894486752_n

✨ 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! ✨

What a magical way to end the term! Our little learners celebrated the season with a day full of joy — from face painting and festive tattoos to singing and dancing to holiday tunes. The laughter continued as friends shared a special picnic snack together.

Swipe through to see some of the beautiful Christmas art created by our talented children! 🎨🎄

Wishing all our Hillside families a wonderful festive season filled with warmth, happiness, and togetherness. See you in the New Year! 🔔✨

591169589_17894800980364981_1189196454557146430_n

💛 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 💛

A heartfelt thank you to all our Hillside families for your generosity and support during our recent fundraiser for those affected by the Tai Po fire.

Last Friday, the 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 came together across all schools for a collective fundraising effort. At Hillside, we marked the day with a simple Dress‑Down Day, guided by the theme of “𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.”

It was so heart‑warming to see our young learners showing care, compassion, and understanding through their
 actions. Every small donation and every conversation about kindness made a difference.

All funds raised will go to the Government’s 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 to support those directly impacted. We are currently collating the figures from the different donation channels and will share the total amount raised in our next parent newsletter.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity — together, we are helping our children see the real power of empathy and community. 💛

#ESFHillside #KindnessAndHelpingOthers #CommunitySupport

590425422_17894680275364981_2629909606967011380_n

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

588641944_17894121087364981_3194426831438938645_n

💛 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

588913002_17893746840364981_124762725565577073_n

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

587013264_17893320039364981_8826030941309755575_n

🌟 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

588236478_17893201515364981_5758399861932710351_n

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!

590842929_17893200504364981_6555083388931028701_n

🎵 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 🎵

We’re starting the new year with rhythm, movement, and joyful learning!

At Hillside, our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 continues — helping children tune in to their bodies, manage energy levels, and express emotions through music and movement.

This January, we invite families to join our 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 at home! 💫

Try a few fun, simple ideas together:
🎶 Clap or march to a steady beat — can you keep the rhythm for a minute? Beat synchronisation helps regulation.
🌿 Take a “movement break” to reset — stretch, sway, or dance slowly to calming music.
🥁 Freeze Dance - can you control staring and stoping during the dance? Practicing start and stop actions helps improve inhibition and impulse control.
🎵 Listen carefully: is the music fast or slow, loud or quiet? How does it make you feel? Connecting with our feelings.

Through these playful activities, children learn to notice their bodies, express emotions, and develop the focus and calm needed for learning.

Let’s begin 2026 by 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 — one joyful beat at a time! 💛

#ESFHillside #MoveAndGroove #SelfRegulation #MusicAndMovement #Wellbeing

591156841_881324424840046_548035514271016307_n

K2s at The Shed

✨ What’s the most dangerous thing in The Shed? Bradbury School’s Educational Technologies Coach had the perfect answer: “The children!” 🫣 Starting with this question helps build safety awareness while encouraging our little learners to be principled, brave risk-takers.

The Shed makerspace was a wonderful provocation for our K2s in their unit, How the World Works, with the big idea “Discovery helps us learn about the world and create new possibilities.”
Through play and exploration, children show us their thinking in wonderfully organic ways. Discovery isn’t always linear—it’s playful, messy, and full of possibilities! 💡

📸 Swipe to see our makerspace moments!

603938825_17896217187364981_2887000952092457198_n

🎄 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎄

What a wonderful end to the term! Our classrooms were filled with music, laughter, and festive cheer as the children enjoyed their Christmas celebrations together. 💫

It’s been a joyful term of learning, friendship, and growth — thank you to all our families for your continued support and partnership.

From all of us at Hillside, we wish you a happy and restful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year! 🌟

#ESFHillside #HappyHolidays #JoyfulLearning #Community

601982608_1218103616896002_3257817089894486752_n

✨ 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! ✨

What a magical way to end the term! Our little learners celebrated the season with a day full of joy — from face painting and festive tattoos to singing and dancing to holiday tunes. The laughter continued as friends shared a special picnic snack together.

Swipe through to see some of the beautiful Christmas art created by our talented children! 🎨🎄

Wishing all our Hillside families a wonderful festive season filled with warmth, happiness, and togetherness. See you in the New Year! 🔔✨

591169589_17894800980364981_1189196454557146430_n

💛 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 💛

A heartfelt thank you to all our Hillside families for your generosity and support during our recent fundraiser for those affected by the Tai Po fire.

Last Friday, the 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 came together across all schools for a collective fundraising effort. At Hillside, we marked the day with a simple Dress‑Down Day, guided by the theme of “𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.”

It was so heart‑warming to see our young learners showing care, compassion, and understanding through their
 actions. Every small donation and every conversation about kindness made a difference.

All funds raised will go to the Government’s 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 to support those directly impacted. We are currently collating the figures from the different donation channels and will share the total amount raised in our next parent newsletter.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity — together, we are helping our children see the real power of empathy and community. 💛

#ESFHillside #KindnessAndHelpingOthers #CommunitySupport

590425422_17894680275364981_2629909606967011380_n

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

588641944_17894121087364981_3194426831438938645_n

💛 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

588913002_17893746840364981_124762725565577073_n

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

587013264_17893320039364981_8826030941309755575_n

🌟 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

588236478_17893201515364981_5758399861932710351_n

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!

590842929_17893200504364981_6555083388931028701_n

🎵 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 🎵

We’re starting the new year with rhythm, movement, and joyful learning!

At Hillside, our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 continues — helping children tune in to their bodies, manage energy levels, and express emotions through music and movement.

This January, we invite families to join our 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 at home! 💫

Try a few fun, simple ideas together:
🎶 Clap or march to a steady beat — can you keep the rhythm for a minute? Beat synchronisation helps regulation.
🌿 Take a “movement break” to reset — stretch, sway, or dance slowly to calming music.
🥁 Freeze Dance - can you control staring and stoping during the dance? Practicing start and stop actions helps improve inhibition and impulse control.
🎵 Listen carefully: is the music fast or slow, loud or quiet? How does it make you feel? Connecting with our feelings.

Through these playful activities, children learn to notice their bodies, express emotions, and develop the focus and calm needed for learning.

Let’s begin 2026 by 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 — one joyful beat at a time! 💛

#ESFHillside #MoveAndGroove #SelfRegulation #MusicAndMovement #Wellbeing

591156841_881324424840046_548035514271016307_n

K2s at The Shed

✨ What’s the most dangerous thing in The Shed? Bradbury School’s Educational Technologies Coach had the perfect answer: “The children!” 🫣 Starting with this question helps build safety awareness while encouraging our little learners to be principled, brave risk-takers.

The Shed makerspace was a wonderful provocation for our K2s in their unit, How the World Works, with the big idea “Discovery helps us learn about the world and create new possibilities.”
Through play and exploration, children show us their thinking in wonderfully organic ways. Discovery isn’t always linear—it’s playful, messy, and full of possibilities! 💡

📸 Swipe to see our makerspace moments!

603938825_17896217187364981_2887000952092457198_n

🎄 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎄

What a wonderful end to the term! Our classrooms were filled with music, laughter, and festive cheer as the children enjoyed their Christmas celebrations together. 💫

It’s been a joyful term of learning, friendship, and growth — thank you to all our families for your continued support and partnership.

From all of us at Hillside, we wish you a happy and restful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year! 🌟

#ESFHillside #HappyHolidays #JoyfulLearning #Community

601982608_1218103616896002_3257817089894486752_n

✨ 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! ✨

What a magical way to end the term! Our little learners celebrated the season with a day full of joy — from face painting and festive tattoos to singing and dancing to holiday tunes. The laughter continued as friends shared a special picnic snack together.

Swipe through to see some of the beautiful Christmas art created by our talented children! 🎨🎄

Wishing all our Hillside families a wonderful festive season filled with warmth, happiness, and togetherness. See you in the New Year! 🔔✨

591169589_17894800980364981_1189196454557146430_n

💛 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 💛

A heartfelt thank you to all our Hillside families for your generosity and support during our recent fundraiser for those affected by the Tai Po fire.

Last Friday, the 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 came together across all schools for a collective fundraising effort. At Hillside, we marked the day with a simple Dress‑Down Day, guided by the theme of “𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.”

It was so heart‑warming to see our young learners showing care, compassion, and understanding through their
 actions. Every small donation and every conversation about kindness made a difference.

All funds raised will go to the Government’s 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 to support those directly impacted. We are currently collating the figures from the different donation channels and will share the total amount raised in our next parent newsletter.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity — together, we are helping our children see the real power of empathy and community. 💛

#ESFHillside #KindnessAndHelpingOthers #CommunitySupport

590425422_17894680275364981_2629909606967011380_n

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

588641944_17894121087364981_3194426831438938645_n

💛 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

588913002_17893746840364981_124762725565577073_n

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

587013264_17893320039364981_8826030941309755575_n

🌟 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

588236478_17893201515364981_5758399861932710351_n

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!

590842929_17893200504364981_6555083388931028701_n

🎵 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 🎵

We’re starting the new year with rhythm, movement, and joyful learning!

At Hillside, our focus on 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟‑𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 continues — helping children tune in to their bodies, manage energy levels, and express emotions through music and movement.

This January, we invite families to join our 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐞 & 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 at home! 💫

Try a few fun, simple ideas together:
🎶 Clap or march to a steady beat — can you keep the rhythm for a minute? Beat synchronisation helps regulation.
🌿 Take a “movement break” to reset — stretch, sway, or dance slowly to calming music.
🥁 Freeze Dance - can you control staring and stoping during the dance? Practicing start and stop actions helps improve inhibition and impulse control.
🎵 Listen carefully: is the music fast or slow, loud or quiet? How does it make you feel? Connecting with our feelings.

Through these playful activities, children learn to notice their bodies, express emotions, and develop the focus and calm needed for learning.

Let’s begin 2026 by 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐡𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 — one joyful beat at a time! 💛

#ESFHillside #MoveAndGroove #SelfRegulation #MusicAndMovement #Wellbeing

591156841_881324424840046_548035514271016307_n
Comment

K2s at The Shed

✨ What’s the most dangerous thing in The Shed? Bradbury School’s Educational Technologies Coach had the perfect answer: “The children!” 🫣 Starting with this question helps build safety awareness while encouraging our little learners to be principled, brave risk-takers.

The Shed makerspace was a wonderful provocation for our K2s in their unit, How the World Works, with the big idea “Discovery helps us learn about the world and create new possibilities.”
Through play and exploration, children show us their thinking in wonderfully organic ways. Discovery isn’t always linear—it’s playful, messy, and full of possibilities! 💡

📸 Swipe to see our makerspace moments!

603938825_17896217187364981_2887000952092457198_n
605095562_17896217196364981_2231317689334680362_n
605352949_17896217205364981_5161489166935409964_n
Comment

🎄 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🎄

What a wonderful end to the term! Our classrooms were filled with music, laughter, and festive cheer as the children enjoyed their Christmas celebrations together. 💫

It’s been a joyful term of learning, friendship, and growth — thank you to all our families for your continued support and partnership.

From all of us at Hillside, we wish you a happy and restful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year! 🌟

#ESFHillside #HappyHolidays #JoyfulLearning #Community

601982608_1218103616896002_3257817089894486752_n
Comment

✨ 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞! ✨

What a magical way to end the term! Our little learners celebrated the season with a day full of joy — from face painting and festive tattoos to singing and dancing to holiday tunes. The laughter continued as friends shared a special picnic snack together.

Swipe through to see some of the beautiful Christmas art created by our talented children! 🎨🎄

Wishing all our Hillside families a wonderful festive season filled with warmth, happiness, and togetherness. See you in the New Year! 🔔✨

591169589_17894800980364981_1189196454557146430_n
591561654_17894800989364981_6912920918542063907_n
590405253_17894800998364981_2699679427215885629_n
591169856_17894801010364981_5537780411544151482_n
Comment

💛 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮, 𝐇𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 💛

A heartfelt thank you to all our Hillside families for your generosity and support during our recent fundraiser for those affected by the Tai Po fire.

Last Friday, the 𝐄𝐒𝐅 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 came together across all schools for a collective fundraising effort. At Hillside, we marked the day with a simple Dress‑Down Day, guided by the theme of “𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬.”

It was so heart‑warming to see our young learners showing care, compassion, and understanding through their
 actions. Every small donation and every conversation about kindness made a difference.

All funds raised will go to the Government’s 𝐓𝐚𝐢 𝐏𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 to support those directly impacted. We are currently collating the figures from the different donation channels and will share the total amount raised in our next parent newsletter.

Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity — together, we are helping our children see the real power of empathy and community. 💛

#ESFHillside #KindnessAndHelpingOthers #CommunitySupport

590425422_17894680275364981_2629909606967011380_n
590429752_17894680284364981_8223243953938806554_n
590422949_17894680293364981_8711271554369455309_n
589355592_17894680302364981_5728679622406574848_n
Comment

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

588641944_17894121087364981_3194426831438938645_n
Comment

💛 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

588913002_17893746840364981_124762725565577073_n
587311520_17893746849364981_3552417666231701892_n
Comment

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

587013264_17893320039364981_8826030941309755575_n
Comment

🌟 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

588236478_17893201515364981_5758399861932710351_n
590415054_17893201524364981_3604800848100439807_n
589578473_17893201533364981_1441363365883158241_n
587597449_17893201542364981_1993864348039161204_n
Comment

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!

590842929_17893200504364981_6555083388931028701_n
591156054_17893200513364981_793682182855565899_n
590701109_17893200522364981_9135561314790451562_n
Comment
Apply Call Enquire

Welcome and please be advised that ESF uses cookies. By accessing an ESF, ESL or PTA web site and other online ESF services, such as ESF’s mobile app, users agree that ESF can store and access cookies, IP addresses and use other methods in order to collect website usage data, and improve user’s online experience. By continuing to access this web site, users agree to the use of cookies, which is handled in accordance to the ESF Data Privacy Policy. Information collected via cookies is handled in accordance with the ESF Personal Data Handling Policy and its related Personal Information Collection Statements (“PICS”). A copy of the PICS can be found on the ESF web site.