DC_2024WholeSchoolPhotoYearBook-1

The Explorer Newsletter

The Explorer Newsletter

Explorer

Student Leadership at Discovery College

As our Student Council shared at our recent Whole College Assembly, we have been working to develop a shared understanding of DC Student Leadership Opportunities.

 

We are pleased to share that we have now updated this information on a new Student Leadership Website.

 

Here you will find details of our vision, together with details of the different areas for student leadership: the roles and how students can apply for these.

 

Our hope is that this platform will inspire students to engage even further with our student leadership opportunities, both now and in the future.  

 

Further details about application dates will be shared with students directly.

 

 

No Boundaries 2025 Expo - Year 7 to Year 11 Students

 

We had a fantastic No Boundaries 2025 Expo, where Years 7 to 11 students gained more insights into what each experience looks like. This will help to select experiences that resonate, are suitably challenging for the student's ability and are agreed/approved by parents/guardians. 

 

The next step is to select the program preferences by submitting the Google Form by Wednesday, 30 April 2025, 23:59pm.
 

 

Things to Note about the Selection Form:

 

  • The selection form is NOT based on first-come first-served basis. Students must discuss with parents/guardians the experiences that they are interested in before filling out and submitting the form

  • Students must log in to their DC student email to access and submit the Selection Form

  • Students can select up to FIVE preferred experiences and can indicate their preference to prioritise their chosen experiences or travel buddies. 

  • Students who prefer to travel with their buddies can choose up to THREE travel buddies.

    • Students should coordinate with their travel buddies to select each other's names during sign-up.

    • Student and their travel buddies should choose the same preferred experiences.

  • An algorithm/programme will be utilised to support students’ allocation on their trip/program.

 

All information about the NB 2025 trips and activities is available on the NB website.

For any queries, contact No Boundaries Team at no.boundaries@admin.dc.edu.hk.

DC Primary Theatre Production - Alice @ Wonderland

 

 

Our Primary students are hard at work preparing for the upcoming 'Alice @ Wonderland’ show on 7 and 8 May. The performance lasts about two hours and tickets are priced at 150HKD per person.
 
Here are a few sneak peek behind-the-scenes action shots. Watch video HERE.
 
We can't wait for you to join us and cheer our primary students as they explore the many adventures in this whimsical journey.
 
Tickets are selling fast! Buy your tickets at https://bit.ly/4jhg5h0

Secondary: Year 7 to Year 12 Three-Way Conferences

 

Three-Way conferences will take place on Monday, 12 May (1.30 - 6.30pm) and Thursday, 15 May (1.30 - 6.30pm). These are 5-minute interviews with teachers, where you and your child are present and participating. The conferences will be conducted over Zoom.

 

The conversation during the appointments will focus on:

 

  • Where am I going? Feedback that clarifies the learning intentions and success criteria that are being used in lessons.

  • How am I going? Feedback that ensures the student knows how they are progressing in relation to the learning intention. This should include explicit reference to current assessment/attainment grades in relation to expected outcomes.

  • Where to next? Suggesting the steps needed to address the gap between their learning and the intended outcome. This could also be 'Even Better If...' ideas if the students are meeting or exceeding expectations.

  • Questions - an opportunity for parents/students to ask further questions and address any concerns.

Lessons will finish at 12.20pm on the days of the conferences. The schedule will be as follows:

 

 

There will be no Discovery Time on these days.

 

Students will be expected to participate in the conferences from home. 

 

Please ensure you have made arrangements for your child to return home after school if they usually take the school bus. 

 

Appointments will be made using the ESF app, following these instructions. The booking system is now open for Saturday, 26 April at 6 am and closes on Tuesday, 6 May at 5:00 pm.

 

 

Co-Curricular Activities Term 3 2024-25

 

 

Term 3 CCAs commence Monday, 28 April and run until 20 June.

Please note the following:

 

  • Student activities are visible within the "Activities" section of Ding! VLE. 
  • Parents access Ding! VLE in their ESF mobile app, a "how-to guide" is available.
  • Students' daily activities are displayed on their Ding! VLE homepage.
  • Students or parents are required to inform the activity leader of any absences. If a student is absent for two or more sessions without prior notification, their place will be offered to the waiting list.
  • An 'After-school activities Bus' is available to all students. The activity bus now services Tung Chung, Tsing Yi and, new to this term, Tsuen Wan. Please settle fees directly with the bus provider if you have not already done so. Please click here for more information and sign up.
  • If you have any questions regarding the CCA programme, please refer to the Co-Curricular Activities webpage and Handbook.

For further queries, please contact cca@dc.edu.hk

Gala Dinner tickets - Final Call

Join us for  'A Night in Old Hong Kong' gala dinner!
Limited spaces available—book your tickets HERE before sales end on 2 May. Secure your place now!
 

Bayview Kindergarten and Green Cobras Beach Cleanup

 

On April 24, the Green Cobras hosted a beach cleanup at North Plaza for Bayview House of Children, a local kindergarten. We were honored to have Dana Winograd, leader of the Plastic Free Seas movement, present on the dangers of plastic pollution to Hong Kong's wildlife. Together with Bayview staff and caregivers, we collected 18 kg of trash in just half an hour! This enriching experience allowed our members to interact with younger students, encouraging them to take action to protect the environment.

 

Hong Kong's beaches are crucial for green sea turtles, which need clean spaces to lay their eggs. Clearing plastic and trash helps ensure safe pathways for turtles and their hatchlings. Furthermore, plastic waste, such as bags, can be mistaken for jellyfish—an essential food source for turtles—leading to potential starvation. Our cleanup efforts help prevent this hazardous mix.

 

By cleaning the beach, we educate children about the importance of waste management and caring for wildlife. While this is not a long-term solution, every piece of plastic removed contributes to a healthier environment. If we make beach cleanups a regular practice in Discovery Bay, we can significantly enhance the quality of our beaches for both the community and local sea life.

 

Year 1 trip to the North Plaza in Discovery Bay

 

As part of our provocation for the "How the Work Works" unit of inquiry, Year 1 students went to Discovery Bay's North Plaza. During the outing, they had the opportunity to spot and discuss a variety of different structures in our local community. Points of interest included the chapel, waterfront, shops, and the funicular lift. We especially loved seeing all the structures from the glass lift.

 

A massive thank you to the Year 1 parents who volunteered their time to support this trip and helped create such a wonderful experience for the students.

Friday 2 May: No school for students

A gentle reminder that, as per our calendar, students should not attend school on Friday 2 May.

 

All Discovery College teachers will be engaging in professional development on this day. 

 

Ritu Hemnani visiting DC

 

Ritu Hemnani is a talented author and educator known for her engaging children's books. Ritu will be visiting Discovery College on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 where she will be running workshops for the Year 6 classes and also presenting in the Theatre to both Year 5 & 6.
 
More information on Ritu's books can be found here. If you wish to purchase one of Ritu's books please complete this google form.

ESF IB CP Exhibition - 'Our Home Through Our Eyes'

Members of DC community are cordially invited to attend the ESF-wide IB CP exhibition “Our Home Through Our Eyes" scheduled to take place on 7 May 2025 where Y12 IB CP students from seven ESF schools present their best photographs capturing Hong Kong people and places at WYNDHAM SOCIAL, at 33 Wyndham Street, Central, on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, 17.00-20.00pm.

 

All members of our community are invited to join this event and celebrate our students' work.

 

Parent Education Workshop

 

Sibling Rivalry is an important part of child development. This session on Tuesday 13th May, 8:30 - 10:00, will share valuable strategies that foster change and connection.

 

Please register Here.

Feuille Visit on 23 April

On April 23, 2025, Year 11 students and the Alliance of Sustainable Schools (TASS) welcomed the Michelin-starred restaurant Feuille to Discovery College for a presentation. Known for its vegetable-focused, sustainable fine dining, Feuille emphasizes plant-based dishes made from locally sourced ingredients while minimizing waste.

 

Chef Joris Rousseau shared how Feuille’s ethos shapes its menu and operations, focusing on elegant meals with a low ecological footprint. Feuille sources 85% of its ingredients locally, reducing carbon emissions and supporting nearby farmers. Their reservation-only, fixed-menu approach allows precise planning and minimizes food waste. Chef Rousseau's insights inspired students to consider implementing similar practices in their school canteen.

 

Importance in Hong Kong's Food Industry

In Hong Kong’s import-heavy food scene, Feuille’s local sourcing lowers their carbon footprint and enhances the local economy. Their systematic planning prevents over-ordering and spoilage, reinforcing both sustainability and efficiency. Feuille’s commitment has earned them a Green Michelin Star. This is not without challenges, Chef Rousseau noted that seasonal ingredient availability can complicate menu consistency, requiring frequent updates for creativity and sustainability.

 

Student Reflections

“I used to think plant-based meals lacked flavor. Chef Rousseau showed me that sustainable, locally sourced meals can be delicious and impactful. This experience sparked my interest in food sustainability.”

 

"Gourmet meals don’t require exotic ingredients. Feuille proves that local produce can create high-quality dishes, supporting farmers and promoting sustainability."

 

School Photos - Last chance to place your orders

 

If you haven't yet had a chance to order school photos, we have extended the deadline to 15 May for print orders and 30 May for digital downloads. Email schoolportraits@colsimphotography for your orders.

Deadline for Student Withdrawal

Parents are reminded that Wednesday, 30 April 2025 is the deadline for informing the College of the withdrawal of a student who will not be returning in August 2025. 

 

Parents who wish to withdraw their child from Discovery College are required to submit a Student Withdrawal Form via the ESF App*. The online Student Withdrawal form is the ONLY official way for parents to inform Discovery College of their children leaving the school.

 

All current DC students paid a two-month deposit upon entry to the College. The first half of this deposit was offset against the first month’s fees while the remaining half is credited against the fees for the last month of enrolment, subject to a two-month advance notice of withdrawal. In order to ensure the utilisation of the remaining half of the deposit as payment for the last month of enrolment, e.g. June 2025 (the end of this academic year) if the student is not returning in August 2025, notification is required no later than Wednesday 30 April 2025. Please note that any subsequent change of the last date of attendance or cancellation of the withdrawal may be declined. 

 

As soon as the online Student Withdrawal form is received, Discovery College will offer an admission assessment/interview for the year group in question to applicants on the relevant waiting list who, if successful at assessment/interview, will be offered the current student’s place to start after the last date of attendance as per the Student Withdrawal Notice. 

 

Enquiries regarding student withdrawal can be addressed to our Admissions Department at admissions@dc.edu.hk

 

Current Year 13 students graduating at the end of the current 2024-25 academic year do not have to submit the Student Withdrawal form.


* ​​To access the form, please tap on the Ding! icon and scroll down to forms

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