Canadian International School of Hong Kong
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) is a school located in 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Nam Long Shan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong. It is a non-profit and charitable organization which opened in 1991 after the Hong Kong government appealed to the Canadian expatriate community to help reduce a shortage of North American-style international schools. The School opened with a total enrollment of 81 students in small rented facilities in Causeway Bay in 1991, with classes from Kindergarten (Preparatory) to Grade 5. The school continued adding a grade to its system each year until it covered the entire K-12 curriculum.
Within several years of opening, incoming student population increased to the point where the school had to find additional buildings to serve as campuses. In 1994, an old military hospital in Borrett Road, Mid-Levels was rented to serve as the campus for grades 4 and above. Soon afterwards, a third building in Kennedy Road, Mid-Levels was rented for additional expansion. During this period of time the school continued to add more classes to each grade of its system.
By 1999, the school had grown to over 700 students and had completed its 'through train' objective, providing an education from Pre-Reception right through to high school graduation in Grade 12. In June 1999, the School produced its first graduates, all of whom went to university.
In 1999, the school moved into the completed first phase of its new campus in Aberdeen, benefiting from the spectacular views of the site and incorporating Canadian characteristics in the award-winning design. In 2002 the second phase of the building was finished to accommodate the growing demand for spaces and to complete the original award-winning design concept.
Today, the school continues to build its reputation of providing the highest quality international education available in Hong Kong. The cornerstone of the School's success is a rigorous academic program, a modern IT infrastructure, a focus on performing arts and unbounded opportunities in sporting arenas. The School makes a point of employing the finest available staff from Hong Kong, Canada and around the world and providing them with the best teaching resources available.
The Honorary Patron of the School is the Chief Secretary for Administration, Hong Kong government, and the honorary President is the Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong. The School is also supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Canadian Association, and the Canadian Club of Hong Kong, with representatives of each of these organizations sitting as ex-officio Governors on the CDNIS Board. The Board Members volunteer their time and expertise, set policies and oversee the operations of one of Hong Kong's finest educational institutions, and campus.
The school is currently constructing a state of the art "Performing Arts Complex", which is due to open in 2007. The PAC would be the only one of its kind found in any school in Hong Kong.
Parents Association
One of the major strengths of the CDNIS community is the support it receives from the Canadian International School Parents Association (CISPA). It consists, as its name implies, of students' parents. The association organizes certain school events throughout each school year to raise funds which are then used to improve various aspects of the school. Notable events include the Family Fun Day, the Evening of the Arts, and the Flower Fair. Many credit the existence of CISPA to the close-knit, family-like atmosphere of the school.
Guest Visits
Over the past few years, the school has been welcoming several guest visitors including Peter Yarrow, Robert Swan, founder of the Christina Noble Children's Foundation, and famous Hong Kong barrister Margaret Ng.
Past Head of Schools
1991-1993 - Mr. Ian Robertson
1993-2000 - Mr. Neil Johnston
2000-2003 - Mr. Allan McLeod
2003-Present - Mr. Dave McMaster
