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Hong Kong Academy is a World IB school, with authorized PYP, MYP and IB Diploma programmes. HKA empowers learners to pursue pathways to individual excellence, preparing them well for the future. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for PK1 – Grade 12. For more information contact 2655-1111 or visit www.hkacademy.edu.hk. learning, growing, understanding
Starting off right...
graduating strong.
knowledgeable and skilled learners
creative and critical thinkers
reflective problem solvers
responsible members of the community
effective and precise communicators
3
Senior Consultant EditorJane Steer
Sai Kung Family Guide is published by Fast Media Ltd. This magazine is published on the understanding that the publishers, advertisers, contributors and their employees are not responsible for the results of any actions, errors and omissions taken on the basis of information contained in this publication. The publisher, advertisers, contributors and their employees expressly disclaim
all and any liability to any person, whether a reader of this publication or not, in respect of any action or omission by this publication. Fast Media Ltd cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies provided by advertisers or contributors.
The views herein are not necessarily shared by the staff or publishers. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any
way, part or format without written permission from the publisher.
www.fastmedia.com.hk
www.saikung.com
5 Welcome
6 Our favourite thingsBest-kept secrets from those in the know.
16 After-school activitiesFrom maths to rugby, there’s something for everyone.
28 Outdoors Sai Kung’s best outdoor activities.
40 Online Connect with local Facebook pages.
42 Parties How to organise stress-free celebrations.
46 Eating Slap-up meals at kid-friendly restaurants.
48 EducationYour guide to the area’s schools.
60 MarketplaceCool stuff to buy and do.
64 Well-being Child-focused health and wellness practitioners.
66 NumbersContacts you can’t live without.
2014
PrinterGear Printing
Room 3B, 49 Wong Chuk Hang Road, (Derrick Industrial Building),
Wong Chuk Hang
Published byFast Media Limited
LG1, 222 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Contributors
Sammy Ko
Kristine Chen
Nobel Cho
Steffi Yuen
EditorAdele Brunner
Deputy EditorHannah Grogan
Art DirectorCarly Tonna
Sales ExecutiveJackie Wilson
Digital Content EditorSharon Wong
Accounts ManagerConnie Lam
PublisherTom Hilditch
5
welcome
Adele BrunnerEditor
hen I swapped Pok Fu Lam for Clearwater Bay
more than 10 years ago, a friend who lived on
the Island told me that “moving to the dark side
was social suicide”. Fast forward a decade and instead of
the companionless wasteland she envisaged for me, I have a
network of fantastic friends, my children go to great schools
and the whole Sai Kung area just keeps getting better.
New shops and restaurants are opening and complementing
existing favourites; there are more things to do and fewer
reasons to leave. What’s more, we have some of Hong
Kong’s most beautiful beaches and stunning country parks
on our doorsteps.
W So welcome to Clearwater Bay and Sai Kung – and
welcome to the neighbourhood’s ultimate family guide.
We have tried to list as many different clubs, classes and
hobbies as we can to keep kids busy after school and all
sorts of exciting outings and activities for the whole family.
We have included common knowledge and shared some
“best-kept secrets”. We hope this guide will be
an essential read for newcomers and old Sai Kung hands
might discover new people and places.
And my die-hard Island friend? She moved to Clearwater Bay
a few years ago too.
Editor’s Note
Adele
6
ideasideas
7
Best-kept secrets from those in the know.
Our favourite things
Spending time on a boat is a
favourite of ours. It is a cracking day
out and getting kids sailing is not only
fun for them but gives them well-
rounded personal development, good
muscle tone and respect for the ocean.
The Leisure and Cultural Services
Department’s watersports centres in
the Sai Kung Country Park (Chong Hing
and Wong Shek; www.lcsd.gov.hk) are
amazing. They run all sorts of sailing
and watersports courses for really
reasonable prices and organise fun
days for the public too.
Kylie Waterstrom
Elite Charters Hong Kong
8
ideas
We love having a family foot rub at
Seafoot Reflexology. They have special
little chairs for children and a great
selection of kids’ books. It is great down
time for all of us - everyone is calm, still
and quiet. We often follow it up by going
to Sushi Tenku, the Japanese restaurant
in the square. It is gluten-free, perfect
for my youngest daughter who has to be
very careful about what she eats.
Elizabeth Jeffrey
Babushka
If you walk through Nam Pin Wai
village [off the large roundabout at
the bottom of Hiram’s Highway], and
keep walking, you end up passing lots
of little organic farms and vegetable
plots. It’s an easy path for children to
negotiate and they get to see people
gardening, and all sorts of different
herbs and vegetables growing. It’s so
green around there, you keep asking
yourself whether it really is
Hong Kong!
Linda Chuen
Sabai Day Spa
We love Po Toi O. Good for
fish restaurants, noodles, fried
rice, beer, wine, meeting up with
friends, taking your rellies when
they visit for a taste of the local
fare and occasional Chinese
opera. It is a short walk from Tin
Hau Temple and has a pier to
dock your boats, pick up a junk or
do a spot of fishing.
Corrine Valentine
Po Toi O
I love taking my children to the Lions Nature and
Education Centre. There is lots of space to run around, play ball and hide and seek or simply have a nice walk. We often take a picnic too.
Ursula Huber
Dymocks Sai Kung
The Victoria Recreation Club (VRC) gets our vote.
The kids can run around and go wild. Even if they
don’t know the other children who happen to
be there, they end up all hanging out in one
big gang. We also love going paddling on
our stand-up paddle boards.
Lisa Peterson
Sheung Sze Wan
Baby & Children’s Clothing & Swimwear
Baby Basics & Toiletries
Everything you need at...
Nursery Furniture & Accessories
Children’s Furniture
Maternity Wear
Pushchairs Toys
Highchairs Car Seats
Safety & First Aid
Children’s Shoes
Baby & Toddler Food
Pedder Building Store 5/F Pedder Building,12 Pedder Street, Central T: 2522 7112Horizon Plaza Store 21/F Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau T: 2552 5000www.bumpstobabes.com
Untitled-1 1 11/09/2013 15:27
10
ideas
Sai Kung Stingrays!
Paul White, ex-chairman of Sai Kung
Stingrays rugby club
We enjoy skiing:
snow skiing in
winter and in Hong
Kong that means
waterskiing. Blue Sky
Sports Club (bluesky-
sc.com) rents waterskis,
a boat, a driver and all equipment – we
simply turn up at Sha Ha Beach with our
swimmers and go. My wife and I were
also given a blow-up paddle board for our
birthday so we’re quite into spending our
free time on the water. When the kids were
young, we couldn’t do all this but we’ve
turned into a family of water babies.
Andrew Culhane
Clearwater Bay
You can’t beat roller skating and
bike riding on the Ho Chung water
catchment road and also the amazing
bike paths in Tseung Kwan O.
Britt Joynsen
Raw Galore
We live by Hoi Ha Beach so that would
be my pick for the favourite thing my
family likes to do. It is a beautiful,
unspoiled beach and any time there is
well spent.
Rachael Footer
Rachael’s Fun House
Particularly when the weather is cooler,
it’s fun to take a picnic to Bride’s Pool
and explore.
Fanny Chan, Sai Kung
One of our favourite things to do
is to hire bikes in Tai Po and go
cycling along the waterfront
and reservoir near Plover
Cove. The cycling paths
are flat and the scenery
beautiful. There are some
good Thai and Italian
restaurants for afterwards. Tai
Po public swimming pool (11 Ting
Tai Road) is another good day out. It
has massive water slides and several
pools but nobody ever seems to go there.
Sean Prior, coach
Asia Pacific Soccer School
Star cinema at Popcorn Mall [in
Tseung Kwan O] is good; also, seafood
nosh at Po Toi O.Brett Free
Sheung Sze Wan
11
A walk up to the very top of Chuk
Yeung Road to Wong Chuk Yeung, the
old, deserted Chinese village. Spooky
and fascinating at the same time.
Carol Musgrave, Sai Kung
Kite flying at Clearwater Bay Country
Park is a great activity when you have
an hour or so to fill.
Kellie Irwin
House of Cards
We love pennyboarding around Sai Kung
square, eating and dog walking along
the waterfront. Our daughter Emily, 13,
recently did stand-up paddle boarding
with Sai Kung Watersports (bluesky-sc.
com), so that’s another new favourite.
The Gobel family, Silverstrand
There are so many simple but fun things to do with children around Sai Kung
and Clearwater Bay. Our favourites include going to various beaches such as
Sheung Sze Wan and Clearwater Bay Second Beach, hiking the trails, bike riding
around Hang Hau and swimming at Sai Kung and Tseung Kwan O swimming pools.
Nicky Anderson
Typhoon Homeware
As we are lucky enough to have our own boat, one of our favourite
things to do is go to Whiskey Beach – the one
after Hap Mun Beach. It is quite quiet and a really lovely beach.Caroline and Iain Chapman
Ho Chung
12
ideasXXXXXideas
We love taking the boat out to Yau Ley and having a late lunch at the seafood
restaurant. If we have time, we often follow this up with an afternoon swim at Bluff
Island, especially after 4pm when all the junks have left. Another nice day out is
taking a minibus from the gate at the Sai Kung Country Park to Hoi Ha Beach. It is
a great beach, very quiet, with lovely walks and barbecue pits.
Alison Maddren, Po Toi O
Hiking up High Junk Peak [near
Sheung Sze Wan on Clearwater Bay
Road]; the waterslides and diving
pool at Tseung Kwan O; cycling, skate
boarding and roller blading along the
Tseung Kwan O paths; spending time
at Clearwater Bay’s beaches…
Lise Harrow, Clearwater Bay
We love kayaking through the natural
rock arches on the way to Sai Wan
beach and then hiking up the river
valley to get to the Sheung Luk river
pools and cliff jumps.
Alison Cooke, Silverstrand
We like walking to Trio Beach and
having a swim there, especially on
Boxing Day. The lifeguards are friendly
and turn a blind eye to dogs and
ball games if the beach isn’t busy.
Snorkelling off beaches is fun and you
see more than you would think. If you
have older kids, Splash HK (splashhk.
com) runs great scuba diving courses
and organises regular Splash dive days
out on a boat when anyone can join.
Fiona Bojan, Silverstrand
Sai Kung swimming pool rocks! Also, the squash courts in Sai Kung [next
to the swimming pool] are great for having a bash with the kids. A perfect thing to do when it’s wet outside.
Sue Parsons
Sai Kung
My kids love simply hanging around
and skateboarding in Sai Kung square
as they always bump into their friends.
We also enjoy walking along the
waterfront and seeing what the local
fishermen have caught.
Diana White, Sheung Sze Wan
16
ACTIVITIES
ARTS & CRAFTS
Anastassia’s Art House
Hong Kong’s only Russian art academy,
Anastassia’s Art House is on a mission
to bring Russian and Western art
heritage to Hong Kong through a range
of structured art classes for students
aged three to 16 years. Children have an
array of choices, including art, drawing
and sketching, ceramics, Chinese
painting, fashion, graphic, interior and
product design. Adult classes available.
9 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 2719 5533,
www.arthouse-hk.com.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Children who like Lego will love
Bricks 4 Kidz, which uses the famous
little bricks in hands-on classes for
children from two to teens. Sessions start
with a teacher-led discussion, followed by
a chance for students to collaborate on
a design that resolves a set task. Weekly
classes and holiday camps available.
65 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 6184 6229,
www.bricks4kidz.com.
Craft Hour
Creative kids aged six to 11 can learn
all kinds of arty skills at Craft Hour, held
every Saturday, 9.30am-10.30am. There
is a termly curriculum with seasonal
projects, teaching everything
from knitting and weaving to
paper crafts and decorative
painting. Classes are held at the
Sascha Camille Howard Artist
Studio, G/F, Lot 787, Po Tung
Road, Sai Kung. Contact Lisa
Ackerman on 6757 2564,
www.crafthourasia.com.
Fun things to do after school.
Child’s play
Kuro Vale Pottery
Pottery gallery and studio Kuro Vale
offers classes teaching children aged
six to 12 the basics of “handbuilding”
clay and transforming their ideas into
3-D pieces. Classes are held in English
on Thursdays and Saturdays, and in
Chinese on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Saturdays ($800 for four 90-minute
classes, plus $100 a month for glazes
and firing). Adult classes are held
1pm-3pm every Thursday and cost $250
for two hours. 48 See Cheung Street,
Sai Kung, [email protected].
activities
Picture: Tutti Music
17
sessions, and Cambridge Young English
Learner and Revision groups. G/F, 183B
Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2918,
www.lighthouseplayroom.com.
DANCE
Echoes of Erin
School of Dance
Kick up your heels
and channel your inner
Riverdancer, Echoes of Erin
offers classes in traditional
and contemporary Irish
dancing for children from
three years to adults.
The dancers perform at
various balls and functions
across Hong Kong and the school
has won numerous awards for
its performances at international
competitions. Fast-paced and fun,
the Sai Kung classes are currently
held at Tina’s Dance Studio,
Jungle Studio (near Pepperoni’s)
and Renaissance College, with the
possible addition of a new class
at Hong Kong Academy. Contact
Catriona Newcombe on 9093 8125,
www.echoesirishdance.com.
Russian Ballet School
Not only is this the first Russian ballet
school in Hong Kong, it is also the
first in the SAR to exclusively use
the Vaganova system. This training
method is used in most professional
ballet companies and their associated
schools, and is proven to produce
excellent results with both vocational
and recreational students. A variety of
classes (including some specifically
for boys aged seven to 12) are held
daily, catering for mini ballerinas
aged three right through to advanced
adults. First-time trial classes are
$160; once enrolled, you have to pay
for 10 classes or more in advance
($1,500 for a 10-week period). Private
classes are $700/hr. 787 Po Tung
Road, Sai Kung, 5467 4674,
[email protected], www.
russianballetschool-hk.com.
Southern School of Dance
This popular dance school
offers lessons in classical
ballet, tap and modern
jazz for children from
preschool ages to
teenagers. There is
even a hip-hop class for
boys only. Don’t forget your
hankie at the school’s annual
show. Staged at a theatre in
Hong Kong, choreographed
by the teachers and
with everyone at the
school taking part, it is
an emotional experience
to see your little ones dancing their
hearts out in front of an audience.
6A Shaw House, Shaw Studios,
Clearwater Bay Road, 2705 9538,
www.southernschoolofdance.com.hk.
Tina’s Dance Studio
Tina offers ballet classes throughout
the week for tiny dancers as young as
two-and-a-half years. Hip hop is also
on the menu for kids who want to be
a hit at the school disco. 15 Man Nin
Street, Sai Kung, 2328 2250,
www.tinasdancestudiosaikung.com.
Little Hands
The Little Hands Workshop runs
eco-friendly arts and crafts classes
for children aged two-and-a-half to
12 years, using only recyclable and
recycled materials. Private parties and
art jam sessions are also available.
Shop 12 (above Babushka), 66 Yi
Chun Street, Sai Kung, 5431 3122.
Swiss Art Studio
Swiss Art Studio has a choice of classes
for young artists. Hour-long sessions
for the under-sixes cover basic art
techniques in a fun environment. Older
children can sign up for the 90-minute
classes as part of the Royal Talens
Certificate. There are Family Fun Classes
where mum and dad can join in. G/F,
14A1 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 3188
4127, [email protected].
COOKERY
Lighthouse
If your mini masterchef is looking for
an outlet to practice their cooking
skills, Lighthouse is just the place. This
kitchen-playroom-classroom enables
children to play, cook and learn in a
safe, hands-on and fun environment
that promotes creativity and discovery.
Cooking classes are offered in English
and Mandarin for children aged three to
12, so not only do they learn to cook a
variety of Western and Chinese dishes
but learn languages using cooking as
a medium. Recipes change regularly
and children take part in every aspect
of preparing a complete dish as well
as enjoying it at the end of the lesson.
Lighthouse also offers parent-and-
child classes and private cooking
parties, and its space can also be
hired as a venue.
Other classes include the Five
Senses playgroup for children aged six
to 36 months (with parents), Mandarin,
English and bilingual playgroups and
tutorials, synthetic and Letterland phonics
Picture: Bricks 4 Kidz
18
activities
TUITION
EnopiIf your children are in a muddle with maths, try Enopi. B1, Marina Cove
Shopping Centre, Sai Kung, 2335 1261.
school subjects. As well as regular
subjects, it offers school interview
preparation techniques, online
distance learning, school and
university admissions advice and
a school placement consultancy
service. 3188 3940, [email protected],
www.tuition.com.hk.
Kumon
Kumon provides maths, English
and Chinese programmes for
children of all ages using the
Kumon Method. Before enrollment,
an instructor will explain the method,
provide a free assessment of the
child’s ability, set an individualised
learning projection and arrange
appropriate learning materials for
the child. Students are required to
come to the centre every week on
schedule and continue their daily
study at home. B12, Marina Cove
Shopping Centre, 2335 9665,
www.kumon.com.cn.
ITS Global Education Limited
ITS Tutorial School (ITS) provides
private tutor services in English
for a comprehensive range of
tertiary, secondary and primary
19
The Reading Room
Individual and group tuition
in English speaking, writing, reading,
phonics and listening, taught by native
English speakers on the waterfront. 21
Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, 9199 5900,
www.thereadingroom.com.hk.
TLC Kids
From maths to magic classes, TLC offers
entertaining ways for kids to develop
academic skills in a fun environment. It
has even incorporated MineCraft into
certain programmes. 2606 2770,
[email protected], www.tlcglobal.net.
Quest Study Skills
Quest Study Skills provides
secondary and pre-secondary
students with practical strategies
and tools to succeed academically,
via small group courses, programmes
and workshops at various locations
including the Australian International
School in Kowloon Tong. Private
tutorials are also available; holiday and
Saturday courses offered. 2690 9117,
www.queststudyskills.com.
Sai Kung Tutors
Sai Kung Tutors offers a wide variety
of academic tutoring, guidance and
extracurricular activities for primary
and secondary students. Subjects
include maths, chemistry, physics and
languages and are usually taught one-
on-one at the student’s home. Specific
group “clinics” have been introduced for
various subjects. Call Tammy on
5321 4400, [email protected],
www.saikungtutors.com.
True Communication
If your child has speech, language,
reading, spelling or written language
difficulties, True Communication:
Speech, Language & Literacy Services
can help. It offers individual speech,
language and literacy assessments
and sessions tailored to your child’s
needs, supplemented by reports and
suggestions for home practice.
Contact Nic Parker, speech and
language therapist on 6449 7347,
Uni-Tutors Hong Kong
This tuition company employs university
undergraduates to tutor school students
and specialises in IB, A Level, IGCSE
and HKDSE curricula as well as general
tuition. The service covers most
subjects, including languages, maths,
sciences, social sciences, business and
economics. Fees vary from $150 to
$400 an hour. 9483 2427, unitutorshk@
gmail.com, www.unitutorshk.com.
20
activities
LANGUAGES
Clay Story Studio
Learn Chinese through play with clay at
Mandarin ceramic classes for children
aged four to 10. 32A Po Tung Road,
Sai Kung, 2791 6126.
Clever Cloggs
This bilingual English and Mandarin
programme on DVD is tailored for
children and toddlers from the age of
six months. Words are spoken in native
English and Mandarin with episodes
on topics such as transport, colours
and shapes filled with clear, relevant
speech, bright visuals, songs and
plenty of smiling faces. The DVDs cost
from $100 from www.clever-cloggs.
com.hk and Today Speed Prof, G/F, 26
Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2792 5815.
Easy English for Kids
Make learning English fun with stories,
songs, art and outdoor play. EEK also runs
a Mandarin playgroup for preschoolers.
28F Sai Keng Village, Sai Sha Road, Sai
Kung, 3487 3053, www.eek.com.hk.
Jumpstart Mandarin Learning Centre
Small group classes in Mandarin for
children of all ages with an emphasis
on task-based learning through stories,
games and other activities. 2/F, 51 Yi
Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2791 4838,
www.jumpstartmlc.com.
La Petite France
Calling all aspiring francophiles. A
little corner of France can be found in Sai
Kung, offering French language lessons
for children aged eight to late teens as
well as classes in other aspects of French
culture from books to movies to wine –
although that last one isn’t so much for the
kids. G/F, 787 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung,
2791 0082, www.lapetitefrancehk.com.
Les Petits Lascars de Sai Kung
This centre offers native French
teachers and a helpful hand for
any future applicants of the French
International School. 2/F, 16 Wan
King Path, Sai Kung, 2526 8892,
www.lespetitslascars.com.
Sai Kung English
This family-run business offers a
wide variety of services for all levels
from beginners to the more advanced.
As well as individual or group English
language lessons, SKE also teaches
through creative-oriented activities
such as drama, music and chess.
Contact James at 6407 8574,
www.saikungenglish.com.
21
Play Football with the ESF Lions
[email protected] 2711 1280
ESF Lions Youth Football
SAI KUNG SOCCER SUNDAYSWai Man Road Playground, Sai Kung
With expert qualified coaches, locally based & first aid trained, be assured of coaching quality & child safety.
ESF Lions Youth Football Academy operates across Hong Kong with an excellent support structure & elite player pathways for children wishing to take their football to the next level.
Contact us today for further information.
Girls Football: 4+ (9 - 10am)Soccer Cubs: 2-4yrs (10 - 11am)Football Fun: 4-9yrs (10 - 11am)Fast Paced 5/side: 9+ (11am-12pm)
1/2 Page Sai Kung Magazine.indd 1 19/08/2013 11:14
MUSICIsland Glee Club
The Island Glee Club for aspiring singers
will keep you believing that you can be
a star. Weekly classes in Sai Kung cover
topics such as breathing techniques,
choreography and stage craft basics.
9389 5880, www.islandgleeclub.com.
Music Horizon
This music centre gives lessons in a
wide variety of instruments including
guitar, piano, drums, flute, violin and the
saxophone. Singing, Mandarin and art are
also taught. 188 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung,
2791 7676, www.music-saikung.com.
Tutti Music
A holistic music education programme
for early childhood that aims to develop
fundamental skills through age-
appropriate musical activities. Offering
courses from Musikgarten music and
movement classes (from birth to four
years) to Little Voices singing class for
children aged three to six, Tutti Music will
start your child on a lifelong journey of
music appreciation.
Group and
individual tuition in
various instruments
available. Shop 205, Park
Central, Tseung Kwan O,
2176 4028, www.tmusic.com.hk.
GuitarGuy Le Claire
Music Room
Guitarist and composer,
Guy Le Claire, teaches all styles
of guitar and levels out of his
studio in Wai Sum Village in
Clearwater Bay. 9765 9707,
Piano Grand Piano Limited
Think you may have a child prodigy on
your hands? Grand Piano has a team of
teachers ready to come to your home and
teach all ages from toddlers upwards.
Other instrument lessons available as well
as music appreciation and theory.
www.grandpiano.hk.
Vianne at My Music
Wonderland Piano
This highly experienced piano
teacher previously taught in
kindergartens and primary schools
as well as at Tom Lee. She will
come to your home and get
kids aged three and upwards
tinkling the ivories and having fun
doing so. 6014 9389, contact@
mymusicwonderland.com,
www.mymusicwonderland.com.
SingingSinging with Selina
Classically trained teacher Selina
offers singing lessons to children of
all ages and skill levels. 5194 1000,
22
activitiesFootball
Asia Pacific Soccer School
APSS puts budding Peles through
their paces every week at various
locations in Clearwater Bay and Sai
Kung. They coach girls and boys from
five to 14 as well as private football or
World Cup parties. Visit www.apsoccer.
hk.com or call 2385 9677 for details.
Sai Kung Sharks Football Club
Play footy every weekday if you
want to with the Sai Kung Sharks.
Training sessions for kids five and
up are held at the Sai Kung and Pak
Kong football pitches. 9125 7946,
www.saikungsharksfc.com.
GolfGarden Farm Golf
Garden Farm Golf has 93 driving bays,
grass areas for chipping, putting and
teeing off and a free putting area for
children. 8C Tseng Tau Village, Shap
Sze Heung, Sai Sha Road, 2791 9098,
www.gardenfarmgolf.com
HKJC Kau Sai Chau Golf Club
Lessons taught by former professionals
are offered for juniors at Hong Kong’s
only public golf course, a short ferry
ride from Sai Kung. Call the Golf
Instruction Centre on 2791 3388, www. kscgolf.org.hk.
SPORT
Ball skillsPlayball
This sports-based playgroup is for little
ones aged from two to eight. Children
learn all kinds of skills such as teamwork,
balance and mid-line crossing from nine
different sports including basketball,
baseball, hockey, rugby and netball. First
lesson is free; private parties available.
Classes currently on Monday afternoon
at Ho Chung Soccer Pitch, Sai Kung,
and Renaissance College, Heng On.
www.playballhk.com.
CricketImran Cricket Academy
Learn how to deliver a googly and
hit a wicket as well as bat, bowl and
play cricket the fun way. Sessions held
every Friday at Clearwater Bay School
and in Sai Kung, also runs cricket
camps, tournaments and birthday
parties. 9745 2700,
www.imranacademy.com.
ESF Lions
ESF Lions offers soccer coaching
programmes for players aged two to
16. 10am-1pm, Sundays, Wai Man
Road Playground, Sai Kung, 2760 3934,
23
Whitehead Golf Club
Set on the edge of Tolo Harbour, this
driving range has 160 real grass driving
bays and offers a Family Training
Course to teach adults and children
the basics of the game. Lok Wo Shan
Lane, Ma On Shan, 2631 9900,
www.whiteheadclub.com.
GymnasticsFlipping Kids
Cartwheeling kids get their acrobatic
fix with Gay Williamson, a trained
gymnast who runs classes at
Clearwater Bay Country Club. Classes
are held on Mondays and Tuesdays
for four-year-olds and upwards. Email
[email protected] or call the
club on 2719 1595.
JWT Kids Gym
Not strictly gymnastics, the classes
at JWT Kids Gym are designed to
stretch young bodies and minds in a
fun way. Equipment includes balance
Horse Riding The Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre
Treat your little princes and princesses
to horse-riding lessons in Clearwater
Bay. It also hosts pony parties and
parent and toddler coffee mornings.
115 Mau Po, Clearwater Bay,
6398 6241, www.ceec.hk.
beams, trapezes, uneven bars and
a wide range of tunnels and padded
equipment. Sessions are for children
aged four months to nine years and
also include aerobics, yoga and karate
for the over-threes. Shop 202, Park
Central, 9 Tong Tak Street, Tseung
Kwan O, 3968 7500.
24
activitiesIce Hockey And Ice SkatingThe Rink at Elements Mall
Get your skates on and head over to
the Rink at Elements Mall. On offer are
regular group, private or semi-private
figure skating (30 minutes) and ice
hockey sessions (45 minutes) but you
can always take your chances and
turn up for a walk-in lesson if space is
available. G/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road
West, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2196 8016, www.
rink.com.hk.
Cityplaza Ice Palace
Tai Koo Shing’s Cityplaza Ice Palace is
Hong Kong’s largest skating school and
has about 30 coaches offering private
and group lessons. 18/F, One Island
East, 18 Westlands Road, Taikoo Shing,
www.icepalace.com.hk.
Mega Ice
For those of you who like a challenge
(and a bruising), Mega Ice hosts ice
hockey classes at MegaBox. It is the
only NHL-sized rink in Hong Kong,
and is home to the Penguins junior
ice hockey club and the Hong Kong
Academy of Ice Hockey. Private and
group figure skating and hockey
lessons are available. Level 10, 38
Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay,
9181 1662, www.megaice.com.hk.
Martial Arts Tae Kwon Do Ohdokwan
What boy doesn’t want to be a martial
arts god? Master Norman Law teaches
basic techniques, discipline, self control
and defence
and sparring
sessions.
Lessons held
at Clearwater Bay
School. F6342 7338,
RugbyDeA Tigers
Follow in the footsteps of Hong
Kong rugby star Rowan Varty at
the DeA Tigers, which teaches
rugby to children from ages three
to 18 every Sunday morning
at King’s Park, Kowloon.
www.deatigersrfc.com.
RugBees
It’s never too early to get your kids
playing “the gentlemen’s game”.
RugBees is Asia’s first dedicated rugby
play programme tailored for children
from walking to five years old. It
adopts a play-and-learn ethos, where
children are taught key motor skills
geared towards rugby principals such
as catching, kicking, teamwork and,
most importantly, fun. Different themes
incorporate music, stories and creative
equipment. 2117 3055, nicepeople@
rugbees.com, www.rugbees.com.
Sai Kung Stingrays
What’s not to love about
this friendly family-run
club, which runs rugby
training for children
aged five to under-19s.
Training is held for most
age groups at the Sai
Kung Stadium every
Sunday morning
in season (August-
March) with games at
regular tournaments.
www.stingrays.org.
RunningJunior Run Club
Popular Sai Kung triathletes and fitness
trainers Tim Stevens and Warren
Warner have joined forces to come up
with a brand-new athletic track training
programme for 10-year-olds upwards.
It incorporates drills to improve
technique, muscular and core strength
and endurance with an emphasis on
taking part and getting fitter. 9196 9442,
Sailing Hebe Haven Yacht Club
After-school and Saturday sailing for
children year-round, in boats of various
classes including Optimists, Lasers
and Picos. Holiday courses such as the
Summer Adventure Multi-Activity weeks
and sailing at different levels are also
offered. 2719 9682, www.hhyc.org.
25
Swimming/Watersports Blue Sky Sports Club
Blue Sky is well-known in Sai Kung
for its swimming lessons and teach
all ages at Sai Kung public pool. The
team also runs the Sai Kung Water
Sports Training Center with courses
for adventurous Annies and Andrews
such as wakeboarding, dragon boating,
kayaking, surfing and stand-up paddle
boarding. 2792 4938, info@bluesky-sc.
com, www.bluesky-sc.com.
ESF Swimming Sharks
The mighty ESF Sports Services offer
termly and holiday courses at Sha
Tin College and Renaissance College
to get your kids swimming like fish.
Tadpoles, Frogs and Goldfish classes
teach three- to five-year-olds the basics
while Dolphins, Stingrays, Seals and
Swordfish classes hone the skills of
older kids. 2711 1280, www.esf.org.hk.
Mango Swimming Club
Triathlete Mango teaches all ages
to swim at Sai Kung swimming pool
and can improve the stroke technique
and stamina of older kids. He also offers
an introduction to triathlons
with training in swimming, running
and cycling. 8100 9934,
TennisHong Kong Educational Services
The Australasia Tennis Aces are tennis
programme providers for ESF Services,
and teach kids from four years. They
operate locally at Renaissance College,
Clearwater Bay, Kowloon Junior and
King George V schools. 2711 1280,
[email protected], www.esf.org.hk.
Grand Slam Sports
Although based at the Repulse Bay
Club, Grand Slam is hoping to expand
to coach women and children based
in Sai Kung. Group and private
lessons available. 9161 7094,
Hong Kong International Tennis Academy
Coach Lea Lai offers lessons several
times a week for children from ages
two to six at the Sai Kung Tennis
Courts. 9662 8888, [email protected],
www.hkita.com.
Monster Tennis
Monster Tennis teaches tennis skills
to two- to 10-year olds. First hour
trial lesson is free; tennis parties
available. [email protected],
www.monstertennis.hk.
Multi-Sport
Keeping kids fit and gainfully occupied
for years at various venues around
Hong Kong, Multi-Sport has headed to
Sai Kung for the first time. Operating
out of Hong Kong Academy, it is
offering gymnastics, soccer, basketball,
mini tennis and junior sports for all
ages. 2540 1257, admin@multi-sport.
com.hk, www.multi-sport.com.hk.
26
activities
Learn to dance
at Shaw House(Opposite CWB School)
Wed am 3-5yr Ballet
every a ernoon andSaturday mornings
RAD Ballet
ISTD Tap, Jazz, Modern& Hip-hop
Call Mrs Knight
2872 6917www.southernschoolofdance.com.hk
YogaGecko Yoga
Gecko Yoga is all about passing on real
yoga concepts in kid-friendly ways,
mixing storytelling and fun games with
yoga poses. Classes for babies as
young as six weeks through to sessions
for teens and families. 6973 1792, info@
geckoyoga.com, www.geckoyoga.com.
Julie Dixon
Give your kids a stretch with popular
yoga teacher Julie Dixon. She teaches
two children’s sessions on Thursday
afternoons at the Clearwater Country
Club for ages seven to nine (4.15pm-
5.15pm) and 10-13 year olds (5pm-
5.45pm). [email protected].
Teresa Leung
Teresa offers private yoga classes
for teenagers and children at the
Sai Kung Squash Courts. 9271 0222,
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Cub Scouts
The Sai Kung troop is part of the
299 East Kowloon Scouts. Boys aged
eight to 11 meet every Thursday,
6pm-7.30pm, to learn all those
traditional boys skills such as tying
knots as well as a whole lot more.
Pak Sha Wan Tam Wah Ching Sea Activity
Centre, Sai Kung, saikungcubs@gmail.
com; www.scout.org.hk.
Grasshopper Scouts
Energetic boys and girls from six to
eight years will love Grasshopper
Scouts (aka Beaver Scouts). They
experience an adventurous programme
of outdoor activities, games and
creative play, enjoying time with
existing friends and making new ones.
They meet every Wednesday, 4.15pm-
5.30pm, and as it is run by volunteers,
commitment is essential. Location as
above. [email protected].
27
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Brownies
Get your little girls dibbing and dobbing
and doing all sorts of other exciting
activities at Brownies. The East 64th
Kowloon Brownie Pack is for girls from
six to 12 and holds regular meetings on
Monday afternoons. As well as learning
new hobbies and skills, girls can extend
existing knowledge and abilities by
working towards all sorts of badges.
Hong Kong Girl Guides Association of
HK, Pak Sha Wan Tam Wah Ching Sea
Activity Centre, Sai Kung, 2359 6877,
www.hkgga.org.hk.
Girl Guides
The 64th East Kowloon Girl Guide
Company is an English-speaking
company that meets in Sai Kung. Girls
must be aged at least 10 in year six
at or above. Hong Kong Girl Guides
Association of HK, Pak Sha Wan Tam
Wah Ching Sea Activity Centre, Sai
Kung, 2359 6877, www.hkgga.org.hk.
OTHER
Hong Lok Yuen Country Club
Hong Lok Yuen Country Club has all
sorts of activities to keep kids (and
adults) occupied. As well as three
swimming pools, indoor and outdoor
playgrounds, it offers tennis, mini
soccer, basketball, squash, ballet,
jazz dance and calligraphy to name
a few. Although it is a members-only
club (membership costs $40,000 with
monthly fees of $1,500), summer
camps for kids are usually open to
non-members too. 8 Town Centre
Crescent, Hong Lok Yuen, 2657 8899,
www.hlycc.com.
28
outdoors
Go wildMake the most of the Great Outdoors.
BEACHES
Tai Long Wan
Arguably our most beautiful beaches,
Sai Wan, Ham Tin and Tai Long are a
pit-stop for stressed Hong Kongers and
determined surfer dudes.
How to get there: Catch the 29R bus
from outside McDonald’s in Sai Kung
town centre to Sai Wan Pavillion, then
put your best foot forward for an
hour-long hike to Sai Wan beach.
Clearwater Bay Second Beach
If you don’t have the time or energy to
trek to a more remote spot, this beach
ticks all the boxes, particularly if you
have little ones with limited stamina and
patience with walking. This stretch of
sandy beach is perfect for digging while
swimming to pontoons will keep older
children happy.
How to get there: Take the
91 bus from Choi Hung going down
Clearwater Bay Road or minibus 16 from
Po Lam. There is a car park but it fills
quickly at weekends and holidays.
Trio Beach
So close, yet so far from the madding
crowd. Trio has all the beauty of a
private island, with a view of Port
Shelter that could have come
out of a Hemingway novel, yet is
easily accessible with barbecues
and facilities.
How to get there: Take the green
101 minibus to Pak Sha Wan and
take the sampan service from the
public pier. Alternatively, hike 45
minutes from Che Keng Tuk Road
(near SKIP kindergarten).
Hoi Ha Wan
It’s easy to forget that Hong Kong possesses one of the most
abundant marine ecosystems in the region. The rare coral and
mangrove habitats, pristine beach and abundant wildlife at Hoi
Ha Wan reminds us our city’s richness is more than just material.
How to get there: Take the 7 minibus from Sai Kung town centre.
Pho
to: F
erd
inan
d C
orp
uz
29
BIKE TRAILS
Tseung Kwan O/Lohas Park
Saddle up and get the whole family
cycling around seemingly endless
linked bike paths from Tseung Kwan
O and Lohas Park to Hang Hau and
Po Lam. The straight, flat Lohas Park
stretch on the other side of the bridge
is perfect for little ones getting to grips
with two wheels or for older kids to
perfect their skateboarding skills.
Tolo Harbour Cycling Track
One of Hong Kong’s longest continuous
bike trails will take you through parks,
past temples and along stunning
harbour frontage from Tai Wai to Tai
Mei Tuk. Cycle it in sections – such as
the path running along the waterfront
past the Hong Kong Science Park in
Sha Tin – or, if you’ve got a budding
Bradley Wiggins on your hands, tackle
the whole 20 kilometres. Reward
yourself at the end with ice creams and
picturesque views of Plover Cove.
Tai Mong Tsai
Just past the entrance to the Victoria
Recreation Club (VRC) on Tai Mong Tsai
Road is a short but pleasant bike path
that starts with a bit of uphill pedalling
and flattens out to a circuit around a
grassy area with barbecue pits. Ideal
for small children.
EXCURSIONS
Clearwater Bay Country Park
Go fly a kite in the Clearwater Bay Country
Park, which is blessed with stunning
views and almost constant breezes. If you
haven’t got your own model, a small kiosk
sells cheap paper kites (and drinks) that
do the trick. There is a 30-minute tree walk
plus paths galore to explore and trees to
climb. Bring your own picnic or make use
of one of the barbecue pits.
How to get there: KMB bus 91 or green
minibus 103M to the mini roundabout on
Clearwater Bay Road and then a 1.5km
walk to the park. Free parking available.
Lions Nature & Education Centre
Sai Kung isn’t exactly a teeming
metropolis but this 16-hectare park is
a real oasis off busy Hiram’s Highway.
Its maze of stroller-friendly paths wind
through orchards, vegetable beds
(organic produce is sold at weekends)
and a Chinese Medicine Garden, over
little bridges and around dragonfly
ponds. Browse the insectarium, Shell
House and Rock Academy, and let
the kids run themselves ragged on the
paths and playgrounds and have a ball.
How to get there: Che Keng Tuk Road,
2792 2234, www.lnec.gov.hk.
Pak Sha O
This picturesque spot off the road to
Hoi Ha can be reached via a 10-minute
walk through lush subtropical forest and
paddyfields. The well-preserved Hakka
village is an enchanting place, alive with
butterflies and dragonflies skimming
small ponds filled with fish.
How to get there: Take minibus 7 from
Sai Kung town centre towards Hoi Ha
and disembark at the youth hostel.
30
outdoorsSheung Yiu Family Walk
The Sheung Yiu Family Walk is flat
by Hong Kong standards, an easy 75
minutes on firm footing. Start at
Fat Kee Store, just beyond the Sai Kung
East Country Park gate at Pak Tam
Chung. Turn right over the bridge
and follow the signs. The more
energetic can add another 90 minutes
by detouring to High Island Reservoir.
Short or long, both walks offer terrific
sea views as well as a clean river for
a quick splash and a preserved Hakka
village, now the Sheung Yiu Museum
(open 9am-4pm, closed Tuesdays).
How to get there: Drivers can park at
Pak Tam Chung and walk five minutes
to the starting point. From Sai Kung,
catch bus 94 (96R on Sundays and
public holidays) or take the Hoi Ha or
Lady Maclehose Village minibuses (no.7
and 9) and do the same.
Temple of 10,000 Buddhas, Sha Tin
This is one of the quirkiest and most
interesting monasteries in the territory,
not least because it contains the
embalmed body of its founder, Revered
Yuet Kai, in the lotus position, covered
in gold leaf in a glass case. There are
five temples, containing about 13,000
gold ceramic Buddha statues, each
with a different pose and expression.
How to get there: The temple is
signposted from Sha Tin Station,
up 431 steps lined with 500 life-sized
statues.
Yau Ley, High Island
An outing to Yau Ley Seafood Restaurant
is always a great day out. The super-
casual restaurant serves up delicious
Chinese fare and kids can amuse
themselves on the small beach and
jumping off the jetty.
How to get there: If you’re not
fortunate enough to own a boat, hire a
sampan from Sai Kung pier or walk 30
mins downhill from Sai Kung Man Yee
Road, MacLehose Trail Stage 1.
Sheung Luk stream
Leaping off an eight-metre cliff into a deep, cool pool fed by a pristine waterfall in Sheung
Luk stream is a Sai Kung rite of passage. It’s not for the very young or faint-hearted; just
scrambling up the cliff requires a head for heights and jumping off is a mind-spinning leap
of faith. Leap, swim, picnic, make memories.
How to get there: Take the MacLehose Trail to the north end of Sai Wan beach,
then follow the pretty stream uphill for 10 minutes to a series of pools – the upper
pool is the deepest. Wear water shoes, those rocks are sharp.
32
outdoors
escape exploreadventure
Geo-Park Kayaking Trips
Stand Up Paddle Boarding lessons
and equipment sales
www.kayak-and-hike.com Tel - 93005197
Sai Kung - Clearwater Bay H.K
PLAYGROUNDS
Po Hong Park
Introduce your offspring to this
playground paradise in Po Lam and
you’ll be struggling to get them out.
It has at least five linked playground
areas with all sorts of swings, slides
and climbing frames so kids from two
upwards can easily run from one to
another and play to their hearts’ content.
Benches, shade and grass make it good
for picnics. Tseung Kwan O swimming
pool opposite makes a perfect cooling-
down option. Sheung Ning Road,
Po Lam, www.lcsd.gov.hk.
Sai Kung square
This is not the best equipped playground
but is certainly one of the most sociable.
There are always oodles of children
around and yours are likely to run into
schoolfriends or make new ones. The
adjacent basketball court is great for older
children to practise their hoops, ripsticking
or pennyboarding skills. And parents can
enjoy a moment of respite with a coffee at
any one of the nearby cafés
and restaurants.
Sai Kung Waterfront
If you’ve exhausted the sights and sounds
of Sai Kung’s waterfront, small children
might like to put the playground next to
the tennis courts to the test. Swings,
slides and a couple of climbing frames are
sure to keep them gainfully occupied.
DIVING
Splash HK
Local dive operator Splash HK offers a
full range of PADI courses from Bubble
Maker for younger kids to Assistant
Instructor for pre-professional divers.
Children aged 10 and up can take the
first steps to becoming a certified open
water diver by taking the Junior course,
which entails five sessions in a swimming
pool and four open-water dives in the sea
in and around Sai Kung. Contact Darren
Gilkison on 9047 9603, info@splashhk.
com, www.splashhk.com.
KAYAKING AND WATERSPORTS
Blue Sky Water Sports Club
Stick your oar in with Blue Sky Water
Sports Club, which rents kayaks from
Sha Ha beach, as well as stand-up
paddleboards. The club also offers
private coaching for novices as well as
transparent kayaks for seeing exactly
what is swimming beneath you. Contact
Bryan Ng at 2791 0806, 9468 1684,
www.skswc.com.
Chong Hing Water Sports Centre
Spectacularly located at High Island’s
West Sea Cofferdam, a few minutes
by taxi from the country park barrier,
the government-run Chong Hing
Water Sports Centre is loaded with
equipment at rock-bottom prices for
a day out on the water. As well as
kayaks, it offers sailing, windsurfing,
Pic
ture
: Han
nah
Gro
gan
33
surf canoes and even pedalos,
and there’s a campsite for those
who’d like to make a weekend of
it. Reservations essential; closed
Thursdays. Entry is $7 and kayak
rental is $16 an hour on weekdays
and $24 at weekends. For details, call
2792 6810 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk.
Fred the Boatman
Hoi Ha resident “Fred the Boatman”
rents kayaks for $100-$250 at one of
the few centres with showers. He can
be a bit elusive, so we recommend
booking ahead. 2328 2169, 9164 5756,
or 2328 2181.
Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor
Training Camp
Located on Tai Mong Tsai Road, this
centre offers a host of watersports
including bamboo rafting, canoeing,
sailing and snorkelling. You need a
group of at least eight people to use the
facility and reservations are essential.
Entry is $20 a head, and kayak rental
is $40 a day, with private coaching
available. It even has a canteen, selling
meals for just $29. For details, call
2792 2727 or visit www.hkfyg.org.hk.
Kayak and Hike
Turn your paddling trip into a real
adventure with Kayak and Hike. A
packed programme starts with a
speedboat or junk trip deep into
the Geopark, where the kayaks are
unpacked for a guided tour of the caves
and sea cliffs formed from volcanic
ash more than 140 million years ago.
Run by Clearwater Bay resident Paul
Etherington, the day trip costs $700
a head. 9300 5197, paul@kayak-and-
hike.com, www.kayak-and-hike.com.
Windsurfing Centre
Conveniently located at Sha Ha beach
at the end of Sai Kung waterfront, the
Windsurfing Centre HK, run by Eddy
Tam, has kayaks and windsurfing boards
just begging to be launched. Rental
costs $50 an hour; basic windsurfing
training is offered to nine-year-olds and
older. 2792 5605, [email protected],
www.kayaks.com.hk.
OTHER
Outward Bound Hong Kong
Outward Bound’s challenging
programmes include a wide range
of activities for older kids, such as
kayaking, camping, hiking and highly
popular jetty jumping. Courses run for
five or eight days, with accommodation
at its Sai Kung base. Details at 2791
3228, [email protected],
www.outwardbound.org.
34
PUBLIC POOLS
Cheap, accessible and popular, public
pools are open in three sessions from
6.30am-10pm; closed noon-1pm and
5pm-6pm, and one day a week for
cleaning from 10am-5pm. Adults $17,
children $8; free for the under-threes,
www.lcsd.gov.hk.
Sai Kung Swimming Pool
With an enviable location on the
waterfront promenade, Sai Kung’s public
pool has a gorgeous view from the first-
floor sundeck (get there early to grab a
lounger and umbrella). As well as a 50m
lap pool, with separate lanes for serious
swimmers, it has a 25m training pool,
free-form toddlers’ pool with playground,
palm-tree fountains, children’s slide and
water games, and two swirly-whirly slides
for bigger kids. Closed Wednesdays. Wai
Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792 7285.
Kwun Tong Pool
This new swimming pool complex
boasts all sorts of innovative energy-
saving designs, including a solar-
powered hot-water system and
rainwater recycling for landscape
irrigation. It’s an all-weather complex
with both indoor and outdoor 50m lap
pools, plus outdoor and indoor 25m
training pools, a spectator stand and
sunbathing area. Closed Wednesdays.
2 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, 2717 9022.
Tseung Kwan O Swimming Pool
A whopping eight pools make this a
fun venue for the whole family, with a
50m lap pool, large free-form children’s
pool with all sorts of slides and play
equipment, and several training pools
for different abilities. Plus it’s open year-
round. Closed Mondays. 9 Wan Lung
Road, Tseung Kwan O, 2706 7646.
Jordan Valley Swimming Pool
Like something from a child’s imagination,
this 1.7-hectare swimming complex is
devoted to kids. One giant playground, it
features slides, water games, water guns,
a training pool and a leisure pool for the
little ones. Closed Tuesdays. Choi Ha
Road, Ngau Tau Kok, 2305 5919.
HOTEL POOLS
Regal Riverside Hotel
Dive into luxury at the Regal Riverside
Hotel swimming pool in Sha Tin. You
can order snacks from L’Eau restaurant
from your poolside lounger, soak up
some rays, swim laps or relax in the
jacuzzi. Open daily 7am to 9pm. $180 a
person for non-guests. 34-36 Tai Chung
Kiu Road, Sha Tin, 2649 7878,
www.regalriverside.com.
The W Hotel
The gorgeous rooftop infinity pool on the
76th floor of the W Hotel is one of the
highest in the world, and has a jacuzzi,
cocktails and yummy food available
poolside. It’s only open to non-guests on
Sundays, 3pm-8pm; $280 a person.
1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 3717 2222,
www.w-hongkong.com.
Hyatt Regency, Sha Tin
The large outdoor pool is open year-
round, with loungers, cocktails and
snacks available poolside, as well as a
children’s pool, playground and whirlpool.
Day passes are $400 ($200 for children)
for friends of guests only. 18 Chak
Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 1234,
www.hongkong.shatin.hyatt.com.
outdoors
Sai Kung Magazine 300dpi - Family guide Oct 2013.pdf 1 8/23/13 12:55 PM
36
outdoorsCAMPING
Happy campersPack your bags and embrace your
wild side with a camping trip to some
of Hong Kong’s most beautiful sites.
Where to campThere are 41 official campsites in
Hong Kong, 16 of which are in Sai
Kung, including Tai Long Wan beaches
and Shui Long Wo. Within the country
parks camping is permitted only
at designated sites; pitching a tent
elsewhere is not allowed. For a full list,
maps and how to get there, visit the
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department website, www.afcd.gov.hk.
Glamping“Glamping”, or glamorous camping –
permanent tents with wood floors, en-
suites and four-poster beds – has yet
to make it to Sai Kung. For information
on where to get camping gear, visit
outdoorsP
ictu
re: T
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www.goout.hk or Sai Kung’s own Shun
Kee City Houseware (Harrods). We
recommend these additions: Rattan beach mat, laid outside tent
and swept regularly. Bucket of water for washing feet
before entering tent. Dustpan and brush, for sweeping
up errant grass or sand. Battery-operated fan, for cooling. Small dog – security system.
Almost glamping sitesIsland Club
Yes, we know this is accessible only by
ferry from Cheung Chau but once you
get your head round the boats, trains
and automobiles you’ll need to get
there, you won’t fail to have a fun-filled
weekend at Island Club on Lantau.
The private inn and campsite
offers activities galore including
kayaking, windsurfing, banana boating,
snorkelling, rock climbing, surfing and
wakeboarding. While a bit of a rough
diamond compared with other glamping
options, it is reasonably priced.
A day trip including lockers,
loungers, umbrellas and a barbecue
buffet costs $350 to $450 a person
plus an extra $30 to $60 for unlimited
drinks, and $200 if you choose to stay
overnight for a true adventure.
G/F, 23 Tai Long Village, Lantau Island,
2989 2315, www.islandclub.hk.
Long Coast Seasports
Whether you’ve got a princess,
who doesn’t want to rough it, or an
adventure hound who does, camping
options abound at Long Coast
Seasports on Lantau, whose “front
yard” is one of Hong Kong’s longest
stretches of sand, Cheung Sha Beach.
You can rent a basic four- or six-
person tent in the private beachfront
campsite or sleep in style in one of the
three-metre-high Safari tents, boasting
deluxe camping mattresses, furniture
and even air conditioning. If you’d
rather have a proper roof over your
head, there are four guest rooms to
choose from with private showers,
air conditioning and wireless
broadband access.
It’s not all about camping. There
are stacks of watersports to choose
from, with professional support if you
need it, as well as beach volleyball
($250 to rent a net for a day) and
other beach equipment such as
deckchairs ($50 each), parasols ($50
each) and ice boxes to chill those
beers ($50 each, with one ice pack).
You can also purchase activity/
camping vouchers for $540 to $720
for two people (depending on day
and season), which includes use of
kayaks, bodyboards, skimboards, and
overnight facilties.
If you’d rather just camp, it costs
$170 to $200 to rent a tent on the
beach and $200-$250 for a Safari tent.
29 Lower Cheung Sha Beach, Lantau,
8104 6222, www.longcoast.hk.
38
outdoors2984 8710), not only has ready-pitched
tents for hire but changing rooms
and showers too. A four-person tent
costs $700 a night including sleeping
bags, mat, coolers, charcoal, dishes
and cooking equipment. Cycling and
kayaking can also be arranged. Book
in advance to avoid disappointment –
and an uncomfortable night under the
stars. Pui O Beach, Lantau, 2546 3543,
www.treasureislandhk.com
Tsim Bet Tsui Organic Farm
Not everyone was born to be a beach
babe. If you dread the thought of sand
in your sleeping bag, you can still
experience the great outdoors at Tsim
Bet Tsui Organic Farm in Yuen Long.
During autumn and winter, when
the weather gets cooler, the farm offers
camping in authentic Mongolian gers,
costing from $800 for a two- to five-
person ger and $1,500 for an eight- to
10-person ger. With spectacular views
of the Mai Po Marshes, the farm also
has a petting zoo, a miniature train
and barbecue pits. Lau Fau Shan,
Yuen Long, 2472 6962.
and operated by the people who run
the Safari Bush Campers, Teepee
Village on Palm Beach has eight
handpainted teepees of various sizes,
erected on an 18,000-square-foot
lawn. Weekend rentals start from $850
a night for a four-person teepee with
sleeping bags and mats; a 26-foot-
diameter teepee, which can sleep
up to 20 people, is $3,200 a night.
Add-ons include camping lamps ($20
each), mosquito nets ($50 each) and
air coolers ($100).
The adjacent Palm Beach
Watersports Centre offers all sorts of
watersports including kiteboarding,
surfing and windsurfing. Palm Beach,
Cheung Sha, Lantau, 2980 4822,
www.palmbeach.com.hk.
Treasure Island
Can’t be bothered to lug your own
camping equipment to a remote
site? Fed up of fiddling around with
tent pegs? Treasure Island’s private
campsite behind Ooh La La restaurant
(which is a fantastic alternative to
bringing and cooking your own food;
Safari Bush Campers
These semi-permanent canvas
tents look as though they come
straight from an Out Of Africa movie
set and are about as stylish as
camping in Hong Kong gets. The
10 Safari Bush Campers each sleep
six people and come complete with
double airbeds, proper bedding,
tables and chairs, air coolers and
mozzie screens on doors and windows
($1,200 a night at weekends). They
are set in a 40,000-square-foot herb
garden; showers and washroom
facilities are available.
For dinner, the Palm Beach Cafe
offers light refreshments and the
beachside Stoep restaurant (2980
2699) serves hearty South African
dishes and barbecued meats to satisfy
even the hungriest campers. Palm
Beach, Cheung Sha, Lantau, 2980
4822, [email protected],
www.palmbeach.com.hk.
Teepee Village
Grab your headdresses, pack
your warpaint and get ready for
action native American style. Owned
Picture: Klas/www.goout.hk
Picture: Klas/www.goout.hk
THE READING ROOM ENGLISH, DRAMA AND BOOKS
21 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung 9199 5900
www.thereadingroom.com.hk [email protected]
Well stocked Children’s Book Shop new and
secondhand books
Package deals for groups and 1-1
The English Centre All your language requirements for
SAT , IB, GCSE, IGCSE, TOFEL, ILETS,
BULATS,Cambridge, Trinity, Native English Speaking
Teachers
STAGE RIGHT! Youth Theatre
Dive into the world of theatre developing confidence
and self-expression. After school, weekend and holiday
programmes and courses.
40
online
All booked upMake friends with local Facebook pages. We like.
Sai Kung Magazine
Our very own Facebook page, keeping
you up to date with the latest news
and events around town. Keep an eye
out for local information, interviews,
activities, special offers and more.
Bayside Villagers
A great source of information about
Clearwater Bay, with posts about
issues, events, secondhand goods for
sale and heads-up notifications about
everything from roadworks to lost dogs.
Sai Kung Helpers
A closed Facebook group where
members can share information
relating to employing a domestic
helper locally.
SaiKungKids
A good source of information about
child-oriented local businesses,
activities, tutoring and summer camps.
Members include Jumpstart, RugBees,
Monster Tennis, RedWizard, Echoes of
Erin Irish Dancing and Bricks4Kidz.
Sai Kung Marketplace
If you have household items to sell –
or are looking for secondhand items
to buy – this is the place. Everything
from sofas to soda machines pops up
on this fast-moving page. If you see
something you like, get in quick.
Sai Kung Mummies
A forum for local mothers to share advice
and information, advertise products and
services, sell child-related items, and
anything else with a family focus.
SaiKungSquare
A group for local businesses and
organisations to offer real-time
promotions and information to Sai Kung
and Clearwater Bay residents. Members
currently include Steamers, Piccolo’s,
Tala’s, Swiss Art Studio, Anastassia’s Art
House, and more.
Hardly Worn It – Sai Kung Edition
Who hasn’t got something in their
wardrobe that they never wear?
This is the page for posting all
your unwanted clothes, shoes and
accessories and for picking up a
bargain or two in return. After all, one
man’s trash is another’s treasure. Sizes
and measurements in the description
are a must but no fakes please (unless
clearly stated). Baby’s and kids clothes
also welcome.
Sai Kung Real Estate
For those looking to buy, sell or rent a
home in Sai Kung or Clearwater Bay,
this is a good place to start.
Saikung.com
Missed Sai Kung Magazine? Fear not.
You can now subscribe online and get
the magazine delivered directly to your
door for $10 a month. Back issues are
also available. The last few copies of
stunning aerial photography book Above
Sai Kung Clearwater Bay by Graham
Uden are also available for purchase.
Get ‘em while you can.
www.arthouse-hk.com
Happy Valley Art StudioShop 2, 1A Wong Nai Chung Rd.Happy Valley, HKTel: 2838 0040 Fax: 2838 [email protected]
Sai Kung Art StudioG/F, 9 Hoi Pong Street Sai Kung Town, NTTel: 2719 5533 Fax: 2719 [email protected]
Stanley Plaza Art StudioShop 208, Stanley PlazaStanley, HKTel: 2104 3303 Fax: 2104 [email protected]
We run art classes also atCWBS, IMS & HKUSTContact us atTel: 2719 5533
Repulse Bay Art StudioShop G107B, The Repulse Bay 109 Repulse Bay Road, HKTel: 2812 6465 Fax: 2812 [email protected]
42
parties
ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES
Babushka
What child
doesn’t love a
toyshop? But
one that can
equally charm
adults is a rare
find in Hong
Kong. Independent toyshop Babushka
ticks both boxes with everything from
gorgeous wooden and hand-knitted
toys and collections of the prettiest
children’s clothes to party favours,
wall stickers and cool science kits.
Everything in the airy, whitewashed shop
is beautifully displayed, transforming
the usual chore of buying children’s gifts
at more commercial toy stores into a
rather wonderful experience. Ranges of
beachwear, accessories and homeware
will make mums even happier. Shop 12,
66 Yi Chun Street (at the back of the
East Garden Plaza building, the large
orange building that houses Steamers),
Sai Kung, 2791 9070,
www.babushka.com.hk.
Bumps to Babes
Presents? Check. Party bags? Check.
Birthday cards? Check. Wrapping
paper? Check. For a one-stop shop for
everything you need to make a birthday
go with a bang, get thee to Bumps to
Babes. Well-known in Hong Kong for
being the best-stocked baby shop in
town, it also offers a wealth of options
for baby-shower gifts as well as all those
childhood essentials. 21/F, Horizon
Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau,
2552 5000, www.bumpstobabes.com.
Dymocks
More than just a bookshop, Dymocks
sells a selection of themed party
supplies (think hats, invitation cards,
paper plates and napkins) plus gifts and
gift wrap, birthday cards and ribbon.
7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2791 9110,
Eezy Peezy Parties
Eezy Peezy Parties is a complete
party-planning solution for frazzled
mothers. The service delivers e-vites,
It’s my party
manages the replies, oversees the gift list,
delivers presents wrapped and labelled to
the party, supplies party decorations and
tableware, and even sends thank-you
e-cards. Christine Smith-Mann, the brains
behind the service, has also created a
list of entertainers, cake makers, venues,
equipment suppliers (think bouncy
castles) and interior designers to ensure
your child’s party is perfect.
www.eezypeezyparties.com.
HK Photobox
No longer just for passport
photos, HK Photobox
offers the perfect teen party
accessory. Customise your
own background, colours or
themes, and get snap happy.
Unlimited photos for the time
booked will be instantly printed
and/or emailed to guests and
uploaded to social networking
sites while the host receives
a USB of all the
photographic antics.
www.hkphotobox.com.
Pic
ture
: Pan
da
Pot
tery
Call in the professionals and let the good times roll.
43
The Cake Lady
The Cake Lady, aka Louisa Barton,
is a one-time professional cook with
a passion for baking. She can bake
any flavour you fancy, from rainbow
layer cakes to red velvet or good old
chocolate in shapes from dragon
boats to ski slopes. The
cakes are baked fresh
on the morning of the
event using best-
quality ingredients.
louisathecakelady@
gmail.com.
The Sugar Factory
The Sugar Factory is a
Sai Kung-based, home-baking
business that delivers imaginative
cookies and cakes. 9729 4777,
ENTERTAINMENT
Andy Comic
The 2006 Macau Close-Up Magic
champion, Andy Comic, knows how
to keep a roomful of kids laughing. He
offers a high-energy, action-packed show
featuring magic and juggling, unicycling
and stilt walking and stacks of jokes.
9019 7196, [email protected],
www.andycomic.com.
CQP PlazaSet up by a group of war games enthusiasts, CQP Plaza is boy heaven. An indoor area wiith
20,000 square feet of running-around space, it is divided into
two combat zones: GreenHouse, where plants provide sniper cover,
and WareHouse, where different sized boxes, screens and barrels are perfect hotspots for hiding and firing. A minimum of 15 people is required for a team and if you want exclusive use of the whole centre, you’ll need at least
30 recruits. Costs are from $160-$190 per head, depending on the
session time and day, plus an
Jumpin’ 4 Joy
Jumpin’ 4 Joy has bouncy castles,
activity centres and slides that focus
on younger party goers. Our favourite:
the Monster Truck – with hose. It’s better
wetter. Prices include delivery, set up and
three hours of jumping time. Call Kieron
9467 4545, www.jumpin-4-joy.tk.
CAKES
Ali Oli
Ali Oli offers a range of
speciality cakes in flavours
such as vanilla, carrot,
banana, chocolate, Victoria
sponge and even gluten-free
alternatives in a range of designs.
Both large and small cupcakes are
available, and the shop takes orders for as
few as six cakes. You will need to order at
least three days in advance. 11 Sha Tsui
Path, Sai Kung, [email protected].
The Cake Affair
Enthusiastic baker Elize Devonport
of The Cake Affair specialises in
bespoke homemade occasion cakes
and cupcakes that taste as good as
they look. The sky’s the limit in terms
of themes. Cakes cost from $500 and
cupcakes from $20 each (minimum order
of 20). All orders need to be placed at
least 10 days in advance. 9752 2535,
If clowns and castles don’t cut the
mustard, maybe a sports party will.
Many of the companies featured in
our After-School Activities section
are happy to organise private
parties at your venue.
Party plan
additional $80 for a gun, 2,000 BB pellets, a tactical vest and headmasks. 5/F, Hang Seng Industrial Building, 187 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, 2286 0380, [email protected], www.cqb-plaza.com.
Drum Jam
Led by the charismatic Kumi Masunaga,
Drum Jam has been making people
happy through rhythm for more than
10 years. Its Kidz Jam sessions are
packed with fun rhythm games and
songs for children of all ages and stages
of development and are ideal to get the
party spirit flowing. 9750 4212, info@
drum-jam.com, www.drum-jam.com.
Goatee Toni
Redefine “wild party” with the help of
animal lover Goatee Toni and his team.
Get a crash course in handling reptiles,
face your fear of spiders or for the more
faint of heart, gush over adorable baby
hedgehogs among other wildlife. For
true party animals. [email protected],
www.goateetoni.com.
44
parties
HandsOn Hong Kong organizes around 50 volunteer activities each month with a range of local charities doing vital grass roots work in the community. We provide you with meaningful and flexible volunteer opportunities – just register on our website and sign up for any activity you want, whenever you have the time.
BE THE CHANGE. VOLUNTEER.www.handsonhongkong.org
LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER IN HONG KONG?
Make new friends… See a different side of Hong Kong… Give back in a meaningful way…
HandsOn Ad 120x190.indd 1 1/7/13 2:00:36 PM
Gulf War Area
Mothers might loathe them but boys
love war games. All that dressing up in
camouflage, running, hiding and having
a pop at your mates. At Gulf War Area,
“combatants” are armed with protective
clothing, a mask and an airsoft gun
with 2,000 BB pellets – and then it’s
every man for himself. At the time of
going to press, Gulf War Area was in
the process of relocating from Sai Kung
to Tin Fu Tsai Village, Tuen Mun, and is
scheduled to open there in November.
2410 8166, [email protected],
www.gulfwargame.com.
covers all equipment, including a gun
and 100 paintballs for six games over
two hours. Minimum age to play is
eight; minimum number of players
in a group is 10. G/F Po Lung Centre,
11 Wang Chiu Road,
Kowloon Bay, 3106 0220;
www.paintballhq.com.hk.
Panda Pottery
If you want a fun,
absorbing and
hassle-free party, look
no further than Panda
Pottery. Armed with paints
and pre-selected items of pottery,
the team will come to you and get
everyone creating a masterpiece or
two. There are more than 30 pieces to
choose from including plates, bowls,
cups, photo frames and figures, and
guests can paint away to their hearts’
content, using non-toxic paints. The
pottery is fired and glazed after the
event and delivered back to the party
Jungle Party
Jungle Jim and Jane will stage a puppet
show, play interactive games, get
guests performing the Jungle Jim Boogie
dance and even bring along animal
costumes for photos. More than just a
show, Jungle Party gets all kids involved
in the action and will make the birthday
boy or girl feel extra special. 3188 8174,
www.chunkyonion.com.
Paintball HQ
There’s something rather satisfying
about scoring a direct hit and splattering
your friends with paint. At Paintball HQ,
kids are kitted out in protective clothing
and face shields, and then let loose in a
warehouse-style maze of walls, “houses”
and sniper towers that are perfect for
sniping and keeping undercover. You
can bring your own food, drink and cake
or the company are happy to order in
pizza for you that can be served at half
time in a party room. $250 per person
45
host a fortnight later. A minimum spend
of $2,000 is required. Other options
include Hand & Footprint private parties
for a minimum of six friends and
their little ones to create a
keepsake of a tiny hand
or footprint on a plate.
(Minimum spend is $350
per baby/child.) Panda
Pottery also hosts public
days throughout Hong
Kong; just turn up and paint
away. 6439 2387 or 6041 9613,
www.pandapottery.com.
Rachael’s Fun House
Sai Kung’s leading Disco Diva, Rachael
Footer brings parties to life with a host
of characters, games, dance routines,
face-painting, puppets and masses of
energy. She also runs weekly disco dance
lessons and regular student shows.
2705 9556, [email protected],
www.funhousehk.com.
Rumple and Friends
With a background in children’s
education and theatre, Rumple and
Friends offers performances from
Rumple the Clown as well as magic,
circus skills, puppet shows, balloon
twisting and face painting. Shows
can be tailormade to the theme of
the party including princess parties.
www.rumpleandfriends.com.
Sabai Day Spa
The popular Sai Kung spa has added
Pretty Princess Nails parties to its
services. The package for girls aged
seven to 12 includes manicures and
pedicures, face painting and tattoos,
flowers for the birthday girl and party
bags for her guests. Food and juice
are included but you must provide the
cake. Five girls minimum; $450 a child
but the birthday girl goes free. 2/F, 10D
Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 2259,
www.sabaidayspa.com.
The Cheese Brothers
The Cheese Brothers are a surefire way
of making any party a hit and will have
a roomful of kids (and possibly adults)
screaming with laughter in no time. Jan,
Zani, Ben and Andy work individually or
come as a team for private parties and
school events, and are well-known for their
brilliant juggling, cheesy jokes, interactive
games and plate spinning among other
antics. Perfect for four- to seven-year-olds,
the Cheese Brothers are hugely popular
in Hong Kong so super-early booking is
recommended. 9612 0502, info@kids-
party.hk, www.kids-party.hk.
www.rump l e a n d f r i e n d s . c om
Professional Birthday Party Entertainment
Full Party Service:
Party ThemingEntertainment Decorations
Venue
Children’s Entertainers
46
eating
Pull up a high chair.
Kids’ tables
Beach Cuisine
So it’s the weekend, and you fancy a restorative dim sum
brunch but the kids would rather build sandcastles. Solution:
Beach Cuisine. Its row of alfresco tables under white
pagodas overlooks Sha Ha Beach. Watch the children play
in the sand while you linger over tasty har gow, prawn and
vegetable dumplings, cheung fan and fried lotus cakes.
Kayaks, windsurfers and even swan-shaped pedaloes can be
hired on the beach and, at low tide, the flat sand is perfect for
flying a kite or a game of family footie. Tai Mong Tsai Road,
Sha Ha, Sai Kung, 2792 4990, skbeach.com.hk.
Chip In
The heart-shaped potato on
the logo for Sai Kung chippy
Chip In indicates this is more
than a humble fish ’n’ chips
joint. Opened in November
2012, the British-style
takeaway was an instant hit
and won best new restaurant
in the Readers’ Choice
Awards 2013. Its crispy fat
chips and crunchy fried fish
made from ling cod and New
Zealand potatoes are firm
favourites with all age, and we
love the little touches such as the handmade postbox-shaped
trays. Other popular menu items include Marmite and cheese
sandwiches and Hong Kong’s only deep-fried Oreo. 9 King
Man Street, Sai Kung, 9761 5091.
Classified
A quick cup of java before you head out on a hike or a
refreshing afternoon tea when your excursion is over –
whatever you need, embrace Sai Kung’s burgeoning café
culture at Classified. As well as filling brunch and lunch
menus, there are all sorts of yummy cakes and muffins
that make a perfect pick-me-up if little stomachs are
feeling empty. Several outdoor tables plus a huge one just
inside the shop-front, which seats a family or two, means
kids can run off their sugar high in the square and still be
watched without their parents having to move a muscle.
G/F, 5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2529 3454.
Fat Kee Store
This quirky little dai pai dong in Sai Kung Country Park
may seem an odd choice to include in our kid-friendly
restaurant category, but bear with us. Close to Pak Tam
Chung, it sits at the head of the Sheung Yiu Family Walk
overlooking a small creek and footbridge. Work up an
appetite paddling in the river and visiting the Sheung Yiu
Folk Museum 10 minutes’ walk away. Hong Kong-style
noodle soup, rice dishes, hot tea and cold drinks will fill any
gaps. Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung Country Park.
Jaspas
Few restaurants in Hong Kong are as family-friendly as this
one. That manager Sing has six children of his own possibly
helps to explain why kids feel so comfortable here. And then
there are the pots of crayons, paper tablecloths to draw on
and a children’s menu, complete with mum-pleasing healthy
choices. The selection of more grown-up fare is vast and
delicious too. Best of all, as far as kids are concerned, is the
restaurant’s location at the heart of Sai Kung’s main square
with its acreage of running-around space and playground full
of potential buddies. For laid-back fun, it’s got to be Jaspas.
13 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, 2792 6388.
La Piazza
While not exactly on the picturesque streets of Florence, La
Piazza is Hang Hau’s answer to alfresco dining Italian-style.
Situated near popular steak restaurant Lardos, it offers
thin, crispy pizzas, ample portions of Italian staples such as
spaghetti Bolognaise and a daily selection of meat
and fish dishes and puddings. The
restaurant doesn’t have a kids’ menu
but is happy to split main meals into
smaller servings for children to share.
Create your own set by choosing
any appetiser, pasta and pizza from
the menu, and La Piazza will throw
in a free portion of fresh
garlic bread and two
cans of any soft drink.
Who needs Florence?
G/F, 24 Hang
Hau Village,
2719 5688.
47
Paisano’s
This summer, Paisano’s super-sized its original Sai Kung
restaurant with lots of extra tables. Its New York-style giant
pizza slices will satisfy even rumbliest of tummies, but if
you’re really hungry, try the 24-inch pizza challenge: two
people can eat for free if they can polish it off in 20 minutes.
27 Chan Man Street, Sai Kung, 2791 4445.
Seafood Island
Of all the Cantonese seafood restaurants in the area, this one
gets our child-friendly vote because of its location in car-free
Po Toi O. It has a small square, plenty of cats, fishtanks
and all manner of curious dried seafood. The menu features
children’s favourites such as salt-and-pepper-squid, fried
rice, steamed broccoli and piles of steamed prawns.
7 Po Toi O, Clearwater Bay, 2719 5730.
Sai Square
It’s all about location at Sai Square. Situated on the Sai Kung
seafront, it is a minute’s walk from a playground, the public
squash and tennis courts and Sai Kung swimming pool. Sai
Square has child-friendly Western and Asian dishes, including
spring rolls and excellent fries and a large dining space with plenty
of tables, a sofa-filled lounge and an alfresco vibe. There’s lots to
keep children entertained, from the endless parade of people and
pooches to the open spaces for rowdy games of tag. 1 Wai Man
Road, Sai Kung, 2792 8900, www.saisquare.com.hk.
Sha Tin 18
When you’ve exhausted all your pedal power on the waterfront
cycle paths in front of the Sha Tin Science Park, delicious dim
sum at the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin will see you right. Posher
than your average dim sum joint and with an alfresco terrace,
Sha Tin 18 has standout dim sum and perfect Peking duck.
Hyatt Regency, 18 Chak Cheung Street, Sha Tin, 3723 1234.
Steamers
Having lost a bit of its former blokeishness, Steamers is now
a great place for family fodder, especially if you can score a
table on the terrace. Lots of nibbles and platters to choose
from, plus yummy pizzas, curries and Sunday roasts. With
sport shown on the indoor screens and water bowls for the
dog, what’s not to love? Watch this space for Steamers’
new venue, Zest. 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 6991,
www.steamerssaikung.com.
48
education
School daysWhen it comes to choosing the right school, do your homework.
PLAYGROUPS
Bright Buttons
Clearwater Bay’s early-education centre offers a number
of playgroup sessions for young children and their parents.
Bright Bambinos is a 90-minute social group offering
engaging activities for babies and toddlers, and a chance for
mums to meet. The hour-long Bright Babies sessions for little
ones aged three months to one year and their parents include
fun activities designed to develop skills. Bright Beginners are
one-hour classes for parents and children aged one to two
years that follow the British Early Years Foundation Stage
and include pre-reading skills, concepts and themes, music
and free play, with each child following an individual learning
plan. Bright Buttons builds on this curriculum with 90-minute
classes for two- to three-year-olds. Suite 9, Dairy Farm
Shopping Centre, 8 Razor Hill Road, Clearwater Bay,
admin@ brightbuttonsltd.com, www.brightbuttonsltd.com.
FunZone
Formerly known as Bumble Tots, this 5,000-square-foot,
indoor playground for the under-10s was set up by a local
mother frustrated by rainy days and Mondays. Stacked to
the bug-decorated rafters with fun activities, it encourages
active kids to bounce off the walls with slides, tubes, ball
pools, trampolines, gliders and balancing beams. There
are also quieter activity areas for drawing, an area for the
under-twos, and a café serving a decent cup of joe to keep
parents happy. It’s designed as a drop-in centre, with a pay-
once-play-all-day policy and the main rule seems to involve
wearing socks. Entry for a child accompanied by one adult
costs $80 (cheaper during happy hours), with monthly passes
available. An English playgroup for children aged 18 months
to 30 months is held at FunZone on Tuesday mornings,
10am-11am and 11.15am-12.15pm, including free play after
the session. A party room is available for 10-30 children (plus
10-30 adults). 1/F, The Waterside Mall, 15 On Chun Street,
Ma On Shan, 2631 4001.
Jungle Playroom
This drop-in jungle-themed playroom in Sai Kung Mid-Levels
is open to children from the age of six months to eight years.
It offers a fun, comfortable environment with large indoor and
outdoor play areas that allow children to explore, socialise
and share during free-play sessions – and a chance for
their parents to make friends too. Facilities include a mini
rollercoaster, rocking horses, reading corner, play-dough
and plenty of outdoor toys. Activities are conducted in
English and the playroom is open for casual drop-in sessions
on Mondays to Thursdays, 1.30pm-5pm, and Fridays from
9am-noon. It is also available for party hire for $1,000 for
three hours. 3 Tan Cheung Village (near Pepperoni’s),
Sai Kung, 2553 3825, [email protected],
www.jungleplayroom.com.
Sai Kung Playhouse
Get your babies and toddlers down to the Sai Kung Playhouse
for as much fun as under-fours can have. Having taken over
the space from Sweetpeas, the new owners are placing an
emphasis on free play and have added stacks more toys.
Activities such as painting and play-dough mean small
children can indulge their creative sides without anyone worrying
about the side effects on furniture and walls. There are separate
morning and afternoon sessions; children can either be
dropped off unaccompanied or with an adult in tow. Mother
and baby groups also available. 11 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung,
2792 5888, www.thesaikungplayhouse.com.
Pic
ture
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ustr
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atio
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choo
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49
SKIP (Sai Kung International Pre-School)
SKIP’s playgroups – Caterpillars (1.30pm-3.30pm, Tuesday
or Thursday) and Dragonflies (3.45pm-5.15pm, Tuesday
or Thursday) – are designed for children aged one to
three years. The groups provide a playful and stimulating
environment where children can interact with their peers
for the first time. Activities include indoor and outdoor
play, art and crafts, singing, dancing and music. Children
must be accompanied by an adult and, in Dragonflies,
the accompanying adult must be a parent rather than
a domestic helper as the session aims to provide an
opportunity for like-minded parents to meet.
In addition to its well-equipped classroom, colourfully
decorated with the children’s work, SKIP offers children the
opportunity to have fun outdoors in its spacious playground.
Protected by sunshades, the playground features an
arts and crafts area, a large sandpit and a grassy garden
complete with playhouses, swings and toys galore.
Its six-week “Summer Paint ‘n’ Play” programme, which
is open to all children in the Sai Kung community in July
and August, is practically an
institution. 259 Che Keng Tuk
Road (near Lion’s Nature &
Education Centre),
Sai Kung, 2791 7354,
www.skip.edu.hk.
Pic
ture
: Hon
g K
ong
Aca
dem
y
MontessoriMontessori combines individualised attention with a carefully
structured environment. Children work freely in mixed age
groups. Children’s innate passion for learning is encouraged
by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous,
purposeful activities with the guidance of a trained Montessori
teacher. Through their work, children develop concentration
and joyful self-discipline. Children progress at their own pace.
TraditionalThis is a more structured learning environment for children of
similar ages. Teachers generally plan the daily activities, and
children mostly are actively involved in group work, although
they do have opportunities to work alone. The idea is to help
children adapt to a classroom setting, and prepare them for a
more formal learning environment at primary level.
Waldorf SteinerThis programme has a structure built around routine
and rhythm. Children work in mixed age groups. The
classroom environment is homelike, includes natural
materials, and provides examples of productive work
in which children can take part. Lots of outdoor
activities are offered, accompanied by songs,
poems and games. ITS School Placements
Choosing a preschool programme
The best way to determine what preschool
programme is best for your child is to investigate
all your options, visit schools, observe classes and talk to friends with
older children.
50
educationKINDERGARTENS
Anfield International School
Anfield International School consists of three campuses: two
kindergartens (K1-K3) in Hung Hom and Kowloon Tong and
a primary school (up to Year Four) in Tai Wai, Sha Tin. Key
kindergarten staff and all primary teachers are recruited in
Britain and follow the Early Years Foundations Stage and the
English National Curriculum. Anfield also offers a Kiddies’ Club
with Toddlerobics for babies, a playgroup (18 months to three
years) and Pre-Kindergarten classes for those aged two years
and four months. Free play, dancing, arts and crafts, cooking
and Mandarin are just some of the activities on offer. School
bus service available. www.anfield.com.hk.
ESF Abacus
ESF Abacus offers an English-language education for children
aged two years and nine months to five years and educates
children from a diversity of backgrounds. It follows an inquiry-
based curriculum where children learn through exploration,
hands-on experiences and play-based activities, conducted
in the classroom as well as outdoors in the well-equipped
playground and garden area. It operates separate morning
and afternoon sessions, five days a week, with Mandarin taught
daily by a native speaker. Abacus also runs a playgroup for
children aged one to three years on Tuesday and Thursday
afternoons from 3.45pm-5.15pm. All children must be
accompanied by an adult. (Please note: No child attending an
ESF kindergarten is guaranteed an ESF Primary school or
PIS interview or placement.) School bus service available.
Mang Kung Uk Village, off Clearwater Bay Road, 2719 5712,
[email protected], www.esf.org.hk.
Garden House
Garden House is a Waldorf-
inspired pre-school and
playgroup and offers a
flexible, child-led approach
to early years’ education.
It provides children with
an intermediate step between home and formal learning.
The 10,000-square-foot school includes a large covered play
area with outdoor play equipment, sandpit and a garden with
pets, herbs and flowers. Classroom materials are selected for
simplicity and teachers guide the class through example rather
than instruction. Every day, the children bake bread, set the
table and share fruit at snack time as well as engaging in artistic
activities, singing, story-telling and free play. There are Mandarin
and English sessions in the Parent and Child programmes (one
to three years); English and bilingual English/Mandarin classes
are taught at Nursery (two to three years) and kindergarten levels
(three to six years). Garden House has an organic farm nearby
that the children visit regularly. School bus service available.
7 Silverstrand Beach Road, Clearwater Bay, 2358 1177,
[email protected], www.gardenhouse.hk.
German-Swiss International School
The German Swiss International School recently opened
a German-language kindergarten in Sai Kung. The school
promotes learning through play and uses different topics
from the child’s local environment to create programmes with
suitable games, songs and activities. Contact Eva Ubowski
on 2961 4008, or visit www.gsis.edu.hk.
Leapfrog
Situated just beyond the Pak Tam Chung barrier in the Sai
Kung Country Park, Leapfrog offers an idyllic environment (and
some of Hong Kong’s freshest air) for children experiencing
their first taste of “school”. A large outdoor playground is
stocked with colourful climbing frames, slides and playhouses,
bikes and trikes, and two messy play areas. Predominantly
parent run, its teachers and playgroup leaders are fully
qualified, English-speaking professionals who follow the British
Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. The school offers
three playgroups: Tadpoles (for one- to two-year-olds), Hoppers
(two- to three-year-olds) and a mixed playgroup (one- to three-
year-olds) with parent or helper accompaniment. The K1 and
K2 kindergarten classes are three hours long and combine
free play with structured elements such as daily numeracy and
phonics components, revolving around a different theme each
week. Music, arts and crafts and Mandarin are also offered.
11 Pak Tam Chung Village, Sai Kung Country Park, 2791 1540,
www.leapfrogkindergarten.org.
a love of learning and con�dence for lifeKellett Senior School, Kowloon Bay is currently accepting applications for Years 7 - 13.
Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong, is an English National Curriculum School.
For applications and further information visit www.kellettschool.com or email [email protected]
52
educationMills International Preschool
One of the newest kindergartens on the block, Mills
International Preschool offers 13,000-square-foot of fun-
filled facilities for K1 and K2 children. As well as English and
Mandarin activities, its professional teachers engage children
in all sorts of imaginative play, arts and crafts and games.
Playgroup classes are also available for kids aged one to
three-and-a-half. The Spectacle, 8 Cho Yuen Street, Yau Tong,
Kowloon, 2717 6336, www.millsinternational.com.hk.
SKIP
With a focus on learning
through play, SKIP’s
kindergarten section
comprises two classes,
Crickets (for three- to four-
year-olds) and Geckoes
(for four- to five-year olds),
which follow the English
Foundation Years Early
Stage curriculum. Crickets
runs three afternoons a week
and aims to offer children
a positive first experience
of school and encourage separation from parents. Geckoes
class runs five mornings a week and has a more rule-
orientated, structured curriculum that prepares children for
entry into primary school. School bus service available. 259
Che Keng Tuk Road, Sai Kung, 2791 7354, www.skip.edu.hk.
Sunshine House
Built around the philosophy “for the love of children”,
Sunshine House is committed to providing a vibrant and
nurturing environment to give children the best start in
life. The preschool caters for children aged six months to
six years with the littlest ones requiring parental or helper
accompaniment but able to go it alone once they hit the
ripe old age of two. Sunshine House runs six morning
classes a day, including English and Mandarin streams. Each
session starts with interactive circle time, followed by group
activities, structured and messy play and arts and crafts,
and teaches the children the rudiments of mathematics,
science and reading. Regular outings and extra-curricular
activities such as cookery, arts and crafts are offered. The
Starseeds bilingual programme, which follows the English
National Curriculum, caters for children aged five to six years
and helps to prepare for primary school. School bus service
available. Level 7, Silverstrand Mart, 2 Silver Cape Road,
Clearwater Bay, 2358 3803, clearwaterbay@sunshinehouse.
com.hk, www.sunshinehouse.com.hk.
Woodlands Sai Kung
Located in Marina Cove,
Woodlands Sai Kung is
part of a group of 10 Hong
Kong pre-schools. It follows
the Early Years Foundation
Stage of the English National
Curriculum, with children
of similar ages learning in
groups actively directed
by a teacher. Colourful,
spacious and welcoming, the
7,000-square-foot preschool
can enroll up to 250 children
aged six months to five years in its various part-time and
full-time classes. These include Rollers (six to 12 months),
Hoglets (12 to 18 months) and Hedgehogs (mother-toddler
group from18 months to two years, four months); a pre-school
caters for children from 2.8 years. The classes explore a variety
of themes, which change on a monthly basis, through crafts,
activities, learning exercises and stories. Regular Mandarin
lessons, outdoor play and snack times are also part of the
daily routine. School bus service available. Shop D, G/F,
Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung,
2813 0290, [email protected],
www.woodlandschools.com.
Wu Kai Sha Kindergarten
The newest ESF kindergarten is located near Wu Kai
Sha MTR station and has a wealth of resources. As
well as seven airy classrooms, equipped with the latest
information technology, it has a large indoor play area and
an outdoor area for sand and water play, and gardening. The
kindergarten caters for children aged three to five years (K1
and K2) in two sessions a day, five days a week. Level 1, 599
Sai Sha Road, Sha Tin, 2435 5291, [email protected].
54
educationPRIMARY
Australian International
School
When it opened in
Kowloon Tong on Australia
Day,1995 AIS had enrolled
just 25 children, today it
teaches more than 1,100
pupils from reception at
age four to Year 12. It
follows the Australian primary-school curriculum and also
offers a wide range of activities including netball, volleyball,
swimming in its own indoor pool, rugby, soccer and the
performing arts. Priority is given to Australian passport
holders and siblings but other nationalities are accepted.
www.aishk.edu.hk.
Bright Sparks, Woodlands
With the Primary One intake oversubscribed at ESF schools,
local kindergarten Woodlands Sai Kung decided to start its
own. Bright Sparks prepares children for international school
systems and follows Key Stage One of the English National
Curriculum. Class sizes are small, allowing children to work
at their own pace. Shop D, G/F, Marina Cove Shopping
Centre, Hiram’s Highway, Sai Kung, 2813 0290, saikung@
woodlandschools.com, www.woodlandschools.com.
Life at the school gate – a mum’s view
ESF Clearwater Bay School (CWBS)
The ESF primary school for the Clearwater
Bay and Sai Kung catchment area
currently has about 720 pupils. It follows
the International Baccalaureate’s Primary
Years Programme (PYP), a concept-based
curriculum based on six trans-disciplinary
themes, which incorporate maths, English,
science, social studies, art, music,
physical, personal and social education.
The curriculum is designed to foster the development of the
whole child, not just in the classroom but also through
other means of learning. The PYP focuses on the total
growth of the developing child encompassing social,
physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to
academic welfare.
Mandarin is taught daily and although on-site sports
facilities are limited, use is often made of local facilities.
The various sports teams in years five and six more than
hold their own in inter-school competitions. CWBS is a
friendly school with a strong parent/teacher association and
a huge sense of community and belonging. Clearwater Bay
Road, 2358 3221, [email protected], www.cwbs.edu.hk.
Other ESF primary schools in the wider area include Sha
Tin Junior School (www.sjs.edu.hk) and Kowloon Junior
in Ho Man Tin (www.kjs.edu.hk).
I am a child of the 1960s, so you can probably make
an educated stab at my age. I have never been one for
spending time on my appearance and in my younger, more
confident days had an arrogant disdain of women who
weren’t out the door and ready for action in 10 minutes.
It’s an attitude that hasn’t changed much – although my
looks certainly have.
My appearance at the school gate is sweaty in
summer and in winter I turn up in whatever clothes I
happen to pick out in the dark, early-morning dash. No
matter what the season, I usually look somewhat maniacal
owing to caffeine overload or the after-effects of the
night before.
One sticky summer’s pick-up, Glam Mum made the
mistake of giving me a hug, which didn’t last long as I slid
damply out of her grasp. She had a struggle to hide her
distaste. And I once made the mistake of arriving in day-glo
trainers from an earlier workout session. Fashion Mum
spotted them immediately and suffice to say spare footwear
is now on hand.
But the definitive comment on mums at the gate came
from my youngest offspring, strapped into his pram one hot
afternoon as we waited for his siblings. I was in my usual
soggy state by the time I joined the assembled throng, where
I watched Euro Mum make one of her elegant arrivals.
Euro Mum never perspires. Ever. She wears to-the-
minute fashion with style, ease and just the right amount of
make-up. My son loves her.
On this particular day, she floated down to the gate in
a handkerchief of silk that plunged to reveal perfect Euro
cleavage. As she bent over Darling No.3 in his pram, filling
his vision with flawless Euro decolletage, his face broke into
an enormous beaming smile.
I returned to my car hot and defeated, knowing I would
never be able to compete with this vision of Euro chic.
Later, telling the offspring’s father about the incident, I
hoped for some reassurance that I, too, could bring a smile
to a boy’s face. My husband turned to me with a nostalgic
sigh. “Lucky sod,” he said.
Mother-in-the-Middle
Start your child’s learning journey with ESF International Kindergartens
Learning through inquiry and a play-based curriculumIB Primary Years ProgrammeSpecialist Language is ChineseWell equipped, stimulating and spacious learning environmentsAll classes taught by well qualified early years teachersApplications for the 2014/15 school year open October 2013
www.esfkindergartens.org.hkESF Educational Services Limited
Where Inquiry GrowsOur spacious kindergartens provide the perfect environment for young learners. With well-resourced classrooms, great access to current learning technologies, indoor and outdoor play areas, young children are presented with multiple opportunities to learn, socialise and develop their skills.
Abacus at Clearwater Bayan IB World School
Tel: 2719 5712Hillside on Stubbs Road*Tel: 2540 0066*Candidate school for the IB PYP
Tsing Yian IB World School
Tel: 2436 3355Wu Kai Shaan IB World School
Tel: 2435 5291
Visit us now and see for yourself!
ESF Educational Services Limited
SaiKung & Southside Kindergarten Full Page - FINAL.indd 1 20/8/13 4:03 PM
56
education
Hong Kong Academy
HKA recently opened a spanking new 20,000-square-metre
campus in Sai Kung for children from pre-kindergarten to
high school. An International
Baccalaureate World School
that follows the IB curriculum,
HKA aims to provide a
diverse and collaborative
learning environment in which
students become adaptable,
confident and tolerant adults.
With a current enrollment of
about 500 students, HKA
is looking to expand to
650 students. 2655 1111,
www.hkacademy.edu.hk.
Draw up a realistic revision timeline with goals and deadlines – and stick to it. Find out if your child is a visual or auditory learner, or
both. Visual learners perform better when they copy
notes, use flash cards or highlight notes in different
colours. Auditory learners remember details better
when they discuss topics with study mates or read their
notes out loud. Introduce mnemonic devices: acronyms and phrases to
help remember facts in the same category. Reorganise revision notes. Don’t let your child work
from messy pages. Restructure notes in bullet points and key phrases
rather than blocks of text. Ignore unnecessary points. A useful tip is to set your
child a timed practice paper but let them bring one A4
page of notes into the open book “test”. Children will
condense their notes onto their “cheat sheet” without
realising they’ve done so. Encourage your child to find a place where they can
study effectively. If a bedroom is too distracting, try the
library, school or even a coffee shop. Support a healthy learning environment at home.
Don’t let younger siblings become a nuisance. Get extra help early. If your child is struggling to make
sense of certain subjects, seek expert help. Don’t let your child over work. Make sure he or she gets
plenty of sleep, exercises and takes proper breaks. Make sure your child gets started before it’s too late.
Tips on preparing for exams
Growing Young Leaders atHarrow International School Hong KongHarrow International School Hong Kong, the first international boarding and day school in Hong Kong, opened in September 2012. The School provides a distinctive education from Early Years to Sixth Form with a strong emphasis on leadership and team-working skills outlined in the clear and distinctive vision statement, Leadership for a better world.
The School aims to develop in its students the leadership skills to make a positive difference through people to the communities in which they live and there are high expectations in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities and pastoral care throughout the School.
CurriculumThe academic curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England leading towards public examinations at IGCSE and A-level. The School’s specific academic objectives are significant value-added academic performance, first rate A-level results and entry to top universities.
Extra-curricular programmeThe extra-curricular activities programme aims for excellence to be achieved in sports, music, art, drama and cultural activities, while encouraging a breadth of participation in those activities that help students meet key extra-curricular themes: service, charity, teamwork, creative expression, leadership and challenge. Distinctively, the activities programme is integrated into the School day as well as the post-School enrichment programme.
Pastoral careThe quality of relationships and community life, and the personal formation of character are fundamental to the life of Harrow Hong Kong. The focus of pastoral care changes from the class teacher in the Lower School (up to Year 5) to House Masters and House Mistresses in the Upper School (Year 6 - 13). Boarding, which begins from Year 6, is integral to the life of the School. Over half of the students in the Upper School are boarders, but all students in the Upper School benefit from being members of the close-knit community of a boarding House.
Deadline for August 2014 entryYear 12 1st November 2013Year 6 - 10 1st January 2014
Harrow International School Hong Kong38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen MunNew Territories, Hong KongTel: +852 2824 9099Fax: +852 2824 9928www.harrowschool.hk
Forest House International Waldorf School
An offshoot of Garden House Kindergarten, Forest House is
a new school in the Clearwater Bay area and the first Waldorf
School in Hong Kong. It currently offers P1 classes at a
temporary site but is hoping to move to permanent premises
once it gets the green light from the government. The non-
profit international school aims to nurture the child in all
capacities – physical, emotional, intellectual, aesthetic, moral
and spiritual – with subjects such as art, music, gardening
and foreign languages central to the the curriculum. No
grades are given to discourage competitiveness and
there is no rote learning from textbooks. 1/F, 7 Silverstrand
Beach Road, Clearwater Bay, [email protected],
www.waldorf.edu.hk.
Harrow International School (HIS)
With a main building modelled on the Georgian proportions
of the Royal Crescent in Bath, England, HIS in Tuen Mun
has a mammoth 400,000-square-foot campus. It houses
facilities for more than 400 boarding students from years six
to 13, a full teaching staff and classroom facilities for about
1,500 students. Following the English National Curriculum,
the Pre-Prep Phase at Harrow International School Hong
Kong spans Years One to Five with each year divided into six
half-termly themes that drive the curriculum. As well as maths
and English, each class receives specialist teaching in music,
swimming and a second language of Mandarin, French or
Spanish. HIS also offers four groups in its Early Years phase:
a crèche, pre-K, K1 and K2. 38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen Mun,
2824 9099, [email protected], www.harrowschool.hk.
A+
Growing Young Leaders atHarrow International School Hong KongHarrow International School Hong Kong, the first international boarding and day school in Hong Kong, opened in September 2012. The School provides a distinctive education from Early Years to Sixth Form with a strong emphasis on leadership and team-working skills outlined in the clear and distinctive vision statement, Leadership for a better world.
The School aims to develop in its students the leadership skills to make a positive difference through people to the communities in which they live and there are high expectations in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities and pastoral care throughout the School.
CurriculumThe academic curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England leading towards public examinations at IGCSE and A-level. The School’s specific academic objectives are significant value-added academic performance, first rate A-level results and entry to top universities.
Extra-curricular programmeThe extra-curricular activities programme aims for excellence to be achieved in sports, music, art, drama and cultural activities, while encouraging a breadth of participation in those activities that help students meet key extra-curricular themes: service, charity, teamwork, creative expression, leadership and challenge. Distinctively, the activities programme is integrated into the School day as well as the post-School enrichment programme.
Pastoral careThe quality of relationships and community life, and the personal formation of character are fundamental to the life of Harrow Hong Kong. The focus of pastoral care changes from the class teacher in the Lower School (up to Year 5) to House Masters and House Mistresses in the Upper School (Year 6 - 13). Boarding, which begins from Year 6, is integral to the life of the School. Over half of the students in the Upper School are boarders, but all students in the Upper School benefit from being members of the close-knit community of a boarding House.
Deadline for August 2014 entryYear 12 1st November 2013Year 6 - 10 1st January 2014
Harrow International School Hong Kong38 Tsing Ying Road, Tuen MunNew Territories, Hong KongTel: +852 2824 9099Fax: +852 2824 9928www.harrowschool.hk
58
education
Preparing your child for school interviews. By ITS School Placements. Children as young as two-and-a-half years old may
be called for a screening interview or assessment at
international schools in Hong Kong. These usually take
place from November to March and can be a stressful
time for parents and children.
Most interviews are similar to a mini class with six to
eight children engaging in group activities conducted by
two or three teachers. Your child’s English or Mandarin
skills will be tested through conversation but children
won’t be asked to demonstrate skills and knowledge
beyond their school age.
Ensuring your child can understand and follow simple
instructions is probably the most important aspect of an
interview.
As well as confidence levels, instill etiquette. Children
are expected to greet teachers formally, thank them at the
end and maintain good eye contact.
Make sure your child is willing to respond and
communicate.
Children are typically asked their names and about
family members, where they live or when their birthday is.
They need to answer in full sentences.
Primary-level children may be tested on phonics,
numbers and basic reading skills. Fluency in English is
essential for most international schools.
Some educators argue that the best preparation is no
preparation at all. It is important not to bombard your child
with questions that make him or her nervous.
“The best advice I can give is to encourage your child
to be as friendly and cooperative as possible with new
teachers and children. In a child’s world, this equates to
‘be good’, ‘be nice’ and ‘play with other children’,” says
Anne Murphy, director, ITS School Placements, which
provides an education consulting service.
Close encounters
Hong Lok Yuen International School
The green and open spaces of this school’s location, north
of Tai Po, plus its strong community atmosphere make it
unique. The school introduced the IB PYP curriculum in 2006
and opened a sister school, the International College Hong
Kong, in the northern New Territories in September 2009.
Together, the two schools provide through-train education
from kindergarten to Year 13. HLYIS has 430 pupils of 36
nationalities, about 60 per cent of whom are from expatriate
families. A strong Mandarin programme is offered, which
includes daily lessons and a class teaching Mandarin as a
first language. 3 Twentieth Street, Hong Lok Yuen, 2658 6935,
www.hlyis.edu.hk.
Japanese International School (JIS)
Located on the edge of the Tai Po Kau Nature Reserve,
JIS offers all the advantages of a smaller school through
its community atmosphere and the importance it places on
personal relationships. Its international section has about
170 students from 20 countries and lessoms are taught
in English, although students are also required to study
either Mandarin or Japanese. The school has its own
indoor swimming pool, an astro-turf field and specialised
classrooms. A bus service to various areas in Hong Kong is
available. 2834 3531, [email protected], www.jis.edu.hk.
Kellett School
Kellett School opened a state-of-the-art primary- and
secondary-school campus in September on a 9,500sqm site
in Kowloon Bay for children aged four to 18. It offers a British-
style education, leading to GCSE/IGCSE and A Levels, with
maximum class sizes of 23 children. The new campus (which
complements the highly regarded primary school in Pok Fu
Lam) has a rooftop multi-sport Sky Pitch with artificial turf
and a running track, a six-lane indoor pool as well as indoor
sport and performance spaces. With two forms in each year
group, the primary section will offer up to 300 new student
places. [email protected], www.kellettschool.com.
Renaissance College (RCHK)
Situated in Heng On, near Ma On Shan, Renaissance
College is a Private Independent School set up by the
ESF, but unlike other ESF schools it doesn’t receive a
government subsidy. It is an authorised IB school with
1,750 students from years one to 13. Facilities include a
25-metre indoor swimming pool, a 750-seat theatre and
two rooftop astro-turf pitches. RCHK offers 85 academic
and music scholarships. 5 Hang Ming Street, Ma On Shan,
3556 3556, www.renaissance.edu.hk.
59
Private Tuition in the Comfort of Your Home.Maths, Music, Science, Mandarin and More!
Call us on 5321 4400 [email protected] @www.SaiKungTutors.com
WHAT IS A DEBENTURE?
A debenture is the name given to a loan agreement with an
institutional borrower, such as a school. For parents, this
translates into a large lump sum payable to the school on or
before admission. Hong Kong schools sometimes call debentures
Capital Notes, Nomination Rights or a Capital Contribution or
Levy, but they are still essentially the same thing.
What is it for?Most schools state that the annual fees cover the school’s
running costs but not its capital costs. Debentures are a way
for parents to contribute to long-term funding. Many schools
(including some pre-schools) require parents of new students
to pay a debenture on admission. Others allow them to buy a
debenture before beginning the admissions process to earn
priority in the selection system.
How much is a debenture?In Hong Kong, they range from HK$25,000 for ESF schools
to HK$10 million for a top international school. Some schools
reduce the price for younger siblings. There is a “secondhand”
debenture market when a school is “sold out” and existing
holders are permitted to transfer their debentures. The transfer
price may be set by market demands or capped by the school,
which may also take a cut of the sale price.
What kind of debenture do I need?Common types include individual or corporate; refundable,
non-refundable or depreciating. An individual debenture
applies to one child in a family and cannot normally be
transferred. A corporate debenture is held by a company
and can be used for a child of an employee. The company
may transfer this debenture if the employee decides to leave.
In these circumstances, some schools allow the child to stay
while others insist the child withdraws immediately once he or
she is no longer covered by the corporate debenture. Children
with a corporate debenture often receive priority at admissions.
Refundable, non-refundable or depreciating?When the child leaves, some schools will refund the full debenture,
without interest and less any penalties. In others, the debenture
depreciates over a set number of years, sometimes to zero. In
a few schools, it depreciates to zero in seven years and parents
must buy a new debenture if the child is to continue at the school.
What if I can’t afford a debenture?Some schools offer parents an alternative method of funding
the school – a capital levy. This is different from a debenture
in that it may be paid yearly and is refundable. It may amount
to the same or more than the debenture over the course of
the child’s schooling. Ruth Benny
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marketplace
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marketplace
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Richiewise Sophia Learning
IB/ AP/ GCSE/ IGCSE/ GCE/ DSE/
SAT/ ACT/ GED/ TOEFL/University level
Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology,
Physics, Finance, Economics
Please email [email protected]
OR call 64374148 for details
Hong Kong’s Youth Performance Club
Singing
R un by i n dus try p ro f es si on al C la ss es f or a ges 3 – 18 ye ars
Dancing
www.theislandgleeclub.com email: [email protected]
Stage Craft
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health list
Who you gonna call?
Health services
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Yan Chai Hospital Sai Kung Community Chinese Medicine Clinic
8 Mei Yuen Street, Sai Kung, 2791 7222.
DOCTORS
Dr Rosemary Barnett, Dr David Henderson,
Dr Helen Duckworth-Smith
OT&P Bay Practice, 1/F, Razor Hill, Dairy Farm Shopping Centre,
Clearwater Bay Road, Pik Uk, 2719 6366, www.otandp.com. Dr Siu Yuk-kiu
Shop 61, Sai Kung Town Villa, 22-40 Fuk Man Road,
Sai Kung, 2792 1601, [email protected].
HAIR SALONS
Green Wave Salon
25 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2792 2221.
Hair by Mike
1/F, 7 Silverstrand Beach Road, Clearwater Bay, 2335 5018.
Tala’s Hair & Beauty
56 Po Tung Road, 2335 1694, www.talashair.com.
HOSPITALS
Mona Fong Clinic (Public general outpatient clinic)
23 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, 2792 2601
(booking hotline: 3157 0652).
Prince of Wales
30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Sha Tin, 2632 2211,
Tseung Kwan O (nearest Accident & Emergency department
to Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay)
2 Po Ning Lane, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O, 2208 0111.
Union
18 Fu Kin Street, Tai Wai, Sha Tin, 2608 3388, www.union.org.
United Christian
130 Hip Wo Street, Kwun Tong, 2379 9611, www.uch.org.hk.
MIDWIFERY
Hulda Garsdottir, Annerley Midwives
6291 7400, [email protected], www.annerley.com.hk.
NAILS & BEAUTY A-Nails
9B Wang Street, Sai Kung, 2792 1099, www.a-nails.com.hk.
Anna Thai & Foot Massage (including sport massage)Tak Lung Back Street, Sai Kung, 9354 7606, 6622 5398. Nail HouseHang Hau Village, 9288 6119.Sabai Day Spa2/F, 10D, Po Tung Road, 2791 2259, www.sabaidayspa.com.Seafoot Reflexology 1/F, 60 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, 2791 0328. Sense of TouchG/F, 77 Man Nin Street, 2791 2278, www.senseoftouch.com.hk.Tranquillity Foot Spa 1/F King Wah Building, 11 King Man Street, Sai Kung, 2792 0821.
HOLISTIC
Angie Tourani BodyTalk holistic treatment and MindScape instructor, 6683 5755, www.bodytalksystem.com.hk.
NANNY AGENCY
Naturally Nannywww.naturallynanny.com.
OPTICIANMichael Cheuk Optical Sai Kung Town Centre, Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792 0929.
PHARMACY
Wing Ling Dispensary18 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, 2792 0537.
PHYSIOTHERAPY
Clara YauOT&P, 2719 6366.Sai Kung Orthopedic Physiotherapy and Pain Centre Shop 70 ,G/F, Sai Kung Town C, 22-40 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, 2792 9366, [email protected], www.skop.com.hk.Sai Kung Physiotherapy G/F, Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, www.saikungphysio.com.
PODIATRY
Heidi Corcoran2335 1694/6255 0088.Lisa MillinerOT&P, 2719 6366.
G/F 13 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung, New Territories
"We Thank YOU!" Best Family Restaurant 3 Years Running!! Jaspas Sai Kung
www.casteloconcepts.com
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numbers
Important numbersCAR MECHANICS
Adrian Sing: 6030 0484Golden Sun: 2792 2808HP Cars: 2558 0222Sai Kung Motors: 2792 2998Sun On Motor Services: 2792 4280
DOCTORS
Dr Siu Yuk-kiu: 2792 1601OT&P: 2719 6366
DRY CLEANING
Royal Laundry & Dry Cleaning:
2705 9328Sai Kung Laundry & Dry Cleaning:
2792 6816
ELECTRICIANS/HANDYMEN
Indo Handyman: 2578 1865Marco: 6190 8051The Handyman HK: 9268 0514
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
Agriculture & Fisheries (call centre): 1823Health Department: 2961 8989Sai Kung District Council: 3740 5200
HONG KONG OBSERVATORY
Website: www.hko.gov.hk
General enquiries: 2926 8200Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal
Enquiries: 1828 200
HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD
Visitor hotline: 2508 1234
HOSPITALS
Public:Prince of Wales, Sha Tin: 2632 2211Queen Elizabeth, Jordan: 2958 8888Tseung Kwan O: 2208 0111Tuen Mun Hospital: 2468 5111United Christian, Kwun Tong:
2379 9611
Private:Hong Kong Adventist Hospital,
Stubbs Road: 3651 8888Hong Kong Baptist Hospital, Kowloon
Tong: 2339 8888Hong Kong Sanitorium & Hospital,
Happy Valley: 2572 0211Matilda International Hospital,
The Peak: 2849 1500St Teresa’s Hospital, Kowloon City:
2200 3434Union Hospital, Sha Tin: 2608 3388
KENNELS
Ferndale: 2792 4642Kennel Van Dego: 2792 6889
LOCKSMITH
Tung Tai Key Cut: 2792 4886
MAN WITH A VAN
KNS Van: 5403 5618
PEST & TERMITE CONTROL
BioCycle: 3575 2575
PHONE DIRECTORY ENQUIRIES
English: 1081Chinese: 1083Overseas IDD: 10010
PLUMBERS
Lung Hing Engineering: 2792 9787Vandalies: 6319 4745
POLICE DEPARTMENTS Website: www.police.gov.hk
Police hotline: 2527 7177Sai Kung Police Station: 2792 1279Tseung Kwan O Police Station:
6277 4500
POST OFFICE
Hong Kong Post, Sai Kung: 2792 2243
SUPERMARKETS
Fusion, Clearwater Bay Road: 2335 5506Marketplace by Jason, Razor Hill:
2358 0542ParknShop, Sai Kung Town: 2791 1759Taste, East Point City, Hang Hau:
3541 9573Wellcome, Sai Kung Town: 2791 1841
TRANSPORT
Hong Kong International Airport,
general enquiries: 2181 8888MTR Train Service & Airport Express,
24-hr passenger hotline: 2881 8888Taxis: 2729 1199/ 2728 8281/ 2697 4333 / 2729 6600 / 2383 0168Taxi Lost and Found 24hr hotline:
3620 3744
UTILITIES
China Light & Power, 24hr hotline:
2728 8333LPG Gas (Paul): 9097 2235
Water Supplies Department,
customer services hotline: 2824 5000
VETS
Animal Behaviour Vet Practice: 9618 2475Animal Emergency Centre: 2915 3999 Best Friends Veterinary Hospital:
2792 8555Creature Comforts: 9773 0372Homevet: 9860 5522Pets Central: 2792 0833Sai Kung Animal Medical Centre:
2791 0308SPCA Sai Kung: 2792 1535Vet2Pet: 6999 1003
EMERGENCY SERVICES
(police, ambulance, fire)
999Fire: 2723 2233
Rescue: 2735 3355Marine: 2803 6267
www.aishk.edu.hk
Located in Kowloon Tong, the Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK) is a leading Reception to Year 12 international school with a reputation for outstanding academic performance. Our mission is to provide a world-class international school where students, through active participation, achieve their personal best and graduate as skilled, influential and responsible international citizens.
“Curiosity, Creativity & Collaboration”
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong KongT: +852 2304 6078 F: +852 2304 6077 E: [email protected]
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Sai Kung Family Guide Full Page Ad Bleed.pdf 1 11/09/2013 8:06:29 AM
For 35 years Woodland has set the standard inHong Kong for quality early years education. With ten schools, Woodland offers the only
accredited early years education in Hong Kong.
Sai Kung
• Nursery & Pre-School classes for children up to 6 years old• Extra Curricular Clubs for children aged 3 yrs plus
• Buses available for neighbouring areas
www.woodlandschools.com
For further information please contact Ms Angela Chan:
Shop D, G/F Marina Cove Shopping Centre, Sai Kung, New TerritoriesTel: 2813 0290 Fax: 2719 2938 Email: [email protected]