A Journey Home


BY VIRGINIA HUNT, PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL


Like the train in The Little Engine That Could, hard working and optimistic, HKA is a school that could, would and did!


HKA has occupied three campuses in fewer than 15 years, from a tree-house school on Stubbs Road (up 103 steps!), to an interim campus in Kennedy Town, and now to our permanent purpose-built, innovative campus in Sai Kung. While the campuses have changed, HKA remains the same in its guiding principles, its vision, and its mission and values. At HKA’s core always was and always will be providing students with an opportunity to grow and learn in an authentic and dynamic learning environment whilst preparing them for the larger world. Then and now, HKA has maintained the integrity of our student profile: students who stand up for themselves and also for their fellow students; who pursue their interests outside of the school day and learn to play an instrument for the first time; students who help their buddy off the school bus and find a way to reuse a yogurt tub from lunch; who wonder what happens to corn when it goes through your digestive system; who fill a box of hope for a child in need.


The Sai Kung campus opened its doors in August 2013 aſter many years of planning and construction. HKA now enjoys a physical space to match its innovative curriculum, with classroom areas for photography, technology, and design, studios and rehearsal rooms for music, drama, and dance, a 350 seat theatre and a black box theatre. The library media centre covers two floors and ensures immediate access to learning resources. Fully-equipped science labs support learning in physics, chemistry and biology, and flexible


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classrooms include a range of learner support resources as well as a state-of-the-art occupational therapy room. And not to forget: HKA now boasts a full-size gymnasium!


Usable outdoor space is another significant addition to the HKA campus. Our new school offers roof-top art space and will eventually offer roof-top gardens as well to compliment the developmental Early Childhood playground. Our outdoor football pitch is enjoyed by all students, as is our outdoor basketball court.


Furthermore, the innovative design of the school makes the entire building a teaching tool. Students are discovering that the derivative patterns of the cafeteria terrazzo flooring can also be found in the hallways of the first and second floors. The exposed ceilings allow students to learn how water, air, and electricity flow through the school. A sump teaches students how to cycle rainwater through the school for non-consumable daily school use.


The new campus is a marvel. But just as at Stubbs and Kennedy Town, our by-word at HKA remains that “it’s not about the building”. HKA is first and foremost about people. The building exists to support what we all value most about HKA: inclusive and diverse community, dedicated and caring staff, supportive parents, and responsible and inquisitive students.


Still so much to explore, discover and understand everyday! We now have a building to match the spirit, passion and potential of HKA. Just as Dr. Seuss predicted, “Oh the Places We Will Go”.


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