Principal's Message

Dear KGV Families,

I hope you have enjoyed a good week. One of the highlights for me was seeing our new Year 12 Student Leadership Team come together for a development day. They focused on reflecting on their key values, character strengths and approaches to leadership.The student leaders also had the opportunity to work with Kristy Elliot, a global consultant who focused on building effective relationships that support wellbeing It was great to see the energy, drive and ambition they brought as they started these roles and I know they will be wonderful representatives of the student community. I look forward to working with these remarkable and aspirational leaders throughout this year.

We also continued our Parent Workshop series, and it was wonderful to see a range of parents explore how we can form a strong home-school partnership to support the wellbeing of their children. Rowan Varty, KGV’s Wellbeing Coordinator, shared insights focused on the importance of Sleep, Steps and Social. With the right amount of sleep, regular physical activity and engaging with friends, all students will develop a foundation for academic success.

Our parent workshop series will continue next week with a lens of AI in Education. There is still time to register and please look out for details from Michelle Tsang.

Finally, I would like to thank the KGV Community for the fundraising drive to support those affected by the Tai Po fire. At the end of last term we raised approximately HK$195 000. This reflects the deep sense of belonging and empathy within our community. These funds have been donated to a range of charities including HK Red Cross, HK Government Appeal Fund and Impact HK. I would also like to thank KGV's PTSA for their support of this fundraising. 

I hope you and your families have an enjoyable weekend ahead.

Best regards,

Mark Poulsum

Year 10 & 11 Message

Year 10 students have tutor time all to themselves this week and next, with Year 11 out for mocks. The next few weeks will see a number of assessments for Year 10 as semester 1 nears completion, and we aim to have semester reports ready by 6th February.

Year 11 Mock exams continue next week with the last exams on Friday, 23rd January. This week, students have been organised, timely and focused. It took a few days for everyone to get lockers organised, learn our process for getting everyone into large venues, and to avoid bringing watches and headphones. During the mocks, Y11 students only need to attend school for their exams; however, they are welcome to study in the LRC at any time.

Encourage your child to continue to check the exam timetable carefully, bring the right equipment and be ready at least 20 minutes before each exam. All examination rules and regulations are available in this folder.

It will take two weeks for the papers to be marked and for teachers to meet to moderate, ensuring consistent grading and feedback. Some subjects will begin returning papers from Tuesday,3rd February. We are aiming to have a formal report with feedback from all mock exams ready by 11th February. 

Year 11 parents who did not meet teachers during the November Learning Reviews will be invited to make bookings for Monday, 9th February or Monday, 23rd February.

The Year 11 formal is scheduled for Monday, 13th April, from 6 - 9 pm. Further details from the organising committee will be shared with students over the next few weeks.

Year 12 & 13 Message

Important Dates for Year 13 Students

• Wednesday 15 April: Year 13 Students Last Official Day of School

• Thursday 16 April: Year 13 Students Study Leave commences

• Wednesday 27 May: Graduation Ceremony

• Friday 29 May: Graduation Dinner

Year 13 Mock Exams Update

Our Year 13 students have now completed their Mock exams. We ask both students and parents to wait patiently as teachers carefully grade these papers and prepare feedback. We encourage students to use these results not as a final verdict, but as a vital tool to spur them forward, identifying the specific next steps they need to take to ensure they are successful in their final assessments.

Year 12 Student Leadership Day

On Wednesday, our Year 12 student leaders participated in a dedicated Leadership Day, featuring an inspiring session with Kristy Elliott and a keynote presentation from our Principal. The day focused on personal growth, with students exploring their individual leadership strengths and defining values such as Ambition, Innovation, and Humility.

A central theme of the day was the school's commitment to fostering a "School for One," where every student feels Known, Heard, Safe, and Successful. To translate these values into action, our leaders worked on a behavioural approach centred on Consistency, Clarity, and Collegiality & Collaboration. By the end of the session, students were challenged to look ahead to December 2026 and define the lasting difference they hope to make through their leadership.

University Fair at South Island School

In addition to their leadership development, many Year 12 students are beginning the exciting phase of looking toward their next steps after KGV. A reminder for those who have signed up: the South Island School University Fair takes place on Wednesday, 21 January. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to find meaning in their future goals and exercise agency in planning their own paths to achievement.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend

Year 7, 8 & 9 Message

A Productive Start to the Term

It has been a busy and focused week as we settle back into our learning routines. As we move forward into the new year, our team is working closely with students to ensure that our school environment remains safe, respectful, and conducive to learning.

Important Updates & Reminders

Our team is currently focusing on several key areas of school life and would appreciate your support in discussing these with your child:

• Punctuality: We are monitoring patterns of lateness to school and to individual lessons. Please support your child in ensuring they are swiped in by 8.10 AM and moving promptly between classes.

• Uniform Standards: A reminder that students should wear PE uniform only on days when they have a scheduled PE lesson. On all other days, standard school uniform is required.

• Loss and Theft Prevention: We are actively exploring ways to track and reduce incidents of loss. Please encourage your child to be mindful of their belongings and ensure all items are clearly labeled.

• Safe Recreation: During break and lunch, students are reminded to be careful with ball games. Only tennis balls are allowed outside the volleyball and basketball quads. For the safety of everyone, students should not run through crowded areas of the school.

Opportunities for Students

ESF Music Competitions

Applications are now being accepted for the ESF Piano Concerto Competition and the ESF Composition Competition. This is a wonderful opportunity for our secondary musicians to showcase their talents.

• Application Form for ESF Piano Concerto Competition here

• Application Form for ESF Composition Competition here

 Dragon Maths (Years 8-9)

We are looking for 16 enthusiastic mathematicians to represent KGV at this year’s Hong Kong Dragon Maths competition! This high-energy event is a fantastic way for Year 8 and 9 students to collaborate and compete in exhilarating mathematical challenges.

• Sign-up: Via the CAS Activities page on LIONeL.

• Deadline: Parent approval must be completed by 5.00 PM today, Friday, 16th January.

Upcoming House Assemblies

Please note the following dates for our upcoming House Assemblies:

• Monday, 26 Jan: Crozier

• Friday, 30 Jan: Nightingale

• Monday, 2 Feb: Rowell

• Friday, 6 Feb: Upsdell

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.

Dear Parents and Caretakers,

Important Reminder from the Transport Department : Seat Belt Law Starting 25 January 2026

The Government reminds everyone that from 25 January 2026, all seated passengers on public transport and commercial vehicles must wear seat belts.

New Seat Belt Requirements:

• All passenger seats on public and private buses

• Rear passenger seats on private light buses and goods vehicles

• Driver and passenger seats in special purpose vehicles

Please be aware that failure to comply with this law will result in penalties and remind the students to wear their seat belts.

Due to student privacy protocols, we require parental consent before releasing student information to external organisations. Please complete this form to make a formal request. Requests will only be processed upon receipt of parental permission.

KGV’s standard lead time for teachers to prepare references is four working weeks from the date parental permission is received.

This process does not apply to higher education applications (i.e. university admissions). Those references are managed separately by the H.E. Team.

Gifted & Talented Programmes
Students interested in external extension programmes for specifically designed for gifted & talented students outside of KGV should refer to this website for guidance: https://sites.google.com/kgv.hk/kgv-extension-opportunities, instead of using the request form.

Higher Education & Careers

Year 13 – U.S. applications.  Students must reach out to their H.E. Counsellors at the soonest should a mid-year transcript is required to support their U.S. applications.

Year 12 – ESF University Fair at South Island School on 21 Jan.  Sign-up is now.  The group will depart KGV for SIS by bus after school.  Students are to make their own way home when the fair concludes.

KGV Higher Education & Careers Website

We have included links to financial aids and scholars to higher education institution in the following regions, in the latest update of the website.
- Australia (by states)
- Canada (by province)
- United Kingdom (by region)
- United States (Top 100 institutions per QS list)

HE Visits @ KGV (Students ONLY)
22 Jan 2026, Lunch break – Ritmeisukan University

H.E. EVENTS shared via KGV Higher Education Events Calendar
KGV is not responsible for the quality of external events. All information is subject to change by event organisers.

H.K.
22-25 Jan – HK Education & Careers Expo 2026

U.K.
Various dates: University of Cambridge – Webinar for international applicants
22 Jan – Norwich University of the Arts Free Online Workshop
22 Jan – Sheffield & Yorkshire University Consortium Information Session
Various dates in Feb – University of Bath – Parent Info Webinar Series

EUROPE
16 Jan – Medical Doorway Webinar: Studying Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine in Europe 2026
20-21 Jan – EHL Hospitality School Webinar: Applying to EHL with the IB Diploma
24 Jan – Hanze University Webinars: Study & live in the Netherlands
30 Jan – University of Galway – Scholarship Information Webinar

JAPAN
17 Jan – Ritsumeikan University Webinar: Why Choose Ritsumeikan & What Undergraduate Programs are Offered
24 Jan – Ritsumeikan University Webinar: How to Apply to English-medium Undergraduate Programs

U.S.A.
23 Jan – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University webinar: Pushing Boundaries with AI
27 Jan – McMaster Biomedical Engineering Taster & Engineering Info Session in Hong Kong

CANADA
24 Jan – Canadian Engineering Panel at CDNIS HK

KGV Higher Education & Careers Team

Dear Parents and Students,

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a relaxing Christmas break and a great start to the term.

We are excited to share that the EOMD video, which was recorded before the holiday, is now ready. It’s a great way to look back at the fantastic energy and talent we shared.

You can watch the full highlight reel here:https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1tzBw1dol7bC5Xs4fzzNaf1yYpGeHaOiH

Enjoy the memories!

Best regards,

Carole Beer

Vice Principal

19 - 23 January 2026

Term 2 Enrolment Now Open at KGV

There is still time to join our Term 2 programmes! Join our expert-led programmes designed for every age and skill level.

• Academic Excellence: *New* Essential English (2 Levels), *New* Spanish - Conversation Confidence
• Sports: High-energy sports sessions to stay focused. Swimming, Tennis, Football and more!