With the academic year drawing to a close, Shrewsbury International School is celebrating its graduating students and wishing them the best for the next exciting chapter of their education. We ask four of them to reflect on their time at this primary school in Hong Kong… and what lies ahead!
Primary school graduating students share their memories
# Hana
Hana joined Shrewsbury in Year 3 after relocating from the UK. One of her fondest early memories? “Starting Chinese for the first time – my teacher was amazing and made it so much fun!”
From starring in Year 4 and 6 productions to representing Shrewsbury at a maths competition in Vietnam, Hana has embraced every opportunity. The library remains her favourite place on campus. She says it’s a quiet haven with “great books and comfy seating”.
Joining German Swiss International School (GSIS), she’s excited to explore her passions – acting, maths, art and environmental issues. “Shrewsbury helped me think about different school options and has prepared me well for the move,” she says. While she’ll miss music classes and school events, she’s ready for new challenges – and making new friends.
# Toby
Toby arrived from the UK in 2021, joining Shrewsbury International School in Year 3. And he instantly bonded with classmates over the rooftop football pitch. “Seeing it for the first time was amazing,” he recalls.
His proudest moments? Being named captain of the school football team and competing in the FOBISIA Maths Competition in Vietnam. The Yangshuo school trip is another experience that stands out. “It was so much fun, and I loved all the activities.
Now set to join Kellett School, Toby credits his primary school for fostering independence while reminding him “it’s okay to ask for help, if you need it”. With dreams of becoming a footballer or rugby player, he’s eager for more sports opportunities – though he’ll miss weekly swims in the pool at Shrewsbury, and, of course, his friends.
# Sophia
Sophia, one of Shrewsbury’s founding students, joined in Reception back in 2018. “I was nervous – I had just moved from mainland China and didn’t speak English,” she says. “But my teachers were so encouraging, and soon, I was speaking fluently.”
Her time at this primary school has been filled with adventure, particularly the residential trips in Years 4, 5 and 6. “I loved learning to be independent, exploring nature, and spending quality time with my friends,” she recalls.
The swimming pool and library are Sophia’s favourite spots on campus. One helped her conquer her fear of water, while the other offered a peaceful retreat. (“It’s a calm and quiet place,” she says of the library.)
Now heading to Chinese International School (CIS), Sophia feels well-prepared. “Shrewsbury supported me both physically and mentally, teaching me how to face challenges.” Though she’s unsure what her future career might be, she’s inspired by her teachers and hopes to “spread kindness and strength” to others, just as they did for her. “I’m eagerly anticipating making new friends and I’m excited about the new adventures and challenges that lie ahead.”
# Sam
A founding student like Sophia, Sam started in Reception in 2018. He fondly remembers snack times with friends Charlie and Thomas – and, later, bonding with them while drawing MTR maps at break time.
Being selected as a Shrewsbury Scholar was a highlight of his school experience. “It gave me the opportunity to speak in front of different groups outside of Shrewsbury and develop my confidence,” he says.
His favourite spot in the school is the 6/F play area, where he enjoys dominoes with friends.
Next year, he’ll attend Hong Kong Academy (HKA), armed with the skills Shrewsbury instilled in him. “I went on school tours and learnt so much about preparing for Year 7,” he shares
With ambitions to open his own restaurant one day, Sam is excited for new friendships and turning dreams into reality. He’ll miss the canteen food and younger peers, though!
Shrewsbury news
Priya Kanthan has been appointed the new Shrewsbury Principal; she is succeeding Founding Principal Ben Keeling, who is pursuing new opportunities after eight years of successfully navigating the school through the evolving educational landscape in Hong Kong. Priya has over 30 years of experience in the UK, India and Malaysia, and most recently as Head of Discovery Mind School here in HK, where she achieved Cambridge International School accreditation in record time. Beyond the campus, Priya is a keen swimmer and hiker, and also plays league hockey for the Hong Kong Football Club.
Expat Living wishes Ben and Priya all the best in their new pursuits!
A word from the school
“We’re immensely proud of Hana, Toby, Sophia and Sam alongside all of our primary school graduates. Their journeys at Shrewsbury have been filled with incredible growth and as they step into secondary education, we know they are ready to embrace every opportunity ahead. Our bespoke and individualised three-year school selection programme ensures families are guided towards the right-fit secondary school. The broad range of systems marked on record stands as the best possible validation of this deeply personalised programme. As these four students – and their peers – prepare to embark on new adventures, they carry with them not just academic readiness, but confidence, friendships and unforgettable memories. We wish them the very best, and look forward to hearing about their future successes!”
10 Shek Kok Road, Tseung Kwan O
2480 1500 | shrewsbury.edu.hk
To read more stories on kids in Hong Kong, head to expatliving.net/hong-kong/kids.
