The purpose of the School Counseling Department at Hong Kong International School is to provide a comprehensive, developmental guidance program that reaches 100% of the student population. We believe that each student is a unique, developing, capable individual who will learn from their experiences and grow personally, socially, spiritually, and academically throughout their lives. The goal for every student at HKIS is to continue their learning. Students explore their strengths, personality, interests, educational objectives, culture, and family values in partnership with their counselors. HKIS supports each student’s journey to find a best fit, post-secondary learning environment where they will thrive.
The purpose of the Counseling Department is carried out by the following:
- School counselors promote personal, interpersonal, emotional, academic and career development for all students through proactive classroom programs and other services. Specifically, the counseling department offers seminar classes to all four grades levels with developmentally appropriate topics. In addition, a variety of parent meetings are sponsored and hosted by the counseling department.
- On an annual basis, school counselors meet with students individually and in small groups to review, guide, and support them through the academic and college planning process.
- In consultation with administration and faculty, counselors review student school records and help students plan their course selections each year. Counselors recommend that students are enrolled in a balanced schedule that is appropriately rigorous yet supportive of post-secondary educational goals.
- Counselors collaborate regularly with teachers, administrators, and parents to discuss student needs and provide comprehensive support for their growth and development.
- The school counseling program equips students to develop competencies in decision making, career planning, interpersonal relationships, personal responsibility, and other skills essential for being a productive citizen.
- Counselors provide information and support to students and families about academic programming and community resources. They provide proactive and responsive services to students and families. Counselors refer students and families to outside resources, when necessary.
- Counselors collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify and address students’ needs.
Counseling Structure by Communities
The High School has a team of eight counselors to serve the students. Each student is assigned to a Community. Sixteen Pastoral Care/ Homeroom Groups (PCHG) (four of each Grade-level) form a Community. There are four Communities designated H, K, I, and S. A partnership of two counselors supports and addresses the needs of the students in its Community.
| H Community | ||
|---|---|---|
| Todd Pentello | 3149-7165 | tpentello@hkis.edu.hk |
| Maegan Robichaud | 3149-7191 | mrobichaud@hkis.edu.hk |
| K Community | ||
| Sophia Ng | 3149-7146 | song@hkis.edu.hk |
| Lauren Fine | 3149-7161 | lafine@hkis.edu.hk |
| I Community | ||
| Beth Contreras | 3149-7107 | bcontreras@hkis.edu.hk |
| Jason Holly | 3149-7109 | jholly@hkis.edu.hk |
| S Community | ||
| Steve Bennett | 3149-7192 | sbennett@hkis.edu.hk |
| Shelley Marks | 3149-7110 | smarks@hkis.edu.hk |
College Advising
The Counseling Department at HKIS values working as a team with students and their families on the college planning and application process. Students meet individually with their counselors to discuss career aspirations and select post-secondary options that best meet student needs and educational goals. Counselors have familiarity and experience with a wide range of higher education options, including universities in the US, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and the UK.
Pastoral Care/Homeroom Group (PCHG)
Each student is placed into a Pastoral Care/ Homeroom Group (PCHG) of approximately 12-15 students. PCHG advisors are faculty who support students throughout their four years of high school. PCHG advisors maintain regular contact with each student and seek to build a mentoring relationship with every student in their care. The PCHG advisor and counselors work in collaboration to monitor student progress and plan appropriate interventions when necessary.
Boarding and Summer School Applications
Families considering an application to boarding school or summer programs should contact High School Office secretary Joanna Lin (jlin@hkis.edu.hk) at least two months in advance of the application deadlines. She will provide families with information on procedures specific to HKIS by which boarding school and summer school applications are processed.
Transcript Requests
HKIS only provides official transcripts directly to other institutions. Grades 9-11 requests for transcripts should be directed to High School Office secretary Joanna Lin (jlin@hkis. edu.hk) and Grade 12 requests for transcripts should be directed to Counseling Office secretary Becky Vong (bevong@hkis.edu.hk).
Additional Information
Information with regards to signing up for college entrance tests, college process timelines, boarding and summer school applications, and the counseling program can be found on the DragonNet “Counseling” page.