Frequently Asked Questions

This document provides brief answers to questions that our FIS students and parents may
have about school life. Further details can be found on the school website or the
International Streams blog. School staff can also provide further information. All relevant
website details and staff emails are provided at the end of this document.
What do I do if I am absent?
Your parent/guardian should phone or email Vie Scolaire to explain your absence as early as
possible on the day(s) of your absence.
If this is not possible, upon your return, you should go to the Vie Scolaire office on the fifth
floor with a letter from your parent/guardian to explain your absence.
If it is a planned absence, i.e. something you know about in advance, your parent/guardian
should write to the relevant Director of Learning and Welfare for your year group or the Head
of Secondary (International Stream) as early as possible in order to seek permission for this
absence.
If you are worried about missing work while you are absent, you should email your subject
teachers. However, you should concentrate on your health! Returning to full fitness is your
priority.
What happens if I am late for school or class?
Under both circumstances, you should report to Vie Scolaire on the fifth floor. They will give
you a permission slip to allow you to join your class.
What do I do if I need to leave school early?
This must be arranged in advance. Your parent/guardian should contact Vie Scolaire to
inform them of your early departure (including the reason for it). They will then give you
permission to leave the premises. You should never leave the school without permission
from Vie Scolaire.
What happens if I lose my locker's padlock key or I have a problem with my
combination padlock?
Go to the Vie Scolaire office on the fifth floor. At the start of the school year, you can arrange
to leave a spare key with them. If you have done this, they will give you this key and the
problem is solved. If there is no spare key or you use a combination lock, Vie Scolaire staff
will cut the padlock off your locker. If this happens, you will need to buy a new padlock.
Whilst your locker is without a padlock, arrange to leave your possessions in a friends locker
or take them home.
What happens if I lose something?
French International School Victor Segalen Hong Kong
165, Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
T: +852 25776217 F: +852 25779658 E: [email protected]

www.fis.edu.hk

Have a proper look for it. Try to remember the last time you saw it and re-trace your steps. If
a thorough search is not successful report the loss to the staff in the Vie Scolaire office on
the fifth floor. There is a lost and found area close to the Vie Scolaire office, which you will
be able to check.
If you find something that belongs to someone else, please take it to the Vie Scolaire office
and it will be placed in the lost and found area. Thank you.
On a related point, try not to bring valuables to school. If you do, they are your responsibility
and you must look after them.
What should I do if I get lost?
Stay calm. There will be lots of people around to help and your teachers will be very
understanding. We all remember what it is like to be new to a school.
Then ask for help. Ask another student or a member of staff.
Alternatively, go straight to the Vie Scolaire office on the fifth floor and someone there will
help you.
Where do I buy stationery and/or books?
FIS has a bookshop on the ground floor. Alternatively, Parentheses, a bookshop in Central,
stocks all our textbooks.
Opening hours of FIS Bookshop (Blue Pool Road campus):
Mondays & Wednesdays 8.30-12.30 / Fridays 8.30-11.30
Details of Parenthses
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6:30 pm and Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30
pm
Address: 2/F, Duke of Wellington House14-24 Wellington Street, Central
Website: http://www.parentheses-hk-shop.com/accueil-home/
Email: [email protected]
Where can I buy lunch, snacks and drinks?
Lunch is served in the canteen on the seventh floor. Parents/guardians can arrange to pay
for a daily school meal in advance for their children.
Alternatively, students can purchase lighter lunches (e.g. sandwiches, paninis) at the snack
bar inside the main canteen.
Students can also bring a pre-prepared lunch box from home and eat it in the canteen.
The snack bar, as well as one on the ground floor, is open during morning and afternoon
breaks.
Where can I eat during break times and lunchtime?
Food must be eaten in the canteen, with one exception: students who have brought in their
own lunch box from home are allowed to eat at the tables next to the lockers on the sixth
floor.
What can I do during break times and lunchtime?

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This is an important time to go to the lockers and collect books and equipment for the next
set of lessons. You should also go to the toilet (if you need to) and have a drink or snack (or
lunch if it is lunch time). Break times are also times to have a rest and have some fun: catch
up with your friends, play/relax on the sixth floor or go to the library to read. You can even
pop to the gymnasium on the ground floor. If it is available and a PE teacher is present, you
might be able to play games there.
You must not be playing or hanging around in the school corridors.
What do I do if I see something inappropriate, e.g. graffiti, bad behaviour?
Tell the nearest adult. Alternatively, tell your Form Tutor. Dont presume someone else will
report it. We all have to play a part in looking after our school and each other.
Can I drink water during my lessons?
Yes, however this must be done in a non-disruptive way. Do not interrupt your teacher or
cause a distraction. Bring your water with you, keep it in your bag, take a sip when
necessary and then pop it back into your bag. Easy!
Can I go to the toilet during my lesson?
Generally, yes, however you must ask your teachers permission. They will use their
judgment. Remember, you have break times and lunchtimes to go to the toilet so you really
shouldnt need to go during the first and last ten minutes of a lesson. Also, try not to make a
habit of it. Your teacher doesnt want you to be uncomfortable but they also dont want your
learning experience to be interrupted.
What do I do if I feel unwell in school or if I get hurt?
Go to the nurses office (infirmary) on the fifth floor. Our two friendly nurses, Carla and
Valrie, will look after you. If they believe you are not well enough to stay at school, they will
contact your parent/guardian and make arrangements for you to leave. You must not leave
without getting authorisation from the nurses.
If you have an accident which immobilises you, send a friend to the nurses office (infirmary).
A nurse will come to you.
Can I bring a mobile phone to school?
Yes, however, it must be switched off whilst you are on the school premises. If you need to
use it during the school day, you can go to the Vie Scolaire office on the fifth floor and use it
there.
Can I game or chat on school computers?
No. Please refer to the school ICT Guidelines.
What should I do if I am being bullied?
You must tell someone. You deserve to feel safe and happy at school. Bullying is wrong and
must not be tolerated. Tell a teacher, your Form Tutor, your Director of Learning and Welfare,

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the Head-teacher, a parent/guardian or a friend. By telling someone you feel comfortable

with, you will be supported.
When can I wear my PE kit?
Students should change into their PE kit just before their PE lesson. They should then
change out of it after their PE lesson. Showers are available.
What should I do if I forget my homework or I am unable to complete it?
If you forget your homework, go to your teacher and tell him/her that you are very sorry and
that you will bring it next lesson (or at a time arranged between you and your teacher).
If you cant complete your homework, discuss the issue(s) with your teacher. Keep the lines
of communication open. If you talk to them about it far in advance, they can help. Do not wait
until the last minute.
What is the Student Welfare Programme?
This is FISs Personal, Social and Health Education programme (PSHE). PSHE has always
been a part of life at the French International School (FIS), helping to nurture happy, healthy
and confident young people. In 2015 the programme was reviewed and has been given an
extreme makeover! The resulting Student Welfare Programme builds on previous good
practice at FIS and has been developed based on research into other schools PSHE
programmes, government policies (from around the world), documents from nongovernmental expert groups and individuals and staff training.
Each Form Group has a one-hour Student Welfare lesson built into their timetable. Form
Tutors, other school staff and outside speakers will deliver lessons based on health and
wellbeing, relationships, living in the wider world and lifelong learning skills. Every term,
students will have at least one individual interview with their Form Tutor in order to set goals
for the year and of course, to help them make progress towards achieving those goals.
Are there student representatives?
Yes, and they play a crucial role in giving the whole student body a voice. The International
Stream has its own Student Council made up of representatives from each class. Their
classmates elect these representatives. As well as being a member of the International
Streams Student Council, the elected students will represent their peers at school events
such as parent-teacher conferences, information evenings and Hong Kong wide student
events.
The student representatives form the International Stream will also work with their
colleagues form the French Stream on the School Life Council (CVL). This is an advisory
body that works on questions relating to school life. It can formulate propositions on different
topics such as the organisation of school time, student support, school rules and education
on citizenship, health, hygiene and security. These propositions would then be submitted to
the Victor Segalen Council.

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There are many reasons why my parents need to contact the school. Can you provide
a communication guide to explain whom it is best to contact under different
circumstances?
Yes. This question requires a longer answer. It is hoped that the information below will help
put parents/guardians directly in touch with the person who will be able to support them.
1. Communicating with FIS Staff - Student Welfare issues
a) Reasons for absences should be reported to Vie Scolaire (see above).
b) Each class has been appointed two* Form Tutors (one will be appointed as your
primary contact). He/she will prepare your child's reports, contact you regarding low level
welfare issues (positive and negative) and deal with any low-level welfare issues you contact
them about.
* Years 11-13 have three Form Tutors per year group.
Examples of low-level welfare issues:
i.
When a pattern of late homework submission across subjects is identified
ii.
When a student requires support with organising their books and equipment
iii.
When a student has received praise from a member of staff for outstanding work
or for exemplifying excellent behaviour.
Y7-10 and Y11-13 have their own Director of Learning and Welfare: Mrs Leonard and Mrs
Hall, respectively.
They will deal with higher-level welfare issues referred to them by Form Tutors, students,
teachers, Vie Scolaire and parents.
If necessary, the Head of Secondary, Mr Williams, and/or the Head of the International
Stream, Mr Clayton, will become involved.
c) Form Tutors will deliver the Student Welfare Programme. The programme is managed
by Mrs Leonard and Mrs Hall. Any feedback or questions about it should be sent to Mrs
Leonard (Y7-10) or Mrs Hall (Y11-13).
2. Communicating with FIS Staff - Non Welfare Issues
a) Issues related to subjects should be referred directly to the relevant subject teacher. It
would be helpful if any correspondence could include (e.g. cc) the primary contact Form
Tutor.
b) Issues related to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) should
be referred to Mrs Hall, the IBDP Coordinator.
c) Issues related to university applications should be referred to Mr Hammond, our
University Counsellor.

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Important Contacts
General
Mr Clayton, Head of International Stream: [email protected]
Mr Williams, Head of Secondary (International Stream): [email protected]
Madame Leonard, Director of Learning and Welfare (Y7-10): [email protected]
Mrs. Hall, Director of Learning and Welfare (Y11-13), IB Coordinator: [email protected]
Mr Hammond, University Counsellor: [email protected]
Vie Scolaire: [email protected]
Mrs. Ann Butler, Registration and Administration: [email protected]
Teachers (Including Form Tutor responsibilities)
Teacher
Form Tutor /
Subject
Group
Mr Wines
Y7GW
Physics / Mathematics
Madame Grobe
Y7GW
French
Mr Wilson
Y7LW
English
Madame Leonard
Y7LW
French
Mr Haynes
Y8HH
Geography / History
Mrs Haggard
Y8HH
Mandarin
Mrs Ray
M. Pham
Mr Burgmann
Mrs Zhao
Mr Tauts

Y8PR
Y8PR
Y9BZ
Y9BZ
Y9BT

Madame Bersia-Lam
Mr Woolley

Y9BT
Y10BW

Mr Burt
Mr MacLean

Y10BW
Y10GM

Madame Gauthier
Mr Leach
Mr Man
Mr Bogart
Mr Man
Mr Tilbrook
Mrs Hall
Mrs Hazari

Y10GM
Y11LM
Y11LM
Y11BM
Y11BM
Y12TH
Y12TH
Y12HH

Mrs Hall
Mrs Bell
Mr McEntire
Mrs Relan

Y12HH
Y13BM
Y13BM
Y13RM

Mathematics
French / Latin
History / TOK
Mandarin
Mathematics /
Computer Science
French / Spanish
Art / Computer
Science
French / Drama
Mathematics / Science
/ Physics
French
English
Chemistry
English / TOK
Chemistry
Economics
Geography
Science / Biology /
ESS
Geography
Geography / CAS
Teacher Librarian
Science / Biology /

Email
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
k
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

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Mr McEntire
Ms Bell-Kake
Mr Horton
Madame Bezancon

Y13RM
N/A
N/A
N/A

ESS
Teacher Librarian
PE
PE
Art

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Please note that you will be informed of your primary contact for each Form Group at the
start of the year.
Detailed information on all of the above FAQs and answers can be found on
a) the school blog: http://commwithyou.fis.hk/
b) the school website: http://www.fis.edu.hk/web/Default.aspx?r=1&lang=en-gb
c) the University Guidance website: http://orientation.fis.hk/index.html

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