25 Apr 2018

Lower School Helper Appreciation Party and Reply

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you about some events we have coming up in the Lower School to celebrate Helper Appreciation Month in May.

May is Helper Appreciation Month in Hong Kong. The initiative was established in 2015 as an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by domestic workers to many Hong Kong families. The initiative is not intended to be political, but a positive one that aims to inspire acts of gratitude and appreciation. The month of May has been chosen because 1st May is International Labour Day, the second Sunday in May is Mother’s Day (many helpers are away from their families on this day) and 15th May is the UN Day of Families.

At Sha Tin College we would like to participate in this initiative by extending our appreciation to the helpers who work for our families. During week of 14th-18th May we have a series of activities planned for the Lower School students to focus on appreciating our helpers and those who help us in our daily life.  The CASE student representatives will be designing and delivering assemblies to encourage the Lower School students to think of ways we can show appreciation and gratitude to helpers and those who help us with our daily routines.

In addition, we are holding an ‘Appreciation Party’ on Friday 18th  May at 2.15-3.15.  We would like to invite domestic helpers to come to school to share refreshments so that our students can show their appreciation for the support they have from the helpers in their lives. The students will be making cards for their helper and they will be presented at the Party. We will also have a lucky dip with gifts given out.  If your helper and son/daughter would like to attend this occasion I would be grateful if you could complete the slip below and return it to Ms Luo in the Lower School Office by Monday 7th May.

It is important for our students to understand the background stories of our helpers and in many cases the personal sacrifices they have had to make to support their own families and contribute to our lives in Hong Kong. We would also like to encourage the students to find out more about their helpers during this week. We recognise that not all families employ a domestic helper and so we are asking the students to extend this appreciation to people who help support them in their daily lives.

Working hard to create a better future lies at the heart of the Hong Kong way of life. At the core of many hard-working families there is often a migrant domestic helper. We think it is important to remind our students to show gratitude to the people who do so much to help them.

Warm wishes

Lucie Purves

Head of Lower School

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To help us organize the catering for the Appreciation Party please indicate if your helper would be available to come to school for Appreciation Party’ on Friday 18th May at 2.15-3.15.  Your son/daughter will also be expected to attend.

YES

Parent Signature: ___________________________    Date: _________________

Student Name:  _____________________________    Tutor Group: ___________

Helper Name:    _______________________________________________