Australian International's fifth move blasts it into space
The Australian International School threw open the doors to its new campus this week, providing students with modern facilities, and, true to the Australian way - more space.
But not all parents are happy, some fearing they may be hit with a steep rise in school fees if the new campus does not reach full capacity quickly. They also complained that their children were forced to stay at home for two weeks while the school moved from its temporary premises. One parent, with two children at the school, said: 'I paid $7,400 in fees for nothing because my children were not at school for two weeks.'
Other concerns were that the move was too rushed, with the 2,100-square metre playing field not finished and other work still being completed. With school holidays due at the end of this month, some parents said the move should have been carried out then.
The school began with 24 pupils in 1995 and has grown to its current 636. The new campus - designed by Hong Kong firm Design Consultants Ltd - will cater for around 1,000 students from Reception to Year 12.
The $200 million school in Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, has taken 16 months to build and was funded by a $60 million grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, a $77 million interest-free government loan, fundraising and bank loans.
The new campus boasts nine floors with 35 classrooms, a learning enrichment centre, library and 18,000 square metres of teaching and learning space. Other facilities include a swimming pool, hall, gymnasium and auditorium.
Principal Chris Neilsen said demand for places at the school was strong and that she expected it to be full within two to three years.
'Facilities such as the sports field, auditorium, music centre will enhance the educational programme. This new space is critical in Hong Kong because it's something rarely found here,' Ms Neilsen said.
Around 75 per cent of students are Australians, with others from places including UK, North America and Hong Kong.
The school follows the New South Wales curriculum and offers a compulsory Putonghua programme from reception to Year Seven.
It also follows the Australian academic year, with its long 'summer' holiday in December and January.
