Friday, August 15, 2025 | N-022526
Friday, August 15, 2025 | N-022526
Blank papers, new documents, a new school year—our campus is a blank canvas, ready for us to write the first memories of the year together. What a blessing it is to have our vibrant community back again and to welcome new families as we all journey through life in this land. We look forward to the stories we will share, the challenges we will overcome, and the friendships that will deepen in the months ahead.
As we begin this new school year, let's continue to support one another in navigating the tasks and challenges that each new year brings.
School is back in session and it’s good to connect with classmates and teachers! The back-to-school journey began with an inspiring staff inservice, where we had the privilege of welcoming back Brent Willsmore, the former Director of HOPE. His meaningful stories from the early days of the school served as a powerful reminder of HOPE’s mission. He encouraged the staff to teach with integrity and to faithfully serve in the classrooms with our presence, and share the goodness of God.
That sense of mission carried into our wonderful commissioning service, where we welcomed both new and returning families. It was a beautiful time of prayer and worship to officially initiate the academic year. You can watch the highlight video of the service here to experience the moment for yourself.
Finally, the excitement peaked on the first day of school when the campus filled with smiles and joy. These photos capture the genuine excitement that filled the halls. Thank you to our entire community for starting the year on such a high note. We will continue to be guided by our verse of the year, believing that knowing God in truth will lead to authentic, Spirit-led worship that honors Him in all we do.
We are thrilled to announce the fantastic IB results for our graduating Class of 2025!
Our students truly shone, achieving an average score of 36 points, which is a significant accomplishment and well above the global average. We couldn't be prouder!
These results reflect not only the incredible dedication of our students over the past two years, but also the outstanding support and guidance from our wonderful teachers and staff. Thank you all for your hard work and unwavering commitment to their success.
To every student in the Class of 2025—whether you earned a full diploma, took individual courses, or followed the non-exam route—we celebrate your achievements!
A huge congratulations to four of our students who had scores of 40 or more points. Please join us in celebrating:
Natalie Yeap
Gabriel Han
Jaeha Park
Ly Meng Tang
Last month, six students from HOPE International School participated in the Japan English Model United Nations (JEMUN), an academic simulation fostering global citizenship and enhancing English language skills. After the conference, the delegates braved Osaka's hot summer to visit important areas of the city, enriching their experience beyond the diplomatic simulations.
Model United Nations (MUN) will be launching in September. Grade 9 to 12 students are invited to learn more and sign up by emailing Mrs Megan Holmes at megan.holmes@hope.edu.kh. She will be providing details of the upcoming plans for this year.
We are excited to welcome you to our annual Open House on Wednesday, August 27. This day is a fantastic opportunity for our community to connect and learn more about our school.
Service Expo - From 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Discover the many service opportunities available to our students! Our Service Expo will feature exhibitors from various ministries, churches, organizations, and companies.
Service is a core part of our curriculum. Students in Grades 9-10 are involved in our Vision Into Action (VIA) initiative, while students in Grades 11-12 complete a CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) Project as part of the IB program. This expo is an excellent way to learn about these initiatives and see the positive impact that service can make.
If you know of any organizations interested in becoming an exhibitor, please have them fill out this form.
Meet the Teacher - From 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Parents are invited to meet with our teaching staff. This is a great chance to connect with your child's teachers to discuss their academic life, including subjects, timetables, and any other important matters. We believe that by working together, we can provide the best possible support for our students. To better guide you on this day, you will receive a map with the locations of teachers on site. Sahakom will remain until 5:00 pm with regular stock.
Primary parents: Just a friendly reminder that on Mondays only, school starts at 7:50 a.m. with our whole school assembly. Parents are warmly invited to attend and should wear their parent lanyard. On all other school days, the day will begin at our usual time of 7:55 a.m.
Also, we would like to invite Primary parents to attend our weekly Primary assembly every Friday at 2:00 pm in the Hall. (School starts at 7:50 every day for Secondary students.)
The sports sign-up form is open. It was sent to your inbox on Wednesday. If you haven’t received it or you are having trouble filling it in, please email sports@hope.edu.kh.
Secondary students will receive this year’s student ID card once the photos are ready. They will receive this ID card along with a lanyard. Students are not required to wear this lanyard on HOPE’s campus, but it will be needed for entrance to outside school activities at other schools, like sports tournaments, conferences, or events. This is how it will look!
Get ready for school photos! We have two photo days scheduled.
Primary Photo Day: Tuesday, August 19
Secondary Photo Day: Wednesday, August 20
During these days, students and staff will have their individual and class photos taken. This will be the official photo used for school purposes such as student IDs and publications like the Yearbook.
Sibling Photos
Sibling photos are optional and will be taken early in the morning on both days, from 7:15 to 7:50 am at Park Plaza. Sibling photos are only for families who have pre-registered. If you would like your children to have a sibling photo, please register here.
Photo Purchases
Optional print and digital photos will be available for purchase from Ruang Studios after the photos are released.
Week 3 - Proverbs 3:5-6
Week 4 - Proverbs 3:9
Week 5 - Proverbs 3:12
Test dates: Saturday, September 13 and November 8
Registration deadlines: August 29 (for Sept 13) and October 24 (for Nov 8)
How to register: Students must register directly through the College Board: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines
PSAT/NMSQT at HOPE
Test Date: Thursday, October 9 (during Parent-Teacher Conferences)
How to register: Contact Mrs. Angel Haas at angel.haas@hope.edu.kh
Who typically takes these exams?
SAT: Mostly Grades 11-12
PSAT/NMSQT: Primarily Grade 11; some Grade 10 students take it for practice
Where are SAT scores used?
Primarily for U.S. university admissions; also widely accepted in Canada, and considered by some universities/programs in Europe and Asia. Requirements vary, and students should consult each university’s admissions page for specific details.
The PSAT/NMSQT is not used for admissions; it serves as a practice test for the SAT and is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) for eligible Grade 11 U.S. citizens.
At HOPE International School, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for every individual on our campus. If you are experiencing harm or are aware of someone else who is, please know that our Safeguarding Team is here to listen and respond.
Your safety is our top priority, and all reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality.
The 2025-2026 Safeguarding Team is:
John Phifer (Safeguarding Lead)
Tavita Asiata
Angel Haas
Taara Portela
Andrew Wishart
Adam Honeybun
You can connect with us in a way that feels most comfortable for you:
In person
By email at safeguarding@hope.edu.kh
By filling out the form on our website
Concerns, Complaints and Grievance Policy
Please take a look at our recently created Concerns, Complaints and Grievance Policy for Community, where we outline how we biblically proceed in resolving community concerns and grievances in a timely manner. This process will be carried out with mutual respect, prayer, love, and humility.
For your reference, this is the Board Constitution as it is always available on our website on the page of policies.
Lunchtime Live is back for another round, and we are so excited to see what you have to offer!
If you've been working on a musical item, a dance, or something else, apply to Lunchtime Live to get your talent up on the stage!
This is a performance opportunity for students who have prepared and practised a performance piece, whether they are beginners or more advanced. It is a chance to build confidence, develop stage presence, and share their creativity with a supportive audience. We welcome groups or solo performances.
This is not an open mic or karaoke event but a celebration of students' effort and dedication to their craft. We look forward to enjoying many great performances together!
Upcoming dates:
- September 12,
- October 10
- November 14
Rehearsal spaces: every lunchtime, supervised rehearsal spaces are available in S11, S12, and the Hall.
The Parent Council would like to invite all families to our first meeting to hear what the Parent Council is up to for Semester 1. This will be on Thursday, August 21st, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm at the Hall. By attending this casual gathering, parents will be able to connect and discuss activities organized by the Council to serve the community. A detailed Parent Council update was sent via email by the Parent Council last Monday.
The Parent Council invites you to come meet and hang out with other parents and kids in the same Primary classes after school August 25 to 29 at the main playground.
Preschool: Monday, August 25th
Grades 2 & 3: Tuesday, August 26th
Kindergarten & Grade 1: Thursday, August 28th
Grades 4 & 5: Friday, August 29th
Do you know a family looking for a nurturing and vibrant school community? HOPE currently has a few open seats in the primary for new students! If you know a family who would be a great fit, please refer them to our Admissions Office for more information.
Preschool 1
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
New arrivals are here! Show your school spirit with these amazing additions:
The Official Koupreys Hoodie: Stay cozy and rep your team with our brand-new hoodie! $20
The HOPE Bag: Carry your essentials in style with this versatile bag. $10
Kouprey Keychain: A perfect little accessory to show your Kouprey pride. $2
HOPE Polo shirts $10
HOPE Flask 1 liter $12
New staff
Makenzie Bass
Milly Schoemaker
Ken Heyres
Kent Sellers
Jason Glass
Becca Baker
Swis Sal
New families
New students
That's it!
Have a great Weekend!