It looks like spring has finally arrived in Macau! We have all been waiting a long time for the rains to subside and the sun to come back out. With the end of the 2015-2016 school year only a few months away, I wanted to update you on a number of items that will affect the next school year.
Admissions for 2016-17
We are currently conducting admissions tests and interviews for 2016-17. Once again, we are facing an overwhelming number of applicants and will only be able to offer seats to a fraction of those who apply.
2016-17 School Calendar
The 2016-17 School Calendar is now finalized. Each year is a challenge to meet both Alberta Education’s requirements and DSEJ’s requirements. You will see two sets of day calculations on the calendar since both agencies calculate instructional days differently. Click here to download the new calendar. Please feel free to contact the office for clarification if you have any questions.
Tuition Increases for 2016-17
Recognizing the higher tuition increases in previous years, the board has approved a substantially lower increase in tuition levels for next year. School fees will increase by an average of 4.2% or roughly $350 MOP more per month.
| 2015-16 | Increase | 2016-17 | |
| Kindergarten | 67,000 | +3,000 | 70,000 |
| Grade 1-3 | 85,000 | +3,000 | 88,000 |
| Grade 4-6 | 90,000 | +4,000 | 94,000 |
| Grade 7-9 | 95,000 | +4,000 | 99,000 |
| Grade 10-12 | 101,000 | +4,000 | 105,000 |
The tuition increase will help to fund the following:
· Staff salaries: average increase of 4% including a housing allowance increase. This is in line with the Macau inflation rate.
· Additional professional development funding for teachers to continue to improve their teaching.
· Additional English Language staff – a new Kindergarten ELL staff position will be added to assist our kindergarten students with language acquisition.
· Additional office staff to better meet the needs of the increased enrollment and to provide enhanced service to our families.
· Additional curriculum and student support staff.
September Fee Payment
Don’t forget to reserve your spot for next year. The initial fee payment for 2016-17 will be payable from April 11 and due on April 30. The payment allows us to reserve a placement for your child. Given the increasing demand and waiting lists, it will not be possible to reserve a placement for 2016-17 unless this fee is paid.
As we approach our Spring Break, I hope you and your family are able to find some time to be together – whether you celebrate Easter, honour your ancestors at Ching Ming or just enjoy the coming of spring. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to call, email or meet with me at your convenience.
Howard Stribbell, Head of School
雨水消退，陽光探頭。在春天來臨之際，本人希望向各位報告一些有關於下一學年的事項。
2016-17學年招生事項
本校當前正為2016-17學年進行招生面試及入學考試。本校的學位一如以往的緊張，面對大量的入學申請。由於學額有限，我們僅能滿足部份家庭的需求 。
2016-17校曆表
下學年的校曆表已經敲定。由於要同時配合艾伯塔和教青局的要求，編制校曆，已成每年的挑戰。 基於兩者對上學日都有各自的計算方針，因此 貴家長將在校曆上看到兩套不同的計算。若有任何疑問，歡迎向教務處查詢。
2016-17學費調整
校董會理解到近幾年的學費漲幅較大，因此批准了明年學費只作輕微增加 。明年學費將平均增加百分之四點二，即平均每月約350澳門元的水平。
| 2015-16 | 調升 | 2016-17 | |
| 幼兒教育一至三年級 | 67,000 | +3,000 | 70,000 |
| 小學一至三年級 | 85,000 | +3,000 | 88,000 |
| 小學四至六年級 | 90,000 | +4,000 | 94,000 |
| 初中一至三年級 | 95,000 | +4,000 | 99,000 |
| 高中一至三年級 | 101,000 | +4,000 | 105,000 |
學費調整有助於提升以下項目：
· 教職員薪金：包括房屋津貼，平均加薪百分之四。以符合澳門通帳率。
· 額外的專業發展資助，以配合教師提升教學質素的需要
· 新增英語教職員 – 本校將為幼兒教育階段新增設一名英語輔導員，協助幼稚園學生學
習語言。
· 增聘職員以迎合入學率上升，並為各家庭提供更好的服務。
· 增設課程和支援學生的職員。
9月份學費
請謹記為 貴子女預留明年學位，繳交留位費日期由4月11日至4月30日當天繳交。鋻於下學年的學額緊張，除非完成繳費程序，否則將不予留位。
隨著春節假期的接近，本校祝福您和您的家人無論是選擇在假期慶祝復活節，還是選擇清明節拜祭祖先，都能享受共聚天倫的時刻。若 貴家長對上述事項有任何疑問，歡迎以電話、電郵或親臨學校查詢。
Howard Stribbell, 澳門國際學校負責人