success - Australian International School Hong Kong

Transcription

australian international school hong kong
May 2015 | Volume 16
THE LION ROCK
Journey to
SUCCESS
AISHK students embark on an academic journey to graduation and success
Pg 12
FAREWELL
AND THANK YOU
The end of Term 1 marked the time to say
‘farewell’ and ‘thank you’ to Mrs Leonie Drew.
Pg 30
QANTAS
Happy 20th
WALLABIES
Birthday, AISHK!
The Australian Rugby Sevens
Team takes time off from
training to visit AISHK.
AISHK marks its 20th anniversary
with an ofﬁcial ceremony, followed
by our annual Welcome BBQ.
Pg 54
Pg 52
VOLUME 16 - JUNE 2015
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
Message from
The
Co Heads
of School
L
ion Rock, our biannual magazine, is a public
celebration of student achievement, both at school
and in the wider community. This edition covers
events from Term 4 2014 to the end of Term 1 2015.
Each edition of the Lion Rock provides a formal record of
events and at the same time gives testimony to the valuable
learning experience that occurs at this school on a daily
basis. The colour and vitality that is reflected throughout the
pages of this excellent publication provides a small but very
informative perspective of our school.
This year as we come together to celebrate 20 years of
“The colour and vitality that is
reflected throughout the pages of
this excellent publication provides
a small but very informative
perspective of our school.”
Australian education in Hong Kong, it is with great pleasure
that we present to you this snapshot of learning here at
AISHK.
Leonie Drew and Phillip Waugh
Co Heads of School
Australian International School Foundation Limited – A Non-Profit Organisation
Mr Ian Whitton
Mr Gautam Dev
Mr David Christmas
Governor
Governor
Business Administrator
Board Chairman and Founding
Governor
Mr Cliff K Sun
Mr Andrew Steadson
Mr David Shirley
Governor
Dr Dan Hooley
Ms Carolyn Bickerton
Assistant Principal Primary
Student Services & Administration
School Supervisor,
Immediate Past Chairman and
Governor
Subscriber and Ex-Officio Governor
Rep. Australian Association of Hong Kong
Board Members
Mr Tom Corkhill
Professor Richard Petty
Governor
Dr Joseph Lee SBS, JP
Governor
Mr Stephen Yap
Alternate Subscriber and Ex-Officio
Governor
Rep. Australian Chinese Association of
Hong Kong
Governor
Mr Andrew Macintosh
Governor
Ms Janaline Oh
Subscriber and Ex-Officio Governor
Rep. Australian Consulate Hong Kong
Mr David Chan
Governor
Mr Cameron Reed
Dean of Studies (Primary)
Mr Dominic Gyngell
Governor
Mr Howard West
Assistant Principal Secondary
Student Services & Administration
School Leadership Team
Mr Phillip Waugh
Mr Chris McCorkell
Dean of Studies (Secondary)
Head of School
PAGE
1
Contents
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
HONG KONG
EDITOR’S
NOTE
01 Message from the Co Heads of School
39 Primary Feature
Port Adelaide Member Surprises Year 6
Students
05 Upcoming Events
41 Secondary Feature
06 News
08 Click
Happy 20th Birthday AISHK!
Farewell, Mrs Leonie Drew
10 Student Spotlight
12
Journey to Success
14 Activity Week
26 Q&A
What are three words to describe AISHK?
Early Childhood Philosophy
36 Primary Feature
Year 5’s 2014 Paper Crane Project Delivered
38 Primary Feature
Year 3 Celebrates Dr Seuss’ 111th Birthday
46 Sports News
Farewell and Thank You to Mrs Drew
36
32 Performing Arts
44 Exclusive Interview
Journey to Discovering Health, Colour and
Happiness
50 Parent Association
30 Feature
35 Primary Feature
Year 9 English Mixes Shakespeare
and Swift
49 Social Media Highlights
28 AISHK in Action
Secondary Students Celebrate
Friendship Day
12 Feature
HKMUN 2015
14
51 Parent Association
Community Event Highlights
52 Event Highlights
30
Welcoming New Families to AISHK
20th Anniversary Commemorative Event
54 Event Highlights
Qantas Wallabies Visit AISHK
CONTRIBUTORS
Jonathan Banfield
Beatrice Brennan-Cohen
Mr Dwayne Brown
Ms Jackie Byrne
Queenie Choi
Ms Feona Crawford
Ms Robyn Gregory
Eddy Haines
Ms Amy Hii
Ivan Hu
Nicholas Jessop
Kelly Killian
Chloe Lam
Sunny Lau
Joshua Lee
Ms Lynda Lemmon
Jonathan Mak
Charlotte McGrory
Ms Brigitte McNamara
Nicole Meyer
Pamela Murphy
Mr Anthony Murphy
Mrs Simone Nielsen
Abigail Oh
Mr Carl Ohlson
Mr Alasdair Ong
Marianne O’Reilly
Parent Association
Mr Cameron Reed
Imogen Rogers
Ms Shannon Ruskin
Olivia Ruskin
Danielle Shaw
Ms Lesley Stewart
Mr Drew Styles
Dr Ken Thorley
Mr Graeme Tyler
Anoushka Weiley
Claudia Wong
Adrian Wong
Nicholas Yuan
Kylie Lau
Kevin Yang
Cover by
Mr Alasdair Ong
The start of a new
school year brims
with excitement:
new classmates
and teachers,
new adventures and new opportunities to
name a few. But just as we celebrate the
present and future, I would also like to take
the opportunity to celebrate the history of
AISHK and its pioneers as our school turns
20 this year.
This month also marks the first year since
the redesign of the Lion Rock, and it has
been a pleasure to hear and read all of your
feedback. Looking through hundreds of old
photographs and old publications during
Christine Neilsen and Margaret Merrell’s
time (including the very first ‘Ào Sheng’), it
has become my aim to encourage students
to contribute to all of our publications,
especially Dhanara and the Lion Rock.
After all, our students are the School’s main
asset, and we are very proud of all their
achievements as well as supportive of all of
their interests in and beyond school.
A few days shy of writer, educator and civil
rights activitist Maya Angelou’s first death
anniversary, I would like to leave you all
with one of her most famous quotes:
“I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or
how bad it seems today, life does go on, and
it will be better tomorrow... I’ve learned that
life sometimes gives you a second chance. I’ve
learned that you shouldn’t go through life with
a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be
able to throw some things back.”
PRODUCED BY
THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND
COMMUNICATIONS
Ms Brigitte McNamara
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Ms Rochelle Riva Bargo
MARKETING OFFICER
Mr Alasdair Ong
FEEDBACK AND SUBMISSIONS TO
[email protected]
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
Upcomingevents
@AISHK
28-30
AISHK MUN Conference
AISHK
23-25
May
13
June
May
Dulwich Rugby &
Netball Tournament
June
21
20th Anniversary
Performing Arts Showcase
June
AISHK Auditorium
17-18
AISHK Auditorium
June
Senior Formal
AISHK Ball: Night on
the Nile Grand Hyatt Hotel
August
5-6
Beijing
SEAMS Fashion
Show
1
30 Hour Famine
Father’s Day
AISHK Field
22
August
7-11
September
Chinese Week
PAGE
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www.aishk.edu.hk
news
Introducing AISHK’s Head
of School in 2016
which have now reached record levels,
and innovative teaching, learning and wellbeing programs. The renewal of facilities
include over $25 million of capital works,
with the past four projects incorporating
construction of new Science, Indoor Sports
and Music and Performing Arts facilities, as
well as Middle Years Positive Education and
All Weather (Outdoor) Sports Centres.
Happy 20th Birthday, AISHK!
Celebrated on 26 January
each year, Australia Day is an
opportunity for Australians
to come together and
celebrate the achievements
of the nation as a whole.
Australia Day is also a
special day for the AISHK
community as it marks the
School’s birthday. Our 20th
anniversary celebration
kicked off at the beginning
of the school year with the
school gathering together
on the Field to sing “Advance
Australia Fair”, followed by
the Primary School Choir’s
tuneful rendition of “Happy
Birthday”. A long-term
tradition at AISHK, all 26
January birthday celebrants
AISHK Featured
in SCMP and The
Standard on
Australia Day
Commemorating both Australia Day and
the School’s 20th Anniversary, AISHK
was featured in both the front page of
the City section of South China Morning
Post (SCMP) and The Standard in
January.
PAGE
6
were also invited to the
stage to cut the AISHK
birthday cake together in
commemoration of both the
School’s and their birthdays.
Since AISHK’s humble
beginnings at the Boundary
Road premises in 1995, the
School has grown from 25
to more than 1,100 students
@AIS_HK
all within 20 years and
today stands as a leading
international school in Hong
Kong. We would like to take
this opportunity to thank all
founding staff, students and
their families, and the AISHK
community, who supported
the growth of our school and
helped us reach the milestone
in the school’s history.
Further to Mr Phillip Waugh and Mrs
Leonie Drew’s announcement in March,
the School would like to introduce the
newly appointed Head of School, Mr Bruce
Simons. Mr Simons will commence his
position at AISHK in January 2016.
Mr Simons has a Masters of Education
in Leadership and Change, a Graduate
Diploma in Educational Administration
and Policy (Monash) and a Bachelor of
Education (Deakin). He is also a graduate
of the Australian Institute of Company
Directors.
Educated at Haileybury in Melbourne, Mr
Simons then taught Mathematics at his
old school from 1985-1999, also holding
a number of leadership positions there
including VCE Coordinator, Head of House,
Head of Extension Programmes and Head of
Football. During this time, he also authored
several Mathematics text books with
Jacaranda Wiley and Pelham Publishing.
Appointed in 1999, Mr Simons has been
Principal of The Hamilton and Alexandra
College, a Victorian, Uniting Church, co
educational day and boarding school.
During his time in Hamilton, there has been
significant and comprehensive change
to the school, with a rise in enrolments
Mr Simons' particular passion for the
internationalisation of schools saw the
establishment of a diverse program in
Hamilton which has since been emulated
by other schools around Australia. In 2001,
he worked closely with provincial and local
governments in Jiangsu Province PRC to
establish a campus in Gaoyou City, named
as both The Hamilton and Alexandra
College Gaoyou Campus and Gaoyou
Number 1 Middle School. Through this
program, every Year 9 child at The Hamilton
and Alexandra College spends two weeks
each year as part of its heralded China
Experience, fully immersed into the life of a
Chinese curriculum-centred school which
grew to over 4,000 mainland students. The
Hamilton Year 9s then travelled to different
parts of China in a language and cultural
awareness experience. This program
has attracted national interest and press
coverage, with notable Australian education
journals highlighting it as a way forward in
globalising Australian Schools, and leading
to several Australian schools offering
matriculation courses in PRC.
In addition, Mr Simons established a
considerable international student
program to complement the school's China
Experience, attracting up to 35 foreign
students fully boarding at the school, mostly
from Hong Kong and China. The Hamilton
and Alexandra College is renowned for the
high level of mutual acceptance and respect
engendered between Australian and
Asian students, in no small part fostered
by its China Experience links. During Mr
Simons' principalship, The Hamilton and
Alexandra College also established sister
school connections in Guangdong Province,
leading to successful study tour courses and
an intent to offer the Victorian Curriculum
in that province.
Mr Simons' passion for Asia is well known,
and he has spoken at Australian Head of
Independent Schools Australia (AHISA)
Conferences in relation to the importance
of globalism in education.
Mr Simons has held a position on the
Executive Board of the Victorian Branch
of the Associated Heads of Independent
Schools Australia (AHISA) and the
Executive Board of Independent Schools
Victoria (ISV). He has also chaired the
Victorian Ecumenical Schools System and
Independent Country Schools System.
On the personal front, Bruce and his
wife of 30 years, Julie, have two children,
Jessica (27) and Jarrod (23). Jessica works
as a journalist and lives in London UK,
and Jarrod has completed his Honours
year, having completed his Bachelor of
Criminology. Julie is a trained Primary
teacher, though has recently retired.
Bruce and Julie have two dogs, Daisy and
Buzz, and hope to bring them to Hong Kong!
Bruce's hobbies include mountain trekking;
in April this year, he trekked for the second
time to Mt Everest Base Camp in Nepal,
having also trekked to Mt Kilimanjaro
in Tanzania in 2012. Bruce played AFL
football (Reserves) with South Melbourne/
Sydney Swans in the early 1980s; and also
still water and snow skis, swims most days
and is passionate about boys and girls'
involvement in sport, music, drama and
other co-curricular activity as a sure way to
strengthen their teamwork skills, emotional
intelligence, self-esteem, physical wellbeing,
confidence and resilience.
Bruce and Julie aim to move to Hong Kong
in late December 2015.
PAGE
7
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Farewell, Mrs Leonie Drew
from students of AISHK
@AIS_HK
As Mrs Leonie Drew was retiring at the end of Term 1, Visual Arts teacher Ms
Narelle Cridland organised a surprise farewell gift prepared by a number of
students in each class from Prep to Year 6, asking students to draw, paint or sketch
a portrait of Mrs Drew. Ms Cridland invited Mrs Drew to be the students’ ‘Live
Model’, explaining that the students were participating in an ‘art competition’.
(From top left to bottom right) Oliver Lopez, 5L; Bianca Hardge, 2D; Hunter Smith, 2D;
Alyssa Leong, 2P; Rory Parker, 1T; Bok Chee Lau, 5R; Matilda Foster, 1H; Marc Shepherd, 2K;
Sam Nasr, 6W; Calpurnia Lang, 3R; Xavier Gyngell, 1M; Faber Liauw, 3R
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Student Spotlight
Lachlan Gray, Year 11E
In response to his study of the literature of war in August 2014, Lachlan composed a
sonnet entitled The Truth of War. Lachlan made a recording of his poem, and his mother
played the sonnet to her brother-in-law, Group Captain David Richardson, who in his
semi-retired capacity has much to do with the Australian War Memorial (AWM) and its
archives. As a result, the recording of his sonnet was presented many times over at the
BAE Systems Theatre for the inaugural Australian War Memorial Poetry Day, “Of Words
and War – Poetry at the Memorial”.
Nathaniel Law, Year 12H
Audrey Ling, Year 12H
Claudia Wong, Year 6W
Nathaniel is a great role model to younger
AISHK students and received numerous
sporting and Presentation Day awards in
2014, including the Parent Association
2015 Citizenship Award. Previously
struggling academically in his younger
secondary years, Nathaniel now provides
advice on schooling and achieving one’s
personal best to younger students by
developing study regimes and techniques
and having a more positive attitude.
Audrey participated in this year’s Hong
Kong Standard Chartered 10km race,
assisting as part of the Marathon 101
“Stand By You – Runners Development
Program”. Audrey learned to become a
guide runner for visual or intellectuallyimpaired students to enable them to
take part in the race. Audrey is the first
AISHK student to participate in this
program, and her enthusiasm helped her
partner to complete the race.
Claudia has been named a runner
up in an online international writing
competition last October. Claudia fought
off tough competition from students
in 20 schools in Hong Kong, Shanghai,
Singapore, Melbourne, Sydney, the US
and the UK with her poem, ‘I Have A
Tree’. The competition was judged by
Sarah Brennan, a well-known Australian
author and publisher based in Hong
Kong.
Max Ruskin, Year 8E
Niamh Davies (10J), Brooke
Reed (11J) and Danielle Shaw
(12H)
Samantha Mackinlay, Year 1M
Fortunately many members of Lachlan’s family reside in Canberra, including his 90 year
old grandfather who trained as a fighter pilot during World War II, and they were very
proud that Lachlan contributed to the event. Having a young person contribute to this
event was quite special, as most contributors were war veterans or at least very senior.
Mitch Baker (3S), Sebastien Gyngell (3W) and
Daniel Bennie (4O)
The HKFC U9 A Team won the Kuala Lumpur Saracens
International Rugby Tournament for the second year in a row
this March, thanks to the spectacular performances of Mitch,
Sebastien and Daniel.
After an easy transition into the semi-finals with not one try
conceded against them, the team was then faced with what
can only be described as a battle of all battles to secure their
place in the finals.
HKFC faced the same Tanglin team that they beat in the
previous year’s final. Ending with no score, the game went
into Golden Time with a six player play off, which included
Mitch, Sebastien and Daniel. With the incredibly fearless
tackling of Sebastien and the skill and speed of Mitch, the ball
eventually landed in Daniel’s hands, leaving the Tanglin team
in dust as he reached the try line.
PAGE
10
Max, a rugby player for the USRC Tigers,
was selected to play in the U14 National
Rugby Team in 2014. After months of
rigorous training he was then selected to
play in the U14 national age grade showcase
that played recently at the 2015 HK Rugby
Sevens, along with two other AISHK
students Anthony Wilson and Aiden Trent.
This is an outstanding achievement that
reflects the dedication and success of Max’s
performance over the recent Rugby Season.
Samantha as a growing child loves
to sing and dance, influenced by her
Niamh, Brooke and Danielle were chosen Philippine heritage and exposure to
ballet. Her interests in art, drama and
to represent Hong Kong as part of the
Hong Kong Netball Association’s Academy theatre developed after watching
Hong Kong Ballet’s Swan Lake, a very
Touring squad in December 2014. The
squad was divided into two teams – Team famous classical ballet. Earlier in March,
A and Team B. Team A, which Niamh was Samantha joined the Sleeping Beauty
performance of The Hong Kong Ballet in
part of, won the tournament and the
Tuen Mun Auditorium. She enjoyed every
Grand Final. Team B, which Brooke and
bit of the rehearsals and performance.
Danielle were part of, came fourth.
PAGE
11
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clear and guided educational
pathway that set them up
for success. For more than
a decade, students have
graduated from the School
with results that place them
in the top percentile with
students from schools in
Australia and have entered
some of the world’s finest
tertiary institutions. Year
after year, AISHK students
continue to raise the academic
benchmark.
Kiran has been a student at
AISHK since 2010, and prior
to entering his senior years,
he realised that learning
languages is not his forte.
“Academically, I find that I am
far more suited to particular
humanity and English
subjects,” says Kiran. “Picking
the IB, which stressed subjects
I am weak in, would not have
been a wise decision.”
Known to be the highest
educational award to be
gained in New South Wales
schools, the Higher School
Certificate (HSC) is an
internationally recognised
credential that provides a
strong foundation for the
future, whether students
wish to pursue tertiary
qualifications, vocational
training or employment.
HSC students are required
to complete at least 12 units in the
Preliminary study pattern and at least 10
units in the HSC study pattern.
In 2014, 27 percent of
AISHK students received
an Australian Universities
Admission Rank (ATAR) of
95 or above. The HSC cohort
ranked in the top 100 schools
in the Sydney Morning
Herald Merit List for English,
while nine students received
Bilingual Diplomas within the
IB cohort. With an average IB
score of 36, AISHK continues
to be ahead of schools in Australia and
most schools in other countries which
offer the IB program.
“AISHK has instilled in me
the value of hard work.
It has taught me to push
myself in the present so
that I can live comfortably
in the future.”
“The Preliminary HSC year is by far one
of the most helpful things to prepare you
for Year 12,” says Kiran. “Just as Year 12
students sit for exams, Year 11 students
do so as well. The teachers format exams
in similar ways and teach similar concepts.
That way, once you do reach Year 12,
nothing is a surprise and you know
precisely what to do to achieve the best
possible mark you can.”
BY MS ROCHELLE BARGO
PHOTOS BY MR ALASDAIR ONG
:00am. They find themselves half asleep,
contemplating whether the ‘snooze’ button on their
alarm is a friend or a foe. There are mornings where
they feel like a shadow of themselves, especially
after pulling an all-nighter. But no time to think
twice today – to one, there is still that Theory of Knowledge
essay that needs to be completed. To the other, hours and hours’
worth of notes are waiting on the desk to be compiled for an
exam the next day, an abundant amount of information that even
SparkNotes could not cover.
Only a few months into the new school year, Audrey Ling and
Kiran Shivalingam understand their responsibilities as Year
PAGE
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12 students. Neither the Higher School Certificate (HSC) nor
International Baccalaureate (IB) program is easier than the
other, and both curricula demand full commitment during the
last two years of students’ lives as secondary students.
“Once you reach senior years, you discover that there exists this
general perception that HSC students have it ‘easier’ and get
‘less work’,” says Kiran, a Year 12 HSC student. “How false this
is. Subjects like Math and English require persistent practice
and repetition, whilst humanity subjects especially require
constant creation and collation of notes. I spend hours each
day preparing for the next exam, so the workload is heavy, but
manageable.”
The International Baccalaureate
(IB) Diploma Program, on the other
hand, is an academically challenging
program that has earned a reputation
for rigorous assessment. To attain the
IB diploma, students must complete
requirements in one course from six
groups, including Language A, Language
ab initio, Individuals and Societies year,
Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and
The Arts. At least three and not more than
four courses are taken at higher level (240
hours over two years), while the others at
standard level (150 hours over two years).
“The most important factor that made
me decide to choose IB is the holistic
education that requires students to be
critical thinkers and open-minded,” says
Audrey. “Doing two science subjects in
higher level is quite an intense workload
but is still manageable once I understood
the syllabus and criteria.”
When asked what the differences
between HSC and IB are, Kiran says,
“The critical difference between the two
is that the HSC emphasises choice while
the IB focuses on getting you to be an all
rounded student. If you have an affinity for
a single subject and are weaker in others,
the HSC gives you the freedom to identify
preferred subject areas and work to ones
strengths. In many instances, the HSC
is also more theoretical and descriptive,
while the IB is more skill based.”
Audrey also noted that with the extra
requirement for Creativity, Action
and Service (CAS) for IB students, she
feels that the program offers her more
opportunities to get out of her comfort
zone and develop skills by involving
herself in different activities that are not
typically encountered in academics and
classroom teaching.
Whether students at AISHK choose
HSC or IB during their years in Senior
Secondary, they are provided with a
“From an academic view point, teachers
at AISHK go above and beyond to ensure
that each student is getting the most out
of their education,” says Kiran. “AISHK
has instilled in me the value of hard work.
It has taught me to push myself in the
present so that I can live comfortably in
the future.”
With their future in their minds, Kiran
and Audrey share similar academic and
personal experiences with other Senior
Secondary students at AISHK. Many may
face an incredible amount of stress as
students, but by maintaining a balance and
seeking help from teachers and others,
the journey to success is attainable.
The valuable lessons throughout one’s
academic journey are in the learning and
acquisition of all resources needed. In the
words of American author Robert Collier,
“Success is the sum of small efforts,
repeated day in and day out.”
“I have learnt that the pleasure of the
result far outweighs the difficulty to get
there,” says Kiran. “While getting the
job done may not be an overwhelmingly
pleasant experience, the prize after is.”
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Activity Week
India
A
group of 15 students and three teachers
embarked on a life-changing trip to Delhi
and Rishikesh in India from 14 to 21 March
this year. Students took part in activities that
they would not have been able to be part of without
the guidance of Snow Leopards Adventure Tours,
including white water rafting down the Ganges, going
to the Divya Prem Sewa Mission to meet and spend
time with the children, and attending an evening Arti
ceremony.
five-wick lamp and other items are
offered. The ceremony concludes
with the blowing of a conch shell.
Known as the most popular ceremony within Hinduism,
Arti is a greeting ceremony offered to gurus, holy
people and other representations of the divine.
Throughout the ceremony, incense, water, flower, a
“My favourite memories of the trip were
going to the evening Arti, as I got to immerse
myself in the Indian culture, and visiting the
Mission.” – Madeleine McBride, Year 11E
“The best part of the trip was
going to the Mission and getting to see what the
money we raised prior to Activity Week was going
to. It was really nice to interact with the girls and
experience the way they live.” – Niamh Davies,
Year 10J
Paris
A
by Beatrice Brennan-Cohen, Year 12E
fter a seemingly never-ending flight, 13 AISHK
students, accompanied by Ms VanderhoekCossé and Ms Yip, stepped off the plane in
Paris. Buzzing with excitement, we wondered
what the city of love, lights, and of course, incredible
food had in store for us.
practice our French through our stays with
our wonderful host families. They were
all extremely welcoming and sweet, with
the end of the trip seeing many hastily
exchanged e-mail addresses and quite a
few tears!
We were all desperate to explore the beautiful city and its
famous sights, whether we had visited before or not. From
the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre and Versailles, from the
catacombs to the Opera Garnier and the amazing shopping
at the Galeries Lafayette, we managed to experience many
different aspects of the city in just one week.
This week away allowed us to
experience new things, make new
friends, and fall in love with a
beautiful, unique city. As the last
ever Activity Week for a large
number of students in our group,
it is clear that the Paris trip was a
truly extraordinary experience
which we will never forget.
On top of all the activities throughout the week, we
were allowed to immerse ourselves in local life and
PAGE
14
Golf
S
taying
in Hong
Kong for
Activity
Week is usually
seen as a waste
of opportunity by
some secondary
students, however
the golf trip was
something I genuinely
enjoyed. This is coming
from someone with
terrible hand-to-eye
coordination.
All five days had a common
routine but each maintained
a novelty of its own. The
morning usually started off
with going onto the green
and practicing our chipping
and putting. Something which I
learned is a lot more complex than
just simply hitting a small ball with
a long stick. This realisation became
painstakingly obvious during the
numerous putting competitions we
had, which were all fun, but never failed
to remind us of our entertaining lack
of ability. This of course only made me
appreciate golf even more.
by Marianne O’Reilly, Year 11H
After an hour of “darn it!”and “why isn’t
the ball going into the hole?” (with the
occasional “did you see that?!”), we trekked
back up a flight of stairs towards the
driving range. The boys on the trip seemed
to enjoy this part especially as they could
hit the ball as hard as they could, and to
their credit, most of their hits were going
past the 100-yard mark. The girls’ long
shots were pretty impressive too, though.
After lunch and an intense round of cards
we finally made our way out onto the
course to put our newly learned skills
to the test. Playing on the North course
was certainly a highlight for me and many
others as Kau Sai Chau is incredibly serene.
As an avid appreciator of the outdoors,
not only did I forget I was in Hong Kong
but I forgot that Hong Kong could be that
beautiful. Not to mention yelling “FORE!”
at any opportunity was surprisingly
fulfilling.
What really made golf so special was the
people involved. The coaching staff, Mr
Phillips and Mr Ruskin offered unwavering
guidance and support as well as frequent
banter. I know I speak for everyone when I
say that the golf trip embedded a soft spot
for the game in my heart, and I am eager to
go back.
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ZHAO QING
YEAR 8 CAMP
A group of 26 Year 8 students, both
excited and nervous, attended the Zhao
Qing camp. We were all first greeted
by the camp leaders and it was to all of
our surprise to see some friendly faces
from Year 7 camp.
Over the next few days we took part
in a variety of events which included
a high ropes course, a cable way walk
and raft building. These activities made
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16
us think and learn about how to work
as a team. On the third day of camp
we completed our community service,
with one group of seven creating a
growing moss wall painting and the
others creating a hanging green wall.
For many this was the highlight of the
week.
On the last day we travelled to the
Ding Hu Mountain. From there we
CHIANG MAI
completed a hike and experienced some
amazing waterfalls and scenery. We
also got to experience ink stone carving
later that day and the much anticipated
Chinese painting course.
Fourty-five students and four
teachers assembled at Hong Kong
airport for Activity Week, excited
about the days that lay ahead.
Although many of the travellers had
been frequent visitors to Bangkok
and its surrounds, for most Chiang
Mai was a new discovery.
After the long bus ride home, we
arrived in Hong Kong and were back
at the school grounds with our much
missed parents. The week in Zhao Qing
was a blast!
In addition to all the activities during
the week, the visit to the Elephant
Nature Park was the highlight for
most students. It was a chance to
learn about the truly horrific abuse
by Pamela Murphy, Year 8E
@AIS_HK
by Ms Jackie Byrne and Abigail Oh, Year 8W
elephants face, formerly mostly as
labour for logging and more recently
as sources of rides and amusement for
tourists.
The students also embraced the
opportunity to assist Ban Huay Sai
Kindergarten in the hills by helping
to build a wall around the school.
Bricklaying was hard work and the sun
was hot, but the students worked with
commitment, knowing that the wall
would help provide a safe environment
for the children.
We managed to squeeze in a Thai
cooking lesson, traditional umbrella
painting and shopping at the famous
Night Market. The culmination of
the trip was the traditional Khantoke
farewell dinner, at which we sat on
woven mats at small round tables.
The students rose to the challenge of
every activity that was offered. Both
staff and students felt fortunate to have
been on this trip, which reminded us of
the responsibility to use our privilege
wisely and generously.
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ROOFTOP
YEAR 9
OUTWARD BOUND
by Imogen Rogers and Joshua Lee, Year 9E
Outward Bound Camp ran from 16 to 20 March. The five days were
tiring and long but everyone found it extremely rewarding. We each
learnt to cook, camp, set up tents, clean, the basics of first aid and
many other important things that will surely be useful in the future.
The team building activities that we participated in helped each of us
learn how important team work can be when in a somewhat dangerous
environment. We learnt to help and support each other and to work
together in unison.
We all experienced new activities like abseiling and jetty jumping, which
we might not have ever had the chance to experience if it weren’t for the
camp. We learnt that safety of ourselves and of others would always be
the top priority. We also learnt that it’s okay to be out of your comfort
zone and that we need to try to find a way to challenge ourselves so we
can learn to be better individuals.
By the final day of AYP all groups have a special bond, and many
friendships were made. Many boundaries were stretched and everyone
pulled through the week of tough terrain. It was kind of sad leaving
Outward Bound, though we carry with us all of our memorable moments
and inside jokes such as, “If there was ever an opportunity to go again I
would just go back for the food.”
GARDEN &
SERVICE
by Kelly Killian, Year 12H
Coming into school during Activity Week
felt like any other week, but it was an
amazing time joining the rest of the group
from different year levels. Surprisingly, we
made an efficient team and this was best
acknowledged in our efforts in gardening on
the Green Roof and our work in the Design
and Technology lab where we made a 3D sign
using cut acrylic and Adobe Illustrator.
Highlights of the week included drawing
sessions with illustrator Gavin Coates,
creating a giant artwork that encourages
people to save our Earth, and a cooking
challenge where we had to use ingredients
from home and from the supermarket on a
HK$50 budget. My personal favourite was
our trip to Crossroads, where we’ve learned
to create paper bags and hearing the stories
of people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and the
signs and impacts of the incurable disease.
Even though this was the first time the
sustainability course was part of the Activity
Week, it was so enjoyable that I believe it
should run again next year.
Cambodia
O
ver the course of
six days spread out
between Phnom
Penh and Siem
Reap, more than 30
AISHK students were able to immerse
themselves within the foundations
of Cambodian culture, history and
customs, whilst gaining unforgettable
life experiences through elements of
community service.
Travelling far out into a more rural
province of Phnom Penh, students built
six houses in total for families to live in,
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18
by Johnathan Banfield, Year 10E
despite the dry and menacing summer
heat. I can speak for myself in saying
that this was the most memorable
aspect of the trip, seeing the glowing
and heartwarming smiles of the locals
as we left them to make use of their
newly built homes.
Although it was for only a short period
of time, students were also able to visit
Sayong School, a school that provides
quality free education for students of all
ages within the outskirts of the city. This
was truly another eye opening experience,
with many students appreciating just how
much the impact years of civil war and
conflict had on such a beautiful country.
We finished off the trip with visiting
the cultural centrepiece of the country,
Angkor Wat, with its sprawling and wide
gardens amazing all of us.
Overall the trip was of great success.
Students got to take action and set
things in place for the better with
their own hands. I am certain that all
students have come away from the trip
with not only a great sense of personal
achievement, but also a hope for a
better future for Cambodia.
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Bali Diving
T
ulamben: A small fishing village on the north east
coast of Bali, a two-hour drive out from the main
city. Unfortunately, due to a detour caused by
a marriage procession consisting of hordes of
men and women dressed in white, it took four
hours for the 13 students to arrive. Students spent the entire
day beforehand practicing at the dive centre, and weeks
prior completing an online theory course to prevent us from
drowning, bursting our eardrums or rupturing our lungs.
After their fourth and final dive, everyone packed their
equipment and dragged both their equipment and themselves
onto the bus to rejoin the surfers. Thankfully on the way back,
the group did not encounter any marriage processions.
The golden rule? Don’t hold your breath.
Over the course of two days, students waddled along in
their wetsuits, buoyancy control devices and weight belts
towards the shore and into the sea. They dove at three
different locations – the coral garden, the drop off and the
Liberty Wreck – all featuring magnificent displays of coral
and marine life. They encountered eels, turtles and countless
varieties of fish, however, students were disappointed by the
lack of sharks (which many of them had eagerly practiced the
hand signals for, specifically ones that were large and behind
the people they were signalling to).
Japan
Bali Surfing
T
he surfing trip to Bali was an exciting yet relaxed
week away from the stress of school. Students
learnt the basics of surfing including how to
paddle out, how to spot a good wave and how
to catch one, while more experienced surfers
ventured out with a different instructor. At first we struggled
– we fell over more times than we surfed. After the second
and third day, we had all paddled further out and started to
surf some bigger waves and were able to turn as well. It was
amazing the first time we did a move correctly and thought,
“Wow, I can actually do this.”
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20
by Nicholas Yuan, Year 11W
“It was amazing the first time we
did a move correctly and thought,
‘Wow, I can actually do this.’’’
In addition to surfing, we also explored other notable
destinations in Bali. We learnt about various aspects of the
Balinese culture through unique cultural dance performances
and a hands-on experience of the traditional Balinese art
“Batik”. All in all it was a great break from school that was
both culturally insightful and heaps of fun.
by Danielle Shaw, Year 12H
This year, 21 Year 12 students travelled to Niseko, on the
island of Hokkaido to experience a week of intense skiing and
snowboarding. The five-day week was filled with morning and
afternoon ski/snowboarding lessons, fierce snowball fights
and exquisite dining.
There was a sense of determination among the group, as
first time skiers persevered to master the art of parallel
turning, whilst experience skiers conquered black runs at
groundbreaking speeds. The strong-willed snowboarders took
on the challenges of the terrain park, practicing jumps, riding
the natural half pipe and gliding across the box. The early
morning risers enjoyed the freedom of speeding down the
quiet slopes, whilst the night owls experienced night skiing/
snowboarding down the mountains at breakneck speed.
Highlights of the trip include waking up to the glorious views
of the Grand Hirafu Mountain, entertaining chair lift rides
and racing friends down the runs. The end of the week saw
tired and worn out snowboarders and skiiers, who all wished
they could have stayed longer in Japan.
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Korea
by Sunny Lau (10H) and Jonathan Mak (12W)
U
pon hearing an audible “thud”
from the rock-hard luggage
that loudly settled itself upon
the glossy marble floor, 18 enthusiastic
students paced out of the airport,
unsuspecting of the Korean chill that
awaited their arrival. Even though we
yearned for the comfort of our beds,
our resolve to venture deep into the
depths of Korean culture was stronger
than our heart’s desire. The sights and
sounds of the natural forces provided
a ritual significance to our courageous
endeavour. The host of radically culinary
elements that were present in some of
our company’s members were enough
to sway them into the open arms of the
street food; the scrumptious taste of
the barbequed chicken was particularly
enticing to Mr Kelleher.
The inherent passion that manifested
itself within our very veins, swept us off
of our feet into the kitchen, where we
had our cooking class. We learnt how
to skilfully prepare two famous Korean
dishes: Kimchi and Bulgogi. Distinctive
and unique in their own right, they
provided two extremes of the culinary
element of the Korean cuisine;
vegetarian and carnivorous. Our
graciousness was never understated;
our enlightened souls appreciated the
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22
time and energy that the local chefs
ingrained in both their tutoring manner
and patience towards us. The strength
of national culture depends on the
right mix of entertainment, culinary
art, history, sportsmanship and social
manner - something that we thankfully
had the pleasure to extract from the
extensive cultural palette that we had
both envisioned and experienced with
gusto. One particularly memorable
event was our visit to Gyeongbokgung
Palace, or the Emperor’s Palace. As
our eyes feasted on the ceremonial
manner of the changing of guards,
which was a long held tradition in royal
Korean history, we truly felt as if we
were witnessing it in the past. A truly
fascinating experience!
The history of Korea, despite showing
a more sinister side, was undeniably a
worthwhile concept to grasp wholeheartedly. We travelled to an area
forbidden to the general public,
whereupon the scars of the Korean
War in the 1950s remain and endure.
This was the Demilitarised Military
Zone. Soldiers from both sides of the
conflict surrounded us, watching our
every move with their ever-vigilant
eyes. Beneath the dark visors of our
US escort, however, hid an unexpected
aura of kindness and sympathy towards
our presence. Stepping out from our
current background, we paced beyond
the boundary that separated South
Korea from its hostile territory that
is North Korea. We lay our intuitive
gaze on the soldiers from both sides
who stand stationary, radiating an
aura of discipline and unrelenting
bravery. Upon this observation of
the continental relic of the conflict
between the Western and Eastern
blocs, it sends us a clear and concise
message; that the hostile resolves
had stubbornly endured for countless
decades since the Cold War. It was only
after we enlightened ourselves that we
realised that the dream to terminate
this conflict and unify Korea once again
is shared among some aspects of the
Korean society as a whole, both in the
military and the civil populace.
All too soon, six worthwhile days had
passed without us knowing it, as the
bustling atmosphere of the airport
greeted us again. The weight of the
souvenirs in our individual hands
reflected our unwillingness to leave
Korea, as it had been such a fun week.
However, the gratitude and learning
experience of Korean culture that we all
shared remains cemented in our hearts.
The Real Star of
Vietnam
by Anoushka Weiley, Year 11W
It was an honour for 25 students from Year 10 to Year 12 to
visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh City during Activity Week, with
a purpose of furthering our ties with the Christina Noble
Children’s Foundation. Since its establishment in 1995,
Australian International School Hong Kong has maintained a
close bond with CNCF. As this year is the 20th Anniversary
year of AISHK, it seems fitting that the school is able to
share its legacy, by supporting the construction of a school
for less fortunate children in Vietnam. The kindergarten,
located in Dong Thap province, was funded by AISHK in
conjunction with the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation
Vietnam.
Due to a fifth of the population of Dong Thap living in
poverty, and the rural nature of the province, many children
are unable to obtain any form of education. The Tan Nghia
Kindergarten is vital in ensuring that the children living in the
area have access to basic education. Previously, there was
limited kindergarten space available and only 20 children
could be accommodated. The sparkling new, two-room
building is the star of the community and we attended the
opening ceremony of the kindergarten. The inauguration
included performances by teachers and the 60 students
of the kindergarten, speeches from key figures involved
in the project including our own Mr McGunnigle, and a
ribbon cutting ceremony. The Principal of the kindergarten
commented that the new facility was “the dream of the
teachers”. AISHK intends to establish close contact with the
progression of the kindergarten by bringing students to visit
annually during Activity Week.
In addition to interacting with the children at the Tan Nghia
Kindergarten, AISHK students visited other Christina Noble
Children’s Foundation projects. These included the Sunshine
School and the Tay Ninh Centre for Visually Impaired
Children, where we gave a concert, interacted in games and
even had the opportunity to experience blind massages.
Interacting with the children at these centres aided us in our
understanding of CNCF and how it benefits the region.
Despite the emphasis on service throughout the trip, we
were also able to experience the rich culture and history of
Vietnam through activities such as visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels
and exploring the Mekong Delta. It was incredibly rewarding
to have the eye-opening experience of
interacting with children in Vietnam, whilst also
experiencing the vibrant culture and sensory
delights that are abundant across the region.
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YEAR 7 CAMP
W
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yangshuo
by Kylie Lau (7W) and Kevin Yang (7E)
aking up at the ungodly hour of 6am was
definitely worth it. The cramped rehearsal room
we gathered in was buzzing with excitement
and nervousness as we were greeted warmly by enthusiastic
Dragonfly staff. They escorted us to YWCA, where teambuilding games took place. We were later briefed on the
activities of the week, which ended up as one of the best
experiences of our lives!
acquired from our previous rock climbing session, where we
all conquered the wall.
Water activities were intense, enjoyable and adventurous.
These included kayaking and rafting. In kayaks, we paddled
out and played a game of ‘capsize’, also known as overturning
a boat. Despite the freezing cold water we all had to overturn
our kayaks. We also weren’t provided with any rafts - we
had to make one ourselves. It dismantled in seconds, but we
survived the 15-minute trip to the shark net. It turned out to
be the ride of our lives!
Born in the 21st century, we weren’t exactly keen on working
on a farm. Believe it or not, ‘hands-on old fashion’ was not
that bad. Weeding, ploughing and making scarecrows were
actually quite fun. Some of the scarecrows that we made were
definitely scary enough to scare the cows and birds away.
The best way to dry up after being soaked was a bike ride.
With our hair blowing in the breeze, we rode around Mui Wo
and got a taste of the local lifestyle. We rode to the Silver
Mine Waterfall. The bike ride was lots of fun, especially going
down the big hill that led up to the mine.
Canyoning was definitely memorable. Overcoming boulder
after boulder with determination, we were rewarded with
the breathtaking view of Lantau Island. We applied skills
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24
Rock climbing was definitely an exciting activity as most of
us had not done it before. After we all went up the wall once,
a few of the groups got to climb up the wall blindfolded! The
other groups went up the other side of the climbing wall
which had a V shape in the wall.
After dinner, you’d expect a bit of peace and quiet. Instead,
night activities took place. From storytelling and singing by
the campfire, to quizzes and challenges, and even a talent
show, they were all great ways to end the day, putting smiles
on our faces as we sleep.
In the span of five days we did a series of activities, testing our
capabilities and allowing us to embrace challenges. Unfortunately,
the end came too soon. Some got emotional on the goodbyes
with our instructors while others fumbled through their pockets
to take a picture of one last memory. It was an unforgettable
week that surely will be remembered for a long time.
@AIS_HK
by ms robyn gregory
Yangshuo was a stunning
experience for the 13 students
and three staff, providing a
broad range of activities. After
some energetic team building
experiences on Sunday and
our first Tai Chi lesson before
breakfast on Monday morning, the
team challenges began with rock
climbing on one of the beautiful
karst mountainsides. This activity
was supervised by some of China’s
expert climbers who generously
shared their knowledge with all,
offering climbs of different levels
of difficulty.
Next it was off to a local primary
school where our students
became teachers for an afternoon,
exciting the young students with
activities such as making paper
planes and learning some English
language through involvement in
various games.
Tuesday began with a three-hour
bike ride through small villages
along the Dragon River on which
we were due to raft the next day.
The scenery was awe-inspiring,
and even the occasional mud
patch and detour into water by
some, did not detract from the
enjoyment of this experience. Fan
painting was a relaxing contrast to
the exhilarating morning’s activity.
Students and staff painted with
special calligraphy brushes and
were shown the fan-making
process by a master craftsman.
The evening saw a trip on the
river to view the traditional fishing
method using trained cormorants
to catch the fish. The river rafting,
the walk through the Silver Cave,
the Li River Light Show in the
world’s largest natural theatre,
the Chinese cooking lesson all
enhanced the overall experience
of the week. Even the hairraising bus trip to the Long Ji rice
terraces was forgotten, as we
walked in the clouds above the
famous rice terraces and sampled
traditional wares such as ginger
tea and dried sweet potato.
This was a wonderful, memorable,
challenging and enlightening
activity and cultural experience
for all.
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Q&A
G. Aela Breeze
Year 2D
Awesome,
Interesting, Friendly
D
session with AISHK students
by Nicole Meyer, Year 6R
Photos by Charlotte McGrory, Year 10E
As it is our school’s 20th anniversary,
we asked students the question,
“What are three words to describe
AISHK?” and received responses
that celebrate AISHK’s continuous
success in Hong Kong.
G
B
A
I. Naomi Ferguson
Prep G
Kind, Nice, Helpful
H. Pamela Murphy
Year 8E
Family, Interactive,
Creative
K. Jasper Palfrey
Year 1M
Playful, Learning,
Chinese
H
E
@AIS_HK
J. Ashwin Utamchandani
Year 12E
Welcoming, Family,
Supportive
L. Brigitte Hunt
Year 9J
Community, Welcoming,
Fun
J
I
A. Finn Bennett
Year 5B
Educational, Playful,
Friendly
C
C. Glenn Hui
Year 7E
Awesome, Good, Safe
B. Lisa Miu
Year 4M
Fun, Big, Collaborate
26
K
E. Harrison Hardge
Year 6R
Fun, Welcoming, Educational
D. Ana Milliner-Parsons
Year 11J
Welcoming, Family,
Supportive
PAGE
F
F. Hayden Lam
Year 10E
Intelligent, Welcoming,
Enthusiastic
Three Words
to Describe
L
AISHK
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AISHK
IN ACTION
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28
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@AIS_HK
Your actions always speak louder than your words. And have
confidence in yourself - that’s so important. To portray that
confidence and think, “Yes, I can do that.”
I think a smile and genuine kindness shown to others can
certainly take you further than you can imagine. I think
they’re important messages.
COULD YOU SHARE WITH US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR
HOMETOWN IN AUSTRALIA?
Having been here this length of time now, the valedictory
services are always just so special because you can
remember the children from when they were young. To be
in a school where some of the children are here for all of
their schooling, you can watch them grow until they become
young adults, so that’s certainly a lovely memory.
Farewell and Thank You
to Mrs Drew
THE END OF TERM 1 MARKED THE TIME TO SAY ‘FAREWELL’ AND ‘THANK
YOU’ TO MRS LEONIE DREW. HAVING LED THE PRIMARY DIVISION OF THIS
SCHOOL IN PARTICULAR FOR OVER 11 YEARS, WE SPOKE WITH LEONIE
ABOUT HER EARLY MEMORIES OF HONG KONG.
YOU MUST HAVE SO MANY MEMORIES FROM OVER THE YEARS
AT AISHK. COULD YOU SHARE WITH US SOME OF THE EARLIER
MOMENTS FROM WHEN YOU FIRST BEGAN YOUR TIME HERE?
Certainly. It’s hard to think back over 11 years, but I think
initially it was just the sheer size of the school building.
Moving from Australia, where everything is reasonably flat in
schools, to eight stories in a school and with the pool on the
roof - that was certainly an early memory.
Hong Kong. These are some of my earlier memories.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB THAT YOU
HAVE ENJOYED THE MOST?
Initially, and it has continued right through the years, just the
sheer privilege of spending your working day with such wellmannered children. They’re very happy children and are wellbehaved. Really, no job can be better. I think that’s something
that always makes you happy because it’s a nice environment.
Also, I think listening to children and teachers when they
come back from holidays, hearing all the amazing places
they go to. Back in Australia, it’s usually “down the coast”
or maybe peple have saved to go to Bali or somewhere. But
here, people go to all sorts of places.
The other part of the job I’ve really enjoyed is being able
to try and find the very best teachers that you can, from
everywhere. To try to find teachers who you think will match
this school. That’s been very enjoyable too.
WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WILL MISS THE MOST ABOUT
HONG KONG WHEN YOU LEAVE?
Well, obviously the staff and students, because it’s usually
people who you miss the most. I think the energy and
vibrancy of the city. The ease of travel from Hong Kong for
anywhere in the world. And then, of course, cheap taxis and
the MTR. And having somebody do my cleaning and ironing!
They’re things I think I’ll miss the most.
Other aspects of the job include watching the teachers
grow and improve. Overseeing their teaching become more
‘AISHK style’ rather than NSW or anywhere else. It’s actual
curriculum for this school. I think that’s something.
Be the best you can be in whatever you do, all your life long
- doesn’t matter what you’re doing. Make decisions with
your heart as well as your mind. Choose your role models
carefully, I think that’s very important.
On a personal level, trying to find an affordable apartment
and realising how small living spaces are for most people in
Traveling with the Year 6s to Beijing – I think I’ll be in the “old
folks” home still remembering that!
Live life as fully as you can, because it’s surprisingly short.
Travel extensively - a lot of students at this school have that.
Never forget that we’re truly privileged. I think that’s so
important because it becomes the norm after a while.
30
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU LOOK FORWARD TO
MOST ABOUT GOING BACK TO PERTH?
I think helping my family, especially my two graddaughters
and getting to know them. Having regular barbecues in the
backyard. Walks along Cottesloe Beach and the Swan River.
The smell of eucalyptus trees early in the morning. The smell
of lawn being cut. And having a veggie garden, cutting roses
from the garden and putting them in a vase in the house.
Just a slower pace of life with more time to read, and live and
learn.
On behalf of AISHK students, staff and the wider school
community, we thank Leonie for her dedication to the School
over the past 11 years. We wish her the very best for her
return to Perth.
WHAT KIND OF ADVICE MIGHT YOU GIVE TO AISHK STUDENTS
WHO ARE LIVING AND STUDYING IN A CITY LIKE HONG KONG?
Then, soon afterwards, hearing the children sing the national
anthem of Australia made me realise that in some ways we were
probably more Australian here than in Australia! Other things
include managing school buses. Over 350 children catching
buses from all over Hong Kong - that’s very different to Australia.
PAGE
Well even though Phil Waugh teases me and says, “Do
you have electricity there yet?” - yes, we do! Perth is very
isolated. While it’s not the most isolated city in the world,
it is the most isolated city in Australia. It has a beautiful
climate, great, clean air and fabulous beaches, unspoiled
coastlines and beautiful Swan River. It’s a casual, easygoing
city with a terrific outdoor life of open cafes, restaurants and
barbecues. The winter is very short. I think you would call it a
Mediterranean climate with a dry heat.
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Music
Instrumental
Program
by Mr Graeme Tyler, Head of Performing Arts
The instrumental music program at AISHK continues
to grow and flourish. We currently have over 160
students enrolled in the program, being taught a range of
instruments that include flute, clarinet, saxophone, violin,
viola, double bass, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar,
piano and voice.
Nine visiting instrumental teachers visit our school
each week to provide private individual lessons to our
students.
The benefits of learning a musical instrument are welldocumented around the world. Apart from the growth
and development of their artistic selves, students
learning an instrument develop their brain function as
well as their physical coordination. They develop skills of
patience and perseverance, and the ability to focus. This
holistic learning helps students to perform their best in
all subjects and equips them with essential life skills.
Students who learn an instrument also then have the
opportunity of joining one of the AISHK music ensembles.
We encourage all students to learn a
music instrument. Parents can enquire
about the program by sending an e-mail
to [email protected].
Music
Ensemble
Program
PAGE
32
Alongside the In-Curricular teaching
program of music in our classes from
Preparatory through to Year 12, we
have an important Co-Curricular
music ensemble program. These music
ensembles provide invaluable practical
opportunities for our students in both
instrumental and choral music-making.
v The Primary Choir - involving
v The Jazz Band - involving students
students from Year 3 to Year 6, in a two
part choir of soprano and alto voices.
from Year 3 to Year 12 and including
woodwind, brass, percussion and
keyboard players.
v The Vocal Ensemble - involving
students from Year 7 to Year 12, in a
four part ensemble of soprano, alto,
tenor and bass voices.
v
The program includes:
The Junior Choir - involving
students in Year 1 and Year 2.
v The Orchestra - involving students
from Year 3 to Year 12 and including
string, woodwind, brass and percussion
players.
v The Guitar Ensemble - involving
students from Year 3 to Year 12, and
including both acoustic and electric
guitar players and bass guitar.
The AISHK music ensembles perform
at various school and community
events throughout the year such as
the annual speech days, biennial school
fair, performing arts showcases, special
celebrations and music recitals. We
encourage all students to join a choral and/
or instrumental ensemble by registering
interest at [email protected].
PAGE
33
www.aishk.edu.hk
2015
PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK
@AIS_HK
2015
PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK
www.aishk.edu.hk
2015
PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK
2015
PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK
2015
PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK
Celebrating
AISHK’s 20th
Anniversary
EARLY CHILDHOOD
PHILOSOPHY
by Mr Graeme Tyler, Head of Performing Arts
In 2015 we have the exciting opportunity
to celebrate the School’s 20th Anniversary
through a series of events during the year. The
first of these events was held on Australia Day
26 January, when we also celebrated AISHK’s
birthday. The Primary Choir sang the National
Anthem on this occasion.
This was followed by our special
Commemoration Event on 6 February, which
featured over 250 performers. This program
highlighted the talents of a specially selected
secondary dance troupe, all of the Year 5 and 6
students, chosen Year 4 students, the Primary
Choir, and a senior instrumental band. The
dance troupe and primary year level groups
presented a spectacular visual celebrating the
20-year journey of the school. The Primary
Choir sang the National Anthem and introduced
the new Anniversary School Song to the AISHK
community. The senior instrumental band
entertained patrons during the Welcome BBQ
that immediately followed the official ceremony.
The Performing Arts department will also
present a special 20th Anniversary Arts
Showcase celebration on 17-18 June. This will
be an entertaining evening of music, song and
dance, involving the Orchestra, Primary Choir
and Vocal Ensemble, along with our Anniversary
Dance and Drama Troupes.
A grand finale will bring together all performers
playing and singing the renowned Hallelujah
Chorus by Handel. This will indeed be a dynamic
way to conclude the evening’s Anniversary
celebrations. We look forward to sharing this
special event with the AISHK community.
PAGE
34
@AIS_HK
IN 2014, OUR EARLY CHILDHOOD TEAM SPENT TIME REFLECTING ON WHAT
WE BELIEVE IN AS TEACHERS, AS WELL AS WHAT WE KNOW IS BEST FOR
YOUNG CHILDREN, CULMINATING THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR EARLY
CHILDHOOD PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT.
by Mrs Simone Nielsen, Head of Early Childhood
At AISHK, our Early Childhood team is
committed to ensuring our students are
provided with a range of opportunities
to learn through play-based, handson experiences. As students move
through the Early Childhood years,
they are increasingly introduced to
more ‘academic’ learning, however
this continues to take place in an
environment that nurtures individual
learners and differentiates for the
specific needs of each child through
creative delivery of the curriculum.
In our Reception year, the Australian
Early Years Learning Framework is
used as a tool to extend and enrich
children’s learning with an emphasis on
communication and language (including
early literacy and numeracy) as well
as social and emotional development.
From Prep onwards, the Australian
National Curriculum is used as our
foundational document to guide
teaching and learning.
We recognise and acknowledge that
our school operates in the unique
context of Hong Kong and our
educational programs respect this
uniqueness. By combining the cultural
influences of our home country with
those of our host country we are able
to provide our students with rich, deep
and diverse cultural experiences.
Programs at AISHK reflect and are
closely aligned with the constructivist
theories of learning. We aim to
integrate aspects of theories principally
developed by Dewey, Bruner, Piaget
and Vygotsky. Our practices are also
influenced by a range of international
Early Childhood approaches, such as
Reggio Emilia, and we incorporate what
we consider to be the most relevant
aspects and principles. These influences
have led us to develop and adopt some
firm principles on which we base our
programs, pedagogies and practices.
These beliefs include:
v Children learn best when they
are actively involved and interested.
Through their play, children learn about
themselves, other people and the world
around them.
v Play experiences must be
purposeful, relevant and enable
children to expand and build on what
they already know and can do.
v The learning environment must be
stimulating and allow children to take
risks. This requires meticulous planning
and knowledge of each individual child.
The environment must also facilitate
access to a range of quality resources
that allow children to follow their
interests and expand their learning
through hands on experiences.
v Parents play an integral part in
the learning process. Early Childhood
education at AISHK is accomplished
and enriched through a collaborative
partnership with children, parents and
educators.
v Children develop at different rates
and in different ways - emotionally,
intellectually, socially, physically and
spiritually. All aspects are important
and each is interwoven with the other.
We provide a differentiated curriculum
to meet these individual needs and
allow each child to experience progress
and success in their own unique way.
v The importance we place on
literacy, numeracy and information
technology must be evident throughout
all key learning areas of English,
Mathematics, Science, Humanities
and Social Sciences, the Creative
Arts, Putonghua as well as Health
and Physical Education. Of similar
importance is the emphasis we must
place on the development of learning
dispositions and the essential skills of
problem solving and critical thinking.
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35
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@AIS_HK
www.aishk.edu.hk
YEAR 6 TRANSITION DAY
by Mr Anthony Murphy, Mathematics Teacher and Year 7 Advisor
YEAR 5 2014’S PAPER CRANE
PROJECT DELIVERED TO
HIROSHIMA
Towards the end of November 2014, Year 6 students were
given a taste of secondary life. They took part in Transition
Day, spending a day on the upper floors of the school.
by Ms Lynda Lemmon, Year 5 Classroom Teacher
Although it is the same building, the move from Primary to
Secondary Division can be daunting as it brings with a number
of changes. Students must get used to moving from class to
class and from teacher to teacher throughout the day and
using specialist classrooms such as technology and science
rooms.
During the early months of the 2014 school year, Year
5 began a very special project when they aimed to fold
1,000 paper cranes in memory of a very special young
girl, Sadako Sasaki. Sadako died of Leukemia at the
age of 12 as a result of tragic atomic bombings that
devastated Hiroshima on 6 August 1945. Students
discussed peace within our world, remembered tragic
events that have passed and collaborated together as a
year group until the 1000th paper crane was folded.
This very special journey was made completely in
January when our precious ‘senzaburu’ (flock of 1,000
cranes) along with Year 5’s wishes of hope and peace,
were delivered to the Children’s Memorial Peace Park
in Hiroshima. It was a beautiful, sunny yet cold day
when the cranes were hung besides hundreds of other
senzaburu made by children from all over the world.
The message attached to our cranes was simply a haiku:
Students met with secondary teachers and prefects, who
answered many questions about life in secondary – from daily
timetables to Friday activities and lunch time to homework.
They also attended a Secondary Assembly, took part in a
Mathematics ‘Treasure
Hunt’ and had a lesson in
a technology classroom.
All Year 6 students,
teachers and prefects
enjoyed a BBQ lunch
on the Green Roof to
celebrate the successful
day as a ‘secondary’
student.
IMAGINATION
PLAYGROUND
– ENDLESS
POSSIBILITIES
by Mrs Simone Nielsen, Head of
Early Childhood
Just imagine being able to build rocket ships, factories, robots,
houses, buildings that reach for the sky and just about anything
your imagination can possibly create.
This has been a reality for our Early Childhood students this
year, due to the generosity of the Parent Association of 2014,
who funded our ‘Imagination Playground’.
The playground is made up of large loose blocks in shapes such
as cubes, bricks, curves, cylinders and cogs. These blocks have
connecting holes and shapes that fit together, allowing young
children to create and build in an open ended manner.
While playing in this way, our students learn to solve problems,
express themselves, collaborate as well as negotiate the
rules of their play. They are moving their bodies and thinking
mathematically.
Our Imagination Playground is currently being used as part of
our PMP program and is a huge hit with our younger children.
While watching students play and interact with both the blocks
and their peers, our teachers gain invaluable information about
each student and how they learn and make meaning in their
lives.
@AIS_HK
AISHK STUDENTS PLACE IN
AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE
CHRISTMAS CARD
COMPETITION
by Mr Cameron Reed, Dean of Studies (Primary)
Towards the end of each year the Australian
Consulate in Hong Kong facilitates a Christmas
card competition. Students of varying ages design a
card that they hope will be used by the Consulate in
sending out Christmas cheer.
Each year the number of students increases as does
the quality of the artwork. The students are asked to
encapsulate the images of Christmas and combine it
with a Hong Kong perspective. As the submission and
judging happens after the completion of our school
year, we did not have the opportunity to recognise
the successful students until the following year.
In 2014 Sophia Zervaas, Kristen Li and Jessica Martin
were selected as finalists. Isaac Au received the
next level of achievement and Naoise Breeze was
selected as first runner up by the judges for displaying
excellence in creativity and visual aesthetics while
promoting the competition's theme. Each of these
artworks was displayed at an art exhibition in Central
in December.
When kids are taught love
Hate stops before it begins
This gives us world peace
Our congratulations go to the Year 5 of 2014. We are
so proud of you.
PAGE
36
PAGE
37
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@AIS_HK
www.aishk.edu.hk
Australian Author
YEAR 3 CELEBRATES
DR SEUSS’
111TH BIRTHDAY
by Ms Lesley Stewart, Year 3 Teacher
Year 3 students had a fantastic day celebrating Dr Seuss’ 111th
birthday in March. Students dressed up in a ‘touch of Seuss’,
brought a plate to share and took part in some fun learning
experiences.
Students looked wonderful dressed as Cat-in-the-Hat, Thing 1
and Thing 2, the Once-ler, the Lorax, barbaloots and many other
characters. Families, as always, were generous with their sharing
plates, and we did have some amazing creations: marshmallow
hats just like Cat-in-the-Hat’s, the truffalo trees made from cake
and fairy floss, and green eggs and ham sandwiches.
Students, with the help of their teachers, also researched
information on Dr Seuss; did some artwork inspired by the
settings in Seuss books and Kandinsky-inspired trees from the
Lorax; they wrote book reviews and did author studies; they
looked at rhyme and wrote poetry.
There are many reasons for celebrating the works of Theodor
Seuss Geisel: they are fun, interesting and just a little bit wild; they
have great characters; they rhyme and have wonderful nonsense
words; and often they have important messages in them. It’s best
PAGE
38
Visits AISHK
to leave it to Dr Seuss himself to explain why his
work is still so popular and powerful today.
It has often been said
there’s so much to be read,
you never can cram
all those words in your head.
So the writer who breeds
more words than he needs
is making a chore
for the reader who reads.
That’s why my belief is
the briefer the brief is,
the greater the sigh
of the reader’s relief is.
And that’s why your
books
have such power
and strength.
You publish with shorth?
(Shorth is better
than length.)
by Claudia Wong, Year 6W
Primary students were fortunate to
have one of Hong Kong’s most wellknown children’s authors, Sarah
Brennan, visit AISHK in March. She
introduced her new book The Tale of
Rodney Ram, which is about the Year
of the Goat.
Sarah Brennan writes a series called
Chinese Calendar Tales. These books
contain poetry, illustrations by Harry
Harrison and information about Chinese
history. Every year a new book is
published by Auspicious Times Limited
to celebrate that year’s zodiac animal.
The Tale of Rodney Ram is about a
sheep named Rodney, who leads
a flock of ewes and acts bravely in
public but whose personality is shy,
just like the characteristics of people
born in the Year of the Goat. After
he gets kicked off his farm, Rodney
discovers rice, one of the most eaten
foods in the world, and becomes
famous. In the pictures of the book,
Harry Harrison has hidden two
insects, Hip and Hop, that can be
found on every page.
As well as a fabulous story and
wonderful illustrations, there is also
some Chinese history in all of her
books. Sarah says that the plot of this
book was formed around a legend
where in a flooded village, five sheep
floated down to earth with gods on
their backs. The gods taught the
villagers how to grow rice, who then
shared this method with the world.
There is a stone statue of five sheep in
the centre of Guangzhou, symbolising
the legend.
Towards the end of each session,
Sarah encouraged students to enter
her latest Clever Competition: A
Shaggy Sheep Poem.
Everyone enjoyed Sarah’s visit to
our school and hopes she visits the
School again next year with another
fantastic story about the Year of the
Monkey.
@AIS_HK
Port Adelaide Member
Surprises Year 6 Students
A Port Adelaide member surprised Year 6R
student Angus McBride and his classmates
with a visit to the School and a signed jersey
in hand during the last week of February.
During a class project called ‘Own It’, Year
6R students were asked to claim a section of
their classroom and decorate it with items
that reflect who they are. Through a series
of unfortunate events, Angus’ signed Port
Adelaide AFL jersey ended up being thrown
away.
Mrs Nicki Robertson then contacted
Matthew Richardson, the General Manager
of Port Adelaide Football Club, and explained
how Angus had lost this prized possession.
Matthew wrote back within minutes saying
that he and the team would be more than
willing to help replace the jersey.
The jersey was hand delivered on Monday
23 February by a Port Adelaide member,
which amazed all Year 6R students. Angus
now has a signed jersey as well as a jersey to
play in at his AFL practices.
Sincerest thanks to Matthew Richardson
and the rest of the Port Adelaide Football
Club for their help!
PAGE
39
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
Year 10 Work
Experience
by Ms Feona Crawford, Career Advisor
Y
ear 10 students experienced a wide
range of work environments and
careers during their two-week work
experience in November 2014. Thanks
to the generous support from a wide
range of Hong Kong companies that
our students are able to learn valuable
life skills including the following:
•Time management and meeting
deadlines
•Following directions
•Problem-solving
•Interpersonal communication
•Responsibility
•Leadership and working as part of
a team
www.aishk.edu.hk
Students learnt
about sales and
marketing while
working at Aura,
Life’s A Breeze,
Genie Juicery,
Hong Kong Rugby
Football Union,
Tequila Kola and
Polkadot Boutique.
Students developed
their performing
arts skills at Red
Angel Media, A Team
Studio, IAFT, MnS Music and Cloverland
Music. A number of students had the
opportunity to learn about the world of
design and architecture at Boris Design
Studio, Warmpaper Design, J-Pans HK
Ltd, Power Professional Production,
LWK & Partners Architects, Gravity
Partnership and Command N Media
Limited. A few students worked with
animals and learnt about a career
as a vet at Peace Avenue Veterinary
Clinic, Creature Comforts and Tai
@AIS_HK
A
SHASMUN 2014
by Ms Amy Hii, Secondary English Teacher &
Model United Nations Co-ordinator
ISHK sent a delegation to participate in the annual Shanghai
American School Model United Nations Conference from 13 to 16
November 2014. Our students had an enriching time and did AISHK
proud. Two of our students, Nicholas Yuan and Wendy Liang performed
particularly well, being awarded with Most Diplomatic Delegate for
the Economic and Social Council and Most Passionate Delegate for the
Human Rights Council, respectively. AISHK congratulates these two
students, along with: Brayden Lo, Bryan Tang, Jonathan Banfield, Emily
Zhu, Felix Wong, Robert Shu, Jack McCorkell, Andrew Pu, Edmund Sze,
Ronald Au and Nicholas Jessop.
“On 13 November, fourteen of our school’s finest delegates gathered in the
cafeteria anxious to depart for the annual SHASMUN conference. Our trip had
a rocky start, with the plane being delayed by four hours, but our optimism
did not dissipate. The next day we readied ourselves for the first day of the
conference. We sat through a delightful opening ceremony and were divided
into our committees. A day of lobbying and merging saw us make alliances,
rivals and new friends. The next day we participated in debates, with delegates
writing speeches, having to think on our feet and make amendments. Overall
the trip was an invaluable and amazing experience for all those who went. We
came back with new skills, new experiences and most importantly, new friends.”
Wai Small Animal and Exotic Hospital.
Many students worked in the health
profession and learnt about different
careers associated within the health
care sector including C & S Dental Care
Limited, Ocean Optical Group and
Haven of Hope Sister Anni Sku Holistic
Care Centre. Some students also
learnt about careers within the legal
profession at DLA PIPER HK, Tanner
De Witt, Mayer Brown JSM and Keith
Lam Lau & Chan.
– Nicholas Jessop, Year 11E
HKMUN 2015
THIMUN
Singapore 2014
by Ms Amy Hii, Secondary English Teacher &
Model United Nations Co-ordinator
PAGE
40
A
ISHK attended its last MUN
conference for 2014 in Singapore.
Students from Year 10 and 11
participated in The Hague International
Model United Nations conference
held at the Hwa Chong Institution in
Singapore from 17 to 21 November.
Students were the delegates of Greece
and the World Health Organisation,
and for many of our students this will
be their last international conference
of their school career. Two of our
senior students had special positions
at this conference: Robert Shu took on
the leadership role of President of the
General Assembly Third Committee
and Joyce Lui was an International
Court Judge. AISHK congratulates
these students, along with Andrew Pu,
Nicholas Jessop, Gordon Young, Kiran
Shivalingam, Bryan Tang, Nicholas Yuan,
Chloe Lam, Ashwin Utamchandani,
Michael Tan and Felix Wong.
“THIMUN was a great experience,
complete with a lively atmosphere
and fruitful debate. We negotiated
and debated the solutions to various
problems such as, human rights,
environmental protection, economic
development, disarmament and issues
of war and peace. Through the countless
research and preparation sessions that
Ms Hii had thoroughly planned and the
involvement with other young delegates
our age, we were able to empathise and
give insight into the world’s problems, to
make us aware of the causes of conflict
between nations which led us to a better
understanding of the interests and
motivations of others.” – Chloe Lam, Year
11W
T
en students from Years 9 to 11
took part in the 2015 HKMUN
conference, which was held from 27
February to 1 March. Stretching over
three days, students independently
prepared for this annual conference
and debated with confidence and flair.
The AISHK community congratulates
Felix Wong, Bryan Tang, Edmund
Sze, Wendy Liang, Ronald Au,
Nicholas Jessop and Elly Yiu for being
outstanding ambassadors of their
represented nations and the School.
“The conference had changed drastically
from last year, with a great improvement
in facilities and logistics, moving to the
Science Park in Sha Tin.
This year, with the introduction of two
experimental committees, LegCO and
NATO, we took a delegation of 10
students, including a chairing position. We
were given the delegations of Pakistan,
Kuwait and Hungary in the Historical
and Modern General Assemblies with
issues ranging from the Ethiopian famine
of 1985, to voluntarism. In NATO, our
delegation of Luxembourg debated
important current issues such as cyber
warfare and the Ukraine crisis. Our
delegate for LegCo represented the
entrepreneur Charles Mok and expressed
views on universal suffrage.
Some of the newer delegates who were
unfamiliar with the HKMUN procedure
were a little bit distressed at first, but
quickly managed to adapt and act
constructively in accordance with the
political dynamics of each committee.
At the end of the conference, many friends
were made, goodbyes were said, and all of
us look forward to going back next year.” –
Nicholas Yuan, Year 11W
PAGE
41
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www.aishk.edu.hk
Year 7 Visual Arts
Students Visit
Kowloon Park
Year 9
English Mixes
Shakespeare
and Swift
by Olivia Ruskin, Year 7E
A
ll Year 7 Visual Arts students took a trip
out to Kowloon Park as part of their
Friday Activity in February. Students were
divided into their respective house groups
and went to different parts of the park.
T
Secondary
Students
Celebrate
Friendship Day
W
hen the time comes around
for the annual SRC Friendship
Day there is always the reluctance and
awkwardness that comes with buying
gifts for people, but every year without
fail, students celebrate the kindness
and hope of friendship through small
tokens of appreciation.
by Nicholas Yuan, Year 11W
Mainly held in Week 4, this year’s
SRC Friendship Day was organised
through the efforts of community
service prefects Kiran Shivalingam
and Vernice Chan along with the SRC.
Chocolates, a sweet and simple gift
suitable for all and roses, the sign of
a secret admirer, were 10 and five
dollars respectively.
“The sheer number of orders placed
this year show that we have students
who understand the big impact a small
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42
Taylor Swift’s Blank Space in
Shakespearean Sonnet form
by Year 9E (2014) with Ms Hii
owards the end of the 2014 school year, Year 9 English students were
introduced to the ideas and structure of poetry – old and new alike.
Students learnt about villanelles and the Shakespearean sonnet, identifying
how ideas about love can be expressed in multiple ways. Students made the
connection that many of these ideas expressed in Shakespearean sonnets
are also found in pop music today. Paying homage to Taylor Swift’s song
Blank Space, students broke down her song for meaning, identifying a single
headline found in the song and matching it to a key idea Swift represents in
her music.
Students were required to bring a camera
to practice taking photos of the elements
of nature surrounding them. They took
photographs of plants and trees close up in
order to properly see the texture and colour.
In addition to taking photos, they were also
required to draw in their art diaries. Students
were only allowed to use a black ink pen,
drawing sketches of barks of trees, texture of
leaves and much more. Overall, the excursion
was fun and interesting.
Students identified the headline, “love is dangerous” and matched this with
the idea that “love is like a game”. Together as a class, they thought of three
different games and attempted to include the ideas of each of these games
into each quatrain of their sonnet. They thought about cards in stanza one,
Minecraft in stanza two and Tetris in stanza three. Students followed the
Shakespearean sonnet rules of 14 lines, three quatrains, one rhyming couplet,
written in iambic pentameter with an ABAB/CC rhyme scheme.
gift can bring,” said Kiran, admiring the
stacks of cards that needed chocolates
stapled to them.
Students and teachers alike bought
these small gifts to be delivered to their
friends, across the spectrum of grades.
“Events like Friendship Day that raise
money for charity are great, especially
when they involve friends… and
chocolate,” Vernice remarked.
As usual, all funds raised go toward the
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation,
a charity dedicated to the improvement
of children’s conditions in Vietnam and
Mongolia, which our school continues
to work with through this
and other fundraising
events and the Saigon
Activity Week trip.
@AIS_HK
You were the only king to fit my heart
We had love and spades till you went away,
Even a joker couldn’t make us part
I thought about you every single day
Love is a mistake you’ll go down in flames,
The heat will consume you causing you pain
All in all love is really just a game
If there’s no pain then there will be no gain
One small mistake can scar you forever
If you miss the slot you will ruin the plot,
Life is like Tetris, it’s now or never
We connect together like dot to dot
Make the wrong move, and you will blow up
in flames
Love is dangerous akin to a game
Year 11 and 12
Physics Students
Visit the AIA Great
European Carnival
by Eddie Haines, Year 11J
Y
ear 11 and 12 Physics students visited the
AIA Great European Carnival shortly before
the Chinese New Year holidays this year to study
and analyse the physics that allows the rides to
function.
The Carnival’s lead engineer and technician
escorted students and teachers around the fair,
explaining the science behind each ride such as
undulating tracks which allows the roller coaster
to push itself forward. Students were also lucky enough to receive two
free rides and lunch at the Carnival. Funfair rides are a great way to
learn physics and experience motion in all its glory!
PAGE
43
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www.aishk.edu.hk
Alistair. Cipta Croft-Cussworth,
the illustrator, created two of the
other armadillos. The remaining
five were created by Grade 5
students back in Indonesia. We
ran a competition amongst a
number of schools to create the
most interesting characters.
Each of the winning students
received both books signed by
myself and Cipta and will be
recognised in the third book.
I: On your website, I saw
that you had all of the
characters as part of ‘The
Fez’. What is the meaning
behind this, and why did
you choose it?
A ‘Fez’ is a term used for a group
of armadillos like a ‘herd’ is used
to classify a group of sheep.
I: I noticed that you had
started the first Kids
Boot Camp program in
Indonesia. What is it like?
What difficulties did you
have to overcome?
Journey of Discovering
Health, Colour and Happiness
I: How has your interest in
fitness training influenced your
writing?
My first story has a message of being
healthy. I try to live healthily and wanted
to represent this in my first book.
Nothing brings stories to life better than listening to people who created them share their stories and
the creative process of writing their books. Award-winning author Mike Brumby visited AISHK earlier in
March and gave our students a first-hand experience of his newest books Alistair the Armadillo - Journey to
the Stars and Alistair the Armadillo - Gift of Colour. Year 10 student Ivan Hu sat down with Mike to discuss his
inspirations, passion for health and fitness and his adventures as an author.
I: What made you interested in
fitness training?
I: What inspired you to write
Alistair the Armadillo series?
I: What made you choose
to make all your characters
armadillos?
For the past two and a half years I
really had an ambition to write a book
for kids that had something to do with
PAGE
44
being healthy, but I didn’t know enough
about children’s books and how to
write for an audience of children. So I
bought a lot of children’s books online,
went to libraries and read hundreds of
children’s books and spoke to lots of
people about my idea. Two books that
really inspired me and gave me the idea
for my own book would be Elmer and
The Gruffulo.
I’ve been interested in fitness ever
since I went to university. I studied PE
& Sports Science and then worked as a
PE teacher for 10 years.
In the fez there are a total of seven
armadillos. I created the main character
My Kids Boot Camp is very
new. Generally, many children
in Jakarta live very sedentary
lifestyles. I started this program to try
and encourage children to become
more active outside and to eat more
healthily. My program is situated on an
organic farm in Bandung, about two
hours from Jakarta.
I: What would you say was the
book that influenced your life
the most?
Wow, that’s a tough question. There
are so many books that I have read that
have influenced me. However, I really
took a lot of strength after reading
Lance Armstrong’s book It’s not about
the bike: My journey back to life. He
was such a determined individual. To
come back to win the Tour de France
after almost dying from cancer is
@AIS_HK
unbelievable beyond belief.
I: How many schools have you
visited?
So far around 40, mostly from Indonesia
where I live. I’ve been to schools in
China, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong
and Malaysia. In the near future I will
be visiting a few schools in Cape Town,
Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.
I: I noticed that you are
planning to release your third
book, Join the Fez. Could you
give a brief description of what
the book may be about?
The third book will begin to develop
the other armadillos in the fez. The text
will be written in a rhyming format and
the illustrator will try to do something
quite unique with the illustrations,
possibly that hasn’t been done before.
Hopefully, the book will be out before
the end of the year.
I: What was it like being
awarded the Moonbeam
Children’s Book Award?
It was a great feeling. Mr Mike Hughes
was the creator of the eBook which
won the award. The award was given to
us because the eBook not only had five
languages but also included a language
called ASL (American Sign Language).
We were lucky to have the help of a boy
called Tobin who is deaf. He made all
the ASL videos on the eBook.
I: Do you have any specific
lifestyle advice?
My advice for children would be to
spend as much time outside and active
as possible and not so much time on
your smartphone or laptop.
I: Just one more question.
What fruit is also known as the
‘love apple’?
Maybe the reader of this article could
have a guess themselves of what that
could be (smiles).
PAGE
45
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@AIS_HK
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
Sports
News
AISHK Swim Team
Secondary Netball Tournaments
The AISHK Opals and the AISHK
Sapphires played five games in the
U14 ISSFHK Competition between
September and November 2014 against
Discovery Bay and Harrow.
Results:
AISHK Opals- Winners
AISHK Sapphires- Runners Up
In late October 2014 a team of 11
girls took part in the AISA U16 Netball
tournament in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam. We remained undefeated
up until the grand-final where a
thrilling, high standard of netball was
played by two very well-matched
teams. Singapore proved to be just too
strong, defeating us 29-20.
Result:
AISHK U16- Silver; MVP – Beth Olliffe
Eight girls travelled to the British
International School in Pudong Shanghai
in November 2014 to compete in the
ACAMIS Netball Tournament. After five
games on the first day, AISHK secured
a place in the top four. The following
two games were played back-to-back
securing the opportunity to compete
for third place. The girls proudly
walked away with a bronze medal after
defeating BISS Puxi in our final game.
Result:
AISHK – Bronze
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46
AISHK sent a team of swimmers to
the Bangkok Splash meet in March,
held at the International School
of Bangkok. Twenty-three AISHK
students boarded a flight to Bangkok
for two days of competition against
almost 700 competitors, including
students from Philippines, Singapore,
Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia,
Malaysia and Hong Kong.
Kaitlyn Buffon led all the way in the
100m Freestyle for her age division in
the time of 1.02.97, and Temana Short
became the first AISHK swimmer
in 2015 to go under 27 seconds for
the 50m Freestyle in the time of
26.83. Long Course swimmers Sarah
Steadson, Ella Fraser, Bill Thorley,
Temana Short, Jack Ware, Henry
Phillis and team captain Maddie
Howell all won gold medals. The team
finished off with three gold medals
at the 400m Freestyle event, the last
event of the day.
Ella Fraser, Andy Pich, Jack Ware
and Temana Short all swam times
that would rank them in the Top 10
in Hong Kong in their events. The
team ended up with 16 bronze, 30
silver and nine gold medals, and won
the trophy for the school with most
points per swimmer.
SDRC Touch Football
Tournament 2014 (Boys)
SDRC Volleyball
AISHK’s Girls and Boys volleyball teams
travelled to American International School
of Guangzhou to compete in their annual
SDRC Volleyball tournament. The timing of
this event isn’t ideal for AISHK as our season
has just started with only a few training
sessions, nevertheless our students headed
over the border confident in being able to
give a few teams a run for their money.
After two days of competing, both the boys
and girls teams were playing for fifth and
sixth, in the process they both managed to
take a few sets from their opponents. Both
teams kicked off their final games on Saturday
morning in good spirits, with the girls team
quietly confident of not only taking a set but
winning their final. This shone through in their
final, easily winning and defeating Utahloy
International School Guangzhou in straight
sets. Special mention goes to Lachlan Ting,
Zachary Chu, Victoria Hogan and Phoebe
Fraser for making it to the All Star Team.
SDRC Soccer
AISA Soccer
In very trying weather and pitch
conditions eight girls attended this
tournament in Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam in October 2014. Most
of their games were played in the
afternoon, and some of the girls
had already participated in other
sports during the day, giving their
achievements even more credit. On
the last day of the tournament, the
girls achieved a draw which put them
through to the semifinals against AIS
Singapore, the number one team at
the tournament. The girls held their
own but went down 1-0 in a very close
fought game to Singapore, who went
on to win the final.
The AISHK Kangaroos played
their way through a very
hot, three-day tournament
in Shekou on 16-18 October
2014. After losing their
first game, the girls made an
impressive comeback and
progressed to the semifinals to
eventually lose 2-1 to Utahloy
who then went on to win the
tournament. The girls then
claimed third place in their next
game. All Star Team selections
went to Lara Schats and Phoebe
Coogans. Congratulations to all
for a huge effort and having a
great tournament.
In December 2014, 21 students from Year 5 to
Year 8 represented AISHK at the annual SDRC
Touch Football Tournament held in Southern
China. As well as enjoying success on the
field, both boys and girls teams showed great
sportsmanship and respect towards the other
visiting teams and the host school, American
International, Guangzhou.
After a long bus trip and a difficult first-up game
against the home team, the AISHK boys played
tremendously well to win four out of their five
pool matches to finish second overall and book
themselves a place in the semifinals. In a hard
fought match against SIS which ended up all
square at full time, our boys eventually lost in a
golden point drop off situation. Although feeling
disappointed in narrowly missing the final, the
boys were able to bounce back and win their last
match against Canadian International School to
secure third place. Congratulations to all team
members for their efforts over the three days,
particularly Callum Kendall and Samuel Thorley
who were chosen in the tournaments All Star Boys
team for their overall outstanding play.
PAGE
47
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
01
02
AISHK on
Instagram
03
08
04
05
06
01 Primary students getting ready for their ‘20 Years in Dance’ performance.
02 Taking drone footage of our whole school and school building. 03 Meet and
greet with Qantas Wallabies at AISHK. 04 Reception students on a mission to
find Santa Claus at Festival Walk. 05 First day of the 2015 school year.
06 Primary Choir performing at the Mad Hatter’s Fair. 07 Teachers all dressed
up for Book Week. 08 Santa photoshoot in action at Carols Evening 2014.
07
Follow us on Instagram
@ais_hk
to get up to the minute photo
updates from the school
PAGE
49
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
www.aishk.edu.hk
Welcoming New Families to AISHK
We would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new families at AISHK.
Uy Family
Living in an apartment and not having to deal with weekend house maintenance rates high on
the list of Hong Kong positives for the Uy family. Alexandra, Toby (Year 5), Sophie (Year 3) and
Alfie (the dog) moved first, and they will soon be joined by Raf, who is the Regional CFO (Asia)
for Zurich Insurance. According to Alex, the kids enjoy making new friends at AISHK, are happy
going to school and really like their teachers – “What more could newbie expat parents ask for?”
The Uy’s love exploring their new city and are taken aback at how friendly and helpful people
are. They are looking forward to travelling around the region and hosting visitors. Alex, who is
studying Naturopathy and Meditation, is looking forward to being able to spend more one-onone time with the kids while in Hong Kong.
Fraser Family
Living overseas is nothing new to William and Helen, who have lived in the UK, Japan
and Abu Dhabi. However, the move to Hong Kong makes it the first time the Frasers
have lived outside Australia with school-aged children – Phoebe (Year 9), Ella (Year 7)
and Tom (Year 5). The family is excited about living in Hong Kong, and Helen notes it
is such a dynamic time for Hong Kong and China and therefore a real privilege to be
living here during these changes and developments. She also thinks that by leaving
their safe haven of Sydney, their resilience as individuals and as a family will be tested
but hopefully made stronger by this experience.
According to Helen, the children settled into the AISHK school routine quickly and have made many new
friends. In addition to the academic excellence and focus on pastoral care and support at school, she thinks
the ECA program and sporting activities are terrific. Both the girls have already had the opportunity to
represent the school in China (Phoebe – volleyball) and Bangkok (Ella –swimming), opportunities they
would not have had in Sydney.
The Frasers, who have chosen to live in mid-levels, relocated so William could take up an opportunity
in banking/finance IT. Helen, who has always worked, is hoping to find a role in public health policy and
management. Helen attended the “Settling Into Hong Kong” forums held at school and found the first two
sessions helpful and provided her with some useful strategies and tools to better support her children
during the transition to their new home.
@AIS_HK
Community News
and Events
AISHK celebrates its 20th Anniversary
with the school community and breaks
2013 Fair attendance records.
Mad Hatter’s Fair
With the weather on our side on the day, the attendance at the
AISHK Mad Hatter’s Fair broke all records. Inspired by the Mad
Hatter’s theme and ‘Alice in Wonderland’ décor, many of our
attendees dressed for the occasion and put together brilliant
costumes and hats.
The Fair featured a wide range of rides and games for all
ages; a variety of entertainment including the school choirs,
orchestra and ensembles as well as musical guests, Pete
Moore and his band Stylus; Andrew the Brilliant Balloon
Man; an intense bubble soccer tournament and many, many
more activities throughout the school. The Scavenger Hunt
also kept students and other attendees warm from the cool
breeze as they found their way up and down the school,
searching for clues hidden in different spots around the
campus. Students, staff, families and community members
enjoyed a fun-filled day of activities, food and drink,
entertainment and the many commercial stalls on offer.
Importantly, our community made a tremendous effort in
fundraising over $600,000 through our associated raffle,
with all proceeds going towards the enhancement of both
the 4/F and 6/F gymnasiums.
This fabulous result was due to the efforts of the parents and
the AISHK Development Office, sponsors, staff, students and
others who volunteered their time and gave so readily to the event
and made it such a success.
Males Family
Hailing from Brighton in Adelaide, the move to Hong Kong is the first family adventure outside Australia for
the Males family. Liz, who leads the Asia-Pacific Partner Matters Talent function of Ernst & Young, transferred
to the Hong Kong office. Their children, Josie (Year 9) and Rupert (Year 5) have found AISHK very friendly and
welcoming.
The Males family relocated to push themselves outside their comfortable life in Adelaide, and they are looking
forward to exploring Asia during their time here. According to Grant, it is worth attending as many welcome
events and forums as you are able because you make many friends who become the smiling face at school events
so you don’t always feel like a “newbie”. Now that the family is settled, Grant is ready to embrace a new change and
will look for work as an Accountant/Commercial Manager.
PAGE
50
PAGE
51
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
20th
Anniversary
Commemoration
Event
AISHK marked its 20th anniversary with an
official ceremony, followed by our annual
Welcome BBQ in February. We were lucky
enough to have a number of special guests
including past principals, board members
and Australian Consular officials attending
this commemorative event.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS BY MR CARL OHLSON, ADRIAN WONG AND CHARLOTTE MCGRORY
After a brief introduction by Co-Heads of
School Mrs Leonie Drew and Mr Phillip
Waugh, Board Chairman Mr Tom Corkhill
spoke about his journey as board chair
of AISHK. A preview of “Building, Being,
Becoming - A Story of Australian International
School Hong Kong” was screened, which
brought joyful tears to many.
PAGE
52
AISHK Alumni Cara Manning, Class
of 2007, spoke about her favourite
memories throughout the years
before introducing ‘20 Years in Dance’,
a special celebratory anniversary
performance by our secondary dance
troupe along with all of the Year 5, Year
6 and Year 4W classes.The Primary
Choir also sang the Australian Anthem
and launched the 20th anniversary
school song.
We would like to take this opportunity
to thank all founding staff, students
and their families, and the AISHK
community, who
supported the growth of
our school and helped us
reach the milestone in
the school’s history.
PAGE
53
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
qantas
www.aishk.edu.hk
@AIS_HK
wallabies
visit
aishk
The Australian Rugby Sevens team visited AISHK
in March, taking some time off from a rigorous
training program in the lead up to the Hong
Kong Sevens held between 27 and 29 March.
Both Primary and Secondary students had the
opportunity to see the Wallabies in action.
Each of the team members took part in ‘The
Longest Pass’ competition, a tradition that has
been running at the school for the past six years
and has recorded passes from over 100 touring
professional rugby players. The length of the
players spiral pass is recorded on an ongoing
leaderboard that has a host of great rugby
players from today’s game as well as some of
yesterday’s heroes.
Students lined the field and watched from the
balconies as players had a crack at breaking
records on the leaderboard. In the end it was
back Allan Fa’alava’au, throwing an impressive
32.4 metres, who made it on the leaderboard
once again.
Primary students handed souvenir gifts from
the school with their personal well wishes.
Forward Bradley Wilkin also presented a signed
jersey on behalf of the team to our Primary
Head Boy and Head Girl.
PAGE
54
PAGE
55
3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
www.aishk.edu.hk
THE LION ROCK
Embracing
differences,
achieving
together

success - Australian International School Hong Kong

Transcription

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