Oct 2014 | Volume 15 australian international school hong kong Pg 12 Pg 54 Pg 22 Pg 28 Increase Your Learn about one of the newest ECA clubs at AISHK for volunteer enthusiasts. Chartwells Healthy INITIATIVES Students now enjoy healthier meals and snacks at school KINGS OF THE TURF Get to know two AISHK parents who are among the who’s who of Hong Kong’s high profile horse racing scene. Joy by Giving it Away SEAMS FASHION SHOW Check out photo highlights of the Seams of a New Era Fashion Show (SEAMS) 2014 Making AISHK swim team on a mission to be the best in Hong Kong Pg 32 WAVES
Transcript
Oct
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australian international school hong kong
Pg 12 Pg 54 Pg 22 Pg 28
Increase Your
Learn about one of the newest ECA clubsat AISHK for volunteer enthusiasts.
ChartwellsHealthyINITIATIVESStudents now enjoy healthiermeals and snacks at school
KINGSOF THETURF Get to know two AISHK parentswho are among the who’s who ofHong Kong’s high profile horseracing scene.
Joy by Giving it Away
SEAMSFASHION SHOWCheck out photo highlights ofthe Seams of a New Era FashionShow (SEAMS) 2014
MakingAISHK swim team on a mission to be the best in Hong Kong
Pg 32
WAVES
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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2
This edition of the Lion Rock magazine encapsulates
Terms 2 and 3 2014 and it provides a glimpse
into the remarkable lives of the students in our
school. As well as highlighting the many and varied talents
of our students, it also emphasises the breadth of learning
opportunities that are available at AISHK.
It never ceases to surprise us how enthusiastically our
students take every opportunity to challenge themselves
and strive to achieve personal bests in whatever activities
that may be on offer. In the year of Celebrating Identity
Message from
TheHeads ofSchool
“It never ceases to surprise us how enthusiastically our students take every opportunity to challenge themselves.”
and Diversity, where we embrace difference and celebrate
achievement we are very proud to present this chronicle of
life at AISHK.
Leonie Drew and Phillip Waugh Co Heads of School
Australian International School Foundation Limited – A Non-Profit Organisation
Board Members
Mr Tom CorkhillBoard Chairman
Ms Julianne DoeVice Board Chairman
Dr Dan HooleySchool Supervisor,Immediate Past Chairman and Governor
Professor Richard PettyGovernor
Dr Joseph Lee SBS, JPGovernor
Mr Andrew MacintoshGovernor
Mr Ian WhittonGovernor
Mr Cliff Sun BBS, JPSubscriber and Ex-Officio GovernorRep. the Australian Chinese Association Hong Kong
Mr Ian CarrollSubscriber and Ex-Officio Governor Rep. AISHK Parent Association
Mr David ChanSubscriber and Ex-Officio GovernorRep. Federation of Australian Alumni Association
Ms Carolyn BickertonSubscriber and Ex-Officio GovernorRep. Australian Association of Hong Kong
Mr Stephen YapAlternate Subscriber and Ex-Officio GovernorRep. Australian Chinese Association of Hong Kong
Ms Janaline OhSubscriber and Ex-Officio GovernorRep. Australian Consulate Hong Kong
School Leadership Team
Mrs Leonie DrewPrincipal PrimaryCo Head of School
Mr Phillip WaughPrincipal SecondaryCo Head of School
Mr David ChristmasBusiness Administrator
Mr David ShirleyAssistant Principal Primary Student Services & Administration
Mr Cameron ReedDean of Studies (Primary)
Mr Howard West Assistant Principal SecondaryStudent Services & Administration
Mr Chris McCorkellDean of Studies (Secondary)
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
Contents
01 MESSAGE FROM HEADS OF THE SCHOOL
05 UPCOMING EVENTS
06 NEWS
08 CLICK: STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHS
10 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
12 FEATURE:
AISHK YES CLUB
14 CHINESE WEEK
16 BOOK WEEK
18 VALEDICTORY DINNER AND ASSEMBLY
20 FLIGHT CENTRE: MY TRIP TO YAO NOI
22 CHARTWELLS INTRODUCES HEALTHY INITIATIVES
24 Q&A WITH AISHK STUDENTS
26 AISHK IN ACTION
28 FEATURE:
KINGS OF THE TURF
31 STUDENT PROFILE
32 MAKING WAVES
12 18
55
44 14
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLHONG KONG
EDITOR’S NOTEAISHK is defined by its warm and welcoming environment, and it’s always amazing to witness the ‘can-do’ attitude of our students. This issue features some of the many activities that are run or supported by students - from sending paper cranes to Japan as a peace project to organising a club that does different volunteer work each week. On another note, congratulations to our 2014 Year 12 cohort! I look forward to hearing many achievements and best wishes for your upcoming exams. Don't forget the 'Ebeneezer's Fridays' at AISHK!
ACAMIS Rugby andNetball atBritish International Schoolof Shanghai
SDRC Touch atAmerican International Schoolof Guangzhou
Mind Your BrainAISHK Auditorium
AISHK School FairAISHK
Alumni Soccer, Volleyball and BBQAISHK Field and the Green Roof
12-14Nov
18-21Nov
4-5Dec
8Dec
10Dec
9Dec
20-22Nov
27-29Nov
School Mufti DayAISHK
Christmas Carols EveningAISHK Field
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
newsANZAC Day Memorial Service at AISHKVice Admiral Ray Griggs joins AISHK in commemorating ANZAC Day this year.
ANZAC Day is an important day for all students, staff and members of our community. This year, AISHK was honoured to have Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, join our students and the school community in commemorating this important event.
“While Gallipoli is often the focus today, we must guard against thinking that today is all about Gallipoli,” said Vice Admiral Griggs. “It’s a day of great sadness and yet one of justifiable pride, pride in the courage and sacrifice that hundreds and thousands of ordinary men and women have made over more than a century in the service of our countries.”
Complementing the dawn service organised by the Australian and New Zealand Consulates, the School commemorated ANZAC day with a school assembly and laid wreaths at the ANZAC Memorial on campus.
“ANZAC Day leads us to look back with some pride at our shared history and at the sacrifice and courage of those who have gone before us,” said Vice Admiral Griggs.
The ANZAC Memorial on campus is one of the defining features of the School. Donated in 2002 by the Australian and New Zealand Consulate Generals, it is a proud reminder of our school’s Australian roots and is a great source of pride to our school and community. Remarking about the monument, Vice Admiral Griggs said “AISHK is lucky to have one and even luckier to have such a beautiful one. One that represents part of our heritage and history.”
Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs’ speech can be viewed on our AISHKTV Youtube Channel at www.youtube.com/AISHKTV.
AISHK Uniform Drive for Orphanages and Schools in Cambodia and IndiaWith the introduction of the School’s new uniform design, Year 12 students have organised a student-run uniform donation initiative to collect disused uniforms and donate them to the Orphans and Disadvantaged Association in Siem Reap, Cambodia and the Divya Prem Sewa Mission and Snow Leopard Adventures in New Delhi, India. The uniform drive promotes the importance of recycling for the environment as well as providing uniforms to students in both Cambodia and India who at present do not have any.
AISHK has teamed up with Friends of the Earth, who have provided two clothing recycling bins located adjacent to the security guard booths at the school’s entrance. Students and families have started donating uniforms at the beginning of Term 3 and will continue contributing to the uniform drive until the end of Term 4.
We wish to thank our corporate supporters including Toll Global Forwarding, National Australia Bank, CPA Australia and Wofoo Foundation, who have offered financial assistance to transport the donated uniforms to Cambodia and India.
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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Parent Focus Group SessionsAISHK holds its first series of Parent Focus Group sessions
The first series of Parent Focus Group sessions took place earlier in Term 3, with conversations focusing on the school’s establishment, educational enhancement, our financial position, the need to fundraise to achieve goals, and various fundraising methods.
These focus group sessions provided an opportunity for a candid question and answer on the topic of the school’s development with our Co Heads of School, Mrs Leonie Drew and Mr Phillip Waugh.
The sessions were a highly valuable exercise that allowed the school to gather information, perceptions and experiences through discussion. At the same time, parents left with a greater understanding of the School’s background and some of the considerations that affect decision making.
During all Parent Focus Group sessions, we received an array of valuable feedback, both positive and constructive. One of the recurring suggestions we received was to collect and share testimonials from our current parents. As such, we will begin displaying testimonials from parents in different sections of our school website, which will be valuable to both parents of AISHK students and to prospective parents who may be looking for schools.
The School will continue to hold more focus group discussions in the near future and hopes to have continuous involvement from all parents.
Some of the topics discussed at
all sessions:
•Non-profitstatus
• Debts and loans
• Capital fundraising results
• Additional revenue streams
• Competition and positioning
• Expansion
• Leadership changes
• Recruiting and retaining
teachers
• Major community events
• Communication
• Performing Arts and backstage
• Corporate engagement
• Technology
Year 2 to Year 6 Students Commemorate Mo, Evie and Otis MaslinA group of Year 2 to Year 6 students who were close to the Maslin children gathered at the Green Roof and planted flowers and seeds in memory of Mo, Evie and Otis Maslin.
Year 6 students painted a timber planter box gold while talking about some of their memorable
times with Mo, while Year 2 to Year 6 students planted some flowers and seeds. There were a few tears here and there, but all had an opportunity to express themselves with the support of their teachers and Mrs Waugh, one of our school counsellors.
The school community also prepared a condolence book and a Memories Scrapbook for Rin and Anthony Maslin, parents of Mo, Evie and Otis. Coordinated by Veronica Monaci, an AISHK parent, the scrapbook includes precious memories that our students had with the Maslin children whilst they were living in Hong Kong.
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
A Holiday Destinationto Remember
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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Inspired by one of Australia’s most revered photographs Max Dupain (1911-1992),
Year 6 students responded by portraying their holiday destination using the genres
of landscape, portraiture, still life and architecture. Within these genres, students
considered composition, light, line, shape and colour to generate a
photograph depicting ‘A Holiday Destination to Remember’.
(From top left to bottom right) Sienna Gray 6B; Hayden Young 6W;
Gordon Chen 6A; Ashvin Malkani 6R; Madeleine Dudman 6B;
Joshua Lui 6B; Madeleine Meehan 6B; Primrose Armstrong 6W
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
Texas Nixon-Kain, Year 9E
Texas was awarded a Distinction in both
Grade 7 Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and
Intermediate Vocational RAD. She also received
a Highly Commended Plus for Pre-Intermediate
ADAPT Jazz after participating in several dance
exams earlier this year in which she presented a
series of exercises, dance routines, impromptu
combinations and theory questions. Texas has
been accepted into the Ballet stream at McDonald
College, a highly regarded performing arts school
in Sydney, where she will be working towards a
ballet career in 2015.
Student Spotlight
Joyce Lui, Year 11J Marsha Lui, Year 11WJoyce spent two weeks of her
summer holiday experiencing
life as a student at the
University of Oxford in England.
She resided in St Catherine’s
College and studied English
Literature, Chemistry and
took part in a Global Issues
workshop. Given Joyce’s active
involvement in MUN, she plans
to study Law in the future.
Upon Joyce's return, she
continued her summer couse
with Oxford University at St
Anne's College, where she
studied first year university
content led by Oxford
instructors.
Marsha is the youngest member of the
Entrepreneurs Club Hong Kong and has
been volunteering at E-Club events since
last year. With her strong management
skills and ability to be a team player,
Ms Lizette Smook, President of the
Entrepreneurs Club Hong Kong, says that
Marsha ‘is destined for top management
going forward’.
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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Jade Ohlson, Year 3KTaking Latin dance classes in Aberdeen
for over four years, Jade has competed
in several dance competitions and
recently placed first in the Rumba
and Tango and second in Cha-Cha
categories against older students. She
looks forward to competing with some
of the best young Hong Kong dancers in
her next competition.
Catherine Murphy, Year 10EAfter growing her hair for three years,
Catherine donated 13 inches of her hair
to a charity called Children with Hair
Loss in July. With thousands of children
losing hair due to medical conditions
such as alopecia, cancer and burns each
year, Catherine says that it has been one
of the most rewarding experiences of
her life.
Tiffany Nung, Year 11WTiffany started dancing at the age of
three and participated in the Hong
Kong All High-Schooler’s Battle for
the first time this year. She battled her
way through to the Top 16 amongst
50 other competitors and gained a
memorable experience that has pushed
her to improve and follow her passion in
dancing.
Gabriella Lee, Year 9HGabriella Lee has been selected to
compete in the U14 and U16 Asian
Football Conference Championships in
April and October this year. Gabriella
aligns her talent to a fantastic attitude
and work ethic, and she will be playing for
the Hong Kong squad in the U19 Asian
Football Conference Championship in
Malaysia this November.
Alea Coutinho, Reception PAlea takes ice skating lessons after
school. She loves racing with her friends
and putting on a show for her mum by
jumping and twirling, showing off all her
special skills. She is able to skate forward,
backward and balance on one leg.
Valerie Leung, Reception PLearning taekwondo since she was three
years old, Valerie is a yellow belt with
green stripe holder in taekwondo. She
placed third in the ‘Speeding’ category at a
competition held by the Hong Kong Youth
Taekwondo Association and learned a lot
of new techniques from the competition.
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
INCREASE YOUR JOY
BY GIVING IT AWAY
“W hile the world was asleep, she put
on her cat costume and prowled
the alleyways by moonlight,” says
Vernice Chan, a Year 11 student,
as she reads a children’s book to a group of young
students.
While others talked about holiday plans towards the
end of Term 3, Vernice along with 20 other students
quickly arranged themselves together after school
every Tuesday and took the minibus to Lok Sin Tong
Primary School, a local primary school in Kowloon
City. Each time they stepped into one of the school’s
classrooms, faces of a group of young students lit up
as they ran to the bookshelf.
“They’re here, they’re here! It’s time to read!” the
young students screamed as they scrambled their
way to the bookshelf.
Since the beginning of the school year, Vernice along
with her twin sister Evelyn and two other Year 11
students Marsha Lui and
Audrey Ling have been
researching organisations
and volunteer activities in
hopes of establishing the
‘YES Club’.
“Individually, all of us like
doing community service
and felt like there weren’t
many opportunities for
long-term community
service,” said Evelyn. “We
then realised that if we
started an after school
club geared towards
different volunteer
activities, students who
feel the same way as us
would join and encourage
others to do the same.”
The YES
Club has
participated
in a number
of volunteer
activities
since Term 2.
From distributing
food in soup kitchens
to caring for the elderly,
each member sees value in
volunteering and being more engaged with the local
community. For the rest of the school year, their
main focus as a group is the Buddy Reading Program
organised by Kids4Kids.
“I joined the YES Club to get out of my comfort
zone and to know my personal limits, weaknesses
and strengths,” said Pasu Tam, a Year 11 YES Club
member. “Through the YES Club, I am able to explore
different sides of Hong Kong where I normally would
never consider and be part of things that I would not
have done on my own.”
SHARING THEIR LOVE FOR READING
As students at AISHK develop strong reading habits
at a young age, YES Club leaders Vernice, Evelyn,
Marsha and Audrey want to focus on a program that
promotes literacy and reading for pleasure.
AISHK YES CLUB
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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“We chose Kids4Kids because their Buddy
Reading Program allows us to share our
love for reading with underprivileged
children,” said Vernice. “Our members also
gain an opportunity to learn about different
communities around them while developing
their social, leadership and public speaking
skills.”
A Hong Kong based non-profit
organisation, Kids4Kids aims to inspire,
enable and engage students to take action
through service and become active citizens
who initiate change within the community.
THE FUTURE OF THE YES CLUB
“We then realised that if we started an after school club geared towards different volunteer activities, students who feel the same way as us would join and encourage others to do the same.”
“The surest way to increase your joy is to give it away.”
Through the organisation’s Buddy Ready Program,
volunteers visit community centres, schools and
learning centres in different local communities
to help bridge the literacy divide by reading to
underprivileged children.
“I love reading to kids through the Buddy Reading
Program,” said Marsha. “You get immediate feedback
and see how you’ve improved their lives.”
Vernice, Evelyn, Marsha and Audrey understand
that volunteering takes time and energy, which are
both precious commodities especially as a student.
However, they believe that students who give back
gain something immeasurable in return – having a
chance to connect positively with others, finding
meaning in their lives, and improving their wellbeing.
“After graduating from AISHK, we hope that
students will still continue to be actively involved
and that younger students will want to be part of
the club as well. After all, it’s always more fun to
volunteer together with friends,” said Evelyn. “We
hope students can focus on positive little things that
they can do to help others, whether it means giving
up time each week for a literacy program or cooking
meals for the elderly. The surest way to increase
your joy is to give it away.”
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
Chinese Weekat AISHK
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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Chinese Week at AISHK is
designed to complement the
Chinese curriculum while providing
an opportunity for students to
immerse themselves in Chinese
language and culture. This year,
Chinese Week coincided with the
Mid-Autumn Festival, enabling
students to celebrate the richness
of Chinese culture and history
through activities both at school
and around Hong Kong.
The week commenced with a
dynamic Lion Dance performance
by the Hong Kong Tam Pui
Yuen Dragon and Lion Dance
Association. One of the
newest additions to Chinese
Week, members from the Yiu
Ming Sing Cantonese Opera
also demonstrated different
elements of the unique art form
of Chinese Opera to all Primary
classes. A much-loved art form
that blends Chinese traditions,
music and drama, students were
taken back into ancient China as
they looked at intricate costumes,
listened to distinctive falsetto
singing and learnt a variety
of gestures that are rich with
symbolism and elegance. As a bonus,
a Year 5 student was transformed
into a Chinese Opera character as
Chinese Opera members applied
dramatic facial makeup and a
colourful costume and props.
Classes from Prep to Year 6 took
turns to visit the Auditorium to
participate in the Chinese Shopping
Day. An annual favourite within the
Primary Division, students enjoyed
browsing, asking questions, playing
games and making purchases in
stalls set up by some of our parents.
The Auditorium was buzzing with
excitement as students indulged in
activities that tested their Chinese
writing skills, browsing among the
Chinese lanterns and toys and
sharing Chinese snacks with their
classmates.
Year 10 students who
undertake Chinese language
studies at AISHK also had an
opportunity to engage in a
Chinese Language Immersion
Program this year with Beijing
No 2 Middle School, AISHK’s
sister school. Each year AISHK
students travel to Beijing
to undertake learning in this
format as the School recognises
that facilitating interaction with
native speaking students is a very
effective method of learning a
language.
"While local students might spend
more time on grammar learning
exercises, students at our school
prefer learning through hands-on
activities," said Ms Joy Chung, Head
of Chinese Primary Division.
“While local students might spend more time on grammar learning exercises, students at our school prefer learning the language through hands-on activities.”
Students engaged in activities such
as lion dance workshops, Kung
Fu sparring, dim-sum excursions,
cooking, storytelling, the AISHK
Cup – Chinese Speech Competition
and the Early Childhood Chinese
Week Assembly. Complementing
this year’s school theme of
Celebrating Identity and Diversity,
Year 4 students built a ‘Great Wall
of Friendship’, showcasing unique
attributes of our students from
different parts of the World.
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
hildren today have endless ways of
finding and gathering information –
reading books, using smartphones
and researching on an electronic
tablet or a computer are just some of
them. Through classroom and library
activities happening all school year,
students at AISHK develop reading
habits at a young age so they can grow
up with the essential skills needed to
have a better understanding of the
world in which they live. With an in-
depth knowledge of the world, they are
able to improve their lives and the lives
of others.
During Term 3 each year the library
organises Book Week, a week-long
celebration that highlights the benefits
of reading for pleasure. Students
discover and learn about different
authors and explore creative writing.
With this year’s Book Week theme
‘Connecting to Reading’, students
in different year levels participated
in activities including Reading with
Buddies, reading competitions,
listening to a visiting author and looking
at different ways and outlets to read.
Students also learned to use different
personal criteria for choosing books,
including looking through plots,
BookWeekConnecting toReading
C
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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illustrations and language used.
Literature quizzes were given to
students to test their knowledge of the
books they read, which also showed
the understanding they gained through
reading for pleasure.
Primary students had an opportunity
to meet and listen to Matthew Cooper,
an English-born writer residing in Sai
Kung who wrote the children’s book
Lost in Hong Kong. The book follows
Tim Chan, a fictional character, as he
chases his mischievous dog across the
city. Complementing this year’s school
theme of Celebrating Identity and
Diversity, Matthew’s book is a light-
hearted celebration of Hong Kong’s
diversity and things that make Hong
Kong a unique place to live.
The highlight of this year’s Book Week
was the Primary Assembly, where
students dressed up as their favourite
book character and shared stories.
Students are always enthusiastic about
bringing their favourite book characters
to life through their costumes while
developing their reading and public
speaking skills.
Through all the fun activities that
revolved around reading during Book
Week, students were reminded to see
reading as an indulgence, not as a chore.
Developing a regular habit of reading
books beyond textbooks expands
students’ creativity and imagination,
while increasing their knowledge and
ethics.
“Students at AISHK develop reading habits at a young age so they can grow up with the essential skills needed to have a better understanding of the world in which they live.”
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
The end of September saw two
important events take place
for our graduating Year 12
students who were simulteanously
completing their formal studies at
AISHK and celebrating a milestone
in their personal lives. An event most
memorable to past AISHK students,
Year 12 students reminisced about their
years at the school with their families
and teachers at the Valedictory Dinner,
which was held in the Auditorium.
The Valedictory Assembly was another
special moment for our Year 12 students
as it represented an opportunity for
parents, friends and the rest of the
school community to congratulate
and celebrate the achievements of our
graduating students. Year 12 students
were presented with their graduation
certificates and work portfolios by
Board Chair Mr Tom Corkhill, Co Heads
Mr Phillip Waugh and Mrs Leonie Drew.
One of the most sentimental moments
and a tradition at AISHK, Year 12
students were also presented with their
farewell gifts by Prep students, who
have just begun their journey at AISHK.
“Within a matter of a few short weeks, all of you will be the masters of your own destiny,” said Mr Waugh. “Life will present you many challenges and academic examinations are but one. What really matters is your capacity to hang in there when times get tough, to try to do your best at all times, to be considerate and wherever possible assist others who are less fortunate than yourselves. These qualities are the real hallmarks of success in life and they are the very qualities that you have acquired during your time at AISHK.”
Farewell to Our Class of
2014
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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I had the pleasure of attending this year’s Mother’s Day
lunch and the great fortune of winning the major raffle
prize very generously donated by Flight Centre, which
included a trip for two to the Six Senses Resort in Yao
Noi (Thailand), airfares and a three night accommodation
with breakfast included.
With Flight Centre taking care of all my reservations and
logistics before leaving for Yao Noi, I flew out to witness the
beauty of Six Senses with a girlfriend for a three day break.
We were greeted at Phuket International Airport by the Six
Senses staff and driven to the marina where we boarded our
speedboat for the 45-minute journey to the resort. It was a
great way to start a break – sunshine, fresh air and relaxing
scenery.
The resort came into view nestled into a hill, and our butler
Pop was there to greet and drive us to our villa in a golf
For years, Flight Centre has been a proud supporter of an array of AISHK events and publications. From advertising in weekly newsletters to sponsoring many of our events, Flight Centre is always looking for ways to connect and respond to travel interests of our students and their families.
My Tripto Yao Noi
Helen Thorn, an AISHK parent, attended this year’s Mother’s Day Luncheon and won the Flight Centre grand raffle prize to Yao Noi, Thailand. Flight Centre will be providing another fabulous raffle prize at this year’s Mad Hatter’s Fair in November… don’t forget to buy your raffle tickets!
buggy. The resort is scattered through tropical gardens with
each villa separated from others.
Pop handled our check-in and gave us a guided tour of our
villa. One very large bedroom was downstairs overlooking
our private pool with an outdoor shower and a sunken
bath tub. The other room was upstairs in the trees like a
treehouse.
That afternoon we relaxed, had a swim and then went to enjoy
some refreshing drinks at the Hilltop Reserve. The Hilltop has
a wonderful restaurant, an infinity pool and views for miles
over the water. It’s a great spot to watch the sun go down.
Dinner was at The Living Room, a covered open air
restaurant specialising in authentic Thai cuisine using
the freshest ingredients from the resort. Right below the
restaurant near the beach was an outdoor cinema, with a
variety of movies playing throughout the evening.
by Helen Thorn,
an AISHK Parent
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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20
The next
day we had
organised
a boat tour
to Phi Phi
Island, so
we were up
early. We
had another
fantastic big breakfast and down to the dock to board a
speedboat with two other couples at the resort.
It was a great day, sunny but not too hot. The trip took about
an hour, so it was time to relax at the front of the boat. The
scenery was beautiful and we were very fortunate to sight
a whale shark. Phi Phi Island was stunning but very busy.
We visited the Viking Cave where people climbed inside to
collect bird’s nests to cook, the Monkey Beach where we fed
monkeys fruit and a couple of beaches to snorkel and swim.
The following
day we headed
back to the
Living Room
for breakfast.
The choice
was amazing,
Western
foods, Thai
specialties,
congee, dim
sum and more.
They also had
a bakery that
had a huge selection of breads, jams, pastries and ice cream
in case anyone was in the mood for it early in the morning.
The delicatessen had muesli, yoghurt, fresh and dried fruits,
salad, fresh juice, cold meats and cheese. Breakfast quickly
became a highlight of our stay.
We then headed to the spa for a massage and enjoyed 90
minutes of bliss in beautiful surroundings. We took a glimpse
of the gym with all you could need, but only from a distance
as the infinity pool was calling.
Lunch was by the pool, more delicious Thai food and the
menu was extensive with lots of options. The afternoon
slipped away pleasantly until it was time for dinner.
There were many tour options including Island Hopping,
Rubber Tree Plantation visits, photography tours and bicycle
tours to the local village. There was also a large range
of water sports including kayaking, windsurfing, paddle
boarding, scuba diving and water skiing.
Six Senses Yao Noi was a very relaxing holiday. The resort
was beautiful and I look forward to a return visit.
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Eating a balanced diet
is fundamental to the
development of students’
wellbeing and their ability
to lead a healthier, active lifestyle. At
AISHK, nurturing and sustaining good
eating habits are highly valued, and the
school follows a healthy eating policy
that is in line with recommendations
from the Hong Kong Department of
Health and the Australian Dietary
Guidelines for Children and Adolescents.
With the help of our caterers Chartwells,
students enjoy healthy meals and snacks
that boost energy and limit sugar intake.
Excess food collected will be redistributed to homeless shelters, soup kitchens and similar charity organisations in Hong Kong.
Eating a balanced diet is fundamental to the development of students’ wellbeing and their ability to lead a healthier, active lifestyle.
Kong Limited. “Australian International
School Hong Kong will be the first
school in Hong Kong to introduce the
sustainable practice of donating daily
excess food.”
With help and guidance from Green
Monday Hong Kong, a group of
Hong Kong-based organisations and
individuals committed to reducing
carbon emissions and individual
impact on the environment,
Chartwells is also changing Meatless
Monday to Green Monday. According
to Green Monday, Hong Kong has the
second highest carbon footprint per
capita of any country in the world and
second highest beef consumption.
As stated in their website, by giving
up meat once a week, a person can
reduce his or her carbon emissions by
28.5%.
As of last term, Chartwells has also
started distributing regular updates
and newsletters from their Nutritionist,
which are shared with parents and
the community for added value
information. With the school playing
a big role in promoting healthy eating
habits and Chartwells putting healthy
initiatives to action, students learn
at a young age that a balanced diet
and sustainable practices are key to
developing a healthy lifestyle.
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A
B
D
C
F
Q&Asession with AISHK students
We asked students from as young
as Reception the question, “What
is your favourite school event?”
andreceivedresponsesthatreflect
the activities that happen at school
throughout the year.
A. Aidan Chan Reception PM
I like the Carols Evening
because I like singing and
Christmas presents.
C. Chloe Chow Year 11J
I like all the Mufti Days because I get to
wear mufti and we all get to raise funds
for charities.
B. Caitlin Hopkirk-Jones Year 10E
The School Fair is one of
my favourites because
everyone gets involved
and has fun while raising
money for different school
projects.D. Madeline Fung Reception PM
Easter is exciting for me
because I like bunnies.
E. Trevor Cheng Year 9E
I like the Swimming
Carnival because I
enjoy swimming and the
comradery of the event.
F. Humphrey Wong Year 11J
The 30-hour Famine is a
meaningful annual event because
students get a glimpse of what
hunger is and therefore know
how they can give back to society.
E
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G
H
J
K
L
L. Sohaan Balani Prep P
I love the Swimming Carnival
because I like swimming
and it’s fun to cheer for my
House.
K. William Brown Prep P
Chinese Week is my favourite
because I can wear Chinese clothes
and talk in Mandarin.
J. Katie Williamson Prep P
I like the Swimming
Carnival because it’s
fun and I get to swim
with my friends.
I. Stephanie Tang Year 9E
Inter-House Volleyball
tournaments are always
something I look forward to
because I like playing volleyball.
H. Megan Shields Year 9H
I like the Swimming
Carnival because of the
school spirit and the pool is
nice and cool to jump into.
G. Jack Steadson Year 11W
Swimming Carnivals are
fun because they bring
the school together.
What isyour favourite school event?
I
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AISHK IN ACTION
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Many remember the day
Brett Prebble rose to the
top of international racing
prominence by winning the
2012 Melbourne Cup, ‘the
race that stops a Nation’, on Green Moon.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win a race that
means so much to a nation and is watched
around the world in over 120 countries.
Once you’ve achieved it, you want to do
it again, to relive the moment. The high
lasted several days and I still feel a buzz
when someone mentions it. That winning
feeling is what gives me the drive to keep
competing and trying to win every time I
go to the races. If I could put that feeling
in a bottle and sell it, I would be a very rich
man!” said Brett.
In a nail biting finish to the 2013/2014
season, Caspar Fownes took out to the
Trainers Championship for the third time
with three wins at the final race meet in
July. The Trainers Championship is the
most coveted prize for horse trainers,
awarded for the most number of wins
and places from over 700 races that take
place throughout the season.
For both men a typical work day consists of
a 4:00am start at the stables to check the
horses, followed by track work, and then
return to the stables until around 11:00am.
The trainers are then back to the stables in
the afternoon for the feeding and walking
of horses. Jockeys spend a great deal of AMONG THE WHO’S WHO OF HONG KONG’S HIGH PROFILE HORSE RACING SCENE LIES TWO KEY PERFORMERS THAT CREDIT THEIR SUCCESS ON PASSION AND HARD WORK. JOCKEY BRETT PREBBLE, FATHER OF GEORGIA (5L) AND THOMAS (7W) AND TRAINER CASPAR FOWNES, FATHER OF RILEY (PREP G), RONAN (8W) AND RYAN (10W) ARE ALSO PARENTS OF AISHK STUDENTS AND WE HAD THE CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH THEM BOTH RECENTLY DURING THE SHORT SEASON BREAK.
“ONCE YOU’VE ACHIEVED IT, YOU WANT TO DO IT AGAIN, TO RELIVE THE MOMENT.”
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Caption (left to right): Caspar Fownes strides out to greet Brett Prebble; Caspar with his father, Lawrie, who has trained in Hong Kong for just over 20 years and took on Caspar as an assistant for an 18-year apprenticeship; Brett Prebble celebrates after winning the 2012 Melbourne Cup, ‘the race that stops a Nation,’ on Green Moon.
time working on their strength and
conditioning and are required to follow
a strict diet to manage their weight.
Racing then takes place twice a week
on Wednesdays and Sundays.
“I love my food, I’m a real foodie, but
being a jockey means that I have to be
very careful about what I eat. I usually
train at least once a day sometimes
twice. I try to vary my training with
boxing, running, or with a personal
trainer and occassionally in the gym. A
jockey needs to be fit and strong with
as little body fat as possible,” said Brett.
What about the next generation, is this
likely to run in the family?
“I used to follow my Dad around the
stables from an early age. I’ve always
loved horses and knew I wanted to
follow his footsteps someday,” said
Caspar, whose father, Lawrie, trained in
Hong Kong for just over 20 years and
took on Caspar as an assistant for an 18-
year apprenticeship. He then eclipsed
his father’s best season stats in his
rookie year with 44 wins. “At this stage
Ronan is most keen to get involved. If
in the future any of them want to be
involved I would be very happy to have
them train with me.” added Casper.
Horse racing is a massive worldwide
industry, providing plenty of career
opportunities. America, England,
Ireland, Japan, Australia, Singapore,
South Africa, Dubai and Hong Kong
are some of the key countries. Career
options vary from horse trainers and
jockeys to stable racing managers, vets,
horse dentists and chiropractors. Some
also choose to become farriers, track
riders, stable hands, stewards, racing
starters, judges, bloodstock agents and
form analysis. The list goes on when you
consider the sales, breeding, equipment
supplies and event management that
goes on around each meet.
“Thomas and Georgia love watching me
ride and that’s very special to me. My
wife Maree used to ride too, so it’s nice
to come home and have discussions with
the family about this horse or that race,”
added Brett. “Georgia is really keen. She
has lessons at Beas River twice a week,
and Thomas has shown interest but is
very busy with other sports. Maree and
I are not so keen on them following our
footsteps into racing as jockeys. It’s a
dangerous sport and there are lots of
highs and lows. Their love for the sport
is strong, so they could possibly find a
career within the racing industry. We
will support them in whatever they
choose as long as they are happy.”
“I’m British but my wife Alix is
Australian. We chose AISHK so that our
boys could learn about the Australian
culture and have the connection
to continue on with University in
Australia. There are also good training
programs for people interested in a
horse racing career in Australia,” said
Caspar. “However, this is home for us
at the moment, our family loves it here
in Hong Kong. It is a great place to be
involved in horse racing as it’s one of
the best in the world.”
“When we came to Hong Kong 10
years ago we had no idea we would be
here this long. We love the school, the
kids settled in really quickly and were
welcomed by their classmates and have
made some great friends. We find the
teachers and staff really approachable
and have been helpful with any
issues we had,” said Brett. “We are so
happy we have joined the Australian
International School community.”
As the new season starts we wish both
Brett and Caspar the best of luck. The
two have partnered over the years on
several horses, the most successful
being Lucky Nine. If you are interested
in following a few horses this year,
we’ve been told to keep an eye out for
Travel Brother, Supreme King, Gonna
Run and Domineer.
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Both born and raised in Hong Kong, Year 12 students Allie Free and Joel
Wilson started their journey as Reception students at AISHK in 2001.
Throughout their years at the School, Allie and Joel have witnessed the
growth of the school and the development of events, many that still carry on until today.
“I still recall the opening ceremony of our current campus,” said Joel. “Seeing the
school take shape into how it is today is inspiring. The staff and students here have
always been very accepting of other people, and that is something that I will never
forget about the school.”
A rock band member since Year 8, Joel’s main interests have always revolved around
music. Playing at many annual school events including the Sports Awards and a
number of Performing Arts events, music is a passion for Joel and his commitment is a
testament to his humble, driven nature.
“My favourite rock band performance would be at the Sports Awards three years ago,”
said Joel. “We played ‘Around the World’ by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and ‘Hysteria’
by Muse. That’s two of my favourite bands in one performance – unforgettable.”
Allie, on the other hand, is very keen on the sporting side of the school. Throughout
her later stages of Primary and Secondary, Allie was actively involved in athletics and
cross country, and she also participated in netball and rugby competitions.
“Teachers and coaches have always been very supportive here,” said Allie.
After graduation, Allie hopes to go to the University of Sydney to take up a bachelor’s
degree in Nursing and an additional year to be a certified midwife. Joel has his eyes
set on a Film Composition program at the Berklee College of Music and will take a gap
year to prepare himself by taking related short courses and internships in Hong Kong.
“I think what makes our school different is that although we are predominantly an
Australian school, students are also provided with a very international learning
environment,” said Allie. “I think it’s not only because of the school being situated in
Hong Kong, but also because of all the opportunities students have to learn about and
immerse themselves in other cultures.”
STUDENTPROFILEYear 12 students Allie Free and Joel Wilson talk about their plans after graduation.
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MAKINGWAVES
Amidst the bustling city of
Hong Kong, the AISHK
swim team finds an oasis
of serenity at the School’s
Aquatic Centre each
morning. Watching the
swim team go through
their morning practice is unique from
watching any other sports’ practices.
Hearing the echoes of soft splashes as
swimmers slice effortlessly through
the water, there are no whistles, grunts
or shoes squeaking. Forty students
show up to the Centre at a quarter
past six every morning, determined to
complete one lap after another. The
only other sounds that can be heard are
instructions from Head Swim Coach Dr
Ken Thorley and Swim Coach Ms Julie
Ware.
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“It takes about three years to build a swimmer to be competitive.”
Three years ago students saw the
program more as a social club,
a place where they can go to on
weekends. Today, beneath the
tranquillity in all training sessions
lies the students’ and coaches’
desire to be better and stronger,
anticipating different competitions
each week.
“I started coaching at AISHK about
two and a half years ago,” said Dr
Thorley. “Back then students only
met once a week. They were very
keen and wanted to improve their
techniques and skills in swimming.
I saw the potential of turning the
swim club into a vehicle to develop
kids into competitive swimmers.”
With two years of training under
their belt last year, the AISHK
swim team won the International
School Sports Federation
Hong Kong (ISSFHK) Junior
Championships. Winning a number
of competitions this year including
the Australian International
Schools Association (AISA)
Games in Singapore, the Kowloon
North Hong Kong Schools Sports
Federation (HKSSF) Primary
Schools Championships and
placing in the 15km Cold Half
Extreme Marathon last quarter,
the team has been under the radar
of other International Schools in
and out of Hong Kong. The team
has been training twice as much as
before, and with the support and
mentorship of their coaches, they
are ever ready to take on more
challenging opponents and setting
more records.
“It takes about three years to build
a swimmer to be competitive,”
said Dr Thorley. “When we first
started our morning trainings
last year, we won the ISSFHK
Junior Championships. This year
we have taken a step further and
have added afternoon trainings in
and out of the pool. Our goal as a
team is to win both ISSFHK Junior
and Senior Championships this
November.”
COMMITMENT FROM BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS
The swim team can spend up to
half of their waking hours in the
pool. About forty students rise at
the crack of dawn for their morning
training sessions five days a week,
in addition to afternoon swimming
and core dry land training sessions.
On Saturdays swimmers often
compete in open water or pool
events, followed by a three-hour
Swim Club session on Sundays.
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“Nothing can be achieved without hard work and discipline.”
“I normally have to wake up
at 5:20am to do the extended
part of the training,” said
Kaitlyn Buffon, a Year 8
student who has been training
since Ken’s early days as the
AISHK swim team coach. “The
extended session focuses on
specific strokes, drills and
kicks.”
Having competed in the Hong
Kong Championships last year,
Kaitlyn knows the commitment
required to be a successful
swimmer. For each hour of
training she puts in every day,
Kaitlyn only hopes to get faster
and to place well in bigger
events.
Commitment from students is
not the only factor that plays
to the success of the team.
According to Dr Thorley,
one of the key ingredients
to the team’s success is the
commitment from parents.
“Parents have to wake up every
morning to take their kids
to school and on weekends
as well,” said Dr Thorley.
“The commitment from both
students and parents is far
more important than any
natural ability.”
RISING TO THE TOP
Members of the AISHK swim team
are extremely close-knit and because
of the amount of time they spend
together in and out of the pool, have
built a strong comradery that stands
out in all events because of students’
enthusiasm and team spirit.
“The team really isn’t a team. It’s like
a family now,” said Andy Pich, a Year
8 student who has been swimming
competitively for five years. “We
didn’t train to compete before –
we just felt like we had to go. Now,
I feel better going to more training
sessions because they motivate me
to keep pushing myself to be even
faster and better than before.”
As for Dr Thorley, he hopes the team
takes away more than just winning
medals and competitions.
“The whole idea is to develop
successful young adults – kids that
are eventually going to be more
successful in whatever they do in life,”
said Dr Thorley. “Learning lessons
through competitive swimming, the
fact that nothing in life comes easy
and nothing can be achieved without
hard work and discipline, these are
the life lessons we teach them.”
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Dulwich CollegeBeijing
Netball Tournament
For the last six years, AISHK has been
actively competing in the Dulwich
College Beijing Netball tournament.
This year there were nine teams, and
they bonded and motivated each other
to play to the best of their abilities as
individuals and as a team.
Results:
U15 Thunderbirds – Runner ups in the
Cup
U15 Swifts – Runner ups in the Plate
U13 Mystics – Runner ups in the Cup
U13 Fever – Third in the Plate
U13 Pulse – Highly commended
U11 Phoenix – Runner ups in the Cup
U11 Magic – Winners of the Plate
U11 Darters – Third in the Plate
U11 Tactics – Runner ups in the Plate
SDRC U14 BoysBasketball
The SDRC Basketball
tournament was held at
CDNIS in May. AISHK fielded
an inexperienced boys’
basketball team played with
enthusiasm and endeavour
from the first game. The
team, who had not played a
competitive match together
before the tournament,
were eager to listen and
improve their understanding
on the court as the games
progressed. While the team
did not win a game throughout
the tournament there were
two winnable games against
Shekou International School
and Utaloy, demonstrating
that the team was within a
few points of a win. Special
mention must go to Naveen
Shivalingam and Joshua
Lee who were selected as
members of the All-Stars
tournament team.
ISSFHK Soccer
Two U12 Girls soccer teams entered the ISSFHK
soccer tournament in Term 3. All students played
with the right sportsmanship and never gave up
even during difficult situations on the field. The A
team were very competitive and unlucky not to
win more games and get through to the semi-finals
of the tournament. The B team which comprised
of a lot of players that were playing up a few
years above their age improved during this year’s
tournament. The experience the teams gained will
only help in the years to come for them playing
for AISHK. The U14 Girls have just started their
ISSFHK tournament and two teams have been
entered in the competition. The ECA numbers
continue to grow each term, and all of the girls
continue to learn new skills from the professional
coaches. A big thank you to Mr McGunnigle who
manages many of the teams and keeps students
motivated. All teams look forward to enjoying the
game of soccer at AISHK.
SportsNews
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Dulwich College Beijing
Rugby Tournament
The Dulwich College Beijing Rugby
tournament was nothing short of sensational
with all the boys putting in a huge effort in
hot conditions. They bonded as a team and
supported one another on and off the field,
and their attitude towards other players
and match officials was exemplary and very
respectful.
Results:
U11 – Cup Winners
U13 – Plate Runner Up
U15 – Plate Winners
SDRC U14 Girls Basketball
AISHK’s U14 Girls Basketball team were
very inexperienced and most were new to
basketball during the SDRC tournament.
As the games progressed and they
became used to playing together, their
confidence grew and were able to
compete strongly with all teams. They
defeated CDNIS, QSI and SIS to finish
equal second after round robin. After a
count back AISHK were ranked fourth
and had to play the undefeated UISG in
the semi-final. The team played well but
were defeated by the more experienced
UISG Girls’ team. Special mention must
go to Phoebe Coogans and Lara Schats
who were selected as members of the All-
Stars tournament team.
Secondary SwimmingCarnival
AISHK held its annual Inter-
House Swimming Carnival in
September. The day started with a
record number of entrants in the
400m races, highlighting the high
levels of determination among
our students. Many students
participated in eight events, and
the hot and humid conditions
made their feat even more
remarkable.
There were also over 30 individual
records broken on the day. All
students who swam should be
commended on their effort and
house spirit. Jacaranda House
ultimately claimed the winner’s
cup for the 2014 Inter-House
Swimming Carnival in what was
one of the closest competitions of
many years.
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2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK
Seventy students from Years 5 through
to Year 12 sang, danced, acted and played
musical instruments in a dynamic production
of the Broadway show ’13: The Musical’ by
Jason Robert Brown. Featuring an on stage
cast of 65 and a six piece band, the production
was a huge success and was extremely well
received by audience members across the
four evening shows in June.
A unique feature of the production was
the double casting of the six main leading
roles, which enabled performers to share a lead role
and perform for two of the shows as a leading role and as chorus members
in the other two shows. Many audience members chose to attend multiple shows in order to
see both casts in action.
As part of the preparations for the show, the cast and band attended a three day rehearsal
camp. This camp was invaluable in giving everyone a chance to get to know the show through
a focused experience.
Another special feature of the show was the involvement of Thomas Chiu, an AISHK alumni,
who took on the role of musical director. The students in the cast and band benefited greatly
from his expertise and are truly grateful to have him as part of the
production team. A production of this scale takes a very large team of students
and staff, and we thank everyone for their wonderful commitment in providing
a wonderful performance and powerful learning opportunity for all involved.
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2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK
Orchestral Soiree
The Auditorium rang to the wonderful sounds of
orchestral and instrumental music in this year’s
Orchestral Soiree. Student soloists Eleanor
Rowbottom (Flute), Audrey Chan (Piano), Joel
Wilson (Guitar), Kristie Ho (Flute) and Nicholas Yuan
(Saxophone) delighted the audience with renditions
of pieces by Diabelli, Schumann, Chaminade,
Gershwin and Gabriela.
A small string ensemble presented the famous
‘Canon in D’ by Pachelbel, and the Orchestra
Primary Music Recitals
The annual Primary Music Recitals were
once again a lovely way to feature the talents
of our young musicians. Two recitals were
held on Thursday 28 August – an Early
Childhood recital featuring students in Prep,
Year 1 and Year 2, and a Primary Recital
featuring students in Year 3 to Year 6. The
students who were featured all undertook
an audition process and were selected to
perform. At the recitals, the audience enjoyed
solo performances on the piano, violin, cello,
clarinet, flute, trumpet, voice, guitar and
xylophone, as well as duets for both piano
and violin. We congratulate all of our young
soloists for their fine performances.
Musica Viva: The Sousaphonics
The Sousaphonics, an Australian brass quarter, gave an outstanding live
musical performance to the School earlier in May. Presented by Musica
Viva, an Australian music education and performance organisation that
arranges music groups to perform and provide workshops at schools,
the Sousaphonics were clearly at home as they performed in front of
students from different year levels.
Playing lively, entertaining pieces, members of the Sousaphonics
interacted with our students through singing, chanting and body
percussion. Students from Year 3 and Year 4 attended the concert,
as well as a few Year 7 and Year 12 students. A selection of students
learning Brass, Woodwind and Stringed instruments attended the
workshop following the performance, where they participated in an
even more hands-on learning and music play.
played the famous overture from Cosi Fan Tutte by Mozart, along with the final movement of Haydn’s ‘Farewell’ symphony.
A special part of the evening was Year 10 student Geraldine Le’s debut concerto performance as a piano soloist with the
Orchestra, performing the first movement of Schumann’s ‘Piano Concerto in A minor’. The audience were truly inspired by the
performance of both the Orchestra and soloist, and we congratulate all performers for their fine work.
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YEAR 12IB MUSICRECITALThree IB music students presented their final
music programs at the Year 12 IB Music Recital
earlier in September. This evening provided
an opportunity for students to perform their
complete performance programs in front of an
audience. The performances were recorded and
their recordings were sent to the IB as part of
their assessment in their music course. Eleanor
Rowbottom (Flute), Hannah Coogans (Voice) and
Nicole Li (Piano) performed a range of musical
styles, from the music of Bach through to the
music from Broadway musicals.
YEAR 12MUSIC ANDDRAMA NIGHTThe Year 12 HSC Drama and Music classes
presented excerpts from their performance
programs earlier in September. Backed by a band,
vocalist Cindy Long opened the evening with the
song ‘Strong’ by London Grammar, followed by
Angus Lau performing ‘Dani California’ by Red
Hot Chili Peppers.
Janice Hui performed the piece ‘Attack on Titan’
by Hiroyuki Sawano on the piano, and Kristi
Lo presented the third and fourth movements
of John Rutter’s ‘Suite Antique’ along with Mr
Graeme Tyler on the piano. Joel Wilson completed
the music items for the evening with a rendition
of John Butler’s dynamic guitar piece ‘Ocean’. The
audience also viewed two films - Cindy Long’s
‘The Mask’ and Kelly Hebestreit’s ‘Defiance’.
The evening concluded with the drama group
production ‘Gotcha’ presented by Ip Iee, Cindy
Long and Kelly Hebestreit.
2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMING
ARTS at AISHK 2014 PERFORMINGARTS at AISHK
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On 6 August 1954, the United States of America
dropped a bomb on Hiroshima, Japan in an
attempt to end World War II. A two year old
baby girl named Sadako Sasaki was blown out
the window. Astonishingly, she was alive.
When she was in sixth grade, Sadako was a great athlete
whose goal was to be on her school’s running team. Her
heart was broken after she found out she had leukemia, a
deadly disease from the radiation of the atomic bomb.
Chizuko, Sadako’s friend, told her that if she folded 1,000
paper cranes, she would get better. An ancient Japanese
legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand
origami cranes will be granted a wish or a long life
or recovery from illness or injury. Sadly, she only
managed to fold 644 cranes during her time at
the hospital. Paper was scarce then, so she
used the paper from candy wrappers and leftover gift wrap.
Sadako died at twelve, and her friends and family helped
finish her dream by folding the rest of the cranes, which were
buried with Sadako.
After her death, Sadako’s friends and schoolmates
distributed a collection of letters in order to raise funds to
building a memorial for her and for all the children who died
from the effects of the atomic bomb. A statue of Sadako
A Special Projectfor Peace by Year 5 students
by Claudia Wong, Year 5L
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
PAGE
44
holding a golden crane was unveiled in
the Hiroshima Peace Park Memorial in
1958, also called the ‘Genbaku Dome’.
Although Sadako died at a very young
age, her legacy continues. Today, people
from around the world fold 1,000 paper
cranes that are sent to Hiroshima to be
hung next to the
statue of Sadako
in the Peace Park,
including Year
5 students at
AISHK.
Students from
Year 5 began
making 1,000
paper cranes towards the end of Term
2. James Scott, a Year 5 student, taught
5L how to fold paper cranes. Students
from 5L then taught other Year 5
classes, who have all given up their
lunch times to fold cranes. The first
few paper cranes made by students
involved were lopsided, but slowly
became better and better.
Every 6 August, the city of Hiroshima
holds a Peace Memorial Ceremony
in front of the Memorial Cenotaph in
the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
to console the victims of the atomic
bombs and pray for the realisation
of lasting world peace. It was a
coincidence that the 644th crane, the
last crane Sadako
made, was made
on this important
day. Because
Sadako’s final
crane was made
out of silver lolly
wrapper, the
AISHK students’
final cranes were
made out of gold and silver paper as
well.
As every crane is made, Year 5
students who took part in the project
hope for peace in the world and to
remember Sadako. A simple gesture
can go a long way, just like Sadako’s
paper cranes.
“As every crane is made, Year 5 students who took part in the project hope for peace in the world and to remember Sadako.”
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45
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
A NEW PRIMARY CONNECTIONS UNIT FOR YEAR 4 STUDENTSby Ms Kristy Williams, Year 4 Leader
Year 4 participated in a trial program of a
Primary Connections unit on magnetism
in Term 3. A program of the Australian
Academy of Science supported by the
Australian Government Department of
Education, Primary Connections focuses
on developing students’ knowledge,
understanding and skills in both science
and literacy while supporting educators
in teaching science to primary students in
Australia.
Before publication, all units were trialled
by selected schools to ensure the quality
and feasibility of the weekly lessons.
Year 4 students enjoyed the inquiry into
forces, especially the hands on activities.
It also provided a platform for the
development of scientific skills such as
planning and conducting investigations,
making predictions, ensuring a fair test and
communicating findings appropriately.
YEAR 2 FUN & GAMES DAYby Ms Shannon Ruskin, Year 2 Leader
like these and many more were heard on the field when Year 2 held their
Fun and Games Day in August.
In Term 3, Year 2 students learned how children lived, learnt and played in
the past through the Inquiry Unit Life as a Child. During this unit, students
interviewed parents, grandparents and staff members to investigate
differences and similarities between the lives of children in the past and
today. Through exploration of how play has changed over time, students
discovered that there are many games that have disappeared from our
playgrounds. Fortunately at AISHK, we have a family community who
were willing to relive their childhoods and share some of the playground
games from their school days. Technology was put aside for the morning as
students and parents enjoyed a variety of games and activities.
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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AISHK onInstagram
01
02
03
04
05
08
06 0701 Students enjoying the Lion Dance performance by the Hong Kong Tam Pui Yuen Dragon and Lion Dance Association. 02 Mr Shirley proudly displaying his find after several days of heavy rain in Hong Kong. 03 The School and members of the Australian and New Zealand community attended AISHK’s ANZAC Day Memorial Ceremony. 04 AISHK then and now. 05 Our rugby team competing in the Dulwich College Beijing Tournament. 06 Seventy students from Year 5 to Year 12 participated in a dynamic production of the Broadway show ‘13 The Musical’ by Jason Robert Brown. 07 Students sharing the joy of reading with Lok Sin Tong Primary School students through the Yes Club, a newly introduced ECA at AISHK, and the Kids4Kids Buddy Reading Program. 08 Primary students competing for the Bowl, Plate and Cup categories in the Primary Spelling Cup.
Follow us on Instagram@ais_hk
to get up to the minute photo updates from the school
PAGE
47
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
This year, two AISHK students
Jack Lee and Audrey Ling, were
involved in the UNICEF Young Envoys
Programme. The program is focused
on developing students’ leadership
skills, aiming to raise public awareness
about the well-being of children around
the world, as well as the roles and
achievements of UNICEF in improving
the lives of underprivileged children.
As students partake in this program
they learn about the purpose of the
Convention, its application to the wider
world and develop initiatives on how to
help inform others of the Convention’s
message and ideals.
“I benefited from the communication
workshops and became a more outgoing
person. The most interesting activity
was the field visit. We travelled to
developing countries to understand and
learn about the work that UNICEF had
done. I also became very close with other
Young Envoys Program participants and
became much more engaging than ever
before. I would recommend the program
to all secondary students to join this
program.” – Jack Lee, Year 10E
“After participating in the 9-month
UNICEF Young Envoys Programme,
the program trained me to become an
advocate for children’s rights. I had
the opportunity to visit local children
facilities in Laos. Riding the ‘tuk tuk’ to
the village, we observed the volunteers
demonstrating how to cook porridge
with sufficient nutrients using easily-
acquired ingredients so that children at
the village can grow up healthily. I am
so grateful to be part of the program
and have realised that every child has
the right to play, express their opinion
and grow up as an individual, as said on
the UNCRC.” – Audrey Ling, Year 11H
Year 10 Students Appointed as UNICEF Young Envoys
AISHK Opens its First MUN Conference to Schools in Hong Kong
by Boyle Kir and Emily Archibald, Security Generals of AISMUN V 2014
For those not well-versed in its
customs, Model United Nations
is often dismissed as simply as that: a
model. But a good MUN conference
adds to more than the sum of its rule
book. MUN teaches its students that
when they treat the world seriously with
all the respect it deserves, they have the
influence to convince others to think
the same. By learning, understanding,
thinking and debating, students can
embody the aims of MUN and their
generation’s hope for the future. This is
what we set out to achieve at AISMUN V.
This year, AISMUN was bigger and
better than ever before. Extending to
two whole days, expanding to three
separate committees, welcoming
four different schools and debating
with over 50 different delegates,
the AISMUN genesis is growing.
Topics ranging from the protection
of Caribbean water ecosystems to a
highly entertaining emergency topic
on tensions in DPR Korea were all
discussed throughout the weekend.
The conference saw fruitful debates,
mesmerising speakers and innovative
solutions. Better yet, AISMUN saw its
participants grow. Participants became
representatives of powerful nations
enthusiastically articulating their
government’s views. All the people who
made this conference – from Chairs
to administration team members and
delegates – should be proud of their
efforts.
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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Year 8 History Excursion to Kowloon Mosque
by Claire Willemse, Year 8W
Throughout the course of Term 2,
Year 8 has studied Islam in history.
Islam is one of the largest monotheistic
religions, with over 1.3 billion people
out of the world’s 7.2 billion people
observing the religion. Other large
monotheistic religions are Judaism and
Christianity, which have similarities to
Islam. In fact, Islam sees the prophets
of Judaism and Christianity as earlier
prophets of the same ‘one God’ of
Islam, known to them as Allah.
Year 8 visited the Kowloon Mosque
earlier in June to gain an in-depth
understanding of Islam and their
customs. Year 8 observed a prayer
Students Attend Global Young Leaders Conference 2014
Three AISHK students attended the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC)
this year. Geraldine Le and Bryan Tang, both in Year 10, attended a 10-day course
through Europe and Danielle Shaw, a Year 11 student, attended the same course
through the United States of America.
GYLC is a 10-day annual conference that allows students from more than 145
countries to explore and develop confidence, gain independence and learn different
global leadership styles that are sought by employers and companies around the
world. This year's participants attended GYLC in three different locations in China,
Europe and the US.
GYLC Europe was the most amazing experience we have ever had. Not only did
we visit the cultural and historical sites of the countries we went to, we also heard
interesting stories about the lives, hardships and life lessons learnt from four different
guest speakers who had all encountered wars and major conflicts. They shared and
listened to problems everyone faced back home and made me realise that we are not
alone with the problems we face. It is an experience we will never forget as it helped
us discover who we really are. – by Geraldine Le (10J) and Bryan Tang (10E)
During the GYLC course, I learnt and practised different leadership skills and took part
in discussions on how to solve global issues within a community level. The 10 day course
ended with two Model United National Conferences that were held at the United
Nations in New York City. The topics debated included world health, human equality,
weapons manufacturing and distribution, and the economic digital divide. I recommend
GYLC to all senior students as it provides students with opportunities to meet influential
people and delegates working in the United Nations. – by Danielle Shaw, 11H
session and proper dress code in
a mosque and was told beliefs and
history of Islam. Students learnt about
the history of the Kowloon Mosque
and Islam in Hong Kong, which both
made the excursion an interesting and
educational experience.
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VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
A record attendance of former
students, staff and families of
AISHK reunited in cities on the
East coast of Australia at the
2014 AISHK Alumni reunions. Held
in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane,
the latest round of reunions was the
largest series of events held by the
Alumni Association in the School’s
history. As AISHK approaches its 20th
anniversary, the alumni population
APPRECIATING LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS
by Alasdair Ong, Marketing Officer
BUILDING CAREERS THROUGH EXPANDING CONNECTIONSAs the AISHK alumni network
continues to grow, we continue
to see solid growth in numbers of
alumni returning to Hong Kong for
grows steadily along with the School.
The alumni pool is at an estimated
3,100 strong.
Students from a large variety of
graduating year levels mingled with
former staff and representatives from
the school including Mr Phil Waugh
and Mrs Leonie Drew, Co Heads of
School, and Mr Alex Gibbs, Director
of Development and Community
Relations. It was pleasing to see many
parents in attendance, highlighting
the great sense of community that has
been built over the years.
Asked about the impression former
students make after leaving AISHK, Mr
Waugh said he was impressed with the
level of professionalism shown by those
studying abroad and those already in
the workforce.
work. There is value, as an alumni
network, providing professional
connections to those just entering
the local workforce or even those
already established, with companies
and peers.
By offering industry news, career
VOLUME 15 - OCTOBER 2014www.aishk.edu.hk @AIS_HK
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“I am very proud of the AISHK
‘product’, so to speak. They are without
exception fine ambassadors of our
school and the Hong Kong community,
more generally,” said Mr Waugh. “The
number of students who have gone on
to higher study and who have begun
successful commercial enterprises is
amazing and reflects the ‘can do’ spirit
of AISHK.”
“Many alumni are also very interested
in hearing about what is happening
at the school and hearing about the
physical changes that have occurred,”
Mrs Drew added.
Many of the alumni were visibly
impressed by the changes that the Co
Heads presented at the events, some
eager to arrange tours of AISHK when
they return to Hong Kong.
Moving with the times, AISHK
has launched pages on Facebook,
Instagram and LinkedIn. These
networks are seen as key to growing
and strengthening the alumni network.
“The school is placing a great deal of
importance in keeping our network
of alumni connected through various
channels and activities. We are seeing
more and more former AISHK students
making impressive in-roads in their
careers, so we want to ensure the spirit
of collaboration, mateship and family
that has existed at the school transcends
into the Alumni Association and its
lifelong members,” said Mr Gibbs.
“The number of students who have gone on to higher study and who have begun successful commercial enterprises is amazing and reflects the ‘can do’ spirit of AISHK.”
