DHANARA
3 June 2009 (Week 7, Term Two)
Head of School
Dear Members of the AISHK Community
Since last week I have been on family leave from
AISHK, attending to some urgent matters relating
to my family in Melbourne. The tyranny of
distance has made it problematic for me to
manage such matters, and this has been a topic
of concern in my discussions with Board Chair Dr
Dan Hooley, over recent months.
It is with great regret therefore that I announce my resignation
from the position of Head of School. In doing this I acknowledge the
kind understanding of the Board and in particular Dr Hooley in
accepting my resignation, and releasing me from my current position.
In expressing my sadness at leaving the school, I look back on many
happy memories and successes in recent years. I thank the dedicated
and hard-working staff of AISHK for their support, particularly the
School Executive members, and most importantly my PA, Ms Pinky
Yau.
The Parent Association has also offered a most impressive
contribution of energy and support for the school in my time as
Head of School, keenly supporting many of the significant innovations
of recent years, such as the funding of the roll-out of the Interactive
Whiteboards throughout the school. The Parent Association has also
achieved great advances in the enhancement of communication
channels between and within the staff and parent groups.
I have been continually impressed by the happy, diligent and co-
operative students at AISHK. These young people have my admiration
for the way that they participate in the full life of the school, and
offer such a meaningful contribution to the needs of others via
community service.
It is nearly three years since my selection for the Head of School
position took place, and since taking up the position of Head of
School I have enjoyed working with Dr Hooley and the Board in
order to move the school forward in so many ways.
One of my lasting memories will be the process in 2007 that produced
the School Development Plan 2007-2012. This process brought staff,
students and parents together to develop a vision for the future of
AISHK. It has been most pleasing to see the many achievements
that have flowed and will continue to flow from this School
Development Plan.
Two further areas that have given me great satisfaction to have
been involved in are: the steps that are being taken to relieve the
space issues at AISHK, including the current building program, and
plans for expansion within Hong Kong; and, the recently announced
plans for expansion in Shanghai. The latter initiative has the potential
to bring significant monetary resources into the school. This is a
most visionary step by the Board and it will be even more so
recognised in the years to come.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Board, and in particular Dr Dan
Hooley, for the opportunity to have had a leadership position in
such a fine school.Thank you: staff, parents, students and Board
members. I wish the school every best wish for the wonderful future
that I am sure lies ahead of it.
Dr Gregory F. Clarke
Head of School
Dhanara is an Aboriginal word for “message stick”
REMEMBER:
Thursday 4th June - Year 9 2010 Elective Subject Information
Evening, 6:30pm
Friday 5th June - Early Childhood Assembly (P-2), 11:10am,
host Year 1; Year 8 Pool Party, 6:30pm
Tuesday 9th June - Careers Information Night, 4:30-7:30pm
Wednesday 10th June - Primary Science Competition(except
Stage 2); Waratah House Charity Mufti Day
Thursday 11th June - Primary Stage 2 and Secondary Science
Competition; AISHK Parent Association Forum - Pastoral Care
at AISHK - Home and School Collaboration, 2/F rehearsal room,
7:30pm
Dear Members of the AISHK Community
It is with some sadness that I write to you regarding Dr
Clarke’s resignation. As Dr Clarke mentioned in his letter
to you, he and I have had discussions relating to family
concerns for some time now, and this has not come as a
total surprise to me.
I would like to take this opportunity to commend and to
thank Dr Clarke for his commitment and his determination
to make the Australian International School Hong Kong one
of the finest International Schools in Hong Kong.
It is unfortunate that Dr Clarke will not be able to share in
the exciting times ahead, but he will be leaving behind a
legacy which is testament to his professionalism, his
rigorous approach to the pursuit of excellence at all levels
and his commitment to education above all.
Dr Clarke’s strategic vision has also been of great value,
and his endeavors over the past two-and-a-half years leave
the school in excellent shape. We will all be sorry to see
him leave, and we wish him every success in the future.
I would also like to take this opportunity to announce that
Mrs Leonie Drew and Mr Phil Waugh will take joint
responsibility for management of the school. They both
did a wonderful job in the same role prior to Dr Clarke’s
appointment and the Board has absolute confidence that
the school will continue firmly on course in their very
capable hands.
I will keep you informed regarding the appointment of a
new Head of School.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Dan Hooley
Board Chairman
Issue # 16.2009 one
Primary Division News Performing Arts Festival
Life at AISHK is very busy. Teachers and We are very excited to present the inaugural AISHK Performing
children are working steadily on the Arts Festival. This festival will be held over three days in June,
term’s inquiry units and great progress is and will celebrate the talents of over 160 students from both
being made in all areas. Our students Primary and Secondary Divisions from Year 3 through to Year 12.
have terrific evidence to show of their
learning and this is currently being We invite all families, students, parents and friends, to come
compiled in comprehensive portfolios. We and enjoy the array of music, drama, and dance performances
are looking forward to sharing these with that will be presented in three separate events. All are welcome
you later in the term. and every concert is free seating with no admission charge.
One thing we do try hard to develop is the children’s resiliency.
This is hard to measure and it is certainly difficult for us to Each concert will be held in the auditorium from 7:00pm.
demonstrate to you the development that has occurred, but
hopefully you will continue to assist with this important element The AISHK Performing Arts Festival presents:
of growing up. Monday 15th June, 2009
An Evening of Instrumental Music
At AISHK we try to build resilient children and young people
This concert will feature the AISHK Orchestra, Primary Strings,
Michael Grose who publishes in the area of Good Parenting says
instrumental soloists from the secondary elective music classes,
that a resiliency-promoting childhood has the following features:-
and a special chamber music ensemble featuring three
instrumental music teachers.
1. Kids don’t always get what they want. The Rolling Stones
were right when they sang, “You can’t always get what you Tuesday 16th June, 2009
want, but you can try” all those years ago. An Evening of Drama, Dance and Magic
2. They have plenty of opportunities to solve their own problems This concert will feature a primary dance ensemble, secondary
without adults trying to fix everything for them. Children will elective drama classes, and the captivating magic of Anson Chen.
only develop their inner resources when given the opportunity
to develop their resourcefulness. Wednesday 17th June, 2009
3. Children are expected to help at home from a young age An Evening of Song
without being paid. That is how they learn to be useful. This concert will feature the Primary Choir, Vocal Ensemble,
4. Parental expectations for success are positive, realistic and secondary elective choral classes, two school rock bands, the
based on child’s interests and aptitudes rather than on adult 2009 winner of the AISHK Idol competition, along with a few
wishes. surprises from our classroom music and office staff.
5. Children receive liberal amounts of encouragement but
moderate amounts of praise. They need something a little Mr Graeme Tyler
more substantial than quick fix, feel-good praise. They need Head of Performing Arts
something substantial like encouragement to help them grow
and develop.
6. Children have plenty of free time to do three essential things
Library Visit
– play outside, have fun and to daydream. But they need to This Wednesday 3rd June, we will have storyteller Janet Mann
have the opportunity to initiate all three, rather than have visiting our Stage One students to share stories from the
them initiated by someone. These three essentials help Animalympics series written by local Hong Kong authors Mio
insulate human beings when life gets out of control. Debnam, Louise Renwick, Karmel Schreyer, Susan Sprengeler and
7. Children are involved in family decision-making so that they Judith Simanovszky.
learn to impact positively on their environment. The stories are based on Asian animals who have athletic
8. Children have the opportunity to identify their strengths and adventures.
then build on these to develop their unique identities through Books from the series will be able to be ordered through the
adolescence. library.
9. Children grow up in families that have their own rituals, rights
Ms Megan Lindsay
of passage and celebrations. These rituals provide important
Teacher-Librarian P-6
anchors to children as they develop and grow away.
10. Resilient children need to be surrounded by resilient adults
rather than adults who are continually stressed and have no
real life outside from children and work.

Next week (Thursday 11th June at 7:30pm) the Assistant Principals

and the Heads of Stage will be presenting at an evening forum to
inform parents about our Pastoral Care and Behavioural
Management procedures at the school. I hope that you will make
the time to join them. In this way we can continue to work
together to provide a nurturing and safe environment for the
children, as well as an opportunity for them to build resiliency
for the things that life will throw their way.

Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you
- not because they are nice, but because you are.
Author unknown
Mrs Leonie Drew
Principal Primary

Issue # 16.2009 two

Australian International School Hong Kong 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
T: +852 2304 6078 / F: +852 2304 6077
E: info@aishk.edu.hk / www.aishk.edu.hk
What’s On in Sport
Netball News
Extra-Curricular Activities DATES TO REMEMBER
On Tuesday the 29th June, the AISHK Under 10 Netball girls Term Two, 2009
played against Kowloon Junior School. Match play is always a June
great opportunity for us put our skills into practice and our Term Two, Week Seven
girls did us proud. After the first half they had a comfortable Thursday 4th June Facilities Committee meeting, 3:30pm
lead and they were able to maintain the lead until the end, Year 10 Drug Awareness 1:45-3:30pm at AISHK
despite the continued perseverance of the opposing team. Well Year 9 2010 Elective Subject Info Evening, 6:30pm
done to all the girls who played. Friday 5th June Early Childhood Assembly (P-2),11:10am, host Year 1
Year 8 Pool Party 6:30pm
Term Two, Week Eight
The U13 Kookaburras and U13 Emus and the U14 Kangaroos Monday 8th June Year 9 History Excursion HK sites (8:40-3:30)
travelled to West Island School to play against their top netball Division meetings, 3:30pm
teams. The U13’s teams played extremely well and had a number Tuesday 9th June Year 9 History Excursions HK sites(8:40-3:30)
of wins and 1 loss. The U14 Kangaroos ran away with the game. AISHK General Committee meeting, 8:30am
AISHK (15) defeated WIS (1). The Shanghai Netball competition Curriculum Committee meeting, 3:30pm
has given all our players the opportunity to develop on court Careers Information Night, 4:30-7:30pm
tactics and set plays which have been extremely valuable when Wednesday 10th June Primary Science Competition (Stage 2 11th June)
Secondary Assembly, 12:00noon
playing against other local schools. It was a wonderful effort Pastoral Care & Welfare Committee meet, 3:30pm
from all of our players. Thank you to Mrs Chan and Mrs Davies Waratah House Charity Mufti Day
who both do an exceptional job coaching our U 13 Netball Teams. Thursday 11th June Primary Science Competition - Stage 2 students
Board Facilities Committee meeting, 8:00am
Coaching Course Year 10 DIC visit 2-3:30pm
Next term there will be an Introduction to Netball Coaching Secondary Science Competition
Course. The aims of this course will be to refresh us with the AISHK Parent Association Forum - Pastoral Care at
rules, ensure we are teaching correct passing, attacking and AISHK - Home and School Collaboration, 7:30pm
defence in a safe way and to learn some new netball drills. school rehearsal room 2/F
There will be an information flyer sent out next week outlining Friday 12th June Primary Assembly (3-6), 11:20am host Year 3
AISHK Parent Association Trivia Night, 7:00pm
the dates and specific details. I urge all mums who would like Term Two, Week Nine
to be involved with the training, managing or coaching of our Monday 15th June Stage/KLA meetings, 3:30pm
players here at AISHK to come along. All levels of expertise are Performing Arts Festival - An Evening of
very welcome. The Coaching Course is based on the Australian Instrumental Music, school auditorium, 7:00pm
Netball Associations 2009 Coaching Modules. I can guarantee Tuesday 16th June Board Governance Committee meeting, 7;45am
that it will be enjoyable, there will be laughter and our players Performing Arts Festival - An Evening of Dance,
will benefit. Drama and Magic, school auditorium, 7:00pm
Wednesday 17th June Performing Arts Festival - An Evening of Song,
school auditorium, 7:00pm
I encourage any parents who would like to offer their support
Thursday 18th June Professional Development Committee meet, 3:35pm
to come along on a Tuesday afternoon. We would appreciate Year 12 Performance Review Parent Meeting, 811
parental assistance for the first 40 minutes for the passing and Friday 19th June Early Childhood Assembly (P-2), 11:10am, host Prep
catching component of the program. For any additional 30 Hour Famine overnight to Saturday 20th June
information please do not hesitate to contact me on my email Term Two, Week Ten
joanne_reed@aishk.edu.hk or visit me in room 509 after school. Monday 22nd June Board meeting, 6:30pm
Division meetings, 3:30pm
Tuesday 23rd June Secondary Swimming Carnival, Kowloon Tsai Park
Mrs Joanne Reed
Primary Writing and Spelling Competition
Netball Manager Wednesday 24th June Primary Student-Led Conferences all day
Friday 26th June Whole School Mufti Day
Primary Assembly (P-6), 11:10am
Classes end for Term Two
(Primary 12noon; Secondary 12:50pm)

Jane and Michelle – Coach

and Manager of our U13’s
Emus Netball Team

 
Matilda and Jennifer – Our supporters!

Issue # 16.2009 three

Secondary Division News Careers Night
Two very important aspects of the AISHK secondary
curriculum are community service projects and
Tuesday 9th June
participation in decision making forums, such as the Presenters needed
Student Representative Council and the Model United
Nations. In choosing to participate in either or both of Thank you to those
these types of activities, at sometime during their time people who have kindly
at AISHK, students are better able to acquire the skills volunteered to come
and personal motivation which will enhance their and talk to our students
personal capacity to become active and engaged about their careers.
citizens later in their adult lives.
Recognising that community service and student leadership are two key We are still looking for a Doctor and/or
characteristics of a quality school curriculum is essential, because together Nurse, Performing Artist and a Pilot.
they enhance individual students character development and their academic
skills, the latter in terms of expanding their understanding of social problems If you know someone who could help, please
and the role of civic action in providing solutions to such problems. ask them to contact me at:
Some of these activities undertaken at AISHK are closely connected to the careerseducation@aishk.edu.hk.
formal curriculum—for example, measuring levels of pollutants in a local stream
in a science class or analysing waste management techniques in Hong Kong as To the parents of Years 10, 11 and 12 students
part of a geography course. While some other activities may have only a – we encourage you to come along to our
tangential connection to schoolwork—for example, planting trees during Activity Careers Night, if you are able to. It will
Week or cooking for the destitute as part of the CAS program. Irrespective of certainly generate some interesting
the model employed, all activities must be viewed as worthwhile in themselves, discussions with your son or daughter.
primarily for the intrinsic value they bring to others e.g. tutoring local students
in English language skills. Mrs Penny Horton-Stephens
Careers Advisor
Several studies in the US over last decade have identified the key role that
service learning such as this can play in increasing students’ commitment to
community participation.
Evidence suggests school-based projects improved students’ civic attitudes New-Look Electronic
and school performance. Students reported increased interest in schoolwork,
greater understanding of the curriculum, and a greater sense of civic Dhanara
responsibility. Our weekly newsletter, Dhanara, will come to
Researchers concluded that when students had classroom learning opportunities you in Term Three in electronic copy only. From
specifically designed to engage them in identifying and discussing social 29th July, you will receive Dhanara every
problems, including controversies surrounding potential solutions, their Wednesday during term time, either via email
commitment to civic participation increased. Most studies emphasise the or by viewing it directly from the School’s
importance of giving students a voice in defining or selecting projects and in website.
subsequent reflection and discussion. Hard copies will no longer be distributed.
Reading about democracy, decision making, negotiation, social issues and how In order to receive Dhanara and other
one may respond, are in reality poor substitutes for active participation in information via email, parents who do not
real decision making and community service. currently receive email notifications from
Any parent or community member interested in finding out more about these the School need to send an email to
types of learning programs on offer at AISHK are most welcome to contact the admissions@aishk.edu.hk with the following
Secondary Division Office at the school for further details. information:
A reminder to parents of students in Year 8, this Thursday 4th June students Subject: Communications
and parents are invited to attend an information session on elective options Your Name:
for Year 9 2010. This session will be held in the School Auditorium from 6:30pm. Your Child(ren’s) Name(s) and Grade(s):
As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding these or any other
Your Email Address:
matters relating to the Secondary Division, please do not hesitate to contact
me directly at the school.
Mr Phillip Waugh From Term Three 2009, the Dhanara will be
Principal Secondary published through the Development Office.
Any submissions for the school newsletter

Expressions of Interest should be sent to Mr Alex Gibbs, Director of

Development and Community Relations at
As part of our school’s preparations for Year 10 and Year 12 external development@aishk.edu.hk, by Tuesday
examinations each year, we are required to appoint Test Supervisor(s) to oversee midday.
the School Certificate, Higher School Certificate and IB Diploma
examinations.These examinations take place from approximately mid October
to the end of November.
For further details and registration of an Expression of Interest please contact
the Secondary Office of the school at your earliest convenience.
Thank you to those community members who have already indicated an interest
in offering their services for some of these positions, we will be in contact
with you shortly.

Issue # 16.2009 four

 AISHK Parent Association
What’s On in Term 2
YEAR 9 PARENTS’ HIKE UP THE PEAK 
9:00 am sharp meeting at the intersection of  
Friday   Old Peak Road and Tregunter Path  
th (where footpath starts) 
5  June 
Hike ends 10:15 am at Pacific Coffee, Peak Tower. 
Contact Angela Katz for directions: 6259 3365  
1K PARENT’S LUNCH 
Let’s get together for lunch! 
When: 12:15 pm after Year 1 assembly  
Friday   Where: Simply Life Bakery, Festival Walk 
5 th June  rd
RSVP by Wednesday 3  June. 
Fiona – irishp@netvigator.com 
Belinda – bellecraig@netvigator.com 

AISHK PA  COMMITTEE MEETING 
Tuesday  8:30 am – Library, Level 5 
9 th June  All Welcome! 

AISHK PARENT FORUM 
Pastoral Care at AISHK: The Home and School Collaboration 
Thursday   7:30 pm in the Rehearsal Room, 2/F AISHK 
th Speakers: David Shirley and Howard West 
11  June 
RSVP to Louise Gray at aishk@aishk.edu.hk.   

AISHK  TRIVIA N IGHT 

From 7:00 pm at Hebe Haven Yacht Club 
Hiram’s Highway, Pak Sha Wan 
Friday  $500 per person includes dinner and unlimited drinks 
th
th Teams of 4 – 6 to be submitted by Monday 8  June  
12  June  Contact Keir Thubron with any further questions 
ikthubron@yahoo.com 

YEAR 7 P ARENT SURVIVAL DINNER 
From 7:30 pm at Wildfire 
World Trade Centre, Causeway Bay 
Friday  Cost: $200 per person 
th Includes: 4 course dinner and service tax 
19  June  RSVP: Debbie Chambers by 13th June 
At fourafar@netvigator.com