dhanara 3 june 2009web

8/14/2019 Dhanara 3 June 2009web

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DHANARADhanara is an Aboriginal word for message stick

Issue # 16.2009 one

3 June 2009 (Week 7, Term Two)

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

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 tomanage 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 inaccepting 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 innovationsof 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 inorder to move the school forward in so many ways.

One of my lasting memories will be the process in 2007 that producedthe 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 amost 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 futurethat I am sure lies ahead of it.

Dr Gregory F. Clarke

Head of School

Head of School

Dear Members of the AISHK Community

It is with some sadness that I write to you regarding Dr

Clarkes 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 atotal 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, hisrigorous approach to the pursuit of excellence at all levels

and his commitment to education above all.

Dr Clarkes strategic vision has also been of great value,

and his endeavors over the past two-and-a-half years leavethe 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 Clarkes

appointment and the Board has absolute confidence thatthe 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


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Issue # 16.2009 two

Primary Division NewsLife at AISHK is very busy. Teachers and

children are working steadily on the

terms inquiry units and great progress is

being made in all areas. Our students

have terrific evidence to show of theirlearning and this is currently being

compiled in comprehensive portfolios. We

are looking forward to sharing these with

you later in the term.One thing we do try hard to develop is the childrens resiliency.

This is hard to measure and it is certainly difficult for us to

demonstrate to you the development that has occurred, buthopefully you will continue to assist with this important element

of growing up.

At AISHK we try to build resilient children and young people

Michael Grose who publishes in the area ofGood Parenting says

that a resiliency-promoting childhood has the following features:-

1. Kids dont always get what they want. The Rolling Stoneswere right when they sang, You cant always get what you

want, but you can try all those years ago.

2. They have plenty of opportunities to solve their own problemswithout adults trying to fix everything for them. Children will

only develop their inner resources when given the opportunity

to develop their resourcefulness.3. Children are expected to help at home from a young age

without being paid. That is how they learn to be useful.

4. Parental expectations for success are positive, realistic and

based on childs interests and aptitudes rather than on adult

wishes.5. Children receive liberal amounts of encouragement but

moderate amounts of praise. They need something a little

more substantial than quick fix, feel-good praise. They needsomething substantial like encouragement to help them grow

and develop.

6. Children have plenty of free time to do three essential things play outside, have fun and to daydream. But they need to

have the opportunity to initiate all three, rather than have

them initiated by someone. These three essentials helpinsulate human beings when life gets out of control.

7. Children are involved in family decision-making so that they

learn to impact positively on their environment.

8. Children have the opportunity to identify their strengths and

then build on these to develop their unique identities throughadolescence.

9. Children grow up in families that have their own rituals, rights

of passage and celebrations. These rituals provide important

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 noreal 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 BehaviouralManagement 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

This Wednesday 3rd June, we will have storyteller Janet Mann

visiting our Stage One students to share stories from the

Animalympics series written by local Hong Kong authors Mio

Debnam, Louise Renwick, Karmel Schreyer, Susan Sprengeler and

Judith Simanovszky.

The stories are based on Asian animals who have athletic

adventures.

Books from the series will be able to be ordered through the

library.

Ms Megan Lindsay

Teacher-Librarian P-6

Library Visit

We are very excited to present the inaugural AISHK Performing

Arts Festival. This festival will be held over three days in June,

and will celebrate the talents of over 160 students from both

Primary and Secondary Divisions from Year 3 through to Year 12.

We invite all families, students, parents and friends, to come

and enjoy the array of music, drama, and dance performances

that will be presented in three separate events. All are welcome

and every concert is free seating with no admission charge.

Each concert will be held in the auditorium from 7:00pm.

The AISHK Performing Arts Festival presents:

Monday 15th June, 2009An Evening of Instrumental MusicThis concert will feature the AISHK Orchestra, Primary Strings,instrumental soloists from the secondary elective music classes,

and a special chamber music ensemble featuring three

instrumental music teachers.

Tuesday 16th June, 2009An Evening of Drama, Dance and Magic

This concert will feature a primary dance ensemble, secondaryelective drama classes, and the captivating magic of Anson Chen.

Wednesday 17th June, 2009An Evening of SongThis concert will feature the Primary Choir, Vocal Ensemble,

secondary elective choral classes, two school rock bands, the

2009 winner of the AISHK Idol competition, along with a few

surprises from our classroom music and office staff.

Mr Graeme TylerHead of Performing Arts

Performing Arts Festival


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Australian International School Hong Kong 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong KongT: +852 2304 6078 / F: +852 2304 6077E: [email protected] / www.aishk.edu.hk

Issue # 16.2009 three

DATES TO REMEMBER

Term Two, 2009

JuneTerm Two, Week Seven

Thursday 4th June Facilities Committee meeting, 3:30pm

Year 10 Drug Awareness 1:45-3:30pm at AISHKYear 9 2010 Elective Subject Info Evening, 6:30pm

Friday 5th June Early Childhood Assembly (P-2),11:10am, host Year 1

Year 8 Pool Party 6:30pm

Term Two, Week EightMonday 8th June Year 9 History Excursion HK sites (8:40-3:30)

Division meetings, 3:30pm

Tuesday 9th June Year 9 History Excursions HK sites(8:40-3:30)AISHK General Committee meeting, 8:30am

Curriculum Committee meeting, 3:30pm

Careers Information Night, 4:30-7:30pm

Wednesday 10th June Primary Science Competition (Stage 2 11th June)

Secondary Assembly, 12:00noonPastoral Care & Welfare Committee meet, 3:30pm

Waratah House Charity Mufti Day

Thursday 11th June Primary Science Competition - Stage 2 studentsBoard Facilities Committee meeting, 8:00am

Year 10 DIC visit 2-3:30pm

Secondary Science CompetitionAISHK Parent Association Forum - Pastoral Care at

AISHK - Home and School Collaboration, 7:30pm

school rehearsal room 2/F

Friday 12th June Primary Assembly (3-6), 11:20am host Year 3

AISHK Parent Association Trivia Night, 7:00pmTerm Two, Week Nine

Monday 15th June Stage/KLA meetings, 3:30pm

Performing Arts Festival - An Evening ofInstrumental Music, school auditorium, 7:00pm

Tuesday 16th June Board Governance Committee meeting, 7;45am

Performing Arts Festival -An Evening of Dance,

Drama and Magic, school auditorium, 7:00pmWednesday 17th June Performing Arts Festival -An Evening of Song,

school auditorium, 7:00pm

Thursday 18th June Professional Development Committee meet, 3:35pm

Year 12 Performance Review Parent Meeting, 811Friday 19th June Early Childhood Assembly (P-2), 11:10am, host Prep

30 Hour Famine overnight to Saturday 20th June

Term Two, Week Ten

Monday 22nd June Board meeting, 6:30pmDivision meetings, 3:30pm

Tuesday 23rd June Secondary Swimming Carnival, Kowloon Tsai Park

Primary Writing and Spelling CompetitionWednesday 24th June Primary Student-Led Conferences all day

Friday 26th June Whole School Mufti DayPrimary Assembly (P-6), 11:10am

Classes end for Term Two(Primary 12noon; Secondary 12:50pm)

Whats On in Sport

Netball NewsExtra-Curricular ActivitiesOn Tuesday the 29th June, the AISHK Under 10 Netball girls

played against Kowloon Junior School. Match play is always agreat opportunity for us put our skills into practice and our

girls did us proud. After the first half they had a comfortable

lead and they were able to maintain the lead until the end,

despite the continued perseverance of the opposing team. Welldone to all the girls who played.

The U13 Kookaburras and U13 Emus and the U14 Kangaroos

travelled to West Island School to play against their top netball

teams. The U13s teams played extremely well and had a number

of wins and 1 loss. The U14 Kangaroos ran away with the game.AISHK (15) defeated WIS (1). The Shanghai Netball competition

has given all our players the opportunity to develop on court

tactics and set plays which have been extremely valuable when

playing against other local schools. It was a wonderful effortfrom all of our players. Thank you to Mrs Chan and Mrs Davies

who both do an exceptional job coaching our U 13 Netball Teams.

Coaching CourseNext term there will be an Introduction to Netball Coaching

Course. The aims of this course will be to refresh us with the

rules, ensure we are teaching correct passing, attacking anddefence in a safe way and to learn some new netball drills.

There will be an information flyer sent out next week outlining

the dates and specific details. I urge all mums who would like

to be involved with the training, managing or coaching of ourplayers here at AISHK to come along. All levels of expertise are

very welcome. The Coaching Course is based on the Australian

Netball Associations 2009 Coaching Modules. I can guarantee

that it will be enjoyable, there will be laughter and our players

will benefit.

I encourage any parents who would like to offer their support

to come along on a Tuesday afternoon. We would appreciate

parental assistance for the first 40 minutes for the passing and

catching component of the program. For any additionalinformation please do not hesitate to contact me on my email

[email protected] or visit me in room 509 after school.

Mrs Joanne Reed

Netball Manager

Matilda and Jennifer Our supporters!

Jane and Michelle Coachand Manager of our U13s

Emus Netball Team


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Issue # 16.2009 four

Two very important aspects of the AISHK secondary

curriculum are community service projects and

participation in decision making forums, such as the

Student Representative Council and the Model United

Nations. In choosing to participate in either or both ofthese types of activities, at sometime during their time

at AISHK, students are better able to acquire the skills

and personal motivation which will enhance their

personal capacity to become active and engagedcitizens later in their adult lives.

Recognising that community service and student leadership are two key

characteristics of a quality school curriculum is essential, because togetherthey enhance individual students character development and their academic

skills, the latter in terms of expanding their understanding of social problems

and the role of civic action in providing solutions to such problems.

Some of these activities undertaken at AISHK are closely connected to the

formal curriculumfor example, measuring levels of pollutants in a local stream

in a science class or analysing waste management techniques in Hong Kong as

part of a geography course. While some other activities may have only a

tangential connection to schoolworkfor example, planting trees during ActivityWeek or cooking for the destitute as part of the CAS program. Irrespective of

the model employed, all activities must be viewed as worthwhile in themselves,primarily for the intrinsic value they bring to others e.g. tutoring local students

in English language skills.

Several studies in the US over last decade have identified the key role thatservice learning such as this can play in increasing students commitment to

community participation.

Evidence suggests school-based projects improved students civic attitudes

and school performance. Students reported increased interest in schoolwork,

greater understanding of the curriculum, and a greater sense of civic

responsibility.

Researchers concluded that when students had classroom learning opportunitiesspecifically designed to engage them in identifying and discussing social

problems, including controversies surrounding potential solutions, their

commitment to civic participation increased. Most studies emphasise theimportance of giving students a voice in defining or selecting projects and in

subsequent reflection and discussion.

Reading about democracy, decision making, negotiation, social issues and how

one may respond, are in reality poor substitutes for active participation in

real decision making and community service.

Any parent or community member interested in finding out more about these

types of learning programs on offer at AISHK are most welcome to contact theSecondary Division Office at the school for further details.

A reminder to parents of students in Year 8, this Thursday 4th June students

and parents are invited to attend an information session on elective options

for Year 9 2010. This session will be held in the School Auditorium from 6:30pm.

As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding these or any other

matters relating to the Secondary Division, please do not hesitate to contactme directly at the school.

Mr Phillip Waugh

Principal Secondary

Secondary Division News

Expressions of InterestAs part of our schools preparations for Year 10 and Year 12 external

examinations each year, we are required to appoint Test Supervisor(s) to oversee

the School Certificate, Higher School Certificate and IB Diploma

examinations.These examinations take place from approximately mid Octoberto the end of November.

For further details and registration of an Expression of Interest please contactthe 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 contactwith you shortly.

Presenters needed

Thank you to those

people who have kindly

volunteered to comeand talk to our students

about their careers.

We are still looking for a Doctor and/orNurse, Performing Artist and a Pilot.

If you know someone who could help, please

ask them to contact me at:

[email protected].

To the parents of Years 10, 11 and 12 students we encourage you to come along to our

Careers Night, if you are able to. It will

certainly generate some interesting

discussions with your son or daughter.

Mrs Penny Horton-Stephens

Careers Advisor

Careers NightTuesday 9th June

New-Look Electronic

DhanaraOur weekly newsletter, Dhanara, will come toyou in Term Three in electronic copy only. From

29th July, you will receive Dhanara every

Wednesday during term time, either via emailor by viewing it directly from the Schools

website.

Hard copies will no longer be distributed.

In order to receive Dhanara and otherinformation via email, parents who do notcurrently receive email notifications fromthe School need to send an email [email protected] with the followinginformation:

Subject: Communications

Your Name:

Your Child(rens) Name(s) and Grade(s):

Your Email Address:

From Term Three 2009, the Dhanara will be

published through the Development Office.

Any submissions for the school newslettershould be sent to Mr Alex Gibbs, Director of

Development and Community Relations at

[email protected], by Tuesday

midday.


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AISHK Parent AssociationWhats On in Term 2

Friday5thJune

YEAR9PARENTSHIKEUPTHEPEAK9:00

am

sharp

meeting

at

the

intersection

of

OldPeakRoadandTregunterPath

(wherefootpathstarts)Hikeends10:15amatPacificCoffee, PeakTower.ContactAngelaKatzfordirections:62593365

Friday5thJune

1KPARENTSLUNCHLetsgettogetherforlunch!

When:12:15pmafterYear1assemblyWhere:SimplyLifeBakery,FestivalWalk

[email protected]

[email protected]

thJune

AISHKPACOMMITTEEMEETING

8:30amLibrary,Level5All

Welcome!

Thursday11

thJuneAISHKPARENTFORUM

PastoralCareatAISHK:TheHomeandSchoolCollaboration7:30pmintheRehearsalRoom,2/FAISHKSpeakers:[email protected].

Friday12

thJune

AISHKTRIVIANIGHTFrom7:00pmatHebeHavenYachtClub

HiramsHighway,PakShaWan$500perpersonincludesdinnerandunlimiteddrinksTeamsof46tobesubmittedbyMonday8thJuneContactKeirThubronwithanyfurtherquestions

[email protected]

Friday19

thJune

YEAR7PARENTSURVIVALDINNERFrom7:30pmatWildfire

WorldTradeCentre,CausewayBayCost:$200perperson

Includes:4coursedinnerandservicetaxRSVP:DebbieChambersby13thJune

[email protected]


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dhanara 3 june 2009web

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