AISHK Lion Rock Magazine | Term 4 Issue Vol.43

INSIDE: in conversation with the head o f school ...and so much more! syd x mel alumni events activity week + camps! Term 2 2024 | Volume 43

The 7 Essential Areas Australian Expats Must Discuss with Their Advisor

Australia Tax resident or non-resident?

Single most vital question when you are planning on moving or returning to Australia.

Trust and Legal Structures

Should I maintain ownership of global assets in my name or through alternative structures?

Australian Superannuation

Are Australian Superannuation options a good choice for expats?

Domestic and overseas Property

Efficient tax strategies and understanding capital gains tax regulations for non-resident Australians holding property.

Stocks and Managed Funds

Effectively handling stocks and other assets to avoid tax penalties and wealth depletion when departing from and re-entering Australia.

Australian and Global Insurances

Navigating insurance coverage when departing from and returning to Australia.

Wills and Powers of Attorney

Australian and international

and

Issue 43's cover is inspired by all the different offcampus activities. This Lion Rock is all about Activity Week trips and camps and exploring new challenges! Back

Prep students looked at work created by artists Wendy Binks and Jessie Breakwell. Students created an emu artwork inspired by the artists use of colour and pattern.

We hope you enjoy seeing the individual personalities in each of the emu artworks.

And the Award Goes to... Young People! Far Out Fiji Booyah Bali! STEM Shaped Singapore Remembering Paris Week Japan Ski and Snowboard Adventure Trip

Art Meets Action: A Whirlwind Week Dive Right In! Philippines Trip The Best of Beijing A Fist of Fun, Martial Arts Into the Swing of It! Kau Sai Chau Wilderness Wonders! Primary Camps 2024 Fair Play to You! Peer Power, Peer Support!

In this issue

Welcome to the June edition of Lion Rock. There is a lot of research about the benefits of vitamin “N” or vitamin “nature”. Studies have shown that those that can see green be it gardens or forests from their hospital window recover faster than those that don’t. That said, this issue of Lion Rock celebrates the great outdoors and getting outside. From the hills of Hong Kong to the mountains in Japan, find out where staff and students have been to get a different perspective this Spring.

Continuing the theme of getting outside Lion Rock talks to AISHK’s sports teams who have had some double wins! The school’s athletes are winning competition trophies plus awards for fairplay and sportsmanship.

After 18-months in post, Head of School Mina Dunstan explains how a country girl from Kingaroy came to be Head of School at 3 Norfolk Road and her passion about the future of AISHK.

Meanwhile, if you love a good story, meet the Gurry family. Having moved to Hong Kong relatively recently, Eileen and Will Gurry explain how hearing the stories of others has helped their family settle into AISHK.

On these topics – and on all things AISHK – we look forward to your contribution, via development@aishk.edu.hk.

Welcome to AISHK Board Chairman

TheAISHK community welcomes the newly appointed Chair, Andrew Macintosh.

Andrew is well-known to many people within the AISHK community and has served on the board since 2010. Prior to taking on the position of Chair, Andrew was the Foundation’s Deputy Chair and Treasurer, 2019-2024. Before that he was the Chair of the Board’s Governance Committee.

Andrew has lived in Hong Kong for over 25 years, and is a former chairman of the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong. He was also The Head of National Australia Bank (NAB) in Hong Kong for many years.

A passionate educator and adjunct faculty, Andrew has taught at Macquarie University, HKU, HKUST and Chinese University. Andrew also taught board governance for 8 years for the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ International Company Directors Course. Andrew is also CEO of a hedge fund platform in Hong Kong.

Andrew and the Board are looking forward to providing continued support the school and the community.

Connected Captains

Senior Captains

When Sheanna Mutthumani and Alton Qiu became Senior School Captains they decided that they wanted to make the role their own. It is important to them that they are seen as approachable and that junior and senior years are better connected. Primary School Captains Skye Nguyen and Alexander Dauber would agree.

Sheanna said, “I think that we've really increased the connection between different year groups. It might not seem like a big initiative, but I hope students all around the school have felt that increased connection or bond and sense of community between us.

Alton, “I think that's something that's very important, and I think it makes a big difference.”

“I think we place a particular emphasis on the prefects going to House homerooms at least once a week to interact with younger year levels.”

Sheanna, “As individuals we try our best to be role models and get to know students from different year groups when we come across them day-to-day.”

Alton, “Maybe when I was younger I thought of the Head Boy and Head Girl as authoritative figures and I could not approach them.”

Sheanna, “I think we've kind of put that aside, we're all students at the school. We're all the same and we are here for each other. School captains should be the student voice, we're supposed to help them [students].

Sheanna and Alton work well together and this is in part thanks to their “crispy daps”

(the slapping and locking of hands)!

Sheanna, “Right after we were announced as captains, we dapped and it was just immaculate, and we knew it was meant to be. The sound really popped! It was the crispest dap ever!”

Sheanna and Alton also know how to play to their strengths - Sheanna is good at content while Alton is the natural comedian.

Between now and the end of term the school captains are planning assemblies and Spirit Week (the Year 12 students last week at school before their exams start).

From left to right: (Back) New Zealand Consul-General, Mr Peter Lund; Australian Consul-General, Mr Gareth Williams; AISFL Board Chairman, Mr Andrew Macintosh; (Front) AISHK Head of School, Ms Mina Dunstan; Primary Co-Captains, Syke Nguyen and Alexander Dauber; Secondary Co-Captains, Sheanna Mutthumani and Alton Qiu

Primary Captains

Primary School Captains Skye Nguyen and Alexander Dauber have similar priorities around connecting students from different age groups.

Alexander said, “We are a voice for the younger kids in the school. I think it is good to be able to socialise with everyone. I can talk to fellow students without getting too nervous. I get input from others and it helps students get what they want.”

Skye and Alexander have known each other for seven years (since preparatory class), and just like Sheanna and Alton they make a good team, minus the dapping.

Skye, “We work together well, sometimes we might disagree and if we do we ask other people for their opinions, including the Deputy School Captains and we find a compromise.”

The Primary Captains meet with Head of School, Ms Dunstan every two weeks. Their agenda covers everything from the fit of the P.E shorts to the food and choice in the cafeteria.

Another issue the captains would like to tackle is enhancing the ventilation in the swimming pool.

Skye, “I swim five times a week and it gets quite humid in the pool. Making the swimming pool more comfortable is one thing we would like to change while at the school.”

Alex and Skye both mention the confidence and other skills they have gained since becoming captains. Skye said, “I also know how to write a formal email and hold a meeting with clear outcomes.”

With so much energy and enthusiasm from all the captains, watch this space to see how these young people continue to shape AISHK.

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE

HEAD OF SCHOOL

From Kingaroy to Kowloon Tong: Head of School Mina, Dunstan wants to use her passion for advocacy to engage the school’s global community to support students here and now.

Acountry girl at heart, Dunstan grew up on a farm in Kingaroy, Queensland. Growing up she loved her small school. She said, “I am one of those people that love being at school, finished school and went to university to learn how to go back to school and start teaching.”

“At a young age I did some work experience alongside teachers and it ignited something in me. I could see that powerful stuff happens in the classroom and I left school knowing exactly what I wanted to do.”

You don’t become Head of Australian International School Hong Kong without having the right experience. Dunstan talks about one of her first jobs within a remote indigenous community north of Cooktown, 8 hours north of Cairns and accessible by a mainly dirt road. There she met Noel Pearson, who inspired her and shaped her and her career. She said, “Noel Pearson, was and continues to be a real advocate for indigenous education.”

Dunstan and Pearson connected over their shared passion for the importance of education, both respecting its capacity to be life changing.

“When I met Noel he was at Sydney University studying Law, he was also a community member. He was then and still is an advocate for indigenous education and quality health care. He was ahead of his time in many respects.”

“Noel taught me a lot about the importance of showing respect when you enter a community, understanding the cultural context and the situation before making assumptions. He also challenged my preconceived ideas of what leadership is.”

She recalls being part of a new community, “Back in those days we got paid by cheque and in the wet season, which was six months of the year, the light aircraft couldn't land so we would go without pay for six months! But we were supported by the community who would allow us to run up a tab at the supermarket, for example. It was a really unique experience.”

Dunstan went on to establish her career in schools across Queensland moving into leadership roles before coming to Hong Kong.

“I remember when my family first considered the opportunity to move. My baby was eight weeks old and it was Valentine's Day. My husband saw a job advertised for a leadership role at an international school, in Sha Tin. He said we should try it and…here we are.”

After 14 years at different schools in Hong Kong, Dunstan joined AISHK. During her first 100 days, one area of focus was to watch and understand.

“It was probably a bit longer than 100 days because I was very mindful of the changes experienced in Hong Kong and by AISHK, including COVID.”

“A question that motivates me is: How can I create the best version of something for a child, for a class, for a cohort, for a family?”

“I heard a lot of ideas and initiatives and I talked to a lot of people who were seeking permission to try new things. The school is a bubbling pot of creativity and enthusiasm.”

“I believe that if you're going to be in a really high performing, high thriving school environment, you've got to let your innovators and the creative energy loose and not necessarily try to have too many strings to the puppets.”

“One of the very first meetings that I had with the Senior School Captains was around uniform. In the beginning I was actively allowing people to voice their ideas and issues could be surfaced through students, staff, and parent conversations.

Conversations such as these over time and across a range of topics helped to define the School’s Strategic 5 Year Plan with four core drivers:

• Academic Excellence,

• Wellbeing Literacy,

• Learning Technologies and

• Learning Environments.

Ms Dunstan with 2023 graduates Tiffany Chan and Tiffany Chan

"How can I create the best version of something for a child, for a class, for a cohort, for a family?"

Dunstan explained, “Coming out of COVID, parent conversations were often around the potential effects on learning. Some students said that they wanted to be extended and challenged. I also wanted to be clear about what academic excellence means and I think it is about ‘value-added' – celebrating students moving forward from where they are now.

“Some schools might have the perception that if students are not in the top tier, they are not achieving excellence but that's not my opinion.”

“Wellbeing Literacy leads on from Academic Excellence. Schools are about growing the whole child, whether it's socially, emotionally, behaviourally, through character development, physical ability, social change or service projects.”

“Wellbeing Literacy is a skill. Young people should be capable of having the right conversation to express themselves about their social and emotional development. That takes time and a structure so pastoral care is a focus.”

“Technology and learning platforms are the third pillar of the strategic plan. Our infrastructure and what we do with software is the focus of the School’s development, not necessarily hardware. As educators we need to prepare young people for the future - so interaction and innovation with technology is the way forward.”

Ms Dunstan with Ms Margaret Merrell, Assistant Principal (Primary) 1995-2003

AISHK Welcome Festival with Head of Secondary, Mr Peter Phillips and Head of Primary, Mr Brendan Kean

Ms Dunstan with a LEGO student during the celebration of Book Week (2023)

The fourth area of the School’s strategic plan is around optimising its facilities and creating spaces that are flexible enough to meet the needs of teachers and students.

The qualitative data from a 360 stakeholder survey backed-up the conversation Dunstan was having with people in the community.

“The priorities came through really strongly, academics to be up leveled, support students' wellbeing and make the most of technology and the campus.”

“In order to achieve our goals, it's important that we continue to engage and strive to make a difference and take things to the next level.”

So what is next on the to-do-list?

“The school is successful because of its community identity. We are uniquely Australian and international. It's like this little piece of Australia within Hong Kong, yet we've got this really respectful global outlook that sits around it.”

“As a school, we continue to leverage the potential of our community, be it our alumni or friends of AISHK. You will see our alumni start to have a greater role in shaping the lives of our students now.”

“Many attendees at the recent Sydney and Melbourne reunions are changing the world in terms of technology and medicine. Everyone there had a strong sense of who they are as a person thanks to this community's connectedness.”

“They want to give back and they want to pay it forward. So the to-do-list is about how we can meaningfully, authentically bring our alumni in and weave them into being more active in shaping the lives of our students now.”

Dunstan concluded by saying, “I've got a consistent “North Star”. The first 18 months in a new role can be frantic and busy, so you've got to bring yourself back to that North Star that guides you towards being positive and optimistic which I always aim to be.”

Meet the Gurry Family That’s a Different Story

The Gurry family moved to Hong Kong from Melbourne in January 2024. Will and Elieen Gurry are parents to Teddy (aged 9) and Cece (aged 12). Like many families the move was prompted by a professional opportunity and the desire for new experiences. As the family settles into life in Hong Kong the experience that has resonated the most has been listening to other peoples’ stories.

Eileen: “We asked the kids last night, what they have enjoyed since moving to Hong Kong and joining the School and they said - the stories of people. Everyone here in Hong Kong has a different story.”

Will: “It's an international melting pot. The kids are getting a worldly experience and meeting people from all walks of life. I think the fact that the kids have recognised this is great.”

This sporty family transitioned into AISHK life easily. Cece represented the School in athletics and won the long jump and she plays netball. Teddy plays cricket for the School and basketball for the Wombats.

E: “The children both seem to really be loving it. It's been a seamless transition in terms of continuing their interests.”

The kids have also discovered new passions along the way.

W: “Teddy is doing the Friday afternoon cooking course and Cece is doing the food tech class

which she wouldn't have had the opportunity to do at school back in Australia. They've both developed a bit of a passion for cooking.”

W: “I think the other massive highlight, particularly for Cece, was the year seven trip to Beijing. She made a great group of friends and got to enjoy some really wonderful experiences that she wouldn't have otherwise had the opportunity to do.”

The family moved to a Wan Chai apartment, very different from their big suburban house with lots of space and a swimming pool. But has this new environment been a difficult adjustment for the Gurrys?

E: “We didn't expect Hong Kong to be so green. I think that's a big surprise: the beaches, the hiking, the mountains, the greenery.

“People back home are always surprised when you talk about the beaches in Hong Kong. And the water is warm!”

So what are the Gurry family looking forward to now they are a bit more settled into Hong Kong life?

E: “One thing that we always planned to take advantage of is Hong Kong’s position within Asia. Being able to travel within Asia and being closer to Europe and even the US is a great opportunity. Travel is something that we always promised the kids that we would do a lot of and having so many public holidays is great!

2024 2024 2024

And the Award Goes to… Young People!

Year 9 Students go AYP

By Ross Sun and Jeffrie Chen

On 11 March all Year 9 students embarked on a 5-day camp as part of the Award for Young People (AYP) program. The adventure kicked off at Outward Bound in Sai Kung where we began preparing our hiking bags. In small groups we decided who would carry what equipment and what food we would need before setting off on our five day expedition. The weight of the bag made me question whether I could complete the challenge ahead. But it turned out that over the days I grew accustomed to the heavy load.

to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones.

The third day proved to be the most physically demanding. We covered an extensive distance and arrived at the campsite successfully. Throughout the week we acquired invaluable skills such as reading maps, using a compass, and outdoor cooking. The team members that were good at map reading taught others along the way. While those good at cooking shared this important skill. No one got left out and we shared the responsibilities.

Overall, the 5-day camp left an indelible mark on all of us. Year 9 students embraced new experiences and engaged in challenging activities.

The inspiring natural surroundings and the challenges we faced together fostered a sense of camaraderie among our classmates, making the entire adventure all the more rewarding.

The second day unfolded with an exciting rock climbing session. The scenic path we traversed was breathtaking, with stunning natural beauty. Rock climbing was a definite highlight, challenging our limits and testing our determination. It was an opportunity

With one section of the AYP Bronze Award complete, Year 9 students are now completing the other sections of the award, Service, Skills and Physical Recreation.

Far Out Fiji!

By Grey Chua, Maxine Tsang

Activity week in Fiji is best described as a transformative trip! From the service projects to the adverse weather conditions and to the nightly Fijian language classes, the trip challenged many of us as we immersed ourselves in a culture very different from our own.

The trip also came with an incomparable amount of joy, and the memories that came with bonds we made throughout the week.

After a long 9-hour flight, our group of 60 plus [staff and students] arrived in Nadi. We stayed at an eco-lodge near Natadola Beach where we spent our first day. That night we received our sulus (Fijian skirts worn during traditional ceremonies). And slept well ready for the adventure ahead.

around the vibrant fruit market and souvenir shops. We then made our way back to the sand dunes to participate in a clay workshop making little souvenirs to take home.

At the pineapple farm on the third day, we helped the farmers pull out weeds (in the pouring rain). By the time we got back to shelter we were soaked! Despite the weather we kept our morale high by playing games and enjoying each other's company and laughing.

The first day trip was to Nambila village. As soon as we entered the village we were greeted by wide smiles and warm welcomes by the locals. The women in the village taught us how to make beautiful salusalu (garlands) and we bonded with the kids by making origami figures and playing soccer.

On our second morning in Fiji, we woke up early and started the hour-long trip to the Sigatoka Sand Dunes. Despite the heavy rain, we persisted and hiked up sand dunes. At lunchtime, we went to a local town and had some delicious Chinese food before walking

The next day some groups laid roads and built toilet blocks. My group, sheltering from the rain - painted the inside of a church. After a morning of painting, we refueled with lunch at the eco-lodge. We had the honour of being invited back to Nabila village and that afternoon the women of the village prepared delicious Fijian snacks for us. The villagers then played traditional music which we all enjoyed and danced to, and we said our final goodbyes to the lovely children in the village.

On our last day, we spent our morning strolling around the beautiful Denarau port, shopping and buying clothes and souvenirs. We had a mini pizza party for lunch as a way to celebrate our last full day. But one of the highlights of the trip was our final excursion to the mud pools. We had a blast throwing sludge and mud against each other's backs!

Booyah Bali! Year 8 Students @ Green Camp

By Tyson Barr and Finn Sullivan

Arriving at Green Camp, we were met with a warm Balinese welcome followed by our first meal of blue rice. It being Green Camp, meat is off the menu for a few days this week. After dinner we headed out in the rain to see the Ogoh-ogoh festival. Ogoh-ogoh are mythological beings, mostly demons. The festival aims to purify the island of evil spirits. It was an amazing evening of puppets and music.

After a day's travel and an exciting evening at the festival we were all ready to settle into our rooms.

The next day was Nyepi, The Day of Silence. This is the first day of Bali’s new year, and a very important day for the people of Bali.

We marked the day by doing yoga and meditation and by “offering-making.” This helped us to separate ourselves from our devices and

learn a bit about the Balinese culture.

The following day was jam-packed and started with a hearty breakfast. This was followed by traditional Balinese archery - testing our aim and coordination. We also learnt how to upcycle old clothes into bags, and created natural dyes using the plants from our surrounding environment!

One of our best days was the service learning day. Some students became parents to beautiful green sea turtles while others went to the mangroves and built bridges using bamboo - to be used for mangrove planting. A third group of students said hello to the talking parrots and the attentionseeking sun bears at the wildlife rescue center.

Mud wrestling and tree climbing on day five gave us the opportunity to harness our inner Tarzan, climbing towering coconut trees in less than ten seconds! After a hot and sweaty morning we relaxed by playing badminton and cards, before we clapped our hands and stomped our feet at a Balinese drumming circle!

The trip finished with a day of cooking and eating. We prepared favorites from home and new recipes that we had learnt while in Bali.

But all good things gotta come to an end. When we got to the airport everyone was filled with a mix of emotions, we wanted to get home and tell our parents about the trip but we also didn’t want the experience to end. Roll on Year 9 and the next adventure.

STEM Shaped Singapore

By Hubert Yu & Seth Kong

Singapore is a unique country that has seen rapid change in the last 50 years. It has advanced in many areas including the fields of STEM. During Activity Week 2024 a group of students from Years 10 to 12 visited Singapore to see how STEM has shaped the country's development.

The group visited a variety of locations, Kampong Glam, Little India and Chinatown. They also visited the Singapore Science Museum and the Marina Barrage.

Hubert Yu, one of the members of the group said, “Overall, this was a successful trip, with lasting memories being created amongst all members of the trip. As well as all the things we saw and learnt we also enjoyed some delicious food! It was an amazing experience for the group.”

Seth Kong said, “On behalf of our entire group, we would like to give special thanks to Ms Carini and Mr Foreman, as

Remembering Paris Week

Considered by many as the best week of the year, Paris Activity Week was a trip full of surprises. We visited many of the city's most famous landmarks: the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du Louvre and more.

well as our tour guide Jerome and all the other guides who joined us along the way, for making Activity Week 2024 a wonderful, memorable, and unforgettable experience for all of us.”

Our first stop on our trip was inside Singapore’s Changi International Airport. We visited Jewel, and marvelled at the architecture and design of the building that houses more than 2,000 trees and palms, and over 10,000 shrubs. We also saw the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s largest and tallest indoor waterfall.

The city changes around every corner, each street and building are different and interesting.

The food was a memorable part of the Paris trip, and we greedily ate croissants and baguettes on street corners.

"The Seine River is a wonder, walking along the riverbank feels like stepping back in time to the

1800s. Despite the jet lag on our return to Hong Kong, it was the best school trip ever and I would recommend it to everyone!” - ZOE WAN & ALTON QIU

"The cooler temperatures were refreshing compared to Hong Kong. The food was always really good and especially the glace. It was a really magical experience." - VEGAS PUELS

Japan Ski and Snowboard Adventure Trip

By Ivana Yue

Good things come to those who wait and after a five year break, this year’s Skiing & Snowboarding adventure was much anticipated by the Year 10 & 12 students who attended.

In the beautiful mountainous region of Hakuba we hit the slopes in sun, snow and rain and on the last day we braved some pretty terrifying winds!

We were led by incredible instructors who challenged us to learn new skills as we traversed our way across green, red, black runs in breathtaking scenery!

We ate amazing curries, ramen and fried chicken, as well as indulging in way too much ice cream.

One night we did a snowshoe walk through the woods, stopping midway for chocolate fondue and some of the best hot chocolate any of us had ever tasted!

The last few nights we went into town, where we ate kebabs, crepes and Japanese noodles. We also bought souvenirs and watched a masterclass in darts from Mr Allante! The night skies were impressive, with a moon and stars that could rival a Van Gogh painting.

"I had a fantastic 18th birthday while in Paris! Everything went smoothly, I learned some basic French and I saw street-culture in the metro, restaurants, and shopping district." - JEFFREY IP

Our group leader Hannah from The Learning Adventure was the best guide we could have asked for and Mr Allante, Ms Dunstan and Mr McGunnigle were great advisors on the trip.

Art Meets Action: A Whirlwind Week

By Art Group

Art Activity Week was a whirlwind of creativity and exploration. Students delved into different artistic mediums and techniques across two workshops. From the intricate embroidery to the bold strokes of charcoal, the week resulted in some impressive artistic creations.

The week kicked off at Make and Do Studio in Chai Wan, under the guidance of the talented instructor, Becky Gilmour. Understanding threading and texture, over two days students learnt the art of embroidery and photo transfer. By the end of the first workshop, each student proudly walked away with a handcrafted macrame pot hanger and a unique embroidered artwork.

The second workshop, lead by Gail Deayton, focused on three-dimensional expression and printmaking. Students began by exploring architectural and sculptural forms using a variety of materials like cardboard, wire, willow, and paper. Inspired by their sculptures, they then delved into the world of collagraph printing, creating their own printing plates and experimenting with textures and patterns to produce a range of unique prints on paper. The final day was dedicated to large-scale charcoal drawings, where students drew inspiration from their sculptures and prints, translating their three-dimensional experiences onto paper with bold strokes and dramatic shading.

Overall, Art Week provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore various art forms, experiment with different materials, and discover their own artistic voices. They learned new skills,

challenged themselves creatively, and most importantly, had fun while doing it. The experience fostered an appreciation for the diverse world of art and encouraged students to embrace their creativity in all its forms.

While the workshops focused on specific techniques like embroidery, macrame, sculpture, collagraph printing, and charcoal drawing, the true value of Art Activity Week extended beyond acquiring these skills. Students learned to observe the world around them with a keener eye, finding inspiration in everyday objects and architecture. They discovered the joy of working with their hands, transforming simple materials into unique works of art. The collaborative environment of the workshops fostered teamwork and communication, as students shared ideas and supported each other's artistic endeavours.

Dive Right In! Philippines Trip

By Tyler Tang and Harold Cheong

Our trip to the Philippines was unforgettable, the Atmosphere Resort was beautiful, the food delicious and the water off the coast of Dumaguete was crystal-clear.

Before the trip we all completed an e-learning dive course, so on day 2 we could go straight to the pool to practise essential skills before our first, Confined Water Dive and Open Water Dive.

On day 3, we were all excited as we headed out to the ocean to put our skills into practice and did more diving.

At a marine life presentation we learnt about the local reefs, local species and attempts at conservation.

It was wonderful to see dolphins on day 4 as we travelled, by boat, to Apo Island, a popular dive site, where we did our last Open Water Dive. This was our final dive before we became certified divers! To celebrate, we went diving and saw outstanding, colourful marine life: sea turtles, shy moray eels, venomous sea snakes, poisonous pufferfish, spiny starfish, and schools and schools of fish and coral.

We had an early morning on day 5 getting up to catch a ferry to Oslob, Cebu, to snorkel with whale sharks! There were many sharks (and people) all trying to get a glimpse of the sharks as they came near us.

The trip was truly unforgettable and its ending bittersweet. The ocean was full of marine life as was the Atmosphere Resorts with: chickens, frogs, geckos and bats hunting at night.

The resort restaurant was great with a big breakfast buffet and three course meals for dinner.

In our free time we could: explore the resort, do yoga, swim in the pool, get an Indian head massage or go snorkelling!

The journey was a memorable experience that I would highly recommend to everyone. Thanks to our incredible teachers, and friends who made the trip so much fun!

The Best of Beijing

On the 10th March, 96 Year 7 students and 9 staff set off for a Beijing Adventure and the itinerary was packed with exciting experiences.

“The Year 7 Beijing experience was filled with fun and we made lots of memories. We had lovely hotel rooms. Along with the laughs and smiles came a lot of new skills in the process. Cooking, Tai Chi, Calligraphy, etc. We made lots of new friends from Shi Jia Primary School which was a very special experience. Overall, I’m very grateful to have had this opportunity to travel to Beijing. It is definitely one of my best memories of 2024.” - ROWINA LEE

Highlights included a visit to the Olympic park, seeing the Watercube and Birdsnest stadium. The group also visited the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the Hutongs, the Drum Tower and visited local families. They watched a Grasshopper Show and played Jianzi (shuttlecock kicking).

“The Great Wall of China has been on our bucket list for a long time. When we got to the Mutianyu section of The Great Wall, we were all blown away by the sheer size, the stunning views and amazing ancient architecture. We were told that we could explore and try to walk to the top of the section. Both of us loved it so much that we decided to run to the top and back three times which was exhilarating. Overall we were blessed to have this opportunity and this is one memory we will never forget.”

- TRISTEN LAU AND WILLIAM FOYN

“One of my favourite parts of Beijing was the visit to the famous Drum Tower and exploring the Hutong area. I enjoyed the activities we did there such as calligraphy, jianzi and the Cricket and Grasshopper Show. It was fun to explore the culture of Beijing through these fun activities and to learn the history of the Drum Tower, even if the stairs there were a bit steep and agonisingly long - 69 steps to the top in a very small space. Getting to know more about the culture of Beijing has been a really amazing experience. It was definitely a great Activity Week.” - TY TADAFFEE

Cultural experiences the group enjoyed were: making tanghulu (sugar-coated fruits) and chinese dumplings, watching a shadow puppet play and making their own puppets. They visited the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The group also strengthened the school’s connection with Shi Jia Primary School and participated in cultural activities together.

One of my favourite parts of being in Beijing was the experience of making traditional Chinese foods, like dumplings and tanghulu. Some of us struggled at first to make the dumplings and occasionally had to restart. But eventually, we all finished over time and the dumplings were left to steam. While they were steaming, the chefs instructed us to pick strawberries or hawthorn to skewer and they helped us dip them in boiling sugar water so the sugar would caramelise the water and make

it sticky. We enjoyed eating the messy sticky tanghulu. ” - HELIA TSE

“Shija Primary School was one of the most exciting and memorable experiences I have had in my life. On this visit to the school, I made new friends and I was so amazed by the hospitality and warmth shown to us by the students and staff. After we were warmly welcomed, the students gave us a presentation which was offered in both English and Mandarin. We also had a gift exchange, where a school water bottle was given to each student involved. The Shija Primary School students gave AISHK students a gift which they had chosen themselves. After the exchange, we had a tour of the school. Different groups of students got to experience different activities from artwork to martial arts. I hope the next group of AISHK students will enjoy the experience as much as we did.” - ARIEL FRANCESCA LAM

The week-long experience in Beijing saw students displaying a good sense of humour, developing independence, teamwork skills and strengthening friendships.

A Fist of Fun, Martial Arts

By Sienna Woodyard

Whilst many groups traveled to one country, during Activity Week, our group explored lots of cultures through their martial arts. With each new martial art we learnt a little about its country of origin and history. After just one day of training the majority of our group were sore and blistered but we persevered, giving each combat style our best shot. Sparring with each other was good fun and our amazing instructors kept us safe while we tried to take down our opponents.

On day one we had an introduction to Capoeira, originating from Brazil. In the 19th century the enslaved population were banned from

practicing any form of combat training. They developed Capoeira as a form of “play” fighting hidden beneath the dance and music of its traditions. During this session, we learnt how to engage with capoeira and some of their basic fighting forms.

Tae Kwon Do is from Korea. It developed as a way of teaching people how to defend themselves from attacks from wild animals. Tae Kwon Do self-discipline and perseverance is required to master each technique. During our brief two hours of training, we covered the basics of respect within the art form as well as some basic attacks and blocks.

From the land of the rising sun, Japan, Karate is said to have been developed because people were forbidden to carry weapons during the 17th century. Karate was a way to still possess a weapon when needed. To start the session we were taught the basics of etiquette within the dojo, ending the session using the moves we had learnt earlier and putting them on display through a performance demonstrating our technique.

During our Wing Chun session we practiced how to execute each move with speed and accuracy. Many of the moves

had very simple techniques, making them more plausible.

Muay Thai is from Thailand and was developed for hand to hand warfare during the 13th century. Our instructors put on a demonstration to see Muay Thai in action and the differences in their styles. We had the opportunity to practice what we had learnt on the punching bags, shielding our fists with boxing gloves. To finish off the session we put what we learnt into practice in the ring.

We also practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, PhAB, Tae Kwon Do, Wrestling, Kali and even Stage Fighting.

Into the Swing of it! Kau Sai Chau

By Anna Yang and Michelle Lin

Our lucky group (of students) had an awesome adventure at Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course, a club with amazing views and luxurious amenities. Being at the club was a world away from school life.

We totally got into the “golf world” while there. The coaches are patient and dedicated. They taught us the rules and expectations of the game and helped us to improve our swing. They are “super experts” and made golf really fun for us.

There were some challenges along the way, the weather was bad on day one, so we couldn't play on the course. Instead we took the opportunity to practise on the driving range - getting better at the basics.

The next few days were so much fun because we could play on the greens. We spent most of our time practising and playing on the actual golf course. Each hole has its own challenges but we persevered and we saw ourselves getting better. It felt amazing to hit the ball just right.

Golf isn’t just about the swing, it brought the group closer together throughout the week, especially those who are new to our school. We laughed, supported each other, and celebrated together. It made the whole experience special.

Thank you to the teachers and staff who made this amazing camp happen. Our week at Kau Sai Chau Golf Club was an incredible adventure. We learned a lot about not giving up and working together. I’lll remember this experience for a long time.

Wilderness wonders! primary camps 2024

Bags

packed, hiking shoes on - it's time for camp!

Year 4 Camp

Over three days and two nights students went wild across Lantau Island, scrambling up waterfalls, stand-up paddle boarding and exploring Mui Wo. Camps are designed to be fun but they also introduce students to new challenges and encourage team work. The Great Race activity was maybe the most challenging for students. Map reading and orienteering in a new place was a fantastic opportunity for the kids to work as a team. They put their heads together and off they set round Mui Wo looking for landmarks. The teams had some considerable success, they

made a few wrong turns and learnt a lot about negotiation and compromise in a real-life situation.

The Survival Skills activity was also quite a challenge for some groups. Students were asked to consider an imaginary scenario including: severe weather, wild animals, the best place for a fire and how to build a shelter. When climbing the waterfalls, students had to show concentration and patience. As all the students were in harnesses, they were required to consistently click on and off of safety ropes.

Even with relatively small groups, there was some waiting time, but our campers demonstrated patience and support of their classmates.

Annabel Doherty said camp was fun. She explained that stand up paddle board was the best activity. “It was easy and hard. I had to communicate with my partner to make sure we went in the right direction!”

Head of Year 4, Bruce Home said, “The annual camp is always a highlight for the students and teachers. The experience provides the children an opportunity to truly challenge themselves and show incredible resilience. All the teachers were so proud of how well the children did throughout every experience at camp.”

Year 3 Camp

Year 3 Camp this year was at Po Leung Kuk Jockey Club, Pak Tam Chung Holiday Camp. Despite a rainy week the students participated in a number of team building and self-awareness activities.

In groups students were eager to experience: kayaking, hiking and nature walks, glider making and team building activities.

Pizza night was a highlight, where students indulged in cheesy goodness and had a great time socialising with each other. The delicious BBQ with s'mores provided the perfect endings to fun-filled camp days.

Year 3 camp promotes themes of confidence, collaboration, creativity and compassion. This was displayed all through the activities and opportunities students were presented with. It was especially evident when our students worked in teams to achieve common goals and achieve success.

Adam Hellstrom (3T), “I really liked camp because the activities were really fun and I got to be with my friends!”

Head of Year 3, Kate Jackson said, “Year 3 camp was an unforgettable experience for students, where they not only developed friendships across the year group but also tried new or different activities such as kayaking, hiking, nature walking, glider building and visiting a Hakka Museum. While the weather was not in our favour, we all still had an amazing time with our friends creating special memories. All the teachers were incredibly proud of how well the children did participating in every experience camp offered.”

Fair Play to You! Fair Play to You!

If you think sport is all about points on the scoreboard, the AISHK athletes are here to make you think again. This year AISHK’s sports teams have frequently had some double wins, lifting both the tournament or league trophy together with the Sportsmanship Award. Lion Rock talks to the three Kangaroos to find out why they are winning the Sportsmanship Awards and how they demonstrate fair play.

Tamsyn Allen, Year 9, Waratah House, plays volleyball, netball, soccer and she swims. Lillian Pilgrim, Year 8, Jacaranda, plays basketball, soccer, netball, volleyball and touch rugby. These two students, like many within AISHK, get up at 5am or 5:30am and into school for a 6:30am training session with matches after school. There is no question about their passion and commitment to sport.

In Term 1 they both went to China for the Southern Delta Region Conference (SDRC) volleyball tournament and were awarded the Sportsmanship Award. Of the seven sports events that acknowledge sportsmanship or spirit awards, the Kangaroos have picked up 8 (in the last year).

Tamsyn said, “We got knocked out in the qualifying rounds but we got the opportunity to make a lot of friends so that was good.”

Tamsyn and Lillian’s touch team picked up another Sportsmanship Award at the SDRC tournament in Guangzhou in term four last year. Tamsyn, “There were three placings and we came first, as well as winning the Sportsmanship Award!”

The process for deciding who wins the Sportsmanship Awards is similar across all sports and competitions. Teams are asked to complete a discrete vote for the team that they think is the kindest and friendliest on and off the pitch. The team with the most votes wins.

Lillian said, “Teams notice when we congratulate other players, whatever the outcome. On the pitch, if someone falls we ask them if they are ok or stop and help them up. Mr Wookey, Primary PDHPE Teacher and Touch Rugby Coach, is really good at teaching us to defend in the right way - so we are not playing in a way that could injure others.

“Off the court/pitch behavior is just as important. Between games we [the players] might hang out with other teams, we might practice with them or just chat to them while we are getting a drink.”

When asked what keeps them coming back to sport Lillian said, “Sport takes my mind off things and it is a good way to meet people. Tamsyn and I would not have become friends if we did not play sports together.”

“Being able to connect with other people, not just from my own team, but with other teams is good.”

So have they changed because of their commitment to sport? Tamsyn, “The school’s values: Connect, Strive and Flourish we get from playing sport. We connect with our friends, we strive to be better and we flourish as a team. We might not win but we still have something to be proud of.”

At the Association of China & Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) U19 Football Tournament in April, this year, the boys team won the tournament and the Sportsmanship Award. The girls team came third and won the Sportsmanship Award too. Aidan Tsoi, Year 12,

what his team does to demonstrate sportsmanship. Aidan said, “Our coaches have taught us that if everyone sticks to the rules, sport is more fun.”

“Sport can be rough but if I am in a challenge and someone falls I would go back and give them a hand up. The team knows that when you score a goal, you don't need to be obnoxious when you celebrate. What the referee says goes - no arguing. You just try to focus on your own game. We shake the other team's hands at the end of the game and do three cheers for the referee.”

“Our school's very tight knit - a strong community, so we all know how each other plays and where someone is going to be on the pitch.”

“We hosted the ACAMIS Football Tournament so as hosts it was our responsibility to be representing the school well and representing Hong Kong well.”

“We [AISHK players] do simple things such as showing them [the other players] where to get water and we do socials and stuff together such as sharing pizza on the field after matches or just throwing the ball around with other groups.’

“The games are very competitive but no one should feel isolated and sport should be fun.”

AISHK Kangaroo’s Sporting Accolades from 2023/24

SDRC Football Boys – Sportsmanship Award

SDRC Touch Boys – Sportsmanship Award

SDRC Touch Girls - Sportsmanship Award (*Champions)

SDRC Volleyball Boys – Sportsmanship Award

SDRC Volleyball Girls – Sportsmanship Award

ACAMIS Basketball Girls – Spirit of ACAMIS Award

ACAMIS Football Boys – Spirit of ACAMIS Award (*Champions)

ACAMIS Football Girls B – Spirit of ACAMIS Award

There are so many people in our lives that act as role models, whether they know it or not. You can no doubt think of people who have shaped the person you are today. Family, teachers, coaches and your colleagues will all have had an impact on you. Our peers also have had a significant impact on us. AISHK is using the power of peer support to create connections across the Primary division.

On Thursday mornings, small groups, made up of students from Prep - Year Five come together to play and learn! The twist is that the groups are led by Year 6 students.

Kate Elliott, Head of Year 6 said, “Peer Support has two objectives: to develop connections across the Primary school and to develop leadership skills in Year 6 students before they move into the secondary school.

“The Year 6s have a training day at the beginning of term two. Their teachers show them what peer support looks like, the purpose of the program and we give them a toolkit of games to engage and connect with their students that they can have in their back-pocket if needed. We also talk about what leadership looks like, e.g. not being the only one to speak and letting others have a voice. We focus on role play so students know how to handle different situations. Before the Year 6 students go off to their groups we walk through the “lesson” and help them to get their resources ready. There’s a lot of preparation that happens before to ensure the Year 6’s are set up for success”

Zara Botfield, a Year 6 student said, “You get to be with other students from different grades and

that’s lots of fun because it’s different. Sometimes getting everyone to focus was challenging because they are all from different age groups!”

Alexander Leishman, another Year 6 student said, “At the start, the students in my group were really nervous and shy, but by the end, they had warmed up and were friendly and that made me feel successful”.

Elliott said, “Some Year 6 students are nervous but the Peer Support sessions help them to develop in confidence. When they get back to class they are full of uplifting stories and say things such as, the kids actually listen to me and it went so much better than I thought it was going to.”

“One student told me that she was really pleased that conversation flowed in her group - she made them feel comfortable enough to share and talk to each other.

A massive achievement!”

The sessions are skills based. Communication might be the theme one week with buddies doing describing and drawing games. The following week they might be considering kindness and empathy.” “The Peer Support programme is linked to our PDHPE Key Learning Area of Health and is a Wellbeing focused activity. The Prep students come to session one often quite apprehensive but over the weeks they feel more comfortable in the spaces, they enjoy the activities and they get to know their peers and leaders. The connections that are created throughout Primary are apparent when you see younger students saying hello to their Peer Support leader in the playground and in common areas around the school.”

Sydney x Melbourne Reunions

AISHK held two well-attended Sydney and Melbourne Alumni Reunion on Friday 10 and Saturday 11 May 2024.

The occasions drew a great deal of interest with around 100 attendees joining each event. Speeches were made by alumni Pamela Murphy (2019) in Sydney and Jack McCorkell (2017) in Melbourne. Both provided heartwarming, poignant and humorous recounts of their journeys with AISHK and beyond.

We were thrilled to see such positive attendance and energy on the night, across alumni staff, Board members, parents and students. The conviviality and excitement among the guests is testament to the strong bonds and relationships fostered at AISHK, which will last many years to come.

We encourage our alumni continue to stay connected to the school and we look forward to keeping you updated on upcoming alumni events.

Read more and watch recaps of the reunions by scanning the QR code below :

Photographer: Daryl Charles;

Videographers: Neil Fenelon (Sydney) and Josh Parkes (Melbourne)

Brilliant Bookaburra

The Creation of Bookaburra

By Kim Eder

The idea of Bookaburra was created by a student called Zara Elbl in 2021. Although she had thought of having a school mascot, she suggested it as a library mascot. Our PE teacher, Mr. Wookey, helped by suggesting him to be a kookaburra and book mix. And that's how they came up with…BOOKABURRA!!!

Over the years, Bookaburra has become an all school favorite and lots of the younger kids love to get a high five from the Bookaburra when the chance comes.

The Bookaburra Bulletin

By Isabel Buckley

I thought of the idea for a library newspaper in the student voice meeting at the end of 2022. I got the idea from a book I was reading called ‘Ella at Eden’. I decided I wanted to write a newspaper too! Because I got the idea from a book I decided to make it a library newspaper. Teacher Librarian, Mrs Brown thought my idea was awesome! In fact I was told it was the best idea from the meeting that year. She said that we could start in 2023, call it the Bookaburra Bulletin and Year 5 and 6 students could join the team. I felt so happy and excited I couldn't stop smiling!

How we grew: The Bookaburra Bulletin started with quite a small team of around 15 students. We would meet on Tuesday at lunch time. In the first edition, there were only 4 pages filled with just book reviews that students had submitted. It is crazy how much we can grow in just over 5 terms! In Term 2 there was a book week preview, just a couple book reviews, a games page, Bookaburra challenge info and even a new books list! Term 3 ended up with 12 pages, all of the above plus a jingle mingle preview, staff interviews ,drawing and writing competition

Each term the Library teachers have at least one student voice meeting to discuss ideas that the students have about how to make our library even better. At their last meeting the team talked about Bookaburra…

winners, and a meaningful end of year message. In Term 1 of 2024 we were delighted to display its 20 pages and the many more topics we have covered. These topics include cooking recipes, an environmental page, a wellbeing page, a page on the new library and a page about teachers who recently had babies. We are excited to release the upcoming paper and hope you will enjoy reading the newspaper as much as we enjoyed creating it.

Parent Association Corner

Dear AISHK Parents,

It has been an exciting Term 2 for the AISHK Parent Association (PA) which could not have been achieved without the engagement and support of the whole parent community – thank you! Building on the enthusiasm of the welcome coffees in Term 1, the PA has held a number of events and sought feedback from a broad spectrum of the parent community to ensure the focus remains on enhancing the school community and providing connections for parents across classes, year groups and all levels of the school.

Anzac Day Service

I was honoured to present a wreath as part of the school’s recognition of Anzac Day on 25 April. This solemn experience offers a time of reflection for all attendees and to recognise our shared heritage in honouring those who fought for our freedom.

Celebrating Mothers and Fathers

In May the PA held the Celebrating Mothers Dinner Dance at the Hong Kong Cricket Club. Attended by lots of AISHK mums, the evening was a great opportunity to chat and celebrate. New sponsor connections were made with some valuable prizes donated to the raffle

To celebrate Father’s Day, on 16 June in Hong Kong, some fathers attended an evening of drinks, canapes and conversation at The Globe in Central on Friday 14 June.

Meetings

At the end of May we held the second General Meeting which was a great opportunity for parents to have more input into PA activities and events, and for collaborative dialogue between parents and school leadership. As always, we are grateful to Ms Mina Dunstan, Mr Brendan Kean, and Mr Peter Phillips for making themselves available to speak about school operational initiatives and respond to parent inquiries.

In June, Nafisa Qureshi (PA VP Community) and the PA Executive and General Committee welcomed and acknowledged all the wonderful parent volunteer class and year level representatives. This was a great opportunity to connect with other class reps and to provide an update on PA and school activities.

Looking Ahead

A Family Fun Day is being held on Saturday, 31 August from 3-6.30pm. This community event offers something for everyone including a BBQ, bouncy castle, student-led stalls, and a Lucky Dip with fabulous prizes as well as a Dad’s Decathlon to celebrate Australian Father’s Day on 1 September.

The PA Executive is working on initiatives in response to parent feedback including, reviewing the event program to add other activities, supporting a smartphone free program as part of safe social media initiatives, and reviewing past PA funded school projects to identify ideas for PA fundraising in 2025 and beyond.

Please keep a look out for upcoming PA events and if you have any concerns, suggestions or would like to learn more about the AISHK Association, please get in touch by emailing the aishkpa@aishk.edu.hk

Thank you for being an integral part of our school's community.

Alex Harrington President, AISHK Parent Association

Jacaranda + Waratah Mufti Day