Wellbeing Update

AISHK WELLBEING UPDATE

Janine Haymes, Co-Deputy Head of Secondary shares a wellbeing update with our community, with insights about the evolving and ever-present need for an understanding of what wellbeing really means in a school and personal context.

Promoting wellbeing is more important than ever because of the pressures of the modern world. We are bombarded by messages via the media and social platforms. Many relationships and connections are formed and informed via online means. This, in conjunction, with easy access to information about environmental, health, and economic uncertainty has resulted in unprecedented pressure. Hence the need to focus on and teach the skills of personal wellbeing is paramount to a contemporary education.

Student wellbeing has been defined as a “positive sense of self and belonging and the skills to make positive and healthy choices to support learning and achievement, provided in a safe and accepting environment for all students”. (Ottawa Charlton School Board, 2014). AISHK has continued to strive to improve student and staff wellbeing.

A wellbeing committee was reconvened at the start of the year. Being led by the

Deputy Heads of Secondary and Primary, it is made up of staff representatives from across the school; Andrew Wookey (HPE Teacher), Kathleen Ellis (Head of PDHPE), David Emery (Secondary Teacher), Paul McGunnigle (HSIE Teacher and Head of Community Service), Joanna Chan (Primary Psychologist),

Bernadette Spencer Secondary Psychologist), Christopher Bird (Deputy Head of Primary, R-2) and Donna Botfield (Deputy Head of Primary, 3-6).

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Primary and Secondary word association clouds.

The main goal is to embed, identify and implement an evidence-based wholeschool, proactive wellbeing approach. A whole-school approach is shown to “improve wellbeing, reduce internalising problems and support gains in interpersonal and intrapersonal attitudes and skills”. (AISNSW Wellbeing Literature Review 2021). The committee meets at least twice a term, discussions are centred around up-to-date research into school wellbeing, the unique needs of our school community and,the values and mission of AISHK.

An important part of any school wellbeing framework is student and staff voice. The committee recognised this by going to staff and students to assist with identifying keywords and phrases which are already associated with the wellbeing experience at AISHK. The goal is for these commonly identified words and phrases to be generated into a school wellbeing conceptualisation which is unique to AISHK. For the second half of 2021 the committee hopes to formalise this vision and make it part of the fabric of the school community.

The wellbeing conversation is ongoing; evidence clearly states that a whole school approach to promoting wellbeing can be effective in improving social, emotional and academic outcomes. By the start of 2022 the committee hopes to be ready to introduce a sustainable, evidence-based wellbeing framework that is designed specifically to the needs and values of AISHK.

Year 2Aundertake investigative work to try

and solve the mystery of “what is wellbeing?”

Stay tuned to to our Semester 2 issue of Lion Rock for an in-depth profile feature on the members of our Wellbeing Committee.

Ac tivity Week Recap

Year 9

By Mr Ian Nelson, Head of Year 9

The beautiful and picturesque setting of Outward Bound, Sai Kung, was the destination for Year 9 Activity Week. Traditionally, Year 9 Activity Week is a time for students to step out of their comfort zones, a time to strengthen bonds and make new friends, and above all, a time to look forward to. And this proved to be the case once again! Judging by the sounds of laughter and excitement that echoed around the Outward Bound base camp, a fantastic time was had by all. But don’t take our word for it, read what the students had to say.

“Camp was magnificent, I enjoyed it very much. We participated in many educational yet thrilling activities, like kayaking, high ropes activities, and multiple highly-rated hikes which led me to also have a spectacular view of Sai Kung.” – Valerie Ng

“From the high ropes course to hiking to kayaking, there were heaps of activities to explore and strengthen your skills in all in one week. Through all the activities I did, I reckon I would say the hike we did as a group on Thursday was spectacular. Although it was a bit of a challenge walking for hours through the bush. It all paid off reaching the peak of the mountain as I felt like I was on top of the world and could see all of Sai Kung’s beautiful scenery.” – Cooper Wnek

“Camp was an incredibly enlightening and educational experience which included thrilling courses such as high ropes, kayaking and jumping from heights. These activities were remarkably enjoyable and electrifying. Camp was a once in a lifetime experience that would not have occurred without the presence and enthusiasm of my friends and teachers providing memories and experiences which will amuse for a lifetime.”– Aavni Ahuja

“The experience of camp was fun because it involved getting to know people better. The best moment of camp was water sports because it’s just swimming and that is fun.” – Sofia Heath

“The entire week of camp was fun. My favourite part was the jetty jump. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. As soon as I jumped off the jetty, I could feel the adrenaline rushing to my head and my mind was blank. All of a sudden, I was caught by the water.” –Elodie Mak

“Camp this year has brought me so many new memories and experiences to remember for the rest of my life. It has given me the chance to try new things and find out more about my classmates outside of school. Although we had to deal with coronavirus for the duration of camp, I personally had a very eventful time. The high ropes were definitely the highlight of the five days for me. I had experienced something new while having many laughs with not only close friends but also newer friends/classmates that I don’t usually talk to while in school. Overall, I had a really enjoyable time and would love to do another camp soon in the future!” – Chantal Sun and building exercises. Some of these consisted of the helium stick (everyone puts their finger under a long stick and attempts to lower it to the ground), multiple self-reflective and confidencebuilding exercises and overall, meeting the people in your group. The second and third day are probably the highlights for me as both days consisted of hiking.

We spent around five hours each day hiking two different trails which led us to the top of a mountain and a trip up to the peak of ‘Rooster Mountain’. I found it equally draining as it was fun, but I felt that everyone in my group bonded and became better friends overall.

The following two days consisted of more teambuilding activities, one involving a ropes course and the other consisting of water activities (namely kayaking).” – Jake Van Luinen

“Year 9 camp was quite an experience. The first day was what I had expected, team introduction

Year 10

By Mr Lee Pilgrim, Head of Year 10

During the last week of Term 1, Year 10 students headed off to their camp at Outward Bound. The students had the opportunity to experience activities such as hiking, navigation, preparing meals, kayaking, high ropes, jetty jumping and various problem-solving and team-building activities. Initial apprehension in the days before camp were soon replaced by feelings of achievement on the completion of challenges.

“Camp was fun and challenging for me. It gave me a lot of opportunities to try different things.” – Anovia Tsui

“The most challenging thing was navigating up the mountain, but we worked as a team and got there eventually.” – Andrew Song

Camp objectives such as the development of selfreliance, responding to challenges, enhancement of leadership skills and working as a team were on full display throughout the week. On the reflection day after camp it was clear throughout the activities and student survey responses that the camp had been a positive learning experience. The memories, friendships forged, resilience and ability to rise to challenges will continue to be invaluable as students progress through their remaining years of Secondary school.

Year 12

By Aileen O’Donnell, Head of Year 12

On Friday, 30 April, Year 12 students embarked on a program of activities designed to challenge, motivate and inspire them physically, mentally and socially. EdStart Sports Coaching developed a bespoke schedule of teambuilding group activities for AISHK students, which included icebreakers, team challenges, canyoning and coasteering at a beautiful scenic location in Hong Kong. The activities were designed to provide opportunities for students to move beyond their comfort zone to collaborate, support and bond with their peers, as well as encouraging individuals to step up to the personal challenge of conquering the coastline of Tai Hang Tun in Clearwater Bay. “On April 30, the students of Year 12 stepped outside their comfort zone, and the classroom when they went on a coasteering adventure. This escapade involved scrambling along the rocky coastline, scaling rockfaces, trusting a rope being lowered above crashing waves, leaping off cliffs, and last but not least, sliding down a zip line. These activities challenged the students and, indeed, the presummer sun did not make matters any easier! Despite the many adversities, students overcame them all with enthusiasm, by helping each other and with a happy and positive attitude. This attitude is what made it so easy for the EdStart staff. The day was such a pleasure. Seeing students face challenges with a smile made the day as much fun for the EdStart staff as it was for the AISHK students and teachers.” – Mike Thomas, EdStart Sports Coaching brought us out into a beautiful part of Hong Kong and pushed us beyond our comfort zones.” - Ethan Ward, 12M

“Though the Activity Day was quite challenging at times, I persevered and in the end had lots of fun and enjoyed the day out.” – Mariko Walsh, 12M

“I think Activity Day was overall just a fun experience that pushed most of us out of our comfort zones. It was also really good to have a break from school for the day.” – Janice Hung, 12M

Having had a lengthy break from social and physical activities due to Covid-19, I was conscious that Activity Day was going to be a challenge for Year 12. I was blown away by their willingness to step up to that challenge! Buoyed with support from Mr McGunnigle, Mr Nelson, Ms Power, Ms Craig and Mr Emery, the students excelled. Their tenacity, grit and team spirit shone as they scrambled across rocks, scaled the cliff edge and whizzed down a zip line. It was a day filled with adrenalin and excitement from start to finish. I’d like to congratulate the students (and teachers!) on their achievements. I would also like to thank Mike, and the whole EdStart team, for facilitating an outstanding Activity Day.