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DHANARA

Dhanara is an Aboriginal word for “message stick”

Issue # 16.2009one

3 June 2009 (Week 7, Term Two)

REMEMBER:

Thursday 4th June - Year 9 2010 Elective Subject InformationEvening, 6:30pmFriday 5th June - Early Childhood Assembly (P-2), 11:10am,host Year 1; Year 8 Pool Party, 6:30pmTuesday 9th June - Careers Information Night, 4:30-7:30pmWednesday 10th June - Primary Science Competition(exceptStage 2); Waratah House Charity Mufti DayThursday 11th June - Primary Stage 2 and Secondary ScienceCompetition; AISHK Parent Association Forum -

Pastoral Careat 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 fromAISHK, attending to some urgent matters relatingto my family in Melbourne. The tyranny of distance has made it problematic for me tomanage such matters, and this has been a topicof concern in my discussions with Board Chair DrDan Hooley, over recent months.It is with great regret therefore that I announce my resignationfrom the position of Head of School. In doing this I acknowledge thekind 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 manyhappy memories and successes in recent years. I thank the dedicatedand hard-working staff of AISHK for their support, particularly theSchool Executive members, and most importantly my PA, Ms PinkyYau.The Parent Association has also offered a most impressivecontribution of energy and support for the school in my time asHead of School, keenly supporting many of the significant innovationsof recent years, such as the funding of the roll-out of the InteractiveWhiteboards throughout the school. The Parent Association has alsoachieved great advances in the enhancement of communicationchannels 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 admirationfor the way that they participate in the full life of the school, andoffer such a meaningful contribution to the needs of others viacommunity service.It is nearly three years since my selection for the Head of Schoolposition 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 achievementsthat have flowed and will continue to flow from this SchoolDevelopment Plan.Two further areas that have given me great satisfaction to havebeen involved in are: the steps that are being taken to relieve thespace issues at AISHK, including the current building program, andplans for expansion within Hong Kong; and, the recently announcedplans for expansion in Shanghai. The latter initiative has the potentialto bring significant monetary resources into the school. This is amost visionary step by the Board and it will be even more sorecognised in the years to come.In conclusion, I wish to thank the Board, and in particular Dr DanHooley, for the opportunity to have had a leadership position insuch a fine school.Thank you: staff, parents, students and Boardmembers. I wish the school every best wish for the wonderful futurethat I am sure lies ahead of it.

Dr Gregory F. ClarkeHead of School

Head of School

Dear Members of the AISHK Community

It is with some sadness that I write to you regarding DrClarke’s resignation. As Dr Clarke mentioned in his letterto you, he and I have had discussions relating to familyconcerns for some time now, and this has not come as atotal surprise to me.I would like to take this opportunity to commend and tothank Dr Clarke for his commitment and his determinationto make the Australian International School Hong Kong oneof the finest International Schools in Hong Kong.It is unfortunate that Dr Clarke will not be able to share inthe exciting times ahead, but he will be leaving behind alegacy which is testament to his professionalism, hisrigorous approach to the pursuit of excellence at all levelsand 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 leavethe school in excellent shape. We will all be sorry to seehim leave, and we wish him every success in the future.I would also like to take this opportunity to announce thatMrs Leonie Drew and Mr Phil Waugh will take jointresponsibility for management of the school. They bothdid a wonderful job in the same role prior to Dr Clarke’sappointment and the Board has absolute confidence thatthe school will continue firmly on course in their verycapable hands.I will keep you informed regarding the appointment of anew Head of School.Yours sincerely,

Dr Dan Hooley Board Chairman

Issue # 16.2009two

Primary Division News

Life at AISHK is very busy. Teachers andchildren are working steadily on theterm’s inquiry units and great progress isbeing made in all areas. Our studentshave terrific evidence to show of theirlearning and this is currently beingcompiled in comprehensive portfolios. Weare looking forward to sharing these withyou later in the term.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 todemonstrate to you the development that has occurred, buthopefully you will continue to assist with this important elementof growing up.At AISHK we try to build resilient children and young peopleMichael Grose who publishes in the area of

Good Parenting

saysthat a resiliency-promoting childhood has the following features:-1.Kids don’t always get what they want. The Rolling Stoneswere right when they sang,

“You can’t always get what youwant, 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 willonly develop their inner resources when given the opportunityto develop their resourcefulness.3.Children are expected to help at home from a young agewithout being paid. That is how they learn to be useful.4.Parental expectations for success are positive, realistic andbased on child’s interests and aptitudes rather than on adultwishes.5.Children receive liberal amounts of encouragement butmoderate amounts of praise. They need something a littlemore substantial than quick fix, feel-good praise. They needsomething substantial like encouragement to help them growand develop.6.Children have plenty of free time to do three essential things– play outside, have fun and to daydream. But they need tohave the opportunity to initiate all three, rather than havethem 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 theylearn to impact positively on their environment.8.Children have the opportunity to identify their strengths andthen build on these to develop their unique identities throughadolescence.9.Children grow up in families that have their own rituals, rightsof passage and celebrations. These rituals provide importantanchors to children as they develop and grow away.10.Resilient children need to be surrounded by resilient adultsrather 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 Principalsand the Heads of Stage will be presenting at an evening forum toinform parents about our Pastoral Care and BehaviouralManagement procedures at the school. I hope that you will makethe time to join them. In this way we can continue to worktogether to provide a nurturing and safe environment for thechildren, as well as an opportunity for them to build resiliencyfor 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 unknownMrs Leonie Drew Principal Primary

This Wednesday 3rd June, we will have storyteller Janet Mannvisiting our Stage One students to share stories from the

Animalympics

series written by local Hong Kong authors MioDebnam, Louise Renwick, Karmel Schreyer, Susan Sprengeler andJudith Simanovszky.The stories are based on Asian animals who have athleticadventures.Books from the series will be able to be ordered through thelibrary.

Ms Megan Lindsay Teacher-Librarian P-6

Library Visit

We are very excited to present the inaugural AISHK PerformingArts Festival. This festival will be held over three days in June,and will celebrate the talents of over 160 students from bothPrimary and Secondary Divisions from Year 3 through to Year 12.We invite all families, students, parents and friends, to comeand enjoy the array of music, drama, and dance performancesthat will be presented in three separate events. All are welcomeand 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 Music

This concert will feature the AISHK Orchestra, Primary Strings,instrumental soloists from the secondary elective music classes,and a special chamber music ensemble featuring threeinstrumental 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 Song

This concert will feature the Primary Choir, Vocal Ensemble,secondary elective choral classes, two school rock bands, the2009 winner of the AISHK Idol competition, along with a fewsurprises from our classroom music and office staff.

Mr Graeme Tyler Head of Performing Arts

Performing Arts Festival

Australian International School Hong Kong

3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong KongT: +852 2304 6078 / F: +852 2304 6077E: info@aishk.edu.hk / www.aishk.edu.hk

Issue # 16.2009three

DATES TO REMEMBER

Term Two, 2009

June

Term Two, Week Seven

Thursday 4th JuneFacilities Committee meeting, 3:30pmYear 10 Drug Awareness 1:45-3:30pm at AISHKYear 9 2010 Elective Subject Info Evening, 6:30pmFriday 5th JuneEarly Childhood Assembly (P-2),11:10am, host Year 1Year 8 Pool Party 6:30pm

Term Two, Week Eight

Monday 8th JuneYear 9 History Excursion HK sites (8:40-3:30)Division meetings, 3:30pmTuesday 9th JuneYear 9 History Excursions HK sites(8:40-3:30)AISHK General Committee meeting, 8:30amCurriculum Committee meeting, 3:30pmCareers Information Night, 4:30-7:30pmWednesday 10th JunePrimary Science Competition (Stage 2 11th June)Secondary Assembly, 12:00noonPastoral Care & Welfare Committee meet, 3:30pmWaratah House Charity Mufti DayThursday 11th JunePrimary Science Competition - Stage 2 studentsBoard Facilities Committee meeting, 8:00amYear 10 DIC visit 2-3:30pmSecondary Science CompetitionAISHK Parent Association Forum -

Pastoral Care at AISHK - Home and School Collaboration

, 7:30pmschool rehearsal room 2/FFriday 12th JunePrimary Assembly (3-6), 11:20am host Year 3AISHK Parent Association Trivia Night, 7:00pm

Term Two, Week Nine

Monday 15th JuneStage/KLA meetings, 3:30pmPerforming Arts Festival -

An Evening of Instrumental Music

, school auditorium, 7:00pmTuesday 16th JuneBoard Governance Committee meeting, 7;45amPerforming Arts Festival -

An Evening of Dance,Drama and Magic

, school auditorium, 7:00pmWednesday 17th JunePerforming Arts Festival -

An Evening of Song

,school auditorium, 7:00pmThursday 18th JuneProfessional Development Committee meet, 3:35pmYear 12 Performance Review Parent Meeting, 811Friday 19th JuneEarly Childhood Assembly (P-2), 11:10am, host Prep30 Hour Famine overnight to Saturday 20th June

Term Two, Week Ten

Monday 22nd JuneBoard meeting, 6:30pmDivision meetings, 3:30pmTuesday 23rd JuneSecondary Swimming Carnival, Kowloon Tsai ParkPrimary Writing and Spelling CompetitionWednesday 24th JunePrimary Student-Led Conferences all dayFriday 26th JuneWhole School Mufti DayPrimary Assembly (P-6), 11:10amClasses end for Term Two(Primary 12noon; Secondary 12:50pm)

What’s On in SportNetball News

Extra-Curricular Activities

On Tuesday the 29th June, the AISHK Under 10 Netball girlsplayed against Kowloon Junior School. Match play is always agreat opportunity for us put our skills into practice and ourgirls did us proud. After the first half they had a comfortablelead 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 Kangaroostravelled to West Island School to play against their top netballteams. The U13’s teams played extremely well and had a numberof wins and 1 loss. The U14 Kangaroos ran away with the game.AISHK (15) defeated WIS (1). The Shanghai Netball competitionhas given all our players the opportunity to develop on courttactics and set plays which have been extremely valuable whenplaying against other local schools. It was a wonderful effortfrom all of our players. Thank you to Mrs Chan and Mrs Davieswho both do an exceptional job coaching our U 13 Netball Teams.

Coaching Course

Next term there will be an Introduction to Netball CoachingCourse. The aims of this course will be to refresh us with therules, 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 outliningthe dates and specific details. I urge all mums who would liketo be involved with the training, managing or coaching of ourplayers here at AISHK to come along. All levels of expertise arevery welcome. The Coaching Course is based on the AustralianNetball Associations 2009 Coaching Modules. I can guaranteethat it will be enjoyable, there will be laughter and our playerswill benefit.I encourage any parents who would like to offer their supportto come along on a Tuesday afternoon. We would appreciateparental assistance for the first 40 minutes for the passing andcatching component of the program. For any additionalinformation please do not hesitate to contact me on my emailjoanne_reed@aishk.edu.hk 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 U13’sEmus Netball Team