AISHK 2021 Annual Review

Australian International School Hong Kong

Annual Review 2021

Table of Contents 3 Our Mission 4

Board Chairman’s Message

6

Head of School Message

10

Class of 2021 Results and Pathways

14

Parent Satisfaction Survey

18

Staffing Report

20

Admissions Report

23

Finance Committee Report

25

Facilities Committee Report

28

Governance Committee Report

29

Development & Fundraising Committee Report

Our Mission To provide a world-class international school where students, through active participation, achieve their personal best and graduate as skilled, influential and responsible international citizens.

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Board Chairman’s Message On behalf of your Board of Governors, I am pleased to contribute this message to the 2021 Annual Review of Australian International School Hong Kong (AISHK).

The Australian International School Foundation Limited (AISFL) Board of Governors comprises members of the Australian community in Hong Kong who govern the school on a volunteer basis. The Board meets regularly to oversee school matters and to guide the direction of AISHK. Diversity in skills, experience and knowledge among governors contributes to the continued success of the school. There are several Board committees that work to support AISHK, these are: The Governance Committee led by Ms Kym Fortescue, which reviews policy and ensures prudent and transparent management of the school.

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Professor Richard Petty Board Chairman

The Finance Committee led by Mr Andrew Macintosh, which has responsibility for the school’s finances.

The Facilities Committee led by Mr Dennis Wong, monitors and advises on ongoing maintenance, expansion and capital projects.

The Development and Fundraising Committee led by Dr Joseph Lee, considers fundraising strategies, and works with the school’s development office to support stakeholder engagement and communications.

The Board of Governors met regularly during 2021 and worked closely with the School Executive to ensure that the best possible education is provided to the students in the school’s care.

During 2021, Covid-19 continued to disrupt normal school operations. Face-to-face learning resumed in May, but challenges remained. With this in mind, the Board provided two support measures to assist the parent community. In March the Board announced a 7.5 percent fee reduction for Semester 1.

In November the Board decided not to increase tuition fees for the 2022 school year. The Board hopes that these measures have been well received and that they demonstrate our support for AISHK families during difficult times.

The Board will continue to balance the need to generate sufficient fees to invest in staff and school facilities and to maintain AISHK’s position as a leading international school in Hong Kong with the challenges facing our community.

I wish to thank every AISHK parent and guardian, staff member and student for supporting the school.

I thank Head of School, Mr Howard West, for his leadership, and members of the School Executive: Head of Secondary, Mr Peter Phillips; Deputy Head of Secondary, Mrs Janine Haymes; Head of Primary, Mr Brendan Kean; Deputy Heads of Primary, Mrs Donna Botfield and Mr Christopher Bird; and Business Administrator, Mr David Christmas for all their efforts.

Finally, thanks to my colleagues on the Board for their hard work and commitment in striving to ensure that every AISHK student can achieve their full potential in a dynamic and supportive learning environment.

I hope you all remain safe and well and I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you further in 2022.

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Head of School Message Welcome to the 2021 Annual Review. It is my pleasure to provide this report as Head of School and to provide an overview of yet another eventful yet successful school year.

Though the year commenced with online learning in place, due to the ongoing impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, AISHK students were supported by their teachers and parents, displaying much resilience and resourcefulness throughout 2021. The eventual arrival of a return to fullday classes from May was welcome news for all and came with much joy and further flourishing of our students, learning once again on campus.

AISHK commenced the school year with 1,114 students and, including departures and arrivals, ended the year with 1,165 students. The welcoming of new students and their families into the school at the start of each term, and during, was well supported by the AISHK Parent Association, the Admissions staff, teachers and students. Providing a warm welcome to newcomers is an important hallmark of AISHK which we seek to maintain.

As a staff body, AISHK continued to extend and enhance our skills and delivery of a leading international education through professional learning. Our whole-school focus saw professional learning communities of teachers working in groups across the Primary and Secondary Divisions, using the framework of ‘Principles of Learning’ from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Teachers identified an area of their practice to improve using a ‘Data Informed Decision Making Cycle’ developed by Australian Independent Schools New South Wales (AISNSW) to ensure it was an evidence based approach.

Wellbeing AISHK recognises the evolving and ever-present need for a sound understanding of what wellbeing means in a school and personal context. Early in 2021, a Wellbeing Committee was reconvened, led by the Deputy Heads of Secondary

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Mr Howard West Head of School

and Primary and comprised 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).

The Committee is dedicated to proactively identifying and implementing an evidence-based 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). Meeting at least twice a term, the Committee discusses up-to-date research into school wellbeing, the unique needs of our school community and the values and mission of AISHK. During Mental Health month, AISHK held Tune into Mental Health Week, commencing on 25 October, featuring a variety of events, activities and information sessions for students, staff and parents. Emphasis was placed on the importance of both individual and collective wellbeing, as well as our efforts as a wider community to become mental health allies.

Primary During a challenging start to the school year, Primary students displayed great resilience and flexibility, supported by their network of parents, staff and peers. A great sense of ‘normality’ returned with resumption to on-campus learning. For many Primary students, this marked the first time they had set foot on the School grounds since their enrollment. 2021 class cohorts were maintained so that peers remained in the same groups of the preceding year. This assisted students in building upon the important relationships which they had established.

A key focus for Primary was to promote reconnection in the school and to nurture teacher-student, studentstudent and school-parent relationships.

The return of School Camps was met with great excitement for Years 3-6, as were the programs for Peer Support, House Spirit days, swimming, musical performances, excursions and incursions, Chinese Week, Book Week, Mental Health Week, Mufti days and much more.

Led by Head of Primary, Mr Brendan Kean and supported by a range of staff, a diversity of professional learning initiatives continued in 2021, including a focus on English with leading literacy expert Sue Pike from AISNSW. The establishment of the English Committee, comprising representatives across Primary year levels, ensures that a dedicated group meets regularly to review the English Curriculum and to make recommendations for changes and enhancements to the program.

A key focus point for Primary was to promote reconnection in the school and to nurture teacher-student, studentstudent and school-parent relationships. The ability to host parents on campus in a range of ways was pivotal to this and to overall community engagement, particularly for the newer families in Primary who had the opportunity to connect with fellow newcomers. Parent meetings with the Primary Leadership Team returned to the calendar, as did student-led conferences, school tours and class visits, audiences for assemblies and special events, many of which made for a festive end to the year.

Secondary Secondary students should be very proud of what has been accomplished in 2021 despite significant obstacles.

Students continued to make connections between their learning and real-world situations and problems, and as the year has progressed, we were able to reinstate excursions and other off-campus experiences to make learning more authentic. Curricular highlights of the year which were once again enjoyed on campus included the inaugural Shakespeare Festival, the Science Fair and the Senior Art Exhibition.

Secondary staff engaged in professional learning to ensure the development of students’ 21st century skills, including an insightful session in April with Professor Nicholas Davis – former Head of Society and Innovation at the World Economic Forum.

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With the easing of restrictions in the second semester, the Performing Arts faculty saw several events return, including the Rock Band and String and Vocal Ensembles performing publicly. Competitive sport returned with friendly, yet keenly contested fixtures taking place at both AISHK and other schools. Experiential learning and outdoor education saw camps and adventure days organised for the different Secondary year levels, while many students continued to pursue the Hong Kong Award for Young People by undertaking overnight hikes of varying degrees of difficulty.

Led by Head of Secondary, Mr Peter Phillips, and supported by many staff, 2021 also saw the successful completion of the IB Diploma 5-year Review and evaluation.

As the conclusion of 2021 drew near, the Valedictory Assembly and Valedictory Dinner were both stirring farewells to our graduating Year 12 students. For ten students who began with us in either Reception or Prep, it was the culmination of their entire school education at AISHK. We were delighted to celebrate the many achievements of this cohort, which are further detailed in this publication.

Community Engagement Surveys of the staff, student and parent groups conducted

by MMG Education in the later part of 2021 provided the School with useful data and feedback about school involvement, satisfaction and expectations. We are pleased to share the outcomes of this survey within this publication.

Farewells were made to several teachers in 2021. For some, it was earlier in the year: Ms Jo Spencer, Ms Feona Crawford, Dr Jean McPherson, Mr Henryk Flak, Mr Steven Potts; whilst at the end of the year in Primary we farewelled Ms Kate Beange, Mr Josh Aghion, Ms Erin Torres, Ms Emma Knight, Mrs Rachel Collins, Ms Jamie Dy. Secondary included Mrs Nancy Mitchell, Mr Ian Pomeroy and Ms Heather McCann.

We wish them each much success in their next teaching experience.

I take this opportunity to thank the AISFL Board for their continued support and sound governance, which ensures the School’s success. Their dedicated work under the Chairmanship of Professor Richard Petty is highly valued and demonstrated throughout this Annual Review.

Thank you to all parents and guardians for your enduring commitment to AISHK and for entrusting us to guide your children through their daily school lives.

In the previous 26 years, AISHK has striven to be a school of excellence which prospers the wellbeing and learning of every student within its classrooms. 2021 was a year of extraordinary challenges and of great accomplishments.

Our mission “to provide a world class international school where students achieve their personal best” has remained at the fore of everything we have done this year.

Thank you for making 2021 a success.

Staff The achievements of our esteemed and well-qualified staff in teaching and leading the students remain a pillar of support for the School’s success. Staff managed a myriad of tasks in juggling the variations of online learning, but always with the key purpose of providing the best learning for our students There were well-deserved promotions from the start of the year with Mrs Botfield and Mr Bird becoming Deputy Heads in the Primary Division and Mrs Haymes Deputy Head in Secondary; along with Mr Peter Phillips being appointed as Head of Secondary from Term 4. Their leadership and contributions in the school executive, along with Mr Kean and Mr Christmas, make the operational work of the school very effective.

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2021 Satisfaction Survey Results | Parents AISHK is committed to listening to the views and expectations of key stakeholders and commissions independent surveys to provide performance feedback on a wide range of related education topics.

The feedback from these surveys greatly assists the School with both its operational and strategic planning and its determination to continually improve the educational experience offered to the students.

In 2021, three surveys were conducted with 503 parents, 468 students and 154 staff participating and providing views on such areas as academic performance, student wellbeing, communications, community engagement, reputation and facilities.

Parents A selection of the parents’ top-level findings is detailed below, ranked in order of the importance the parents placed on reasons for choosing a school for their children.

The top five areas are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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95% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teachers 95% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment 94% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to a value-added education 97% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the balanced teaching environment 95% of parents noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the facilities and resources

2021 Satisfaction Survey Results | Students Students A selection of the students’ top-level findings is detailed below, ranked in order of the importance the parents placed on reasons for choosing a school.

The top five areas are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

87% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teachers 86% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment 90% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to a balanced teaching environment 89% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to facilities and resources 92% of students noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the School reputation

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2021 Satisfaction Survey Results | Staff

Staff A selection of the staff’s top-level findings is detailed below, ranked in order of the importance the parents placed on reasons for choosing a school.

The top five areas are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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93% of staff noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the quality of teachers 91% of staff noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the focus on student wellbeing, providing a safe and caring environment 87% of staff noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to a balanced teaching environment 88% of staff noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to facilities and resources 91% of staff noted their expectations were met or exceeded in relation to the School reputation

2021 Satisfaction Survey Results Parents, staff and students were asked to provide open responses to the three most important strengths/most valued aspects of AISHK. The most frequently nominated aspects were:

Top Areas Noted By 2021 Parents: AISHK’s Three Most Important Strengths

Quality of teachers and staff Safe, caring and supportive environment Academic curriculum and standards Australian culture and values Balanced, well-rounded education

Top Aspects Noted By 2021 Students: What do you value most about your association with the School?

Friendships/connections developed Academic curriculum and standards The School community Quality of teachers and staff Safe caring and supportive environment

Top Areas Noted By 2021 Staff: AISHK’s Three Most Important Strengths

Staff collegiality and working with other staff The School community Working with the students Caring and supportive work environment High standard of education and professionalism at the school

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Staffing Report Existing Staff at Commencement of 2021 School Year

104

178

74

Non-academic Staff

Academic Staff

Total Staff

New Staff at Commencement of 2021 School Year

30

Total New Staff

13

Primary Staff

New Staff Country of Last Teaching Appointment

18

9

Secondary Staff

8

Support Staff

New Staff Country of Passport

Professional Learning With workplace restrictions in place for Covid-19, the AISHK staff professional learning activities program adapted again to smaller targeted professional learning activities with a mix of online and small group activities.

Professional Learning Communities team building sessions were also regularly scheduled throughout the year.

World-wide many organisations offered learning opportunities online and a wide spectrum of staff were able to attend and complete a variety of courses, workshops and conferences during the 2021 school year.

184

Hours of Whole-School External Presenter

2,369

342

Hours of Teaching Staff External Presenter

317

Hours of AISHK Targeted Group Learning

Hours of IB Diploma Conferences and Workshops

96

101

Hours of General and Subject Specific Conferences

Hours of Workshops and Tutorials

61

Hours of HSC Conferences, Workshops and HSC Exam Marking

835

Hours of Courses

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Admissions Report In 2021, AISHK Admissions noted some new trends in student enrollments and in prospective parent enquiries. More new students enrolled at AISHK in 2021 than the previous year. Despite disruptions and Covid-19 related limitations in 2020 and 2021, AISHK admissions remained stable.

New Enrolments | 2020 and 2021 2020

2021

Primary

195

208

Secondary

64

88

Total

259

298

Primary

Secondary

1

121

48

2

13

11

3

62

19

4

12

10

Total

208

88

New Students Per Term in 2021

Term

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Previous Schools of AISHK Enrollments 33% International Schools:

30% Local Schools:

American International School Anfield Box Hill International CAIS ESF French International Sch Galilee Internationall School Greenfield International Kindy Hong Kong Japanese School ICHK Hong Lok Yuen ICS International Montessori ISF Island Christian Academy Joyful World International Kiangsu & Chekiang Primary Kornhill International School Malvern College Mount Kelly Nord Anglia Norwegian International PIPS PIPS Kowloon Rightmind International Kindy Safari Kid International Shrewsbury St Catherine’s International The Harbour School The Peak School Think Internationall Nursery Tivoli International Playschool Tutor Time Victoria Int’l Kindy Wilderness Int’l Kindy Wilderness Int’l Kindy Woodland Montessori Woodlands Pre-School YCIS York International Kindy

British Council Busy Bees Carmel Secondary School Chan’s Creative Primary City Kids Confucian Tai Shing Creative Primary School Dalton School Diocesan Preparatory Fairchild Kindy Funful English Primary Gigamind English Primary Good Hope Harts Preschool Heep Yunn Primary School HKJC Primary Holford-Anglo-Chinese International Christian Quality Music Secondary and Primary Kentville Kindy Kowloon Tong Gov’t Primary Learning Habitat Logos Academy Mansang College Maryknoll Convent Maryknoll Father’s School Methodist School Munsang College PLK Lam Man Chan PLK Siu Hon Sum Prim PLK Tam Au-Yeung PLK HK Toaist Association PLK Wong Wing Shu Primary Pui Ching Primary School Pun U Association Wah Yan Sacred Heart Canossian Shek Lei Catholic Primary SKIP Sophie Kindy & Nurse St Hilary’s Kindy St Joseph Anglo-Chinese St Joseph’s Primary St Louis School Primary St Rose of Lima’s Kindy St Stephen’s College TKO Catholic Primary School True Light Girls’ College Tsung Tsin Prim School Wellborn Anglo-Chinese Kindergarten Yau Yat Chuen School Ying Wa Primary School YMCA International Kindy Yuen Long Lutheran YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng Zenith Kindy

24% Schools in Australia/NZ:

13% Schools Overseas

New South Wales Knox Grammar School Central Coast Grammar Claremont College Holy Family Primary Kambala Senior School Kincoppal Rose Bay Only About Children Pymble Ladies College Scots All Saints College St Andrew’s Catheral St Mark’s Preschool St Augustines College Tangara School for Girls The King’s School Central Coast Grammar

Canada Académie Ste-Cécile International School

Victoria Wesley College Balwyn East Kindy Geelong Grammar Greythorn Primary School Malvern Central School Maribyrnong College South Yarra Primary Caulfield Grammar School Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Canberra Grammar School South Australia Seymour College Henley Beach Primary Immanuel College SA Unley High School Queensland UnionLanguage Matthew Flinders Anglican Western Australia Dalkeith Primary School MLC Perth St Mary Anglican Girls New Zealand Maple Walk School St Paul’s Collegiate Mt Aspiring College

1% No Previous School

(other than Australia/NZ):

China Dulwich College Suzhou Indonesia Tzu Chi School Japan Ichikawa Junior Shinjuki Seiga Kodomoe Yoyogi International School South Korea Lila Elementary School North Macedonia QSI International School Skopje Philippines International School of Manila Malaysia British International School Kuala Lumpur Romania American School Bucharest Singapore Dulwich College AIS Singapore Sweden Internationella Engelska Skolan Taiwan Taipei European UK Little Sweethearts Montessori Pelham Primary School St Edmunds School USA Fairmont Sch USA Kent School North Quincy High School Culver Academy USA

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AISFL BOARD Committee Reports

Finance Committee Report

Mr Andrew Macintosh Chair of Finance Committee

Finance Committee Members:

considerations of affordability with the cost of providing a high-

Mr Andrew Macintosh

quality education.

Mr Tom Corkhill Dr Dan Hooley

The Board continued to closely monitor the Covid-19 situation in

Professor Richard Petty

2021 and the related impacts on AISHK families. Mindful of the current landscape and the uncertainty which remains, the Board

The purpose of the Finance Committee is to oversee financial

acknowledged that the challenges presented by the pandemic are

planning and management for the School. In offering advice to

ongoing.

the School Foundation Board on financial matters, the Committee makes recommendations including tuition fees, debentures and

In line with this consideration, the Board communicated to AISHK

capital levy rates, staff salary levels, capital expenditure, operating

parents in March to announce a 7.5% percent reduction on tuition

expenditure (including professional development) and other

fees charged in Term 1 of 2021. This reduction was reflected as a

sources of funding.

credit in the Term 2 parent fee account statement issued in April 2021.

The Committee liaises with external auditors to ensure that the School complies with Hong Kong reporting requirements and

A subsequent communication to parents in November announced

oversees the development and management of operating budgets.

that the Board unanimously resolved to freeze tuition fees in 2022.

Therefore, there was no increase in school fees for the 2022 school

Working with stakeholders to ensure sufficient investment is

year.

made to create a dynamic teaching and learning environment, the Committee is dedicated to attracting, retaining and rewarding the

These actions were taken in aim to maintain the financial health

best talent from Australia and around the globe. The Committee

of the school, whilst also observing a commitment supporting the

continues to facilitate the growth and development of the School,

community during a challenging period. As Chair of the Finance

while recognising financial constraints and a challenging financial

Committee and on behalf of the Board, I trust that this balance has

environment.

served us well and will continue to do so as we embark on the new school year in 2022.

The Committee benchmarks AISHK against other international schools in Hong Kong, in terms of a range of financial indicators.

As the Foundation’s finances remain in a strong position, the School

Working with the School Executive, the Board and other

is financially equipped to ensure the resources for delivering a

stakeholders continue to identify ways in which the School might

quality Australian and international education in Hong Kong

operate more effectively and efficiently.

Thank you to staff, stakeholders and community members whose In the absence of any external or government financial support,

collective dedication and efforts, even in the face of adversity,

there is an ever-present need for the Committee to balance

ensure a resilient, vibrant school community.

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Australian International School Foundation Limited

Financial Summary

Preliminary Summary of Income and Expenditure Year Ended 31 December 2021

Figures in $000’s

2021

Turnover

186,793

Other Income

5,744 192,537

Staff Costs

138,162

Educational Services

5,518

Administration Expenses

8,957

Facilities Management

13,397

Other Expenses

16,675 182,709

Surplus and Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

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9,828

Facilities Committee Report Facilities Committee Members: Mr Dennis Wong Mr Steve Palfrey Ms Jenny Huang Mr Howard West Mr David Christmas The Facilities Committee convenes on a regular basis and its purpose is to plan and review operations, upgrade projects, renovations and maintenance for all facilities of the AISHK campus. The Committee reviews monthly facilities reports from the School’s facilities department and coordinates and assesses all Operational Health and Safety (OH & S) and security issues relating to campus facilities.

Liaising with and seeking advice from professional architects, the Committee provides advice and recommendations with regards to major building projects.

All aspects of the campus are taken into consideration by the Committee, including but not limited to classrooms, bathrooms, gymnasiums and the Aquatic Centre. The committee is tasked with ensuring the entire facility is run smoothly, safely and efficiently, all to serve the school community as best as possible.

As the building ages, we recognise that costs relating to maintenance will rise and upgrades will be regularly reviewed. In 2021, the planning and implementation of improvement work to the following areas was successfully actioned:

•

•

• •

Mr Dennis Wong Chair of Facilities Committee

Repainting of the Eastern (Waterloo Rd) building façade and renewing the Hong Kong Jockey Club signage for the Academic Wing.

Complete renovation of 4th Floor and 6th Floor changerooms, including improvement in ventilation, enhancement of lighting with LED technology and enlargement of shower cubicles and storage space.

Internal repainting of the auditorium and replacement of one set of auditorium doors.

Installation of vinyl non-slip flooring on levels 2-5 of the Academic Wing, along with the central stairs.

Looking towards 2022, plans include enhancement to some features of the 9th Floor swimming pool change rooms, and the installation of sensor taps all Primary student toilets.

We will also continue with the program to install vinyl nonslip flooring to further areas around the School to improve safety.

As impacts of Covid-19 are ongoing, the timeline and budgeting of these for projects were carefully reviewed in collaboration with the Finance Committee to ensure prudent decision-making on spending during this period.

It has been a pleasure to serve as Chair of the Facilities Committee in 2021 and I wish to thank my colleagues of the Facilities Committee for their valuable expertise shared and continued support.

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Repainting of the Eastern (Waterloo Rd) building façade and renewed Hong Kong Jockey Club signage for the Academic Wing.

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Renovation of 4th Floor and 6th Floor changerooms.

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Governance Committee Report

Ms Kym Fortescue Chair of Governance Committee

Governance Committee Members: Ms Kym Fortescue Dr Dan Hooley Mr Tom Corkhill Mrs Winnie Elbl Mr David Chan Ms Tracy Gliddon Mr Ryan Neelam

As Covid-19-related circumstances were ongoing, the Governance Committee, together with Head of School Mr Howard West and the School Executive, continued to navigate the changing landscape of impacts on AISHK and the education sector in Hong Kong.

The Governance Committee convenes regularly to observe its responsibilities, which include reviewing and renewing policies, making recommendations regarding processes of regulation, organisation and management to the full school Board and ensuring prudent and transparent leadership of the School.

Following significant dedication to the Governance Committee for a number of years, Mr Tom Corkhill departed from the Committee in 2021 and we thank him for his support. Tom continues to serve on the AISFL Board in the capacity of Governor which is greatly appreciated.

In 2021, the Committee continued to collaboratively review a range of School policies in line with the regular review schedule. These included: • • •

Whistleblower Policy Environmental Sustainability Policy Inclusion Policy

The Committee also developed and proposed a Board Diversity Policy to underscore the Board’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and align with best practice governance principles. We are delighted the Policy was approved by the Board.

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I wish to thank all members of the Governance Committee for their commitment and hard work throughout the year.

Mrs Tracy Gliddon, after many years of dedication to the Board, returned to Australia in late 2021 and we are grateful for her valuable contributions to the Committee.

The Governance Committee were pleased to welcome Mrs Winnie Elbl to the team in 2021.

I look forward to working with this group and with the foundations we have maintained for continued stability and success in the 2022 school year.

Development & Fundraising Committee Report Development & Fundraising Committee Members: Dr Joseph Lee Mrs Joanna Hartnett Ms Natalie Glanville Mr Gavin McDougall Mr Howard West Ms Brigitte McNamara The responsibilities of the Development and Fundraising Committee (DFC) include stakeholder engagement and fundraising initiatives. The committee benefits from the expertise and community connections of Board members and support from staff, parents and wider school community for fundraising success.

The DFC also collaborates with the AISHK Development Office in considering marketing and communications strategy and in its function of supporting the Parent Association (AISHK PA) to achieve community engagement. The DFC has continued to establish and action various new strategies and to further build on existing foundations for continued success.

With community events, raffles and auctions, corporate sponsorship or donations from parents being the usual avenues for cultivating philanthropy and giving, 2021 presented significant limitations to such fundraising due to Covid-19 and in line with the Board’s awareness of the financial sensitivities experienced by many in the school community. As such, the focus of the Committee for the year was again reviewed and adapted.

The DFC were pleased to welcome Mrs Joanna Hartnett, President of the AISHK Parent Association (PA) to the Committee as a conduit to the PA’s ongoing work in fundraising and community engagement. In 2021, the PA successfully launched the first ever PA e-Shop. The purpose of this platform is to provide a creative and useful way for the community to connect with AISHK culture and to foster a sense of school community, identity and belonging.

Products sourced by the PA include tech items, umbrellas and drink bottles, each featuring a touch of unique AISHK branding. Revenue generated from e-Shop sales go towards school enhancement projects, undertaken jointly by the PA and the School. The e-Shop provided an innovative source of parent-driven income in the absence of usual school fundraising events.

Dr Joseph Lee Chair of Development & Fundraising Committee

Whilst online learning was in place for a duration of 2021, the resumption of face-to-face learning in May was very welcome news and saw the return of some school-led and Parent Association events and related community engagement and fundraising initiatives. In supporting the Parent Association, a series of “Mini Meets” were created and held at the start of the year, within social distancing measures, to ensure those parents who wished to do so were able to meet and greet with fellow parents, old and new, in lieu of the usual start-of-year Welcome Festival. AISHK mums were given the opportunity to take part in not only a Mother’s Day, but a Mother’s Month, with four events held in the month of May. In April, the school was once again able to hold, in its more traditional format, the Anzac Day Ceremony on the AISHK Field. Community guests including AISFL Board Governors Consular representatives and AISHK’s founding associations each laid a wreath at the AISHK Anzac Memorial. A digitised version of the ceremony was offered to the community which can be viewed by clicking here.

In yet another fist, the PA held both a June and September Father’s Day event to recognise dates traditionally observed by Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. A “Saturday Night Dinner” was held on 30 October at the USRC, attracting corporate sponsorship and 130 attendees comprised of school parents, staff, Board members and sponsors. As such an event had not taken place for a number of years, this function made for a very celebratory atmosphere and much positive feedback.

The Development Office continued its dedication to producing video content and an environmentally sustainable publications program. Identifying areas where it could enhance digital marketing and to support Admissions initiatives, in lieu of more frequent face-to-face prospective parent tours, the Development Office produced and launched Snapshots of AISHK. Working closely with the School Executive, teachers and students to garner the very best aspects of school life, this mini video series harnesses and delivers an insightful overview of the unique AISHK experience at every year level. Click here to view all episodes of Snaphsots.

I would like to thank the school community, the Parent Association and its Executive Committee members, and the DFC for the agility and resilience shown, despite another challenging year.

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Australian International School Hong Kong T: +852 2304 6078 F: +852 2304 6077 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

www.aishk.edu.hk

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