AISHK 2018 Annual Review

Australian International School Hong Kong

Annual Review 2018

Table of Contents 3 Our Mission 4 Board Chairman’s Message 6 Head of School Message 9 Head of Primary Message 11 Primary Curriculum 13 Head of Secondary Message 16 Secondary Curriculum 18 School Public Examination Outcomes 23 Parent Satisfaction Survey 25 Finance Committee Report 27

Facilities Committee Report

29 Governance Commitee Report 30 Development 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.

3

Board Chairman’s Message On behalf of your Board of Governors, thank you for taking the time to read our school’s 2018 Annual Review. Comprising key members of the Australian Community in Hong Kong, your Board of Governors, on a volunteer basis, convenes to discuss, forecast and facilitate action on a range of strategic initiatives which guide the direction of the School. The Committees and sub-Committees which exist under the Board are made up of Governors, School Executive Members and other volunteers who are recruited for their experience and knowledge within relevant fields.

The Committees include: The Management Committee which guides the School Executive on the activation of Board strategies and on School and staff management and administration.

The Governance Committee led by Mr Andrew Macintosh, who review and renew School policy, and ensure prudent and transparent management.

The Finance Committee led by Professor Richard Petty, which has ultimate responsibility for the School’s finances.

The Facilities Committee led by Mr Ben Coxon, which looks at the School building’s ongoing maintenance, expansion and capital projects.

The Development Committee led by Dr Joseph Lee, supports the Development Office and considers marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement and major fundraising strategies.

Your Board of Governors and staff are committed to its mission of providing a world-class international school where students, through active participation, achieve their personal best and graduate as skilled, influential and responsible international citizens. The Board has continued to work closely with the School Executive

Mr Tom Corkhill Board Chairman this year under the wonderful management of our Head of School, Mr Mark Hemphill. I sincerely thank the community for so warmly welcoming Mr Hemphill into his first year at AISHK. In 2018 we have seen a continued change in the landscape of education and, more specifically, international schools in Hong Kong with new schools opening or expanding their presence. It is with pride that I can state that AISHK has remained a constant amidst such change and, in addition to providing a quality education, this is largely due to one of our school’s key strengths - community spirit.

In November it was a highlight for me to receive, on behalf of the Foundation, the Hong Kong Institute of Directors Award for Board of the Year (Not-For-Profit category), a tribute to the standard of governance we have always pursued, and timely recognition of the skills, experience and talent on the Board. The Board was also greatly honoured to accept the award for Excellence in Board Diversity. Maintaining the diversity of our Board has always been crucial – ensuring a balance of our members though gender and cultural equality and a blend of experience across a range of skill sets.

Despite our successes, the school and Board sees it as crucial to continually review, assess and improve on our goals and the path we take to reach them. This year’s Parent Survey resulted in an excellent response rate of close to 60% and key findings of the survey will be detailed further in this Annual Review. In 2018, from a parent viewpoint, the overall satisfaction levels were maintained or significantly improved in all areas, including our Academic Program, Sports, Management, Communication and Community Engagement, our Reputation, and, importantly, Student Wellbeing.

4

In December I announced to the school community that I will retire from Chairmanship of the Board of Governors. I will, however, remain on the Board. This decision was made after much deliberation and over some months. Having held the position as Chairman for eight years I feel that it is time for a change. With our Head of School, Mark Hemphill’s successful first year completed, it is now time for me to step down as Chair, safe in the knowledge that the School is as well-led at both the governance level and executive level as it has ever been.

I leave knowing the Board will be in good hands with Professor Richard Petty appointed as the next chairman of the Foundation, effective from January 2019, and Andrew Macintosh as Treasurer and Vice Chairman.

Richard has been on the Board since 2004 and is currently Chair of our Finance Committee. He has the institutional memory, skills, commitment and time needed to take over this role. Richard will be supported

by Andrew Macintosh as Treasurer and Vice Chairman.

It has been a great honour for me to have Chaired the School Board, having been part of the team that set up the School in 1995, when it opened its doors for the first

time to 25 students. Founded to deliver an international and Australian curriculum and learning community to the many global families in Hong Kong, it has been my privilege and a huge learning experience to see AISHK, a non-profit foundation, flourish over the past 23 years into a leading, reputable, diverse, warm and welcoming international school in Hong Kong.

This has only been possible with the vision of our founding associations and my fellow founding leaders of the school, including School Supervisor, Governor and Immediate Past Chairman Dr Dan Hooley. It has also only been achievable with the exceptional support and guidance of my fellow governors, the school executive, dedicated teachers, our outstanding students, and the uniquely warm and united community that is the AISHK family. I thank you all for upholding, championing and entrusting us with leading you on our journey as the Australian International School in Hong Kong.

I wish Mr Hemphill, Professor Petty, the Board, the School and our extended school community every continued success into their many promising chapters ahead.

5

Head of School Message With my appointment as Head of School in 2018, we have had a renewed focus on whole school thinking.

Our emphasis has been on achieving consistency across Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary as we develop a unified culture reflecting the practice of being one school.

One of the defining characteristics of AISHK is our emphasis on educating the whole student. Although academic achievement is highly valued, we also recognise the importance of the Performing Arts, playing sport and being actively involved in Community Service in the education of a student. At AISHK we have defined this as balance; because ‘At AISHK it’s all about balance.’

Mr Mark Hemphill Head of School

the very best Australian presenters and we have been very well supported by AISNSW in this endeavour. The quality of Professional Learning in 2018 would surpass that of any independent school in NSW. From a curriculum perspective, 2018 has seen the introduction and consolidation of a number of new syllabi across Primary, the HSC and the IB. The teachers have spent a great deal of time familiarising themselves with the new documents and implementing the necessary changes. In Primary, there has been a renewed awareness of the ACARA curriculum requirements.

Student wellbeing has been at the core of all that we do and its significance has become central to all we do.

Ensuring that we approach all we do from a student wellbeing perspective has further strengthened the student’s experience at AISHK.

In 2018, our Admissions Team has worked very creatively to actively engage with our existing families and the broader community. We have conducted new parent tours, a ‘Stepping into Secondary’ event, attended School Fairs and visited classrooms. The purpose of these events has been to educate our own community about the benefits of a P-12 education at AISHK.

In 2018 we have seen changes in school leadership. I began as Head of School in January. Ms Cathryn Moore commenced as our new Head of Early Childhood in January and Mr Brendan Kean replaced Mr David Shirley as Head of Primary in July. Ms Moore’s broad experience as an AISNSW Consultant has been utilised as she has

The relationship between the school and the Parent Association has been very successful this year as we have worked closely together for the benefit of the students and the school community. Volunteering by parents and involvement in the PA activities has been at a record high. A very successful Welcome BBQ, Mother’s

supported all teaching staff as we have implemented the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Standards into all of our Professional Learning.

Mr Kean brings with him ten years of experience in Hong Kong as an international educator, as well as a great knowledge of the Hong Kong lifestyle.

Day Luncheon, School Fair and Jingle and Mingle were enjoyed and all had large groups attend. All evidence of renewed parental engagement and confidence in the school. This renewed confidence in the school has also been reflected in our Parent MMG survey results where we saw growth in all areas across 2018.

We have worked closely with NESA and AISNSW to ensure that AISHK teachers can maintain their NSW teaching accreditation. Much of our Professional Learning in 2018 has been endorsed by AISNSW so that it can contribute teacher’s maintenance of accreditation.

Providing high quality, Australian recognised and NESA endorsed Professional Learning has been a feature of

As our school building begins to age, refurbishments of facilities begins to become a key priority for the school.

Additionally as we endeavour to provide our community with the very best facilities possible, we have identified key areas of the school to focus on refurbishing. The Sports Terrace has been refurbished, the field and running track replaced, the cafeteria and tuckshop refurbished and the 7/F Design and Technology and Art

2018. We have provided teaching staff with some of

spaces completely renovated.

6

The 2018 Annual Review contains reports, information and data which highlight the areas of focus across the year, the achievements of the school and areas for further improvement in the future. There are reports included from both the Primary and Secondary Divisions from the different Board committees and financial statements for the 2018 year. The financial statements highlight the excellent financial position the school is in and with the other supporting reports validating the successful organisation AISHK is and the great teaching and learning environment provided for students.

AISHK is governed by a highly capable and supportive Board of Governors. These governors all serve the school in a voluntary capacity and they all contribute their expertise and vast experience to ensure the highest standard of governance are achieved and maintained. The quality of the AISHK Board was recognised in 2018 as the AISFL was awarded the Hong Kong Institute of Directors awards for Board of the Year for the not-for-profit sector for Board Diversity. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an experienced, supportive and committed board.

Thank you to the Board Governors, sub committee members and the Parent Association members who give so generously of their own time to support the school. The dedication and commitment of the staff and the willingness of the students to be actively engaged have contributed in ensuring a successful 2018.

It has been both a pleasure and privilege to be the Head of School in 2018. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the school, representing AISHK in the broader Hong Kong community, getting to know the students and parents and being actively involved in all facets of the school from Reception to Year 12. I have been incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I have received from the students, parents, staff, Board and broader community. AISHK is truly a community school of which we should all be proud.

7

Head of Primary Message

Mr Brendan Kean Head of Primary

The Primary Division at AISHK had another successful year of growth and learning in 2018. The continued focus on developing positive relationships through positive actions has provided an environment where students flourish. 2018 was a year of change for leadership with a new Head of School, Mr Mark Hemphill and Head of Early Childhood, Ms Cathryn Moore joining at the beginning of the year and myself as Head of Primary at the start of Semester 2. Moving forward, the aim of the primary leadership team is to build upon areas of strength and areas for growth and use the success of the school as the basis for the school direction.

which was attended by almost 200 parents over a morning and evening session. This workshop gave parents an insight into how AISHK promotes problem solving and uses this approach to explicitly teach mathematical skills. In reporting to parents, the Primary Division extended the end of Semester 1 report to include in-depth information on students’ progress.

This report provided parents with up-to-date progress on their child’s learning in all key learning areas. This reporting to parents was provided alongside the end of year report, parent-teacher interview, student led conference and the student portfolio.

In curriculum development this year, the Primary Division developed a strong emphasis on Mathematics, closer alignment to the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) in History and Geography and a pedagogical shift in how library lessons are taught. Stanford University, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and World Economic Forum have identified complex problem solving as a highly important skill for current and future workers. With this understanding, the Primary Division adjusted their mathematical program to have a stronger foundation in problem solving to assist in developing students’ higher order thinking skills.

In Year 1, Year 4 and Performing Arts, a new online platform, ‘Seesaw’ was implemented to share student learning with parents in ‘real time’. The platform allowed students to take a photo or video of their learning and share it directly with their parents. Along with sharing learning with parents, the online platform also put students in greater control of their learning moving towards developing student agency within the classroom. This successful trial provided the pathway to implementation across the Primary Division in 2019.

There has also been planning for the explicit teaching of Geography and History as year levels began identifying what outcomes needed to be taught ensuring closer alignment to the ACARA curriculum. Library lessons under the guidance of librarian, Nicole Atkins and Dean of Studies, Mr Cameron Reed, were planned under a co-teaching model with the homeroom teacher and librarian through inquiry learning. This approach developed in Semester 2 aimed at maximising the use of both the homeroom teacher and librarian during the lesson and ensuring students are developing their critical and creative thinking through inquiry learning.

In home-school partnerships, the school ran a highly successful workshop on problem solving in Mathematics

The Student Representative Council (SRC) and Environmental Managers continued to develop their leadership skills this year. The SRC made close connections with the Community Service student group, Yes Club, in the Secondary Division and also made connections to the wider community by connecting with an English-speaking elderly home.

The Environmental Managers had a very positive impact making AISHK a more sustainable school. In 2018, some of their achievements included removing plastic knives and forks from the cafeteria, negotiating a discount for coffee when using a reusable cup, cleaned up the Green Roof to get it ready for new planting, installed compost bins on the Green Roof and recycle bins were added to the classrooms.

8

Professional learning for primary teachers in 2018 included development of teaching problem solving in mathematics, assessment for learning, programming of the curriculum to align with the Australian Curriculum and student wellbeing.

Teachers were supported by experts from the Association of Independent Schools New South Wales (AISNSW) who worked with staff over the course of the school year.

This close relationship with AISNSW provides AISHK with access to high quality consultants from Australia and ensures teachers are receiving professional learning that equates to what teachers would receive in Australia.

While the Primary Division continues to place a strong focus on literacy and numeracy as the basis of learning, the school also makes a concerted effort to ensure students receive a range of experiences to engage and empower them in their learning.

Extra activities that have taken place this year include the launch of our Jump Jam sessions on the field, with secondary students leading primary students through a range of dance moves every Friday morning as a part of our school’s focus on student wellbeing. This has become a highlight for many students each week.

In sport, students represented AISHK in numerous

tournaments in Hong Kong and internationally, along with our school-led Reception Sports Day, Early Childhood Athletics Carnival and Primary Swimming Carnival. Beyond the school walls, students attended various camps around Hong Kong and Year 6 thrived in their Beijing Cultural experience in October.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Mr Graeme Tyler, Ms Chris Simms, Mrs Anne Hopkins, Ms Narelle Cridland, Ms Maggie Marsh, Ms Anna Thirkell and Mr Jim Maiden who departed AISHK at the end of the year. They have provided AISHK primary students with wonderful learning experiences over the years. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.

I would also like to particularly thank Mr David Shirley, the former Head of Primary for all his support in the transition of leadership. Mr Shirley’s dedication and commitment to the school is evident in the engaging and relevant learning experiences the students receive at AISHK. Moving forward, we aim to build upon the great work that has been put in place in the Primary Division.

9

10

Primary Curriculum As a school, working in partnership with our families, we strive to educate the whole child. Everything we do has the aim of adding value to the growth and development of our students.

Research guides us through what our students will need to be active and positive contributors who play a significant role in making the world a better place. Staff professional learning enables us to refine and enhance educational experiences.

In 2018 the teaching staff within Primary have focused on three key areas in relation to professional development: Assessment – We continued to explore more effective ways to assess student understanding. By refining our practices of Assessment for, as and of learning, we reduced situations where students were taught knowledge or skills they already knew. We increased student voice, so that students reflected more openly on what they know and what they want to learn. In 2018 we successfully trialled in Years 1 and 4 as well as the Performing Arts Department an online learning portfolio where students could add work samples, as well as audio visual work with annotations. This was extremely successful, and we are looking at rolling it out in all year levels in 2019.

Mathematics – We continued to work with Professional Learning leaders at the Australian Independent Schools Association in NSW to explore significant developments about how Mathematics is effectively taught and learnt.

Recent research from the OECD highlighted the ability to problem solve as the most sought-after skill by employers in 2020 and 2030.

Mr Cameron Reed Dean of Studies, Primary Graduate School of Education) in relation to Growth Mindset and Problem Solving. Within the area of Mathematics, our NAPLAN results were outstanding. We continued to strengthen the relationships of teachers across Primary and Secondary to ensure smooth transitions and shared understanding of best teaching practices occurred.

Other key foci included students using a variety of strategies and being able to explain their thinking. We facilitated two Parent events with a focus on Mathematics. Both were well received, with over 200 parents in attendance.

Mathematics will continue to be a focus with parents, and we will also branch out to explore other areas of learning with our parent community.

History and Geography – Rather than integrate, we began to disaggregate these subject areas. A process of running parallel programs has proven that there can be meaningful alignment of core concepts whilst maintaining the integrity of each specific subject. As such, there has been a significant focus on learning subject specific skills, knowledge and information. The process of learning will still include Inquiry based experiences, so that students have a say in the direction of their learning and it is relevant to real life experiences.

Achievements by both students and staff in 2018 have been numerous. We are also very fortunate at AISHK to have an enormously supportive parent body, who, like the staff, want nothing but the very best outcomes for the students.

This, combined with a culture where students work to the very best of their ability and are eager to learn makes AISHK the best place for your children.

Using ACARA Mathematics as the basis for the skills and content, we referenced the work of Jo Boaler (Stanford

11

12

Head of Secondary Message At AISHK we strive to support the growth of a student into a successful adult and citizen.

Key elements of the education we value for our students include independent thinking, problem solving, the ability to ask questions, knowing that getting it wrong creates new learning; appreciating that pre-learned answers or only doing multiple practice examination questions is not genuine learning, nor the best way to the best outcomes.

Regular teacher conversations focus on the best learning pathways for our students with the aim to be: receptive to ideas, adaptable to change for good, interested in learning, empathic people who are connected and caring, thoughtful and reflective. These behaviours, attitudes and values underpin this school’s culture.

Results At the beginning of the 2018 year, we celebrated the excellent examination outcomes specific to the class of 2017, where 19 HSC students were named as distinguished achievers by the NSW NESA Board – 46% of the cohort.

There was a 100% pass rate in both HSC and IB programs, 96% of IB students scored above the global IB points average, 66% of all students obtained an Australian university entry rank above 80.00, 46% of HSC students scored a Band 6 (above 90%) in one or more HSC subjects, 75% of IB students scored full 7 points in one or more IB subjects and 8% of IB students had a full-score of 45 points.

In the February Scholars Assembly, 17 students were inducted as AISHK scholars.

Throughout the year, secondary students engaged in a wide range of international competitions including Mathematics, English, Geography, History and Science.

Students were ranked across the range of results with 18% scoring in the distinction or high distinction range. For the 11 students competing in the Hong Kong Chinese speaking competition, 3 scored Distinctions and 2 placed first in the Duo Verse Speaking competition.

Mr Howard West Head of Secondary

Student leadership The prefects led and supported a range of diverse activities across house groups, year groups and others designed to provide some cross-over of student relations. The FRAYED charity fashion show in August was a hit. Its outstanding success has added impetus to the planning for the 2019 SEAMS charity fashion show.

The SRC leadership was actively involved in the school fair planning where they designed activities, managed presentations and organised sales and roster supervision.

With the support of Mr Stapleton and Miss Hii the SRC forged a clear focus and purposed and engaged in very meaningful meetings.

Model United Nations (MUN) continued to be a great success with AISMUN in mid-May welcoming 150 students from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China. In addition, there were many external conferences with invited AISHK participation.

The YES Club and Service Learning led by students Meldrick Ho and Kenji Look drew a strong commitment from students and built very meaningful community relationships. Venues are regularly visited on Tuesday afternoons and the Saturday language teaching with the Support! International Foundation group continues to reach out to a broad range of local students on a regular basis. The end-of-year Year 10 and 11 participations in the Running to Stop The Traffik charity event was testament to the students’ willingness to engage in community service enterprise.

HKAYP and experiential education prospered with 25 students receiving HKAYP Bronze awards and nine Silver awards.

Activity Week was a great flurry of engagement, where the sequenced planning of camps for Year 7, 8 and 9 led to improved skills and the range of choices for Years 10-12 opened many opportunities for service learning and personal growth. The resilience skill-set needed for an active student life is successfully embedded in these school-based events.

13

There was much sports engagement and multiple successes in many tournaments and teams, with a high focus on sportsmanship and personal bests achieved.

To add to the culture of sports engagement, interschool sporting competitions encouraged whole school participation and a competitive spirit. Teams competed in swimming, basketball, volleyball, soccer, touch, netball, cross country, badminton and rugby.

In 2018, there were many highlights, with the Term 4 AISA Games held in Sharjah most noted as well as ACAMIS tournaments in Shanghai and Hong Kong; along with SDRC tournaments in soccer and touch rugby in China.

The enthusiastic attitude and sportsmanship shown by our students in all forms of competition is a positive outcome from the good team coaching and training available.

Overall, there were 350 active student enrolments in HK and international tournaments and competitions across SDRC, ACAMIS, AISA, ISSFHK events during 2018.

The managers of sports teams deserve mention as they supported the teams and led the organisation.

Thanks to the managers who worked in 2018: namely, Mr Pilgrim, Mr Bailey, Mr Campbell, Mr Wong, Mr McGunnigle, Mr Phillips, Mrs Mansbridge, Mr Wnek, Mr Olhson, and Mr Brown.

Academic support programs in 2018 increased the emphasis on providing learning and support opportunities for students across an array of subjects: after school, twice weekly Maths Support, Science Club across the subject strands of Chemistry, Biology, Physics; Homework help for Year 7-9; the before-school Chinese Support program has had 140 students per semester attending; and EAL students have been additionally supported with English language improvement and approximately 50 secondary

students received academic support through the Learning Enrichment Centre.

The Performing Arts extra-curricular programme of the school is well-developed, and the music groups and ensembles formed a valuable part of that. This program ran across the school and in 2018 included, orchestra, vocal ensemble, wind band, string ensemble, guitar ensemble, rock band boys and girls.

The 2018 school production of The Wizard of Oz was a powerful example of whole school collaboration to achieve a common goal where students from Year 4 through to Year 12 were committed to excellent performance on stage, in the orchestra, or backstage in technical or design areas. We were privileged to have an extremely dedicated and talented core production team who brought this memorable musical to fruition for four splendid performances.

Eight secondary staff departed AISHK in 2018. We farewelled Ms Amy Hii in August when she left to pursue a Masters degree at the University of Edinburgh and at yearend we fare-welled, Mrs Natahsa O’Neill who worked in LEC support since 2016, Mrs Pamela Dusting, Secondary Psychologist and Counsellor since 2016, Mr Cameron Dusting, Science & Physics teacher since 2017, Mr Graeme Tyler, Head of Performing Arts since 2007, Mr Don Somerville, Head of HSIE since 2007, Mr Darryll Hopkins Head of Library and Information services since 2006 and Mr Kin Wong, for 18 years of service as PDHPE teacher since 2001.

Schools are essential to students becoming positive beings and making a positive contribution to society, and in creating an AISHK education, we facilitate student learners who metabolise both the present and the past to create their future.

14

15

Secondary Curriculum Over the past year, we have continued to focus our energies on delivering the highest quality of education to our students. To do so, we have implemented some key initiatives, both in terms of what we provide and how we provide it. At AISHK, our primary focus, now and always, remains fostering an enduring love of learning, while building a culture of excellence where students are able to achieve their personal best in all aspects of school life.

To remain relevant and to stay at the leading edge of the educational domain, we must continually seek to innovate in line with the world’s learning and teaching standards and practices. Early in 2018, Dr Jared Cooney-Horvath, an expert in the field of educational neuroscience, focused his work with the staff on knowledge of brain function and how this can be used to enhance teaching and learning practices. At the beginning of Term 4, we were also fortunate to welcome Mr Ryan Gill to AISHK to work with our teaching staff. Ryan is a key figure in the development of Cultures of Thinking and Flipped Learning pedagogies across Australia. His work with our teachers focused on the pedagogies and practices of teaching and learning which actively promote a learning environment in which collective and individual thinking is valued, visible and actively promoted. While we perfect these practices and approaches further, we continue to build on the lessons learned to ensure that our programs invigorate and sustain student engagement and are relevant for today’s students and tomorrow’s skills.

Mr Chris McCorkell Dean of Studies, Secondary To this end, we are delighted to announce that in 2019, Ms Feona Crawford will take up the position of Head of Information and Innovation Services.

We have continued to use the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) Professional Standards for Teachers as a blueprint for quality teaching at AISHK. Effective teachers can be a source of inspiration, with a growing body of evidence leading to a broad consensus that teacher quality is the single most important in-school factor influencing student achievement.

At AISHK, we continue to use the AITSL Standards as a means of developing a common understanding and language for discourse among our teachers. This takes place via the establishment of informal peer-to-peer groups, professional reading and dialogue, classroom observations, learning walks and targeted mentoring and coaching. Similar professional learning initiatives offered within each Key Learning Area have continued to focus on catering to individual learning styles, implementing differentiated approaches to teaching and learning and adopting a more student-centred classroom. Improving teacher quality and developing a supportive and collegial culture where teaching practice is shared and celebrated remain essential components of our efforts to improve student attainment and ensure that AISHK continues to offer a world-class education where students embrace learning with a growth mind-set.

16

Data collected from NAPLAN, HSC and IB results and internal assessments continues to inform programming, pedagogy, assessment and students’ individual learning needs. Tracking student progress throughout the year and from year to year ensures that each student receives a very personal education. The outcomes achieved by AISHK students in public examinations, referenced elsewhere in this publication, continue to compare most favourably with state, national and global measures of performance.

The Visual and Performing Arts continue to showcase the energy and creativity of AISHK students with the amazing talents of our Drama, Music and Design and Technology students so well represented publicly in the joyous and uplifting performances in June of the timeless musical The Wizard of Oz. Whilst it was the students who rightly held centre stage, enormous credit must go to our Performing and Visual Arts teachers and

support team, led by Mr Tyler, for their tireless efforts in bringing such a magnificent production to the AISHK stage.

An essential part of the education offered at AISHK is the belief that students should be encouraged to express their views in a positive manner and work to change our world for the better. Student-led groups such as The Yes Club and the various house fundraising initiatives seek to raise awareness for a variety of charitable causes locally and globally.

Supporting our students to serve, support and advocate enables our students to experience learning beyond the classroom, find their passions and develop the capacity and disposition to be responsible citizens so they can understand and act on issues of global significance.

17

2018 AISHK Combined HSC and IB Outcomes The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that indicates a student’s position relative to all the students in their age group.

99.85

85.25

Highest ATAR

Median ATAR

10%

100%

Pass Rate for IB/HSC

64%

ATAR (Combined HSC & IB)

of students achieved an ATAR of 99+ NSW State Average 1.7%

of students achieved an ATAR of 80+ NSW State Average 33%

31%

84%

of students achieved an ATAR of 95+ NSW State Average 8.3%

of students achieved an ATAR of 70+ NSW State Average 49.5%

41%

98%

of students achieved an ATAR of 90+ NSW State Average 16%

<49

50-59

60-69

70-79

80-89

90-100

of students achieved an ATAR of 60+ NSW State Average 64.7%

18

2X

One of the top IB average for a NSW school and Hong Kong school

AISHK achieved double the NSW state average for Band 6 in HSC

AISHK students scored 7 points in one or more IB subjects

27%

HSC Students Listed on NSW Distinguished Achievers List

AISHK IB students scored above global average

AISHK 40+ IB Scores

46%

Global 40+ IB Scores

100%

38.2

AISHK Average IB Score

83%

6.4%

29

World Average IB Score

19

2018 NAPLAN Results Year 3 | % of Students Achieving Top 3 Bands 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Grammar

Numeracy

Reading AISHK State

Spelling

Writing

Relative bands of achievement for Year 3 are Bands 2-7. The top 3 bands are 5, 6 and 7.

Year 5 | % of Students Achieving Top 3 Bands 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Grammar

Numeracy

Reading AISHK

Spelling State

Relative bands of achievement for Year 5 are Bands 3-8. The top 3 bands are 6, 7 and 8.

Writing

20

In 2018, Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 undertook the annual NAPLAN (National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy) tests. The purpose of NAPLAN testing is to determine if educational outcomes have been achieved by students. Within Australia it is used to inform government policy and curriculum planning. 2018 AISHK NAPLAN results placed our student cohort well above the NSW outcomes.

Year 7 | % of Students Achieving Top 3 Bands 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Grammar

Numeracy

Reading AISHK

Spelling

Writing

State

Relative bands of achievement for Year 7 are Bands 4-9. The top 3 bands are 7, 8 and 9.

100%

Year 9 | % of Students Achieving Top 3 Bands

90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Grammar

Numeracy

Reading AISHK

Spelling State

Relative bands of achievement for Year 9 are Bands 5-10. The top 3 bands are 8, 9 and 10.

Writing

21

22

2018 Parent Satisfaction Survey

AISHK sees it as imperative to assess, review and improve the quality of education and the learning environment provided to its students. Though it is not a legislated requirement, the School the School has commissioned an independent, confidential ‘experience’ survey of 2018 parents.

Parents in Year 2, 6, 9 and 12 were invited to complete the web based questionnaire in Term 4. A total of 148 parents completeted the questionnaire representing an excellent reponse rate of 59%.

The overall satisfaction rate is 79% (75% in 2017). suggesting that, from a parent viewpoint, the school is achieving a ‘high’ level of overall health. In 2018, satisfaction levels were maintained or significantly improved in all areas.

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 2016 50% 40%

2017 2018

30% 20% 10% 0%

23

Committee Reports

24

Finance Committee Report The Finance Committee oversees financial planning and management for the School. The Committee offers advice to the School Board on financial matters. It also makes recommendations regarding matters such as fees, salary and wage increases, capital expenditures, the use of debentures and other sources of funding, the development and management of operating budgets (and other budgets as needed), and a range of other matters. The Committee also meets with the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s external auditors and works to ensure that the School complies with a range of reporting requirements.

The Committee works with other stakeholders in an effort to ensure that adequate investments in both hard and soft infrastructure are made to create a dynamic and vibrant teaching and learning environment; that the best talent is attracted to the School and is retained; and that the School fairly and competitively rewards its hard working and dedicated staff.

The Committee aims to remove, to the extent possible, financial constraints on the growth and development of the School. This is done in the context of a challenging financial environment. There is an ever-present need to balance considerations of affordability with the cost of providing a high quality education and the Committee spends considerable time each year working to find the right balance.

Professor Richard Petty Chair of Finance Committee

The Committee benchmarks AISHK against other schools in terms of a range of financial indicators, and it works with the School Executive, the Board, and other stakeholders to identify ways in which the School might operate more effectively and efficiently. Noting this, I am pleased to report that AISHK is healthy financially.

The management and governance of the School is a team effort with important contributions made by a wide range of stakeholders. Beyond the dedication of staff, the School also benefits financially and otherwise from having volunteers including parents and friends of the School, members of the Parent Association, Committee members, and members of the Board â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of whom do a lot of work in the spirit of building a vibrant school community. They do this willingly and happily, and without receiving or expecting any personal financial reward.

As Chair of the Finance Committee and on behalf of the Board, I thank all who have helped the Committee and the School, during the past year. In particular, I thank my fellow Committee members, Mr Tom Corkhill, Mr Dan Hooley and Mr Andrew Macintosh. I also offer special thanks to AISHKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head of School, Mr Mark Hemphill, and Business Administrator, Mr David Christmas, for their work in supporting the Finance Committee.

25

Australian International School Foundation Limited

Financial Summary

Preliminary Summary of Income and Expenditure Year Ended 31 December 2018

Figures in $000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

2018

Turnover

162,670

Other Income

24,944 187,614

Staff Costs

130,582

Educational Services

5,146

Administration Expenses

9,404

Facilities Management

12,972

Other Expenses

15,668 173,773

Surplus and Total Comprehensive Income for the Year

13,841

26

Facilities Committee Report The Facilities Committee convenes on a regular basis to: • •

•

•

Review the monthly facilities report from our facility management company ISS Eastpoint.

Plan and review the operations and maintenance for all facilities of the AISHK campus.

Plan and review all Operational Health and Safety (OH&S) and security issues relating to the campus facilities.

Plan for future upgrade projects such as maintenance, renovations, and new facilities.

All aspects of the campus are taken into account, including but not limited to, classrooms, bathrooms, gymnasiums and the aquatic center. 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.

2018 was a busy year for the Facilities Committee, focusing on a number of significant projects for completion in 2019.

Throughout the year, regular meetings were held with project managers to plan and organise the tender process for these projects. Contractors were appointed and commenced work at the end of 2018.

Mr Ben Coxon Chair of Facilities Committee

Enhancements were made in the following areas: •

Design Technology and Arts Area Existing Design and Technology and Art spaces on the 7th Floor to be completely renovated and equipped with new furniture and machinery. The area will be reconfigured to create additional, contempary and innovative learning spaces.

•

Cafeteria and Tuckshop Upgrade Upgrade, remodeling and refurnishing of the Walkabout Cafeteria on the 1st Floor and the Ground Floor Tuckshop Area. The project will be financed by Chartwells, the Parent Association, and the School.

•

Field and Running Track In a joint project with the Hong Kong Rugby Union, the sports field and running track will be upgraded and replaced with the highest quality Eurpoean materials.

•

Chillers The two chillers responsible for regulating the cool air in large communal areas of the school are to be replaced. The replacement will be staggered with the first chiller being replaced during December 2018.

The second chiller will be replaced in early 2019.

27

As we look ahead into 2019 the Committee is considering enhancements to the main school entrance to improve safety, logistics for school visitor traffic and school branding.

The Facilities Committee will liaise with an appointed project manager to conduct feasibility review which will inform how best to proceed with this large capital project.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude to the hard work of our members, Mr Adrian Jenkins, Mr Steve Palfrey and Mr Ian Marsh who have given of their time and invaluable expertise.

It has been my pleasure to serve on this committee as Chair since 2016. Mr Jenkins will assume the position of Chair of the Facilities Committee. Mr Jenkins is Major Projects Director of Aurecon, Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia, Chartered Professional Engineer (CP Eng) and APEC Engineer IntPE (Aus).

Field and Running Track Refurbishment

I look forward to seeing the work of the school and committee continue under the expert guidance of Mr Jenkins in the future.

Chiller Installation

Billabong Tuckshop Renovation

7/F TAS Department Refurbishments

28

Governance Committee Report The Governance Committee is responsible for reviewing and renewing school policies, as well as ensuring prudent and transparent leadership of the School.

In 2018, the Governance Committee continued its work and dedication to support the leadership transition, welcoming Mr Mark Hemphill, Head of School and his wife Mrs Barbara Hemphill into our School community.

The feedback from the School community has been overwhelmingly positive throughout the year.

With the support and recommendation of our Board Advisor, Dr Bill McKeith, the School’s Board was successfully nominated for the Hong Kong Institute of Company Directors’ Board of the Year in the Not for Profit category. Tom Corkhill accepted the award on behalf of the Board in November and I wish to take this opportunity to add my thanks to my fellow governors for their untiring and diligent service over many years. The award was a timely and fitting recognition of the extra efforts the Board has deployed.

The acknowledgement was received all the more gratefully, given the higher workload over the past several years. I wish to especially thank Mr David Christmas for his support of the Committee, and Ms Boo Lau, for their behind-the-scenes coordination and support.

Mr Andrew Macintosh Chair of Governance Committee, Chair of Search Committee

The Nomination Committee continued its work in 2018, through which we thanked Dr McKeith for his invaluable service and welcomed the appointment of Professor Alan Walker as a Board Advisor. Professor Walker is highly regarded all over the world for his thought leadership on teacher education and professional development. We are honoured to have Professor Walker’s guidance in an area of increasing importance to our teaching community.

2018 also marked my final year as Chair of the Governance Committee, after eight years. I would like to thank my fellow Committee governors who have served alongside me over the years.

In 2019, I am humbled to have been appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board. I will also be assuming the position of Chair of the Finance Committee, taking over from Professor Richard Petty, who will commence his role as Chairman of the Board in 2019, following Mr Tom Corkhill’s many distinguished years of leadership.

I wish my Governance Committee successor, Mr Ken Gordon, every success in the role. He will be wellsupported in the Committee’s ongoing duties and continuing policy renewal by Mr Tom Corkhill, Dr Dan Hooley, Mr David Chan, Mr Gautam Dev and Ms Tracy Gliddon.

29

Development Committee Report In 2018 the Development Committee continued to engage with myriad of stakeholders; from parents, students and staff to AISHK alumni and the wider business and association networks in Hong Kong and beyond. This year, the committee warmly welcomed a new member, Ms Natalie Glanville. Ms Glanville’s extensive corporate events experience and perspective as an AISHK Primary parent are valued assets to the Committee.

As the school nears its 25th Anniversary in 2020, the Development Committee’s work during 2018 included gathering ideas regarding appropriate ways to mark this milestone event to showcase key aspects of AISHK. The committee also worked together to launch a renewed Academic Scholarships program which was publicised in December to allow for testing of candidates in February 2019 and their commencement at AISHK in August 2019.

The landscape of international education in Hong Kong continues to expand, with new international schools opening in the region. As such, the marketing, promotion and media relations function of international schools in Hong Kong is shifting and adapting to this change. The Development Committee’s members (which include school

Dr Joseph Lee Chair of Development Committee

stakeholders) also supports the AISHK Development Office initiatives. Members have been instrumental in 2018 by providing insight on how to ensure original content and visual presence in the marketplace whilst staying true to our school’s unique offering.

The committee’s support also extends to generating community spirit and awareness of the many events and fundraising initiatives AISHK holds for its network. The major fundraising event for this year, jointly coordinated by the school and Parent Association, was the 2018 Fair which took place on Saturday 10 November. A schoolwide effort culminated in a memorable day for the community and the fundraising of HKD $801,000 towards the enhancements of the learning and teaching environments of the school.

The Development Committee includes alumni parents and thus is a great source of perspective on strategies to further engage, expand and publicise the AISHK Alumni Association. The 2018 Alumni Reunions in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hong Kong were well attended by alumni students, staff and parents.

30

The Development Committee relies on the integral support of a number of dedicated volunteers; Ms Kathy Chan, Mr Mark Leonard and Ms Natalie Glanville. I take this opportunity to thank all committee members, along with Head of School, Mr Mark Hemphill and Director of Development and Community Relations, Ms Brigitte McNamara for their invaluable insight and contributions.

parent, and subsequently alumni parent. We gratefully acknowledge Ms Chan for her service and dedication to this team and to the Board over the years.

Thank you to the Development Committee, school and broader community who have supported us in 2018. I look forward to serving as Chair of this group in what is sure to be another successful year in 2019.

The committee would especially like to thank Ms Kathy Chan, who has completed her last year on the Development Committee in 2018. Ms Chan who shared her professional expertise spanning across alumni relations, fundraising and philanthropy as well as her perspectives as a school

31

Australian International School Hong Kong 3A Norfolk Road Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2304 6078 | Fax: +852 2304 6077 | Email: info@aishk.edu.hk | Website: aishk.edu.hk