Good things happened with Oliver and Jace, Prep students who learned to read and write! Learn more about the 30 Good Things inside!
HEAD OF SCHOOL MESSAGE
Welcome to the December edition of The Lion Rock.
Turning 30 for any school or organisation is a significant milestone. As a school we can be proud of the fact that AISHK is a community that continues to move forward, challenging ourselves to aspire for new goals which serve our students and community. In the big list of 30 Good Things, we hear from students and teachers who have achieved something this year and feel a sense of related pride.
AISHK is fortunate to have many wonderful teachers. Four willing teachers give us a snapshot (literally) of what they looked like 30 years ago and their journey from that point in their lives.
Over the last 30 years, classroom practice has changed significantly. Mr. Phill O’Connor, a Teacher of Maths with over 30 years' experience, explains how things have changed in his classroom and why remembering is not the same as learning.
In Back in Five we find out where Elizabeth and Emily Kwok (Class of 2020), Daniel Stapleton (Class of 2021) and Miu Tanaka (Class of 2023) are now after their graduation from AISHK.
Plus more news and rounds-ups! Happy reading and enjoy a relaxing break.
Warm regards,
Mina Dunstan HEAD OF SCHOOL
BOARD CHAIRMAN MESSAGE
It is fitting to round-out AISHK's 30th anniversary year, with a 30-themed issue filled with stories of our amazing students and their dedicated teachers.
The AISFL board has been guiding and overseeing the school for 30 years, ensuring it is steered in the right direction to ensure its continued success. As such, our structure and remit is agile to ensure the continuing development of the school. This year has seen the creation of the Advisory Board. This is a consultative body that provides feedback on advancement strategies to support the growth and longevity of the Australian International School Hong Kong. Members of the Advisory Board are crucial friends of the school who have significant business experience and a deep knowledge across the full range of financial and governance issues faced by international schools. They are a key group
with a goal to see AISHK flourish for another 30 years.
In our 30th year it is a good moment to both reflect on the amazing journey that has led the school to our enviable position, and peer forward to see our strong future approaching. I want to take this opportunity to thank the board members and staff, past and present, and the wonderful Hong Kong Australian community all of whom continue to support our thriving school.
Warm regards,
Andrew Macintosh AISFL BOARD CHAIRMAN
Looking ahead
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR 2026
To meet the evolving needs of students and teachers, the school is investing in some major facility upgrades, strengthening its commitment to educational excellence and student wellbeing.
Wellness Wing
The Wellness Wing is a redevelopment project that was introduced to the AISHK community in April 2025. It will transform the ground floor. As the school year ends, phase one of the project will begin on the human movement lab or gym. Phase two of the project (the playground and the outdoor seating area) will start 12 months later (to minimise disruption to campus life).
Cafeteria Redevelopment
The first-floor cafeteria will also undergo a major upgrade and expansion this December, featuring new lighting and furniture. The cafeteria will extend onto the Sports Terrace so there is more indoor airconditioned space. There will be an improved coffee-shop to create an inviting area for parents, students and visitors and there will be a noodle bar!
Scan the QR code to see a concept walk around of these three spaces
4F Primary Classroom Redesign
Three classrooms on the 4F will be renovated and remodeled, creating a more flexible learning environment.
8F Secondary Reception & Teacher Workspace
The office, reception, and the teachers’ workspace will be refitted and reconfigured. The reception area will be larger and more inviting for students and parents. Student services, and the LEC will be incorporated into this new working space.
Projects for the future...
Chinese Language Centre
AISHK is committed to excellence in language learning and supporting the development of the global students of tomorrow. A new Chinese Language Centre will offer students a dedicated space for Mandarin learning and cultural engagement.
Science Laboratories
Science labs will be upgraded with cutting-edge technology, and collaborative spaces. These improvements will allow for more hands-on experimentation and interdisciplinary learning.
Performing Arts and Cultural Precinct
This state-of-the-art facility will include professionalgrade recording studios, acoustically treated practice rooms and a blackbox theatre, enriching creative education and providing opportunities for artistic expression.
Aquatic Centre Upgrade
The Aquatic Centre will undergo significant improvements to support swimming and water safety education, reflecting the importance of swimming as a life skill and promoting student confidence in the water.
Old New*
Artist impression *Artist impression
Skipping back through the last five years, we catch up with six graduates to find out what they are doing now.
1. Elizabeth Kwok, Class of 2020
Elizabeth is in her fourth year of a double degree in Art History and Law at the University of Sydney. She is currently writing an honours thesis on Sino-Southeast Asian history and preparing for a shortterm exchange in Nepal, where she will be trekking the Himalayas and
3. Daniel Stapleton, Class of 2021
2. Emily Kwok, Class of 2020
Emily is currently in her last semester of a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Physiotherapy) at the University of Sydney. Having studied various Physio fields, she is working towards a career in Neurological Rehabilitation. In her free time, she has kept up with her love for martial arts and language learning.
Daniel is entering his final year of a BSc in Sound Engineering and Music Production at the University of Huddersfield. Outside of university, he is a team leader at The Light Huddersfield, (an entertainment venue) where he hosts open mic nights—something he loves for its ability to bring people together and support emerging talent. He also founded Stapleton Volleyball, which has grown now from 20 to over 150 members.
4.Olivia Walker, Class of 2021
Olivia Walker is a graduate of RMIT University and holds a Bachelor of Law. She is currently undertaking her Practical Legal Training courses. And volunteering at a community legal clinic specialising in helping young people under the age of 25 with legal matters.
5. Miu Tanaka, Class of 2023
Miu swam the English Channel in August, completing the crossing in 13 hours and 16 minutes. Two weeks later, she swam a double English Channel with a Hong Kong relay team in 25 hours and 42 minutes, becoming part of the first Hong Kong team to complete a double crossing. She is currently studying for a double degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and Exercise Science at UNSW and hopes to pursue a career in physiotherapy.
6. Ivana Yue, Class of 2024
Ivana is currently nearing the end of her second trimester at university, studying Music Creative Technologies at the Australian Institute of Music in Sydney. She's also volunteering with local community theatre groups, handling audio and lights for plays and musicals.
a 30-year flashback
We can't celebrate 30 years without a few flashbacks, in words and pictures!
The Lion Rock asked four willing teachers to share a photo of themselves, taken 30-ish years ago. In recreating the photos we find out what they were like in 1995, what they were doing, and their journey to AISHK.
Ms Arianna Chor
PREP CLASSROOM TEACHER
This photo was taken when I was eight years old. Growing up in Melbourne I did calisthenics, a form of dance and gymnastics using different apparatus. The photo was taken at one of our competitions.
I started calisthenics when I was five years old and I continued until I was 18. It is a very competitive team sport but I made close relationships - like family. To this day I call my old coach "Mum" and my coach's mum, "Grandma Pat".
Dancing was really out of my comfort zone but it gave me an opportunity to come out of my shell. I was an only child until I was seven and I was very shy.
At school I was quiet and I couldn't speak up. I think I was like that because I am bilingual. In my head I would switch between Cantonese and English, always thinking in two languages.
I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I like to do things correctly the first time of trying and language was a barrier, but things changed when I got to Grade 6. My teacher was lovely and very funny. Everyone wanted him to be their teacher, but he would make a lot of mistakes, I think on purpose.
He made so many mistakes, particularly during Maths lessons, that I got so frustrated. I was sitting in class thinking, 'I need to say something.'
I remember saying, "Actually that's not correct, it's easier another way". He encouraged me and I started to feel confident. It took me a really long time to speak up in class but I finally found my voice.
I still remember some of our lessons. We were doing a lesson on space where we changed our whole classroom, creating a spaceship and landing on the moon!
I've wanted to be a teacher since I was seven. My little sister was born when I was seven and I loved bossing her around. I used to mimic my mum, my teachers and my dance teachers. My sister and I would come home from calisthenics, create our own costumes, do our own dance routines, and perform for our parents.
As I got older, I liked being able to share how I understood something. Growing up I had to translate for my parents and I worked out a way to explain things so they could understand. I realised I had developed this skill. I understand children and
people. I can adjust my teaching approaches for those that learn in a different way - this is especially useful in a Chinese-Australian context.
I went to an all-girls Catholic school in Melbourne. It suited me because it is arty and I am a creative person. My bachelor's degree at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) was in Fine Art but I did a lot of 3D animation, photography and film editing. I ended up transferring to Deakin University, to do Interactive Media, specifically focusing on motion capture.
At the same time, I was helping at Sunday school, working with a lot of younger children, and volunteering for childcare and kids clubs. I got involved with children and dancing and I realised quickly that I wanted to work with children.
"I guess my challenges helped me; they encouraged me to look for other ways to learn, communicate, and other ways to think!"
I went to Australian Catholic University (ACU), and I did my Master of Teaching, followed by a Certificate in Theology and then a Master of Educational Leadership later on.
I have been teaching for 13 or 14 years. I've worked in schools where there are children from refugee families. I worked in a small country town school with a hundred children and bigger schools in more affluent areas.
Then I came to AISHK! As a child I visited Hong Kong to spend time with my grandparents - but we never did any touristy things.
I imagined moving to Hong Kong would be much harder than it has been. The community at AISHK is so close I found it very easy to settle in and make friends.
I've joined running groups, book clubs and a lot
Mr Damian Bailey
SECONDARY TEACHER
This photo was taken when I was about two years old. I grew up on a big farm, in a small farming town in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. My first language was Xhosa. Everyone on the farm and in the community spoke Xhosa. I didn’t start speaking English until I went to school at six years old.
Growing up on a cattle farm was idyllic. My brother and I had incredible freedom—riding motorbikes by seven, getting stung by bees while raiding hives for honey, and using corn stalks as makeshift weapons! When I look back at it now, I feel incredibly fortunate. It was an outdoor education you can't get anymore, completely removed from technology.
My first school was tiny—maybe 200 people in total. I never thought about leaving that area and that community because I didn't know there was anywhere else to go.
But at 12, I went to boarding school, which opened my eyes to a much bigger world. I started boarding school just as South Africa was emerging from apartheid. For me, going to school with African classmates felt completely normal. All my friends and workers on the
farm were African, and I spoke the language fluently. But for many others, it was unprecedented. I learnt a lot about people and societal expectations at boarding school, I played a lot of rugby and cricket, and I did my best in class.
In 1995, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. It changed society, it really did! For many people, rugby is like a religion. At the final, Nelson Mandela, the first President of South Africa, walked out of the stadium tunnel onto the pitch wearing the Team Captain, Francois Pienaar's number six jersey–an African President in an Afrikaner's rugby shirt. The crowd erupted. When we won the final against New Zealand, I think it literally saved the country from civil war. That's not hyperbole. Sport, especially rugby, became the thing that united our fractured country. It still does.
Playing rugby took me everywhere. I had played professionally and semi-professionally and ended up in Australia in 2007 playing for the University of Queensland. But here's the thing—having a South African passport can be challenging because of visa restrictions. I initially saw teaching as my workaround and ticket to the world.
Mr Bailey talks to a student about his favourite topic: Economics
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Commercial Law and then pursued teaching (PGCE and Bachelor of Education with Honours). I wanted to stay at university for another year. Only once doing the course did I realise how much I enjoyed what teaching had to offer.
After Australia, I moved to New Zealand, where I played rugby and worked on an open-cast coal mine, before moving back to South Africa where I worked at a prep school that went to Grade 3. I had a class of 36 mostly underprivileged kids and no support. I became the first male teacher at that school. On the first day, I sat quietly listening to them speak to each other in their native language, Xhosa. At the end of the day, I told them in Xhosa to pack up and get ready to go home. They were stunned and amazed that I could speak the language. That connection—someone who didn't look like them but spoke their language fluently—transformed everything.
I was also fortunate to become their coach for cricket and rugby. Being able to see these students outside the classroom reinforced to me how valuable those interactions can be to both teacher and student. They get to know you as a person, not just a teacher, and you get to know them beyond the classroom. This was a powerful lesson to me, so when I came to Hong Kong, I was eager to take on roles like homeroom teacher and house patron for that same reason.
In 2011, I moved to Hong Kong to play rugby and teach. I landed a job at Chinese International School teaching IB Economics. Honestly, I was “undercooked” for that role—coming from a prep school. I spent that entire
"In 1995, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. It changed society. I think it literally saved the country from civil war."
summer revising the textbook just so I could reacquaint myself with the topics and requirements.
In 2013, I had an interview at AISHK. It was a Typhoon Signal No. 8 day and the Head of School at the time asked me if I could still come to campus for the interview. I showed up somewhat casual, in a V-neck, stubble, and jeans, thinking I was looking pretty smart. My future Head of Department raised his eyebrows and was clearly not as impressed as I was with myself. But before he could say anything, the Head of School
Ms Joy Chung PRIMARY HEAD OF CHINESE
This black-and-white photo was taken in the 1970s in China (so nearly 60 years ago rather than 30 years) but it was an interesting time back then. I grew up in Nanjing, in the Jiangsu Province. At that time, my father was teaching at a university, and we lived inside the university campus. Life there was quite nice.
In the photo, you can see my Mum and Dad, my grandma, and the baby—that was my younger sister. Growing up in the university was interesting. It was not in a big city, and the campus felt very rural. Our life was mostly inside the university grounds. The university taught forestry, horticulture and landscape gardening so it was really beautiful—filled with lots of different kinds of trees everywhere. There was a primary school, a small grocery store, and a wet market within the campus walls. Everything we needed was right there.
It was a very enclosed society. I might go into the big town once a year. I only remember going outside the campus when we had visitors from other provinces and had to take them to see some famous places.
One time I got really sick, and my dad had to take me on his bicycle to a specialist doctor. The transport infrastructure was not developed back then—everybody cycled. It was hard work to ride that far to the town.
When you’re a teenager, you always dream of the big city. I wanted to go outside the campus and see more. We actually moved away from our small campus life when I was about 12, and I was so excited. I even became a little snobbish—I thought of myself as a “town
person now” and didn’t really connect with my old friends anymore.
But when I reached my 40s, I realised how much that place influenced me. When I travel to Beijing with the AISHK Year 6 students, my colleagues tease me because I always point out the trees. I’ll say to students and teachers, “Look at that beautiful tree! And there is another one. Quick look at this tree.” People ask what's wrong with me! But those trees on campus—the greenery—they bring me comfort. They make me feel nostalgic.
To this day, when my husband and I are looking for places to rent or buy in Hong Kong, I don't want a grand sea view — I need to be able to see trees! That place gave me so much, especially friendships. I’ve reconnected with some friends from that time.
We moved when I was 12 because of my father's job. He was a professor, and he always wanted to do something meaningful with his life. He is now in his 80s but he talks about that move to the city. He is clever and he did well academically but life in China was complicated. Even though my dad was number one in his exams, he could not get into the university he wanted. Luckily, a professor from a less famous university gave him a chance and ended up teaching politics at a university that specialised in forestry.
"I have worked at AISHK for almost 30 years. I love it and I feel proud of what the team have achieved."
My father never gave up. He kept writing and studying. In the 1980s, things changed and eventually, he was accepted into a national university. That’s when we moved.
Growing up in a house where study and academia were so important definitely influenced me. I always wanted to be a teacher. Maybe it was the movies I watched as a child—one from the Soviet Union about a girl who was a countryside teacher, and another from China about a young teacher in a rural school. Those stories gave me a vision.
I wasn’t the most diligent student after we moved. I was more into art, movies, and socialising with people. I wasn’t that traditional “good student” who only focused on studies. I still love the arts. I go to Chinese opera classes on weekends, and I visit galleries whenever I can. Back in the 70s in China, the arts were different— I remember that time so clearly.
When I started working, I always felt a little guilty that I hadn’t given all my effort to studying. I was easily distracted by art and literature. But now, looking back, I realise those things helped me a lot. They shaped the teacher I am today.
Left: Joy teaches Chinese calligraphy to a student in Primary; Right: speaking to students at ‘Shopping Day’ in 2017
Ms Jane Englemann
PRIMARY PERFORMING ARTS TEACHER
This photo was taken in Greece, a little over 30 years ago. I was young, child-free, and had absolutely no idea that I would be spending the next three decades in Hong Kong. In fact, 30 years ago at Matilda Hospital I gave birth to my second child, a beautiful baby girl. At the time I was working as a children’s television presenter, and the programme was running a competition to guess the name of “Jane’s baby”. I watched from my hospital bed as my co-presenter announced the birth and read out some of the guesses. I called my daughter Harriet Alice. One person guessed correctly and won a prize.
I loved being a TV presenter, at a studio just around the corner from AISHK on Broadcast Drive. The show aired five days a week, so I became used to being recognised in the street and asked for autographs. It also led to invitations to entertain at children’s parties, which was fun but very hard work, not unlike being a music teacher! During those first years in Hong Kong, I also ran children’s music and drama workshops, taught piano, did voice-over work, and worked in theatre as a director,
producer and performer, while still enjoying time with my two children.
Over the last 30 years, a lot has happened, and a lot has changed. When my children were aged six and two, I became a single parent and returned to fulltime teaching. I became Head of Music and Drama at Discovery Bay International School and worked evenings and weekends running JETS drama school, teaching piano, and conducting choirs to cover our living costs. I spent 12 years at DBIS before moving to Peak School ESF in 2010, another wonderful experience.
When my children left for university, I felt something was missing, so I started Unsung Heroes, a choir for domestic helpers, as a way of thanking them for the support they had given me during challenging years. I wrote a song for the choir called 'I Wish I Could Kiss You Goodnight', honouring their sacrifice of putting other people’s children to bed instead of their own. By the time we debuted at Picnic in the Park, the choir had grown to 50 members. From there, things snowballed. Unsung
"I wrote a song for the choir called 'I Wish I Could Kiss You Goodnight', honouring their sacrifice of putting other people’s children to bed instead of their own."
Heroes became known worldwide, featured in a full-length documentary 'The Helper'. We headlined at Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest music festival, we were featured in global newspapers, and I was invited to give a TED Talk about our story, with the choir performing to not one but two standing ovations.
Covid stopped us singing and prevented me from seeing my kids. I decided to move to Australia, where my son was now married with a baby, my first grandson! Grannie Jane was in “da house”.
Even though I met many new people and taught performing arts in some great schools, I missed Hong Kong.
On a particularly cold day and out of the blue, I received a message on LinkedIn about a job at AISHK, and here I am. I love being in Hong Kong and AISHK has been a very happy start to my new adventures. The community, the creative opportunities, the fun and laughter, and above all the incredible students have absolutely confirmed that I made the right decision.
Looking back at that photograph, I see not only how much has changed, but also how much has been achieved in 30 years. From television studios to classrooms, from raising children to building choirs, and making new friends and new connections; and all the amazing opportunities. The journey has been extraordinary. And today, I feel deeply grateful to be exactly where I belong, here at AISHK.
Top: Ms Englemann mirrors the students' choreography for the Alternative Nutcracker video; Bottom: Jane conducts the chorus in AISHK's staging of Beauty & the Beast
Scan the QR code to view Jane's TED Talk, "Hong Kong’s Migrant Mothers Sing for The Children They Left Behind"
Remember this...
with mr phil o’connor
Classroom practice has changed significantly over the last 30 years. Mr Phil O’Connor, a Mathematics teacher with almost 30 years' experience, tells us how things have changed in his classroom and why remembering is different to learning.
Mr O’Connor is in his classroom before his Year 11 HSC Maths students arrive. Students greet their teacher with a “Hi Sir” as they drift in. The students then sit next to each other at tables in the middle of the room. The class starts with a conversation about the lesson's content and format, before anyone opens a book or a laptop. The atmosphere is relaxed, and as they talk to each other, there are a few mini ripples of laughter.
In the 90s, when O’Connor started teaching at a private boys’ school in New Zealand things were different. Students would stand in silence outside the classroom, filing in one-by-one to sit in an exam-style format. Lessons would start with a quiz on the previous lesson’s material and the answers would be gone through quickly with little explanation.
“There was a very explicit relationship—'I'm the teacher, you're the student' kind of role,” recalls O’Connor. “That was what was expected of me as a teacher at that school. In some ways it was good because as a young and inexperienced teacher it reduced the potential for kids to be naughty. But it was very regimented, rather than collaborative, and I don't think the kids were necessarily understanding concepts.”
Understanding Concepts
“In a Maths exam there are an infinite number of possible questions. It is possible for students to memorise techniques that are appropriate for every scenario. I guess my own evolution, whether it's Maths or learning in general, is towards understanding the concept so that you can adapt their technique and problem solve.”
O’Connor first started at AISHK in 2002, where the New South Wales curriculum and the teaching of concepts brought a refreshing change.
“I think it [the curriculum] has a really nice structure. The emphasis is to make sure the kids understand the concept. The curriculum is rigid, but it is linear; it tries to make sure students understand concept one before they move on to concept two."
If you are hoping there is a secret to understanding difficult Maths concepts—there is not. Like anything, repetition and practice make a difference. And if a student does not catch on straight away?
“If a student does not get a challenging concept straight away, it can be because it is too much to take in during one lesson. If they become negative, a bit of resilience is needed. I might encourage a student to tell themselves they need time to ‘sleep on it’ and they can come back with a couple of good questions. Learning is easier when in a positive mindset."
Enjoying Learning
Over the last 30 years, teaching generally has moved away from the teacher being the fountain-of-allknowledge to more of a facilitator role.
“I put the emphasis on enjoying learning,” O'Connor explains. “If students are enjoying the learning process, then they are probably going to be a lot more successful. In my view there is a difference between enjoyment and fun. It is okay for learning to be hard and it doesn’t have to be fun. My point is that the overall process needs to be enjoyable, even when it is hard and requires sustained effort. Pleasure can be extracted from the reward of learning. On a similar note, students should understand that they can’t control what’s going to be in the exam, but they can control how much effort they are putting into each lesson, their attitude and their engagement. I would rather that student goals were centrered around the things that they can control. With those types of goals, the student is able to be successful, regardless of external factors.”
Collaboration
Another significant change that has taken place over the decades is collaboration.
“I don't like talking for 40 minutes, so I'm always asking the students to show me the next step, or explain how
"Students can't control what's going to be in the exam, but they can control how much effort they are putting into each lesson."
we check if the outcome is correct, or how we can identify and correct mistakes,” says O’Connor. “I am always trying to get the kids involved. In the senior years it is sometimes necessary to deliver lessons in a lecture style. We've just got to push through a bit of content.”
Collaboration happens between teacher and student, and student to student.
“It's a beautiful thing at AISHK—that many kids love Maths. In my extension groups in the senior school, students can get quite excited. And their conversations can help each other more than repeated content delivery. Listening to your contemporaries is useful.”
How much of being good at Maths is recall and remembering?
“It is incredibly important that students have the fundamentals through memorisation—a basic level of muscle memory skill,” says O’Connor. “Explicit teaching and rote learning and memorisation techniques are still important. If students have developed the fundamental skills at a young age, they will do much better in the Secondary school.
“In formal and public exams, students need more than just the problem-solving skills; they need to be quite efficient. If students are too slow with their technique, they can't show all they understand. Concept understanding alone is not going to get students very far. It's a balance.”
Confidence Test
Balance is also necessary when it comes to testing. O’Connor and his Maths department colleagues uses quizzes and testing throughout the year.
“It [testing] can build confidence when done at an appropriate level. Formative testing (done at the start of a unit of work) should encourage students to know more.” And confidence is built when students see they are making progress. Students in Years 7-10 might have 4-6 tests in a semester.
As students graduate from school and university, moving into the ever-changing jobs market, confidence is necessary, so too is problem solving, collaboration and communication skills. Maybe the most important thing to remember is to take a balanced approach.
Whatdid you do last summer? Spend time with family and friends, eat some nice food? Yup, us too. Year 9 student Isabella Djokovic had quite a different experience. Isabella took part in the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation Mongolia Challenge, an initiative supporting vulnerable children with education, healthcare and shelter. The Lion Rock finds out more about her adventure with one of the school’s chosen charities.
Tell us about the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation.
It’s an established charity operating in Vietnam and Mongolia. My mum works for CNCF on events to raise money.
Tell us about the challenge.
My Mum visited Mongolia earlier in the year to assess the living conditions and that’s when they [the charity] decided to organise the challenge. It took place from 25–30 August 2025. We stayed for five days, but the actual challenge was three days. There was a 15-kilometre hike one day and a 30-kilometre horseback ride another.
We built movable homes and we
That’s where children live if they’ve been abandoned or come from abusive households. We visited their home on our last day in Mongolia. The children did a little performance for us and we painted together and they showed us their living spaces. The children were so happy and grateful. It was great to see.
I prepared for the trip by hiking which helped and I ran on a treadmill. I wasn’t prepared for how cold it is and I had to wear lots of layers. Mentally, I just tried to think about all the different parts of the challenge and go with the flow.
How many people participated in the challenge? There were about 15 of us in total—making maybe six groups. People came from all over the world, but mostly Hong Kong. My friend who's 13 and I were the
was incredible. They had been living in a tiny shack after the father died in a car accident. Only two people could fit inside the shack, so the mother and eldest daughter stayed there while the other children lived with grandparents.
Our challenge group built them a new Ger. They [the family] were so grateful to be getting away from their old house. Meeting the kids was also amazing. They now have a home they can heat in winter when temperatures plunge to minus 40 degrees. When we were there, it was about two degrees at night.
Did you raise funds?
As a group of 15 people, we raised about HK$370,800 altogether. Each of the people on the trip aimed for HK$30,000. I reached out to friends, family, my Year 9 classmates and teachers at AISHK. Their support was heartwarming. It feels good to raise as much as you can and know you tried hard.
What motivated you to participate in the CNCF Mongolia Challenge?
My mum told me about the kids in Mongolia, how they live and how the money AISHK raised over the years (through house fundraising) has helped them have a better life and new experiences.
What are your future plans?
I’m leaning toward Art at university but after this experience, I think about working with a charity and helping people. It is really good because you know you’re making a difference and having an impact.
What message would you share with others who want to make a difference?
There’s always a way to help. Do research, find opportunities and remember, even small contributions matter. Keep working toward what you want to do.
The AISHK community of students and teachers has, on balance, had a good year! The Lion Rock talks to 30 people to discover 30 terrific triumphs. From learning to read and write to getting an unconditional offer from a top university or speaking at an international conference, we uncover this year's good news stories, large and small.
2025 will always be significant for me as a Year 12 student in my final year at AISHK. I will fondly remember all the "last times of doing"—the epic cohort of students, and the fast friends I have made. I was selected for inclusion in SHAPE, [a selection of outstanding projects in HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design], showcased in Sydney next year. Under the expert eye of Ms Carini, I harnessed my entrepreneurial side and experimented with banana fibre packaging, seeking to change banana industry practices. A big thank you to all of my mentors!
The Award for Young People was significant for me this year. It sounds earnest, but AYP helped to mobilise me to move forward with my goals and it prompted me to do so autonomously. Without it, the Chess Club would not have materialised and my passion for MUN might not have developed. I wouldn’t have stretched myself to the lengths that I have. It was also wonderful to have been named one of the National Champions in the prestigious Australian History Competition!
2025 has been a year filled with new experiences and opportunities for me. In school music, I became much more involved with leadership in a variety of positions culminating in becoming an Arts Prefect. These positions have given me important skills that will continue to be valuable long after I leave school. Outside school, I have also attained ABRSM Grade 8 in both Viola and Music Theory which has been fantastic, as well as completing my first original composition. Overall, this year has been great and I hope to keep up the momentum in 2026.
Thomas Breslin, Year 12
Samuel Chen, Year 11
Thomas Pulsford, Year 9
4
5
The Battle of the Books Competition was an incredible and unforgettable journey for me. I first entered the competition in 2021, when I was in Year 4, and have continued to compete on behalf of the school every year since. Each time, the team and I have become stronger, sacrificing countless lunchtimes to prepare for each round of the competition, learning from our past mistakes and moving closer to the win. But it wasn't until this year that we finally managed to secure the gold medal for the school. It's a triumph that I'll never forget. Thank you so
Sylvester So, Year 12
7
6
Received Awards for Maths, Chemistry and Physics. Looking back on 2025, I am filled with gratitude for my family—my Mum, Dad, sister and grandparents—who’ve been there every step of the way. This year at AISHK has been unforgettable, packed with moments I’ll always treasure. I’ve met some amazing people who’ve made my time here so special, and I’ve had the chance to learn from inspiring teachers who’ve supported me and helped me grow both academically and personally. I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved, and I know I couldn’t have done it without all their support. It’s been a year I’ll always be thankful for!
Winning the Hong Kong Battle of the Books competition was my highlight of the 2025 school year. This competition encouraged me to read a myriad of diverse books, strengthening my love of reading. The competition challenges the team’s knowledge of 20 books, carefully chosen by the organisers. During the competition, we were asked difficult questions about the details from the books and as a team we discussed which book it was from. It was a challenge, however this year we won! After hours of intense study, it felt amazing for us to prevail and end up on top!
Jaime Chow, Year 8
Vegas Puels, Year 12
This year I got an unconditional offer from my first university of choice, John Martin Cass Academy(JMC). I have done a lot of performances with school and I am proud of the commitment I have shown. As a Wellbeing Prefect, I helped organise both the talent show and the Wellbeing Warriors programme.
Cai McGunnigle, Year 12
I was very excited to play for Scotland in the Euro qualifiers against England, Sweden, and Lithuania. Scotland was the host country for this round of matches, and it was amazing to have family and friends at the games. Unfortunately, I had tonsillitis during the tournament, and even though it stopped me getting as much game time as I might have liked, pulling on that jersey and singing the national anthem was unreal. The team spirit was amazing and we qualified for the next stage.
Matilda Dear, Year 12
Philip Day Memorial Award winner. My personal highlight of 2025 was graduating. A key moment in everyone’s lives is this step into adulthood, and I am very lucky that I got to share it with my closest friends and family. Although this period has been touched with sadness as my time at AISHK comes to an end, I am incredibly proud of myself and what I have been able to achieve this past year, and I look forward to my future at university. The community at the Australian school has positioned me well as I leave Hong Kong for tertiary education, and I know I will always find a home at AISHK.
This year I learnt to read and write! My favorite book is, Cock-a-Doodle Poo because it is so funny! The chicken pretends the underpants were slingshots and it makes me laugh. I can read the words in the book and understand the story. I also learned to write new words like “because” and I can write sentences like “The cat sat on the mat!”
Sofia Malakunas, Year 6
My highlight this year has been performing at Toast Masters, Beauty and the Beast the and Chinese storytelling festival. At the Chinese storytelling performace, I felt nervous on stage, but I managed to make people laugh which made me less nervous. I did this together with my partner, Bowie Au. I love that we can learn and speak Chinese through the art of storytelling as well as performing it on stage. My story was called 小万写 about a boy who tries to write his name in Chinese.
Shepherd, Year 3
Charlotte Doherty, Year 4 11 14 12 13
My highlight this year was preforming in the Chinese storytelling. My story was 'The Hare and The Turtle.’ I performed with my classmate Ines. We had practiced in class for a few weeks and learnt the story by heart. I was the hare in the story. In the beginning I was a little shy on stage, but I feel comfortable and confident speaking Chinese, and I loved performing and running around on stage. I remembered to smile, have fun and to enjoy the event.
During Terms one and two, we were asked to create our own websites for GES (Geography, English, Science). Each student was assigned a continent and biome, and I was thrilled to be assigned South America and the rainforest. I chose to research the three-toed sloth and the Brazil nut tree. We spent over a term researching our continent, animal, and plant, then created our websites using Canva and kid-friendly sites for information and pictures. At the Year 4 Website Reveal, I was nervous, but it was fun to showcase my work to my parents and classmates!
Jace Chow, Prep
Lily
Battle of the Books was super fun, and I was honored to be chosen as a team leader. In Change Makers (the Year 6 exhibition), I picked up useful life skills, got closer with my group, and learned a lot about cyberbullying, AI overreliance, and AI abuse. The APSMO Maths Olympiad made me focus on essential maths skills and organise my work, which really helped me in class. Overall, this year has made me more open and organised, and I’m excited about
The Change Makers project was unforgettable for many reasons. We worked extremely hard to raise awareness about issues we’re passionate about. My topic was, Diabetes in Third-World Countries, where many can’t afford or get access to insulin. Preparing for the presentation was tough. I simplifed a complex issue so younger students could understand it. Designing and creating the Change Makers board added pressure but seeing kids engage and play the board game I made was amazing. Watching them leave talking about what they learned felt rewarding. Overall, this project is one of my favorite Year 6 memories because it taught me perseverance and confidence.
I care deeply about the environment, and plastic pollution is an issue that drives me. Millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans every year, harming marine life and ecosystems. If we don’t act now, the consequences will be severe. That’s why I focused on this during the Change Maker project - to raise awareness and inspire others to protect our planet. This project was challenging yet fascinating. It pushed me to stay committed and manage my time wisely. I learned to communicate effectively and present confidently. “Most importantly, this journey showed me I’m capable of achieving things I never thought possible.”
My favorite book is, [Diary of an] 8-Bit Warrior! It’s about someone who fights monsters. The book has loads of pages and I love it. I could not read this book at the start of Prep but now I can! I like Phonics Hero because it helps me learn tricky words. I can read sentences and understand what they mean. Mathletes is fun too and it makes my brain better. I’m getting better at writing, numbers and phonics.
Alex Li, Year 6
Josh Cheung, Year 6
Oscar Kee, Year 6
Oliver Baram, Prep
Jessica
Year 5
As an Environmental Committee member, I helped set up the recycling bins for my class and buddy class and made a video to show everyone how to use them. We went on an excursion to a plastic recycling plant and learned how plastics are recycled and what they’re used for. I was excited to join TASS, a program that brings people together to help the environment. I also helped with a Nature Survey on the Green Roof using the Seek app to identify native plants and see what kind of biodiversity we have on our campus. I even joined a video meeting with TASS students from Asia!
Another highlight of my year was performing as Belle in Beauty and the Beast. It was an amazing experience, and I was super happy when all our hard work paid off. I can’t wait for next year's performance.
I think one of the most amazing things that happened in Primary this year has been working with a professional artist to create a huge landscape of Hong Kong on a big canvas. We got to paint big pieces and draw little pictures that were added to the artwork. It was so exciting! I thought it was fun painting, working with my classmates, and being part of something so creative and special.
I was truly honored to be a presenter at the FOBISIA Mini Conference on 11 October, where I had the opportunity to share my teaching experience — of hands-on, device-free engagement activities for Chinese classes.
The session brought together 40 Chinese teachers from across the region, including Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Shanghai, and Beijing. Seeing the ideas resonate and receiving positive feedback from every educator made all the preparation feel completely worthwhile.
I also reflected on my own teaching practice. It pushed me to recognise my strengths and identify areas where I can grow. It was a meaningful, growth-filled experience.
I’ve also organised two large-scale cross-Hong Kong Chinese teacher dinners. These gatherings go beyond casual meals—they build our professional community by bringing educators together. Away from formal workshops we connect, get to know one another and strengthen the bonds that make our teaching network so supportive.
Maggie Cheng, Specialist Teacher - Chinese
Stocks,
Jimmy Egan, Year 5
After 22 years in special, inclusive, and behavioralconduct disorder schools, I’ve dived headfirst into a master’s degree in, Inclusive and Special Education, with an Australian university, this year. This study will strengthen my skills – so I can boost students’ success. I’m exploring creative strategies, evidence-based practices, and the latest inclusion policies. Best of all, students can be and are part of my research and practice – and I couldn’t be more proud of them. When learning leads to impact, everyone wins.
I have recently completed my master's degree in Educational Leadership after four years of study and plenty of reading! I started my degree in 2019 when I first arrived in Hong Kong and took on 1-2 units per trimester. I took a year off when I joined AISHK in 2021 to focus on building connections with colleagues and to gain a thorough understanding of the school’s systems and community. I completed my final thesis, Teachers’ Views on Student Wellbeing Approaches at an International School in Hong Kong, a subject I am passionate about. I am excited to apply my learning and experiences to continue contributing positively to the AISHK community.
This year has been a transformative one in the Performing Arts department. I've joined, the Hong Kong International Music Education founding committee and hosted a professional development morning at AISHK for over 50 educators from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. A big highlight was leading our first full Primary stage production, Beauty and the Beast, a milestone for our school. I also cocreated a whole-school collaborative project that not only celebrated student creativity but introduced dance as a new curriculum area—an exciting and authentic addition that we had not previously covered. It’s been a year of growth and innovation, and the future of Performing Arts at AISHK is looking bright!
Nat Mierczak, Primary Learning Support Co-ordinator & Teacher
Jaime Ashton, Primary Creative Arts Specialist
Tobias Hogg, Head of Year 5
This year marked an exciting period of growth for CAS, highlighted by our first TEDx Youth Project, where Year 11 students presented projects on pressing social issues in Hong Kong. Their confidence, empathy, and purpose captured the true spirit of the IB Learner Profile. Beyond CAS, student leadership flourished through the YES Club, which led to many community initiatives and ongoing partnerships with, The Life
This past year has flown by! A standout moment was the opportunity to represent AISHK and share our recognized leading EAL inclusion practices at conferences.
Joining AISHK in 2025 has been an inspiring journey— with creative opportunities, meaningful friendships, and the joy of working alongside passionate staff and students.
A major highlight has been relaunching the internationally celebrated, Unsung Heroes Choir for domestic helpers after a three-year pause. We’re thrilled to be returning to music festival Clockenflap with a spectacular Cirque-du Soleil style performance inspired by Holst’s The Planets, featuring world-class performing artists. Make sure you come and see us— we’re performing all three days.
At NALDIC32 (the National Subject Association for EAL), I shared strategies using subject journals to help EAL learners reduce errors, and I presented a visual graphic poster to foster inclusion. In Beijing, at the ELLSA conference (English Language Learning Specialists of Asia), I ran workshops exploring AI accompanying vocabulary learning and journaling for writing fluency.
Here’s to sharing and learning more in the year ahead!
Lisa Darby, Secondary Teacher
Jane Engelmann, Primary Music Teacher
Sarah Guinon, Primary EAL Specialist Teacher
It has been a long-held desire to invite a visiting artist to campus to creatively lead on a whole school mural project. Artist in Residence, Francesco Lietti, worked with Year 4 and 5 students during art lessons to develop a 6 meter wide Hong Kong skyline, but everyone in the school was invited to take part in the project. Over 4 weeks Lietti, students and staff built-up the layers of the artwork, adding details and their own unique take on how they see Hong Kong’s urban and natural environments coming together.
The experience really was exceptional and the finished mural will be displayed on campus for many years to come.
This year students from Years 8, 9 and 12 attended the 6th U.S. - China Hong Kong Forum "Circles for Peace," held at The Fullerton Hotel hosted by the non-profit China-United States Exchange Foundation. The event aimed to promote dialogue and cooperation between the USA and China, featuring distinguished leaders such as; John Zhao (CUSEF Chairman), Shen Xin (Vice President, CPAFFC), Xie Feng (Chinese Ambassador to the U.S.), Charlene Barshefsky (Former U.S. Trade Representative), who shared insights on global economic issues. These experiences remind us that learning is about courage, curiosity, and exploring the world together.
Finishing my Doctor of Education last year was definitely a personal highlight! My research focused on making Chinese character learning more accessible and meaningful for students, something I’ve been passionate about bringing into the classroom at AISHK. I was also invited back to HKU to share my journey with future educators, which was a surreal and proud moment. Back at school, working with our amazing Year 11 students has kept me grounded and inspired. Watching them grow, question, and
Julie Emery, Primary Visual Arts Co-ordinator
Diana Lee, Secondary Teacher
Lulu Zhang, Head of Year 11
PARENT ASSOCIATION EVENT
30th Anniversary Ball
The 2025 AISHK 30th Anniversary Ball was attended by parents, staff, alumni, partners and friends. The incredible energy and generosity of the guests made the night unforgettable. From the buzz at the bar to the packed dance floor, the celebration reflected the school's amazing spirit.
With the theme Pearl of the Orient, the community came together for a vibrant celebration of 30 incredible years. From just 25 students in 1995 to over 1,100 in 2025, the school’s growth has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Guests enjoyed a dazzling night of delicious food, flowing wine, and fantastic company.
The evening kicked off with a powerful performance by the talented student Chinese drummers, who set the tone with rhythm and energy. Later, the Senior Students Band took the stage, playing music that got the guests ready to dance.
As the night went on, the dance floor lit up and the energy kept building – it was a celebration filled with great vibes that carried on well into the evening and early morning.
The success of the 2025 AISHK Ball was made possible thanks to the incredible support of the community – especially parents, staff, the AISFL Board, AISHK Founding Associations, and key members of the school's global network.
The school was also honoured to welcome founding members who joined on the night and had played a pivotal role in turning the dream of AISHK into a reality:
• Mr Tom Corkhill – Founding Member of AISHK, former Chairman and Board Member
• Dr Joseph Kwan – Founding Member of AISHK, former School Supervisor and Board Member With guest of Honour: Deputy Consul-General, Mr Alistair McEachern.
A heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors:
• Gold Sponsors – Kinox, Aston Wilson Ltd., Compass Group Hong Kong
• Silver Sponsors – Qantas, Wofoo Foundation, Aussie Expat Home Loans, JL Finance, Tanner De Witt, Empire Group Global Limited, ISS Facility Services
• Lead Raffle Sponsor – Qantas Airways
• Photo Booth Sponsor – Nest Property
• Beverage Partners – Wine Brothers (Australian wine), Cellarmaster (champagne), and Saicho Sparkling Tea (alcohol-free option)
A special thank you to all raffle and prize donors, including the Lead Raffle Sponsor Qantas and contributors to the Silent Auction.
The school sincerely thanked the incredible Parent Association Ball Committee for their tireless dedication, creativity, and countless hours of work in bringing this exceptional evening to life.
• President – Alex Harrington
• VP Events – Rina Shepherd
• VP Finance – Claire Doherty
• Committee Members – Kwai Lee, Rachael Whitelum, Jessica Li
• Brigitte McNamara - Director of Fundraising and Community Engagement
Here’s to 30 years of AISHK – and many more to come!
Scan the QR to see the event highlights!
J L F I N A N C E
E X P E R T M O R T G A G E & F I N A N C E
S O L U T I O N S F O R A U S T R A L I A N
F A M I L I E S L I V I N G A B R O A D
A t J L F i n a n c e , w e u n d e r s t a n d t h e u n i q u e c h a l l e n g e s A u s s i e
e x p a t r i a t e s f a c e w h e n m a n a g i n g f i n a n c e s f r o m o v e r s e a s
O u r m i s s i o n i s s i m p l e :
t o h e l p y o u b u i l d , p r o t e c t , a n d g r o w y o u r w e a l t h
c o n f i d e n t l y a n d s t r e s s - f r e e .
W h y p a r t n e r w i t h a m o r t g a g e
b r o k e r y o u c a n t r u s t ?
N a v i g a t i n g l e n d e r s , p a p e r w o r k , a n d
f i n a n c i a l d e c i s i o n s f r o m a b r o a d c a n f e e l
o v e r w h e l m i n g O u r t e a m h a n d l e s e v e r y
s t e p o n y o u r b e h a l f c o m p a r i n g l e n d e r s ,
n e g o t i a t i n g r a t e s , a n d s e c u r i n g t h e m o s t
s u i t a b l e s o l u t i o n f o r y o u r g o a l s
Y o u f o c u s o n y o u r f a m i l y . W e ’ l l f o c u s o n
t h e f i n a n c e . A n d b e s t o f a l l , o u r s e r v i c e i s
p a i d f o r b y t h e l e n d e r
M o r e t h a n m o r t g a g e s —
a f u l l s u i t e o f e x p e r t s e r v i c e s
• A u s t r a l i a n p r o p e r t y s o u r c i n g & b u y i n g s u p p o r t
• I n t e r n a t i o n a l t a x g u i d a n c e
• I n v e s t m e n t & r e t i r e m e n t p l a n n i n g
• I n s u r a n c e s o l u t i o n s
• F O R E X & c r o s s - b o r d e r f i n a n c i a l n e e d s
R E A C H O U T T O D A Y A N D
L E T O U R T E A M G U I D E
Y O U T H R O U G H T H E
P R O C E S S W I T H C L A R I T Y , C O N F I D E N C E , A N D C A R E .
• A n d p e r s o n a l i s e d p l a n n i n g f o r e v e r y f a m i l y ’ s s i t u a t i o n
G i v i n g b a c k t o o u r c o m m u n i t y
W e ’ l l d o n a t e $ 5 0 0 A U D t o t h e A u s t r a l i a n
o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r o u r k i d s . I
n t e r n a t i o n a l S c h o o l f o r e v e r y l o a n
s e t t l e d s u p p o r t i n g p r o g r a m s a n d
Jason Lam Principal | Senior Mortgage Advisor
HK +852 5407 8725 jason@jlfinance com au
Follow us for updates, events & financial insights: @jlfinance @jasonlamfinance
j l f i n a n c e . c o m . a u
Diwali
