Lion Rock Term 4 2017 Vol25

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG

Term 4 2017 | Volume 25

Mindfulness

P.8

The power of taking some time for yourself

Performance Highlights P.15

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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

Discover.” Mark Twain Produced by the Development Office Feedback and submissions to:

development@aishk.edu.hk

FEATURES 5

P.A. & School News

Updates from the school and its community 8

The Mindfulness Movement

Zen. Finding your Centre. Join the mindfulness discussion.

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Beijing Camp

A student recap and some of stunning student photos from Beijing 13

Animal Rumble Grumble

Loud Rumbling! Loud Grumbling! What will the animals do? Plus more Performances from Secondary MUN

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Sport Update

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Performance Highlights

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8 Mindfulness

Getting in touch with yourself

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN

Tom Corkhill AISFL Board Chairman

On behalf of your Board of Governors, welcome to the final edition of The Lion Rock for 2017, and, by the time you receive this publication, the final days of the school year. Term 4 has been filled with an array of activities from internal athletics carnivals and performing arts events, to numerous international engagements including representative sporting tournaments and Model United Nations (MUN) programs, just to name a few. It does not seem too long ago that we wished our Year 11 and 12 students the best for the upcoming valedictory events and their looming exams. The exam period has since, of course, concluded and we now wish them the best as they await their results and a decision-making period regarding the next chapter of their lives. Along with the usual academic and extracurricular requirements of any given term, the School’s unwavering community spirit has also continued to shine brightly. In November, the school worked together in record time to arrange a colourful and engaging event with the Australian Consulate to welcome The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull MP, Prime Minister of Australia, an honour and milestone for our school and wider community.

I take this opportunity to thank the Parent Association committee members of 2017 for your dedication towards maintaining this vibrant school community. I congratulate and acknowledge the school leadership, all staff, students and parents for your hard work, contributions and energy towards what has been a dynamic year. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer break and look forward to seeing you in 2018.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

David Shirley Head of Primary

Howard West Head of Secondary

Welcome to the 25th edition of the The Lion Rock. The coming pages are proof of what we all sense and know; that the breadth, depth and pace of our school’s activities certainly continue until the very last day of the year. It is very fitting, then, that this issue features a lead story on the importance and benefits of mindfulness in our often busy daily lives, and how this concept is instilled at AISHK for the wellbeing of our students and staff.

Term 4 was off to a roaring start with the four-day, sold-out showcase of our younger students’ outstanding skills in the Early Childhood Play “Animal Rumble Grumble”. How proudly the students performed, to the delight and applause of even prouder families and staff in the packed auditorium. Students continued their creative sojourn this term with a Primary Visual Arts Exhibition, a STEAM-inspired Games Arcade held by Year 4, the Year 12 Music and Drama Night and the Annual Dragon’s Den event - all of which brought adults and children together though a unique combination of innovation, academic excellence and fun! Our students have continued to prove themselves as outstanding ambassadors of AISHK in 2017, through internal and external community service initiatives, Work Experience placements, a succession of representative sports tournaments and their role in warmly welcoming none other than the Prime Minister of Australia to our school in November.

It has been our pleasure to lead the school over the past year and to engage with our community in all respects, many of which are further celebrated in this publication. The success of this year is a great testament and credit to you; the AISHK family, which we are proud to be a part of.

We wish you all a very relaxing, safe and festive break.

THE LION

Rock

EDITOR’S NOTE As the year winds down and that festive feeling intensifies all across the city, for many it is also a time to reflect at the year rapidly slipping away. Whether the promise of ‘new year, new me’ has been an unstoppable force to propel your ambitions or a reminder of the could-haves and should-have beens, a new year always brings a chance to start anew.

This year, the achievements in the school have been significant and impressive. Stand out events in Term 4 included Animal Rumble Grumble, a spectacular show and an outstanding display of talent from across Primary. Term 4 also saw many sporting tournaments, testing the preparation and mettle of our athletes.

As we count down to 2018 and begin to plot our courses for the year and beyond, I hope you enjoy a look back at the term just gone. Along with the achievements showcased in the Yearbook, I hope you will agree that 2017 has been a blockbuster for AISHK. It is with vigour and great optimism that I view 2018 and I hope the community shares this sentiment. I wish you all a safe and fruitful holiday season and look forward to seeing you all back next term for another chapter in AISHK history.

Alasdair Ong | Editor

Upcoming Event Hope to see you all at the Welcome BBQ Friday 26 January 2018

PARENT ASSOC.

Parent Association Update A major part of the AISHK Parent Association’s role is to raise funds for projects and programmes which have measureable, meaningful benefits for students and the school’s teaching, learning and recreational environments. These enhancements further enrich our students’ daily school lives and contribute to maintaining AISHK’s place as a leading international School in Hong Kong. This year the PA was delighted to fund six PAsponsored citizenship awards (presented at Speech Day), thought leadership events, including screenings of “She Objects” and “A Plastic Ocean”, and concept design works for planning of the AISHK Playground refurbishment. Students also benefited from PA-funded items which were purchased in late 2016, and utilised with much enthusiasm in classrooms throughout this year. Thank you to the PA for you generous support!

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1 Kiln

2LegoRobotics

A big “thank you” to the PA for the Primary kiln, which is used to fire all the students’ fantastic ceramic work.

The kiln has also been used for a Ceramics ECA and more recently by a visiting artist, Jasper Dowding to make glass sculptures.

Narelle Cridland | Primary Art Teacher

To support AISHK’s STEM initiatives, Lego Mindstorms and Lego WeDo Robotics Kits are in use in both primary and secondary classrooms.

Working in teams and navigating building instructions, students can embark on programming missions and improve computational thinking and coding skills.

“I like using the Lego because it taught me how to be patient and methodical. Sometimes you make a mistake and have to go back but eventually you get a lot out of it.” Tiare Short

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Term 4 2017 | VOL.25 | www.aishk.edu.hk

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3 5

3 Blue Bots 4InstrumenTs 5 Sensory The Blue Bot devices continue to be used in Early Childhood as an introduction to the fundamental paradigms of programming. Ms Simone Nielsen, Head of Early Childhood notes that by using the Blue Bots in conjunction with classroom activities, and more advanced apps in later years, students are exposed to algorithms and de-bugging concepts in practical scenarios.

A range of percussion instruments has complemented the Early Childhood and Primary music classes, with the addition of colourful chime bars and wooden xylophones. Primary Music Teacher Ms Vindy Ho notes that the new xylophones are more child friendly, portable and provide an overall better sound. The Chime Bars used by younger students are colour coded making it easier for students to learn about and compose music through colour.

“I like the new xylophones because there is more bass, the sound is louder and deeper.” - Tom Reeves, Year 5

“The sensory items are a huge asset to Reception, as they have helped all children in the classroom. It is not just children who have difficulty with sensory integration who benefit from sensory play; it’s all children. There are certain groups of children, who have sensory integration issues and have specific difficulty making sense of and organising all the stimuli that come at them via their senses. The items the PA have given us helps with this and much more. Thanks so much!!”

Sharlene Hayes | Reception Teacher

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GENERAL

SCHOOL NEWS

The Prime Minister of Australia Visits AISHK

Term 4 took an exciting twist when it was announced that the Prime Minister of Australia would be visiting our school, in a community event co-hosted with the Australian Consulate.

In line with the Anzac Centenary and Remembrance Day, AISHK students and staff together with representatives from the Australian Consulate, travelled to the Hong Kong War Memorial at Sai Wan, to lay 66 wooden crosses at the graves of Australian servicemen.

Part of the Commemorative Crosses project, the crosses are inscribed with messages from students at AISHK and from schools around Australia, reflecting their thoughts on those who have lost their lives as a result of war or conflict.

This is the third year AISHK students have participated in this commemorative gesture.

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AISHK has got talent! On Thursday 16th November 14 brave acts took to the stage for the annual Wakka Wakka Talent Show, hosted by Waratah and Wattle. We had 50 acts audition to be part of the show, making it a very difficult choice for the captains of Waratah and Wattle to make their final choices. In

the end, the Primary Division was dazzled by the amazing talent on display. We were all blown away by how courageous and determined each act was to impress our judges. From gymnastics to singing, dancing to ventriloquism we had it all!

Mr Picker, Mrs Bennie and Mr Maiden, our esteemed judges had a huge challenge on their hands picking one overall winner, a runner-up and two highly commended performers.

In the end, William Holt on guitar (Year 3) and ‘4th Harmony’, Jessica, Chloe, Calpurnia and Elizabeth (Year 5) received highly commended certificates. Our runner-up was Ella Macmillan and her cheeky friend ‘Mikey’ in Year 3, with an incredible ventriloquist performance and our overall winner was the amazing Cammie Oxley from Year 4, who sang and accompanied herself on guitar singing Set It All Free from the movie Sing.

The Hon. Malcolm Turnbull, MP arrived at AISHK on Sunday 12 November, where his greeting party, including AISHK Head Boys and Girls, welcomed him to our school and expertly led him to our audience which was by this stage buzzing with anticipation. The Prime Minister’s warm address to the community was fitting for this occasion; the first visit to Hong Kong by a serving Australian Prime Minister since 1984. An excerpt of the Prime Minister’s remarks:

“It is always a proud moment as Prime Minister to sing the national anthem and to hear young voices sing the national anthem… Australia is the most successful multicultural society in the world and its success is because of you … Our greatest assets are not under the ground, they are walking around on top of it and walking around the whole world. Australians are great global citizens. You embody that.

You’re building on that. Everything you do here in Hong Kong is advancing Australia just as you sang …”

All proceeds from the event were contributed to the Fred Hollows Foundation, a wonderful charity committed to putting an end to avoidable blindness. Thank you to the Australian Consulate, Support Australia Group associations, the Fred Hollow’s Foundation, and all our students, staff and parents who ensured the success of this memorable day in our School’s history.

Term 4 2017 | VOL.25 | www.aishk.edu.hk

We talk to Meg Jones, AISHK’s Primary School Psychologist about mindfulness and how this everyday practice is working wonders in the classroom and benefiting our students.

Mindfulness. If you instantly recognise this term, it may be because it has recently seen an increase in related literature and media coverage. However, contrary to some descriptions of it as a “movement” or “trend”, mindfulness is in fact a concept and practice which has existed for thousands of years, with proven benefits and sound relevance to our lives today.

Enter Ms Meg Jones, who this June joined AISHK as full-time primary school psychologist. Over the past half year, Meg has introduced mindfulness to all students from Reception to Year 7, tailored to each age group, on a weekly basis.

“In a best practices model, mindfulness fills a huge piece of a person’s developing emotional intelligence and each child learns more about who they are socially and internally (Who I am) while learning to manage themselves inside and in social situations (What I do).”

So with all this talk about mindfulness... what exactly is mindfulness?

Though deeply-rooted with ancient Eastern origins, mindfulness does not conflict with any beliefs or traditions, whether religious, cultural or scientific. It is a very simple concept - paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, without

Meg favours this practical model coined by Dan Goleman who is known to cut through the “pure marketing” and “hype” of mindfulness, and focus on fully scientifically supported practices. For more about Meg, please visit the AISHK website.

Term 4 2017 | VOL.25 | www.aishk.edu.hk

judgement. Meg says “it might best be described as choosing and learning to control the focus of one’s attention and the reactions to our thoughts; noticing our feelings, thoughts and emotions without necessarily acting upon them.”

While this skill might sound very easy, it involves a process which is largely different to how our minds normally behave.

Mindfulness is indeed a practice and needs to be practiced regularly in order for changes to eventuate.

The good news is the options to practice this concept are as varied as the day is long! We can be mindful while walking, talking, eating or even washing the dishes. Let’s take a look at some of the general benefits of mindfulness: • Decreased blood pressure • Better sleep • Decreased levels of anxiety and depression • Increases self-awareness and self esteem • Better digestion and increased absorption of nutrients • Improved overall brain function and development But what does this translate to for us here at AISHK, and our students? As an Australian international school, it is part of our mission to showcase the best of Australian education in a global context. The role that schools play in promoting young people’s positive psychological functioning is increasingly recognised and supported by an expanding evidence base. Currently, thousands of schools across the world are implementing mindfulness through their curriculums as the importance of wellness is embraced, with mounting momentum and urge to include mindfulness meditation on the Australian National Curriculum.

Student wellbeing is certainly a focus for AISHK, underpinned by our school-wide Positive Education programme. The many benefits of mindfulness at AISHK directly align with our Positive Education framework, which complements the school’s rigorous academic focus, while enabling students to develop personality and character, celebrate excellence, develop confidence, enhance self-regulation, and maintain genuine and meaningful friendships.

In November, a number of staff attended the Positive Schools Conference at Renaissance College, an event organised by Positive Schools Australia and attended by some 300 school professionals from Hong Kong and Asia. Secondary teachers joined the final day of the conference on a Saturday to take in the range of workshops offered.

Meg has utilised a variety of modalities from play-therapy, mindfulness, self-regulation activities and cognitive and behavioural interventions to identify areas of need and develop personal strengths, while providing a toolkit of resources for children to use.

“I believe strongly in developing children’s inner strengths and capabilities and accessing all aspects of their potential” emphasises Meg.

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“When mindfulness is applied in the classroom, it leads to a more aware and positive school climate, simply by encouraging the process of noticing personal thoughts as they appear, without judgement, and lessens the need for reactive strategies as the students become more aware of themselves. Additionally, it encourages the building of relationships by learning what I like to call Kindfulness - or empathy and the ability to appreciate people, experiences and things.”

“One of the most striking results is that children’s anxiety reduces as they learn tools to self soothe and self-regulate.

Children learn about themselves, intimately, which enhances their own awareness and ability to manage big emotions.

Students have learnt about the brain, how it functions and develops, and its relationship with our thoughts feelings and actions. With a mindfulness based practice, children gain some mastery over their bodies and those feelings and sensations that we all experience. It is quite empowering for a child to realise that ‘I can handle this!’ ” Of course, mindfulness is not just for children. More than ever, teachers require a framework and sound understanding of the contribution of social and emotional skills to learning and wellbeing, and the capacity to confidently and skilfully engage in developing students’ social and emotional competencies. In Term 3, a staff professional learning session was held to provide insight on how mindfulness can assist in their day-to-day work life. Earlier in Term 4, a mindfulness-themed Early Childhood assembly saw students and staff share what they have learnt with the many parents in attendance.

As we look to the year ahead at AISHK, mindfulness programmes are set to expand into secondary years, tailored to reflect the various needs and age levels of students. In further galvanising its Positive Education framework, the school has appointed Positive Education Coordinators; Ms Lesley Stewart (Primary) and Mr Anthony Murphy (Secondary) who will further lead Positive Education initiatives, for both students and staff.

We look forward to further aligning our approach to ensure all staff are provided with skills to build a positive culture that places student wellbeing at the core of education.

Brigitte McNamara | Directorof Development and CommunityRelations Meg Jones | School Psychologist References Freeman E., Strong D. (2017) Building Teacher Capacity to Promote Social and Emotional Learning in Australia.

In: Frydenberg E., Martin A., Collie R. (eds) Social and Emotional Learning in Australia and the Asia-Pacific. Springer, Singapore Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2016). The Australian Curriculum Version 8.1. Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au Now and Zen: How mindfulness can change your brain and improve your health Longwood Seminars, March 8, 2016, Harvard Health Publications

Simple tips to incorporate mindfulness into our day Check in with your breath Focus on your breathing for 10 to 15 minutes by closing your eyes and sensing areas of stress in your body. Imagine sending your breath to these areas and visualise a knot loosening as you exhale.

Scan your body Find a comfortable seat or lie down for 10 to 15 minutes. Closing your eyes and breathing more deeply and slowly, focus your awareness on stressed areas as if scanning your body with a light, moving attention slowly upward from your feet, concluding at your head.

Keep track with an app Consider downloading an app such as Smiling Mind, an Australian, non-profit web and app-based meditation program, developed by psychologists and educators to help bring mindfulness into our daily lives.

Variety is the key Try various approaches to determine which suit you best, and remember, even with a busy schedule, aim to practice three to four times a week.

Term 4 2017 | VOL.25 | www.aishk.edu.hk

Photo taken by Dominic Sarelius (6R) took 2nd place in the photo competition

Year 6

Beijing

Camp

The buzzing of voices slowly dies down, the back of the plane is rapidly consumed by a void of empty, awkward silence. Some people quieten down for what awaits, others drop dead silent, in shock of the sudden, immense, noiseless level of sound that took control of the back of the plane. Then suddenly… everyone bursts out cheering, we’ve touched down in Beijing.

The noise is relentless, all though we’re completely exhausted, the excitement of landing in Beijing takes every inch of tiredness away. Then it all comes back, we all look at each other, already saying goodnight. The next time we meet as a group is outside the lobby of the enormous,

Photo Competition A tradition in Beijing, Year 6’s submit their photographs of the Chinese Capital for consideration in a photo competition. This year, the three finalists were: 1st Angelina Valentine (6W), 2nd Dominic Sarelius (6R) and 3rd Caitlyn Harbottle (6W).

The photos were displayed at school after the trip. Across are some of the entrants snaps.

grand hotel, we all sit eagerly chatting with one another and expressing our feelings of what lies ahead for us.

The next thing we know, we’re all on the four-different buses, rushing for seat as if our lives depend on it, once the chaos dies down for the golden seats, a murmur spreads across the bus, which then heightens to a medium-toned talk, which then ascended to ear-shattering shouts or erupting laughs, strong enough to start earthquakes. These challenges for noise slowly decelerate and it’s clear that people have seen the remarkable, incomprehensible, and breath-taking landmarks that we’re going to venture into. Then, once these magnificent, majestic sights are taken in fully, the laughter and joyful

talk continues. As we walk through these landmarks, people seem to really understand why we are here and realise how intricate these areas are and how much detail goes into these masterpieces.

As the days go on and we continue to tour the wonders, such as the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City, we start to really feel the exhaustion, as if it’s slapping us across the face.

By the time we have to leave, we’re all upset, were leaving this new-found freedom and enjoyment, but we all knew it couldn’t last forever and most of us are excited to get home and relax with our family.

Tomas Camo | Year 6B

> > >

Caitlyn Harbottle (3rd Place)

Angelina Valentine (1st Place)

Andrew Chu Isable McFarlane

Alexander Ho

Thomas Busby

Lucy Holt

Willow Butler

Zoe Forster

Lisa Miu Annabel Foley

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Performances

ANIMAL RUMBLE GRUMBLE

As the animals descended on the African savannah, we all settled into our seats for an amazing journey full of colourful costumes, magical music and amazing animals.

Animal Rumble Grumble took us on quite an adventure. It started well before the final performances when our students began looking at their roles and how they were going to tell a story through their physical actions, words, costumes and song.

Mrs McDonald and Mrs Collins worked closely with students to develop their roles as lead characters. During Art lessons, Ms Cridland inspired our students to create pieces of their costumes such as elephant heads and giraffe bodies by using materials such as boxes and tissue paper. All were quite striking during the show but best of all was knowing that the work was created by the students themselves.

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IMAGES FROM THE WILD AFRICAN SAVANNAH A range of different musical elements could be seen throughout the show, particularly singing and drumming. Ms Ho could be found during many lunch hours helping our tribespeople learn their beats. Our dancers were incredibly creative due to the choreography of Ms Speller and Ms Smith.

Our class teachers and assistants encouraged our students to practise their songs each day and our classroom parents were always willing to help source and create costume pieces.

It was truly a wonderful opportunity for our Early Childhood students to be part of something very special, hopefully something that they will remember fondly for the rest of their lives.

Simone Nielsen | Head of Early Childhood

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Performances

The most laugh out loud moments for the evening came with the Year 10 play, the Support Group From Hell. As the title suggests, this was not your typical support group. Janet thought she was Batman, Vladimir spoke with a Transylvanian accent, and we even had visions of a witch, zombie, and the grim reaper, to name a few. Hilarity ensured.

On Tuesday 24 October the Year 9, 10 and 11 drama classes presented their annual Drama Night. The evening was full of surprises with three very different pieces of theatre.

In the style of a television comedy sitcom, Home Sweet Home presented by the Year 11s, showed the comings and goings of an unconventional family in a unit shared by teenage siblings. With every door bell their life became increasingly more complicated as secrets were revealed and stereotypes challenged.

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The Year 9 class presented a ‘whodunit’ with Good Cop Bad Cop. A catastrophic street sign switcheroo had two rookie detectives grilling a motley crew of suspects and witnesses.

These suspicious characters were combative and ridiculous, but the inexperienced good cops won out in the end by uncovering the unsavoury actions of the bad cop.

Congratulations to all performers for a great night of entertainment.

Graeme Tyler | Head of Performing Arts

From 10 to 12 November, 36 students set off to Shanghai to participate in the sixth annual Shanghai American School Model United Nations Conference.

Representing the Delegations of Australia, Azerbaijan, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mongolia, Pakistan and the USA, students enjoyed three enlightening and engaging days of debate. Not only did the conference serve as a place to learn more about how the United Nations operates, but it provided an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and to grow confidence and experience. With the conference being held at Shanghai American School’s Pudong Campus, students were able to enjoy a different atmosphere and make use of the great facilities the large campus provided. The main theme of the conference was ‘The Slanted Mirror‘, with the reasoning behind this theme was the concept of a slanted mirror recognising the existence of multiple perspectives, despite how warped or unfamiliar they may seem.

As AISHK’s role continues to grow within the greater scope of Model United Nations in Asia, so too does the level of success that our students attest to at international conferences. The closing ceremony saw a total of 8 students receive awards for their performances in all committees at SHASMUN, a true testament to the quality Delegates that AISHK’s Model United Nations program is able to produce. As Delegates debated issues ranging from an establishing an armistice in the war on global drugs, reducing tensions in the South China Sea or protecting green spaces in urban area, students gained a greater understanding of diplomacy, engaging with each other to solve complex world issues. Because of this, students of AISHK left Shanghai with new life skills and more confidence in terms of public speaking, with many students having to say goodbye to the friends they made over the course of the conference.

With an even more solidified Model United Nations community in the wake of SHASMUN, there is no doubt that AISMUN IXI will be better than ever before.

Many thanks to Mr Henryk Mr Flak, Ms Meg Jones and Ms Thao Walker for getting us ready for SHASMUN and also ensuring we arrived safely back to Hong Kong in one piece without missing our flight!

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The Year 9 SHASMUN Team

Term 4 2017 | VOL.25 | www.aishk.edu.hk

THIMUN

The Hague International Model United Nations Singapore is considered one of the most prestigious and largest conferences in Asia, if not the world. On 21 November, two students were fortunate enough to attend the conference along with Mr Flak. Over the course of the 4 day conference Kevin Hebestreit took part in debate among one of the largest committees, being the General Assembly 4. Whilst I chaired the Human Rights Council, a large committee with 80 delegates involved.

As per usual there were butterflies in the stomachs of everyone as they entered THIMUN Singapore to find a hall of 2000 ready and eager to debate issues. But as delegates went through the days of debate we found ourselves making

new friends and meeting people from all over the world. The experience that Kevin and myself gained from THIMUN is one that very few other conferences can give. THIMUN is an excellent conference as it really develops your public speaking skills. There are over 80 delegates in committees (some have 100) so to make a difference you have to get out of your comfort zone. You end up being not only more articulate, able to think on your feet, you really become more confident.

Apart from the conference, we also used our free time at night to explore Singapore’s expansive shopping malls and try local delights. We would like to thank Mr Flak for taking the time to take us both to Singapore for such a memorable experience.

William Harding | Year 10S

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Sports Update

REIGNING

Champs

As the curtain came down and the celebrations faded into the night, there was a feeling that something very special had just been achieved… something that would stay with each and every one of those fortunate enough to be part of it all… a part of history.

It all started with the ACAMIS 7’s tournament in Shanghai. The team hit the ground running and displayed champagne rugby at its best, mesmerising the crowds on their way to scoring 292 points, while conceding only 14 over eight games…going through the tournament as undefeated champions.

This would prove to be the perfect platform from which to launch our attack on the coveted 1st XV Premier Competition. AISHK 1st XV, bolstered by the inclusion of two boys from DBIS and DC, started off the tournament as they had finished in Shanghai, recording victories over Island School, KGV and finally HKIS to secure top spot in the Pool and thus a semi-final berth vs WIS. A thrilling contest finished with the Aussies coming out on top 26-15 against a spirited WIS side and the final beckoned. It would be our first appearance in the final and was made even more daunting coming up against a SIS team that had been unbeaten in their previous 45 matches, spanning an impressive five years.

The match got off to a thrilling start with both teams in combative style and looking to entertain.

The Aussies were on the board first due to some

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excellent forward dominance, but SIS were quick to respond with a try of their own, and so progressed the first half with SIS going into the break with a slender lead, 14-12.

The Aussies once again came out firing and were rewarded when a turnover from Ryan Walker lead to a sensational individual effort by Patrick Joseph, who powered up the left hand touchline leaving a trail of would-be defenders in his wake. The Aussies were back in the lead, but SIS weren’t undefeated over the past five years through luck and were able to rally and string together impressive phases to force themselves into an 11 point lead going into the last ten minutes. But just when the game looked beyond their grasp, AISHK hit back with a skilful seven-pointer to playmaker Justin Trent and it was all to play for with four points in it and three minutes left on the clock. The Aussies were now riding high and confidence had returned to their play. A tremendous passage of play put them in the opposition danger zone and the Aussies were back in the lead courtesy of a silky step and fend from young Max Walker who went over in the corner.

Term 4 2017 | VOL.25 | www.aishk.edu.hk

The last two minutes were pulsating and the SIS side threw everything at the AISHK line...but the Aussies were not going to be denied and, aptly, it was captain Calum Stitt who had the last say as he hoofed the ball high into the stands. The game was over, history was theirs.

Australian International School Hong Kong: U/19 Premier Champions of 2017.

Damian Bailey | Rugby Coach

“It has been an amazing season being able to put together a 15’s side. For years our rugby team has been made up of six or seven boys not being able to live up to the potential that AISHK rugby has to offer. Mr Bailey always said if we had the numbers we would be unbeatable and we’ve proven that quality this year.”

(Captain) Calum Stitt | Year 11H

“It was an honour playing alongside these boys. I’m very proud to see how far AISHK has progressed over these past years.”

Justin Trent | Year 11W

Into the Dragon’s Den

Christina Carini | Design Teacher

The 4th annual AISHK Dragon’s Den took place during Week 6 and saw our largest group of Product Designers presenting yet. 19 IB and HSC students presented to panels over four days, a gruelling experience for some, but all students presented with confidence and passion.

Their brief was that their concepts “Design concepts must be must be innovative, meet a genuine need and solve a real, evidenced innovative, meet a genuine need and problem. Students had to show a solve a real, evidenced problem.” deep understanding of their target markets and competition. By pitching these concepts to a panel early in their design process, students are forced examine their design problem thoroughly. The feedback they receive from the Dragons aids them in the development of the project and contributes to their design portfolio. Design students at AISHK have begun to broaden their thinking when it comes to Product Design, evidenced by the range of concepts.

This year, students pitched concepts for physical products, environmental / architectural installations, and systems design – both digital and analogue.

This broadening of thinking stems from students’ authentic engagement with the design process. Students have been using Design Thinking methodologies to gain a deeper understanding of peoples’ needs. Students were able to deliver their pitches with enthusiasm, as they were secure and confident in their knowledge.

The IB and HSC Design courses can ignite students’ entrepreneurial spirit and living just south of Shenzhen, “The World’s Factory”, students have the potential to develop their products and bring them to market. Whilst emerging technology and our rapidly changing design landscape means that technical skills may be outdated before our students enter the job market; creative thinking skills, problem solving, and understanding people will always be in demand.

Special thanks to all our Dragons for participating. Students’ Major Design Projects will be on display in September 2018, the final date to be announced in the Dhanara.

Industry Dragons Catherine McGrory, Mark Gliddon, Belinda Bath, Stephen Ezekiel, Laura Simonsen, Sam Sakai, Kim Tang HSC / IB Dragons Cynthia Loh, Sacha Windsor, Megan Shields, Caitlin Rawillier Business Student Dragons Edmund Sze, Ronald Au, Lara Schats, Sarah Steadson

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A Trial

by Fire...

Dragon’s Den is an event that connects school with industry and shows our students that their learning is applicable in the “real world”. Modelled after the UK’s TV show of the same name (in Australia and the USA it is called Shark Tank), the purpose of this event is to encourage students to pitch solid concepts for their Major Design Projects, which are worth a sizeable portion of their final HSC and IB marks.

Students have five minutes to pitch a concept to which Dragons offer feedback and ask questions for five minutes. This is in front of the whole panel and an audience of students and visitors. Though some students found this to be a stressful experience, all of them presented well and offered thorough explanations of their thinking backed by research and analysis.

Each Dragon’s Den panel is made up of four Dragons: two from related professional industries (finance, design, manufacturing, marketing, etc.), a previous HSC or IB Design student, and a current Business student.

Business and Design are complementary areas of study and it is important that Designers understand the marketing and finance aspects of their work.

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