Head of Secondary Message, Term 1, Week 3 2026

The first twelve days of the school year have been action-packed and highly rewarding, with students enthusiastically embracing new opportunities and challenges. It was a pleasure to see many new and familiar faces at last week’s parent information sessions, where we focused on the keys to a successful 2026. This week, we have been holding information sessions for March’s highly anticipated Activity Week, one of the signature highlights of an AISHK education.

At last week’s secondary assembly, I spoke about goal-setting and the importance of sustained effort and daily, deliberate practice. I cited the example of 2026 Australian of the Year, Katherine Bennell-Pegg – the first Australian to become an astronaut under the Aussie flag and currently Director of Space Technology at the Australian Space Agency. As a young student, Katherine told her careers advisors that there was only one option for her – to be an astronaut, despite Australia not even having its own space program at the time. Over decades, Katherine pursued her goal with unrelenting focus and discipline, saying yes to every new opportunity that would bring her closer to her dream. Her story affirms all of the PROSPER norms – especially purpose, positivity and resilience – and offers powerful inspiration to our students, especially girls who are passionate about STEM.

As a new year begins, home room teachers continue to share strategies with students that will help them work toward their goals and flourish in 2026. They are stressing the importance of establishing positive routines – both at school and home, organisation, and being kind and respectful to each other. We are looking forward to the visit in April of Dr Prue Salter, a leading expert in study skills, who will provide families with evidence-based tips and strategies for studying effectively. I also encourage families to make use of the fantastic resource School TV, which has lots of informative videos to help parents support adolescent wellbeing at home.

Congratulations to our ACAMIS basketball teams who performed superbly at last week’s tournament. Our boys completed an incredible “three-peat” (2024-26) by winning their division, while our girls came second after narrowly losing their final to a very strong opponent. The spirit and sportsmanship shown by all players was outstanding and a big thank you to all the coaches and staff who supported the students and made the tournament such a success.

We are looking forward to celebrating Chinese culture at next week’s assembly as we fast approach the Year of the Horse. Until then, wishing all secondary families a fun and fabulous weekend with family and friends!