Head of Secondary Message, Term 2 Week 3 2025

The Positive Schools Conference, held earlier this month at the ISF Academy, provided AISHK teachers with a valuable opportunity to learn about latest research and best practice in the wellbeing sphere. For me, the highlight of the event was a panel of senior students from different international schools talking about the importance of student voice and the crucial role it plays in positive school cultures.

Our own SRC leaders, Hubert and Jacqueline, represented AISHK on the panel and shared their perspectives with great maturity, poise and insight; they did our school proud. 

Student voice translates into action in many ways at AISHK, and this term a key initiative is the introduction of Secondary student-led clubs. The students have displayed superb creativity and teamwork to come up with an exciting array of lunchtime clubs that will see students connect over common interests and hone new skills with their peers. Two other noteworthy examples of student voice are the interhouse dodgeball competition, which ran successfully this week led by our sport prefects, and the 2025 talent quest, the brainchild of our wellbeing prefects. I am continually impressed by the passion and dedication shown by our student leaders in striving to improve the school experience of all. 

Term 2 marks a significant milestone for Year 10 students as they work through the process of choosing their senior programme of study and courses. They will learn about the unique features and differences of our two senior programmes – the NSW Higher School Certificate and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, both of which consistently land our students in the best universities in Australia and around the world. Through various events and information sessions, students will hear from teachers, alumni and current senior students about their perspectives on AISHK’s senior offerings. A parent information evening for Year 10 parents is scheduled for 17 June. 

From this term, all Secondary students will be required to wear hats whilst playing on the field at break times. As any Australian knows, developing sun-smart habits during adolescence has the potential to be lifesaving, with more than two-thirds of Australian adults diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Mr Cunningham is currently leading a project to design and introduce a new range of secondary hats with input from students about preferred styles. Until the new hats are ready for sale, secondary students will be allowed “free choice” of hats for field play. 

Last Sunday was Mother’s Day, and I hope that all mums in the Aussie school community had a very special and enjoyable day. I was very pleased to hear that a large contingent of Secondary mums attended the Parent Association event at Madame Fu last Friday night and I’m sure this was a joyous occasion for all. Wishing all our families the very best for a weekend of fun and relaxation with family and friends.