Head of Secondary Message, Term 2, Week 5 2025

The first word of our school motto is “connect”, and to do this meaningfully, we regularly encourage students to “disconnect” from the technology that dominates modern life. The issue of mobile phones is a hot topic in schools in Australia and internationally, with some jurisdictions banning phones at schools completely, and ongoing debate about the optimal approach.

While AISHK students are currently allowed to bring phones to school, we are a "phone-free" environment during the school day, with students directed to store their phones in lockers or bags. Teachers are vigilant in reminding students about the school’s policy, especially during meal and break times, when students are urged to connect and socialise with each other via face-to-face conversations. There are some exceptions, including learning activities that involve mobile phones under the direction and supervision of teachers, and use of the mobile Octopus app for purchases. However, the firm principle behind our approach is that teenagers have enough opportunities in their social lives to interact via mobile phones without needing to do this at school.

On a different note, congratulations to our two Formula 1 teams who excelled in last weekend’s STEM Racing Hong Kong & Macau event. Under the expert guidance of Mr McTiernan, our teams showcased their creativity, collaboration and hard work with highly impressive performances. Team Overdrive was awarded ‘Best Engineered Car’ while Team Aetherion was nominated in the top 3 for ‘Best Brand Identity’. We look forward to seeing this exciting new STEM program continue to grow and thrive at AISHK.

Well done to Years 9 and 10 students who completed their half-yearly exam block this week. While there were some nerves for the students, overall they stepped up to the challenge and showed commendable determination and maturity. Developing confidence and “match fitness” working under exam conditions is a key part of preparing our middle years students for their future HSC or IBDP studies.

Feedback on academic progress will be shared this term via school reports and parent-student-teacher conferences (for Years 11 and 12, on 10 June). Parents should note that to allow time for teachers to prepare for the conferences on 10 June, all secondary students will be dismissed at the conclusion of period 5 (2:35pm) on that day. Parent-student-teacher conferences for Years 7 to 10 will be held early in Term 3, with details about sign-up to come.

As we continue to see the rainy season upon us in Hong Kong, a reminder to make sure your emergency dismissal details are updated on the parent portal of iSAMS. Hopefully this weekend is not too wet to allow all families the chance to enjoy some fun and relaxing times!