Head of Secondary Message, Term 4, Week 2 2025

Thank you to all Secondary parents who completed the recent MMG stakeholder survey. While the results highlighted many of the aspects our families love about an AISHK education, they also pointed to areas for improvement and ways we can enhance the student experience. Across Secondary departments, we have begun discussing actions we can take in response to the survey feedback, and I look forward to sharing details of new initiatives in due course.

Another group steadfastly committed to improving the student experience are our new school prefects, who were formally sworn into office on 15 October. Under the leadership of Valerie, Aiden, Teariki and Kristy, the prefects this week began brainstorming their vision for 2026 and some of the student-led initiatives they wish to implement. Already our new prefects have shown great passion for AISHK and a desire to leave a lasting legacy, and I look forward to working alongside them over the next twelve months.

Good luck to our current Year 12 students who now face the final stage of their educational Everest – HSC and IBDP exams. The HSC exams have been underway since 16 October, while IBDP exams commence next Tuesday. We are immensely proud of our most senior students and know they will give these exams their very best, which is all anyone can ask. The entire AISHK community is behind them.

Later this term, all Secondary year levels will complete their own exam blocks. For Years 7 to 10, this will be in week 6 and the experience is intended to build the skills, confidence and “match fitness” required for future examination success. I am pleased to announce that in April 2026, Australia’s leading expert on study skills, Dr Prue Salter, will be visiting AISHK to lead a series of workshops for students and parents on how to study effectively. Dr Salter is in high demand in leading schools in Australia and internationally, and it will be a pleasure to welcome her back to Hong Kong.

Preparing students for life beyond AISHK is a key part of our educational offering. This goes beyond advice about university applications and involves counselling students about things like post-school residential options in Australia and abroad, and what kinds of career pathways are possible upon completion of different degrees. On 5 November, at the Year 11 parent-student-teacher conferences, there will be a special information session held for Year 11 families with our careers advisors, Mr Bailey and Mr Murphy. This is designed to give families information about key dates and processes for a successful transition from high school to university and beyond.

Good luck to our ACAMIS volleyball teams who are competing in Xiamen this week. To all other families, have a fabulous weekend and may you enjoy fun times with family and friends.