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5 MAY (Term 2, week 3)Dhanara is the Aboriginal word for message stick
Dhanara 05.05.2010 Page 1
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Former Australian Rugby Union Coach Eddie Jones was our guest of honour at the official reopening of the Field yesterday. Eddie provided coaching sessions for rugby players from Years 4 to 11 and also conducted a session with some teachers who coach a variety of sports. Unveiling a plaque to recognise a donation by the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union was Anson Bailey, Director of Facilities.
“Over the years the field has taken on a life of its own. There is a natural amphitheatre around it and it is here that so many special moments, events and ceremonies in the AISHK calendar are celebrated by everyone within the school community and beyond. However, time and wear and tear wait for no one and last year it became obvious that we needed to upgrade the facility and resurface the pitch to return it to its former glory. Fortunately for us we were able to form a partnership with HKRFU who kindly provided our school significant funding to allow our redevelopment to begin,” said Phillip Waugh, Co Head of School.
A full transcript of Phillip Waugh’s speech is available on the School website’s Latest News section.
School Field Officially Re-opens
Back Row (Left to Right): Mr Phillip Waugh, Mrs Leonie Drew, Mr Eddie Jones, Mr Anson Bailey and Mr Robbie McRobbie
Calling for School Fair Raffle Prize Donations The sound of music, laughter, games and the consumption of too much sugar will reverberate from AISHK school grounds on Saturday 6 November as we host the major school event of 2010: The School Fair.
AISHK is the home of one of the best fairs held in Hong Kong, and it will be no different this year with the circus themed extravaganza! Planning is underway, and as part of the event, the School is holding a raffle and seeking prize donations worth more than HK$1000 in retail value. If any parents have ideas for prizes, please contact the Development Office on [email protected]. Some examples of prizes from past raffles include shopping vouchers, dining vouchers, new electronic goods, jewellery, use of holiday homes, and yachts and golfing packages. We also welcome any sponsorship or donations to the fair and raffle.
Dhanara 05.05.2010 Page 2
News from the Primary Division
Leonie Drew Principal Primary, Co-Head of School [email protected]
This term, one of the areas of development for the primary teachers is Mathematics. This means we will review what we are currently teaching at each year level and look at the way mathematical learning is organised at our school. We will also begin reviewing the new national Mathematics draft curriculum. You may be aware that the Australian government is developing a national curriculum. Phase 1 of this process is now available for you to look through at the ACARA Australian Curriculum Consultation Portal. www.acara.edu.au.MathematicsThe Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Mathematics, proposed that the K-10 mathematics curriculum:
Addresses key concept skills and processes for progression in mathematics • Is described in three content strands: Number and algebra, statistics and probability and measurement and geometry • Embeds the proficiencies of understanding, fluency, reasoning and problem solving • Assumes teachers will make use of available digital technology, including calculators in teaching and learning contexts•
At AISHK, mathematical computation techniques are seen to be increasingly necessary for developing a number sense and competence in numeracy. Mental work precedes the development of the written algorithms. Students are encouraged to develop their own numeration and mental computation strategies. With the use of a range of manipulatives and visuals and by listening to the ideas of others, children are encouraged to think about a range of solutions to a problem. The teacher is then able to use the opportunity to introduce strategies that have not been raised.Teaching has moved from teacher-centred methods in favour of problem-based learning, in which students utilise their own mental, written or calculator methods in constructing their own knowledge. Some of the strategies being used in our primary classrooms are:
Using problem based learning - Algorithms are not treated in isolation as drill exercises. Rather ‘word problems’ are introduced as contexts of the operations and children work individually, in pairs or small groups and then share their solutions.Emphasis is on place value concepts - You cannot manipulate numbers mentally if you don’t understand how the numbers work. We use lots of manipulatives.Lessons commence with mental ‘warm up’ strategies - Mental mathematics examples are given orally or written on the board to get things going.Making mental calculation the strategy of first choice - Teachers try to model this too!We provide drill and practice of basic mathematical facts - Once the meaning of the mathematical ideas has been established we promote memorisation of basic facts so that recall and knowledge becomes fluent. Drill and practice is not however, rote learning, which implies learning without understandingWe play mathematical games that employ mathematical thinking or quick recall of number facts.
The classroom emphasis is thus on physical and mental activities in problem solving contexts with emphasis on the investigation, discussion and implementation of various mental strategies.
The first phase of the Australian curriculum will be developed for English, Mathematics, Science and History. At this point the shape papers are foundational documents that have guided the development of the Australian curriculum for each learning area in the first phase.
EnglishThe Shape of the Australian Curriculum: English, proposed that K-10 curriculum in English be organised around three interrelated strands:
• Language: The Language strand involves the development of a coherent, dynamic and evolving body of knowledge about the English language and how it works.
• Literature: Students learn to interpret, appreciate, evaluate and create literary texts such as narrative, poetry, prose, plays, film and multimodal texts, in spoken, print and digital/online contexts.
• Literacy: Students apply their English skills and knowledge to read, view, speak, listen to, write and create a growing repertoire of texts.
ScienceThe Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Science, proposed that the K-10 science curriculum:
• is organised around three interrelated strands: science understanding, science inquiry skills; and science as a human endeavour.
• provides the basis for learning science that engages students in meaningful ways and prepares students to use science for life and active citizenship so that they can function effectively in a scientifically and technologically advanced society.
• provides a foundation for specific learning pathways leading to senior secondary science as well as science and engineering courses at university and technical and vocational education and training.
HistoryThe Shape of the Australian Curriculum: History proposed that the K-10 history curriculum:
• is organised into two strands - historical knowledge and understanding and historical skills, described year by year.• ensures Australian history will be taught within a world history context, and not limited to world history from an
Australian perspective.• divides years 7 - 10 into four historical periods.• includes overviews and depth studies.• recognises the importance of the process of historical inquiry.• integrates concepts of historical understanding, including evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, empathy,
significance, perspectives and contestability.
It will be interesting to see how these learning areas develop. At AISHK we continue to be progressive as well as reflective teachers and we constantly examine how things can be done in a better way. Solid foundations of mathematics are essential to us, as is a love of maths and an understanding of mathematical process.
News from the Secondary Division
Dhanara 05.05.2010 Page 3
Thank you to all the parents, students, staff and community members who were able to join us on Tuesday to celebrate the official reopening of the AISHK Field. It was a pleasure to join with the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union, representatives from Action Sports International, Lutheran School For The Deaf and Mr Eddie Jones, former National Coach of the Australian Rugby Union team, to open this fine new learning facility.
As I stated on the day, the community support exhibited by these and other Hong Kong organisations has allowed our school to reopen a state of the art facility that can now be accessed both by our own school students and by the wider Hong Kong community. The opportunity to have Mr Eddie Jones officially open the facility was especially pleasing because of his past involvement in both International education as well as rugby at the highest level possible. The fact he took time from his busy schedule to coach our students as well as run a “Coach the Coaches” forum is a mark of the man and his commitment to youth worldwide.
A reminder to all students in Year 11 - Semester 1 examinations will commence on Monday 31 May. Now is the time to be revising coursework so that there is still time to ask questions of teachers on topics or concepts which are difficult to master. Waiting until the night before the examinations to check what needs to be clarified is much too late.
In response to some parents who have questioned me about the NAPLAN tests scheduled for this term for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. I can confirm that these tests will proceed as planned despite any ongoing industrial issues that may be encountered in some Australian schools.
As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding these or any other matters relating to the Secondary Division, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.
Until next timeRegards,
Phil Waugh Principal Secondary, Co-Head of School [email protected]
Expressions of Interest - Exam SupervisorsAs part of the School’s preparations for Year 10 and Year 12 external examinations each year, we are required to appoint Test Supervisor(s) to oversee the School Certificate, Higher School Certificate and IB Diploma examinations. These examinations take place from approximately mid-October to the end of November. To assist our students to become more familiar with the format of external examinations, our school employs interested parents and or community members to act as examination supervisors, both for the formal external sessions themselves and for each of our senior examination sessions. Prior to October, this role will typically involve attendance at examinations held at school between 8:00am and 4:00pm each day. Potentially this could be for up to six school days.
The school is calling for expressions of interest from any parents or community members who may be willing to act in these positions. Please note the NSW Board of Studies does mandate that potential applicants for the examinations in October and November cannot be “any person who has a child or near relative sitting for the 2010 NSW School Certificate or Higher School Certificate nor hold the position of clerical, casual, relief, part-time or permanent teaching staff at the school”.
Undertaking these duties does attract a nominal remuneration. For further details and registration of an expression of interest, please contact the Secondary Office of the school at your earliest convenience.
Careers Night - Wednesday 9 June Do you have an interesting job? Have you had an eventful career? Could you share your career story with us? If you or someone you know is able to volunteer time to speak for about 20 minutes to students about your occupation and/or your career journey, our students would greatly appreciate you doing so.
In particular, we require speakers from the following fields:retail, commercial or investment banking;• marketing, advertising and public relations; and• arts and entertainment.•
Please email [email protected] to express your interest, with your name and occupation(s) and available time between 5:30 and 7:30pm on 9 June.
Feona Crawford - Careers [email protected]
Dhanara 05.05.2010 Page 4
School Wide Notices
Swim Squad TrialsSwimming at AISHK is an important part of our curriculum and we are keen to start building our Representative Swimming Squad. We will be holding time
trials to select swimmers to join the school team in preparation for events starting in August.
Details:Juniors (Primary): 11th May (Tuesday) at 3:30pm Seniors (Secondary): 18th May (Tuesday) at 4:00pm
Events: 50m and 100m: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, 200m Individual Medley
Charges: $500 for remainder of Term 2 Tuesday and Thursday (training commences: 1 June)
Selected swimmers will be allocated into 2 groups by standard.
Maximum squad members: unlimited!Please come and join us – we look forward to seeing you in the pool!
Contact: Alex Chung - Aquatic Centre ManagerPhone: 2194 3878 Email: [email protected]
Important Information About Siblings ApplicationsWe accord siblings of enrolled students the highest priority on the waiting list if you submit the sibling’s application by 7 May this year. However, our recommendation is that you make sibling applications as early as you can, i.e. two years ahead of the academic year of entry - this is particularly important if you are applying for Reception class.
Please note that the application date can affect an application. Your preference for morning or afternoon Reception class is allocated based on application date. Sibling priority does not give you automatic right to your choice of class. Earlier applications are usually offered their first choice of class.
We are accepting 2012 applications now, and will accept 2013 applications from January 2011. If you have any questions regarding sibling applications please do not hesitate to contact the Admissions Office on [email protected], or call the main switch board on 2304 6078.
Dhanara 05.05.2010 Page 5
School Wide Notices
PARENT ASSOCIATION EVENTS
What’s On In Term 2
TUESDAY 11 MAYParent Association Meeting8:30am, AISHK Library 5/F
All are welcome!
FRIDAY 14 MAYYear 8 Parents Dinner
Time: 8:30pmVenue: Kitchen Restaurant, W Hotel, Elements
Deb Chambers – [email protected] Archibald – [email protected]
FRIDAY 14 MAYReception C Lunch
Time: 12:30pmVenue: Rice Paper, Festival Walk - Level 1, Shop 20
RSVP by 7 May - [email protected]
FRIDAY 14 MAYYear 6 Lunch following Assembly
Time: 12:30pmVenue: Lanna Thai, Level 1, Shop 34, Festival WalkContact: Alex Robertson - [email protected], Linda Rogers - [email protected]
FRIDAY 14 MAYYear 8 Parents Dinner
Time: 8:30pmVenue: Kitchen Restaurant, W Hotel, Elements
Deb Chambers – [email protected] Archibald – [email protected]
WEDNESDAY 19 MAY“Parent’s Drug Awareness” Forum
Time: 7:30pm-9:30pmVenue: To be advised
RSVP: [email protected]
THURSDAY 20 MAYYear 5 Drinks and NibblesVenue: Jaspa’s Sai Kung
Save the Date – Details to come
FRIDAY 28 MAYYear 4 Lunch
Time: 12:30pmVenue: Lanna Thai, Festival Walk
RSVP: Hethaer Brown at [email protected]
FRIDAY 4 JUNEYear 2 Lunch
Time: 12:30pmVenue: Rice Paper, Level 1, Shop 20, Festival Walk
Contact: Alex Robertson [email protected]
AISHKPA What’s on EntriesPlease forward all details to [email protected] by
Monday afternoon for entry into Wednesday’s newsletter.
An Invitation
The Support Australia Group invites you to join us on Thursday 10 June
at the Lyric Theatre in Wan Chai.
Exclusive SAG Package includes:Drinks & canapes from 7pm in the Lyric Theatre Atrium Lounge A-Reserve tickets for the show which starts at 8pmMore drinks & canapes
All for $980* per person
For bookings please email [email protected]* Proceeds from the evening will be donated to charity
