Originally written for the American International School 2024-25 Yearbook, Head of School Ms. Anita Simpson shares her annual reflection on an absolutely wonderful year with a lot of achievements and recognitions.
What an absolutely wonderful year we have just had. Together, we continue to achieve so much, perhaps, most notably, winning the Public Choice Award for Student Agency in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) 21C Awards in February. As Head of School, I am incredibly grateful for the recognition of our students and staff who lead this unique program, as it speaks to the power of the transformative learning model we are embracing. The award also acknowledges the engagement of our learning community who all worked together to help earn this distinction.
In addition to this significant milestone, it was equally wonderful to be able to host a wide range of events, including our very special annual Winter Fair, Visual and Performing Arts shows, Divisional Awards Assemblies, High School graduation, and more. Our students’ achievements are many, and we are so proud of what they have been able to do. For example: this year, we hosted two Apple Learning Academies, facilitated by our student TECHsperts; one of our elementary student’s artwork was chosen to feature on a stamp; and, two students won gold medals in martial arts competitions. These special recognitions confirm that our Key Mindset of Confidence is helping students display their academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, both on and off campus.
All of this is only made possible through the incredible dedication of our world-class faculty. Always putting students first, our teachers, assistants, counselors, and coaches care deeply, and they consistently inspire learning while also supporting their students beyond the curriculum. Our Leadership Team’s limitless dedication and support for others is equally essential to making our school the truly special learning community and fantastic place it is. I will always be grateful to all faculty and staff for their genuine passion for our students and families.
From September 2024 to May 2025, our school raised money for those less fortunate, modelling our Core Values of Justice, Knowledge and Love. Together, we raised a total of HK$100,448.00 through our Charitable Free Dress Days. The generous support from our school community has been truly heartwarming. These funds will make a significant impact on these charities and the lives they touch. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication and for making a difference in our community.
Of course our deeply devoted Parent Teacher Association (PTA) also works tirelessly on behalf of everyone in our school community. Their sponsorship and meticulous planning made this year’s Winter Fair, Halloween, Lunar New Year, and countless other school fundraising events so successful. My final thanks goes out to our wider and very generous parent community, who always ensures that the prizes in our Winter Fair Grand Prize Raffle Draw remain simply amazing.
Congratulations once again to our 2025 graduates! The ceremony was truly beautiful, and it was such a pleasure to have families join us on campus to celebrate this momentous, once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Special thanks go out to Mr. Ris, Ms. Robertson, and Mr. Piner for their careful planning and organization. Thanks as well to Mr. McLean for his support. Their collective efforts ensured that the event was an exceptional experience for everyone who attended.
To our 2025 graduates – you are more than capable of meeting this moment in time, and you are ready for whatever life brings your way. I hope you always draw strength from your time here, the relationships you have fostered, and the core values that have shaped who you are today. May your future always be bright, your hopes high, and the possibilities that lie ahead endless.
To everyone in the AIS community, thank you once again for your unwavering support. Together, we make a difference.
On behalf of the Leadership Team, I extend my warmest wishes for a wonderful summer ahead filled with new experiences, good food, lots of relaxation, and plenty of laughter! If you are travelling, stay safe, and if you are staying in town, enjoy the many opportunities Hong Kong has to offer.
In the meantime, enjoy the break, and have fun, everyone! See you in the fall!
My best,
Anita Simpson
Head of School
