Ms. Nielké Matthee is a dedicated educator specializing in Mathematics, Science, and Physical Education and Health (PEH). She graduated from Stellenbosch University in South Africa and has amassed seven years of teaching experience. Currently, she has been living in Hong Kong for three years. Known for her energetic and holistic approach, Nielké believes in creating an environment where learners can reach their full potential. We welcome her to AIS as our new Middle School Mathematics and Science teacher!

My husband, Mr. Martin, who is also a science teacher, and I sought to embrace a new challenge. We were eager to experience an international school environment where we could contribute meaningfully and make a difference.

I appreciate that the core values of the school align with my own beliefs and what I consider important in life. It is much easier to navigate life when one is guided by principles that resonate deeply, fostering a sense of community and connection rather than focusing solely on the individual.

My husband and family inspire me profoundly. They teach me the importance of love and gratitude for what I have. They challenge me to become a better person and to strive for righteousness. They instill in me the values of generosity and care for others. As my mother would say, when we give with the right hand, the left hand should remain unaware of the action.

I have a passion for netball; I enjoy both playing and educating others about the game. Additionally, I love traveling and engaging in outdoor activities with my husband. I also view cooking as a means of relaxation and a way to unwind.

Today, I had butter chicken accompanied by some vegetables for lunch.

I firmly believe that a smile has the power to change a person’s day. Life is not solely about grand gestures; it is the small, everyday moments that we recognize and acknowledge that can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Therefore my goal as a teacher is to make a meaningful impact.

Ms. Selene Baldini recently joined the American International School of Hong Kong as our Elementary School G1 homeroom teacher. With nearly 10 years of experience in teaching young learners, she is passionate about creating equal learning opportunities for all her students. Hong Kong holds a special place in her heart, as she has forged lasting connections with the students and colleagues she has met over the past eight years.

I joined the American International School of Hong Kong to advance my teaching practice and to work in a community that unites teachers and students around shared core values. I find this approach to be truly unique!

I love that innovation is always around the corner, and I can learn something new every day. I also appreciate how proactive everyone is, ready to think on their feet whenever a quick solution is needed. All my colleagues have been supportive from day one.

I have many sources of inspiration for different aspects of life: my students for creativity and for living life fully, my friends for kindness and my family for love.

Doing ceramics is always a good way to spend my free time, but lately I’ve been obsessed with rock climbing. Hong Kong from the top looks awesome.

Cherry tomatoes, olives and tuna salad. My Mediterranean roots don’t lie.

Mr. David Snow has been a teacher for almost 30 years in the United States of America. He came to AIS from his most recent school in Denver, Colorado and has two children: a daughter in college studying biology and a son in high school interested in mechanics. Mr. Snow enjoys traveling, the outdoors, and exploring new cities. We’re excited that he is joining our High School faculty as our new PreCalculus and AP Calculus BC teacher.

A friend got me interested in international teaching a year ago. Now I’m here!

I am quite enjoying the staff, the students, and the new city.

My family and friends inspire me. They are all accomplished, fascinating people.

I enjoy hiking, swimming, and kayaking. I want to learn badminton and tai chi.

A power bar.

Ms. Bridget Maher is originally from New Zealand but her father was a pilot so they lived all over growing up including LA, London and even Hong Kong for a short time in ’96. Ms. Maher went to university in Bristol, England before training at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). She has a dog called Flora who is 14 this year! She joins us at AIS this year as our new Middle School Performance teacher!

I was looking for an adventure and a change in my career and remember my time in Hong Kong as a child very fondly. I saw a position advertised for MS Performance and was instantly drawn to it.

There is a real sense of community here. Everyone has been so welcoming and I’ve settled in quickly. The core values of Love, Knowledge and Justice really are imbued into the way we teach here which I love.

I like to play the piano after a long day to wind down. During my holidays I like to write and I finished my first screenplay over the summer. I’m also looking forward to doing some of the amazing hikes that HK has to offer.

I’m a creature of habit and have a marmite and cheese sandwich every day.

Ms. Janet Lai joins AIS this year as our new Elementary School STEAM teacher. She has had the pleasure of working with children for more than 13 years, and truly enjoys being around them. She is always amazed at what they do and say, and feels energized every time she is with them. Outside of teaching, Ms. Lai is a passionate dessert lover, and is always on the lookout for new dessert spots to explore.

I chose to work at AIS because of the School’s core values “Justice, Knowledge and Love” and its emphasis on student-centered learning and guiding students to think critically for themselves and be creative. Being able to work in such a positive environment and contribute to the whole child development of young people aligns with my own educational philosophy.

I really enjoy the sense of community and collaboration at AIS. We are surrounded by so many dedicated teachers who want to create a supportive learning environment. I love to see students engaged and excited about what they are learning as well as the diversity of perspectives in the classroom. The energy inspires me to be a part of their growth and success.

I am inspired by my former principal who created a supportive environment for both teachers and students. It was amazing. She consistently encouraged teachers to try out new ideas in their teaching and valued open communication to make all the teachers feel heard and valued. From this experience, I learned how important it is to foster relationships within the school community.

I am trying to be healthier so I’ve been putting sandwiches in my lunch box but sometimes I will include some chips as well.

Today, I had butter chicken accompanied by some vegetables for lunch.

I firmly believe that a smile has the power to change a person’s day. Life is not solely about grand gestures; it is the small, everyday moments that we recognize and acknowledge that can make a significant difference in the lives of others. Therefore my goal as a teacher is to make a meaningful impact.

We’re excited to welcome Ms. Michaela Staller as our new Head of the PE & Health Department and PE & Health teacher for Grades 9–12. Originally from just outside of Vancouver, Canada, Ms. Staller brings over 10 years of experience teaching IB MYP Physical and Health Education. A passionate educator and coach, she has led school teams in volleyball, soccer, and basketball—and looks forward to continuing her coaching journey here at AIS!

The real answer, my partner! He wanted to move back to Hong Kong and recommended AIS during the job search. I knew after my initial interviews that AIS seemed like a tight knit community that was focused on developing well rounded individuals. The curriculum alignment was similar to Canada along with standards based grading. I never had the opportunity to travel as I started teaching locally in my early 20s after completing my practicum. AIS is my first international teaching stop.

When Anita [AIS Head of School] mentioned we “hire for heart” it was evident that this would be the right place for me. Some of my favourite moments in my career have been celebrating little victories or big moments, whether that is in class, on the field or on the court. PEH is more than just physical skills, it’s social skills, awareness and encouraging everyone to be their very best. Everyone has been so welcoming, helpful, and inclusive thus far.

I am inspired by all of the great teachers and coaches that I have had throughout my life. I was fortunate enough to be coached by 2 former olympic athletes in both school and club volleyball. They taught me valuable skills such as having a work ethic, positive communication, resilience, and mental skills to succeed. These skills helped propel me to play college golf on a scholarship for 4 years.

I continue to play numerous sports into adulthood, including golf, softball, volleyball, soccer and running. I recently started Dragon Boat as it’s my partner’s hobby and he wants to share it with me. Hong Kong is my first stop in Asia and I can’t wait to continue to eat the local cuisine, travel to nearby countries, and hike once the weather gets cooler.

Great question! Food delivery or whatever my partner cooks for me. I love my seafood!

What a way to start year 13 of teaching!

We’re pleased to welcome Mr. Martin Oosthuizen to the Middle School Science team! Originally from South Africa, Mr. Martin began his teaching career there before making the move to Hong Kong, where he has lived for the past three years. He brings with him not only a passion for science education but also a strong belief in the power of positivity and connection. Whether it’s through inspiring students in the classroom or reflecting around a campfire, Mr. Martin lives by the motto: “Don’t tell me the sky is the limit when there are footsteps on the moon.”

My wife and I have been living in Hong Kong for three years, and we were looking to make a difference in a more established school with a different curriculum. I strongly resonate with “Love” as one of the school’s core values, as I believe that love should be at the center of everything we do, which caught my attention.

I enjoy being at a school that drives innovation and has a strong focus on putting the well-being of every student first. I have experienced a very welcoming community, and I look forward to contributing to the community in a positive manner.

My wife and family back home. I believe life is all about the times you spend with your special people. Make memories while you can!

I enjoy being a coach and exploring the outdoors Hong Kong has to offer. When I have the time, I also enjoy reading!

Usually, what my wife makes (I am a very grateful and spoiled husband) – My ideal lunchbox is leftover “braai” (loosely translated to a BBQ but very different!) meat and a classic “braaibroodjie” (translated to a sandwich toasted on a grill) .

On 13 February 2025, our Head of School Ms. Anita Simpson, our Director of Learning Innovation Ms. Kathy Abel, our Learning Activator Mr. Jeremy Green, and our High School TECHspert Mr. Ankul Sidana attended the 21C Greater Bay Area Awards at the Hong Kong Convention Centre. This prestigious event brought together innovative and forward-thinking schools from across the Guangdong area.

Our AIS TECHsperts were named finalists in the 21st Century Learning GBA Awards for K-12 Student Agency. Their impact on student voice and digital learning at AIS was further highlighted when the final award of the evening, the Public Choice Award, was received by American International School where we placed first across all award categories for our outstanding efforts to promote and empower Student Agency K-12. Check out our winning submission HERE!

GBA Public Choice Award

We are deeply proud of our TECHsperts, our faculty, and our Learning Activator, Mr. Green, for forging a new, innovative pathway that allows our students to truly lead and make a meaningful difference in our school community. This special recognition acknowledges this unique program that AIS has developed, and, equally important, ensures that it is shared with other schools in the GBA and beyond, with the potential to positively impact the opportunities students receive in other schools.

We would like to express our gratitude to everyone involved in developing and implementing this program. We appreciate the work of our faculty and students as they implement a range of exciting curricular opportunities that deepen learning and enhance practice. We also wish to thank our faculty for regularly welcoming TECHsperts into their classrooms and the wonderful team who attended the ceremony and accepted the award on our behalf. Special thanks also goes out to our PTA for promoting the award across our school community and, finally, to our parents, students, and staff who ultimately made this recognition possible. Together, we make a difference!

Season 3 was an amazing time for our school sports teams, full of energy and big wins! We had a fantastic turnout this year, with so many students coming to tryouts and joining our teams. It was exciting to see new faces and returning players all ready to play and make our school proud. With all this talent, our teams worked hard and advanced to several playoffs during the season. Every game was a chance to show our skills and teamwork, and we loved cheering each other on. We’re so happy to share how everyone did in this report!

U14 Boys’ Badminton — Our U14 boys badminton team did a super job this year and got 6th place. We had a brand-new team because the older players moved up to the U20 team. Despite starting fresh, the new team quickly found their footing, showing remarkable growth in their game strategy, agility, and teamwork. Each match highlighted their determination and rapid improvement. For most of them, this was their first time playing in real matches, and they loved it. Big congrats to our U14 boys badminton team for playing so well—we’re excited to see them keep growing!

U14 Girls’ Badminton — The U14 girls badminton team had a great season this year, and we were lucky to have most of our players return from last year. These girls already knew each other well, so they started strong and worked hard together. During the regular season, they won several games, showing off their skills and teamwork. All that practice paid off because we made it to the playoffs again!

In the semifinals, we faced DC and played our best, but we lost 1-3 in a tough match. The girls didn’t give up, though—they came back ready to fight in the bronze medal match against AISHK. That game was super close, but we pulled through with a 3-2 win! Everyone cheered as we took home the bronze medal, and the team was so proud of what they achieved. With this experience, they’ve grown even better at smashing and serving. We’re excited to see them keep improving next year, and maybe they’ll aim for an even higher spot on the podium!

U20 Boys’ Badminton — The U20 boys badminton team had an awesome season this year! For the first time in three years, we made it to the playoffs, which was a huge success for us. We worked hard and played some tough matches to get there. In the semifinals, we faced WIS, but we didn’t play our best and couldn’t win that one. We learned from what went wrong and came back stronger.

In the bronze medal match against DC, we did great and won 4-1! This was our first medal in three years, and the team was so excited. Half of our players are graduating this year, so they were extra proud to finish with a win. Next year, we’ll need to find new players to join the team and keep up our good work. Everyone is excited to build on this success and aim for even more medals in the future!

U20 Girls’ Badminton — The U20 girls badminton team had a really good season this year and made it to the playoffs again! They worked hard all season, practicing a lot of doubles games to get better as a team. Sometimes, they even teamed up with the U14 girls for friendly matches, which was fun and helped everyone improve. In the playoff semifinals, they faced YCIS, but it was a tough match, and we lost 1-4. The girls didn’t let that stop them—they stayed strong and fought hard in the bronze medal match against DC. We lost both doubles matches, but the games were super close, and they showed a lot of effort.

In the end, we got 4th place, which is still something to be proud of! Most of our players came up from the U14 team, and some of our U20 girls aren’t graduating yet. That means we’ll have a strong group next year, and we’re sure they’ll aim to reach the finals. This season was a big success, and we’re excited for what’s coming next!

Junior & Senior Track & Field Team — This year, our track and field team grew stronger, and more AIS students joined in for the championship. We had a bigger junior group of runners who were excited to compete and show their skills. On March 26th, our junior team had an amazing day at the AIS championship and brought home several medals. For example, the U12 girls 4x100m relay team sped to 1st place, making us all so proud! The U14 girls also did great, winning a bronze medal in the high jump event with some awesome jumps. Everyone cheered loudly for their hard work and big smiles. We’re so happy to see our younger athletes shining this season!

On March 27th, it was time for the senior track and field championship, and our team kept the winning spirit going. Even though we didn’t have many seniors join this year, they still made us proud by earning a medal. The U20 boys took 3rd place in the high jump, showing off their strength and determination. Every athlete gave their best, and it was exciting to watch them compete.

Next year, we plan to get more senior runners to join the team so we can do even better. With more practice and new teammates, we’re determined to grow stronger and aim for more medals in the future. This year was a great start, and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

U20 Girls’ Football — This year, our U20 girls football team played a 7-a-side, and it brought some exciting changes! We had a few young players move up from the U14 team to help out, and they fit right in with the U20 squad. With this mix of new and older players, we won several games during the season and earned a spot in the playoffs. It was awesome to see everyone working together and having fun on the field.

In the semifinals, we faced SASHK and gave it our all, but we lost that match. We didn’t let that stop us—in the bronze medal game, we played YCIS and fought hard, scoring an amazing 6-1 win! That victory gave us 3rd place in the U20 football competition, our first medal in three years. The team was so proud and happy to celebrate together.

We hope more girls sign up to join the team next year because we want to grow even stronger. With more players and practice, we’re aiming to reach the finals next season and maybe even bring home a bigger prize!

U20 Boys’ Football — This year was a tough one for our U20 boys football team, but we still made it through with a lot of heart. Many of our senior players graduated last year, so we started with a brand-new team of fresh faces. It took time to get everyone working together because building team chemistry isn’t easy when you’re all new. We played lots of matches against strong opponents and learned something useful every time we stepped on the field.

During the season, we focused hard on teamwork and talking to each other during games. Our coaches helped us practice passing and planning better, which made us stronger week by week. Even though we didn’t make the playoffs this time, we worked really hard and had some fun moments too. We’re hoping all this effort pays off next season so we can get back to the playoffs like we did last year. With more practice and a tighter team, we’re ready to come back even better!

We want to give a big thank you to all our amazing coaches who worked so hard this season. You gave your time and energy to help our students get better at their favorite sports, and it really made a difference. Your support, patience, and great teaching showed our players how to improve their skills and believe in themselves. Because of your dedication, our students grew stronger, won medals, and had so much fun along the way. We’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for our AIS teams—you’re a huge part of our success. Thank you for being the best coaches we could ask for!

In Season 1, we kicked off with volleyball and football, setting a strong tone for the year. With many new players joining our teams, our athletes demonstrated remarkable dedication and commitment during practices. The team spirit was vibrant, and everyone collaborated to pursue success. Now, let’s celebrate the incredible results from Season 1!

U14 Boys’ Football — This season was full of new experiences as some players moved up to the U20 team. We happily welcomed many talented young players to our team. We focused on improving how we talk to each other and trying out different ways of playing. Although we didn’t make it to the playoffs, we became even closer as a team and got much better at our game strategies.

U14 Girls’ Football — The U14 girls’ team had a fantastic season. They scored lots of goals in every game this year, and our players are really skilled in their positions. Unfortunately, we faced tough luck as we ended up in 3rd place, just missing out on the playoffs which only the top 2 teams could enter. Despite this setback, we managed to form a strong team this year, and we aim to be even stronger next year.

U14 Girls’ Volleyball — The U14 girls’ team reached the playoffs this season. They had many close games during both the regular season and the playoffs. Even though we lost to NAIS in the semifinals, we remained confident for the bronze medal match. In a thrilling third set, we won against CAIS in the bronze medal match. This year, our players are filled with confidence, and everyone can consistently deliver strong serves during matches. Looking ahead, we are excited about the potential and growth of our team.

U16 Girls’ Volleyball — The U16 girls’ team made it to the playoffs this season. They had a perfect record in the regular games, winning each one. In the semifinals, we emerged victorious against CDNIS. Although we faced NAIS in the final playoff, we narrowly lost by 2 points in the third set and came out of the championships with silver medals. Despite the loss, we displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the game. This year, many new players from G9 joined our team, which gives us room for improvement in the coming year. We are eagerly looking forward to what the next season will bring.

U20 Girls’ Volleyball — The U20 girls team had a great season. We welcomed many new players this year and we worked hard on our skills and accurate passing. We ended up in 5th place in Division 2. Next year we’ll have more new players joining us from the U16 team. We are looking forward to having these new players with us in the U20 team next year. 

U20 Boys’ Volleyball — The U20 boys team improved a lot this year. We had many new training drills with the coach and the captain. We worked hard on spiking and got many points by spiking in each game. We won a few games in the league and ended up in 5th place in Division 3. Our team became stronger and more united this year. We are determined to become stronger and aim to reach the playoffs next year.

A big thank you to all the coaches for your dedication. You’ve created a wonderful positive team environment and encouraged good sportsmanship at AIS. We are excited for Season 2!