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.

Dear Families and Students,

I am proud to say that at AIS our students are learning to do a lot for themselves. The progress they are making is inspiring, and the Leadership Team and I are seeing powerful evidence of student engagement across campus. Students from EC1 – Grade 12 are actively participating in a diverse range of active learning experiences, where they are developing their independence, confidence, and competence. This week students enjoyed many applied learning activities, including a very active Middle School science lesson, an active Elementary School assembly, and the well-attended High School University Fair where over 80 colleges and universities from around the world visited our school!

The interactions between students and faculty are consistently positive and uplifting, and I’m excited for you to meet your student’s teachers at our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) on 25 & 26 September. Read on for more information.

Save the Date! Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTCs) on 25 & 26 September

PTCs are quickly approaching, and we are looking forward to welcoming you on campus to meet with your student’s teachers. Conferences will take place on Thursday, 25 September from 4:30 – 7:30 and on Friday, 26 September from 9:00 – 4:00 pm. All families will receive information about how to sign up for individual conferences next week. Stay tuned.

Centre for Health Protection – Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme

The Department of Health is offering the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) SIV to Hong Kong schools once again. Influenza vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. According to a local study, vaccination reduces the risk of contracting the flu in school children by half (50%). 

School outreach offers a convenient option for parents that allows students to receive their flu vaccination while at school. We are currently assessing parental interest in the program and would ask you to please complete this Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Form 2025-26, if you would like your student(s) to participate. You will need to complete one form for each participating student.

Thank you for doing your part to help reduce the spread of influenza in our school community.

Magic Show – 10 October! Get Your Tickets!

I am delighted to announce a new offering from our amazing PTA. This year, they are sponsoring a magic show for students on 10 October after school. The show promises to excite students and leave them with a sense of wonder (and a fantastic twisted balloon!). Space is limited, so please scan the QR code above to reserve your ticket(s).

The Learner First – Parent Math Workshop 9 October

Thanks to the support of our wonderful PTA, our school is continuing our partnership with The Learner First, an international learning collaborative focussed on “contributive learning”. This program emphasizes the many ways that students can contribute to the classroom, their classmates, the school, the community, and the world, by focussing on the unique gifts, interests, skills, and talents that they bring to school with them every day. 

This year, Elementary and Middle School Faculty will be leveraging specific tools and procedures that enhance the learning experience for students in mathematics, while High School Faculty will choose a Lead Learner from a variety of program areas. If you would like to learn more about the math strategies our faculty are actively engaged with this year, please consider joining this workshop which will be facilitated by Learner First staff.

This workshop is designed for parents of Elementary and Middle School students. Space is limited, so please RSVP at your earliest convenience to secure your spot HERE. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. We will notify all parents to confirm their attendance once the registration form closes at noon on Monday, 6 October or when all seats are filled, whichever is sooner.

Parents Make The Difference

The September issues of the Parents Make the Difference newsletters are here. These informative resources serve as excellent tools to support you in helping your child build skills appropriate for each age and stage of their educational journey.

Make sure to check out page 4 of the High School edition, where you will learn how to help your teen get a jump start on schoolwork in 10 minutes. Additionally, on page 2 of the Elementary School edition, you can find some helpful strategies to manage your child’s screen time by creating a family media plan.

I highly recommend exploring the Daily Learning Planners as they offer valuable suggestions to facilitate dialogue and strengthen your bond with your children. Enjoy the meaningful interactions I’m sure these prompts will foster!

It looks like a lovely weekend ahead with milder temperatures and lots of sunshine. I hope it offers you and your family many moments of joy together.

My best,

Anita Simpson
Head of School

At the American International School, innovation in education goes hand in hand with a commitment to student ownership of learning. This year, AIS High School World History teacher, Ms. Lisa Rose-Jeffreys, has introduced AI into her AP World History classroom in a way that empowers students rather than replaces them.

From day one, Ms. Rose-Jeffreys set the tone: AI is here to guide, not to give answers. Using a custom-built “tutor-bot,” she has created a generative study aid that helps students think critically, ask better questions, and connect big-picture historical concepts with specific details. The bot is carefully curated with knowledge of the AP World History syllabus and strategies for structuring answers on the AP exam. However, the responsibility for generating ideas, retaining knowledge, and applying understanding remains with the students themselves.

The tutor-bot works by prompting students to reflect on their prior learning before diving deeper into specific content. Instead of handing students information, it challenges them to articulate what they already know and then guides them to expand that knowledge through their own research. As Ms. Rose-Jeffreys explains, “It’s important to place an emphasis on the development of historical knowledge from the foundations of the course so that students know what they know at each step of the process.”

A recent classroom activity brought this approach to life. Students were divided into groups and tasked with mastering the first unit of AP World History using the AI tutor-bot for guidance. To make the process engaging, Ms. Rose-Jeffreys organized a race between groups: each team studied the topics with AI support, then explained their learning to their peers from memory, focusing on clarity and connection. This peer-to-peer teaching required students to recall information without relying on notes or searches, reinforcing their confidence in what they knew. Ms. Rose-Jeffreys emphasized that she wants students to see early on that they are capable of retaining and sharing large amounts of information independently. By framing the activity as a competition, students felt a deeper sense of responsibility and belonging, since each member’s success was tied to their group’s performance. As Ms. Rose-Jeffreys reflected, “Students were telling their own story of the history they had learned—with some guidance from AI. The AI is used to teach them to teach others.”

The benefits of this approach extend beyond historical knowledge. Students are also learning how to use AI both ethically and effectively. For example, when students ask a straightforward question, the AI tutor-bot responds with its own line of questioning to assess prior knowledge before guiding them through the topic in a way tailored to their learning, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all answer. While some students initially struggled with crafting effective prompts, Ms. Rose-Jeffreys observed that persistence and teacher support quickly transformed early frustration into moments of genuine discovery.

Does Ms. Rose-Jeffreys think AI will replace teachers?

Absolutely not. She encourages students to use the chatbot as a resource—even to get feedback on practice essays—but always reminds them of its limitations, including potential bias and error. “Students should not see AI as a replacement for the teacher, but instead as a partner. They still need to bring their work to me for feedback, because human interaction is irreplaceable,” she explained. Grade 10 student Chun Ka C. echoed this perspective, sharing that while there were some initial issues, the tool has already proven useful. “The bot gives very good examples through short-answer questions and lots of feedback on the answers I write,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged its limits: “Sometimes it’s too supportive and not as detailed as the teacher’s feedback—but I think it will improve as the bots are trained more.”

Far from making the teacher’s role smaller, the integration of AI has made the classroom more dynamic. Freed from answering every basic content question, Ms. Rose-Jeffreys is busier than ever engaging in rich discussions, guiding research, and deepening understanding. Grade 12 student Cherrie W. noted the unique benefits of the AI tutor-bot compared to other tools. “It’s better than DeepSeek because it keeps asking questions and doesn’t let you miss the important concepts,” she explained. “Other platforms sometimes give you more irrelevant information.” Still, she suggested one area for improvement: “It would be better if it was more transparent about its sources.”

In a world where AI is becoming more present in everyday life, AIS is ensuring that students remain at the center of the learning process. With the support of innovative teachers like Ms. Rose-Jeffreys, AIS students are gaining not only historical knowledge but also the confidence, creativity, and ethical awareness to thrive in the age of AI. 

As Grade 12 student Cherrie W’s previous comment illustrates, used strategically, AI is also supporting the development of important critical thinking skills.

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) .

Dear Families and Students,

We are so glad to be back! Although the weather has been challenging, we’ve had a great start to the new school year, thanks to our wonderful faculty and staff, and, of course, the efforts our students and families made to be ready for the new school year.

As the quote above reminds us, we need to keep our eyes on the goals we set for the year ahead while keeping ourselves grounded in the reality of daily life. It’s important to have clear, achievable goals, and to hold ourselves accountable to reaching them, while recognizing that life presents its fair share of surprises and natural setbacks along the way. As a school, we’re eager to help everyone in our community reach their goals and achieve success, and together we can help each other make that happen.

In order to offer appropriate support, it is important that you make us aware of any challenges you might be facing. Please keep the lines of communication open and reach out whenever you need help. Students, talk to your divisional counselor, homeroom teacher, or any adult you feel comfortable connecting with. Parents, contact your student’s homeroom teacher, the appropriate grade or subject area teacher, and your divisional principal or assistant principal. Don’t wait until small challenges become big ones. We’re here to help.

First Day of School

E-the-Eagle made our first day last Friday, 15 August incredibly special, and he brought a lot of joy and so many smiles with him. We are especially grateful to Dr. Baumgartner or, as he is affectionately known, “Dr. B”, for welcoming in the new school year in the best possible way.

Volunteer Training

We are hosting our first annual Volunteer Training session on Wednesday, 15 October from 2:00-3:00 PM, in the 123 Hall. All parents and guardians who are interested in volunteering at AIS this year need to complete a Volunteer Training session before they are eligible to volunteer. By attending this session, parents and guardians will be prepared to support the PTA and classroom teachers with school activities such as field trips and other activities within the AIS community. The meeting is scheduled just before the PTA General Meeting to make it more convenient for potential volunteers to attend.

Please note that if you completed your Volunteer Training last year, you do not need to attend this session. If you have any questions about whether or not your training is up-to-date, please email our Leadership Assistant, Ms. Floris Lai, at floris@ais.edu.hk. She will be happy to check the list for you. If you know you need to attend a training, please SIGN UP HERE to RSVP.

First PTA Meeting

Our first PTA General Meeting will be held on 24 September from 3:15-4:30 PM in the Conference Room. All meetings this year are face-to-face. We hope that your schedule will allow you to join us!

PTA Wine & Cheese & Elementary Parent Orientation

My sincere thanks to all families who attended yesterday’s event in the 125 Hall. We appreciate you making the time to learn more about your student’s teachers, schedule, and program. It was wonderful to see so many families again and to welcome new families to our school community.

AIS Belonging Cards

We are proud of a new, bespoke resource created by AIS faculty called, AIS Belonging Cards. These cards were developed by our wonderful teachers and designed to foster a sense of belonging for students. In this lesson, students established classroom norms and collaboratively selected activities from each category. Here are some images from Mrs. Henry’s Grade 8 class today. It is easy to see the engagement!

Eagle-i Blog

Please take a moment to read our newest Eagle-i Blog, featuring our recent recognition at the 21C Greater Bay Area Awards where we received the Public Choice Award for Student Agency. We’re proud of our school, of our students and faculty, and of the innovative programming that is setting American International School apart. Take a moment to read about this special achievement. I’m sure you’ll feel the same sense of pride and accomplishment.

As always, I hope the weekend is relaxing and you find time to do things that energize and inspire you so you are ready for the week ahead. See you Monday.

My best,

Anita Simpson
Head of School