Message from the Board President

As we launch the 2024-2025 school year, it is my distinct pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you on behalf of the ACAMIS Board of Directors – seven colleagues from around the region committed to supporting you and guiding our association.

ACAMIS strives to enhance the experiences of the staff and students within our schools and communities. It does so with a critical focus on learning opportunities for our students, professional development for our staff, the facilitation of communication and cooperation between our members, the promotion of understanding and friendship through our shared associations, and the establishment of cooperation with other like-minded organizations and individuals.

The year ahead promises to be an exciting one, with our six major annual faculty conferences being hosted across the region, at member schools in Beijing, Hong Kong, Xi’an, Nanjing, Qingdao and Tianjin. We also have a full suite of events throughout the year designed to challenge and enrich our students academically, athletically and culturally.

We thank you for your commitment to ACAMIS and to the shared success of our learning communities.

Wishing you all a fulfilling academic year.

Bill Elman
President
ACAMIS Board of Directors

Message from Executive Director

A warm welcome to ACAMIS, an organization with a rich history spanning over a twenty-year period in mainland China, Mongolia, Hong Kong (SAR), Macao (SAR) and the Province of Taiwan. Beginning with a core of only seven schools for the purpose of connecting students in post season tournaments, the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) hosted the first ever sporting event in 2000. Since those early origins, ACAMIS has evolved into an organization comprised of ninety-three schools hosting a full complement of relevant professional development Conferences, sports competitions, and activities to cultivate a diverse range of student interests through the Academic and Cultural Enrichment Program (ACE).

Our programs include six annual conferences (Technology Conference, Early Childhood Education (ECE) Conference, Conference for the Arts, English Language Learners (ELL) Conference, Spring Leadership Conference and Chinese Conference). These Conferences, focusing on professional growth and learning, serve as the heartbeat of ACAMIS. We also offer weekend workshops facilitated by PDAcademia; a wide range of virtual learning communities hosted by PeerSphere; Academic and Cultural Enrichment (ACE) activities for students encompassing a broad variety of interests. Additionally, ACAMIS Athletics features core divisions of volleyball, basketball, and football (soccer), along with invitational tournaments for member schools.

The ACAMIS newsletter is published in the fall and spring, showcasing a wide range of upcoming events. This edition includes a significant forum for reflective articles by the Chairpersons of the Technology and Early Childhood Conference Planning Committees, Amy Hossack and Karen Brown-Miller, respectively. The ACAMIS Technology Conference will commence on October 19-20 at Renaissance College, Hong Kong. Shortly thereafter, the ACAMIS ECE Conference will take place at Beijing City International School on November 2–3. Registration for both conferences is now open.

In addition, we are grateful to have Key leaders like Caleb Doyel (ACE Regional Representative - South) and Filipe Nogueira (Athletic Co-Chair) shared their core beliefs about education, sports, academic and cultural enrichment and voice for students. This newsletter also features important partnerships with PDAcademia and PeerSphere. These two organizations serve to complement, and dive deeper into topics of regional interest. PDAcademia, under the leadership by Claire Peet, hosts ten on-site weekend workshops annually and PeerSphere, directed by Ewen Bailey, addresses the professional development needs of over sixty-three communities by offering virtual workshops year-round. Lastly, and most importantly, I would like to acknowledge and introduce the brilliant and hardworking members of our Executive Office Team, whose invaluable contributions make this work possible.

ACAMIS is especially proud of its Service Learning Grants and awards, which are highlighted at the annual Spring Leadership conference. Notably, the Jim Koerschen Award for Innovation in Schools is a key feature. Mr. Koerschen was an esteemed international educator renowned for his unconventional thinking, served as the first Executive Director of ACAMIS. An award is presented at the annual Spring Leadership Conference to students who demonstrate leadership in solving real-world issues that improve their community. Service Learning Grants, ten of which were awarded last year, are presented to students who demonstrate engagement and commitment to community improvement. Later in the fall, I will send a reminder encouraging students to consider applying for these student-centered grants and awards, which are presented annually at the Spring Leadership Conference.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of membership in ACAMIS, please call on me. We encourage member schools and non-member schools to attend and actively participate in our events. It is what truly makes us a community of learners and connectors.

My very best wishes to all of you for a successful fall term.

Warmly,
Lawrence Hobdell
Executive Director

Introducing the Executive Office Team

Upcoming ACAMIS Conferences

Transform Learning Experiences through Technology

Growing up in a small Canadian town, my father would occasionally bring home spare computer parts from the large telecommunications company where he was employed. One week, it might be a monitor; the next, perhaps a modem or disk drive. Together, we would assemble functioning computers in our family room, while I was allowed to dismantle the parts we couldn’t use. Since then, my fascination with computers, robotics, and technology has only deepened.

I began my teaching career as an elementary school homeroom teacher and was soon recognized as a "techy-teacher". When the opportunity presented itself, I eagerly transitioned into the role of Instructional Technology Facilitator. Being part of the educational technology community has been a deeply rewarding experience, one that I continue to enjoy immensely.

Technology has the potential to transform learning experiences in profound ways. I have witnessed firsthand how it can deepen and enhance learning, making classroom experiences more meaningful. With technology, students can collaborate and communicate with experts around the world, while instruction becomes individualized in exciting new ways. Additionally, it offers access to an incredible range of resources, engaging all students and providing dynamic opportunities for them to share their learning with the world. As technological advancements accelerate, it is crucial that we provide students with the tools they need to continue creating, learning, collaborating, and exploring—both now and in the future.

At this year’s ACAMIS Technology Conference, Innovation for Impact, held at Renaissance College in Hong Kong, we will showcase Learning Innovations, Maker Education, Robotics, and Coaching and Leading Technology in schools. With a fantastic lineup of presenters and workshops, we are excited to welcome you and look forward to seeing you there!

Amy Hossack
ACAMIS Technology Conference Planning Committee
Shanghai American School - Pudong Campus

A Supportive Space to Nurture Lifelong Learners

To change the world, one child at a time" has been my guiding principle throughout my 24 years as an educator. This aspiration shapes my perspective and interactions with children. My core beliefs about early childhood education are grounded in my diverse background, and I deeply value the uniqueness of each student. I celebrate and embrace diversity as an integral element in creating inclusive and enriching learning environments that honor each child's individual learning style. Embracing diversity allows us to approach learning from various perspectives.

At Shekou International School, I recognize the importance of lifelong learning for everyone in the educational community, not just young children. This commitment to ongoing growth among educators and staff enhances our practices. By incorporating playful inquiry into our methods, we foster curiosity and discovery in children while also promoting a culture of lifelong learning among adults. This ensures that everyone remains actively engaged in their educational journey and continues to employ best practices for our students.

In reflecting on the theme of reimagining Early Childhood Education, I am reminded that strong family relationships are vital to creating a learning environment where children can thrive. Learning is not a one-size-fits-all process; instead, we must respond to the individual needs of each learner to provide a holistic and effective educational experience. Our goal is to cultivate a deep and lasting love for learning in young children. Let us all embrace the challenge of creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Karen Brown Miller
ACAMIS ECE Conference Planning Committee
Shekou International School

PD Workshops & Peer Learning Communities

Cultivating a Flourishing Community by Claire Peet, PDAcademia

Autumn/Winter PD Workshops

The Power of Peer Learning for Successful Professional Development by Leanne Lavender, PeerSphere

ACE Events

Last April, while attending a ballet performance in Hong Kong, I encountered a young woman who had graduated from an ACAMIS member school over a decade ago. As we introduced ourselves and discussed our respective work, her expression brightened with enthusiasm when I mentioned ACAMIS. She excitedly shared her experience attending a cultural convention, where she had the opportunity to perform in a community band. The joy on her face as she reminisced about that weekend filled with music and friendship was truly uplifting. It served as a poignant reminder of how participation in such events fosters lasting memories that profoundly shape lives.

Many of us would agree that education encompasses more than just academics. Personally, I faced challenges in school. As a young student with a learning disability, I found solace in the music department. The highlight of my day was the fifth-period band session, where I could finally engage in something that brought me a sense of accomplishment and joy. I became a music teacher because music transformed my life, and I firmly believe that every student deserves the opportunity to have a dedicated music teacher. Now, alongside my fellow regional representatives, I am committed to providing teachers across various disciplines with opportunities to deliver high-quality experiences that inspire students like myself.

ACE serves as the branch of ACAMIS that organizes and supports events focused on Academic and Cultural Enrichment. These activities are not simply tasks to complete for a college résumé; rather, they provide students with opportunities to engage in the learning process alongside peers from other schools, nations, and backgrounds who share similar passions. ACE is committed to offering students and educators at our member schools the chance to participate in a diverse range of artistic and cultural experiences.

This year, we are excited to present a variety of events in Art, Music, Mathematics, Model United Nations (MUN), and Chess. We hope these activities will contribute to the preparation, experience, and guidance that we, as teachers and administrators, diligently strive to provide each day. Just as music afforded me the opportunity to achieve success, ACE seeks to offer students avenues to explore and engage with their unique passions.

Autumn/Winter ACE Events

Athletics Events

When I moved overseas to embark my journey as an international school educator, I left behind many personal belongings. Among them, stored somewhere in the back of a garden shed, are a few boxes containing trophies that symbolize some of the successes I had playing sports during my teenage years. Perhaps one day, I will unpack them and share stories with my children, likely embellishing my athletic achievements. As I reflect on those moments, I think about my coaches, teammates, and the significant events that shaped each match or season. Playing sports provided me with some of my most cherished memories from my school years.

For many students, participation in sports is a significant highlight, and earning a spot on the roster for an ACAMIS Athletics Tournament is a key goal as younger students advance through the grades. For some student athletes, this represents the pinnacle of their athletic careers, while for others, it serves as a stepping stone toward college or professional sports pathways. Over the years, I have observed that students join sports teams for a variety of motivational reasons. It is essential for sports administrators and coaches to recognize these diverse motivations and create opportunities that enable students to feel they have achieved something meaningful through their involvement.

We all encounter students who are highly competitive and driven solely by the desire to win—those who are passionate about sports and sign up for as many teams as the athletics calendar allows. However, we also have students who are drawn to the friendships they can form with teammates, those seeking balance in their school week, or students who simply wish to maintain physical fitness. Some may not even enjoy sports that much but recognize that participation enhances their university applications by showcasing involvement in athletics and co-curricular activities. During my own high school years, year-round participation in sports was mandatory for all students, something I personally loved as a sports-enthusiastic teenager. While I do not feel the need to compel students to engage in sports, I believe it is crucial for school administrators, teachers, coaches, and parents to emphasize the many benefits that student participation in sports offers.

Whenever I speak with students heading to ACAMIS tournaments, I like to ensure they depart with clear goals that go beyond the results on the court or field. The nature of sports is such that if we measure success solely by trophies and medals, only a few will "win," while most will return home as "losers." In reality, there is so much more to gain from sports, and so much more for our students to "win." I hope that all my student-athletes return from an ACAMIS tournament feeling they have gained something valuable from the experience, even if it is not a shiny object hanging around their neck.

Have they made new friends or learned something new about themselves or the place they visited?
Did they develop leadership skills or the ability to support others when they were feeling down?
Have they returned with greater confidence in their athletic abilities or in their capacity to communicate and motivate others?
Did they have so much fun that they eagerly anticipate the next season or game?
Have they discovered something that brings them joy and that they wish to continue doing after they leave school?

All of these are "wins," and for most of our students, these are arguably more significant than the W-L columns that determine who takes home a trophy. These are wins that can serve our students for many years after the trophies and medals have been packed away into boxes and stored.

Autumn/Winter Athletic Tournaments

Please email operations@acamis.org for any inquiries.