Principal’s office: Joanne Mallary at American School Hong Kong

Since opening in 2016, American School Hong Kong (ASHK) has worked hard to carve out a unique and considered programme to help nurture the modern-day learner. Part of the forward-thinking leadership team is assistant principal Joanne Mallary, an experienced educator who has served school communities across the United States, Germany, South Korea, Italy and Ukraine. We drop by her office to find out more about what she has planned for the school year ahead.

What’s new for ASHK this year?

This year, we are excited to complete our middle school program with the addition of Grade 8 and an expanded middle school specialist team.  We continue to build on our technology program with the MIT App Inventor delivered by our Director of Educational Technology using a specialised curriculum designed by MIT for Esol (formerly known as ESOL – Educational Services Overseas Limited) schools. We are also excited about receiving our WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation, which is one more validation of the strength of our program.

And what is in the pipeline?

Next year, our inaugural grade 9 class will be launched, initiating our high school program, which will prepare our students for the IB DP diploma program. We are excited to continue to see our students thrive in an environment which supports their development of 21st century skills, but, perhaps even more importantly, supports their development of being caring global citizens. With Esol’s recent partnership with the New York teacher and urban farmer Stephen Ritz, we are beginning schoolwide initiatives to use our design and engineering practices to support sustainability within our school environment. This provides real-world applications of our STEAM approach to teaching and learning.

What about ASHK are you most proud of? 

At ASHK, I am most proud of our loving, holistic approach to teaching and learning which supports all of our students as they take risks, innovate and create through hands-on STEAM learning opportunities. I love how our teachers provide learning opportunities that push our students to be their very best, to try new things and work with each other to create solutions. I know that we cannot predict the careers that will be available when our students graduate but we can make sure they are armed with the skills, knowledge, and attitude for success.

What sets your school apart from others?  

As part of a network of Esol’s schools, ASHK students benefit from partnerships that are formed with American leaders in education.  With American professionals, American resources and an American curriculum, our students learn that education is an amazing opportunity to explore individual passions within a loving and supportive environment. 

How does education in Hong Kong vary from other countries you’ve worked in?

Education in Hong Kong is highly valued and very competitive at a level greater than I have experienced in other countries.  This public mindset is very consistent with our high expectations and high standards approach to education.

What do you do when you’re not at work?  

When I am not at work, I love to explore the many diverse neighbourhoods of Hong Kong.

Any favourite spots in HK?

My favourite spot in Hong Kong is sitting outside in Central watching people as they pass by and trying to guess their nationality.  Hong Kong is such an amazing metropolis; it is exciting to hear so many languages being spoken in such a concentrated setting.