1 September 2020

Dear Parents and Students,

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

On the first day of the school year I shared this verse with students to remind them that throughout the coming academic year it is important they overcome adversity through positivity and with courage. We discussed the fact that, like most challenges in life, COVID-19 requires a supporting and caring network including our teachers, parents, friends, family, and of course, our God. When the challenges we face are difficult and the work we need to do looks daunting, we are so blessed to be able to seek God, knowing help is at hand. After experiencing such difficulties, we are able to see that we grow in maturity and strength after facing adversity.

Regarding the Pooi To campus, we are continuing renovation work around the school including the School History Museum, Gymnasium, Chinese Culture Room, Student Leader Room and the Student Union Room. In addition, internal painting work was completed over the summer. An update from the EDB on 31 August indicates that face to face learning for S1, S5 and S6 will resume from 23 September while the rest of the forms will resume from 29 September. We decide S6 will resume from 16 September to prepare for DSE. It will be an absolute delight to see students return back to school. Our campus has been a dull place without our students. It feels like a very long time, even if it has only been two months and the summer holidays.

In the meantime, we have developed effective remote learning plans. Teachers and students will be connecting through lessons via ZOOM. The half-day learning timetable provides a warm-up period for students, especially our new S1 girls, to adapt to the online teaching pace. Besides, it provides more time for students to regulate self-learning and learn to manage their academic timetable. Our major concerns for this academic year are:

  1. to enhance the development of positive education in order to equip students to overcome challenges.
  2. to enhance self-regulated learning and cultivate an innovative mindset.
  3. to strengthen the sense of responsibility and creativity of students in activities.
  4. to strengthen the professional development of middle managers and spread the culture of caring around school.  
We are aware that the COVID-19 situation makes for an anxious time for many members of our community, especially those who have pre-existing health conditions, financial difficulties or who are not so comfortable with new technology and e-learning. This September, class teachers will provide group meetings for you via ZOOM for guidance and support. Feel free to share your feelings with our teachers. We always keep you in our prayers. Stay positive and stay healthy.

 

Best regards,
Constance Cheung
Principal


“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.“
(Deuteronomy 31:6)