9 November 2023

Dear Parents and Students,

After the Uniform Test Week, students received their marked test papers, and although it is tempting look heavily at the scores, I would like to remind you not to make them the focus. This is because the scores may not fully reflect the efforts and abilities of each student. Remember, there is always room for improvement in the preparation process. Continuously thinking about how to "improve the preparation process" is the way to face success or failure with a positive attitude. God is fair, but everyone must grow from their mistakes. The same is true for King David in the Old Testament, and Apostle Paul and Peter in the New Testament. The same is true for current leaders, for me as a principal, and for you. You are never alone; remember that this is just a starting point, not the end.

Even I, as a principal, have experienced a lot of failures when studying in the past. Based on these failures, I have put together some ideas to "improve the learning process" and share them with you. I will first reflect on and review the "preparation process". To start with, I must first accept my current performance. This is the basic requirement to establish a positive reflection. I must ask myself what I find difficult about the “preparation process” and what the obstacles are. Possible reasons include improper learning methods, insufficient preparation, distraction or a lack of understanding. Through in-depth thinking, I can find my shortcomings and identify the areas that need optimization. Moreover, I must be determined to improve.

In addition, I will identify the difficulties and challenges I encounter in my studies. Sometimes it may be that I am not very interested in the subject, and sometimes it may be that I do not have a deep understanding of a certain topic or lack of time management. By identifying problems, I will solve them in a targeted manner to improve learning efficiency. Setting SMART goals for each problem is one way to solve them efficiently. For example, I will set a fixed study time every day to review subjects that I am not interested in so as to avoid reviewing them in rush during the test period. Perhaps I will focus on understanding a topic, maybe I will find the correct learning resources or I might seek help from a tutor. These goals will help me to stay motivated and focused to make a positive progress in my studies.

I also have to reserve time for activities such as gymnastics and high jump training every week, as well as my religious commitments, so that my life can be enriched not only by studying, but also by other activities in order to find a sense of satisfaction in a variety of areas in my life. This can sometimes help to dilute negative emotions that I might direct towards studying. I also learned that it is important to implement my study plan firmly, maintaining discipline and perseverance. This may require overcoming some difficulties and challenges, but I must keep working hard. I often remind myself that change doesn’t happen overnight, but through continued hard work and persistence.

It is also important to seek support during this preparation process. I will share my learning difficulties and challenges with my family, classmates and teachers, listen to their suggestions, encouragement and support, and pray together to God to help me overcome difficulties and keep myself mentally strong. Parents, pay careful attention to your daughter’s feelings and needs, and provide her with recognition and support. This is the greatest love and motivation for your daughter to grow and glow.

Best regards,
Constance Cheung
Principal