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English Activities Committee

The English Activities Committee (EAC)
is devoted to creating and facilitating
opportunities for students to use English
outside of the classroom. Learning
another language is not always easy,
but putting in 100% of your effort can
make a big difference, which leads us
to this year’s theme “Grasp the Nettle!”
Let’s see what the EAC Chairladies think
about their experience.

Chloe Cheung 4D
“Let us tenderly and kindly cherish therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write.”
― John Adams
I glance over at my alarm clock, which reads 12:49 a.m. At this time on any regular school day, I would either be staying up to revise for finals
or struggling to complete the heaps of homework my teachers have graciously assigned for the day. But right now, I am typing this on my
laptop at home, on a Sunday night.
As I look back and reflect, my mind wanders to the wonderful things I was challenged to do as a Chairperson of the EAC (English Activities
Committee). I still remember speaking in front of the entire school on Sports Day, my eyes squinting under the strong sunlight, and my hands
trembling in fear of reading off the cue cards. I remember the time during morning announcements, when I had to pinch myself to wake
myself up to make an announcement for the EAC. A silly grin appears on my face whenever I think of my face appearing on screen during the
storytelling in morning assemblies.
Perhaps it was the limited time I had in my second from last year at Pooi To, but the memories this year have become some of the best ones
for me to cherish. In this difficult time, I have learnt to truly understand the importance of teamwork, because without the support from
my friends and teachers, learning on my own would have been very challenging and lonely. It requires much more than perseverance, but
courage, dedication and hope. This is especially true of my experiences in the EAC, as I found that each of my fellow committee members
had their original thoughts and opinions on activity planning. However, in the process we learnt to deal with such differences with great
outcomes, and those are the moments that I truly cherish in the EAC. Furthermore, with the support and guidance from teachers, I enriched
my leadership skills which built a good foundation for me to take up other leading roles in the future. Of course, without all the challenges I
faced, I would not be who I am today.
To say that this year has been challenging would be an understatement. But one thing is for certain: I know this is a year that I never want to
forget.

Coco Li 4B Gemma Wong 4B
When I was small, I once experienced giving an English English has always been my favorite subject. I have joined activities like debate,
speech in front of all my teachers and classmates. The choral speaking, public speaking and the Hong Kong Schools Speech Festival. I
English teacher was trying to push me to the front joined the EAC last year and I am pleased that I have a chance to be one of the
to say something in English, so I decided to have a Chairladies.
try. Time elapsed so slowly, I had to get up on stage To begin with, I have done some presentations on the stage in the morning
to give my speech. The stress and anxiety made me assembly and promoted some English activities. Also, I have been one of the
feel breathless. I was shivering and my brain was MCs on Sports Day. I learnt a lot on that day.
totally blank. That experience inspired me to get more That was my first time being an MC in a big event. We should always be careful
involved in public speaking and try to grasp any speech when we make announcements since even a small mistake could mess up the
based opportunities that come my way. whole thing. We have to make clear announcements so that students know
This year, I came to a resolution to make more of an where they should go and which activities are coming next. Also, we did some
effort. I had to get used to speaking to everyone as prize presentations. It is important to make sure that the ranking is correct
an English Activities Committee Chairlady. Using all of in order to prevent some embarrassing situations. There were also some
my courage to cope with the pressure, I tried my best unexpected moments, like when it suddenly started raining and we had to
to perform as amazingly as I could. Throughout the postpone our itinerary. We had to think on our feet.
year, I have become much more assured in my role From that day, I learnt to stay calm in unexpected situations so that we can think
as a chairlady. I grew up. Being a chairlady wasn’t as of a solution quickly. Besides, it is essential to listen to teachers' instruction
stressful as I thought, it was a source of enjoyment. I and communicate well with others to prevent any misunderstandings. Also,
enjoyed my responsibilities like organising members’ I have learnt to be brave and ask for help, instead of only relying on myself.
duties and also organising activities such as movie Sometimes it is better to ask for others’ opinions so that you can cooperate
appreciation sessions. I also learnt how to cooperate well with your teammates. I have experienced that as an EAC Chairlady, we
and interact with the other two fabulous Chairladies. always support and encourage each other. By listening to everyone's advice,
We all developed skills from speaking English, and we we can make comprehensive decisions and work more efficiently. Teamwork is
have all become English experts since joining the EAC powerful indeed. The EAC links us together and we work smoothly as a unit. It
which enables us to stand out in a crowd. is my pleasure to be one of the Chairladies that helps to promote English, and I
am delighted to have learnt so much from my teachers and classmates.

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