Here - English Schools Foundation

C
M
Y
M
MY
Y
MY
K
ALUMNI
English Schools Foundation
NEWS
JJune
une
u
ne
n
e 2012
20
012
1
A veteran member of staff tells us
why developing alumni relations
is worth the time and effort
Three young teachers recall
their days as ESF students
Foreword
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
Welcome to the last issue of ESF Alumni News in this school year.
As a vibrant community, ESF values the importance of staying connected with former staff and
students and keeping them informed of what’s happening in the schools they attended. Being
the Human Resources Director, I am honoured to have a team of professional staff who find
inspiration from each other, motivate our students, and broaden their minds to different social
values and cultures.
This issue gives us an opportunity to express our gratitude to a former member of staff and
several of our enthusiastic teachers. They looked back at where they came from and relived the
memories. We have extended ESF’s global reach by having Chris Forse, former Deputy Principal
of Island School and previous Head of Parent and Student Services who worked at ESF for 33
years and is now residing in UK, to tell you how his relationship with the school and organisation
will last a lifetime.
On top of that, three current teachers, Amy Lee, English teacher at West Island School; Damian
Trimingham, PE teacher at Discovery College; and Sally Beveridge, Secondary Class Teacher and
Art Co-ordinator at Jockey Club Sarah Roe School, who attended different ESF schools proving
that their education has prepared themselves for today’s rewarding career.
Here I would like to thank the above interviewees for taking time to share with us their stories.
The school year of 2011-2 has been immensely fruitful. As the holiday is approaching, I wish you
all a wonderful and fulfilling summer.
Charles Caldwell
Human Resources Director
English Schools Foundation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
P. 01 ....... Foreword
P. 03 ....... Happy Days
Chris Forse
P. 08 ....... Learning From Literature
Amy Lee, West Island School
P. 10 ....... A Life in Play
Damian Trimingham, King George V School
P. 12 ....... This is a Dream Job
Sally Beveridge, South Island School
P. 16 ....... What’s Happening
The ESF Alumni News is a quarterly magazine
published by:
English Schools Foundation
25/F 1063 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
We welcome your comments and enquiries
regarding alumni matters and development.
The magazine is distributed through schools to
alumni. The electronic version can be obtained
from the ESF website:
Judy Yue, Development Manager
English Schools Foundation
Tel:
2574 2351
Email: alumni@esfcentre.edu.hk
www.esf.edu.hk/alumni
All correspondence should be directed to:
Disclaimer:
The English Schools Foundation (“ESF”) is the owner
of the copyright of all content of this publication.
Distributing, modifying, copying or using any content of
this publication in any manner for public or commercial
purposes without written permission from ESF is strictly
prohibited.
Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily
represent those of English Schools Foundation or
individual ESF schools.
Printed on recycled paper.
1
Capture your timeless
P
f
o
s
o
t
o
h
!
e
f
i
l
r
you
Use our “PhotoBook” magic programme to create a unique album
with your favourite photos. Simply upload your photos into the
templates provided and the programme will guide you through all the
steps. What a great way to retain your memories!
The PhotoBook is professionally printed and mounted with a linen cover.
This elegant and unique PhotoBook will definitely delight family folks and
friends now and then!
Certificate No.: CC 3163
www.photobookasia.com
email gpinfo@gpp.com.hk
2011/12
13/F, Block A, Tung Chong Factory Building, 653-655 King's Road, H.K.
Tel: (852) 2561 1924
Fax: (852) 2811 0946
Happy Days
Chris Forse
A
fter a long and
Head of Parent and Student Services 2006-7
Acting Assistant Chief Executive ESF from 2004 to 2005 secondment
Teaching Whitcliffe Mount School, West Yorkshire, 1971-74
Island School, 1974-2006
Graduated from East Ham Grammar School, London in 1966. Attended Leeds University
(majoring in History and Economics) from 1967 to 70 and obtained a Postgraduate Certificate
in Education 1971.
successful career in
Hong Kong, Chris Forse and
“We live in the countryside near
his wife Melanie returned
Stratford upon Avon, only an hour or
to the UK in 2007. Here he
so from London and three miles from
tells us about the high points
of a long career, ESF alumni
the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The
pull of family commitments was a
significant factor in deciding to return
networks and his unfulfilled
to the UK after 33 years. I wanted to
dream of being a train driver.
see my parents through their latter
“I taught in teachers’
paradise. The students,
parents and
conditions - it was a
dream.”
years. And I’ve become a grandfather
as well.”
3
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
Chris and Melanie have three children
“I have a treasure trove of memories.
who all attended Glenealy and then
There were so many wonderful
Island School. After graduating from
student achievements and successes,
university in the UK, two have returned
sporting triumphs and unforgettable
to live in Hong Kong. “They just love
adventures. In 1999, a group of us
the city they grew up in.”
followed the route of Chairman Mao’s
long march for a month. In 2001 I led
levels are amazing. If your washing
machine breaks down, someone comes
within three hours. I miss the cando dynamism. Things get done. You
return after a year away to find that
the Tamar project has been completed,
another bridge has been built and a
new railway line has opened.”
Having spent a third of a century
an alumni expedition from Kathmandu
in Hong Kong, it’s no surprise that
to Lhasa through Everest Base Camp.
the former history teacher has many
It’s just as well that teachers and kids
fond memories. “I taught in teachers’
have long holidays!”
A New Challenge
conditions - it was a dream. I’m
An aspect of his time with ESF that
In 2004, Chris was seconded to ESF
regularly in touch with ex-colleagues
Chris derives much pride from is the
Centre as acting Assistant Chief
and students and I’ve been back once
transformation from a colonial system
Executive and subsequently as Head
a year since I retired.”
to one that serves mainly local people.
of Parent and Student Services. This
“When I arrived, 70 percent of the
presented a new set of challenges after
students were British expatriate. They
years at the chalk-face and as a Deputy
were divorced from the city around
Principal.
paradise. The students, parents and
“ESF provides an
English medium,
western style of
education taught
by native English
speakers, a unique
combination so
important for
keeping Hong Kong
competitive”
them. I dedicated the latter part
of my career to supporting ESF in
becoming embedded within the local
school system and therefore worthy of
government investment. ESF provides
an English medium, western style of
“During my last four years with ESF
I missed the daily contact with the
students. Nevertheless I gained a lot of
respect for ESF Centre when I worked
there.”
education taught by native English
speakers, a unique combination so
important for keeping Hong Kong
competitive.”
Chris misses the efficiency and userfriendliness of Hong Kong. “Service
It was during his time at Stubbs Road
that Chris became involved in the
development and implementation of
an ESF alumni database. “The alumni
websites came on line just as social
networking sites such as Facebook
Memory Lane
If he could turn back the clock to
1974 and start his career again,
there is little that Chris would do
differently. “I felt so fortunate to be
where I was. Inevitably there were
a few disappointments, regrets and
frustrations over the years. But would
I trade it? No. I really don’t believe I
could have found a more enriching
place for me.”
Asking Chris to select a cherished ESF
memory from his long career has him
mentally rewinding through a huge
back catalogue of lessons, assemblies,
concerts, school camps and overseas
trips.
4
With Reverend Geoffrey Speak (middle), the first Principal of IS and founder of ESF, and
David James the Principal. Chris (left) was the Deputy Principal at IS.
“I am in daily contact
with former students
and colleagues”
“Connecting alumni
databases with social
networks has seen
exponential growth”
5
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
appeared, providing schools and
Sharing Knowledge
and wide but Chris doesn’t see this
alumni associations with limitless
opportunities to network with former
students.
I am in daily contact with former
students and colleagues”. The
Island School alumni pages on
Facebook are a hive of activity with
members leapfrogging onto the
latest developments like Schoolfeed.
“Connecting alumni databases with
Chris believes in the principle of alumni
giving back to their schools and feels
as a handicap to knowledge sharing.
that there are plenty of ways they can
you should ever underestimate the
offer support. “The expertise that’s out
there can be very useful to the schools.
There are doctors, lawyers (and train
drivers) who could be helping current
students follow their dreams, and
contributing their expertise to school
redevelopment plans.”
power of networks.” Proving his point,
“We’re a global village. I don’t think
Chris has over 500 Facebook friends
and estimates that 90 percent are
former colleagues and students.
“The Island School alumni community
is thriving. They’re a tremendously
loyal and tightly knit group. Reunions
social networks has seen exponential
growth”, he says.
Former ESF students have spread far
He also acknowledges that there
are a global phenomenon. There’s
are likely to be alumni prepared to
one planned in Bali in 2013. I’ve told
Island School boasts an impressive roll
offer financial support to their alma
the organisers that if they reach 150
call of renowned alumni that includes
mater; therefore, having a fundraising
participants I will attend.”
local politician Christine Loh, comedian
strategy through building networks is
Harry Hill, actresses Nina Wadia and
important for ESF schools nowadays.
If the level of activity on the alumni
Alice Patten and Oscar-nominated
“I am sure there are former students
Facebook pages is anything to go by,
director Anand Tucker. However, the
who would love to see their name on a
Chris might need to pay a visit to his
former student that Chris is most
classroom or experimental theatre, or a
local travel agents before long.
envious of is Frank McLeod from KGV.
scholarship fund.”
“He’s a train driver, a childhood dream
of mine!”
“We’re a global
village. I don’t think
you should ever
underestimate the
power of networks.”
Chris Patten gave a book
signing at IS in 1998
Senior Management Team
in 1999
Chris in the school fair
Chris (right) broke his leg in his first term
at IS in Nov 1974
Hippy Forse with Gillian
Spearing
Alumni reunion
Source:”No Ordinary
School”by Chris Forse
(Foreword by Lord Patten).
Copies available at Island
School. Proceeds to the
Island School Trust Fund.
6
With students in Year 13 Barn
Dance 1999
1978 class photo
West Island School
20th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Happy Birthday, West Island School - you have
come a long way! Here’s to the next twenty years!
In 1991, West Island School first opened its doors with 70 students and
6 staff members in temporary accommodation at the old British Military
Hospital on Borrett Road. 20 years later, how things have changed! We
have 1200 students, 100 teaching staff and 60 support staff housed in our
award winning building in Pokfulam.
This year has seen us celebrate our special Anniversary in many ways: our
Gala Concert at the Academy for the
Performing Arts; our school production
of “Blood Wedding”; our 20 year celebration Assembly; our 20th Anniversary
Fair complete with birthday cake and rendition of “Happy Birthday” and the
opening of The Arena, containing our new gymnasium and dance studio.
The final event in our 20th Anniversary Calendar will be the West Island
School Gala Celebration on June 23rd at the Verandah, Repulse Bay. We look
forward to welcoming many West Island alumni, students and staff, to what
promises to be a memorable evening. See you all there!
Come and mark our 20th Anniversary at our Gala Celebration for Alumni and Staff.
Venue: The Verandah, Repulse Bay
Date: Saturday, 23rd June at 7:00pm
Dress: Black Tie
For more information about this event, please contact fleur.murdoch@wis.edu.hk
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
Learning From Literature
Amy Lee
It is quite possible
— overwhelmingly
probable, one might
guess — that we will
always learn more
about human life
and personality from
novels than from
scientific psychology.
- Noam Chomsky
English teacher at West Island School
Attended Beacon Hill school and Quarry Bay School.
Graduated from West Island School in 2002.
Obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature, with a minor in Criminal Justice and
then a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at The University of Hong Kong.
L
iterature lover Amy Lee
was just three years old. In Primary 5,
was a student at West
after attending Beacon Hill school and
Island School (WIS), and
Quarry Bay School, Amy lived with a
family in Dongguan in mainland China
she now teaches English
for six months, to learn Putonghua.
there. “I became an English
“That experience taught me to be very
teacher because I felt that
I had learnt a lot about the
curious, confident and adventurous.”
She then moved from Discovery Bay
International School to WIS.
human psyche through the
array of well-developed and
interesting characters in the
world of literature,” she said.
Amy’s favourite subjects at WIS were
English, Drama and Media Studies.
Teachers who inspired her included
Roger Stanley, her first form tutor and
Art teacher; A-Level Drama teacher
Art lesson at a local kindergarten
8
Amy’s father is Chinese and her mother
Julie Hannaford, and GCSE French
is Polish – they met and married in
teacher Madame Onsiong. “I always
the UK, Amy was born there, and the
admired their passion for the subjects
family moved to Hong Kong when she
they taught, and especially for their
strong sense of leadership and their
instead to become a teacher. “I’d
compassion for their students. When
been taught by an incredible professor
I was a student at WIS, the teachers
of literature, Maureen Sabine, and I
seemed to have more time for each
wanted to inspire students to find the
of the students because it was a
same passion for English that she had
much smaller school; they knew every
inspired in me.” So she did a one-year
student by name very well, and it
Post-graduate Diploma in Education at
was more of a mentoring, pastoral
HKU.
relationship.”
During that year, she had the
Being from a mixed-race background
opportunity to return to ESF to do
was a challenge at times, however.
her teaching practice, so at the
“My dad’s values were different to
age of 21 she was practising her
my mum’s, and he was much more
teaching skills on 18-year-olds at
disciplined with me, so choosing
Island School first then South Island
subjects was a massive issue. He wasn’t
so open-minded
School. Then it came to the task of
Amy (left) at the
WIS graduation in
2002
applying for jobs. As a local person,
about some of the
Amy showed her commitment to
newer subjects, but
staying in Hong Kong, and continued
came round to it in
her professional education by taking
the end.”
courses in teaching the International
Baccalaureate Diploma. “I got my
After graduating
from WIS, Amy
went to The University of Hong Kong
(HKU). “That’s the university my
dad wanted me to go to, so I went
there to keep him happy.” She did a
Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in
Comparative Literature, with a minor in
Criminal Justice. “It was fascinating to
read about homicides and reconstruct
cases,” she said.
job at age 23 and have been at West
Island School ever since – this is my
fifth year.”
With her students, Amy tries to
recreate the kind of relationship she
had with her own teachers. She is
grateful to the school for giving young
teachers an opportunity and a great
head start in this competitive field.
While at university, Amy juggled
with different jobs – mostly within
the entertainment field. She decided
auditioned for a job as a TV presenter
company and was offered a position,
Amy (middle) with her Year 13 class and
Richard Kallagar, ex-WIS drama teacher
but she turned it down. “It would
have involved lots of travel between
Life Lessons
Hong Kong and Singapore, and I felt
that finishing my degree was more
Amy’s advice to current ESF students is
important,” she explained.
to learn about life through literature,
and to apply that. “Literature opens
people’s eyes to the world around
Playing it Forward
them, and helps them establish good
relationships with people because
After finishing her degree, Amy
seriously considered a career in the
criminal justice field, but decided
Outside of work, Amy enjoys travelling
with her husband, Andy. She has been
to Israel and Jordan, and all over Asia
and Europe, but her favourite place is
Egypt. Not surprisingly, she also enjoys
reading. “I love to go to a bookstore,
pick a book and sit on the floor. Is
there maybe anything else that could
be better than this?
She also enjoys keeping in touch with
friends from her schooldays. “Most
of them live here. In fact one of the
things I love about ESF is that it seems
to nurture a love of Hong Kong in its
students. ESF kids have fond memories
of their schooldays, and they always
want to come back and make a life for
themselves here.”
To do her part for the WIS alumni
community, Amy is organising a 20th
to try to pursue this seriously and
with a big international broadcasting
Amy with her students in a drama lesson
they learn to become much more
understanding individuals,” she
anniversary celebration for WIS alumni
and friends, to be held on Saturday 23
June at The Verandah at The Repulse
Bay, and is reconnecting with all alumni
on Facebook too. Like!
“One of the things I
love about ESF is that
it seems to nurture a
love of Hong Kong in
its students.”
commented.
9
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
A Life in Play
Damian Trimingham
W
hen Damian
Trimingham thinks of
time at King George V School
in the late 1980s, what he
remembers first of all is the
greenery. “There was lots of
grass,” he says. It was a good
thing for Damian, who spent
much of his time playing
football, squash and other
PE Teacher and a House Director at Discovery College
Attended Kowloon Junior School and King George V School.
Obtained a degree in Leisure Management at De Montfort University in Birmingham and
obtained his Graduate Diploma in Primary Education at Edith Cowan University in Perth,
Australia.
He credits his Primary 5 Teacher/School
Football Coach, Ron James, with
giving him the encouragement not
only to play, but also to study. “Being
a boy, you looked up to him as a role
model. He gave me a lot of respect on
the field, so when he taught, I paid
attention to him and focused.”
Discovery College
Now, thirty years later, Damian has
stepped into James’ shoes. The
Damian credits his life in sports to the
games. “It was sport, sport,
39-year-old teaches physical education
support and opportunities he received
sport and nothing else,” he
to primary students at Discovery
as a young ESF student. As a teacher,
College, an “all through” primary
he hopes to share that passion with
and secondary school overlooking the
his students and encourage them
water at Discovery Bay. “It’s come full
to take up a more active lifestyle for
circle,” says Damian on a sunny day,
example, “With the students, you see
as a sea breeze travels through the
the progression from when they can’t
school’s open courtyard. “At school,
swim to when they can, and how
I always looked forward to the PE
happy they are because of that,” he
lessons. I get the same joy out of it
says. “That’s what I love to help them
now.”
do.”
says.
“In a place like Hong
Kong you’ve really
got to make the
effort to be active”
10
Green Memories
and seeing other places, getting away
rooftop pool, which overlooks the
from that student lifestyle, but Hong
mountains of Lantau.
Damian is English, but he spent the
Kong was always at the back of my
first eight years of his life in Jamaica
mind.”
When the school first opened, Damian
and his family were living in Wan Chai.
and Malawi, where his father worked
as a civil engineer. His time in Africa
It was during one of those visits home
Every day, he had to commute more
left a particularly distinct impression.
that he discovered his enthusiasm for
than two hours to Lantau and back. “It
“You had a big garden out front, a big
teaching, after an old friend asked him
just kills you,” he says. Now that they
garden out back, and there were corn
to help coach football. “As soon as I
live in Discovery Bay, they’re just six
fields next to our school. Everything
did that, I knew that’s what I wanted
minutes by foot from school. “That’s
seems bigger when you’re seven, but I
to do,” says Damian.
10 extra hours a week I get to spend
remember the fields were massive.”
with my family,” he says.
When he was eight, Damian’s family
“You get quite into Discovery Bay,”
says Damian. “Before I came here it
seemed like Toy Town, Legoland, the
Truman Show – you always get the
comments from people,” he says.
“Now that I’m here I wouldn’t change
anything.”
moved to Hong Kong and settled in
Kowloon Tong. “I saw kids in brown
and white [Kowloon Junior School]
uniforms and thought maybe I’ll end
up there,” he says. He did. Every day,
he walked about 20 minutes from
his home to his new school before
going to King George V School
(KGV) in his secondary years. When
he wasn’t studying, he spent time at
the Kowloon Cricket Club, where he
The district’s abundance of green
Damian’s four lovely daughters
space and playgrounds were a pleasant
surprise to Damian and his wife. Not
Sharing the Passion
only can their children walk home from
school, they have more opportunities
played squash, football and swam.
Not long after the handover, Damian
to go swimming and play outdoors
It isn’t just sport that Damian
returned to Hong Kong fulltime and
than they did before. “People here are
remembers, however. He fondly recalls
spent 5 years sports coaching. It was
sports mad,” he says.
his KGV geography teacher, Mrs Choi.
during this time that Damian met his
“I struggled at times in geography but
wife, Keiko. She had been working as
we really connected,” he says. “She
a private swim instructor at one of the
helped me a lot.”
venues where he also taught. Keiko
and Damian now have four daughters,
Damian did his GCSE’s and A-Levels
two of whom study at Discovery
at KGV before he went to study
College.
Leisure Management at De Montfort
Australia.
He then started teaching in the
classroom at the Japanese International
School, before eventually joining the
ESF’s Bauhinia School in Lai King, the
predecessor to Discovery College,
which opened in 2008.
After four years in Birmingham,
Discovery College is one of Hong
he spent his summers working at
Kong’s most impressive schools.
campsites in France, returning to Hong
Designed to minimise the use of
Kong for six months during the winter,
air-conditioning, it is covered by a
taking advantage of the airport-related
large ETFE canopy that shelters the
construction boom. “I laid rail for
schoolyard and channels the wind
the Airport Express,” he says. “In the
to ventilate the school’s open space.
summer, it was about getting around
Damian spends parts of the 1st and
University in Birmingham, mainly so he
could get down to games and watch
his favourite football team Aston
Villa play! He later did his Graduate
Diploma in Primary Education in Perth,
That’s not the case in the rest of Hong
Kong, something Damian sees working
to the detriment of kids around
the city. “They tend to get pushed
academically,” he says, and when
they have free time, they stay indoors
instead of playing sports. His message
to parents and kids alike: “In a place
like Hong Kong you’ve really got to
make the effort to be active” as most
people don’t have gardens or open
spaces close by for doing sport.
“With the students,
you see the
progression from
when they can’t swim
to when they can,
and how happy they
are because of that.”
2nd term with his students at the
11
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
This is a Dream Job
Sally Beveridge
Art co-coordinator and Secondary class teacher at Jockey Club Sarah Roe School
Attended Bradbury School and South Island School.
Obtained a degree in Art and Graphic Design at University of Wales followed by a
Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 2005.
An Artistic Family
“I love the work that
I do and I am fully
committed to getting
the best from my
students.”
S
outh Island School (SIS)
alumna Sally Beveridge
has been the art coordinator
and Secondary class teacher
at Jockey Club Sarah Roe
School (JCSRS) teaching
students with special needs.
Since starting at the school
two years ago, she continues
to find her job incredibly
rewarding and fulfilling.
12
“Every day I teach, I am met with new
challenges and different problems
to solve. I love the work that I do
and I am fully committed to getting
the best from my students. When I
see them applying what they have
learnt through my teaching, it is the
best feeling in the world. It gives
me an immense sense of pride and
satisfaction that I am in a position to
support them and help them achieve
their full potential.”
Sally’s parents met and married in the
UK before migrating to Hong Kong
when her father accepted a job offer
from the Hong Kong Government.
Sally was born in Hong Kong and
attended Bradbury Junior School and
SIS.
Sally’s artwork, 1999
Sally’s interest in art is not surprising –
her father is an architect (he designed
the interior of the Hong Kong Cultural
Centre), her younger sister, Gabriele is
a practicing artist working in London
and exhibiting throughout Europe, and
her older sister Jane, is Head of Art at
Dubai College. “Our flat was always
full of paintings, and our parents often
took us to galleries when we were
young. They’ve always encouraged us
to think creatively and they are happy
that we all pursued art professionally.”
Inspired by a Special Person
Sally volunteered at the Learning
Sally and her friend at South Island School
Support Centre at SIS and became
good friends with a special needs
Sally and her two sisters all went to
student named Elaine, helping her
SIS. “Mum jokes that she never saw
with PE lessons, taking her out for art
me when I was at school. I was always
trips, and tutoring her in the library
at the after-school drama club or life
after school. “Just seeing her progress,
drawing classes, or playing sport.
along with simple things like seeing
I was more into the arts – I loved
her smile, made everything that I did
drama, media studies and especially
worthwhile.” Sadly, because of her
art and design. I went on lots of school
illness, Elaine passed away two years
trips too – to Chiang Mai, the Great
ago. Although devastated at the loss
Wall, London, the Edinburgh Fringe
of her friend, Sally is always grateful
Festival.”
that as a result of their friendship, she
“Just seeing her
progress, along with
simple things like
seeing her smile,
made everything that
I did worthwhile.”
Herons Bridge School; a very large
special needs school in Wales. She
then taught secondary-school art at
an International School in Shanghai
for five years before being offered her
current job at JCSRS.
started to become interested in special
She remembers several SIS teachers
needs education.
Seeing their Strengths
who inspired her, “Whilst doing drama
in SIS, I was lucky to have a wonderful
Sally’s days at JCSRS are very
drama teacher called Ms. Rochester,
structured. “The special needs
who encouraged me to write and
classroom must reflect clear and
perform a play at the Edinburgh
structured daily routines,” she says,
Festival in Scotland. It was an amazing
explaining that a typical day includes
experience. I always remember Mrs.
taking register, morning circle, a recap
Booth, my Home Economics teacher
of recent activities, an art class or
– she was truly the kindest, most
a PE lesson, a Maths lesson and an
patient person I had ever met. I aspired
English lesson. Therapist sessions,
to follow her example. I remember
Sally and her student
thinking that, if one day I ever became
a teacher, I would want to teach in
the manner of Mrs. Booth and achieve
results by her methods.”
One of Sally’s memories of her
schooldays at SIS was meeting with
Mr. Campion, the career coordinator,
at the end of her A-Levels. “He made
sure he saw every student to talk about
what they wanted to do. He helped
me to prepare my certificates and
look through university pamphlets. In
meeting with him, he helped to guide
me towards the best path for my
future ambitions. I was really thankful
that ESF set that up.”
such as signing or social skills, are also
integrated into the weekly schedule to
After graduating from SIS, Sally
accepted a place at Cardiff University
in Wales, gaining a degree in art and
graphic design before going on to
do a degree in teaching. “I always
remember showing my university
friends my photo album and having
them comment on how diverse my
school friends were and that they
come from so many different cultural
backgrounds. My university friends said
how special and unique it was to have
had the opportunity to grow and learn
in such an international environment.
I think up until that point, I’d never
really appreciated how lucky I was
to have that type of life experience. It
has had quite a positive impact on who
I am and my global perspectives.”
ensure a well-rounded programme for
the students.
At times, Sally’s work can be
demanding and tiring, but it is always
very gratifying. “Special education
needs teachers have to be dedicated
and they need lots of stamina and
patience. It’s not an easy job but it’s
very worthwhile. My kids surprise
me every day. I don’t see them as
having weaknesses – I always see their
strengths.”
As part of her teaching degree, Sally
JCSRS students played the “classroom rule”
game
did a placement as an art teacher at
Sally and Elaine in sixth form at school
13
What’s Happening
ESFAlumniNEWSÊUÊ6.2012
KING GEORGE V SCHOOL FUND RAISING GALA DINNER
King George V School (KGV) held its second fund raising gala dinner
on 4 May at Holiday Inn Golden Mile. The event was attended by
over 200 guests and raised over $315,000 for the KGV Development
fund. Introduced in 2011, the KGV Development Fund will enable
further improvement to the school to complement the school’s new
Liam Fitzpatrick, Sean Fitzpatrick, Jacqueline
Fitzpatrick, Mrs Fitzpatrick, Derek Hinden
Science and Performing
Arts Blocks, which will
,
be completed in 2013. To
, Reyna Harilela
Mahesh Harilela
nd
na
ra
Hi
ey
irl
, Sh
build on this investment,
Sophia Kao-Lo
KGV will continue to raise
funds to improve its field and foyer, and
to construct a new Learning Resources
Centre and eventually a Sports Hall and
Swimming Pool.
KGV alumni and friends joined to support their alma mater, including Dr Victor
and Julia Fung, Jal and Purvin Shroff, Sean and Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, the Harilela
family and many more. The evening included a cocktail reception with a photo
booth, a five-course meal, lucky draw, live and silent auctions, student musical
performers, and a jazz band with dancing to end the night.
Ste
ella AbrahamHind
n es, David Ch
u
Julia Fu
ng, Kev
in
Enzio v
on Pfeil Lam, Sabrina
La
,V
von Pfe
il and o ictor Fung, Eli m,
zabeth
ther gu
ests
Mr Jal Shroff, Managing Director of Fossil (East)
Ltd.,
Ltd. joined this year’s event as the second recipient
of the Principal’s Outstanding Alumni Award. As
part of the class of 1956, Mr Shroff was the first
pa
and KGV
Jayne Wickins
er Colleen
ag
an
M
s
Busines
e photo
th
at
Melvin pose
booth
Head Boy to serve for two years at the school.
He
He said he was very proud to be a KGV student
and that it was KGV who developed him into
an
the person he is today. Mr Shroff was also very
th
impressed with the future plans for the school
and its development initiative.
The Strategic Development Committee would like to thank our many
sponsors, donors, volunteers, and special guests for making the night a
huge success. If you have any questions about the KGV Dinner Gala or
the Development Fund, please contact Ms Meghan Spillane, Community
Development Manager of KGV (meghan.spillane@kgv.edu.hk).
Carlson Tong and Board Members
16
by Kristina Keung
Musical performance
orn
tav
un
Ch
da
and Karin
(Standing, left to
right) Vinay Viswa
ni, Chris Durbin, Pa
Ryan, Judy Cooper,
m
Roger Nissim, Colle
en Melvin, Sarah
Howling, Meghan
Spillane (seated, lef
t to right) Brian
Hodgson, Judy Yu
e, Payal Shah
mittee of School
le: Chairman of the Com
Guests of the head tab
Award recipient
als
cip
Prin
2
201
ty,
l Var
Council Chairmen Pau
ay, Principal Ed
ESF Heather Du Quesn
Mr Jal Shroff, CEO of
ers
oth
and
la, Alex Chan
Wickins, Mahesh Harile
What’s Happening
KENNEDY SCHOOL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Kennedy School held a series
of events to celebrate their
50th Anniversary. The activities
included Meat Free Monday,
Trading Tuesday, Walk to School
Wednesday, Trashion Thursday and
Fresh Air ‘Fifty’’ Friday. The school
also ran a Marathon event involving
the whole school community.
SOUTH ISLAND SCHOOL INITIATIVES
South Island School (SIS) will renovate
SIS PTA held a Book Fair on 4 May
and convert the school library into a
where old and previously well-loved
21st Century Learning Resources Centre
(LRC) this summer. It will be opened for
library books were sold at bargain
the new school year in autumn 2012.
$14,000 was raised.
prices and a grand total of just over
sent to parents asking for donations
(From left to right) Anne Cano-Shearer,
Debra Perrin and Kate Leung
Meanwhile, SIS and the PTA
Fundraising Committee are very
grateful for the support of donors and
sponsors in helping the project. They
were encouraged by the response after
just two weeks after the letters were
towards the new LRC.
A Night Fest (school fair) will be
held on 30 November. For more
information, please contact
saps@mail.sis.edu.hk.
SHA TIN COLLEGE GRADUATION: TRANSITION FROM STUDENTS TO ALUMNI
Marc Morris, the Principal
The Graduation Ceremony on 22 May
2012 at Sha Tin College is an annual
celebration whose very meaning
was brought to life by an eloquent
and moving speech by Philip Li, an
alumnus. Grateful and appreciative of
what they have gained in past years
as students, large numbers registered
on the spot as members of the Alumni
Association with the intention of
serving the school in the years to
come. All students were encouraged
to stay in touch with their School.
A member of the Alumni Association,
Philip Li, shared his memories of the school
with the audience.
ISLAND SCHOOL GRADUATION
On the afternoon of Friday 25 May Island School held its Graduation Ceremony for
leaving year 13 students. All of them came to the ceremony dressed in formal clothes
with many wearing a graduation gown and cap. The hall was full of parents, friends
and staff members, and was beautifully decked out with flowers.
Chris Binge, the Principal, presented the
diploma to each student
The Senior Heads of House called out the name of each student, who came up to receive their diploma from the Principal.
There were excellent leaving speeches from the four Senior Prefects, and an address from the principal.
Following the ceremony there was a reception with refreshments provided by the PTA, at which parents, teachers and
students mingled, chatted and took lots of photos. All in all it was a wonderful occasion, and a great opportunity to celebrate
the achievements of a remarkable group of young people who have become our alumni.
17