January. 2011

Letter from the EditorAs the new NET (Native English-speaking Teacher) this edition of TKO

Express, is my first time of being the Editor for the TKO Express. In fact, the contributions in this Edition are full of things that are ‘new’ and ‘firsts’ – there are

interviews with all the ‘new’ teachers at TKOGSS, there are poems written by the ‘new’ Form 1 students, there are comments from our students about the ‘new’ English Elective Modules being taught in Form 5 now, as well as in Form 6 next year, and there are a

wealth of writings from the students who went on the Australia Study Tour to a ‘new’ school in Brisbane that had not been visited by us before.

I hope that you enjoy this ‘new’ edition of the TKO Express. From the ‘new’ Editor.

List of ContributorsEditor: Ms Ann Miles Assistant Editor: Ms Tam Kin Fai

Contributors: Ms Choi Lai Yee Yuen Ting Yu 1A Yuen Ting Yu 1ACheng Wing Ki 1E Tsang Wai Hang 1E Yeung Chun Yu 1ECheng Wing Ki 1E Wong Wai Shan, Dora 4D Lam Yeuk Yu, Pansy 4DCheong Miu Kam, Phoebe 4D To Ka Lai 5B Mak Chi Man 5BLeung Chun Wai 5B Lai Kong Ying 5B Man Ka Wa 5CLam Hoi Tung, Raven 5C Chung Wai Kin 5C Hui Yee Yung 5CYau Ting Chun 5D Tsang Chi Lung 5D Chan Hoi Pan 5DLiu Pit Man 5D Yu Man Pok 5D Leung Hoi Ning 7ALam Ying Ying 7B Lee Shuk Yu 7B

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An interview with Mr. Tsang Tin Yu Cheong Miu Kam Phoebe 4D

Lam Yeuk Yu Pansy 4D An interview with Ms Miles

Ms Miles is the only foreign teacher at our school. We are glad that we could have an interview with her which was very interesting.

Ms Miles comes from Sydney, Australia, and has a lot of teaching experience. She has been teaching in Hong Kong for six years. Prior to Hong Kong, she taught in Dubai at an international school for one year and in Singapore for many years. Before leaving Australia to teach in Singapore, she taught on the Gold Coast, Queensland . Although trained as an English and History teacher, Ms Miles confided that she really enjoys teaching English as it is such fun ‘playing’ with this language and seeing the results of what you can ‘build’ with it.

‘Having lived in many countries how do you compare them all?’ Ms Miles enjoys her life in Hong Kong the most, because of all the contrasts and things to do. There are lots of impressive mountains to hike or run over, or just to look at; there are fabulous islands to visit; there are big, wide open spaces to feel free, and there are many lovely old, historical buildings.

Ms Miles also enjoys the Dragon Boat Festival and has competed in that event at Stanley since being in Hong Kong. ‘There are so many different sides to Hong Kong. There is something for everyone to enjoy!’ said Ms Miles.

When Ms Miles was a student at school, she learnt to play the piano. She also played the flute for a few years as

well as the guitar. She played these musical instruments because of her musical family background. Ms Miles reminisced by saying that her mum used to sing a lot at church functions, in concert halls and even had a record made of her singing!!

As for now, Ms Miles loves long-distance running, hiking and reading English books when she is free. Ms Miles loves doing exercise as it is good for physical and mental health. While doing exercise, it helps to clear her mind as well as being surrounded by nature.

Teaching at our school, Ms Miles is delighted to be here as there are great students who have a very positive attitude to learning, are motivated and have a good sense of humor. Also, the school is set in greenery with a mountainous background, so the physical environment is inspirational. She told us that teaching at our school is stimulating and provides many different and interesting challenges.

At last, Ms Miles gave us two maxims’ what goes around, comes around’, which means if you treat others well, hopefully they will treat you in the same way. Another one of her favourites is, ’Everyone has the will to win, but very few have the will to prepare to win’ - if we want to achieve success in any avenue, we must prepare for it well as nothing comes from nothing.

Phoebe: How long have you been teaching, Mr. Tsang? Mr. Tsang: I’ve been teaching for several years. Phoebe: Why did you want to be a teacher? Mr. Tsang: Being a teacher can cultivate teens to have an outstanding ability. Phoebe: Do you like our school? Why or why not? Mr. Tsang: I like our school very much. I like the students at the school. Their uniforms are tidy. They hand in homework

on time. They always respond well in lessons. They are very well- behaved. Phoebe: Besides teaching, what else do you like to do? Mr. Tsang: I love travelling around the world. Visiting different countries gives me a chance to learn more. I can learn

more about the cultures of different countries. Phoebe: Which country do you like to visit the most? Mr. Tsang: I like to visit Japan the most. Phoebe: What is your favourite hobby? Mr. Tsang: I go hiking. The country parks in Hong Kong are quite beautiful. They are good places to hike. Phoebe: I know you are still studying. Can you tell us more about it? Mr. Tsang: Sure. I am studying for my Masters in Mathematics at the

Chinese University of Hong Kong. I have lessons twice a week every Monday and Tuesday at 6:00p.m. - 9:00p.m.

Phoebe: Wow, you are extremely busy! How do you manage your time? Mr. Tsang: I have good time management. I do my work efficiently. Phoebe: Why do you study so hard? Mr. Tsang: Because I want to be a professional teacher. Phoebe: Can you tell us your maxim? Mr. Tsang: Practice makes perfect. Phoebe: Thank you for answering my questions, Mr. Tsang. Bye! Mr. Tsang: Bye, Phoebe!

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Lam Yeuk Yu Pansy 4D

Wong Wai Shan Dora 4DAn Interview with Mr. Wong Chun Hung

Mr. Chan teaches Liberal Studies and Chinese History. Throughout the interview, Mr. Chan shared some of his thoughts and feelings with us. Being a teacher, Mr. Chan said is a meaningful and challenging job. He can help to teach and train the new generation and also help them to get ready for their future. He hopes that his students will make contributions to society when they grow up.

Mr. Chan also told us about his hobbies. Mr. Chan loves reading books, especially books about history. As he is a Chinese History teacher, he has a great interest in learning and reading history. He thinks that reading is a

good way for us to learn more and helps us to improve our reading and writing skills. However, when Mr. Chan feels too pressured or tired, he has a rest to relax instead of continuing his work. This allows him to the be more productive afterwards.

Mr. Chan also expressed some of his feelings about our school and students. He likes our school very much, as the teachers are so kind and the students are generally happy and eager to learn. ‘It may be hard when you seed, but you will be happy after you get the results,’ Mr. Chan told us. It means that we need to be hardworking so that we can achieve our goals.

Dora: Good afternoon, Mr. Chan. I’m glad to have this opportunity to talk to you. What subjects do you teach at this school?

Mr. Chan: I teach Chinese Language and Chinese History. Dora: Oh! History is so interesting and is so relevant

to daily l ives. So, as a new teacher to TKOGSS, do you enjoy teaching here?

Mr. Chan: Yes, I love this school very much. My first teaching school was a band 5 school where students were the bottom 10% in Hong Kong and they were always physically fighting with each other. Their social values were extremely different from ours. Now, I feel I am teaching in heaven at TKOGSS.

Dora: I know being a teacher must put a lot of pressure on you. How do you release pressure?

Mr. Wong: I love Kung fu and I have practised this for ten years. It certainly helps to keep me calm. Did you know that it was invented by a female? It teaches me how to use wisdom to win.

Dora: That’s very interesting. Finally, do you have any maxim for us then?

Mr. Chan: ‘To be strict with oneself and lenient towards others’. This helps you to improve and develop good relationships with others.

Dora: Thank you very much for sharing these ideas with us.

Dora: Good afternoon, Mr. Wong. Firstly, what was your dream when you were young?

Mr. Wong: When I was young, I wanted to be a doctor. Why? I thought that being a doctor would be an inspiring job as you can help people around the world.

Dora: Why did you want to be a teacher later on? Mr. Wong: When I was in secondary school, there were

a lot of good teachers. They taught me a lot of things. Besides the academic work, they taught me how to behave appropriately and were really inspiring for me. This encouraged me to be a teacher.

Dora: You have been teaching at our school for several months. So, do you like our school?

Mr. Wong: Yes, I love this school very much because the students are energetic, the teachers are very professional and the principal is very nice indeed. Also, the facilities in this school help to provide a positive learning environment.

Dora: May I ask you what kinds of books you like to read?

Mr. Wong: I love reading books about psychology and the economy. I really enjoy learning about human psychology, and the economic books talk about

the world’s economic standing. Dora: Which book do you recommend for our

schoolmates to read? Mr. Wong: I recommend ‘The Five People You Meet In

Heaven’ because this book is very touching and has some memorable events in it. You must read it!

Dora: Why did you choose to teach Economics and BAFS (Business, Accounting and Financial Studies.)

Mr. Wong: Economics obviously relates to our daily lives. As for BAFS, it is my belief that everybody is affected by today’s commercial world. Therefore, I want to equip the students with this knowledge to give them an advantage in life.

Dora: Oh! I agree with you as I study BAFS too. Finally, do you have any maxim for us?

Mr. Wong: ‘Work hard, play hard’ is very important as being a student can be stressful. So, you should find your own way to release pressure, such as swimming, running, or listening to music. It is important for students to learn in a positive way and be happy at the same time.

Dora: Okay, thanks.

An Interview with Chan Man Yiu

An Interview with Mr. Chan Kin Hang

Wong Wai Shan Dora 4D

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Trip to Australia

This was a self-financed and school-based study tour organized by the School early in September 2009. Fourteen students (ten form four and four form six students) were selected to be on this seven day Study Tour at St Paul’s School (International), Brisbane, between 13th and 19th July, 2010.

For all fourteen students, this was their first arrival in Australia. They had five ESL (English as a second language) classes, 2 integration lessons at buddies and an Aboriginal art lesson. They applied what they learned in their ESL lessons in the morning to their daytime excursions on the Southbank river cruise, and at the Science Centre, the Zoo, Movie World, Sunday host family days and most definitely their homestay dinner talks.

There is no doubt that this had been a very successful Study Tour providing irreplaceable memories for all involved.

We experienced the life in Australia - the campus , the homestay, the food, the culture, the animals and also the people. All the things were new to me. It was brilliant!

My homestay was also a memorable thing to me. They even had a swimming pool in the backyard!

The Australia Zoo, Movie World and the beach located at Redcliff gave me some of my best memories. There were many animals in the zoo, such as crocodiles, elephants, and tigers. I have never seen such a big zoo!

Playing football and baseball on the beach was so interesting! Then having a ‘barbie’ was fab!!. I ate Australian sausages which were huge!

Study Tour to Brisbane, Australia

An interview with Miss Lee Pui Sheung

Learning at St. Paul’s School

Cheong Miu Kam Phoebe 4D

5B Mak Chi Man

Miss Choi Lai Yee

5B Leung Chun Wai

Phoebe: Hello, Miss Lee! Why did you want to be a PE teacher? Miss Lee: I like sport! Also I think being a teacher is meaningful. Phoebe: How long have you been teaching? Miss Lee: I’ve been teaching for thirteen years. This is my fourteenth year of teaching. Phoebe: What is your favourite sport? Miss Lee: I love playing different kinds of sports. I liked playing volleyball when I was a secondary school student. I love

dancing and boxing now. I like different kinds of sports at different periods. Phoebe: Have you ever felt tired with the sport training? Miss Lee: No, I haven’t. I love playing sports so much that I don't find it tiring or a burden. Phoebe: It seems that playing sports is great for you. Let’s move on to your opinion of our school. What do you like most

about our school? Miss Lee: The learning environment at this school is good. There are a lot of plants and places to relax. Students at our

school are pleasant to teach. I love our school. Phoebe: What do you like to do in your pastime? What are your hobbies? Miss Lee: I like travelling. I travel to different places to have fun. I like listening to music and dancing too. That helps me

to relax. Watching films with friends is also a favourite activity. It is enjoyable! Phoebe: Do you have anything to say to the students at this school? Miss Lee: Yes! I think that if you are determined to do something, you will succeed. You may remind yourselves to never

give up easily. Phoebe: Thank you, Miss Lee. I will remember what you have told us! Thank you for answering my questions. Goodbye,

Miss Lee. Miss Lee: Goodbye!

Feeding a kangaroo

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I was enchanted by Brisbane because of its pleasant weather, breathtaking scenery, and laid-back lifestyle.

From my host family, who were a friendly couple, I learned a lot about Australian culture and traditions.

I had the chance to learn to be independent and enhance my communication skills! Another bonus was that it boosted my confidence in interacting with students from around the world in English. Most importantly, I made many new friends!

I went on the study tour to Brisbane, Australia, with thirteen partners this summer holiday. Many friends asked me “Why do you want to join the trip to Australia?”

I replied, "I want to explore more of the world and improve my English by talking to Australians.”I had a host family in Brisbane, together with Janice. We called our host parents Vic and Sue- they were so friendly

to us! There was another family member, called Jessie. She is a lovely puppy. Also, there were two Thai girls, Mook and Anne, who were on a study tour too.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was at the Zoo there. We saw koalas, kangaroos, crocodiles and elephants. We felt excited because we could feed the kangaroos. They were lazy but lovely. We travelled around the Zoo by shuttle bus. The handsome driver even took a picture with me and hoped that we had a good time at the Zoo!! We watched the Crocodile Show at 2:00pm and I bought many souvenirs. It was such crazy fun!!

On the Sunday, after a quick lunch, we went to a beach with Jessie. The beach was wonderful. There were not many people at the beach because it was autumn in Brisbane but there were a few people fishing. Jessie enjoyed her time at the beach also.

On the last night in Brisbane, St. Paul’s School teachers prepared a farewell party for us. Then we sang 'Today” to end this party. Everyone cried because they didn't want to leave.

I had an unforgettable experience in Brisbane. I will never forget it!I LOVE BRISBANE!

In Australia, I had to speak English, no matter whether I wanted to or not. This helped me a lot in gaining self-confidence in speaking English, as well as paving the way to speak fluent English in future.

Also, this tour broadened my horizons and made me see the future in a wider perspective. It made me realize that the world is much larger than I thought. There are many people and many places in the world; we shouldn’t just limit our future to Hong Kong. There are many opportunities and accomplishments that can be achieved all over the world.

Making friends from around the world

Our Wonderful Trip To Brisbane

Farewell Party at St Paul’s School

5C Man Ka Wa

5C Lam Hoi Tung, Raven

5C Hui Yee Yung

5B To Ka Lai

The Australia Study Tour was totally awesome! I think that’s the best trip I’ve ever had! I‘m glad that I could join this tour, and mostly I thank my parents for letting me mark my footprints there to broaden my horizons!

The school we studied at, St Paul’s, had a huge campus! I loved the green grass and breeze there, however, I still regret that I didn’t roll on the grass. Also the climate compared to Hong Kong was more comfortable. I didn’t feel as if I was breathing!

Whilst so many of the tours and times at school were great fun, to me, life with my host family was the greatest. They took superb care of me. I couldn’t even find a word to describe how I felt. I must tell you that also my home stay was awesome with eight chickens, two birds and a big dog! You just can’t imagine how big the house is! And although I really hate being a morning person, I enjoyed the wonderful sunrise.

St Paul’s School

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Personally, the very best part of the trip was the homestay. So, apart from having to take good care of myself, I also had to get along with a local, English-speaking family. I had to speak English all the time, even at home!

I was naturally nervous…..however, as soon as I saw my host family, I knew all my worries were unnecessary. Mum, Dad, and the identical twins Danielle and Courtney, and the chocolate-brown Labrador Salli, were all wonderful to me.

The lessons were great! We learnt about the culture of Australia, such as the physical environment, slang and colloquialisms, famous people and animals. I thought this was the best part of the trip…

I want to share a funny experience I had at the zoo. We could feed the Kangaroos at the zoo! They are very cute. I put some food on my hand and they would eat it! Kangaroos are much more cute than I ever imagined!

Even at the airport, you could see the difference in lifestyle between Australia and Hong Kong. In the airport toilet, people did not use tissue paper to dry their hands after washing them; they used a ‘towel machine’ instead. You will be amazed by how ‘green’ they are.

Australians are friendly. They are friendly enough to talk to a total stranger or a visitor about themselves for the whole time ( I met one on Citycat).

There is only one word to conclude this trip, and this word would be ‘great’.

I loved the famous Aussie “Gold Coast’ beach where the sea water is very clear. I enjoyed Australia zoo which has many amazing animals, like the red panda,

lizard and dragon, etc. The famous man Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, when he was alive, worked there. Australia’s seafood is popular too. I had a lot of seafood like oysters and prawns.

It was very cheap and delicious.

When I first arrived in Brisbane, I was so delighted. It was because I could totally feel the fresh air ….

After the trip, I think my English and my pronunciation have improved a lot. I got a 'crush' on the Australian accent after I went to Brisbane. Australians speak in a slow way and their pronunciation is so clear. I love it so much.

This was a precious chance to learn about surviving on my own without relying on mum and dad and then living with someone who I didn’t know ….

As well, I learnt better English communication skills on this trip.

Australians are Friendly

(Australian Zoo sign)

Learning to make a boomerang

With my host family

7B Lam Ying Ying

7B Lee Shuk Yu

7A Leung Hoi Ning

5D Yau Ting Chun

5D Yu Man Pok

5D Tsang Chi Lung

5C Chung Wai Kin

With my host family

A lesson in Australia

Before I went to Australia, I learnt some special language about the culture of Australia such as ‘g’day’, ‘you beaudy’, ‘ow’s it goin?’ ‘Ya right mate?’ ‘Dyu wannacuppa?’ …I found this very helpful!

I learnt that studying in Australia is quite ‘free’, as in it doesn’t give as much pressure to the students.

With My Host Family�

As part of the New Senior Secondary English course, our school will offer three Elective Modules, namely Learning English through Short Stories (1st Term in S5), Learning English through Social Issues (2nd Term in S5) and Learning English through Popular Culture (S6). In order to prepare our S5 students for the Electives, we conducted an Induction Programme in the summer holidays. Through the activities and the discussions, the S5 students gained more understanding of the objectives and the content of the Electives. Here are some of their reflections on the Electives.

Discussions on the Electives and Sharing ideas on the Electives

Learning English through Social Issues

Miss Tam Kin Fai

5B Lai Kong Ying

I know that in our daily lives, the issues of popular culture can be found in many places, such as news reports, newspapers, magazines and advertisements. As such, I believe that the new Elective Module, Learning English through Popular Culture, can increase our critical thinking, creative thinking and cultural awareness. I think the issues in popular culture will be interesting because popular culture is something very close to us.

Through studying this new Elective Module, we can become familiar with an array of popular cultural texts covering a range of text-types which will be very useful for us in the coming future, such as reviews, newspapers, photo captions and advertisements. We can also increase our skills in analyz-ing Popular Culture texts to understand the typical features of language and structures. This should effectively boost our English ability in all areas. I look forward to studying this new Elective Module.

Learning English through Short StoriesThrough the Elective Module, Learning English through

Short Stories, we will read stories of different genres and learn more about other cultures. Also, we will learn about the main features of stories, such as plot, character and theme, as well as analyzing the language skills in the stories. This will surely improve our writing skills. We may need to create our own stories too.

I think this elective will be interesting because reading a story is mental food to me, which supports me a lot in my life. Also, I think reading others’ stories is a joyful thing. By reading their stories, I can learn more about different life experiences and beliefs. My writing skills can be improved too. This can also improve my creativity as well as teaching me some new vocabulary. As I usually read books when I have free time, it is exciting that I will be doing this in the new Elective Module.

5D Chan Hoi PanLearning English through Popular Culture

I think Learning English through Social Issues will be the most interesting module of the three Elective Modules that our school is going to offer. I assume that in the course, we will discuss some popular social issues, such as the environment, pollution, dating and family life with my classmates in the English Elective Module lessons. Through these topics, we can learn speaking skills and writing skills. Also, we will learn more about our society as we will need to find the relevant information through different resources.

I think this will be very interesting because it is just like a subject that we have learnt for four years, that is Liberal Studies. However, there is a difference between the English Elective Modules and Liberal Studies. That is we will use English in the English Elective Modules lessons, while we use Chinese in Liberal Studies lessons.

5D Liu Pit Man

New Senior Secondary Elective Modules

Electives

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Poems

ME – Wei Zhen Jian, Felix 1A

MEAs long as I liveI shall always be

Myself --- and no other!Just me

Like a birdFlying in the skyPlaying in the sky

Everyone envies me!

Like a fishDancing in the river

Swimming in the riverEveryone envies me!

Like a monkeyRunning in the forestEating in the forestEveryone envies me!

This is me!A free person

ME – Cheng Wing Ki 1E

MEAs long as I liveI shall always be

Myself --- and no other!Just me

Like a beeWorking hard

Busy all the timeAlways loyal and diligent

But will attack others when in danger

Like a mirrorYou can show the real you

In front of meI will let you know what the truth is

And never lie to you

Like a tree Every day I grow taller

I want to be strongTo resist any storm

To be usefulThat’s me

ME –TSANG WAI HANG 1E

MEAs long as I am on EARTH

I shall always beMyself -- but no other

JUST ME

Like a ‘buzzy’ beeBuzzing all around the world (from one place to another)

Chasing timeJust for a better tomorrow

Like a ‘sheety’ sheetAlways waiting for others to add their experiences.

But, no "free lunch" for meI always need to do things myself, Myself!

Like on ‘abnormal plant’I want to climb up and let everyone know ME!

ME – Yuen Ting Yu 1A

MEAs long as I liveI shall always be

Myself --- and no other!Just me

Like the sun–Staying in the sky

Shining on all peopleAnd I can say, “I am helpful”

Like a shark –The king of the sea

Swimming everywhere I want to beAnd I can say, “I am free”

Like a lion – The king of the ground

Running everywhere on the landNo one frightens me

ME – Yeung Chun Yu 1E

MEAs long as I liveI shall always be

Myself --- and no other!Just me

Like a clown –Who always smiles Who is never angry

He plays some funny tricksHe will make people happy!

Like a tree –That is very tall

Protecting people from the rainIt always stands there and it will not move

But never feels tired

Like a horse –That runs very fastThat has strong legs

Sometimes it may get hurtBut it never gives up

That’s me.

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