Good morning, teachers and students,

          Our traditional ‘Teachers Week’ is going to start today! All students will be led by the Students’ Association to carry out a series of life-wide learning activities within this week, the purpose of which is “to love our school and respect our teachers”.

          This Wednesday is not only a time for teachers and students to enjoy games together, but it’s also Casual Wear Day. We are responding to the SA’s appeal to raise funds for student welfare and to make a donation to the charity World Vision. It is a meaningful activity because we can help the victims in the snowstorm disaster in our motherland. Other than this, you’ll help clean your classrooms in the afternoon. So, do help one another and make them comfortable places for your own learning.

          I have to show my sincere appreciation to our teachers who have been spending a lot of their free time nurturing our students, especially helping our students solve their problems in their studies beyond class time, and participating in outdoor activities so as to enrich our students’ other learning experiences. So, you should respect your teachers. I respect mine, too, not only for their excellent professional knowledge, but also for their serious attitude towards their work. Usually teachers like telling stories that teach us the values and goals we should pursue in life. My teaching career has been predominantly influenced by my teachers. I met my primary six class teacher at a bus stop in Shaukeiwan Road on a Saturday morning in November. He’s now teaching in a government secondary school and will retire next year. I gave my name card to him and thanked him for his teaching. Though he could not remember me, he left with a happy smile.

          Well, students, have you asked your teachers what they like most and what they least like? Having been a teacher for so many years, perhaps I can share my feelings with you.  I like students who show initiative, especially those who participate actively in class activities, those who are always the ones who come to tell you their ideas when organizing activities. I also like students who try their very best even though they are not always successful. I believe teachers will be very happy and proud of you when, one day, they know your academic or non-academic achievements are better than theirs.

          So, students, in return, you should be serious in your work. You should reflect on your own performance to see if you should correct your behaviour and improve your learning attitude. If you want to show your appreciation to your teachers, don’t hesitate and do send them your thank you cards. If your parents want to do so, do ask them to send the ‘appreciation cards for teachers’ before 9^th May. That’s the end of my speech.

Thank you.