"The Gala for the Gardeners of the Chinese Nation" is an annual event for teachers and educators to gather together to share their views on teaching and widen their international perspectives. They come from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. This year, the Gala took place in Hong Kong, from 15^th December 2007 to 18^th December 2007, as one of a series of activities to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the HKSAR. (Pleae Click here to view the Photos)

The event included attending seminars, visiting organizations, museums and schools. It was our privilege to be one of the host schools to receive the "gardeners" on 17^th December 2007. Teachers and students worked very hard to prepare the programme for them to let them see most of our school within the morning session assigned.

The programme started with the presentation of a souvenir by the Principal. Then, the Panel Chairman of the Chinese Department, Mr Soon, delivered the welcoming speech and talked about the teaching of Chinese Language in our school. This was followed by a briefing session conducted by Ms Hung, Panel Chair of Putonghua and Civic and Moral Education. She talked about the history, vision and mission, Putonghua teaching, national education, civic education and the future direction of our school. (Please click here for the Powerpoint Presentation)

The climax of the programme came from the presentation by students. They talked about their national identity and how learning Putonghua benefited them. The school also invited our alumni to join this event. They shared their experience in learning Putonghua and reflected that good mastery of the language helped increase opportunities to further studies and career development.

Our students also mentioned various cultural exchange programmes they had participated in, including the national education course in Beijing and a visit to Dongguan and Nin Nan. They found these tours meaningful and enjoyable as they had helped to widen their horizons and enrich their knowledge of China. The students' sharing session ended with a video showing their two award-winning Putonghua plays (one performed in the HK Cultural Centre and the other one broadcast on the TVB Jade Channel).

Our teachers also had a chance to sit together with the "gardeners" in groups to share one another's experience in teaching. We learned much about teaching and learning in different educational contexts and the discussion stimulated new ideas in teaching. Finally, our teachers, students and alumni had lunch together with the visitors and there were further opportunities for sharing and discussion. The "gardeners" left after lunch to visit a primary school. They were greatly impressed by our students’ achievements in Putonghua and their graceful manners.

The closing ceremony was held on 18 December. Our Principal and Ms Hung were invited to attend. It was an excellent opportunity to catch up with the visiting teachers on their experiences and other news. The visitors put on a performance featuring the unique characteristics of their own regions. Local teachers and principals also participated in the performance to celebrate the event. The ceremony ended in harmony and joy. (Pleae Click here to view the Photos)

This was indeed a big educational event. Our teachers and students learned a great deal from the sharing and exchange. The school would like to thank the EMB for giving us the opportunity to participate in the programme. With the new ideas and initiatives obtained, our teachers will further raise their professionalism and enhance their teaching.