The 4th Educator Forum and the 1st Rugao High-level Effective Teaching Forum between the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong

Miss Leung Mei-yee of LTPSS demonstrated an English lesson in “The 4th Educator Forum and the 1st Rugao High-level Effective Teaching Forum between the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong”

Our English and Literature in English Teacher, Miss Leung Mei-yee, was honored to be invited by the Jiangsu Institute of Educational Science and Rugao Educational Administration to take part in “the 4th Educator Forum and the 1st Rugao High-level Effective Teaching Forum between the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong” held from 3rd December to 5th December in Rugao, Nanjing.

During the conference, Miss Leung demonstrated an English lesson in front of over a hundred of educators, teachers, principals and scholars in the Mainland China. The pedagogical practice of “cooperative learning” and “task-based learning” in the English Language learning and teaching were discussed in the forum.

Title: “Effective Teaching Forum between the Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong”
Venue: Rugao, Jiangsu Province, China; 3 December- 5 December 2009

Background Information about Educator Forum

This is a conference for professionals in the educational field. The theme of this conference was “Effective Teaching”.
Professor LI Shu-ying Sean, Professor of Hong Kong Institute of Education, was the honorary speaker representing Hong Kong to present his research results and he shared his views on “Effective Teaching” with 500 participants from the Mainland China.

Aims

The aims of the conference are:

• to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and good practices
• to increase the links between the educators in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong
• to showcase research results on “activity-based learning”, “lesson study” and “co-operative learning”

Conference Program Rundown

Click here for detail

Plenary Speakers

The first plenary speaker was Dr. Guo Sile, a professor and tutor of doctoral candidates at the Academy of Guangdong Education Science. He is the principal of the Basic Education in South China Normal University. Besides, he is also a part-time professor in Southwest China Normal University. He is an expert who enjoys the special allowance from the State Council, a member in National Office for Education Science Planning group for basic education, the director of National Education Development Strategy Research. The students-based education advocated by him has a great influence in Hong Kong and Macau. Moreover, in recent years, he has focused on the study of students-based education system and related philosophy, curriculum, teaching materials, especially on the theory and practice in promoting quality education and achieving a balanced education.

Another plenary speaker was Professor Shuying Sean Li. He is Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Hong Kong Institute of Education. Besides, he is also the deputy director of the Institution Collaboration and Classroom Learning Research Centre, the Subject Development Director, the World Learning Study Association Managing Director, Curriculum and Institute of Education part-time researcher of University of Alberta, Canada.

Lesson Content

The lesson demonstrated by Miss Leung was an English lesson with a group of S.2 students from the Leading Junior High School of Rugao, Jiangsu Province.
To let teachers from Mainland and Taiwan know more about the updated curriculum development in the English Language, Miss Leung had chosen the theme “Learning English through Language Arts—Poems and Songs” so as to illustrate the latest trend in English Language learning and teaching in Hong Kong. Students were taught how to write acrostic poem. Through watching excerpts of the movie—“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, students’ interests were aroused. Exploring students’ various strands, including creativity, is of essentiality in modern education. Through creative writing, students’ creative minds could be stretched to an extent that we adults may not imagine.
Teachers nowadays are not the ones who impart knowledge to our students. Instead, leading students to acquire vital skills and stimulating students’ interest in learning their second language –English should be the key jobs of English language teachers.

S.2 students from Leading Junior High School of Rugao, Jiangsu Province were very proactive in learning

dinner offered by the organizing body—Rugao Educational Adminstration

A memorable experience for Miss Leung to attend this honorary occasion

Helping Haiti – Love and Care Fund Raising Concert

Students’ Association organized a fund raising concert on 28 January 2010 for raising fund for the people who suffered from the Haiti Earthquake.

Ms. Chan Po Yiu, Mr. Lee Ying Yee, Mr. Dik Wai Yin, Mr. Jerry Leung, Mr. Timmy Hung, Ms. Claire Leung, Ms. Swanie Chung, Ms. Chan Huen Lai, Ms. Juno Tang, Ms. Cally Lau, Ms. Wendy Lau, Ms. Charleen Lai, the Prefect Team and Students’ Association showed their support by performing in the concert.

Altogether, we collected the total donation of HKD25, 793.80. We have transferred the donation to “HKD Wo Foo Foundation Limited” and to transfer to “World Vision, Hong Kong”.

With your love and care has reached the Haiti people's hearts! Thank you once again for all the support!

Prefect Team sang with their heart!

Ms. Chan Huen Lai and her supporters

LTPSS Spanish teacher in Board of Directors of SinoELE Journal and Research Group

Mr. Nicolás Arriaga Agrelo, LTPSS Spanish panel head presents us SinoELE, a journal and a research group specialized in the teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language to Native Speakers of Chinese. He is one of the directors and founding members.

www.sinoele.org ISSN: 2076 5533

SinoELE is an international research group and a biannual publication created by José Miguel Blanco Pena, Alberto Sánchez Griñán and Nicolás Arriaga Agrelo (LTPSS). Its main goal is to promote the studies about the teaching (and learning) of Spanish as a Foreign Language to Chinese native speakers.
The work of SinoELE is to advance in the following directions:
a) research projects proposed, and carried out by SinoELE group members;

b) a thorough collection of original, adapted or already published papers, dissertations and didactic materials meant to address the needs of the teachers and learners of Spanish as a foreign language in the Chinese-speaking contexts; and

c) through an academic journal, published online and open to collaborations from all the teaching professionals in the community in the form of articles, book reviews, and other materials related to the teaching and learning of Spanish in the already mentioned cases.

Presentation of the Issue one of SinoELE Journal.

The teachers of Spanish as a foreign language (ELE) working with Chinese speaking students often perceive the need of a common space to share experiences, solve doubts and find solutions to difficulties that are specific to students and teachers with our particular backgrounds. As experience tells us, the teaching and the learning Spanish in the context where we work actually share many common features with other contexts, but they also present some special characteristics that require special treatment.
Fortunately, and considering the huge distance we aim to cover when we refer to the native speaker of Chinese, there have been virtual spaces for communication among specialists where issues related to the teaching of Spanish as a foreign language to Chinese speaking learners are occasionally debated. Forums such as “ELE-Asia-Pacifico” (coordinated also by LTPSS teacher Nicolas Arriaga Agrelo, at Red-Iris Spanish Academic & Research Network) or “E/LE Oriental” at “Todoele” are good examples of the most successful ones.

Most of the existing research publications of Spanish as a Foreign Language are of a more general character. This, no question of its value, also poses a double disadvantage to us: On the one hand, not all that is published appears useful, applicable or attractive; and, on the other hand, what it can actually work for us gets unmapped a little island in the middle of the increasingly widening ocean of language methodology literature. On the other hand, there are a striking number of publications by our colleagues in the field of English for Chinese learners, since long time ago. As far as we are aware of, there is no equivalent for Spanish neither on print or online.

These are some of the reasons why we have created a publication that can link theoretical reflections and teaching practices of professionals in the field, that are directly related with the Chinese speaking learner. Not less importantly, we believe that the appearance of such a vehicle will eventually stimulate new research in the area.

SinoELE becomes then the first publication of Spanish Applied Linguistics and teaching methodology accounting for the specificities of the Chinese learner and the Chinese contexts.

SinoELE, thus, is born with the support of a competent team of teachers and researchers to fill in a gap in the area of Spanish as a Foreign Language, and in this first issue we would like to present it with the hope but also the certainty that we are offering a serious, interesting, useful and necessary reference in our field.

LTPSS teacher in the scientific committee of an international conference

LAW TING PONG SECONDARY SCHOOL proudly participated in the First Conference of Spanish as a Foreign Language in the Asia-Pacific Region (CELEAP) last November 20-22, 2009 in Manila. (link http://www.celeap.com/inner.php?pid=9&sid=9) jointly organized by the Instituto Cervantes and the Embassy of Spain in Manila. Mr. Nicolás Arriaga Agrelo, Head of the Spanish Panel Head of LTPSS, represented our school as as a member of the Scientific Committee of the Conference, and also served as Panel Chair in the round table “The curriculum of Spanish as a Foreign Language in the Asia-Pacific Region” on Sunday 22 November 2009, 17:30-18:30, at the Main Lecture Theatre.

PHOTO 1: LTPSS teacher, Nicolás Arriaga (Hong Kong) with plenary speakers Prof. Max Cortés from Tainan University of Technology University (Taiwan), Prof. Dong Yansheng from Beijing Foreign Studies University (China), and speakers Prof. David Pei and Prof. Mau-Tsun Chang, from Tamkang University (Taiwan).

A. Background Information about CE/LEAP conference
This is the first conference for teaching and research professionals in the field of Spanish Language Language Teaching (E/LE, Español como Lengua Extranjera) in the geographic area of the Asia-Pacific region. A total of 41 speakers, from all over the Asia-Pacific region, presented papers and participated in workshops, including four plenary speakers from Australia, Beijing, Taiwan and Spain.
This biannual conference aims at becoming a reference for the research in the teaching and learning of Spanish in the Asia-Pacific region with its epicenter in Manila (Filipinas), for historical reasons (Filipinas is the only Hispanic nation in Asia, with a Spanish colonial past until 1898). It is supported with the active participation of a broad range of institutions involved in Spanish Language Teaching in the area, among them, LTPSS.

B. Aims
Our goal is to create the framework for the diffusion and promotion of the Spanish language on an international level—focusing on the curriculum of Spanish as a Foreign Language—which will serve as a forum and meeting point for the different professionals involved in the teaching of the language in Asia Pacific. The CE/LEAP revolves around the curriculum of Spanish as a Foreign Language in the Asia Pacific region and its objectives were the following:
• Review the status and condition of the curriculum of the Spanish as a Foreign Language Program in this region;
• disseminate the most recent studies and researches on Spanish as a Foreign Language;
• exchange didactic experiences on the matter;
• promulgate information about new publications and materials; and
• encourage and support other activities related to the development of the Spanish language as a means of communication and professional development.

The Scientific Comittee of the Conference, having representation of LTPSS, collaborated and participated in this endeavour giving scientific rigor to this initiative was in charge of the following tasks:
• Propose and select the speakers for the plenary sessions;
• review and decide on the proposals (presentations, communications/publications, and workshops);
• dissemination of news related to CE/LEAP within the academic community;
• presentation of the speakers;
• preparation of the minutes of the congress; and
• protocol duties.

All the collaborating institutions were included in the press kits and advertisements of the Conference.

PHOTO 2: A group photo of the participants in the conference and the organizing committee

With the support and participation of: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain, Australia; Spanish Education Office in Australia, Spanish Education Office in China, Kyoto Foreign Studies Univeristy (Japan), The University of Hong Kong, Las Lilas School (Singapore); University of Philipinnes-Diliman, Taiwan National University; La Trobe University (Australia); University of Korea, University of Cantenbury (New Zealand); University of Tenri (Japan); University of Malaya; Wenzao Ursuline College, University of Aukland (New Zealand); Law Ting Pong Secondary School (LTPSS), Hong Kong.

The Incorporated Management Committee of Law Ting Pong Secondary School today (16th December 2009) had approved the appointment of Ms Tam Suk Yin, Lancy as the new Principal, effective 1st January 2010.

The IMC started the recruitment procedures in September and has met a number of potential candidates. After careful deliberation and consideration, the Principal Selection Committee recommended Ms Tam as the candidate for appointment as the Principal.

Ms Tam is holding a BA degree (HKU) in English Literature, a Master degree in Education Administration & Management (HKU), a Certificate in Education (HKU) and a Certificate for Principal-ship from EDB.

Ms Tam has rich experience in education, 19 years teaching in secondary schools with 15 years holding the position of English Panel Chairman and 5 years as Deputy Principal. She was also the Acting Principal in another secondary school in 2006-07. After that, she served 2 years as a Teacher Development Consultant and English Project manager at Hong Kong Institute of Education helping with local schools in the area of English Language teaching.

Ms Tam joined the school as the Deputy Principal in September 2008 and has assumed the office of Acting Principal since August 2009.

Ms Tam has demonstrated herself a good leader who can inspire and lead the staff and students. Her appointment to the School head has the approval of the sponsoring body and the full support of all staff, teaching and non-teaching.

Responding to her appointment, Ms Tam said, 'I would like to thank the IMC of LTPSS for appointing me to be the next Principal of the school. I very much look forward to working with my colleagues to cultivate a happy and caring campus for my students. I hope all the students could graduate from the school not only with added value in academic performance but more on character and value build up. I will do my utmost in serving the school, to nourish informed, sensitive, and responsible members for society –stars for the 21st Century.'

Briefing Sessions (Students) for the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po District

Two briefing sessions (Students) for the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po District were held in our school on 29th Oct 2009 (Thur). The Under Secretary for Education, Mr. Kenneth Chen; the Principal Education Officer (Kowloon), Mr. Edwin Tsui and their colleagues were there to have a sharing with our students.

The Under Secretary for Education, Mr. Kenneth Chen attend the briefing session of our school

Our Acting Principal, Ms Tam, introducing speakers of the briefing session	Students expressing their opinion and asking questions about the Trial Scheme

Students expressing their opinion and asking questions about the Trial Scheme

The Under Secretary for Education, Mr. Kenneth Chen answering queries from students	Our Supervisor, Mrs. Chan doing summary of the briefing session

Group photo of The Under Secretary for Education, Mr. Kenneth Chen; the Principal Education Officer (Kowloon), Mr. Edwin Tsui, our Supervisor, Mrs. Chan; our Acting Principal, Ms Tam and other speakers

The Under Secretary for Education, Mr. Kenneth Chen and guests visiting our school library

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Briefing Sessions (Parents) for the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po District

A briefing sessions (Parents) for the Trial Scheme on School Drug Testing in Tai Po District was held in our school on 13th Nov 2009 (Fri).

Replies to Parents' enquiries by School Drug Testing Team

關於為何由大埔區開始問題
問題：為何選擇大埔區試行？是否此區比較多毒品問題？
問題：大埔區校園吸毒問題是比其他區有更大問題？

回答上述問題：大埔區的中學被邀請參與是次計劃，絕對不代表大埔區的青少年吸毒問題較其他地區嚴重。大埔區的校長率先支持校園驗毒試行計劃。而區內已有一個為青少年吸毒者提供支援服務的跨界別網路，當中包括社工、醫生、及公立醫院內的專科門診。


關於後果及跟進問題
問題：請問假如學生與家長都不簽署同意書，是否需要見社工？
問題：If both parents and student do not join the project, will there be any follow-up actions for that student?

回答上述問題：參加本計劃純屬自願，若學生及家長不參與計劃，他們不需要見社工，也不會帶來任何負面的後果。任何家長／監護人及學生沒有在二○○九年十一月三十日或之前交回參與同意書，仍歡迎在二○○九至一○學年內隨時參加本計劃。


問題：學生不參加驗毒會否被老師和校長懷疑？

回答：參加本計劃純屬自願，不參加驗毒不會被老師和校長懷疑。


問題：如果發現某一學生有吸毒情況，會否替該學生的所有同班同學一起驗毒呢？

回答：不會。每月，校外專責隊伍會從每間學校隨機抽選約5% 的參與學生進行驗毒。一般來說，校外專責隊伍每月到訪每間學校兩次，隨機抽選約32至40名學生(以800名參與學生為例)進行驗毒。


關於成效問題
問題：既然此計劃良好，為何有社工及老師反對？是否支援真的不足？

回答：我們尊重各老師及社工對校園驗毒計劃的意見。在支援服務方面，當局會在下列支援服務範疇投入額外資源：
．成立一支校外專責隊伍，負責進行驗毒、接收測試結果、以及即場為測試結果呈陽性的學生提供輔導服務；
．加強現時服務大埔區及北區的濫用精神藥物者輔導中心的個案管理及輔導服務 (對象包括學生及家長 / 監護人)，並統籌校園驗毒試行計劃，安排由醫生提供的醫療支援，處理由本計劃發現並經證實的吸毒個案；
．向大埔區接受政府資助提供學校社工服務的非政府機構增撥資源，處理本計劃找到的吸毒個案 (包括適時及有效地向參與的學生及家長 / 監護人提供輔導及支援服務)；及
．向參與計劃的學校提供行政及物流支援。
本計劃的其中一個目的是為受毒品困擾的學生提供專業支援服務，當局會確保有充足的資源，應付學生的需要。


問題：如果學生有吸毒而抽不中，這個計劃有用嗎？
問題：對於那些不自願參加的學生(而可能是已有毒癮/吸毒的學生)，你們又有甚麼支援他們呢？似乎好無奈，此計劃是否治標不治本？
問題：當大部份有吸毒的學生不願參與驗毒，整個計劃有何意義？

回答上述問題：校園驗毒試行計劃的目的是鞏固沒有吸食毒品的學生繼續遠離毒品的決心，從而預防毒品在校園蔓延，以及向受毒品問題困擾的學生提供尋求協助的契機，並提供專業的支援服務。
本試行計劃並不旨在找出有吸食毒品的學生。故此，計劃以找出多少個受毒品問題困擾的學生將不會是評估本計劃的單一指標。


關於私隱問題
問題：學校如何確保學生之驗毒資料只有校長及老師知道？

回答：根據本計劃取得的個人資料，受《個人資料(私隱)條例》(香港法例第486章)保障。呈報機構和藥物濫用資料中央檔案室備存的機密資料紀錄，也受《危險藥物條例》第VIIA部(第49A至49I條)保障。相關人士必須熟悉該等條文，並嚴格遵守條文規定。
所有資料使用者必須訂立和持續採取適當的保安措施，保障個人資料。此外，也須制訂關乎個人資料的政策和做法，確保只有獲授權人士才可查閱有關的個人資料。個人資料，特別是驗毒紀錄和校訪報告，一律保密，並要採取一切切實可行的措施，避免產生任何標籤效應。
可查閱該等資料或可得知關乎驗毒的機密資料的員工，例如陪同學生前往進行快速測試地點的人員，必須簽署承諾書，承諾把資料保密。經互聯網傳送個人資料必須確保安全。使用流動裝置儲存有關的個人資料必須受到規限和加密。


其他問題
問題：學生本人有病，需要長期服藥，可否預早通知檢毒人員？

回答：校外專責隊伍包括一名護士，他/她會於測試當日與社工一同到校，進行驗毒工作。護士會先了解學生的身體狀況(包括有否長期服藥，及過去兩星期的身體狀況)，並評估學生是否適合進行毒品測試。

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