Every year, Pao School holds its Founders Day on November 10. This year, right before Founders Day, on the afternoon of November 4, Pao School welcomed a special guest, Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). She was accompanied by Mr Wong Yick-hang, Administrative Assistant to Secretary for Education; Ms. Chan Tsz-ling, Assistant Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government; and Ms. Cindy Wang, Cultural Exchange Manager of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai. On behalf of Pao school, Governor Mr. Andrew Yao, and President Xu Yongchu, warmly received Dr. Choi Yuk-lin and her delegation.
President Xu Yongchu and Middle School Principal Ada Wang
discuss the development of Pao School
Dr. Choi Yuk-lin visiting the Science Lab at the Hongqiao Campus
After a tour of the Hongqiao Campus, President Xu Yongchu offered an introduction to the school's mission and core values, describing the school's explorations into and practice of character education, and its integration within the academic curriculum. Dr. Choi Yuk-lin spoke highly of the school's clear vision, which has been implemented throughout its courses and activities. This has enabled students to achieve whole-person development while inheriting Chinese cultural and educational traditions. Dr. Choi also welcomed Pao School students and teachers to Hong Kong for academic exchanges and cooperative projects.
The theme for this year's Founders Day is ‘Global Citizenship - Chinese Heart.’ Teachers and students from all three campuses discussed the life and values of Mr. YK Pao, in a wide range of events encompassing classroom instructions, extracurricular lectures, and special activities. The goal throughout was to deepen understanding of Mr. YK Pao's unwavering dedication to his motherland, while reflecting upon and reinforcing his enduring spirit.
High School
On November 8, Dr. Nyx, Partner and Senior Vice President of BrainCo, visited the High School campus to share insights on the latest developments on brain-computer interface. During this event, Dr. Nyx provided a comprehensive overview of the history and principles of non-invasive brain-computer interface technology, as well as its application in rehabilitation, health, human-computer interaction, and education. Mr. Zhou, a disabled staff member of BrainCo, demonstrated the capabilities of an intelligent bionic hand by using it to play the piano and to write Chinese characters with a calligraphy brush, which greatly impressed the student audience. Students were given the opportunity to try on the intelligent bionic hand themselves, and experience this cutting-edge technology directly.
“In his life time, Mr. YK Pao established a globally renowned international shipping company with his innovative spirits.” commented Cindy, a Year 11 student. Through the presentation, students are delighted to see new innovations from China, like the intelligent bionic hands, charting the course for the next "100 years of engineering" for mankind, and develop solutions for individuals worldwide.
Middle School
At the Middle School Campus, the Student Government, House and Young Pioneers organised a number of Founders Day activities, including an Anti-Foodwaste Campaign, an On-land Boat Competition, Long Rope Skipping, and a Charity Sale, which all incorporated aspects of the Pao School Core Characteristics.
On-land Boat Competition took inspiration from Mr. YK Pao’s life experience as the internationally renowned "King of the Sea". To participate in the On-land Boat Competition, students go through three steps, from boat design, recyclable materials collection, to the speed racing competition. Through the steps, students develop an appreciation for the core values of "commitment," "innovation," and "curiosity." The fierce competition was also enjoyed by the racers and the spectators alike.
The Anti-Foodwaste Campaign were designed to foster the spirit of ‘using sparingly’ embodied by Mr. YK Pao. Sharpay Cao, Middle School Student Leadership Coordinator, hoped that students use the campaign as a start to eventually take on more responsibility in the school community.
‘Exercise persistently’ was one of Mr. YK Pao's mottoes, and the jumping rope was one of the sports he favored in his daily life. Middle School organized the first Long Rope Skipping Competition. Meanwhile, as a traditional Founders Day celebration at the Primary School, Year 2 practiced rope skipping during their PE lessons.
The Shipping Magnate YK Pao wakes up at 5 o'clock every morning and keeps on swimming and skipping rope
Long Rope Skipping Competition at the Middle School Campus
Primary School students practising rope skipping during a PE class
Primary School
The Primary School arranged a diverse range of activities for all year levels on Founders Day. These were designed to align with the school's curriculum, and to incorporate the values and ethos of Mr. YK Pao. Year 1 students engaged in a biographical video session to gain insights into Mr. YK Pao's life, whereas Year 2 students delved into the book “YK Pao, My Father”, and reflected upon the values portrayed in the text, such as integrity, hard work, thrift, and compassion. Additionally, Year 2 learned the melody and lyrics of the song ‘My Chinese Heart’ during their music class.
Year 2 students learning the song “My Chinese Heart" in the music class
Year 3 teachers ingeniously combined this week's Math lesson on 'Knowing the Kilometre' with the history of Mr. YK Pao’s shipping career. Year 4 and 5 students each enjoyed creating a timeline of Mr. YK Pao’s life story, and a Book Swap based on the principal of ‘Reuse, Reduce, Recycle’.
Year 3 students learning about the Suez Canal in Math class
Year 5 Book Swap Activity
