President Xu Yongchu
The new semester has officially begun, with students and teachers back in school and all three campuses embarking on a successful year ahead.
This past summer, we all had the chance to watch the Olympic Games. Although I am not a passionate sports fan, I find profound joy in witnessing the camaraderie in the competitions. Sports competitions provide us with wonderful and unforgettable moments of persistence, love, tears, regret, victory, and peace. We are inspired by the athletes who fell short of victory, yet still believe that as long as one puts in the effort, even if one faces setbacks and disappointments, at least one has no regrets.
We can learn valuable lessons from the young Chinese athletes who showcased their talents, diligence, and perseverance to the world. I hope that every student at Pao School can cultivate independence, responsibility, courage, and adaptability.
As a start to this new school year, I would like to share a quote from our founder, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao: "The most important lesson my father taught me was that you can only achieve success by standing on your own feet. Everything you possess, whether wealth or possessions, can be taken away by wars and earthquakes. Only a good education cannot be stripped away by such calamities."
The school is named after Mr. YK Pao, 包玉刚, the father of our Chairman, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao. These three characters reflect our educational philosophy: “Pao” (包) stands for inclusivity, ensuring education is tailored to each student's needs. “Yue” (玉), meaning jade, symbolises how children, like jade, need careful shaping through knowledge to truly shine. “Kong” (刚) represents strength and resilience, emphasising the importance of a strong yet flexible bond between teachers and students to help them succeed.
The Olympic spirit of ‘faster, higher, stronger’ teaches us that victory is not just about winning but about pushing personal limits and showing resilience. Similarly, for our teachers and students, success involves not only achieving goals but also facing challenges with bravery and persistence. True value is found in dedicated effort. As we begin the new semester, let us all—teachers and students alike—strive to enhance YK Pao School's reputation and showcase the true value of the whole person.
Primary School
In the newsletter to parents, Rosalie Pietsch, Primary School Principal, emphasized, "As a group of staff, we invite you, the Pao School families, to observe how your child is showcasing high hopes and engaging their head, heart, and hands in their learning. Like those of us at school, we know that you take pride in our Pao School students and are ready to provide them positive affirmation."
Middle School
Ada Wang, Middle School Principal, emphasized in her message to the community that the middle school will continue to prioritise students' well-being to create an improved academic environment where every student can enjoy a comprehensive and enriching learning experience.
High School
In the whole-school assembly, James Lyng, High School Principal, reiterated the Founder’s vision and highlighted some of the ways that the school strives to achieve this. This includes how students engage positively in the community and the type of "footprint" they leave on the High School campus.
“The start of a new academic year always brings a sense of energy and anticipation. With new students joining those who are returning, it is our young people who bring a sense of optimism and possibility to all the plans we have been putting in place. And so, regardless of whether this is your first year at Pao School, or you are a well-seasoned member of staff, please know that your contribution is precious and valued. As a school we are greater than the sum of our parts and I wish everyone a productive, fulfilling and enjoyable year!”
—— Iain Kilpatrick
Executive Headmaster
