Aurora - Meraki Student Post #2

Words from The Editor

written by wyatt tai, editor-in-chief

In the end, there is no greater sense of fulfillment than crafting a newsletter while reminiscing on the unpredictable, yet enriching, array of events in this arduous year as your Student Union - Meraki. As the largest school body, we have had the privilege of serving our fellow students by hosting large-scale activities that would not have been possible without your unwavering support for our initiatives and trust in our ability to deliver. On behalf of the cabinet, I express my sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you.

A query was once posed to me regarding what sets Meraki apart. Proudly, I replied, “Nothing compares to the euphoria of witnessing the genuine joy on students’ faces and hearing their expressions of gratitude.” Your exuberance radiates like the vibrant aurora, casting a warm glow across our campus, much like the soft, iridescent waves upon which dreams are carried. We pledged to foster a sense of conviviality within our precinct, and while it is difficult to objectively quantify whether or not we

achieved this goal, I fervently hope that our activities have enriched your school experience and unveiled a playful, entertaining facet of school to you.

As this poignant chapter draws to a close, I am inundated by the subtle intricacies and nuanced emotions that have contributed to the vivid, idiosyncratic memories of this passage. It has indeed been an exultant and unforgettable experience, one that I shall treasure close to heart. However, the past is a mere prologue to a brighter future. Let the campus once again be suffused with euphoria, with embers of hope igniting within and camaraderie amalgamated throughout. With a united spirit, I wish future Cabinets nothing but the utmost success in their endeavors.

Thank you, Meraki.

Meraki, out.

FORGING WITH HEART & SOUL

5E Chan Sumyi Joyce

2F Chan Tin Yan Tanya 2D Clarisse Poon

FIKA Photography Competition

Victoria Harbour is presented as a busting prosperity of traffic in the daytime and a myriad of lights in the evening. The harbour comes to life with a mesmerizing combination of vibrancy and stillness. The sky is a magnificent shade of blue, and the glow of the sun bathes the scene in a warm and inviting light. In the distance, faint flows of pink and yellow add depth and dimension to the horizon, while the highway on the left side of the picture is streaked with a vibrant yellow of moving cars. also conveying a sense of serenity and calmness.

Contrary, in Tanya’s picture, which also focuses on the Victoria Harbour, the focus is on the stationary cargos with a sense of stillness and calmness. The colors in this picture are more muted and subdued, with a faint glow of grey and yellow casting a sullen vibe over the scene, while the clouds hang low in the sky. The picture captures the image of a sleeping harbour resting after a hectic day.

Sunset is always linked to reminiscence and nostalgia in Chinese literature. Everytime you see the stunning spectacle of sunset, does your distant home come into your mind?

By 5H Lily Huang

Stress Relieve Carnival

By 3E Molly Poon

The academic year can be a challenging time for students, with academic, social, and personal pressures constantly competing for their attention. To help students cope with these pressures and promote mental wellbeing, the Student Union has taken the initiative to organize a stress relief week :)

Activities like dodgeball and badminton were no doubt an ample opportunity for everyone to get moving and physically active, taking a break from studies and engage in entertaining battles.

Recognizing that not all students are interested in sports or outdoor activities, the Student Union also introduced gaming for the first time during the stress relief week. This provided an opportunity for students to unwind and socialize with others, offering a welcome escape from the pressures of academic life.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the various activities that were offered and the joyous memories that were forged.

Day 1

The Mario Kart event, held on the 20th of March, was a much-awaited gaming experience that finally came to fruition in the Lecture Theatre. Students and teachers alike enjoyed watching and participating in the competition, which drew a large number of applicants. This popular game provided a much-needed respite from the rigors of academic life, creating a stress-free environment on campus.

Day 2 & 3

On the 22nd and 23rd of March, the Dodgeball game, in collaboration with the Basketball Club, took place in the Indoor Games Hall. Participants were divided into teams of ten, and the event was an opportunity for students to relieve stress through sports. The participants were fully engaged and worked together to achieve their common goal, creating an intense atmosphere in the Indoor Games Hall. The event was accompanied by the sound of cheering voices, adding to the excitement.

Students discussing tactics and working together as a team in dodgeball

Day 4

The last stress-relief event on the 24th of March was the most unexpected one - the water balloon toss game. Students had the opportunity to throw water balloons at the Executive Committee Members of the Student Union. The event was held at the covered playground, and the students enjoyed themselves immensely. The colorful balloons flying across the playground, landing near the Executive Committee Members, created a fun and memorable experience for the students.

TS CARNIVAL

With the sentation of anticipation hanging in the air, I entered the Indoor Games Hall, accompanied by both students and teachers. Over the next three days, the IGH was transformed into a bustling hub of activity, with teachers and students playing badminton, dodgeball, and basketball together.

As the games began, it was difficult to distinguish the teachers from the students, as both groups displayed the same level of enthusiasm and competitive spirit. Each point was met with cheers and encouragement from all players, regardless of age or position.

On the 15th of May, the gymnasium was filled with the sound of shuttlecocks hitting racquets. The players, including the teachers, demonstrated remarkable agility and finesse, sending the shuttlecock back and forth across the net with precision. The spectators were captivated by the

4G Valerie Kwok

mr uno tai warming up with teammate

players’ skill and determination, gasping with every near-miss and applauding every successful shot. The second day saw the dodgeball games, which were just as entertaining. Balls flew across the gymnasium, narrowly missing players as they swiftly dodged and weaved. The players showed unwavering courage, leaping away from incoming balls or confronting them head-on. Tactful dodging and close calls kept the tension and excitement high throughout the competition, eliciting laughter and applause from the crowd as teachers and students were eliminated, leaving. On the third and final day, the basketball court was a flurry of activity. Teachers and students worked together, defending, passing, and shooting to score the most points. The sound of the ball bouncing echoed through the gymnasium as the players battled it out, with each passing moment becoming more intense and exciting. The crowd roared with approval at every successful shot, building up the excitement.

However, the carnival was not just about the games. It was an opportunity for bonding. Teachers and students who had never spoken outside of the classroom were now laughing and joking together, sharing stories and getting to know each other on a personal level. The joy and excitement of playing together relieved both the players and the spectators of the stress of school, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity that would carry over into the classroom. As the final whistle blew and the last ball was put away, there was a palpable feeling of hope and joy in the air. The teacher-student carnival had been a testimony to the relationships formed between teachers and students, which would continue to grow and strengthen in the days and weeks to come.

An atmosphere of camaraderie as losing and winning teams embraced each

while taking photos with the Student Union

(Left to right) Mr Paul Chan, Mr Brett Lee, Mr Uno Tai enjoying themselves at the ts carnival

other

passion

a glimpse into some of the passion projects which our students have poured their souls into.

D rama

4G Yanisa Lin

Transforming an online performance into an in-person one was a challenging process that required a great deal of effort and attention to details. As a first-time participant in a drama production, I had to navigate a number of difficulties, including the need to improve my pronunciation of Cantonese words and the importance of repeated practice sessions to ensure that I was fully prepared for the live performance.

One of the biggest differences between online and in-person performances was the need to be more dramatic and expressive with our facial expressions. When performing online, we had to magnify our emotions to ensure that they could be conveyed effectively through the screen or recording. However, for in-person performances, we had to find a balance between being expressive and not overacting, as the audience was able to see our facial expressions up close.

Despite these challenges, the experience of participating in the drama performance was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and explore new aspects of myself as a performer. With repeated practice and feedback from our coaches, we were able to refine our performances and create

something truly special that resonated with our audience. In the end, the transformation from an online performance to an in-person one was a daunting task, but it was one that we were able to accomplish with dedication and a willingness to learn.

Junior Achievements Charish

Annually, our school participates in the Junior Achievement Company Programme, in which passionate business youngsters can get a taste of forming and growing a company with peers. This academic year brought together about 25 students from Form 4 and 5, passionately establishing Charish, aiming to raise awareness on healthy eating, water conservation and food conservation.

The JA Company Program can be described as a short yet rewarding journey. Within the past few months, our company members have gained insights into business operations, all the way from ideation to liquidation. The process was undoubtedly far more challenging than expected. Right after launching our sales, we were suddenly notified that the firm had decided to pause its production and cancel our orders. The short notice made all of us panick, yet we negotiated with the original firm and worked together to search for alternative firms. Owing to our company members’ persistence and mutual support, the problem was resolved in the end, and we proceeded with our production.

Another major challenge was the Pop-up Trade Fair, since our promotions had mainly been done online, and we had no prior experience in real-time pitching. We also faced difficulties in record-keeping due to technical hiccups and inadequate accounting knowledge. However, under the guidance of our link teachers and business advisors, we became more proficient in our work, and were qualified as one of the top five teams for several awards. Despite moments of despair and self-doubt, the obstacles of our JA journey polished our communication skills, and taught us the role of entrepreneurs in decision-making and risk-bearing,

creating invaluable learning experiences for all of us. We would like to thank our link teachers, business advisors and customers for their unwavering trust and support!

4B Wang Bowen - Operations Director

It is delightful that we can conduct face-toface meetings every Saturday morning, where company staff can make business decisions, vote on designs, and coordinate upcoming events. Whilst there are some obstacles when it comes to complex product ordering and efficient delivery, most company members can stay positive and commit themselves to the company. It is really a fruitful experience to learn how a company operates as a whole, and the interconnectedness between different departments. A valuable experience would be coordinating in the Trade Fair in March, in which our products can gain exposure to market outlets in the public. Not only did the experience strengthen our communication skills towards different walks of life, but also trained us how to react calmly and effectively in ever-changing situations.

Entrepreneurship is undoubtedly tough for a group of secondary school students. However, it truly demonstrates the importance of forging our way across challenges with determination and diligence.

4G Choy Shun Yan Bernice - Finance Director

CAS TRIP DOCUMENTATION

For my SAW trip, I volunteered at Paws United Charity Dog Adoption Center for three days, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned and abused dogs. As soon as I arrived at the center, I was greeted by the sound of barks, whimpers, and wagging tails.

The dogs were excited to see new people, and I was excited to be there. The center was home to several dogs, each with their own unique story. Some were found abandoned on the streets, while others were rescued from abusive homes. The dogs were of different breeds, sizes, and ages, but they all shared one thing in common: they were looking for a loving home.

As a volunteer, my duties included feeding the dogs, taking them for walks, and cleaning their living quarters. I quickly learned that it was not an easy job. There were many different challenges to the experience, such as that oftentimes the puppies were very energetic, learning to play fighting that would sometimes get out of control, with aggressive biting and growling. To prevent escalations, we alerted the head volunteer, or sought other alternatives such as using a plastic box to separate the dogs and distracting them with a toy.

Another challenge was dog walking. Some of the dogs were very scared and hence refused to walk. They would tug at the leash, wanting to pull us back to the center. As we didn’t want to stress them out, we didn’t force the dogs, instead gently coaxing them into walking and giving them encouragement when they interacted with other dogs.

4H Winnie Yeung

Our SAW trip took us to a dog shelter located in the outskirts of the city. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the sound of barks and whimpers from the eager dogs. The shelter was home to several stray dogs, some of which were found wandering around the area while others were rescued from nearby factories. These dogs were used as guards to watch over the factories and were abandoned once they grew old or when the factories shut down.

However, due to the limited space in the dog shelter, some of these dogs cannot be brought back to the shelter. As volunteers, we were tasked with bringing them bags of food every day. As we distributed the food, the dogs came running towards us, wagging their tails in excitement. It was heartwarming to see how much they appreciated our efforts, and we were grateful for the opportunity to help them.

The experience was also scary at times, as some of the dogs were aggressive and territorial. We had to be careful not to get too close to them or make any sudden movements. But despite the risks, we were determined to help these dogs in any way we could.

As the days went by, we grew more attached to the dogs. It was rewarding to see how our efforts had made a difference in their lives. We knew that we couldn’t change the world overnight, but we were making a difference, one dog at a time. As our time at the shelter came to an end, we said our goodbyes to the dogs, promising to come back and visit them soon. We left the shelter with a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the power of service and action. The experience had taught us the importance of compassion, empathy, and taking action to make a positive impact in the world.

4A Raiden Wong

The conquest for excellence in serving the school community has instilled many extraordinary, if not unusual experiences for our members in this arduous journey.

As the excos wrap up their term in office, allow them to recall the plethora of concordant sensations and passions, which sound in unison through different pecuilar and exclusive escapades bestowed upon them, through the tapestry of literature in this idiosyncratic space of expression.

Meraki’s Passion

Words from the e x C os

President

When I was first introduced to the idea of a Student Union, I never envisioned myself eventually leading it as an executive member. Even just one year ago, many still told me that working in the Student Union would be a questionable choice due to its immense workload and high expectations from schoolmates. However, with hindsight, the past year has been nothing but eventful and enjoyable. Seeing the roaring crowds at the Talent Shows and the joyous smiles at fun fairs, I have been more than satisfied with what we have accomplished.

The most important thing I have picked up from one year of experience is communication. As we always say, the Student Union is a bridge between students and the school, and I have begun to recognize the importance of back-and-forth communication between the Union and student representatives. While it may seem that our main task is to host captivating events, it is also of paramount significance for us to listen to students’ feedback and make improvements based on constructive comments.

To our successors, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Taking up the role as an executive member of a student body is a challenge, but as long as you are willing to work harmoniously with your team members, and occasionally think outside the box, I am sure there is nothing the eight of you cannot achieve.

5H Jenson Tham

Vice President

Listening to our end-of-term speech on Games Day, I could hardly believe our term of service has come to an end. I can still vividly remember the times when the eight of us determined to form a Student Union Candidate Cabinet, we promised to build a cordial learning environment for our fellow St. Paulians, to connect all parties in SPCC, and to cultivate your talents. Being the first Student Union after the pandemic, I would definitely say that our journey was arduous as we did not have much experience in organizing face-to-face activities, but I am proud to say that our team did our very best to create the most indelible memories with you. Seeing the smiles on your face in Valentine’s Day and Christmas fair, gazing at the roaring crowd in Talent Quest and Green Fashion Show, immersing myself in the harmonious environment in TS Carnival, all our endless meetings, heated discussions, countless documents, and midnight struggles seemed worthwhile.

This year has been a delightful ride and fantastic chapter in my life. Not only have I come to realize the importance of communication among

different parties, but I have also acknowledged the cruciality of paying attention to details. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank our TICs for teaching me life lessons and setting a role model of what a true leader looks like. I would also express my gratitude to the stage management society and network 33, your effort behind the scenes is undoubtedly one of the elements that lead to our success. I am humbled by the support of my executive members as well, without your coordination and cooperation, we would not achieve so much this year. Most importantly, I wish to extend my appreciation to our fellow St. Paulians for letting us serve you in this academic year, I am more than grateful for having your constant support and engagement in all of our activities. The Games Day marks the end of our hectic yet gratifying year, and I wish the next Student Union the best of luck in the upcoming academic year.

5b maranda cheng

Capture with thought, venture with soul, we are Meraki.

Looking back to the day the eight of us gave our promotional speech on stage, it has been such an amazing journey. In the past two to three years, due to the pandemic, most of the activities could not be held. This academic year, with the resumption of face-to-face schools, we were very lucky to have the opportunity to bring back the school traditions and introduce new events.

At the beginning of the school year, I was thrilled to serve the school and bring joy back to SPCC. Although being an executive committee member of the Student Union comes with great responsibilities and increased workload, the experience was surely very gratifying and valuable.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished this academic year. Seeing our hard work and dedication pay off is very rewarding. The sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from organizing successful events and launching initiatives is truly irreplaceable. Being able to bring joy and happiness to fellow schoolmates gave me the motivation to continue serving the school. One of my most memorable experiences this year is organizing the Talent Quest. Witnessing the excitement and enthusiasm of the audience as they cheered on their peers was an unforgettable experience that filled me with a sense of gratification.

In the past year, I have developed a variety of useful skills, including critical thinking, leadership, communication and problem-solving skills. I had to complete numerous tasks with limited time, so I developed the skill to prioritize and organize my tasks, which enabled me to accomplish my tasks within a short period of time.

5B Travis tam

General secretary

The first time we unlocked the SU room in September, with keys newly bestowed upon us by the previous cabinet, I thought we had accidentally opened an abandoned storage room. There were rickety plastic chairs, trunks of souvenirs and props, and random objects such as a Darth Vader miniature, a bucket of sweets that expired three years ago and a rusty electric guitar lying in the corner. But hidden beneath the clutter, I discovered an old archive of Student Post.

I wiped off the layer of grime and flipped through them. Holding the magazines in my hands, I was awed by their elegant design, snapshots from the familiar school campus and essays chronicling pre-pandemic school life. And yet, it was a haunting reminder of the inevitable end of every cabinet before us: words and photos crammed onto mouldy, slim-bound issues of magazines, that etched uneasily in my mind as the year went by.

Now as the school year draws to a close and I reflect on my tenure at the Student Union — I look back with fulfilment and pride. We were fortunate to be able to revive many events discontinued by the pandemic. The peals of laughter reverberating in the hallway serve as a continuous encouragement for the arduous work. I am much obliged to my teacher advisors, whose invaluable guidance never failed to lead us through hardships, and most importantly, the other exco members, who were kind to accept my flaws and work together as a team. This year would not have been a success without you all. As I mark my name on this student post, we will be joining the long archive of cabinets before us. But so long as the manuscripts don’t burn and the school remains — the legacy continues.

5G Zachary Cheung

P ublicity D irector

As I eventually end my journey serving as the Publicity Director of the Student Union and focus on the next page of life, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the teachers who are in charge of SU for their guidance throughout the year, my publicity board members for helping out in almost every large-scale event held by us, and the executive members for their unconditional support for one another Looking back on my experience, I would not have been able to serve in this important role and contribute to the school community without them, and I am very grateful to have had them all by my side.

At the same time, I did, in fact, experience moments of stress and pressure - it has always been a boulder on the shoulder to host various events, especially to balance the needs and goals of different groups of people, namely event hosts, teachers, and the student body. However, with each of your support, I am glad that our events went smoothly, and therefore, thank you for your affirmation.

Serving as the Publicity Director has undoubtedly been rewarding and valuable. As the school year is coming to an end, I hope you all have enjoyed the activities held by us. Wishing you all a fruitful summer and see you in September!

5D Vanessa Ma

It’s been a year and I honestly cannot believe how far we have come.

As I reflect on my experience serving in the Student Union for the past year, I am filled with a mix of emotions. Being a part of Meraki has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has provided me with a unique perspective on the needs and aspirations of the SPCC community.

Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed firsthand the power of collective action and the impact that student-led initiatives can have on campus life. From organizing joint-school or internal events to advocating critical issues that affect our student body, being part of the Student Union has allowed me to make a difference in ways I have never imagined.

externAl AffAirs Director

However, it has not always been smooth sailing. The responsibility that comes with being a part of the Student Union can be overwhelming at times. Balancing academic and extracurricular commitments with the demands of this role has required careful time management and prioritization. There have been moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough.

Nevertheless, despite these challenges, serving on the Student Union has taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and resilience. It has provided me with opportunities to collaborate with diverse groups of individuals who share a common goal of improving our school lives. (I LOVE YOU, EXTERNAL BOARD!)

Looking ahead, I am filled with optimism for what lies ahead for both myself and future students who will take up positions in the SU. The experiences gained during this time will undoubtedly shape our personal growth and equip us with skills that extend far beyond our high school years.

As I pass on this torch to future SU cabinets, I do so knowing that they too will embark on their own transformative journeys within the realm of student governance.

5D Audrey To

As I am humbled by the departure from this position of service, I am more than thankful for our schoolmates’ trust and enthusiasm throughout this school year. I have certainly learned a lot in this journey, from the 7 other executive members of Meraki, our Teacherin-charge, the committee members as well as our schoolmates. From writing proposals to holding the events to hearing feedback from fellow schoolmates, this year has been both hectic and enjoyable.

After three years of pandemic restrictions, I am proud that the eight of us were able to host the long-awaited events, like the Talent Quest, face-to-face Christmas and Valentine’s Day Fair, a series of stress relief activities… These events would not be a

great success without your enthusiastic support and participation. We organized each and every one of the events in the hope of uniting schoolmates and fostering a better sense of belonging, and I hope that all of you have enjoyed them as much as we did!

It has been a blast for me to serve the school community this year and I cannot wait to see what the next Student Union has prepared for our fellow schoolmates in the future!

Internal Affairs Director

Editor in Chief

BY WYATT TAI

When I first embarked on this journey to achieve “leadership”, I realise how, ubiquitously, the term is coined in an elitist manner, attributed only to students with high positions. During my journey as a cabinet member, there have been myriad moments to contemplate not only my individual responsibilities but also my roles within the diverse communities I inhabited. Out of all the various experiences, one immutable truth remains: everyone can become a “true” leader.

Working with minds brighter than myself has led me to recognise that the quintessence of a true leader lies not in the position of one’s post, but rather one’s aptitude for adroitly coordinating tasks and ensuring their successful completion. True leadership starts with self-realisation. It is only by understanding the nuances of your role within any community could one offer the most significant contribution and embody the essence of leadership.

While the Excos are deemed as one of the many “student leaders”, I still dont think I can confidently assert I am a proficient leader myself. But I think more importantly, this journey instilled in me the ability to discern what true leadership entails and where the pursuit of leadership will lead me.

As every journey inexorably reaches its conclusion, it is with ambivalent emotions that I acknowledge the denouement of our cabinet’s ephemeral yet fulfilling expedition. The end of something marks the start of something new. The path ahead in my pursuit of “leadership” seems dauntingly arduous, but exciting nonetheless. I anticipate it greatly.

Mr Chow Ching Kwok and Ms Chan Sau Ha are two of the highly talented teachers. Mr Chow is responsible for teaching Mathematics to the students of 4B, while Ms Chan imparts her knowledge of Chemistry to the young minds of 3C. Our committee members have taken a keen interest in getting to know these accomplished educators better, not only by observing their efficient teaching methods in the classroom, but also by gaining insights into their personal lives outside of school. By learning more about these teachers, we hope to not only establish a welcoming and cordial atmosphere for them within the school community but also to foster a more meaningful and productive interaction between them and our student body.

mr C how C hing kwok

Have you had a passion for Mathematics since a young age? Or is there anything that prompted you to pursue a teaching career in this area?

I definitely have a passion for Mathematics, and I have loved Mathematics from a young age. Mathematics was my best subject in primary and secondary school. Furthermore, studying Mathematics has taught me a lot, for example, the importance of patience when solving harder problems. I think Mathematics is like going to the gym for your brain, it really sharpens your mind.

Adapting to a new environment is certainly a fresh experience, can you share some new things you have experienced that are different from your previous school?

My previous school was a government-aided school, and there certainly are differences from SPCC. Firstly, the E-learning environment is different, as SPCC provides me a chance to get my hands on interactive panels. Also, SPCC students can use their tablets during lessons, but students in my previous school have limited access to E-learning, as the school only has a limited amount of iPads available. Regarding the class size, SPCC has divided students into numerous sets with fewer students, which I think is better for teaching.

By 4B Bowen Wang and 4G Valerie Kwok

Students are an important element of teaching. Can you give an example of a change in direction of student interaction in SPCC? Is there anything you treasure especially in your daily interactions with students?

I think the students’ interaction in SPCC is very similar to that in my previous school. For my teaching, I hope to not only focus on textbook knowledge but also share my personal experiences, such as my holiday trips. I treasure the moments both inside and outside of classrooms. For instance, I try to stay for a while after class and to listen and chat with students, which I enjoy very much.

Currently, do you have any goals or aspirations you would like to achieve in the near future and in the coming years?

For the coming year, I just want to do my best with my teaching and hope that I can try various teaching strategies in the coming academic year, to enjoy my life in SPCC, and most importantly, to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Now let’s move on to your life outside work. Are there any hobbies and interests you commit to regularly?

I was actually a long-distance runner when I was young, but now I still run once per week. I like sports with rackets, such as badminton and table tennis, for fun. In my leisure time, I like to watch Youtube, play online games, and so on. I liked reading Chinese science fiction when I was in primary and secondary school. A fun fact is that I used to study Chinese poems, and I reckon that if I hadn’t taken science electives, I would probably have studied Chinese Literature!

Finally, is there any advice or words of encouragement you want to give students?

An important thing would be to decide on your career path earlier, because it allows you to attain the right education and experiences, and develop necessary skills to succeed in your chosen field.

Just to treasure what you have, because it is very fortunate for you to study in SPCC, where there are a lot of resources.

miss C han sau ha

By 3C Rachel Zhang and 3G Avery Tam

Why do you want to become a chemistry teacher in spcc?) What’s special about SPCC?

SPCC is a very special school as it has a long history and a large campus, consisting of East Wing, West wing and also the main building. Both staff members and students must follow a special route in order to get to specific classrooms. I got lost every day during my first week here. There is also a white jade lily tree that holds significant historical importance and serves as a symbol of SPCC. Additionally, I was surprised by the number of Chemistry classes in one grade. There are five DSE Chemistry classes and three IB classes; other schools don’t have as many. The teachers at SPCC are enthusiastic and dedicated to their work. I would like to

express my gratitude to Mr Chong for hiring me, Mr Yim for serving as my mentor, and Ms Sara Lam for helping me adapt to the new environment.

What is your most unforgettable moment in spcc so far?

The day I taught 2E IS was the most memorable day for me. We were conducting an experiment to test for hydrogen in the laboratory. The students used a burning splint as a candle and they pretended that it was my birthday. The entire class sang a birthday song for me, all the students were enthusiastic, especially Cheer and Jordy.

Describe spcc students with 3 words and explain?

The first adjective that comes to mind is self-disciplined. SPCC students possess a clear understanding of their goals and have the ability to learn autonomously. Another term that I would use to describe them is

What drives you to pursuit the career of being a chemistry teacher?

Ever since I was young, my dream has been to become a teacher. While I was in secondary school, I developed an interest in Chemistry, which led me to pursue a degree in that field in university. It was during my time at university that I discovered my passion for teaching and how youthful I felt when teaching students.

What are some activities that help you relieve stress?

During my free time, I enjoy hiking while chatting with my friends, it helps me relieve stress. I also participate in volunteer work.

Do you have any tips for students who want to study Chemistry?

My advice to students is to remember that chem-is-try, they should keep doing exercises

and past papers. If students encounter a question they don’t know how to answer, they should discuss it with their friends first, because in this case they can see their level of understanding and identify things they might not have noticed. It is also crucial to ask their teacher questions. Most importantly, they should remember that Chemistry is about the understanding of concepts instead of rote memorization.

What is your favorite activity organized by the school?

I was one of the TICs during F1 SAW. I could see the special talents of F1 students, there was one student with photographic memory. My favorite activity is the elephant toothpaste activity organized by the Chemistry Club. The students were very active and well-organized. They were able to prepare thoroughly for the activity, and the entire process could be monitored by the students themselves.

C reations

unveiling ingenious artistic creations amongst the world of arts in bold, vivacious fashion. timeless.

快樂

4B 王博文

春去秋來，萬物豐收，農民欣慰一笑，隱 藏了對上天垂憐的感恩；滴水屋簷，叮 噹硬幣，露宿者淺淺一笑，包含了對人 間有情的感動；眾裡尋他，心心相印，情 侶相視而笑，吐露了對相愛相許的企盼。

人表面再堅強，心靈也有軟弱的一面。

人心靈再快樂，也渴望身邊人的那絲 笑容。我們活在世上，逃不過悲、歡、

離、合，但那一絲微笑，足以成為人世 間最堅固的橋樑，最美麗的風景……

但是，遊歷街頭，環望社會，隨處可見的， 是快樂嗎？那盞點亮希望的油燈，暗淡 了；那團重拾歡樂的燭光，搖曳了……

月光隱約，街上冷冷清清，微風吹拂著寥 寥落葉，只有幾個趕路的行人匆匆竄過 街頭。這所城市，死寂了；這個家園，冷清 了。上次仰望夕陽，曾幾何時？上次夜觀星

辰，曾幾何時？上次伸手撫月，曾幾何時？

是的，我們怪疫情，怪它拉垮了經濟，怪它 摧毀了民生；怪它讓無數年少有為的年輕 人無法大揮拳腳，怪它讓無數而立之年的 中年人無法養家糊口，怪它讓無數年過七 十的銀髮人被迫痛失飯碗。於是，我們收起 了笑容，因為我們自認為，我們不再快樂。

一直以來，我所認識的香港人從來不是這樣的。香江小城，人才大志。這裡的人不是世界上最快 樂的人，不是世界上賺錢最多的人，也不是社會福利最好的人。但這裡的人，能在困苦中能找到 一線希望，能在黑暗中能找到一束光芒。莫非因為逆境，我們就沉淪為那整天垂頭喪氣，為了維 持生計而營營役役的奴隸嗎？

順境中微笑簡單，逆境中苦笑艱難。但這意味著我們的笑容會被逆境擊垮嗎？繁重工作，我們不 曾失去快樂；金融危機，我們不曾淡去希望。那麼為何怪疫症肆虐，為何因它失去我們寶貴的笑 容？為何我們總覺得隧道的盡頭，沒有曙光？為何總覺得滂沱大雨之後，沒有彩虹？

沒錯，疫症當前，經濟衰退，民生受困，殘酷的現實熄滅了我們的笑容之火，希望之光；它擊敗了 我們，無情地奪走了我們的笑容，使我們落入抑鬱的深淵。但是，與其淪落在困難與失敗的循環 之中，我們更應重拾久違的笑容，以快樂的甜消退疫情的苦。

這個世界上，還有那麼多值得快樂的東西……

遨遊大自然，山巒起伏，河流潺潺，鳥鳴唧唧，這裡，是天涯海角。

夜遊商業街，車水馬龍，路燈延綿，人潮湧湧，這裡，是不夜之城。

漫步中小學，書香彌散，朝氣蓬勃，笑聲朗朗，這裡，是知識之洋。

夜深了，街上人流不再，但遙望萬家燈火，那每一間泛黃的格子中，快樂依然 延續著，笑聲仍然充斥著這座城市……

分隔了，歡聚一堂不再，但深厚情誼仍在，在每一扇緊閉的家門後， 友情依然燃燒著，依戀仍然祈盼著再度聚首……

風雨之時，我們不能忘記快樂；荊棘叢中，我們更應砥礪前行。 對朋友笑笑，讓快樂為友誼塗上斑斕；對家人笑笑，讓快樂為親 情注入光彩；對自己笑笑，讓快樂為自己重拾希望。

快樂其實很簡單，因身邊每一件小事而樂，因身邊每一個途人 而笑。獨樂樂不如眾樂樂，有時，一個人笑了，一群人也就噗嗤 一聲，笑開了。

我堅信，若快樂是水滴，積少成多，微弱的力量便會化為涓涓細 流，滾滾波濤，江流大海；若快樂是燭光，一個人發出的亮光不 足，那麼萬人凝聚，微弱的亮光必會勝似星星火光，絢爛朝陽， 浩瀚星辰。

但願快樂能成為每個人心中的常青樹，永不枯老。

但願快樂能成為每個人心中的流沙河，永不乾涸。

疫症無情，但人間有情。限聚能分開我們的軀體，卻永不能阻止 那心靈相通後欣慰的笑容。口罩能沖淡我們的微笑，卻永不能 掩蓋那喜眉笑眼後蘊含的希望。一個微笑，雖不能立即消除心 中的鬱結，但足以成為人世間傳遞快樂最溫暖的橋樑。

「生活就是面對真實的微笑，就是越過障礙、注視將來。」

P oems

3D Julie Chiu Wei Yin

The world used to kiss up against his skin, laugh with him, hold him in her arms

But the malice of death stole little things away

From a lover’s embrace to a stranger’s smile

All was taken but him

Left him a little lost in a place he called home

So he found his way to an old cha chaan teng in Tin Hau

The one that gave him inspiration to write a novel ten years ago

Maybe it was to relieve little bits and pieces, Relive eighty-two years of what seemed to be the blink of an eye

Or maybe it was to find the residues of humanity

With new pages written in a society he failed to recognize

He faced the kitchen as he ate his macaroni soup with ham

Blandness reminded him of A time when he had the greatest of dreams

He sat therewith shaking hands

Watching the grease in his bowl taking different forms

Customers were shouting over each other, all was merry

But the world seemed to have shrunken away

Leaving a cold void around him

Death could take no more No more from him

He was all that’s left…

Produced by meraki

Editorial CommittEE mEmbErs

5H Huang jia yi

4B wang Bowen

4H kwok valerie Hiu ting

3C raCHel zHang

3D molly poon

3g avery tam

ExECutivE CommittEEs

5H jenson tHam

5B maranDa CHeng

5B travis tam

5D vanessa ma

5D auDrey to

5g zaCHary CHeung

5H anson CHow

5g wyatt tai

Editor-in-ChiEf

5g wyatt tai

tEaChErs-in-ChargE

mr paul CHan

miss Helen kwok

miss CHik sHuk mei

miss leung ngai man

mr Brett lee