COVER STORY
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Written by Asif (2B) Interview by Asif, Suchita (2B), Khadija (2B), Norah (1C), Randy (1C), Jayden(1C ) and Billy (1A)
t is easy to warm up to our new Principal, Mr Kwok, because he is down-to-earth and has a good rapport with the students. Last December, when the students celebrated the last day of school for 2018, Principal Kwok surprised everyone by donning the Santa Claus costume. He visited each classroom and gave out treats. That is why Spring’s team of student interviewers were more excited than nervous to have a chat with the our new principal. Principal Kwok welcomed the team into his office, greeted them with a beautiful smile and answered the questions eagerly. He explained that he is ready to face the challenges as the principal but because the school has already established its system, there is not much to change. However, the Principal shared that there are some important things that he is keen on improving. He acknowledged that most of the students take part in most activities but he said that he wants to have more meaningful and exciting activities in the coming years. The Principal also mentioned that his main goal is for YPICA to be known as a true international school with real cultural integration and a solid English programme. He envisions YPICA students to be fluent in English. “We already have many activities that help our students improve their skills in English,” Mr Kwok said, citing the Cultural Day, Cultural Night, The
Amazing Race, Halloween Horrorfest and The Lee Awards as examples. Although Principal Kwok was generally optimistic during the interview, he expressed some concern regarding the absenteeism and tardiness of some students. He revealed that in the coming term, the school will launch some programmes to help these students establish good daily routines to curb their bad habits. “In life, it is difficult to make changes,” Principal Kwok began when asked what changes the students can expect in the coming years. “So, I am working closely with teachers to figure out ways to enhance the learning of students,” he continued, adding that the learning of students should be effective and efficient. Finally, Principal Kwok encouraged the students to always join the activities that the school has prepared for them. “Learning does not only take place inside the classroom. We have planned many activities for our students from field trips to study tours and even sporting events,” he said, explaining that students can learn a lot from these activities if they participate and enjoy the fun learning programmes. The students wrapped up the interview with some quick heart-to-heart questions. As they left the office, all of them felt a burst of inspiration to study because they saw a glimpse of the school’s bright future through the vision of a bright man, our principal, Mr Kwok.
Our Spring correspondents dared to ask Principal Kwok some personal questions during the Heart2Heart portion of the interview. The principal did not hold back and surprised the kids with his candid and casual responses. What is your secret talent?
I’m a good cook, I can cook well. I learned how to cook when I was in P5 because I love to eat. Therefore, in order to eat well, I had to prepare food by myself. When I was in Form 5, I prepared meals for my big family every day.
What was your favourite song in high school?
I love the song Do You Know Where You’re Going To by Thelma Houston. It was special to me because I had to translate this song from English to Chinese.
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