CONVERGENCE #1

CONVERGENCE

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Contents INTRODUCTION From the Editor

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SU Activities Overview

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ENGAGEMENT

ENDEAVOUR

Art Jamming Day

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Interview with Mr. Poon

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Interviews with Teachers

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Interviews with School Teams 13 創意思維活動

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EC corner

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EVOLUTION

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Evolution of a St. Paulian

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Student Activities Week

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Sharings from Alumni

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AA corner

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⼩⼩⼩說徵⽂比賽得獎作品 /Crossword

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FROM THE EDITOR

JUSTIN YUEN 5I //

Diversity in backgrounds, views and opinions exists in every single community. ‘Convergence’, a process to agglomerate individuals together and move forward, is no doubt the fundamental step forward any leader of any community must take.

The first issue of ‘Convergence’ will focus on three directions: ENGAGEMENT - To form a true ‘nexus’, it is a must to involve everyone. This section of the post will incorporate all narratives, from students, teachers to our principal Mr. Poon.

As the Editor-in-Chief, I believe the ‘Student Post’ is one of the most important platforms to achieve such convergence. Hence, I tasked myself with incorporating as many perspectives as possible in the post, echoing with our objective of being the ‘Nexus’. Through interviews with our principal and teachers, together with submissions from our students and alumni, we wish to let every voice shine through. We have a bold vision: to converge the many strengths and voices in the school and to forge a supportive network from within. Whether it is the connections among the various stakeholders of the school, or among different parties in society, we see a capacity for understanding, growth and mutual support. Therefore, ‘Convergence’ is the epitome of this mission all of us are working towards.

ENDEAVOUR - This section aims at showcasing the diverse talents our students exhibit and the numerous breakthroughs they have achieved.

EVOLUTION - We wish to manifest the many evolutions undergone by our schoolmates and further stimulate transformations in our students with articles recording our alumni’s unique experiences in universities.

These three sections act as distinctively radiating beams of light, which converge to form a new union, altogether displaying a full and genuine picture of SPCC and the values we St. Paulians uphold.

A huge thank you to all the student and alumni contributors to the post, especially our editorial team. It has been my greatest pleasure to work with all of you avid writers. I would also like to express my sincerest gratitude to Mr. Poon, Ms. Lilian Chow and Ms. Anne Chu who joined us on this collaborative journey; as well as our teachers-incharge, Mr. Paul Chan, Ms. Ells Chan, Ms. Leung Ngai Man, Ms. Chik Suk Mei, and Mr. Derek Wong, for guiding us throughout the process and making this publication happen.

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” — Martin Luther King, Jr. Let us keep this quote in mind as we flip through the pages.

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SU ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW

KINNIA CHEUK 4H //

JCRM

Cheerleading/RiseAsOne

We kicked off the school year by hosting the Joint Club Recruitment of Members, providing students with the opportunity to engage in different activities by joining various clubs and societies. During the JCRM, the entire covered playground was packed with enthusiastic committee members and students.

We built on the work of previous Student Unions with the #RiseAsOne initiatives by keeping students updated on inter-school competition dates and posting promotion videos on our social media page, supporting our schoolmates through acknowledgment and appreciation.

 

NOV OCT Talent Quest - Halo #1

In the first heat of Halo, we saw 5 groups of stellar competitors gaining the well-earned applause of a full house. Through the Talent Quest, Nexus aims to provide a platform for the expression of creativity and for students to endeavour and reach their full potential!

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Engagement Forum

ExperTips: Alumni Sharing (F4-F6)

During the forums, we facilitated discussions about the current social situation in Hong Kong. Nexus will continue to reflect your opinions to the school and do follow-up work on the insights gained during the forums.

Alumni studying at both local and overseas universities shared their study tips and experience in the IB and DSE curriculum during the ExperTips sessions. Their advice was definitely a great help to SPCC students.

DEC NOV Art Jamming Day - Aurora

Green Christmas Fair

Our brand-new event of the year, the Art Jamming Day was a huge success, thanks to your support and engagement. In the end, 6 pieces of art with different colour themes were created by the joint creativity of our students.

With the smell of freshly baked goodies and the sound of Christmas carols, the Christmas spirit was full in the air. It gathered large crowds of students who craved for Christmas festivities and wanted a sip of hot chocolate!

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ENGAGEMENT “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

Benjamin Franklin

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ART JAMMING DAY

AUDREY WONG 4G //

Art is known as poetry in colour, snapshots of the world through the eyes of another, the communication of beauty transcending time and space, and countless other names or expressions that mankind has thought up throughout the centuries. Art's nature, just like its definition, is extremely subjective. Anyone can create a sculpture, a watercolour, a sketch, or even a photograph and call it art. In fact, art in itself is a platform for everyone to showcase their individuality, creativity and skill, as well as express their emotions in a constructive and abstract way.

The Art Jamming Day, held on the 28th of November in collaboration with the Art Club, captured the essence of art by allowing students to collaborate in creating a vibrant picture. Not only did the event allow students to demonstrate their diverse individual artistic talents, but it also echoed the core theme of Engagement by creating a piece of artwork that is collectively representative of the student body.

During lunchtime on that day, students were greeted by splashes of colour when they stepped into the courtyard.

There were six tables in total, each with a different theme colour, and students could choose to paint in red, orange, yellow, green, blue or purple to their hearts’ desires. In no time, the blank canvas paper had been transformed from spotless white to a gorgeous blend of all the colours of the rainbow. Students eagerly exhibited their creativity by adding their own touches to the pieces, whether they be simple dabs of paint or beautiful lettering and flowing brushstrokes. Their light-hearted chatter mingled with the upbeat music in the background, enhancing the atmosphere.

Finally, the pieces of artwork were finished. Screaming in colour, they truly echoed the title of the Art Jamming Day - Aurora, a light phenomenon featuring different colours blending together to create a spectacular display.

The different canvases will be merged to create a final piece, which will then be featured in the designs of SPCC Student Union products, for example string bags. Thus, this stunning product can be preserved and exhibited throughout the years, enhancing student’s sense of belonging and leaving a unique representation of St. Paulians’ creativity and talent in the pages of our history.

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INTERVIEW WITH MR. POON

KINNIA CHEUK 4H, JUSTIN TANG 4I //

Q: Can you recall your favourite moment in SPCC? A: Many of my favourite moments are scattered throughout the year. However, students' performances and sharings at assembly and class performances are what I like best. I especially enjoy attending both inter-class and inter-school competitions. I remember the nerve-racking moment as we awaited the results of the Music Festival before our Senior Mixed Voice Choir was presented the 'The Best Secondary School Mixed Voice Choir' award. These occasions allow SPCC students to truly display their talents, perseverance and collaboration besides excelling in their academic pursuits. Q: What do you think of SPCC students?

A: SPCC students are generally very determined to try to do their very best in everything. I have witnessed their many achievements in various STEM, sports and music competitions. I must say that they have a strong determination to do well and show their best to the audience. One team that really left me with a profound impression was the Odyssey of the Mind team. During their competition, their task was really challenging as it required their close collaboration. Still, they did so well in the contest, and I could see that they were intent on doing everything they could to shine on stage.

Another valuable characteristic that I admire in SPCC students is their humbleness. As I have mentioned previously, SPCC students are all-rounded and have excellent achievements. However, our students don't boast about their accomplishments or show off their talents in different areas. I am often amazed at their willingness to help other people and their ability to get along well with others, including schoolmates from different forms. Principals from various primary schools are often worried that their students will not fit in at SPCC. Still, their students have always blended into SPCC's caring atmosphere well. I hope that our students can keep up their good work.

Q: What is your most challenging task as a principal?

A: The most challenging task as a principal is definitely balancing the views and concerns of different stakeholders in the school. There are so many stakeholders in the school, for example, alumni, staff, students, parents, et cetera. It is essentially impossible to cater to all their needs when we implement new policies, and criticisms are unavoidable. Hence, I usually satisfy the needs of the majority while taking measures to alleviate any concerns. I will also discuss any problems with the senior management teachers and staff to ensure that students' benefits are always our priority.

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Q: Where do you see the school in 10 years?

A: 10 years is a long enough period for me to introduce more ambitious goals. SPCC is an extremely well-known school in Hong Kong due to our exceptional academic performance, and the quality and quantity of leaders we have nurtured in the past. In 5 years, I hope that SPCC can be a well-known school in the Asia-Pacific. In 10 years, I hope that SPCC can be internationally known. This definitely needs the hard work of our students, staff and alumni, but I have confidence in SPCC. Q: What is the most enjoyable place in the school for you?

A: Each place in SPCC has its own value and often makes me contemplate on its history and function. However, if I were to pinpoint one place, I would choose the White Jade Lily tree. Many times when I walk past the tree, I always notice how quiet it is. That's also why I told my colleagues to put some high tables there, so students could use it as a silent place to think and reflect, just like in the chapel. When teachers and alumni return to SPCC, they always share with me their school memories and stories under the White Jade Lily tree. It's interesting that many students have spent their school life under the tree.

Q: Are there any changes you would like to see in SPCC this year?

A: This year, we have put forward a new 3-year plan in which one of the highlights would be our newlyrefurbished dormitory. Local students are now permitted to stay in the dormitory. Boarding is an excellent platform for students to experience school life outside the usual setting of classrooms. I hope that more students can become boarders. Then, we can arrange more activities for boarders, such as fellowship sharing, festive outings and even high table dinners with alumni. Furthermore, I also hope that exchange students from sister schools can experience the SPCC dormitory life, preferably for a few days away from their host families.

Q: Which Teacher-Student event would you like to play with students most?

A: I look forward most to St. Paul's Kitchen. This is a perfect opportunity for teacher-student collaboration, as each participant plays their own part. This year, I will be in charge of cooking the food, as I must make sure everything is well-cooked and not raw! I remember last year's dish was asparagus rolled in beef. Even though there were some accidents like the asparagus falling out of the rolls, students of different forms were still very supportive and came to taste our dish. Everyone enjoyed the food, and some even asked whether they could have more. I am definitely excited about this year’s St. Paul’s Kitchen!

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INTERVIEWS WITH TEACHERS

朱安麗老師專訪

何昕程 三戊, 麥曉琛 三⼰ //

學⽣記者：朱⽼師，您當初為什麼選擇成為合唱團指揮呢? 朱⽼師：雖然我⾃⼩已參加合唱團，但對指揮的⼯作並沒 有太⼤的興趣。⼤學畢業後當上了⼩學⽼師，在⾹港當⾳樂⽼師很多時候也需要兼任合唱團 指揮，我就是這樣開始了我的「指揮⽣涯」…這應該是天⽗的安排。 學⽣記者：那麼， 您認為訓練合唱團最困難的地⽅及最⼤的回報是甚麼? 朱⽼師：我想最困難的是如何改變同學的⼼態吧：很多同學都抱著「這只是課外活動」，對⾃⼰ 沒有多⼤的要求︔另外就是如何能令同學們之間互相合作。合唱團的訓練時間很長，練習也 ⼗分刻苦，同學們卻仍能堅持信念，不厭其煩的重覆練習，為的不是⼀些比賽獎項，⽽是對 合唱的⼀份喜愛，是真⼼的喜歡唱歌﹗能夠⾒證同學們享受整個練習的過程，並且在不斷進 步，應該是當⽼師最⼤的回報了。所以當我看到同學們⽤⼼地唱歌，我都會感到很欣慰。 學⽣記者：除了享受訓練過程，您能談談對合唱團團員的期望嗎︖ 朱⽼師：⾸先，我希望團員能學會做每件事情時，也對⾃⼰訂⽴⼀些要求，不應⾺⾺虎虎、敷衍 了事。另外是為⾃⼰喜歡做的事情去努⼒，不求回報︔這種單純的「付出」，往往會帶來意 想不到的快樂。最後是學會怎樣包容別⼈：在團隊裏，每個⼈的能⼒也不同，我們不應嫌棄 能⼒較低的⼈，反⽽是學習如何幫助他們進步︔同時，也要學會⾯對⾃⼰的不⾜，並接受別 ⼈的批評。 學⽣記者：您認為⾳樂的意義是甚麼︖⾳樂教育的⽬的又是甚麼︖ 朱⽼師：⼈的⽣活不能夠只是「⼯作」，我們還需要⼀點「美」來提升我們的⽣活素質，⽽⾳樂 就是聲⾳的美！另外，⾳樂是可以跟別⼈分享的，能就此拉近⼈與⼈之間的距離。這都是⾳ 樂的意義。欣賞⾳樂有⼀定的準則，⾳樂教育的⽬的就是讓⼈們學會怎樣欣賞⾳樂，學會什 麼是「美」，就像學習如何欣賞⽂學作品⼀樣。 學⽣記者：最後，您有甚麼話想跟聖保羅的學⽣說︖ 朱⽼師：聖保羅的同學都是很有能⼒的⼈，但他們相對比較害怕失敗，喜歡留在⾃⼰的舒適圈 內，所以難以突破⾃⼰。我相信⼈的潛能是無限的，只要多作嘗試，你會發現原來你可以做 到的比你想像的多﹗就像我從來沒想到會當上指揮，事實是指揮的⼯作令我跟學⽣們更接 近，讓我更了解他們，有些長⼤後更成了我的摯友︔跟學⽣們⼀起打拼的⽇⼦亦令我不論在 ⾳樂上或做⼈處事上都學會了很多很多，這些都是意料之外的。

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Chat with Miss Lilian Chow

AUDREY WONG 4G, KINNIA CHEUK 4H //

Q: What is your first impression of SPCC students?

A: I had friends who went to SPCC before, and they gave me the impression that SPCC students were very presentable, eloquent and smart. Then in my first year at SPCC, I taught some F.1s -- they had very large personalities and liked to present themselves in class. In general, SPCC students are very teachable as they have a desire to learn and they care about their academics.

Q: What inspired you to teach English?

A: I’ve always wanted to teach since I was young. My English teacher, Ms. Crouch in GSIS, was a strict marker and really critical of minor grammar mistakes. She inspired me to develop my interest in literature. I thought it was boring in the beginning, but I soon found out that I could learn a lot from analysis and it was fun. Literature in Hong Kong is severely underrated, so I wanted to spread my love of English to my students.

Q: Can you share your favourite moment in Columbia University?

A: It’s hard to condense 4-5 years of experience, but my favourite moment was probably during my last year of undergrad, when my friends and I decided to go up to the rooftops where we weren’t allowed to go. That night, all the lights were on and we had a view of the whole campus. Those few moments were especially moving since not every one of us would be staying in New York. There were other really touching moments too, like when my roommate knew exactly what to do when I was sad and bought me a pint of Häagen Dazs strawberry ice cream to cheer me up - we would stay up and talk all night back then.

Q: Does music help you cope with life in any way?

A: Music is important to me, though I don’t listen to music that often. When I’m angry or frustrated I play the piano as it is a productive, non-violent way to express my emotions. I was involved in a capella in college, and it was a huge part of my growth. I also had a lot of fun making music with like-minded friends.

Check out Miss Chow’s singing here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK4UDPalK5k Q: Are there any favorite quotes or mottos that you would like to share with SPCC students?

A: Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Even though it seems as if nothing is in my favour, I will still rejoice in the Lord. We go through various personal struggles every day and negative energy might surround us wherever we go, but the key is that regardless of what you’re going through there’s still hope. Find out where your joy lies in and be joyful.

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Scan this QR code & watch our video interview with Miss Chow!

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ENDEAVOUR "What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything.”

Vincent Van Gogh

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INTERVIEWS WITH SCHOOL TEAMS

Badminton Team

OSCAR AU 4F //

“When I am playing badminton, there are only two people in the world, myself and my opponent.” To most people, badminton may be perceived as an individual sport in which you work alone to attain personal achievements. But to our Badminton Team members, this sport means a lot more.

It is a sport that sparks friendships between team members. Our A-grade Badminton Team captains explain it is the regular training that fosters the strong team spirit. Moreover, members coming from different grades usually go to support the competitions collectively, providing mutual support and encouragement. Although sometimes, conflicts may arise, it is these hardships that mould the Badminton Team into a more united family.

As devoted and passionate players, our Badminton Team members are constantly preparing for the prominent Inter-school Badminton Competition. For the coming year, our Boys Badminton Team aims at retaining its position in Division 1, while the girls will strive to make their way past as many opponents as possible. With countless hours of sweat dedicated to training, they are sure to reach new heights.

The Badminton Team holds tryouts every September. Our team captains describe the team as ‘a secluded place where members are tightly bonded together’. It is undoubtedly the place for like-minded athletes to gather and share the love of this popular sport.

Camerata Strings

JUSTIN TANG 4I //

‘Camerata’ represents a chamber of 40 to 60 musicians, gathered at the same place to play music. This year, the SPCC Strings Orchestra has taken up a new name, ‘Camerata Strings’.

Undoubtedly, our ordinary perception of the term ‘orchestra’ is more of a technical and well-trained music team, much focused on competitions. However, this description does not suit the ambience of the Camerata Strings much. Instead of a competitive atmosphere, Camerata Strings is where members can enjoy musical experiences and have fun. By the new name ‘Camerata’, the team wishes to display their unity and vision.

Camerata Strings members expose themselves to a wide variety of music, such as having the chance to play tangoes and jazz music. Despite their limited competition experience, the highlight of the year will still be taking part in the Music Festival, for they hope to secure a top 3 in the event. Furthermore, members will also take part in a variety of performances, ranging from a lunchtime concert, to alumni carol service.

Unlike typical orchestral training, members do not focus much on the specific techniques or intonation in playing, but rather the dynamics, expressions and background of the music piece. For all Form 1 to 4 students who have the passion for playing string instruments, Camerata Strings welcomes all of you to join next year!

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創意思維活動（Odyssey of the Mind）

⿈若嵐 五辛//

至今，我的理智仍對參加OM（Odyssey of the Mind 或「創意思維活動」）仍懷有 保留。期末考的兩星期前，我還在美國準 備比賽，甚至在倒時差的狀態中考試︔然 ⽽，OM世界賽卻沒有給我們隊伍衛冕世 界的榮耀，只有無盡懊悔。在回港的⾶機 上，我不斷問⾃⼰：值得嗎︖對此，站在 道德⾼地上的旁觀者告訴我不該功利。可 是，當世俗以學業成績來衡量我的時候， 我明⽩⾃⼰無法説出——我毫不後悔。 可是當我重新回顧這⼀路，卻發現了不⼀樣的意義。OM教會我最重要的事，莫過於啓發我如 何以創新的思維思考。⼀開始討論表演的主題時，⽼師總是⿎勵我們思考得更深更廣。漸漸地， 我們變得對表演有更⾼的要求，不滿⾜於此刻的討論成果，⽽繼續探索未知⽽燦爛的可能。這深 刻地影響到我往後的思想⾏為，促使我思考如何更有創意地表達意⾒或舉⾏活動。同時，OM也 教會我全⾯地審視⾃⼰。準備比賽中，我接觸到不同範疇的⼯作，也讓我發掘出對製作道具和戲 劇表演的濃厚興趣，讓我個⼈的定位不再限於學術。 我與⼀路相伴的⽼師和同學也建⽴了深厚的感情。每逢隊友⽣⽇，我們都會精⼼製作驚喜︔ 每當感到無聊，我們⼀邊⾼歌⼀邊⼯作，讓有時略嫌乏味的準備過程充滿歡聲笑語。我們經歷了 比賽失誤，陷入驚懼惶恐的低⾕，又似乘搭過山⾞般在最後時刻收穫滿滿驚喜，相擁著痛哭失聲 地⾛向頒獎臺。我們還⼀起分享徽章交換⼼得、在美國超市瘋狂搶購，⼀起倒時差，在道具預備 區輪流睡覺等。每⼀個五彩紛呈的畫⾯，每⼀張神態各異的臉孔，都烙印在腦海裏難以忘記。 我還後悔參加了OM嗎︖是的。別⼈努⼒讀書的時候，我卻在藝術室裡準備比賽，偏離爭取學 術表現的既定軌道。然⽽，⼈⽣百種，卻都像⾺拉松。有些⼈從始到終⽬標明確，向著⾃我或世 俗定義的成功疾奔︔⽽我⼼猿意⾺地前⾏，耽於如畫的過路風景，執著於每個可能。但至少我的 ⼈⽣不只是⼀場吃⼒的⾺拉松，更有漫步的愜意從容。 OM最後⼀件教會我的事是：有些事你縱然後悔，依然不會改變你的選擇。

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ENTHUSIASTS’ CIRCLE CORNER Psychology EC

Architecture EC

The Psychology EC was founded last year, aiming to promote psychology, raise awareness of mental health, and offer learning opportunities to aspiring psychologists.

In early November, the Psychology EC collaborated with the Biology Club to host lunchtime game booths on neurology. We also arranged our very first discussion forum this year, focusing on organizational psychology and leadership. Remember to check out the first publication of our newsletter as well, where we’ll explore the ins and outs of mood disorders. In the second term, we’ll co-organize a talk on psychiatric medicine with the Medical Science EC, in addition to a second discussion forum on efficiency and productivity. Don’t forget to visit our booth to learn more about stress and reducing stress during the Stress Relief Day in late April.

Together with all of you, we hope to delve deeper into the fascinating subject of psychology and explore the myriad of ways in which this knowledge can be applied to our daily lives.

Speaking of popular professions in our school, doctors or lawyers might pop into your mind.

But do you know that architects are also one of the common choices? It is always a pity that the charm of architecture is yet to be discovered by most St. Paulians, which is exactly why the eleven of us formed the Architecture EC this school year.

Instead of aiming to drill profound knowledge into our EC members, we aspire to unveil the glamour of architecture to every single person in this school. Throughout the school year, we will be introducing a plethora of activities, incuding regular fun facts updates on our instagram page, our newsletter and the long-awaited architecture day. We will also be providing insights into architecture to interested students, namely sketching skills and model-making skills. We hope to bring you a fruitful year with our fascinating activities!

Medical Science EC

Medical Science EC aims to provide a platform for potential medical students to engage in academic discussions and activities. Through our activities, we hope every individual can gain more insight into this vast and interesting field.

This year’s activities are divided into three categories, namely academic, practical and career. In terms of academics, one of our highlights would be a discussion forum on medical ethics. Moreover, a talk in collaboration with the Psychology EC about psychiatry and mental medicine will be held. Practical-related activities include a suturing workshop. For those who are wondering if a medical career would be suitable for them, do check out our career-related workshops. These include sharing sessions by current medical students and a talk on biomedical engineering. Stay tuned for our upcoming activities!

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EVOLUTION "It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change” Charles Darwin

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EVOLUTION OF A ST. PAULIAN

ISABELLE HO 3E//

Stepping into SPCC’s 105th anniversary, our school has nurtured generations of students to become world-ready adults. SPCC isn’t an ordinary college, it’s a school that provides us with holistic education. Growing up as St. Paulians, we are not only evolving to achieve academic excellence, but also to acquire the passion for taking up challenges through a wide range of school activities.

Start on the first day of school in Form 1, most of the students are unfamiliar with the new classmates, new teachers, new campus… However, they are sure to feel at home after the bonding activities SPCC offers. From Orientation-day held in the Summer holidays to STAAD, students will gradually form close bonds with one another and establish friendships for the future years to come.

Through Form 1 to Form 6, SPCC is keen to offer students with a balanced school life, so a variety of experiential learning programmes are arranged during the Student Activities Weeks. In Form 1, the five days AdventurePlaced Learning Programme may be the first physical hardship every St. Paulian must start with…gorge walking, coasteering, kayaking and hiking; all of these activities surely help students fight against their acrophobia and step out from their comfort zone.

Stepping into Form 2 and Form 3, there are Cultural Learning Programme and Place Based Learning Programme. Students are taken to traditional or abandoned villages in HK such as Kuk Po, Yim Tin Tsai; which allows students to gain insight into the development of Hong Kong.

Though students are not travelling abroad, these excursions are very meaningful as students can be more aware and have firsthand experiences exploring controversial issues of sustainable development in Hong Kong.

During the summer of Form 3, students are travelling to Queensland for an exciting four-week outdoor education programme “Rites of Passage”.

ROP engages students in a variety of challenging physical and intellectual activities which will develop their team building and co-operation skills as well as assist them in overcoming their anxieties, especially in the ultimate challenge “the Leap of Faith”. ROP has trained and will train St. Paulians to be braver, stronger and tougher for years to come. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, in which many unforgettable memories will be engraved in our hearts forever.

International exchange programmes are offered to students in Form 3, Form 4 and Form 5. Students may have the opportunities to study a few weeks in Korea, Australia, France or South Africa. The exchange programmes enable students to have great exposures to foreign cultures and to make friends from different corners of the world.

Besides, there are a variety of leadership and community service programmes arranged for senior forms students.

All these training programmes are precious opportunities for students to learn more about how to serve the community; how to balance the interests of different stakeholders and how to strive for excellence in being a leader. From time to time, the school also organises many activities or competitions for students with interests in language, music, sports, science and debates.

Having been through the wonderful journey of a holistic and enlightening education in SPCC, all St. Paulians will be evolved into individuals with high moral values, a passion for lifelong learning, and the eagerness to take up challenges. This is something which will embark us, St. Paulians, in reflecting our school motto forever.

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STUDENT ACTIVITIES WEEK

AUDREY WONG 4G//

Sigmund Freud once said, "I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection."

During the SAW, my group had the opportunity to participate in a self-initiated programme with the Family Value Foundation to help promote positive fathering. Having observed that Hong Kong fathers seldom take up prominent roles in the family, we decided to investigate the importance of father-child bonding time through street interviews and compile our findings in a 3-minute video.

A major challenge we encountered during the week was getting people on camera ─ most were reluctant to be captured on film and only agreed to audio recordings. In order to collect more data, we had to tweak our plans by adding an online survey. We also switched our target interview locations to parks and housing estates, where we found more friendly fathers willing to be interviewed while their wives kept an eye on their children.

After days of struggling to add funny GIFs and stickers in time with our video, as well as racking our brains over 25 pivot tables, we finally finished the project. It was unexpectedly fun and hilarious watching fathers trying to answer our questions regarding their children’s favourite animals or best friends. Often they had to rely on their wives to help answer some of the questions, and as we walked away from one particular couple on the playground, we overheard the wife saying, “You lied to those students!”. At the same time, however, this also reflected a sad truth —- working fathers generally didn’t understand their children well enough. This led us to brainstorm ways to improve this phenomenon. Would going out together during weekends and building common interests work? Or perhaps fathers should observe their children’s emotional fluctuations more closely in order to respond appropriately and console them when needed? At the end of the day, however, effective communication and understanding is still the deciding factor in building positive relationships.

In a bustling city of packed concrete and toiling bodies, hopefully fathers can still take a step back and sacrifice some time to play more active parts in their offspring’s childhoods.

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SHARINGS FROM ALUMNI CHRISTOPHER WONG //

Class of 2019 (BSc Urban Planning and Real Estate, University College London)

To all F6 IB warriors, fight on!

Trust me, the end is surprisingly closer than you think. In a blink of an eye, you’ll somehow manage to rush through all of your IA and EE submissions and be counting down your final days at St. Paul’s. I was never one of the brightest ones in my year, but having gone through the IB myself two years ago, here are some of my general survival tips for y’all!

1. Make very good use of the March mocks!

- Though you’ll most likely not have enough time to revise for the mock exams at all, they’re still a very good indication of what the actual IB exam questions and the environment would be like. That said, don’t overstress yourselves and try cramming everything the night before - it never works - If your mock results meet your targets or university offers, huge congrats! Now, aim at maintaining or even further improving your performance! However, don’t be too discouraged if you didn’t land the marks you were expecting - chill, it’s just a mock, plus it’s always better to cry over your mocks rather than your actual exam results.

- PS: For my IB mock exams, I got a 33 - which didn’t meet any of my university offers at that time…

2. Decide the best revision method for yourself - We all have a revision method which works best of ourselves, and if you haven’t already identified that by now, please do! For example, many prefer studying by themselves in solitude, while others might find it more effective to study in small groups (I belonged to the latter). Either way, it is very important that you study effectively and efficiently given the tight schedule, and it’s perfectly okay to have you and your friends to have different ways of studying! I personally need a great amount of peer pressure for me to actually start working rather than aimlessly procrastinating, so in my F6 days, me and my other two very good friends decided to study at the library pretty much every day!

3. Past papers are actually useful…

- When it comes to exam preparation, we all go over past paper questions at some point, but not all of us put equal emphasis on that. As some of your teachers may have already pointed out, IB exam questions actually tend to repeat themselves or disguise in different forms! Therefore, studying the past questions in the syllabus might give you some insights as to the possible themes and question formats, especially when you are running out of time and won’t be able to go through the entire syllabus!

- For Chinese A HL Paper 2, I came up with essay plans for all of the applicable questions from 2013, and as I was doing so, I realised that much of the content was repeating! Then, the most important part would be phrasing and better articulating your arguments such that your essay doesn’t go off topic. The same for Geography HL Paper 3.

- For Chemistry HL, I made myself finish a set of past papers per day, hoping that I could solve questions quicker. (Fun note: I actually enjoyed chemistry more than I thought I would).

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- For Physics SL (also my weakest subject), my top priority was to make sure that I could at least know what’s happening and solve the questions correctly, so I did the Physics “new syllabus” past papers since 2016 repeatedly until I could literally see the question and automatically link it to the relevant concept, and hopefully the answer as well!

4. Don’t forget about your friends!

- Surviving the IB alongside university applications is surely a gruelling process, but you’re definitely not alone! Your classmates are “all in this together” and if you have any problems about coursework, or just want a casual chat on a bad day, I’m sure your friends would be there for you, and that you would do the same for them.

- I feel genuinely blessed to have met few of my closest friends even up till now during IB, and it all started with us sitting together in class!

Hope this helps! By the end of everything, I’m sure you’d feel that all the time and effort you’ve invested in would be all worth it. 新⽣活⾺上就要到來了，萬歲！

JASMINE LEE //

Class of 2019 (BA Psychological and Behavioural Science, Pembroke College, Cambridge)

Just a year ago, I was still seated in the library waddling through an endless sea of work, trying to make myself comfortable in the rather-restrictive cheongsam. Today, I am 9,500 km away from home, seeking refuge from the cold in a Café Nero with a warm cup of coffee in my hand and typing away once again. Much has changed – perhaps not just for those studying abroad, but for all of you in Hong Kong as well.

Cambridge life is a constant display of fireworks – loud, beautiful, overwhelming, but it does leave a trail of smoke behind. Everything is on turbo mode, since our terms are extremely short. Within my first week here, I was already talking to hundreds of people (and forgetting their names), holding a real human brain in a psychology practical, and scribbling away among hundreds others in a politics lecture. University life is different, there is no one stopping you from skipping lectures, nor is there any syllabus you can follow for revision. Needless to say, it’s a big leap from secondary school. I have at most two lectures a day, but with the amount of supervision work and dense material thrown at you within weeks, it takes a lot of discipline and time management to stay afloat.

That’s not the most important part though – university is so much more than just studying. I’ve had so many new experiences here, from making friends from all over the world, to rowing at 7am in the morning. Transitions always seem daunting at first, especially in a foreign country with foreign people, but soon enough you find yourself getting in the motion, learning and growing exponentially as an adult. The most difficult part for me is definitely having to be away from home in these exceptionally difficult times and trying my best to walk alongside family and friends through the confusion and distress. It’s a weird feeling being so detached and engaged at the same time, caring for home but at the same time being present in the here and now. There’s a lot to manage, whether it’s school life or family issues or societal conflicts, and it’s difficult, it really is. But we’re all here to learn, and I hope we’ll eventually be able to navigate the myriad of challenges. God bless you all.

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JOVIAN HUI //

Class of 2019 (BA Human, Social, and Political Sciences, St. John's College, Cambridge)

Aiming for Oxbridge education is gaining popularity amongst our students, with the number of applications doubling this year. While both universities offer world-class education, and are excellent choices for one who would wish to pursue a degree abroad, there is no point in sugarcoating the fact that they are intense institutions. From my experiences in Cambridge so far, I would suggest you to ask yourself two questions before applying.

Firstly, can you thrive in an academically demanding environment? When I was doing IB, I thought it was tough, with all the IAs, EE, TOK essay, and WAs coming at me. But boy does Cambridge easily eclipse that. As I am writing this entry, I am in the middle of back-to-back threeessay weeks in which completing six 2500-word essays in two weeks on top of finishing the standard pre-lecture and core-readings as dictated by the course guide is required. I know some of you will be thinking “Well, that’s intense. But surely the sciences won’t be essay-based”. Well, that is partly true. Essays are generally not required for the sciences. But while we who take the humanities have weekends off, science students in Cambridge do have Saturday lectures and Sunday supervisions on top of 9-5 lectures/ practicals/ supervisions during weekdays. So if you hate constant academic work, Oxbridge might not suit

Secondly, are you interested in exploring theories?

Cambridge education, especially for the humanities, is inclined towards understanding major theoretical debates. While case studies do exist, they are definitely uncommon. So let’s say you want to do politics in Cambridge, and thus plan to apply to HSPS, ask yourself whether you will be interested in the following titles, which are the set texts for the course. ‘Leviathan’ by Thomas Hobbes, ‘On the Liberty of the Ancients and the Liberty of the Moderns & Principles of Politics Applicable to All Representative Governments’ by Benjamin Constant, ‘The profession and vocation of politics’ by Max Weber, ‘The road to serfdom’ by Friedrich Hayek. They are indeed a far cry from politics as shown on the telly, and are definitely not for everyone. But if you are interested in them, I‘m sure you will love the course.

Personally, I don’t think that there is an objectively good university. Any university that suits your learning style is a good university for you. But if you are really interested in coming to Cambridge, please do not be disheartened by this article, I assure you that Cambridge isn’t all about hard work. The people here are brilliant, the range of sports and activities that you can try out is astonishing, and I can guarantee that there is nothing on earth better than having Baked Camembert in formal hall after a day of essay writing.

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JULIETTE HO //

Class of 2019 (Degree in Film & Television)

Some of you are probably anxiously waiting for your ED or Oxbridge decisions or still struggling with your college applications - I am currently in the same position.

For the past few months, I have been planning for my transfer application and I hope that my account will be helpful to some of you.

Going through another cycle of endless writing of personal statements and application essay is indeed not an enjoyable process, but everything will be more bearable when you try to seek joy and growth amidst hardship. As I was brainstorming my personal statements, I tried to re-evaluate the question “why do I want to major in filmmaking?” I remember how I struggled to answer the same question when my college essay counselor thought that my initial answer was too bland. After going through all the disappointment, I think I have a more accurate vision of the path I am pursuing.

People often have the misconception that filmmaking is easy as it is so accessible nowadays. Under the influence of celebrity culture, filmmaking seems to be an appealing career route. You can easily upload a video on social media and get hundreds and thousands of likes. You can always see cameramen with expensive equipment on Instagram seeming cool. But film director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu once said, “To make a film is easy; to make a good film is war. To make a very good film is a miracle.” Fame and glamour might be the potential by-product of commercial filmmaking, but I don’t believe that they are the essence of cinematic storytelling. One thing filmmaking has taught me is perspective. Stories can be manipulated under the subjective lens of a camera, so the audience’s perception of truth often lies in the director’s decision between a high-angle shot or a low-angle shot.

Therefore, to me, filmmaking is not only a creative process but also a psychological process both creatively and realistically, reminding me to always consider alternative angles before reaching a “conclusion”. This is why I find cinematic art fascinating.

One of the reasons for me to transfer is because the teaching style of the school I am currently attending does not align my creative vision. Back then, I had never thought of the option of transferring and, instead, immersed myself in my frustrations after receiving my college decision. In SPCC, we are always surrounded by an abundance of successful college app stories. However, university decisions may not be always as perfect as expected. It is normal to feel defeated at first, but, from my experience, there are many more options beyond that heartbreaking email. Good luck and wish you all the best!

AA corner

The SPCC Alumni Association (AA) has always been a keen supporter of the school and its students, fostering a strong and extensive network between students and alumni. It organises a myriad of activities, including gatherings, community services and sports events every year, so as to bolster a sense of belonging to the SPCC community. The AA’s work also extends to sponsoring activities held by the school and the Student Union, including the publication of the Student Posts for which we are very grateful. As in previous years, booths will be set up by the AA during the F6 DSE and IB farewells. F6 students are more than welcome to join and engage in all the events it has to offer!

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中⽂學會 - ⼩⼩⼩說徵⽂比賽得獎作品

冠軍作品

亞軍作品

季軍作品

陪伴 - 陳紀鈺 ⼆⼰ //

不要相信 - 林愷楠 五庚 //

不⼀樣的病 - 鄭亦均 ⼆⼰ //

牠， 他與牠， 他與她與牠， 她與牠， 牠。

不要相信他們！現在的情況 絕對有蹊蹺，這麼好的事不 會突然發⽣的。我覺得⼀定 有問題。

她八歲，確診愛滋。爸爸歇 斯底⾥的哭。

評語：這是⼀個極度哀傷的故事， 別出⼼裁地⽤「他」「牠」「她」 道出⼀個相伴後分離的故事。⼈去 樓空，是⽣離? 是死別? 留下無限 想像空間。

評語：⿊⽩對照道出的故事「相 信他們！現在的情況絕不會有問 題。」世間所有事⼜何嘗不是在 ⿊與⽩、真與偽之間呢?

評語：爸爸的「哭」可以有不同 解讀，短短數句，含意無窮，然 ⽽卻是⼀個無法反抗命運的悲慘 故事。

CROSSWORD

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