Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No.2

Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No.2
English Newspaper
Issue 1, December 2006
As we enter the Advent season, and prepare for the Peace of
Christmas, we look back on Term 1 as a time of continuous
change at YCK2, especially in the English Department. During
the summer holiday, many students from Forms 1 to 6 enjoyed
the English speaking OCEP program. But when we returned to
school in September, we were sad to hear that we had lost our
English Panel Chair, Ms Amy Leung. We are very grateful for
her many years of dedicated service and friendship. This year,
we have four new English teachers, whom you will meet on
pages 2 and 3.
During Horizons Week, the English Panel held senior practice
exams, and a three-day program: an excursion to Madame
Tussaud’s Wax Museum, followed by Report writing and Drama
workshops. Our senior Debating team hosted their fourth round
NESTA interschool debate. Many individual students and one group
have participated successfully in the Hong Kong Speech Festival.
And in November 30 junior students enjoyed a series of after-school
Drama classes.
The YCK2 English Week was held in November this year, with a rush to prepare
projects, displays and performances. The YCK2 English Ambassadors have been very
active this year, assisting in English-speaking Tuesdays and English week.
Since the EMB announced the New Secondary Syllabus, there are some big changes in
English language learning: there will be school based
assessment, reading and responding to books and films;
drama, debating, poetry, and popular culture. Our English
teachers have started many of these learning activities in
our junior classes.
May all members of the YCK2 community enjoy the Peace
and Joy of Christmas.
Mrs. Christina ENGELBOGEN
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Ms Amy Chan Wing Shan
Hi! I’m Miss Chan Wing Shan. I teach Form One and Form Four English.
Reading is one of my favourite pastimes. Books are like my best friends.
Whenever I find empathy with the authors, I feel great comfort because it is
sometimes difficult to find someone who can really understand us.
I also love listening to songs. Although I teach English, my favourite type of
song is not English, but Mandarin. Many people comment that the lyrics of
Mandarin songs are old-fashioned. They think that the lyrics express the
messages too explicitly. However, I think that expressing our emotions explicitly
is what modern people need.
Nowadays, many people like to hide their true feelings even to the people they
are close to, like their family members. This has resulted in misunderstanding
among people and ill feeling is developed in people’s hearts. Striving for a
harmonious world is vital, isn’t it?
Ms Sharon Chan Kit Yee
The main reason I got into teaching English was because I was inspired by my Form
2 English teacher. When I first entered Secondary school, I found English very
difficult. My Primary school had been Chinese medium, but everything in the
Secondary school was in English. I couldn’t understand instructions in the classroom
or what people said in Assemblies. I felt embarrassed.
But I tried really hard in the English lessons, and it was lucky that I had such a great
Form 2 English teacher. She encouraged me a lot. I read English books and watched
English films. Two of my favourite English books are Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch
Albom and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In The Alchemist, a shepherd boy
travels to strange places to find his dreams. An alchemist teaches him that “The
search for your dreams is an encounter with God and Eternity”.
One of my favourite movies is You’ve Got Mail!
So, to enjoy learning English, it’s important to try to and do something you like: if
you like sports, watch TV sports shows with an English commentary, or read the
reports in the English newspapers.
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Ms Olive Wong Man
Why teaching?
Not until I took part in the Junior Achievement, a U.S.-based voluntary organization, funded by
Citibank for promoting youth well being, had I ever thought about becoming a teacher. Two
years ago, I had a chance to teach short courses at a Catholic school under the Junior
Achievement arrangement. It was then that I realized I wanted to be a teacher.
Why become an English teacher?
English was always my favorite subject and my all time love. I would like to bring my students to
the world of English. I would suggest that students in exam classes try to think in English when
they are having dialogues. And watch the TVB English News read by Jenny Lam, as she speaks so
clearly. You can also read the English sub-titles on the news.
My favorite models of English language: Andy Rooney of ‘Sixty Minutes’ for his humor and
wisdom, and of course and Jenny Lam of ‘TVB News’, as a great HK anchor.
Ms Ana Lam Chor Jing
I am Miss Lam, I teach F. 4, 5 and 6 English Language. I may be new to this school,
but I am not new to the field of teaching. I enjoy teaching English Language
because English is a dynamic language, which requires users’ active participation.
Watching films is one of my favourite pastimes. My favourite English film is
Forrest Gump and I have watched it 23 times already. After watching this thought
provoking film, I understand we have to have faith in ourselves no matter how
difficult the situation may be.
Like the old saying, “If there is a will, there is a way”.
Here’s my personal motto: Learn from your past, do your best today and plan
ahead for your future.
(From left to right):
Ms Olive Wong
Ms Amy Chan
Ms Sharon Chan
Ms Ana Lam
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HORIZONS WEEK DRAMA SCRIPT: HOUSE OF WAX
Characters:
Narrator, Worker 1, Worker 2, Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan,
Policeman
SCENE 1 (Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks Museum, at night.
The wax figures of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan stand very still,
in the pose of fighting in their famous movies)
Narrator: One night at the Waxworks, the museum workers
went around and checked the figures. They were looking to see
if any thieves were there. While they were checking, they saw
two figures, Bruce Lee and Jacky Chan coming to life.
(Two museum workers walk around the room and stop to check
the wax figures)
Worker 1: What’s happening? Look! (Pointing to the two figures. They move a little)
Worker 2: Don’t be crazy. (Looks at the figures) Oh my God! They aren’t thieves … they really
are Bruce Lee and Jacky Chan! They are coming to life! (Hides at the side)
Worker 1: It’s impossible! I can’t believe it! (Also hides and watches the figures)
(The two figures slowly move their hands and their heads, step on one foot then the other.
They see each other, and Bruce looks angrily at Jackie. He makes a kung fu pose)
Bruce Lee (shouting angrily): Why did you take my weapon?
Jackie Chan (laughing): None of your business! I do what I want! I’m the star now!
Bruce Lee (his voice is quiet and angry): You are a thief ! Let’s fight! I will beat you!
(They start to fight, showing their great martial arts skills. Jacky is funny)
Narrator: Jackie and Bruce began to fight. Bruce did some great kung fu, but Jackie could get
away fast and do some funny movements.
Worker 1: We need to stop them! (Tries to go near and stop the fighters)
Worker 2: How? (Hiding from the fight. He is scared of the crazy, fighting figures)
Worker 1 (runs away from the fighters): Call the police! (dials the phone) Police!!
Narrator: The workers called the police and the waxwork figures kept fighting
SCENE 2 (A policeman arrives, the figures freeze. He looks around to find the fight)
Policeman: Where are they? (Looking around)
Worker 1: Here! (pointing to the two wax figures. They stand still)
Policeman (angrily): They are just two wax figures! Are you crazy?
Worker 2: No! They were moving! I saw them! (Tries to move Bruce’s arms)
Policeman: Don’t be foolish! You are wasting my time!
(The policeman leaves, looking angry. The workers try to move the figures, but Bruce and
Jacky don’t move. They are just waxworks again.)
Narrator (laughing and pointing as the two workers walk away, looking angry):
After the police went away, the two workers were fired from their job. (The figures shake
hands)
Zhou Ham Fung, Lam Yun Chi, Chan Ka Fai, Chan Wai Yin, 2C
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HORIZONS WEEK MADAME TUSSAUD’S WAXWORKS MUSEUM
On Tuesday 31st October, our group went to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum. The
address is Madame Tussaud’s Hong Kong, Shop P101, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road,
The Peak, Hong Kong. Madame Tussaud’s HK has been open since 2000.
Madame Tussaud’s Hong Kong website is http://www.madame-tussauds.com.hk
There were many visitors at the Peak and walking around the wax museum. Madame
Tussaud’s has three floors. It has over 100 wax figures of famous people. Some of the
characters are from past history and others are still living. They each have a setting that
shows why they are famous. Most of the characters are from around the world, but many
are from Hong Kong.
Characters included Bruce Lee and Jacky Chan; Queen Elizabeth, Hu Jintao, Bill Clinton
and George Bush; Einstein, Shakespeare, Picasso and Neil Armstrong; Aaron Kwok, Joey
Yung, Twins, Michael Jackson and the Beatles; Liu Xiang, Beckham, Tiger Woods and
Yao Ming.
The most interesting was Yao Ming. His figure is very tall, and he is jumping to shoot
another hoop for the Rockets. He is famous because he is China’s greatest basketball
champion and in 2008, he will join the national team in the Beijing Olympic Games.
We also attended a lecture about how wax figures are made. The simple steps are: first,
measuring the body and face of the real person. The sculptor uses calipers to measure him
from head to feet. The body is shaped in fibre-glass, with latex skin. The head and hands
are cast in wax, then coloured with special paints. The hair, eyes and teeth are matched
exactly with the real person. Finally, the figure is dressed up in real clothes. Famous
people like Joey Yung, Aaron Kwok and Twins gave their real things for their wax figures
to wear.
Marcus Wu 3D
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HORIZONS WEEK REFLECTIONS
During Horizons week, I joined the Social Service programme, visiting two homes for elderly
people. The service lasted for two days, 2nd and 3rd November. The elderly residents’ centers were
located in Shek Pai Wan and Wong Chuk Hang respectively.
On the first day, we visited the elderly home in
Shek Pai Wan from the morning to the
afternoon, which was a whole-day programme.
When we arrived that day, the elderly
residents were having breakfast in the canteen
and so we helped the nurses to distribute the
“dim-sum” to them.
During the progress of the day, we talked with
the residents and learnt that most of them were
over 70 years old. Their faces were full of
wrinkles and their hair was mostly grey. Some of them were too weak to stand and they had to sit
in wheel chairs. Even though they could not walk freely, they were all smart and witty. After
getting to know the residents, we visited their bedrooms, which were simple rooms containing
their beds and desks. And we had a happy talk with the residents in the afternoon. On the second
day, we performed a magic show, which made the residents very happy and excited.
The most touching part was when one group of
our students sang the School Song in front of
the elderly residents. The nurses and social
workers standing there nearly cried. The old
ladies and gentlemen in the nursing home
were deeply moved to hear our students’ pride
in their school. Although some of the lower
form students were not always cooperative, I
still enjoyed the programme.
Even though the elderly residents are living in these retirement homes with many
friends, they sometimes feel quite lonely. They miss their families. Therefore, we
should treasure the time we spend now with our parents and should remember not
to leave them alone in the future.
Choko Hung 6B (19)
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HORIZONS WEEK LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP
During Horizons Week, I was invited to join the Leadership training camp from 1st to 3rd of
November, since I am one of the executive members of the Student Union. It was a
remarkable experience.
The campsite is located in Sai Kung. It is surrounded by exquisite scenery of mountains,
islands and mangroves. This was actually the first time I had visited a mangrove. These
amazing trees grow close together in salt water. They protect the coast with their big roots,
and provide a habitat for many sea creatures and birds. To me, it was very interesting and
educational. I could not believe that I could come so close to the mangroves and touch them.
This pleasant environment brought peace to all of us.
We learned leadership and team building through many challenging games. To break the
ice among the team members, the leader had kindly organized a game called the water
catapult. The students had to build their own catapults with only a few bamboo sticks and
strings. Then we had to throw water balls through the catapults. All of us enjoyed the game
and we also gained a lot of team spirit. However, the most exciting activity was the
exploring adventure at night. It was extremely terrifying, especially when we were
searching for those small signs in the dark, while the winds roared and roared. We were
scared to death. But we supported and encouraged each other. Finally, we were able to
complete all the tasks. Even though we did not win the game, we had built up friendship
during our wandering through the night.
However, I am afraid to say that the leadership-training course conducted on the second
day was most boring. We were asked to plan stuff, to lead people and to play some boring
games. I thought the duration of the course was extremely long, lasting six hours. A lot of us
nearly fell asleep during the talk.
Overall, it was a superb and exhausting camp. We enjoyed having the time in the camp.
Through cooperating and helping each other, we have built deep friendships. The camp has
widened our insight, and helped to diversify our talents. It has allowed me to know myself
better. It was a wonderful experience, and I am glad that I had this opportunity to join.
Jessica Lui 6A (17)
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NESTA INTERSCHOOL SENIOR DEBATING COMPETITION
In 2006, our Senior debating team took part in four rounds of the NESTA Interschool
debating competition, through to the quarter-finals. The team was: She Ying Ying,
Johnon Chan, Kitty Liu Hoi Ying, Cherry Cheng Cheuk Yan, Brian Leung Ka Sui
and Ishtar Wong Suet Yin. The team started competing when they were in Form 6
and finished in Form 7. The opposing teams were:
1.) Kowloon Tong Secondary School - That HK Disneyland is a success;
2.) Pui Tak Canossian, Aberdeen - That Home Schooling should be available in HK;
3.) Pentecostal SC, Ho Man Tin - That Corporal Punishment should be banned in HK;
4.) Kwok Tak Seng Catholic S S, Shatin - That the World needs more Nuclear Power
Stations.
We had a few funny experiences. For example, at
one school, there was a mistake in the timekeeping.
The Adjudicator deducted a mark and the
opposition was not happy. We left quickly, with the
Adjudicator, although we won that round.
For another debate, Johnon had to give his speech as
Chairperson. Our adjudicator had a foreign
name, which was hard for him to pronounce. We
helped him to practise, so that he was able to
pronounce the honourable adjudicator’s name
with no mistake.
Everything we learned in debating was useful
for improving our English. The difficult topics
forced us to research and learn a lot of new
vocabulary; preparing our speeches was like exam essay writing; delivering our
speeches required perfect pronunciation, excellent timing and intonation; and
rebutting taught us to think critically in English. Even acting as Chairperson and
co-adjudicating helped us to use and listen to English more precisely.
We felt quite proud to win against Band 1 and 2 schools, and enjoyed the teamwork.
We recommend to students of any age, who enjoy using English, to try debating. You
can compete, win and learn all at the same time.
Cherry Cheung 7B
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DRAMA WORKSHOPS
by Eric Nico 2D
Because all the Form 1, 2 and 3 classes have previously experienced English Drama at
YCK2, we were happy to hear that we would have another chance this term.
30 students from Forms 1, 2 and 3 have enjoyed Drama workshops every Tuesday, for
four consecutive weeks in November, after school. The native English speaking Drama
instructor is Mr. Andrew Ashley, from Eng-classroom.
Aside from the Drama skills workshop, we also played a lot of games, which, to my
surprise, everyone was interested in. It was full of fun and laughter.
The activities were solo mime and role-playing, solving problems like ‘making an
excuse’, and group tasks like ‘fractured fairy tales’!
Although the activity didn’t come free, it was reasonably priced.
I highly recommend these activities to incoming Form 1 students, so they can learn
English through acting and playing.
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In November, we had Horizons week. I
traveled on the suspended ceiling – Ngong
Ping Skyrail – and visited the new Hong
Kong Wetland Park.
I could see many birds and learn something
about the earth. The people in the park told
us to keep the earth well because, in the last
100 years, people have been damaging the
earth. We should take a bus, not drive a car,
or walk. We should also not make too much
rubbish.
Chan Shing Hin 2B
During Horizons Week, I went to the
Whampoa Military School from 31st
October to 4th November. We learned how
to use the guns. It was fun!
Ngai Po Chun 2B
This week, every student was encouraged to
attend at least one outside school activity. I
arranged to visit Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks
at the Peak on Tuesday. I saw a lot of wax figures
when I entered the exhibition hall. The wax figures
are of famous people in the world. They include
scientists, presidents, sportsmen, singers, Kings,
Queens and movie stars. I remember President
Bush the most because my friend pretended to be
the president giving a talk on the stage.
Wong Yiu Wah 2B
Photo taken by: Cheng Wai Hung (2C)
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R EF L EC T I O N S O N HO R I Z O N S W EEK – F O R M 7A
I visited Macau during Horizons Week. We saw many churches and we talked to an old Parish
priest. He told us some history of the Catholic Church in Macau and some stories from the
Bible. We also visited other famous historical spots in Macau, the fort, the museum and the
beautiful streets of old Portuguese houses. On this trip, I learnt about Macau’s different
cultures: both Portuguese and Chinese. There are people of different races who have always
Lived in Macau and they all get along peacefully.
Esther Lo 7A
During Horizons week, I went to Zhouqing with our teachers and my schoolmates, for three days.
It was an exciting trip. Although we were very tired after the trip, we really enjoyed it. We visited
many temples and a famous waterfall. The food in Zhouqing was not very tasty. However, the
people were very nice there, particularly our tour guide who told us a lot of funny jokes. We had
an unforgettable experience during this trip.
Janis Wai 7A
The Speaking Enhancement Scheme held during Horizons week, has really helped us a lot in
preparing for our A-Level Use of English Exam. It provided us a chance to practise our oral
English. It helped to improve our pronunciation. The most important thing is that the teachers
were very nice and gave us a lot of useful advice. It boosted our confidence in using the language.
Alice Tsui 7A
The speaking Enhancement Scheme is really useful to us. We did the presentation and
discussion sections. When both sections were finished, the teachers gave us their opinions and
advice, which benefited us. It increased our awareness of correct and incorrect pronunciation,
grammatical errors and involuntary gestures due to nervousness. The scheme provided a valuable
learning experience for us, to train our oral skills.
Chung Shuk Ling 7A
The Speaking Enhancement scheme provided a formal oral practice during lunchtime. It
encouraged us to think more and speak more. Besides, the teacher gave us comments
after practice, and we know which areas we should make improvement in. I believe ‘Practice
makes perfect’. This is a good chance for us to practise more.
Chung Siu Yin 7A
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