ALUMNI English Schools Foundation NEWS March 2012 Shaper of opinion reveals her path to success

Executive director of a charitable organisation on a mission for the needy

Young graduate determines to blaze a trail in the world of law Marchad2012 OP.pdf 1 07/03/2012 4:54 PM

A tender way to grow from 1 month to 14 years

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Scan the code to check out Evoke the summer time ambience, our latest collection! 2012 Spring Summer collection new arrival! Man Yee Arcade lll Ocean Terminal Tel: 2330 1171 ESFAlumniNEWS • 3.2012 Foreword

It is my pleasure to write the foreword for the second issue of ESF Alumni News. As Education Director, I recognise the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing and am thrilled to see that in this issue we have interviews with two inspiring mentors and a young graduate.

March is a special month to celebrate International Women’s Day. This time, three generations of exceptional alumnae who attended different ESF schools share their stories. The subject of the feature story is Christine Loh, who is now a well-recognised social commentator in and the CEO of Civic Exchange think tank. She recalls her fondest memories of in the 1970s. Another dynamic graduate and a fan of netball at , Pia Wong, tells us how she makes time for reading to her kids while being the Executive Director of Bring Me A Book, a charitable organisation that promotes reading. Last but not least, we have Michelle Li, a recent graduate of now studying law at the University of Hong Kong. She shares her practical advice for those stepping out into university life.

On top of that, don’t forget to check out the “What’s Happening?” section in this issue. There you will find out how different ESF schools are taking their fundraising efforts to the next level. There is also updated news about alumni reunions organised by Island School and KGV which I am sure you will not want to miss.

Enjoy reading!

Pam Ryan Director, Education English Schools Foundation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

P. 03...... Foreword P. 05...... A Green Campaigner and Shaper of Opinion Christine Loh, Island School P. 08...... Going by the Book Pia Wong, South Island School P. 10...... From Fountain Pen to Macbook Michelle Li, Renaissance College P. 13...... What’s Happening

The ESF Alumni News is a quarterly magazine We welcome your comments and enquiries Disclaimer: published by: regarding alumni matters and development. The English Schools Foundation (“ESF”) is the owner English Schools Foundation of the copyright of all content of this publication. 25/F 1063 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong All correspondence should be directed to: Distributing, modifying, copying or using any contents of this publication in any manner for public or Judy Yue, Development Manager The magazine is distributed through schools to commercial purposes without written permission from alumni. The electronic version can be obtained English Schools Foundation ESF is strictly prohibited. Tel: 2574 2351 from the ESF website: Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily Email: [email protected] represent those of English Schools Foundation or www.esf.edu.hk/alumni individual ESF schools. Printed on recycled paper. 3

A Green Campaigner and Shaper of Opinion

Dr. Christine Loh Kung-wai, JP, OBE, Chevalier de l’ordre National du Merite (陸恭蕙) CEO of Civic Exchange Graduated from Island School in 1970s and attended the University of Hull, City University of Hong Kong (Masters of Law in Chinese & Comparative Law) and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Law honoris causa by the University of Hull. She was trained as a lawyer but worked as a commodities trader for 12 years from 1980–1991.

hristine Loh attended Politically Correct parent herself. “I love my daughter and CIsland School in the 1970s I love playing with her. I think playing is To some in Hong Kong, Christine very important for children. In fact we and remembers a campus has the image of a hard-headed should all play more.” with small classes and highly businesswoman and politician. It’s an inspirational teachers. Here image the former legislator believes is Despite a busy lifestyle, Christine finds time to appreciate the arts, an interest the CEO of public policy think inaccurate. “I don’t think I set out to create a tough image. It’s important she developed when she was young. tank Civic Exchange chats to be competent and this requires an “I don’t think I have sufficient talent to us about her parents, understanding of the issues involved to be a professional artist although I pollution and the importance in whatever subject you are dealing do have the capacity to appreciate the arts. I enjoy going to exhibitions and of précis. with.” shows. I also like to write, and may try Deeply influenced by her own parents, my hand at fiction one day”. Christine is now enjoying the role of

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Few Facilities - Great come alive and I seriously thought of The CEO of Civic Exchange has a Teachers being a geographer or geologist at one schedule of projects and initiatives time.” that would daunt lesser mortals. These Christine attended Island School include using ecological restoration to in what she describes as the early Christine enjoyed her school days compensate for resource exploitation; years when there were relatively few but does have one regret. “I wish I’d looking at “well-being” in various students and no facilities to speak of. realised how useful what I was being Asian cities; and ways to make public “I can’t say I loved the swimming pool taught at school would be later in life. health the key driver for air pollution. because we didn’t have one. PE meant The fundamental skills of listening, “I’m also responsible for setting the running on Bowen Rd. We may not comprehension and précis, in writing strategic direction of the organisation have had great facilities but we had and speech, are all crucial in my work and still do research directly, which great teachers.” but I didn’t really think about why we involves a lot of reading, writing and were doing them at the time.” stakeholder engagement.” The former LegCo member is quick to credit her teachers for As the air quality in Hong Kong shows encouraging her inquisitiveness and A Greener Future little sign of improvement, Christine desire to learn. “They made so many acknowledges there may come a subjects interesting and helped me Well-known for her work in time when she is pressured to leave. to understand things that I still carry environmental protection and climate “I see myself as very firmly rooted with me today. Mrs (Wendy) McTavish change, Christine first began learning here. I don’t want to move overseas taught us about the history of Tudor about ozone depletion, deforestation but I might be driven out if my family England, and the Italian Renaissance and global warming in the 1980s. members, both young and old, are (I still have an essay I wrote for her.) “I joined Friends of the Earth and unable to deal with the negative Then there was Mr (Keith) Garner who from there I began a long journey of effects of pollution and its impact on taught us geography. He made places learning what we can do to protect the their health.” environment.”

6 A Hard Day’s Work of the nature of our work. Our interns should attempt to understand the issue should enjoy research and politics in general terms. Then learn how it Civic Exchange offers internship and must write well. Having said that, affects you. Next think about what you opportunities, and students with an those selected get a lot out of it. We can do as an individual.” interest in public policy should go to stretch them – they won’t end up just the organisation’s website for more photocopying and making tea.” The former lawmaker keeps in touch information. The work doesn’t suit with a small band of former school everyone however. “We take relatively She has advice for ESF students keen mates although some live overseas. few interns each year and they tend to play their own part in raising “We have had reunions. It’s always fun to be more mature students because environmental awareness. “First you seeing them again.” Christine feels it’s important for alumni to give back, whether in cash or kind. “In many countries people donate generously to their schools and universities. Schools shouldn’t be shy about asking because if you don’t ask, you don’t get. It’s also important that we give back to society as a whole and I do that. It’s one of the core values we learned at school.”

“It’s also important that we give back to society as a whole and I do that. It’s one of the core values we learned at school.”

Awards received by Christine include: Outstanding Young Person’s Award 1988 Communicator of the Year 1994 Stars of Asia, Businessweek 1998 Stars of Asia, Businessweek 2000 Entrepreneur of the Year (Women of Influence Award 2003) Hong Kong Business Woman of the Year 2006 Woman of the Year 2006 Heroes of the Environment 2007 Ethical Leaders of 2007 Woman that make a difference 2009 Woman in Asia Awards 2011

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Going by the Book

Pia Wong (黃秋山) Executive Director of Bring Me A Book. Attended Bradbury School and graduated from South Island School in 1992. Obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at University College London and Tufts University in Boston, then studied Chinese language at the University of Hong Kong. ia Wong discovered Bedtime Reading Pthe joys of reading at a young age. Now the former The mother of two young children is on a mission to encourage reading Bradbury and South Island for pleasure in Hong Kong - both School student is Executive for enjoyment and as a means of Reading to students at JCSRS Director of Bring Me a Book improving academic performance. English isn’t the first language of either Hong Kong (BMABHK), a feel that I had a special ability to read

of her parents so Pia’s introduction to and write, even though I realise now non-profit organisation that the world of story books came from that much of my success was due promotes family literacy. snuggling up in bed with her older to my mum’s support - testing and sister Emma. practising difficult words over and over again.” “She would read to me every night when I was small. I loved it. Then at school my best friend got me even Learning to Love Books more hooked on books and we’d spend hours reading together and Books may have played a significant talking about our favourite ones.” part in her own childhood but Pia is disappointed that reading for pleasure This appreciation for the written is the exception rather than the rule in word helped Pia when she was at Hong Kong. This is reflected in some Bradbury School. “My teacher Mr of the lowest rates of family literacy Pia reading to her kids Tomas & Matti (Jonathan) Straker always offered me in the world. “You rarely see children lots of encouragement. I remember he engrossed in a good quality story organised a spellathon and I managed book, even though the city has plenty to score 100 percent. That made me

8 of well-stocked libraries.” Pia is fully Sporting Schooldays The former deputy head girl left Hong aware of the reasons why reading for Kong to complete a Bachelor of Arts fun is neglected. “Parents say they’re It’s not just spellathons that Pia in Philosophy at University College too busy to read to their children remembers fondly from her schooldays. London in 1997. As part of her BA, and teachers spend all their time she spent a year at Tufts (in Boston, preparing students for exams,” she She loved sports, particularly netball USA) on an exchange programme. acknowledges. and swimming. “The teaching methodology in the States was enlightening. Rather For Pia, the education system is less “Inter-school than lecturing, they encouraged important than the attitude of students competition is such a participation, which was similar to and parents. “One thing you can’t positive thing. You’re what I’d been used to at South Island outsource is bonding and one of the School. I think that getting students easiest ways to do it is to read children competing to win but talking and encouraging discussion is a story at bedtime.” Children can there’s also a chance good preparation for the real world.” only read for pleasure if the materials to get to know people are available. To this end, BMABHK The busy executive director feels it has installed 140 libraries across the from other schools. I’m is important to give back to society, territory (including one at Jockey Club still part of a close-knit particularly as she has such happy Sarah Roe School). The organisation ESF community and I school memories of her own. also provides training workshops that even ended up marrying “Not everyone has the educational place a strong emphasis on educating opportunities that I did and I welcome parents, teachers and caregivers about an ex KGV student!” the chance to do something for the the importance of reading aloud. local community. I hope that through Pia recalls two very inspirational Bring Me a Book Hong Kong, I’m “What I love about my job is that once teachers from South Island School. helping to do that.” people see what we’re doing, they’re “Diane Bohm taught religious studies. converted. Parents everywhere are She was amazing and made us think dedicated to doing the best for their and work analytically. And I still meet children and it’s a case of us helping to up with Martin Radford who was my show them how important reading is.” mentor for many years. I would never have studied philosophy at university if Pia also tries to explain to parents that it wasn’t for him.” they don’t need to choose reading Times have changed since she was material with pages and pages of at school however; both in terms of text. “Picture books are fun as well.

pressure and curriculum. “I think it’s I’m a fan of traditional books but I much tougher and more competitive ™ understand that kids are going to be About Bring Me A Book Hong Kong nowadays. I hope students are able to reading off their iPads and Kindles Bring Me A Book™ Hong Kong find time to enjoy themselves despite more and more. This is fine but (BMABHK), the leading advocate of their increased workloads.” cuddling up to read a bedtime story on family literacy in Hong Kong, provides easy access to the best children’s books an iPad isn’t quite the same.” and educates parents, teachers and Broadening Horizons childcare providers to read aloud with children for future success in school In 2000 Pia completed a Post Graduate and life. Through innovative library and training programmes, BMABHK reaches Certificate in Chinese at HKU. This was underserved children and families in the first time she had formally studied nurseries, kindergartens, community the language. “Chinese is now a centres, shelters, health clinics and the central part of the ESF curriculum yet it workplace. Since inception in 2006, BMABHK has installed 141 libraries, wasn’t an option when I was at South served over 54,000 children and trained Island School. Those were different more than 6000 parents through their times and (under British rule) we never award-winning “First Teachers Training really thought that we’d need to speak Program”. For more information, please visit www.bringmeabook.org.hk. Pia (front left) and her netball team at SIS Mandarin.” 9 ESFAlumniNEWS • 3.2012 From Fountain Pen to MacBook

Michelle Li (李沅琪) Graduate of Renaissance College attending the University of Hong Kong. The Law and Literature enjoyed maths or business.” The RCHK graduate considered studying fine art and literature but picked law as she ormer Renaissance Michelle’s decision to study law was reached by a process of elimination. thought it would really help her critical College student Michelle F “Working in a professional field thinking skills. “It also seemed like Li is in the second year of a appealed to me but I’d never really something completely new because law degree at the University you don’t study law at high school.”

of Hong Kong. Here she tells 18 months into the course and us why she’s studying Oscar Michelle feels she made the right Wilde; how the IB has helped decision. with time management and “It has turned out better than I when she used a fountain expected. I imagined I’d be memorising pen in class. lots of dull legal cases but it’s much more interesting and fun.” She is surprised at how the course interrelates with other disciplines. “We looked at an Oscar Wilde criminal trial from the 1890s and learned how a defence lawyer used quotes from novels such as A Picture of Dorian Gray in an attempt to convict him. So I’ve ended up studying literature after all!”

10 Work Life Balance From Old to New Inspirational Teachers

Her course is challenging and requires The versatile 19 year-old spent part Two teachers in particular left a plenty of self discipline so Michelle is of her childhood boarding at the strong impression on Michelle. One in indebted to RCHK for teaching her Godolphin School in England. “It was particular managed to enliven a subject about time-management. “I think an all-girls school where lights had to that she had found dull previously. the IB (International Baccalaureate be out at 9.30pm. There were long- “My English teacher, Aletha Rossiter Diploma) helped me become much established traditions which we were made our lessons fun and memorable. more organised. I’m a member of expected to learn about and respect. I’d never really enjoyed literature the Executive Committee of the Law We went pony trekking and used in England. At RCHK we studied Association here at HKU which has fountain pens to do all our classwork.” Shakespeare as we’d done in England been pretty time-consuming. My but we read plenty of other plays as role as a special convenor involved Returning to Hong Kong in 2007 well.” organising the annual high table when Renaissance College (RCHK) had dinner. I’ve also helped to set up just opened was quite a contrast to a “My Chinese teacher, Miss Cheung exhibitions, career workshops and I’ve centuries-old boarding school. helped me a lot too. I was never really even sold university merchandise.” good at Chinese and of course I’d “It couldn’t have been been away in England for years. She To unwind, Michelle likes to paint. gave me lots of help and became a “I go to an art studio in or more different. I went good friend.” sometimes to Wanchai. I love the from fountain pen to old buildings there.” In fact she is so MacBook overnight Michelle is busy with her studies but keen on painting that if a career in and my classmates feels that she could find time to talk law doesn’t work out; Michelle would to students about her educational like to open an art cafe. “They’re were from a range of experiences. “I think mentoring is really becoming more popular worldwide - different cultures and important and I’d be happy to pass on perhaps I could open an outdoor one backgrounds.” what I learned from doing the IB. I’m in Wanchai.” sure current students would benefit from hearing about how I coped with Michelle was impressed with the what they’re facing. The main thing is opportunities and sense of freedom in to enjoy what you’re studying; don’t RCHK. think of it as schoolwork and you’ll be fine.” “We were allowed to initiate our own activities for Creativity, Action, Service About Renaissance College for example, which was great. It’s not even that flexible or free here at HKU. Renaissance College (RCHK) is a world- class co-educational independent school I studied visual arts as part of my IB and an IB World School. Located in Ma which gave me an enormous sense of On Shan, RCHK was established by satisfaction and achievement. I think the English Schools Foundation (ESF) in that was because I never really saw 2006 to serve the needs of the local and Painting by Michelle international expatriate communities it as a school subject - I was studying in Hong Kong. Students are educated Michelle has no plans to leave the something I love. “ from Year 1 to Year 13 on one campus, territory after she graduates from HKU. guided and encouraged by experienced international educators. The student body “I’m happy here and if I qualify as a comprises over 35 nationalities, with 25 lawyer in Hong Kong then practising languages represented. While English is overseas would involve doing a the medium of instruction, the curriculum conversion course. All my family are also has a strong emphasis on Chinese language and culture. here so that’s another reason for staying put. I’d certainly like to go back and visit England to see friends though.” On a volunteer teaching trip in Fu Zhou, China

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Customer Service Hotline: 2407 9222 www.procam-fis.com.hk email: [email protected] What’s Happening JOCKEY CLUB SARAH ROE SCHOOL FASHION GALA

The JCSRS Fashion Gala was a by the Echoes of Erin Dance Troupe, resounding success! silent and live auctions, and prize draws, followed by the fashion show Jockey Club Sarah Roe School held its itself which was the highlight of the first charity fashion gala on Friday, 16 evening. The guest of honour, Dr Flora March 2012. The event was attended ZETA Cheong-Leen, led the show with by over 200 guests and raised over style and grace and added a touch HK$500,000 to support its “An iPad of glamour to the proceedings. She for Every Student” campaign. The was partnered by several JCSRS and school has introduced the first phase students who showcased of the scheme by providing an iPad for children’s couture by Château de sable. each class but it is seeking support to Flora was able to dispel any pre-show provide one for each individual child. nerves with her warmth and gentle The funds raised will also enable the humour. school to invest in other cutting edge technology. JCSRS and the Fundraising Committee are very grateful for the support of This special event included a cocktail donors, sponsors and special guests reception, live musical entertainment, in helping the school enhance an eleven course dinner, a performance its provision for all of its of Irish dancing students.

Vice Principal Mr Robert Szorenyi, Chair of Fundraising Committee, performed alongside JCSRS students

(From left to right) Dr Flora ZETA Cheong-Leen; Mrs Dayna Cheung, parent of JCSRS and Fundraising Special guest Dr Flora ZETA Cheong-Leen Committee member; and Mrs Heather Du Quesnay, CEO of ESF

JCSRS student served coffee to guests with the assistance of Heidi Lee, Coordinator of Career Development at the school

Irish Dance performance by “The Daughters of Erin” from Clearwater Bay School The Masters of Ceremony: Ms Laura Ferretti and Mr Andrew Work

Dr Flora ZETA Cheong-Leen wore a classic gown sponsored by Salvatore Ferragamo Guests made generous donations to the and partnered student models, from JCSRS iPad scheme Principal Mr Alan Howells with members of and Peak School, showcasing children’s the JCSRS Fundraising Committee couture by Château de sable 13 What’s Happening ESFAlumniNEWS • 3.2012 CALLING ALUMNI

To celebrate the school’s 20th Anniversary, West Island School will be having a Gala Celebration for alumni and staff on 23 June 2012. Details are as below:

Date and time: 7 pm on Saturday, 23 June 2012 Venue: The Verandah, Repulse Bay Dress: Black tie

For more details about this event, please contact Ms Fleur Murdoch at [email protected]

RENAISSANCE COLLEGE

On November 26, 2011, Renaissance College opened its doors to welcome students and alumni to its annual college fair. While the primary purpose of the fair was to raise funds for various learning and studying improvement projects, it also provided a great opportunity for alumni to visit the school and to reconnect with their former classmates and teachers. Compared with other ESF schools, RCHK is still very young but its alumni network is growing every year. So don’t be surprised to bump into your former classmates next time you come back in for the festivities on campus! KENNEDY SCHOOL’S 50th BIRTHDAY

Kennedy School turned 50 this year. First opened in 1961 at a site in Kennedy Road, the school was first known as Kennedy Road Junior School. It became part of ESF in 1979 and moved into its current site in Sha Wan Drive in 1989. On 20 January, students and staff of Kennedy joined by Mrs Heather Du Quesnay, CEO of ESF, unveiled a plaque to commemorate this special year.

THE DIPLOMA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

Discovery College is offering Diploma level scholarships to high academic achievers entering Year 12 in August 2012. Find out more and download applications from the school’s website.

Scholarship Application Deadline is 6 April 2012 www.discovery.edu.hk

14 What’s Happening ISLAND SCHOOL REUNION IN FEBRUARY

While the Principal of Island School, in the building across the road, all the gave a brief talk on the changes at Chris Binge, was in London for way to a group of last year’s graduates. Island School over the years and all recruitment, he organised an Islanders There were two former Principals were interested to hear the news of reunion in a function room above there, Colin Niven and David James, as the planned redevelopment of the a pub on Fleet Street. It was very well as Chris Forse, and several other school. The reunion went on long into encouraging that over 120 Islanders former members of staff. All there the evening as the snow settled on the turned up. There were students from showed their affection for the school, London streets outside. the 1960s, who only remember being and traded their fond memories. Chris KING GEORGE V SCHOOL REUNION

8 Feb 2012 saw nearly 100 KGVers Principal Ed Wickins spoke to the from across the decades meet in alumni about the developments at the London for the 3rd London Reunion. school and showed them the plans of Alumni from 1953 right through to the new buildings in a presentation. more recent graduates from 2008 Later in the presentation there were gathered in ‘Ye Olde Cock Tavern’ on a few gasps of surprise when photos Fleet St to relive old times, to catch up of the attendees suddenly appeared with old friends and hear a little about onscreen as bright and cheery 17 year life at KGV in 2012. Some travelled olds. For some, that was a only few quite a distance for the occasion and years ago. All agreed it was a great spent the night in London to enjoy the night and ended with a rendition of event to its full. the school song where the younger alumni more than held their own in volume and tunefulness.

For more information on the Gold and Silver table packages or to make a booking please contact: Ruth Barnes - [email protected] / Tel: 2711 3029, Reyna Harilela - [email protected] / Tel: 9484 6288 or Varina Parmanand - [email protected] / Tel: 9800 3000 http://alumni.kgv.edu.hk/?register 15