基督教香港信義會啟信學校
School Life in ELCHKL
The school year 2020-2021 has presented unique challenges for our students in Hong Kong which in no doubt strengthen their abilities to face all kinds of adversities, foster critical thinking and problem solving skills. Taking a deeper look at our society and ourselves, bridging the gap of connectivity during this time of isolation. It emerged from the necessity of creating a 'new norm" that was nothing like anything we've experienced.
The school theme for the year continues to be 'Think positively, learn wisely and read widely'. To be up against with the fast-changing environment, our school focuses on enlightening our students in positive thinking, exercising sound judgement and reading voraciously.
Think Positively
7 Habits
The 7 habits of highly effective people provides students with a framework of common understanding and language, which is embedded into all aspects of teaching and learning. The framework supports all discipline and communication within our school.
1. Be proactive - Take responsibility for your life. Choose to act deliberately and take responsibility for your actions. Listen to your language and be proactive rather than reactive.
2. Begin with the end in mind - Define your mission and goals in life. Live with hope and purpose. Know what you want before you begin.
3. Put first things first - prioritise and do the most important things first. Make the most effective use of your time by prioritising. Work smart.
4. Think win-win - carry on 'everyone can win' attitude. Build successful relationships with others by finding a solution that works for all.
5. Seek first to understand then to be understood - Listen to people sincerely. Hear others with your eyes, ears and heart. Only 7% of communication is verbal, 93% is body language, tone and feelings.
6. Synergise - Work together to achieve more. Two or more people can work together to create a better solution than either one could create alone. Synergy requires valuing people's uniqueness and individuality.
7. Sharpen the saw - Renew yourself regularly. Balance all four dimensions of your life: body, mind, heart and soul.
The whole-school approach aims to develop the physical, social, emotional and spiritual realms of every child. Each student has a 'My Good job record' booklet in which tracks their personal and academic goals on a daily basis. 'My Good job record' is a hands-on resource that helps teachers and students to practise the 7 habits, as well as celebrating the success of students.
To encourage students' interest in writing and the use of the English language, our school invited a number of students who are exceptional writers from the upper years to participate in the Good People Good Deeds, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, English Writing Competition 2020-2021.
Through this competition, our students were provided the opportunity to explore the world of writing, to stretch their imagination; and most importantly, to infuse positive energy into society, thus prospering social cohesion and promoting care, mutual help and solidarity in the local community. Students wrote about how a person can make a difference simply by showing love, appreciation, compassion and kindness to people around them.
Learn Wisely
17 Sustainable Development Goals (17 SDGs )
The Sustainable Development Goals are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, improve the lives and prospects of everyone and everywhere. The 17 Goals were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the Goals. Our students have Current Affairs lessons every week. Global matters are introduced based on the 17 SDGs. Creative collaboration is promoted through working in teams and designing mini projects. Our students present their ideas, listen to and work with others to solve problems, thus showing sensitivity to others' needs and feelings.
Debate Team
Starting from the school year 2020-2021, a debate team is formed in our school. It is a valuable activity for students of all skill levels. It builds confidence speaking in public and expressing their ideas. The skill sets developed is invaluable in many areas of life from interviews, school presentations, and even other aspects in their future careers etc. The preparation for competition also provides a platform for students to exercise critical thinking and research skills. As F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function." Debate allows students to see the pros and cons of issues. It helps to build skills required of a modern citizen.
Read Widely
As part of our curriculum, we have identified 'reading' as a key area for development. A child's reading skills are important for their success in school as these skills will allow them to access the breadth of the curriculum and improve their communication and language skills. Also, reading can be a fun and imaginative time for children, which opens doors to all kinds of worlds for them.
We promote reading by having a 'Readcation' for our students during holidays. Other than having a staycation, we encouraged them to have a readcation in their free time. Sharing a book with their classmates by taking a photo and noting down their favourite quotes from the book would spark kaleidoscopic encounters and experiences. For them, making the process worthwhile.
To encourage a love for reading, we had a dress-up day where students arrive at school dressed as their favourite characters from the books which they love to read.
School Development Plan (2020/21 - 2022/23)
1. To nurture positive ELCHK Lutheran students, and build up citizens of the new era.
2. To stimulate new ways of thinking in learning and teaching, and motivate high level of self-driven learning.
3. To enhance richer environment to learn languages, and collaboratively create better atmosphere to explore the joy of reading.