Write about real lessons in life you’ve learnt outside of school.

As the famous Chinese saying goes, “Travelling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand scrolls.”  Schools focus on academic subjects, and stress dictations, tests and examinations.  They attempt to build your social skills in a protected environment.  You start to learn about the concept of responsibilities but you are definitely not practising it yet.

People are encouraged to move away from textbooks and to learn real lessons in life.  Let me share two of my experiences from life I have learnt outside textbooks.

Recently, through a violin competition I participated in, I’ve learnt to believe in myself.  Although I lost in the competition, I’ve still gained a lot.  I’ve learnt to respect my competitors and the judge’s final decision.  In the competition, I came across a lot of unfair situations but I tried to deal with them in a positive way.  Tackling nervousness was the hardest thing I’ve come across.  When a person is nervous, he will feel particularly cold; butterflies will be swirling in his stomach.  When I am nervous, I will try to warm myself up.  The most important thing to do when you feel nervous is to tell yourself, “I can do it!” before going up to the stage and perform.  Don’t look at the audience; it will just increase your fear.  I’ve learnt that failure is a necessary process to achieve success!  This is what you can’t learn from your textbooks!

Although we do learn about responsibilities in school, we don’t often practise them.  I own a puppy and a rabbit at home.  I made a promise to take care of the two sweethearts for the rest of their lives.  I’m responsible for not only looking after their health and taking care of their daily needs such as food and poo, but also lavishing patience and kindness on them.  I need to respect animal rights, I need to spend time with them, I need to walk my dog every day, I need to bring him to the vet regularly, I need to bathe him, I need to go out and buy hay for my rabbit…  I just can’t count all my duties!

These are lessons that we definitely can’t learn in class at school.  And we need to experience them ourselves in order to learn the lessons deeply.

Tree Planting Day

Last Friday, Miss Chan, our Science teacher, told us that the climate in the world was getting warmer and warmer because a lot of trees in the rainforest were cut down.  Since the temperature is rising each year, the principal and the teachers became very worried.  They decided to do something with the students to protect the environment.

A Tree Planting Day was held on the first of March.  That morning, the principal, the teachers and the students gathered at the playground.  The students were exhilarated because tree planting was a very special event.  After the principal planted the first sapling, the teachers and the students applauded enthusiastically.  I took out my camera and took a picture of this special moment.

Afterwards, each of the students planted his own sapling in the soil.  It was such an unforgettable day for all of us because we had done something important to save the world!

The “Art” of Skiing

Skiing is an exciting sport for both adults and children.  Although it may seem difficult at first, especially for beginners, it is a lot of adventure and fun once we master the basic skills.  We can take our time to glide leisurely down the slope or, if we love excitement, we can twist and turn and skate down the snow within seconds.

First, the ride to the top of the mountain is comfortable and enjoyable.  When the lift chair goes higher and higher, I am surrounded by white snow-capped mountains.  The view is breathtaking.

Second, when the lift chair reaches the top of the mountain, the thrilling moment arrives.  I need to jump off the chair without falling.  The scenery is very beautiful; I am surrounded by nature and wildlife.  Everywhere is covered with a thick white blanket.  The snow glistens under the sun.

Third, there are different kinds of slopes for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.  If we want plenty of adventure and excitement, the black diamond slope is a challenge.  However, I love the peace and serenity as I ski leisurely down a slope covered with powdery snow.

Skiing is indeed an exhilarating sport for both adults and children!

It’s been one year since I gave up eating chocolate

I was lying on my couch relaxed, when suddenly someone rang the door bell.  I leapt out of the couch, opened the door, and found a postman standing in front of me.

“Oh, hi!  Are there any mail or packages for me?” I greeted.

“Well, a package is delivered from –“ the postman paused to check the address.  “I don’t know; it’s not written down here!”

I thanked him, took the package, and closed the door.  I looked at the package closely.  Right on the top, my address and my name were written clearly.  I shrugged and tore open the box.  Inside was a piece of dark chocolate.  On the wrapping, it said Do not eat it, or else…  I thought,

“That’s weird.”

There was also a piece of paper telling you what to do afterwards if you had really eaten the chocolate.  I wondered why I couldn’t eat it.

I proceeded to open the wrapper, and took a tiny bite.

“Yum!” I licked my lips.

Just then, I felt my teeth turning soft.  I took another bite, and this time, I felt my teeth MELTING!  I ate the last tiny piece of the chocolate, and my teeth were COMPLETELY GONE.

“Illusions, maybe!” I hoped.

I ran to the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror.

“Arghhhh!” I screamed.

“Wat im I going you to?” I tried to say, though I really meant ‘What am I going to do?’

I looked at the instructions that came with the sweet.  It read:

1.    Put two peanuts, 360ml whipped cream, three animal crackers, and the wrapping in a bowl.

2.   Then, stir it continuously for ten seconds and heat it to 79ºC for three minutes.

3.   Turn off the heat and drink the potion.

After a week, your teeth will grow back!

I followed the instructions by the book.  After steps one and two, I turned off the stove, and took off the lid.  A puff of black and sparkling smoke appeared.  I coughed and sneezed.  After a couple of minutes, the liquid turned warm.  I plucked up my courage and gobbled it all down in one gulp.

“Yikes!” I spluttered.

After a week, my teeth really did grow back.  I felt relieved. I vowed I will never eat chocolates again!

We have been hearing the term “core values 核心價 值” mentioned a lot lately by our Chief Executive candidates and the media.  In your opinion, what are the core values of Hong Kong?  Limit your choices to a maximum of five and explain what these core values are about.

The term “core values” has been mentioned a lot by our Chief Executive candidates and the media lately.  Core values are the vital principles that should be defended, in order to ensure a harmonious society in Hong Kong.  In my opinion, rule of law, human rights, and morality are the most important values of Hong Kong.

To start with, Hong Kong has an independent judicial system – rule of law.  Everybody is equal in front of the law.  The result of a dispute is not affected by the Chief executive, the government, or any private individual.  Instead, it is determined fairly by a jury or a judge, with due process of law, in the court.

In addition, every person in Hong Kong enjoys human rights.  People have rights to eat, work, and live.  Despite differences in race, religion, age and health condition, they are accorded the rights to education, jobs, and social benefits.  Moreover, they have the freedom of speech, religion, as well as entry and exit.

Last but not least, morality is a valuable quality of Hong Kong people.  Hong Kong people have strong integrity.  They do care for and respect one another.  They are honest and not greedy.  They are polite and not rude.

Conclusively, rule of law, human rights and morality are the important core values of Hong Kong.  I hope that Hong Kong can continue to uphold these core values, since they are the basic features of a civilised society.

The election of a new Chief Executive (“CE”) for Hong Kong SAR is imminent.  In your opinion, what are the essential qualities of a CE?  Based on those criteria, who, among the three declared candidates – Mr. C.Y. Leung, Mr. Henry Tang, and Mr. Albert Ho – is the most qualified to be the next CE of Hong Kong SAR?

2012 is the year of elections.  Nations like the United States, China, Korea and Russia, etc, will be going through leadership changes; as will Hong Kong.  The election of a new Chief Executive (“CE”) for Hong Kong SAR is imminent.  Although our CE will be selected only by a small 1200-member committee comprising representatives from various industries and constituencies, most of us are still keen to express our preferences.  Among the three declared candidates, whom do you think is the most qualified?

In my opinion, the CE of the Hong Kong SAR must have a few essential qualities.  First and foremost, our CE should be a trustworthy person.  It’s not easy to gain the trust from the citizens, but trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities of all.  He or she should also be responsible and respectable – capable of following through with his promises and communicating with the people of Hong Kong.  The CE is the major representative of the Hong Kong SAR, so one must conduct oneself with dignity.  A positive public image will help to facilitate the implementation of policies.  Also, as the head of the city, he or she should have firm principles and strong leadership.  A good leader recognizes talent and inspires smart people to join his or her team.  A government with an outstanding leader but incompetent staff will not function effectively.  Last but not least, our CE should be willing to embrace change to maintain Hong Kong’s competitiveness.  This takes a lot of courage.  Hong Kong allows its citizens to express themselves freely; it is crucial for our leader to listen to views that are constructive but not be too intimidated by demonstrations and noises.  He or she should understand different issues well in order to make decisions in the best interest of Hong Kong.

Among the three declared candidates, I think Mr. C.Y. Leung is more qualified to be our next CE of the Hong Kong SAR.  Unlike Mr. Henry Tang who was born with a silver spoon, Mr. Leung wasn’t born into rich and powerful families.  Coming from a grassroot family, he will be able to understand the lower and middle classes more.  He has a huge passion to work with Hong Kong citizens and to bring them a better life.  His public image has improved significantly over the past six months – all because of his hard work and his vision.  However, sadly, I believe Mr. Henry Tang will likely be elected CE as he seems to have garnered a lot of support from the Chinese government.  Nonetheless, I hope Mr. C.Y. Leung will continue to serve Hong Kong in the coming years.

Chinese New Year is the best festival

by Ann-Marie Lee (Primary 4)

I love Chinese New Year.  It represents joyfulness and happiness.  During Chinese New Year, auspicious red banners, peach blossoms and narcissus can be seen everywhere.  All shops and stores are filled with people busily buying all sorts of Chinese puddings, sweets, red melon seeds and auspicious decorations.  Everywhere is filled with happy faces and good blessings.

I really love Chinese New Year.  It represents love and togetherness.  People from different places and abroad get together to spend quality time with their families and relatives.  During this time of the year, even people we do not know can get together to share the joy of the fireworks and lion dance parade.

I surely love Chinese New Year.  It represents great feasts and delicious foods.  Roast chickens, Chinese mushrooms, fish and shrimps are our “usual” reunion dinner menu.  Puddings and candies are my favourite desserts.

Chinese New Year is the best festival!

Hong Kong is one of the best cities

in the world

by Joe Shiba (Grade 5)

Hong Kong is one of the best cities in the world because it has a lot of really great things to offer.

Firstly, Hong Kong is a foodie heaven.  The seafood is fresh and is always delicious.  There are also different kinds of food like sushi, pizzas, and hamburgers.  Even though the chefs might not have come from the countries of these cuisines, the food is still prepared with much authenticity.

Secondly, Hong Kong has a good public transportation system that many other cities don’t have.  The MTR are trains that operate underground.  It is used by a lot of passengers every day.  It is fast, convenient, and reliable.  There are also ferries that people take to cross the harbour or to travel to the outlying islands.  Buses run frequently and can get us around Hong Kong.  Taxis are easy to flag down and they are really fast.

Thirdly, Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city.  There are people from many countries living here.  You can learn about different languages and cultures.  You can also make friends easily.

I think Hong Kong is definitely one of the best cities in the world!

My First Flight

by Christopher Shih (Primary 5)