Ocean Park today hosted an award presentation ceremony for the “I’m with You” Award Scheme, organised for the second consecutive year in collaboration with the Committee on Home-School Co-operation (CHSC) and the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong (HKU). Over 5,000 students were recognised for spreading a positive spirit during the 2015/16 school year while 31 students, parents and teachers for helping classmates or students overcome challenging times by strengthening their positive attitude and resilience, thereby fostering a culture of mutual support. Ocean Park is also donating 24,000 admission tickets and 62 SmartFun Annual Gold passes worth around HK$10 million in recognition of “I’m with You” awarded winners and in support of a programme launched by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention to help foster positive attitudes and values among students.
Attending today’s ceremony were the Honourable Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah, Financial Secretary of HKSAR; Mr. Henry Tong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation; Professor Paul Yip, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong; Mr. Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park; Mr. Lau Ming-wai, Deputy Chairman of Ocean Park; and Mr. Matthias Li, Chief Executive of Ocean Park. They were joined by about 150 students, parents and teachers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, said “I hope that all of our students are able to stay positive when facing different challenges in life. There is always someone who cares about you that you can turn to and talk to. The winning students, parents and teachers here today are truly the guardian angels of our younger generations. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to them for their hard work and outstanding achievement.”
Mr. Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “As Hong Kong People’s Park, we care deeply about the younger generation’s development, not only in terms of academic performance, but also fostering a positive attitude when facing challenges in life. We are delighted to collaborate with CHSC and HKU again on the award scheme to encourage the younger generation to spread a positive spirit and promote a culture of mutual support within schools. We are giving out tickets and SmartFun Annual Passes with a total value of around $10 million to awarded students, parents and teachers in hopes they will enjoy our edu-taining offering and continue to inspire those around them with a positive spirit.”
Professor Paul Yip of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, said, “The Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides was established in March to raise community concern for the mental health of students. After analysing the data and situation in Hong Kong and worldwide, we found the factors behind suicidal cases extremely complex, involving issues such as mental health, emotions, adaptability, social relations and more. To prevent suicide among students, we should aim for early identification and intervention to reduce personal, familial and environmental risk factors while strengthening protective factors.” Professor Yip, who chaired the Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides, encouraged students to turn to their friends and schoolmates when facing emotional problems. If the situation is not improving, they should seek help from teachers, social workers or psychologists. He also reminded students to not only offer care and support to those suffering from emotional problems, but also encouraged them to consult professional assistance to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Mr. Henry Tong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-school Co-operation, said, “We are gratified by the enthusiastic support from schools in joining this Award Scheme as they are setting a good example in recognising students, parents and teachers for showing positive attitudes towards life, thereby promoting a culture of mutual support within schools. CHSC has been advocating the importance of home-school cooperation, which is precisely embodied by this award scheme. As the ‘I’m with you’ theme makes clear, home-school cooperation helps ensure students can enjoy a happy development journey.”
A number of awarded students, parents and teachers were invited to share their stories at today’s ceremony. Ms. Chau Ka-ki, an awarded teacher from ELCHK Ma On Shan Lutheran Primary School, showed both kindness and strictness when helping students with emotional and behavioural problems, subtly guiding them towards a positive change. Ms. Chau said, “I believe it is important to be both tough and caring. I always try to spend time with students outside the classroom, such as by preparing something tasty to share with them during lunch. I get to know about their difficulties in learning and handling life situations, while letting them know that I care. The joy I experience from seeing improvements in their learning and behaviour is simply beyond words.”
Among the awarded parents is Mr. Cheng Ping-chuen, whose son was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of seven. Mr. Cheng and his family members supported and encouraged the boy in his fight against cancer. After enduring a series of arduous treatments, his son eventually recovered and resumed his life and schooling. Not only did Mr. Cheng care for his son during his illness, he was also active in parent-teacher association (PTA) work. Mr. Cheng said, “Parents have the duty to care for their children. When my son was under treatment, we not only stayed by his side, but also had to attend to his emotional wellbeing. Through volunteering in PTA work, I was often in contact with other parents and received a great deal of support from them.”
Cheung Kam-hong, a primary-four student from St. Antonius Primary School, also received accolades today. His teacher, Ms. Lam, who nominated him, described him as a cheerful and energetic boy. Ms. Lam added, “Cheung Kam-hong is always willing to help his fellows, behaving like a big brother in his class. He has a positive mind-set and influences students around him to become mutually supportive and true friends for each other.”
Launched in mid-April, the “I’m with You” Award Scheme received around 5,500 nominations. Each school not only can select two students per level to receive an award certificate and two Ocean Park tickets, but also nominate one student, one parent, and one teacher (or organization) to receive special recognition. After judging by a panel comprised of representatives from the three co-organisers, 31 students, parents and teachers (groups) have been chosen for special recognition. They will each receive a trophy. Individual awardees will be awarded two Ocean Park SmartFun Annual Passes, while group awardees will be awarded 20 Ocean Park Admission Tickets.
Attending today’s ceremony were the Honourable Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah, Financial Secretary of HKSAR; Mr. Henry Tong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation; Professor Paul Yip, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong; Mr. Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park; Mr. Lau Ming-wai, Deputy Chairman of Ocean Park; and Mr. Matthias Li, Chief Executive of Ocean Park. They were joined by about 150 students, parents and teachers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. John Tsang Chun-wah, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, said “I hope that all of our students are able to stay positive when facing different challenges in life. There is always someone who cares about you that you can turn to and talk to. The winning students, parents and teachers here today are truly the guardian angels of our younger generations. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to them for their hard work and outstanding achievement.”
Mr. Leo Kung, Chairman of Ocean Park, said, “As Hong Kong People’s Park, we care deeply about the younger generation’s development, not only in terms of academic performance, but also fostering a positive attitude when facing challenges in life. We are delighted to collaborate with CHSC and HKU again on the award scheme to encourage the younger generation to spread a positive spirit and promote a culture of mutual support within schools. We are giving out tickets and SmartFun Annual Passes with a total value of around $10 million to awarded students, parents and teachers in hopes they will enjoy our edu-taining offering and continue to inspire those around them with a positive spirit.”
Professor Paul Yip of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, said, “The Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides was established in March to raise community concern for the mental health of students. After analysing the data and situation in Hong Kong and worldwide, we found the factors behind suicidal cases extremely complex, involving issues such as mental health, emotions, adaptability, social relations and more. To prevent suicide among students, we should aim for early identification and intervention to reduce personal, familial and environmental risk factors while strengthening protective factors.” Professor Yip, who chaired the Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides, encouraged students to turn to their friends and schoolmates when facing emotional problems. If the situation is not improving, they should seek help from teachers, social workers or psychologists. He also reminded students to not only offer care and support to those suffering from emotional problems, but also encouraged them to consult professional assistance to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Mr. Henry Tong, Chairman of the Committee on Home-school Co-operation, said, “We are gratified by the enthusiastic support from schools in joining this Award Scheme as they are setting a good example in recognising students, parents and teachers for showing positive attitudes towards life, thereby promoting a culture of mutual support within schools. CHSC has been advocating the importance of home-school cooperation, which is precisely embodied by this award scheme. As the ‘I’m with you’ theme makes clear, home-school cooperation helps ensure students can enjoy a happy development journey.”
A number of awarded students, parents and teachers were invited to share their stories at today’s ceremony. Ms. Chau Ka-ki, an awarded teacher from ELCHK Ma On Shan Lutheran Primary School, showed both kindness and strictness when helping students with emotional and behavioural problems, subtly guiding them towards a positive change. Ms. Chau said, “I believe it is important to be both tough and caring. I always try to spend time with students outside the classroom, such as by preparing something tasty to share with them during lunch. I get to know about their difficulties in learning and handling life situations, while letting them know that I care. The joy I experience from seeing improvements in their learning and behaviour is simply beyond words.”
Among the awarded parents is Mr. Cheng Ping-chuen, whose son was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of seven. Mr. Cheng and his family members supported and encouraged the boy in his fight against cancer. After enduring a series of arduous treatments, his son eventually recovered and resumed his life and schooling. Not only did Mr. Cheng care for his son during his illness, he was also active in parent-teacher association (PTA) work. Mr. Cheng said, “Parents have the duty to care for their children. When my son was under treatment, we not only stayed by his side, but also had to attend to his emotional wellbeing. Through volunteering in PTA work, I was often in contact with other parents and received a great deal of support from them.”
Cheung Kam-hong, a primary-four student from St. Antonius Primary School, also received accolades today. His teacher, Ms. Lam, who nominated him, described him as a cheerful and energetic boy. Ms. Lam added, “Cheung Kam-hong is always willing to help his fellows, behaving like a big brother in his class. He has a positive mind-set and influences students around him to become mutually supportive and true friends for each other.”
Launched in mid-April, the “I’m with You” Award Scheme received around 5,500 nominations. Each school not only can select two students per level to receive an award certificate and two Ocean Park tickets, but also nominate one student, one parent, and one teacher (or organization) to receive special recognition. After judging by a panel comprised of representatives from the three co-organisers, 31 students, parents and teachers (groups) have been chosen for special recognition. They will each receive a trophy. Individual awardees will be awarded two Ocean Park SmartFun Annual Passes, while group awardees will be awarded 20 Ocean Park Admission Tickets.
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