Art for Healing
Art has an amazing power to heal. We may not be the celebrity artists and writers but we can still write, draw and create to express our inner self and share positivity with others.
"Sometimes there are clouds of gloom,
But these are transient all;
If the shower will make the roses bloom,
O why lament its fall?"
An extract by Charlotte Brontë's poem, Life (1816-1855)
In Response to Ms Wong's Zentangle
2024-25 1st Term Sep 2024
There may be no better way to communicate what we do than through images. Last year, Ms Wong Lai Man introduced the idea of Zentangle in the journal. Students also had different opportunities to have contact with this form of art and expressed their feelings. This August, I had some time to listen to the Hong Kong Bible Conference. In a sermon by Rev. Chan on the book of Job, he mentioned that we are like the pieces of stained glass windows. All the broken pieces with strengths and weaknesses but together, we form a beautiful picture. The lines and patterns look meaningless in zentangle and yet, there is a meaningful message awaiting discovery.
Students' artworks in a life camp organized by Religious Education Committee (REC). They drew in groups with each of them being in charge of a pattern.
l experienced the zentangle art in a meeting of art club. Every club member did one individual zentangle in the activity. Personlly l think zentangle is effortless for a junior of art. As drawing zentangle patterns merely needs black and white colour. You don't need to consider the balance of colour in the art work. Besides, zentangle art is based on multiple patterns.You can have diverse choices of it. In the end, you can possess a more creative work than the traditional painting. I love the idea that even though you are no expert in art, you can also have a great experience in the whole process only with the heart of trying. I guess life is like this. We may not be good at everything but at least we never stop trying.
5D Purple Lee
Personally, I believe that creating a remarkable picture requires a draft. One day, the teacher led us to draw zentangle. A special requirement was given to us: we had to sketch without practice, without preparation, and just simply drew what we thought at that moment. Undoubtedly, some of our classmates were talented in brainstorming and creating virtual art. However, I was not one of them. I felt lost. I had no idea about the final product. It was only black and white, a strong contrast. I started from the first black box, then filled up the paper. Finally, I finished the work. Looking at it, I saw nothing special. During the activity, I felt relaxed, but the design lacked meaning. The teacher said, "Wow! Lovely cat!" "What? A cat?" I was a bit shocked. I couldn't see the image.
"Why don't you turn the picture to another side? It was true. I couldn't expect that just following the patterns can create a cat in the background. "There are many possibilities to reach your destination," said the teacher. Pondering over what the teacher said for some time, I keep reminding myself that solutions are way more than problems.
5D Mandy Leung
2024-25 1st Term Sep 2024
ART WORKSHOP
During the post-exam period in July, VA teachers invited a professional artist to teach students sketching skills. Some students showcased their artistic talents in the workshop and most of them had great fun and some relaxing time.
Reflections
Can you sketch your friend's face?
Do you want to have your own portrait?
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The art workshop was initially a mystery. "VA workshop" is all it said on the post-examination activities notice. However I am stunned by what I did today, thinking that it would be another classic VA lesson. As a person who has no interest in visual arts, I truly enjoyed the workshop from top to bottom, with the top being a quick draw of classmates' faces. Although we were taught different facial expressions and advanced skills, we ended up doodling comedic "masterpieces'' using our "masterful" skills which gave us all a deafening laugh. On the other hand, the bottom, or drawing our own prospects, in which we were asked to draw what we hoped ourselves to be doing after 6 months. Even though the main goal of this activity was to let us try drawing our own faces, we had the brightest idea - draw our favourite characters in lieu of ourselves! We were also told to colour our art, but the character I drew was completely white! Due to the fact that we were not scolded for "not sticking to the theme" but we could have our own freedom to apply the skills we were taught, we left the hall with a laugh, the skills to draw a decently great-looking face, and our work! I would say it was an emotion release workshop which allowed us to do something relaxing after exams. I felt refreshed after all.
4B Aleph Chung (2023-24)
During the art workshop, the speaker of the workshop shared lots of her working experience of sketching ,for example, how to analyze the facial features of people, the skill of sketching out an accurate face proportion and how to observe and sketch out the emotion of the people. I did learn something new and have some basic understanding of sketching though I do not study art. The speaker also encouraged us to draw out the plan and target of the near future in the last section of the workshop. She helped us to reflect on our life and plan for the future. It was inspiring to find out how art could be linked to what we often say as practical and realistic. The workshop was very relaxing and delightful. It helped me to create an unforgettable memory of drawing my friends’ faces (of course, we were trained to be more observant on details) and having fun together. It was definitely a good social activity as well.
4B Tommy Chan (2023-24)
During the activity, we drew faces on each of our group mates, and we learned about how to draw human faces and different drawing skills. It was a lot of fun, and we all improved our drawing abilities. We experimented with different techniques, like shading and proportions, and we had a great time exploring our creativity. By the end of the activity, we had all drawn some great faces, and we felt proud of our work. It was a great experience, and I look forward to our next drawing session! It helped to relieve stress by doing something different and fun.
4D Cynthia Cheung (2023-24)
Collage Art: War and Peace
2023-24 2nd Term Feb 2024
2B Lee Hiu Ying (2023-24)
My work is about a war taking place in a place where the girl lives, losing her family. She hopes that the war can be stopped and her wish is eventually granted. I like my work because the soldiers can represent the violence in a war and the fire is the symbol of destruction in the place.
The recent wars in the world provoke thoughts on peace and human relationships. F.2 students read the book Nathaniel and the Scrolls of Tears, mentally travelling back to the time of the WWII and some past conflicts in the history. Guided by the VA teacher, Ms. Anita Choi, they used images from old magazines and newspapers to create a new piece of art with their design and own drawings. Through the work, they express their thoughts on war and peace. Three best works have been selected by Ms Choi.
2C Katie Or (2023-24)
The theme of my artwork is peace without wars. I put angels in the work as they are the prevailing figures of love and peace. There are also white doves everywhere to highlight the ideas of peace, friendship, unity and holiness. I pasted different flags there as I truly hope that all places can stay in peace, holding hands to create a utopia.
2C Ho Yau Sum (2023-24)
The theme is peace. Through the images, I would like to show how wars can influence people. See it, feel it and think about it.
“When I look at your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
what are humans that you are mindful of them,
mortals that you care for them?”
(Psalm 8:3-4, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
As a choir enthusiast, I am often touched when singing these verses as a chorister in my church choir. Such beautiful, while also meaningful, verse tell the good story of creation, how God is the creator of all things, of every star we see in the sky, every planet, every galaxy. Yet, as He creates the massive structures in the vast universe, He is also mindful of humans, who as little as they are, should have no place in the universe, but this does not stop His care and love for them, for He created everything in the world and loves everything, big or small, wholeheartedly that He created.
As a Religious Studies major, I was most fortunate to be enrolled to the course “Philosophy of Religion,” where I learned any and everything between philosophy and Christianity. Most fascinating of all was when we touched on the relationship between science and Christianity, I learned how much conditions must be “just right” for the universe and life to exist. An example is that if gravity had been stronger or weaker by 1/1040, life sustaining stars such as our Sun would never have existed, making the existence of carbon-based life such as human beings to be impossible. As such, ours and the universe’s existence are certainly a miracle, suggesting God the creator is at work. And as we look at the great creations in our world, from the birds that visit us every day to the vast tropical rain forests to the oceans, and to the ever-expanding space, we will see God’s presence in us.
Mr. Amos Yip
English Teaching Assistant
Zentangle: Entangle, Untangle
While I was drawing, my teacher told me it was not as difficult as what I might think. "Just follow. It will be done." Yes, when I finished, I held it up and I was fascinated by the pattern. My eyes were then moistened.
An epiphany. I was in a difficult situation, feeling every day ahead foggy and unstable. Perhaps It was like the drawing process. I drew a line, shaded the shape, having no clues what was in front. Perhaps life is like drawing. At the end, when we look back, we are all artists, creating a masterpiece. "Just follow. It will be done."
Believe in God. Just follow. It will be done.
Miss Wong Lai Man Brenda
History Teacher
Lei Yue Mun Hong Kong
Photo and Words by Ms Sofie Chan
Former English Teacher at STMC
Faith
Faith is iridescent.
Calm, pleasant and reliable.
It gives a shade of shimmers on your days.
Nothing opaque, but it reveals.
On good days its vibrancy can be seen,
like water under shine.
At bad times it dims,
yet it can be the very least vision through rough days.
Hold your breath... still it's glowing.
Be more and more patient,
you'll find the good vibes.
What is faith to you? How does nature associate with it?
Ms Sofie Chan is a very experienced and professional English teacher. It is my pleasure to have the chance to work with her for a year. She is also a devoted Christian.
I like Ms Chan's free verse, Faith. Nature is created by God, the greatest creator and it can reveal all the precious traits and beliefs we should behold in our life. It's true during good days, we can easily feel faith while on bad days, we tend to lose it but it doesn't mean He is not here next to you. "Still it's glowing"--no matter what circumstances you are in now, look at the sky, feel the light and breathe in. May He be with you always.
Ms. Flo Au
Art in Life
1st Term 2023-24 Aug 2023
What can you see?
What can you hear?
What can you feel?
Drawings on the nature by Ms Yu
Students and I were really glad to see Ms Yu at the graduation dinner. She asked me for my well-being and shared with me about her retirement life. I am truly inspired and touched by her passion in life and surroundings. She is now into hobbies like hiking, photo-taking and drawing. She reads the Bible in different versions, meditates on His words and continues to apply them in her life. Million thanks for her lovely drawings for the journal and bless her all the good wishes! Isn't life blissful when you can meet people full of care, love and passion?
Art Through Traveling
Many F.6 students finished their DSE and went on a graduation trip to relax themselves. Let's read what they say about their post-DSE days.
Photos taken by Karin Leung
那是一潮溺進雲煙的殘陽，潑過點僅餘的筆墨，染上所謂「美國小鎮」的東京，圈了霞光。朝遠方眺望，嫳屑佇立他國風中，不知怎的，總有種難以描繪的感慨與茫然。
自日本旅歸，夾在DSE與放榜的交界，彷如落日，茫茫浮盪在晝夜之間，不上不下，或許這就是別人說的忙忘茫。
但眼見排得滿滿當當的行程表空出大半，偶爾虛度一日，總是忍不住想抄些筆記，忙點什麽。靜謐的房間內，我總能聽見隔壁傳來排球陣陣的碰撞，又抑或是師弟妹放學經過的笑語盈盈，彼時火焰木恰好盛開。
然後想着想着，便能抬頭看見白天降下，前方的路一片模糊——像那未知的未來。
編排好的日子已經過去了，而我意識到自己失去了目標。
工作，那就工作吧。
打卡，改文，迎面人潮洶湧……再重拾剛即鬆手的DSE。上司的一字一句篆刻筆記，被初出茅廬的頑石奉為圭臬，我開始磕磕巴巴地講解起十二篇範文。職場的言行舉止中，透露的提醒訓勉，亦如同腳下高跟鞋的蹣跚，磨去菱角良多，讓我學曉跌跌撞撞地爬行。
至於大學面試，穿戴整齊，一踏入，未曾設想要在沒有準備的情況與四方八面的對手唇槍舌劍。教授語畢，時間倒數，我一愣，面對着「香港獨特文化」六字無從入手，不禁懊惱連連，後悔過於輕敵，只能在過後倚窗空守。
我突然想起那時望着窗外的晚霞，沒有什麼特別的，操場飄來燒烤的炭香，山上的枝鳥依舊吵個不停，而我發呆聽歌翻着書，恍惚覺得六年青春，短得只有一瞬間。
在黃昏沉醉的瞬間，
燈光從東京迪士尼的中心升起。
Karin Leung Ka Yuet 6C 2022-23
Travel, Preach and Feel
These days, Rev. Lo travels around and preaches. He is not young in age but always stays young for God and his life.
天朗氣清，又是美好的一天！萬里無雲，小白鷺自由自在地飛翔在水面上！ 這是天父世界，我靈必得自由！
Rev. Lo Lung Kwong
The nature is what we have from God. When we look up, the sky is high above and then you take a deep breath of air. You feel you are so small. The sun is always there though it may hide its face behind clouds sometimes. There is the ultimate power behind.
Photos taken by Rev. Lo
Everyone can be an artist.
A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.
Louis Nizer
A balloon art workshop for F.4 students held by the professionals together with VA panel in early July.
‘Boom!’ A big bang noise popped into our ears all of a sudden. Everyone was staring with narrow eyes at the suspicious student. ‘Anyone fainted away? If not, just let my helpers lend her a new one.’ The hall was full of laughter. Instead of making the student feel awkward, Wilson used his own hilarious way to calm us down. You may wonder what we were doing. Who is Wilson? This was not a crime scene, mind. It was a balloon twisting workshop and Wilson is a local balloon artist. He is not a normal balloon twister at all. Winning numerous awards in balloon twisting competitions, Wilson showed his passion in balloon twisting.
Prior to this activity, I had never ‘twisted’ a balloon before. The major reason behind was the sound of a balloon bursting. Balloon was a dangerous toy to me. When it became bigger and bigger, the fear inside my heart creeped over me. Until…it burst!
Holding the long balloon that was already pumped with air, my hands were shaking unconsciously. When Wilson told us to twist the balloon into small parts, I tugged the balloon so hard that it almost burst. ‘You can release the pressure of the balloon by squeezing the balloon from the knot with a little force. Not just humans have pressure, but also the balloons. This can prevent the chance of the balloon bursting.’ That familiar voice cleared all my doubts.
Twist, twist, twist! The balloon turned into a sword, a puppy and a ginormous teddy bear. Wilson even taught us how to build a balloon arch for different ceremonies! The ultimate task was given by Wilson, to build a class arch within the shortest period of time! Exhilaration rushed in.
‘3! 2! 1! Go go go!’ Everyone was busy. Pumping balloons, tying knots, fixing the position of the arch. In the blink of an eye, a two-metre tall garden style balloon arch was finished! I was bathed in a warm sense of accomplishment.
Seems like I’m not afraid of the sound of balloon popping anymore…
‘Pop!’
‘Ahhhh - Cherry! Don’t freak me out!’
4A Tsang Yuk Ting Jessica (2022-23)
Our Words
Balloon art, once confined to children's birthday parties or a magic show, has now evolved into a captivating form of artistic expression. I had never thought we could make a piece of artwork with those balloons that we can commonly see in our daily life and it could be as complicated as a castle, a motor bike or different kinds of animals. In simple words - everything. But it was what Wilson, a balloon artist, had done.
As I have chosen Visual Art as my elective in senior form, I'm glad to meet Wilson to explore more about the possibility of art. I could really feel his passion for spreading and inheriting this form of art to the youngsters. Perseverance is the most important thing when doing an artistic creation. That's what I learned from Wilson. Sometimes it is boring and you may feel lonely. Take balloon art as an example. An enormous piece of artwork is made of a lot of small parts. Keep repeating the steps of blowing up balloons and tying up balloons. Sometimes it is really boring but after countless failures, your accomplishments are more than that.
4C Uji Wong (2022-23)
Have you ever imagined that a balloon can be changed into a teddy bear? Have you thought of engaging an art project can train your collaboration skills?
Not only teddy bears, but also dogs and swords, we can twist balloons into many different shapes by our magical hands. It seems like an easy task, but actually not. Without any past experience, it was quite arduous for a novice to follow the teacher’s pace. I am not good at craftwork and I am slow in reaction. I couldn’t finish a step but the teacher started to teach the next step. To be frank, I wanted to give up when I encountered the first obstacle. Fortunately, I received much help and support offered from other classmates and teachers, which acted as a motivation to drive me forward. Finally, I finished making a colourful and an adorable balloon teddy bear with my classmates. You see, persistence, courage and patience are the crucial elements for not only solving problems, but also successfully twisting a balloon into a beautiful toy.
All four classes of us were required to make four balloon arched doors. Although it was our first time making it, we soon assigned all the jobs. For example, someone inflated balloons; someone tied four balloons together; someone put the tied balloons on the door. For me, I took up the position of inflating the balloons with a special machine which could make a balloon become filled with air in only one second. Everyone in my class pulled out all the stops and collaborated with one another. Although my class had the least number of students, we were the first ones to finish the balloon arched doors. As the old saying goes, unity is strength. Teamwork is always the most significant key to success and overcoming all the obstacles. Overall, the whole experience was truly fun and relaxing!
4C Tracy Tsoi (2022-23)
Of the visual arts lessons, I do remember the lesson on paper quilling. It was the most creative topic I had ever gone through. At first, I was wondering how paper quilling could be a great work of art, but when I saw the example of it. It literally cast away my doubts. I think it is even more impressive than normal artworks. I thought visual arts just included painting and modeling. But after learning paper quilling, it has broadened my artistic horizons. Although my final product wasn’t that amazing, I enjoyed the whole process of making it. It was really interesting and enjoyable. It's worth giving it a try.
3D Issac Wong (2022-23)
3D Jasmine Shum (2022-23)
In the paper quilling lesson, we used the technique of stripping paper like rolling, shaping and gluing to create our artwork which is about flowers. It was such an unforgettable lesson as I had never done 3D artwork before. When I was doing the artwork, I found it was easier than I thought as it did not require any drawing skills. You only needed to quill the paper by using the needle quilling tool which helped to roll the quilling paper and create different shapes using our fingers. After the paper quilling lesson, I think it is a good way to practise our eye-hand coordination as well as develop our creativity.
3A Ravi Cheung Tsz Yau (2022-23)
Paper quilling requires a lot of patience, practice, and materials. You also need creativity to figure out which paper-quilling pattern best suits your masterpiece. Take my work as an example. As Valentine's Day was coming around, I decided to make a rose that best suited the festival. But I underestimated the complexity of quilling the flower pedals and the amount of paper and glue that I needed to use to complete my work. But at the end of the day, I finished and that is what matters. People always say, "Practice makes perfect." I believe that's how all amazing artists were born.
Paper quilling is an activity that can calm our emotions and cultivate our life sentiment. I am grateful to have an opportunity to try and gain some related knowledge about paper quilling in VA lesson. For me, not only can paper quilling be done in school, we can also have it for fun in our spare time at home, just because of the following reasons. No. 1.: it doesn’t cost lots of money. With just several coloured paper strips and glue, we can create exquisite artworks. No.2: by using simple techniques, we roll, pinch and paste the strips. The coloured strips are then made in various forms, and an extraordinary piece of artwork can be formed. When we are full of trouble, the craft work can be the medicine for our souls.
3A Chan Hoi Lam (2022-23)
Art Through Sharing
2nd Term 22-23 Jan 2023
What are you passionate in?
Elise Li 2018 STMC graduate
An aspiring occupational therapist and a professional ballet dancer in Australia
A Dialogue Between Two Dancers
Dance is a poem of which each movement is a word
Mata Hari
For me, being able to express my thoughts and emotions through movements is intrinsically satisfying. Not only does it serve as a vehicle for discharging negative emotions, but it also promotes self-awareness of personal strengths and a sense of identity. Just as a famous ballerina once said, ‘learning to dance gives you the greatest freedom of all, to express with your whole self the person you are.’
While it is graceful and aesthetic, ballet is known to be physically demanding and requires strong discipline and commitment. As dancers, we could spend hours in the studio just to perfect a turn or a jump, or to practice how to finish an exercise properly. Yet, this is how ballet inspires me to always stay humble and strive for improvements so that I can become a better dancer. It also helps me reshape the way that I view the challenges in life. It reminds me that failure is not just a series of potential setbacks within our efforts towards success, but it is literally part of what makes up the very fabric of success. Just as we need to take a deep plié before a big jump, we have to go low before we can shoot upward.
Latin dance,also known as Dancesport,is a competitive sport which includes sporty and artistic qualities similar to gymnastics. I think that Latin dance helps me to improve my musicality, physical coordination and communication skills. It has also made me more sociable as I have made lots of friends from different competitions. I think the hardest part for me is to find a good studio. I once learned from a very famous dance couple . Initially they were very kind to me and taught me lots of dance techniques. Yet, some other stronger dancers became their students and they had no time to teach me any more. I was worried and frustrated. Luckily I found another dance studio and now I have improved a lot. I think the most crucial thing to help me grow is to forget the past and keep moving on to another stage instead of trapping myself in apprehension. Leave the comfort zone and progress further. This may be one of the life mottoes.
Anson Wong 2A 2022-23
An artistic dream lingers,
awaits...
realized with a pair of delicate hands and an innocent heart
Sew Your Soul...
我在求學時期從來沒有上過家政課，對縫紉的概念源自姑媽。她家裡有一部手動衣車，她有一雙巧手，曾經車過一條半身裙給我。那是色彩斑斕的，也不是碎花，印象中是線條斑駁的，主流的色彩是紅色，蓬鬆的。我很喜歡，卻不捨得穿，總是在過時過節才穿，感覺自己穿上自然成為目光的焦點，甚至會增高幾寸，漂亮就是了。
直到三年前，看到Thei有個兩天的衣車操作課程，於是報名，把童年的美麗回憶再製造，想像自己也可由此出發，車一條漂亮的裙子。
衣車操作課程由基本開始，就是車直線，原來車直線絕不簡單，要把布放好，保持位置，腳又要配合。兩天的課程，感覺非常良好，尤其是衣車的聲音和速度，有一種快感和滿足感。
學會了操作衣車，我就開始看YouTube學習車袋，一步一步的跟著做，初時要三、四個小時才能完成。過程很慢：但那三、四個小時是絕對的專注和忘我，心裡只想著車縫，可以完全忘記原來的煩惱。造工粗糙：但那製成品是我自己的創造和創作，看著滿是瑕疵也覺得滿足、寬慰。現在，我逛街的時候特別留意那些袋子，研究車工、設計、造型；會欣賞，也會評論，更會想像自己可以如何改進。那種專家的視野，專業的評價讓我感到更上一層樓。一句講曬：自我感覺良好。
由車袋開始，這個夏天我向服裝出發，車了兩條半身裙，一條連身裙。(也穿過其中一條半身裙返學校，如果你留意到剪裁和車工甚奇怪，那不是淘寶貨色，那是我的出品。)學習的路好漫長，好有趣，希望有天可以成就解鎖，最終的目標是建立自己的品牌。夢想雖遠，有志者終可達。
Ms. H. I. Chao
Chinese History Teacher
We all have a childhood that we may not forget. Perhaps we might experience some missing and loss due to all kinds of reasons. When we are grown-ups now, we yearn to chase the time and mend the holes left. Thank you Ms Chao for your sharing. We are connected.
How do you live? How do we live?
The Views
"I took the picture in an evening at school. I was too tired of my work and thus decided to walk out from the the office and stare out at the sky. The segments of changing colors together with nature were some kind of comfort to me. There was something so beautiful that you could just look up and then find it. It is like always there. Since then, I have often posted the picture on my powerpoint slides to encourage students to see and feel ahead. Perhaps a way of living. A sharing with them. "
Ms. L. S. Fan
Careers Mistress
Chinese and Putonghua Teacher
The Shadow Tree Painting
Besides our school tree, the fountain tree, there is also another tree I like a lot in our school campus. It usually blossoms during summer time like a crown of flame in the playground. I love its English name too with the word shadow which opens possibilities to write. Share with you my watercolor painting here and the story Shadows published by Peacock Journal.
Living Like a Dane--Hygge
People have different perceptions towards ‘Happiness’, but there is a Danish word that can ideally define what ‘Happiness’ means in life--‘Hygge’--“The art of creating intimacy and meanings for life through sharing and companionship”.
Staying closely with beloved ones and sharing the ups and downs with them can be the incredible ways to experience ‘Hygge’—amid challenges and uncertainties these years, we can enjoy cozy togetherness by staying in touch with our companions. It is undeniable that ‘Hygge’ is one of the most inspiring philosophies of life in the world, isn’t it?
‘Hygge’ seems to be the word that we tend not to spell it, but to feel it.
Ms Hilary Li
Former English Teaching Assistant
English Teacher now
What does another language share?
A new language to connect worlds and laughter
In 2018 summer, I volunteered working at Reuth Hospital in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, where I spoke very simple Hebrew with the staff and the patients in my everyday work, for instance, Boker tov (Good morning), Todah (thank you), Shalom (God’s peace be with you).
Throughout that month, an approachable and cheerful Israeli patient was pretty enthusiastic to teach me practical Hebrew, like Bevakasha (please), Mah shim’cha? (What’s your name?) We had great laughter and enjoyed the fun when I imitated her pronunciations and intonations. The more Hebrew I spoke, the more she wanted to teach me. What a joyful and memorable time!
I enrolled a 3-year-Hebrew course in 2019 and have been learning biblical and modern Hebrew since June 2020. In this course, my Israeli teacher, Sara, is knowledgeable about their Israeli history and language. and keen on teaching us how to use Hebrew to study the Bible and in daily conversations. She is a fun-loving person and cracks jokes with us in Hebrew : ) We all love her.
I hope to speak more Hebrew when traveling to Israel next time. Greetings with the locals in Hebrew makes travelling more fun and many Israelis are more welcoming towards tourists if they perform their language skills, even if it’s just beginner Hebrew.
It’s an exciting intellectual challenge for me to take on Hebrew. Then why doing it? What is the reward? Through tackling all the difficulties, I hope this new language helps me promote positive and intellectual/brain development. Since I’m an audacious and outgoing person, learning Hebrew may just be something that helps me gain a better understanding of the world.
Taking these steps in reading the Bible in its original language is really one of my life-goals and an achievement. How amazing it is to fulfill our expectations and dreams step by step!
Ms. K. L. Chan
Our Former Teacher
Substitute English, Art and PE Teacher now
Light, Art, Love
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
她的小被窩
關於創作
故事寫在裡裡外外都動盪不安的一年。
從兒時的惡夢開始，逐一重訪每個驚悚的片段：壓迫、下墮、無助與無望......惡夢似乎要在無盡的黑夜裡反覆上演。
無盡的夜裡，鼓起勇氣鑽出小被窩仰望天際，卻發現了柔和的月光，閃爍的星光和點點螢火照亮了夜空，撫慰著被黑暗佔據的惶恐心靈。
黎明之前，就在星月與流螢的伴隨下察看黑夜的顏色，記錄黑夜的景緻。
黑夜再長，但光一直都在。
以此小故事，獻給掌管晝夜的祂和伴我渡過長夜的每個他和她。
Ms Y. Y. Ng
Counselling Teacher
Chinese History Teacher
I am truly touched and amazed by the plot and drawings. Yes, we all have a hidden place in the pitch dark where a lot of times, we don't want to come out. But Light is there, always there wherever you are...
Let the light shine and pass...
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
Love has no poison...
Oleander
“Revenge is sweet, Mr. O’Neill,” Eoin, the student in a gang fight with the Protestants, tells me.
I stare at the leaping flame in the hearth and begin telling him a story. It was years ago back in the Troubles, a period of intense violence and vengeance between the Irish Catholics and the British Protestants.
...
I continue to gaze at the fire, a blazing oleander, and tell him the remaining story.
When I was sitting in a park waiting for Callum, I rolled up my sleeve and noticed the scars on my left elbow—the scars from the attack years ago. They were there. Still there. I suddenly felt I was hurled into the sea of remorse and emptiness.
...
Eoin is silent. We look at the fire together—the glowing petals of the oleander shriveled, dropped and wilted to ashes...
Extracts from a fantastic story by Boots Yee 5B (2021-22)
Find the whole story in the coming printed anthology!
Author's words
Northern Ireland has a period of deeply troubled past--‘the Troubles'. To be honest, I probably would have never heard of the quasi-civil-war if I had never watched the television series, ‘Derry Girls’.
Essentially, there were two groups of Christians, the Irish Catholics and the British Protestants, embroiled in endless violence, massacres and vengeance. Whilst the Troubles perhaps has been buried in vague recollections, hatred is not.
We’re living in a modern world filled with conflicts. It’s sometimes between groups, and sometimes it’s much more personal. In this story, I seek to navigate ‘hate’ on both societal and personal levels. The protagonist lives through the Troubles. The story takes a compassionate approach to examine vengeance, the intrinsic emotion of mankind, and revenge as a vehicle to pass on hatred.
Even though retribution seems to be the inescapable fate, fate can be defied. The answer lies in the Bible that the character often reads. For all misfortunes and contempt, the ending provides a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel. Ultimately, only love and forgiveness can put a stop to tragedy repeating itself.
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Words and Photos by Rev Lo Lung-kwong
晨光初露！燈光仍然明亮！黑暗永遠不能征服光明！
正如約翰福音一章4-5節所說：「在他裏面有生命，這生命就是人的光。光照在黑暗裏，黑暗卻沒有勝過光。」
We are very honored to have Rev. Lo to write for us. He loves to take photos and enjoys morning strolls in his retirement. He asked for my well-being on the first school day and I told him about this journal and invited him to submit works to us. He at once agreed and sent his works. Deep respect from the bottom of my heart. Wish him good health!
Art is comforting!
They all agree. Budding artists from 2A, 2B and 1E (2021-22): Fong Tsai, Audrey Tsui, Sofia Leung and Joy Wu (from left to right).
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
Simulo
What is the meaning of this word?
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
I wrote a poem about an orphan missing his parents. He took up the hobby of his father: photography. The persona of the poem expresses his sorrow and waits for the healing to come through taking pictures. The poem is titled Simulo published in Snapdragon Journal, the issue about denial.
You can find the printed copy in the school library.
Ms. Flo Au
What can a photo film?
What can a painting paint?
A Kaleidoscope of Art
我從小已經十分喜愛畫畫，幾歲的時候家庭沒有條件買畫畫工具，但都會用筆去繪畫我破爛的紙張亂畫一通。機緣巧合之下在中二的時候參加了學校的國畫班。從此對於繪畫更建立起濃厚的興趣。大學畢業之後開始工作。 繪畫的興趣就放低了。年紀越大工作越忙，家庭責任越多，往往令人透不過氣。十多年前偶然的一個機會， 又令我提起畫筆，延續了小時的 興趣。接著自己就學習不同類型的繪畫， 也和家人經常參觀畫展， 擴闊自己的視野。我覺得繪畫 對我的意義有兩個。 第一就是生活的調節，平衡生活的壓力。第二我的興趣成為了我的第二個事業。在學校中除了教學之外，我小小的興趣也在工作上帶給我成功感。有時會再工作的挫敗感上為我加油。
ICT Teacher
Click the pictures and have a full taste of their artworks.
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I am always thankful that God tints His nature canvas with all vibrant hues. I adore his masterpieces and the healing power they offer. It is a blessing that we can appreciate and imitate his works.
Immersing myself in any form of art creation is calming. Shaping an artwork eases my emotional disturbance and grants me strength to face the miserable circumstances, particularly these years when we are facing stress, worries and chaos brought by the pandemic.
Flower arrangement and painting are music to me. May their presence here be a soothing song to all of you. Bless you all.
Physics Teacher
I love to put the ideas of painting and the images of flowers in my poems. They can create many possibilities. My poem, When I Can Breathe, depicts a widow with her baby daughter missing her lost husband. Through painting, she seeks solace. It is listed in one of the finalists of TLOP Weekly contest.
My another poem, If Bombs Had Eyes, will be released in the anthology, I Have A Dream, by Wingless Dreamer. The poem is about a pair of Ukrainian sisters imagining a world without wars but just flowers and birds.
His Words are the Light!
Build Relationship with the Heavenly Father as well as your earthly parents.
本故事講述一個有關父親建立孩子安全依附的故事，最後發現原來孩子亦同時建立父親的安全感，令父親有力面對生命上的挑戰，原來安全依附是互相建立的。
作者深深感受到安全依附對兒童及青少年健康成長的重要性。盼望透過繪本創作，一方面探討有關父母與子女一起建立安全依附的課題。另一方面，繪本內容由作者的真實故事改編而成，期望藉此記錄作者與子女一起成長的點滴。
Michael, the social worker
A form of art--Words
They express. They heal.
I love reading Christian devotionals which can strengthen my faith and grant me energy. When you read stories about people in the same city or in another place, you realize that you are not alone. We all encounter similar situations and we all share similar stories.
"since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." Hebrew 12: 1 (NIV)
A link recommended:
