Language for Fun
Erasure Art Pieces
2nd Term Feb. 2023-24
Guided by Mr. Alex Garcia, the VA and English teacher, F.3 students created erasure literary work based on Orson Scott Card's sci-fi, Ender's Game p. 72 and 73. The best five pieces are created by 3C Lam Zelene, 3A Au Shun Yan, 3A Fan Hoi Ching, 3A Lung Hoi Yi and 3D Wong Ling Tsz (2023-24).
Erasure Poems
Symphony
2A Erin Ho (2023-24)
Orchestral soundtrack,
the universe,
sing a unique song.
Our day and nights
through the tiny pitch
in space
travel away.
Erasure poem created using the article Symphony of Stars by Ben Maycock p.16 from Brain Space Magazine.
Societies
4D Ravi (2023-24)
Facing an extremely
tough competitor,
change and manipulate
combined.
Change human decisions.
Story filled with toxic,
poison-
the sick, elderly and poor restricted
rights.
Erasure poem created using the page Conversation (p.2) from Time Magazine May 20, 2019.
Happiness
Ms. Sammi Wong (Vice Principal)
Unique and proud,
solitude and joy,
firelight glowing on a hearth.
Red and green and yellow, lighted candles,
golden and soft and gleaming,
smiling together on a couch.
Hugged one another.
Erasure poem created using Lois Lowry's The Giver (p. 153-154).
O For Ocean
3A Jacab Fung (2023-24)
Morning,
near the sea waters,
gathered with musicians,
preparing to change their musical instruments that they shaped.
They danced and
performance had become
the global stage.
It was
the ocean.
Erasure poem created using the article O from National Geographic p. 34.
Responses to the story Floating
poster created using canva
The illustrations were done by an alumnus, Matthew Chan, a master graduate in Visual Arts in Education University, when he studied here.
“All he knew it was his time. It came so natural like a born floater. He was floating in the air, letting the wind sustain his body.”
The boy floated. Once deemed impossible, but through the empathy and care, the ability is bestowed upon him. He gained the confidence and then developed his ability to soar across the sky. He could finally see himself, Sirius, the brightest star.
The boy was plagued by despondency at the start. He saw everyone took flight but could not join. Only left himself the sensations of envy and vexation. Worthless is his word. As the story described, he was a snail. A snail yearning to fly.
I think everyone is different, but there is something that we are all the same--none of us is perfect. Even the famous Albert Einstein couldn’t properly take care of himself. Each of us possesses flaws and special needs.
4B Cedric Sy (2023-24)
有言：「面對成長中的起跌是人生的必修課」，孩子，你今天過得好嗎？在學業上要解決功課難題、追趕別人的分數；人際上要學習與人溝通、滿足他人的需要⋯⋯但，我們「自己」呢？很多時的跌倒，是源自於不自知的糊塗與迷失，如果能在我們匱乏的心靈中，感受此刻所需，不作無謂的攀比，先「安內」，活出自己所愛的那個你，或許會感受到討好自己比討好別人更快樂、更自在，願我們在「起跌」這面鏡子中看到成長的自己。
Ms. Chan Ching Wa
Chinese Language Teacher
Head of Counselling Committee
Labeling is discouraged on the whole. Firstly, long-term labels can easily become a stereotype. In the meantime, people will ignore other characteristics of the individual as the label is too conspicuous, thus viewing others with a labeled and flat eyesight. In addition, labelling affects not only people’s views of others but also people’s understanding of themselves. Psychology regards labelling as bringing about a labelling effect. Labels have a certain guiding role, which affects people's self-identity. Sometimes labels will even encourage people to develop in the direction of labels, hindering people's holistic development in the future. The natural development of a growing character deviates from its original course.
Humans are complex individuals. Each person has his or her own unique character. We should not and cannot be defined in a single way. At the same time, we should not use rigid and imprisoned thoughts to understand ourselves and others, but we should look at everyone with an open and tolerant perspective, while also focusing on the qualities we possess. Let things take their natural course.
5C Tracy Tsoi (2023-24)
Since every one of us is a unique being (including you and me), the things you have experienced may be different from others, which may help you to develop your very own personality. Our uniqueness may often make people confused because we know we will soon be meeting many people and we often find it difficult to identify them by their uniqueness. To identify all of the people we’ve met, we tend to make use of “labels”.
However, every coin has two sides. Labels may also act as pressure because you may doubt yourself. Once you cannot overcome it, you may get destroyed by the great pressure. Therefore, you need to have a strong and positive mind to face the labels. Although the process may be hard and frustrating, the sweet taste of overcoming the pressure from labels is irreplaceable. I hope all of us can overcome the adverse effect of labeling just as Sirius overcame the label of “a kid that can’t float” and enjoy the happiness of being a better person.
4D Issac Fung (2023-24)
In the pursuit of personal growth and development, positive psychology can be our guiding light. By exploring your passions and interests, we can foster a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Embracing a growth mindset allows us to view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth, empowering you to overcome obstacles and reach your full potential. Set our own goals, work hard, and unleash our inner abilities. Remember, each one of us is unique, with our own set of talents and strengths. Embrace our uniqueness and believe in our abilities, we can develop our potential, nurture our talents, and create a life that aligns with our true self.
Ms Wong Miu Han
Vice Principal (Specializing in counselling)
"Then he saw it. He saw his name, the word he had been avoiding. Sirius, the brightest star. His name was Sirius. He yelled it out loud."
The Most Hilarious Haiku
Penguins
Flightless birds and egg-layers they be.
With wings evolved to flippers for swimming in the sea.
Dark and white feathers are their symbols of Aves.
In the sky? Don't be silly!
They are only in the southern hemisphere!
Mr. Tsang Wing Kei Vice Principal (Specializing in Science)
A Bird? 4B Jacob Wai (2023-24)
Penguin in the sky
When you see it, don’t be shy.
Join fast! Don’t ask why.
"Let me see if I can fly up to the sky."
"When you see us, do you feel shy?"
"Are we birds or mammals?"
New school term starts...
1st Term Aug 2023-24
Let's begin with some fun challenges.
The photos and drawing contributed by Ms S. Y. Yu, who has recently developed interest in sketching the photos of birds she takes. More drawings by Ms. Yu can be found in Art for Healing.
Nature in Poetry
During summer holidays, did you have chance to explore the environment around you. Did you go traveling? Did you go hiking? What does nature mean to you? Perhaps it can be represented in photos and drawings. It can also be manifested in words.
Many Hong Kongers love travelling to Japan. Indeed Japanese literature also influences English culture. Haiku, a type of poem with only three lines, originates from Japanese poetry and brings a significant impact to English literature. A famous modernist poet, Ezra Pound, also used haiku in his writing. A lot of haiku poems are about nature and our surroundings. I enjoy writing haiku poems too. They sharpen my observation and stimulate my imagination. Now here comes the first challenge:
Last year, we used six words to write a story. This year, why not be a poet? Write a haiku poem. Your poem should include nature as one of the elements. Also we adopt the traditional convention: 5-7-5 syllables.
References for you:
Haiku poems: definition and examples
Haiku Challenge
Join the
Program
Art and Poetry
Everyone can be a poet! You can find poetry in texts of different subjects. Sounds impossible right? It's true and most importantly, fun. You can even create by erasing. Want to try it?
Now, good news for junior form students! We will hold an erasure poetry workshop. In the workshop, you can be a poet and an artist. Your poem can be an art piece as well. Enroll it by clicking the link now.
Erase & Create !
Erasure Poetry Workshop
Date: 13 September 2023 (WED)
Time: 3:15-4:45pm
Venue: School library
Participants: F.1 to F.3 students
5C Oscar Yue (2021-22) wrote a piece of short writing about compulsive hoarding in the final examination. I used it to make an erasure poem (aka blackout poem). It can be read below as well.
The Problem
Old furniture, used bottles, broken computers and outdated newspapers
Hoarders
hills of anxiety
memories invade
stories exacerbating space
the encroachment
Tragic
There are many ways to form an erasure poem. Try to make one yourself.
I have also written a haiku poem called "The Ink" to respond to the art here.
Splashes the ink. Stains (5)
walls, the city; stings hearts; sink (7)
abandoned stories. (5)
My other haiku poems will be published in the forthcoming Auroras & Blossoms haiku anthology Volume 3. The date of release is in September.
Senior Form Students: Picture Ordering Challenge
Below are the illustrations done by an alumnus, Matthew Chan, a master graduate in Visual Arts in Education University, when he studied here. He would like to be an art teacher. These illustrations are based on my story, Floating, which assigns magical qualities to characters in their daily life. In the story, normal characters can fly or float in the air. Try to read the story and arrange the pictures in order. Click this link and complete the google form. Enjoy!
Digital Stories For Fun
F.2 students created digital stories based on the theme Sacrifice using the app Toontastic.
The Great Sacrifice of the Last Olympian
High above the Aegean Sea stood the tallest mountain, known as Mount Olympus. And the peak of Olympus was the headquarters of the Greek Gods. There were minor deities and of course, the twelve Olympians (main deities).
It was a typical day here on Olympus, all gods and goddesses had their usual gatherings except for Hestia, the goddess of hearth and fire, who was the eldest, Olympian, didn’t like to participate in any family dramas, since family dramas were a waste of her time. She had also given up her throne in the pantheon and preferred tending the sacred hearth. While the gods were gathering, Eris, who was the goddess of strife and discord, felt fatigued and was fed up with the peaceful scenery of the gods. “Oh Olympus! This place is too boring and peaceful, it is even worse than the Underworld.” She mumbled with hatred...
He loves reading Percy Jackson series. His digital story is inspired by his reading .
2A Anson Wong (2022-23)
What happened next? Who would sacrifice in the end?
A Toontastic Audio Story by Anson Wong
2E Wong Leong Hang showcased his creativity and drawing skills in his digital story, Reborn, where he added some fantastical elements to highlight the interlocking fate of a couple Entony and Christine.
2B Cordelia Hui (2022-23) created the digital story, The Sea World 3080, weaving the message of environmental protection into the theme of sacrifice. Enjoy her Toontastic video!
What are the criteria of a good leader?
2B Eva Cheuk (2022-23) has the answer for you. Her story, The Good King, shows that a good king sacrifices a lot for his people to save them from starvation.
2A Adrian Cheung Long Yat (2022-23) created another version of Titanic story to show what a great leader can be. Watch his Titanic 2.0--A Story of a Hero!
2B Estelis Khu has recreated the classic story, Snow White. Her Snow White and the Queen 2.0 trains the new Snow White, inspired by the kind-hearted Queen, from a disobedient girl to a feminist leader in her kingdom. Let's read parts of her story.
Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, there was a princess who lived in a gorgeous and huge castle called Snow White. She had a lovely family and a magic mirror.
However, her mum, the Queen,was more popular and beautiful than her. The Queen was visitors by people all over the kingdom, and countless suitors sent her flowers every day. Snow White kept questioning the magic mirror, but the answer given by the magic mirror was always the same:
“The Queen is the most beautiful person in the world.”
Contrary to snow white, the Queen loves Snow White very much. She often left the best for Snow White, so that she could live the happiest life. But Snow White was blinded by jealousy, she always failed to notice the Queen's kindness, and felt that the Queen took everything away from her.
On the other side of the land,there was another kingdom.There lived a handsome yet an aggressive prince who judged people only based on their values of being used. His most trusted subordinates were the seven dwarfs who seemed harmless to humans and animals. He wanted to rule over Snow White's kingdom. So he sneaked into the kingdom holding the excuse of trading...
All the stories above can be found in the coming printed anthology!!! Meanwhile, use your imagination to fill in the gaps. Be a story writer!
2nd Term 22-23 Jan 2023
The Finalists Of Six-Word Stories are...
1C 6 Ho Yui Lam Erin
2B 24 Tison Tam
The Sun drank the whole river.
Pet dog found.
2B 17 Jacob Fung
Grandpa passed away.
Lost penguin. Travels world. Finds family.
3C 8 Zoe Hu
We are getting married,
but separately.
A promise.
Small Title
A promise.
She believed.
He lied.
4A 16 Cheung Lok Hei
Their Favorite picks
This “A promise. She believed. He lied.” triggers me to imagination. These are the pictures instantly coming into my head. Is it about a couple? A mother and a son? Spy stories? Two folks involving in trade secrets? Certainly, there could be many others which are for readers to imagine and run their stories.
It is like a sparkle able to light up your imagination and to inspire you to create your story plot shuttling between now and then, and among people in different roles.
This powerful word: Promise. What do you get from it?
Principal Cheung Chui Yee
Lost penguin. Travels world. Finds family.
I feel most for this story. I feel very touched by the urgency and determination with which the penguin searched for her lost family. I love the use of the words, ‘lost’, ‘world’, ‘finds family’, which immediately paint a picture in my mind—a lost penguin desperately searches for its family members. Due to its persistent efforts, it ultimately finds them and they are reunited.
I love to watch documentaries about animals and am always amazed by the instincts and love demonstrated among the animals’ families. Though they are not human beings, their behavior speaks volumes. There are strong bonds in their world, too.
The theme of ‘Family’ appeals to me very much. I am a person who is fortunate to have beloved ones in my family. In times of ups and downs, happiness and despair, the support and unconditional love from my family are of utmost importance. Without them, I am not sure if I could have overcome the challenges and anxieties I face from time to time.
Last but not least, I love the story because it has a perfect ending. I love happy endings. For instance, in this case, I could not bear to see the penguin travelling to many places and in the end, being unable to find her parents or family. This would be very sad. In my heart, I always hope that every person and animal can find love which fulfills their life. So, thanks to the author of this story, there is warmth and goodness displayed in it.
Mrs. CH Wong, Vice Principal
Details on public votes on the grand champion will be released soon. We want to know your choice and view too.
Fun Talk
What is your earliest childhood memory?
For Jacob Fung 2B, it was about NOISE. Let's read his what he wrote for top ten in young post. Click here.
What about you?
Eva Cheuk from 2B likes the animated film, The Incredibles a lot. She wants to possess superpower. She would like to befriend a character in the movie. Which one can you guess she likes most? Why?
Let's read more about her post in Top Ten. Do you want to be that character?
Which fictional character would you like to befriend?
Which book have you read?
What have you drawn?
Our VA teacher, Mr. Alex Garcia's good picks:
F.2 Students' artworks related to their class reader, Nathaniel and the Scrolls of Tears. Thank Mr. Garcia for guiding students to integrate art with language. Check out their paintings and see who are the talented behind. We will have a pubic vote later on to choose the best one.
What do they say about the book?
What is the story about?
A very ordinary boy, Nathaniel, a Chinese girl Roo and Nathaniel’s rival, Marc encounters a mysterious blue-flame creature, who takes them on a supernatural quest through time. They have three missions to do. The quest examines whether Nathaniel is really ordinary or he has a purpose in his life. There are four parts in this story in which the kids return to different time periods, the times of Queen Esther, Persian King Shapur II and WWII.
Tison Tam 2B 24
Reading leads you to a world of knowledge.
Cordelia Hui 2B 6
In part one of the book, there is a quote which inspires me a lot. I often wonder why we need to study history, the past stories. Now the story tells me its meaning.
“History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity so that we can better face the future.”
Though I am not a big fan of both history and fiction, the story is so amazing that it is able to integrates biblical elements and historical moments well and seamlessly bring facts and fiction together. If I were one of the three protagonists, I would like to travel back to the Renaissance because I would like the see the famous artists such Leonardo da Vinci. I think there might be some ancient paintings that are lost or destroyed in the Modern Times and I would love to take a look of them.
Zoe Chan 2A 4
One part of the story sets its background against the chapter Esther, in the bible where the Jews were captivated. In this part, I like the character, Marc, most. Although he did bully Nathaniel—which is not appreciated and we should not imitate, he was always the bravest one. He knew Haman was the most evil and powerful person in the place and he could kill him but he still did not bow to him as he requested. He was courageous enough to confront him. He was a straightforward person and I believe very few people can be like him.
What is your belief?
Jeffrey Wen 2A 24
From the story, I have learnt the brutal and merciless sides of wars, especially the one against Jewish people mentioned. During WWII, the Nazi quickly took down the Jewish woman in a house after she refused to disclose the hiding place of her daughter. It is horrendous to know that innocent children could be slaughtered into pieces or burnt alive in a concentration camp. So, down with wars. Down with invasion. Down with slaughter.
Estellis Khu 2B 7
Before reading the book, I basically didn’t understand what faith was and I never thought of knowing and beholding it in the past. This of course filled my life with suspicion and doubt. But after reading the story, I witnessed Nathaniel who experienced different sufferings like the war between the Romans and the Persians. Seeing him grow from a boy with low self-esteem and indecision to a confident, mature and determined teenager, I do feel strength can be gained from God and such faith can lead to transformation. The story describes how God preserves His children in face of the enemies. Nathaniel’s time journey is a metaphor of the root-seeking journey, identity journey and reconciliation journey of Christian beliefs. By traversing to our history, we can see God’s actions and find the meaning and purpose of each person’s life.
Activities
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
Food, Books, Childhood
Fun Talk
English and Chinese Combo
Moon Fest is approaching. Do you like the festival? What do you feel about it? I wrote a story about the festival which revolves around an old Chinese song by Teresa Teng and a Chinese poem by Su Shi. It was published in a university literary journal, 45th Parallel. To me, it is always an interesting experience to mingle Chinese culture with English words to see how the two cultures meet, respond to each other in our life and explore the beauty of differences.
Let's read what Issac Wong Lik Chun (2A 2021-22) thinks about avocados and how he eats them. He is also a warm boy, wishing a romantic ending for the sad story, The Little Mermaid.
Owen Chan Ho-yeung (2A 2021-22) has never forgotten how his father tricked him into lining in front...
Their works entertain the editors of Young Post.
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
Six-Word Story Contest
A story can be very short. Six words can form an interesting story.
"For Sale: baby shoes, never worn."
The legend has it that the famous writer, Earnest Hemingway, wrote this story to win a bet. Some writers continued the work with humor. Now it's your turn. Use six words to create a story, be it amusing, scary, touching or romantic. Unleash your creativity now.
References for writing a six-word story:
Want to gain more ideas of a very short story? Read or listen to the flash here.
The activity is over. Keep an eye on What's New.
Violet Light
In another universe, a virus outbreak happened. It took the world by storm thanks to its immense spreading rate and global leaders not caring about their citizens. It only took an entire year for humans to nearly be wiped out.
What remained was just a city located in Europe, with people living in makeshift houses on top of rooftops to avoid the viral, the most common zombie type in the apocalypse. They were somewhat immortal, even multiple arrows to the neck wouldn't end their misery. The worst part was when the military got completely infected. It made the survivor's nightmare significantly worse.
But, deep down in the city, there was a laboratory which had a scientist looking for a way to fight these monsters, or perhaps I should say, suffering humans. He was held up in a dark area with just little light shining across the room. It wasn't enough, but it worked for the aspiring scientist.
He had a test subject, a 'friend' of his. His only friend. The scientist named him 'Bob'. One, to make him laugh whenever the name was mentioned and two, to honor his friend who died at the start of the outbreak. He locked Bob in a room where the viral couldn't harm him and he could observe from a distance.
The scientists had tried many methods now. Yet their weakness was unknown. It seems that the zombies were really immortal and that nothing could really stop them. The last time he entered the room, he got a scratch as a gift from the zombie and nearly turned into one.
All seemed hopeless for the young adult. He wanted to give up.
That was until one of the delivery man he hired approached him.
"Hey, we found this while scavenging out in the wastelands. Peacekeepers are back at it again with their nonsense rules but they got eaten to death by the zombies."
"I have no time for explanations of what you did. But what in the world is this?" The scientist responded, confused about this long stick.
"A UV light it seems. We don't know if it's useful or anything, but it did certainly seem to scare away the zombies that were eating the corpse of a heavily armored peacekeeper. We shouldn't have used it."
The scientist had never thought of using this. "Save the grudges for later, I need it."
The delivery man gave him the UV light.
"Well then, here goes nothing."
Thus, he opened the door and threw it inside. Surprisingly, it was very effective. The zombie recoiled back in response and steam emitted from its skin. It seemed like the UV light burned it.
The UV light was then mass produced across the town, allowing for survivors to keep the nasty monsters away. A flashlight version was also manufactured for safety use.
Who knew the temporary savior of humanity was discovered on accident.
1st Term 22-23 Aug 2022
Who doesn't like watching movies?
I remember once when one of my friends said “Harry Potter is a kids’ movie, Grow up!” “Harry Potter is fake, stop dreaming, you will never be able to study at Hogwash(Hogwarts).” “Read something new, and stop talking about Harry Potter with me, I feel bored.” Honestly, their words about it really hit the nail on the head. Of course I know that Harry Potter isn’t real, but what the story gives me is real. “It does not dwell on dreams and forget to live,” said Albus Dumbledore. Indeed that sounds a bit ironic. Although we still have to bow to reality as it’s impossible to escape from reality forever, Harry Potter gives me courage when I am dormant and lethargic.
Luk Sin Ching 5D (2021-2022)
In the movie I really love the acting of the actors, they are really professional. Especially Angelina Jolie as Thena, she trained herself with various swords, spears, and staffs for the role, as well as ballet. The result of the visual effects is, needless to say, awesome and amazing. But one point that can be improved is the running time is too long, some parts could move along faster, but overall the whole movie is great.
I’ve learned the value of friendship and trust. Some parts of the movie convey these important messages to me and I am sure that others may have the same view too.
Saranna Chan 3A 2021-22
Hacksaw Ridge is one of the most special war films even to this day. Desmond Doss is a special person. In war time, you'd expect the only option would be to shoot that human in front of you with no remorse, but Desmond Doss follows a pacifist route to save lives.
Hurricane Mak 2B (2021-22)
Fun fact: The real history of Desmond Doss's bravery was toned down since Mel Gibson thought that the audience would not believe that this is "based on a true story". That just tells us that Desmond Doss is a legendary person who is protected by God to save his children.Describe what you offer here. Add a few choice words and a stunning pic to engage your audience and get them to click.