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The Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, today (September 9) commended teachers for developing students' knowledge and skills and inspiring their students with their wisdom.
Mr Suen said teachers demonstrated immense care and affection for their students and served as role models to nurture students' sense of morality.
Speaking at the "Salute to Teachers 2009 - Teachers' Day and Commendation Certificate Presentation Ceremony" today, Mr Suen pointed out that an International Physics Olympiad medallist had dedicated the medal to his teacher in gratitude for his teacher¡¦s painstaking care. There were also students with special learning difficulties who had obtained good results in this year's Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination with their teachers' assistance. Even students who were slower in learning, who were disobedient, or who had gone astray, he said, could still get back to the right track if there was a teacher who would stand by them and give them care and guidance.
More than 1,300 teachers from secondary and primary schools and kindergartens were presented with commendation certificates under the "Teachers Commendation Scheme" today. The scheme is in its 14th year and aims to foster a culture of respect for teachers. Under this scheme, kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools may each nominate two teachers who have shown commitment and excellence in teaching.
Mr Suen said, "The implementation of the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure in the new school year beginning this September is a milestone in the development of education in Hong Kong. It will enhance the competitiveness of our next generation in the face of the challenges posed by globalisation.
"Small class teaching commences in Primary One this school year. Public sector primary schools, where conditions allow, may extend this arrangement in phases to Primary Six gradually to improve the effectiveness of learning and teaching.
"The Pre-Primary Education Voucher Scheme has been implemented progressively and is in its third year. It has helped to gradually enhance the quality of pre-primary education."
Mr Suen praised many teachers for improving their teaching standard through proactive pursuit of continuing studies to complement education policies. They had also adapted and improved their teaching strategies to meet their students' diversified learning needs.
Today's event was organised by the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign. Also present at the ceremony were the Permanent Secretary for Education, Mr Raymond Wong; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr Moses Cheng Mo-chi; the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Teachers' Education and Qualifications, Mr Cheung Pak-hong, and the Chairman of the Committee on Respect Our Teachers Campaign, Mr Wong Kwan-yu.
Ends/Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:20
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