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The Secretary for Education, Mr Michael Suen, today (September 10) commended teachers for nurturing the next generation with dedication and enthusiasm by passing on a wealth of knowledge to students and acting as a role model to help them develop good qualities.
The Education Bureau (EDB) would continue to support the teachers, he added.
Speaking at the Salute to Teachers 2010 - Teachers' Day and Commendation Certificate presentation ceremony, Mr Suen noted that the New Senior Secondary Academic Structure, which had been implemented for one year, was aimed at broadening students' knowledge base and developing their independent thinking, creativity and life-long learning ability.
Mr Suen said, "In pushing ahead with the academic structure reform, we have taken a steady first step. In the future, I will, together with EDB colleagues, continue to visit different places to publicise the new academic structure and the reform in examinations and assessment to achieve wide international recognition.
"To reach the goals of reform in the classrooms, we are relying on the efforts and professional spirit of teachers. Indeed, they play a paramount role in this respect."
Mr Suen said that the EDB, to tie in with the launching of the New Senior Secondary curriculum, would support teachers by continuing to provide them with various professional development courses and to organise more pressure management courses as well as different types of activities/courses conducive to their mental and physical health.
He especially called on school managements to create room for teachers and offer them support, and to establish a people-based management culture with love and care.
Regarding the continuing drop in the student population in the next few years, Mr Suen said, "Our target is to stabilise the situation as far as possible, and to help schools and teachers to achieve sustainable development without adversely affecting the quality of teaching.
"We are meeting various stakeholders and listening to their views. I hope that all in the education sector can work hand in hand to actively participate in the discussions and explore measures that will minimise the shock."
During the ceremony, about 1,300 teachers from primary schools, secondary schools and kindergartens were presented with commendation certificates under the Teachers' Commendation Scheme, including 40 who were commended for the fifth straight year. Aimed at fostering a culture of respect for teachers, the scheme is in its 15th year. Cumulatively, more than 18,000 teachers have been commended.
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 H C 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, Professor Tam Man-kwan.
Ends/Friday, September 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:03
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