Pao community rallies to battle the coronavirus

This week, Pao School students and teachers participated in two online teaching trials -aiming to test the remote online learning system they will start to use in March. The students undertook short education classes, focusing on the ways in which China has come together to battle COVID-19. The high school students provided varied and insightful feedback on the trials.

Jack from Y11 was touched by China's spirit. In his mind, the front-line medical staff are heroes, and we can learn from the positive attitude they have displayed throughout this difficult time. 

Bill, also in Y11, noted that he and his family have been paying close attention to the situation in China. He was touched as his neighbourhood committee worked hard to support his family, even though he was spending his winter vacation overseas. Due to his interest in physics and biology, in the future Bill hopes to contribute to drug research or other scientific fields related to epidemic prevention. 

Y11 student Justin commented, "Even if our contributions are limited now, we still do something positive by staying home and being good citizens during this troubled period."

David Xiong, Director of Chinese Academics at YK Pao High School, pointed out that the online courses allowed Pao School's students and teachers to reflect upon the current situation from a personal, national and global perspective, taking into consideration mission and responsibility. "I found the impact on the students very moving," he says.  

One of the most interesting of these activities was called "Epidemic prevention starts with me,"  a themed project led by the Character Education team. One Pao School parent described how this activity was developed in a letter. The letter explained that students could easily feel frustrated during this long winter vacation at home. Though everyone is connected to the world by the internet - and receiving all kinds of news updates - movement outside of the home is still restricted for safety reasons. It is important to keep in mind that life is full of tough challenges that we all must face. And that now is one of those times. The best way to handle this situation is with a smile and determination. 

Y2E student July summarizes her thoughts on "starting with me." For July, it means practising good hygiene habits and staying at home as required, and also helping others if you can. 

Y3E student Jennifer uses the romanization of Wuhan to summarize how we should behave at this challenging time. W stands for "wash your hands;" U for "utilize authorized information;" H for "happy every day;" A for "act as usual, don't panic;" and N for "never take off your mask when you're outside."

The following is a display of some of the participating students' works:

The Young Pioneers Team also received creative works from the students:

In addition, many students showcased their efforts to support epidemic prevention in other forms. For instance, Y2C student Miller jumped rope at home to stay fit. Y2C student Jeremy recorded a small video with his parents focusing on how we can protect ourselves against COVID-19 infection and uploaded it to social media platforms.

In a report on the virus, Y2C student Sarah explained her understanding of the virus itself, possible sources and transmission routes, and emphasized the importance of protecting the habitats of wild animals and not eating the animals, which are known to carry many dangerous pathogens.

Y3E student Nikolas proposed that his family members participate in charity activities raising funds that support hygienic disposal of protective medical gear waste.

Tyson from Y3D wrote in a letter to medical staff: "Although I cannot be with you to treat patients, I will do all that I can to support your work so that the process can be more efficient, and you don't have to put in so much overtime. I will definitely remember to  wash my hands regularly and stay at home."  

Meanwhile, Sophia from Y5C and her children ’s troupe sang an acapella version of "Children of Wuhan" to show their love and support for the city's people. 

The Middle School Young Pioneers Team launched a "Well-wishes for Wuhan" campaign. 

Winter vacation is always so short,

I thought we would soon return to the classroom...

But a sudden virus outbreak

Has made this new semester like no other!

Every time I see an update about the epidemic online

I can't help but feel even more worried than before!

We hope Pao School students send their most heartfelt blessings to their fellows in Wuhan.

Stay strong, Wuhan! You have the support of all of China! 

The following is a display of some of the participating students' works:

Whilst the children all have their physical and mental limits, but their positive energy knows no bounds. During the "Well-wishes for Wuhan" activity, the students showed their compassion for their fellows with concrete actions. Their poetry and drawings are not elaborate, yet they are nonetheless heart-stirring and sincere. From the students' work, we can feel that Wuhan and our entire nation will prevail. 

——Jessie Yang, 

Middle School Chinese Teacher and 

Young Pioneer Coordinator