YK Pao School Magazine November 2009 English

Photo by Jonas, P3

In the blink of an eye, YK Pao School has reached the third autumn since its

founding. We are delighted to welcome the new members of our community, scores of new

students and teachers from China and overseas. It is wonderful to see the School growing

so healthily. In this school year, all our staff are already working together hard to meet our

goals to provide a top education and to unite our three hundred students in a caring, learning

community. On behalf of YK Pao School community, we would like to congratulate Headmis-

tress Ni Guyin on her recent award. Her lifelong dedication to education is truly deserving

of this accolade. Plans for the new Primary School Campus are taking shape and we are also de-

lighted that developments for our Secondary School in Jinshan District are moving along

well. News of these exciting developments in our midst give us a clear direction to work in

as we create a leading school. We are all looking forward to celebrating the Expo, which

starts in a number of months. We will be running several special events to support the

Expo. As we work towards a bright future for YK Pao School, I would like to wish everyone a

successful school year.

Warren Johnston and Crick Chen

From the Principals

November 2009

YK Pao School, 155 Jiangsu Road, Changning District, Shanghai 200050 Tel: +86 21 5237 8409 Fax: +86 21 5237 8404

PAOPAO PRESS

Y K P a o S c h o o l Issue 7

On the 60th Anniversary of the founding of the

People’s Republic of China, Headmistress Ni Guyin is one

of 100 women who have been recognised for their out-

standing contribution to Shanghai in the magazine

’Shanghai Women’. This award has been presented to

women whose work has provided a deep positive influ-

ence in the development of society in Shanghai. Other

recipients of the award include women from a number of

fields including education, medicine, sport and the arts. Headmistress Ni Guyin has received many

awards over the course of her distinguished career, includ-

ing the Song Chingling ‘Camphor Tree Award’ for out-

standing services to education and the title of ‘Shanghai

Model Worker’. She has also held numerous prestigious

positions including Vice-Chairwoman of the Chen Heqin

Educational Research Organisation and Member of the

Standing Committee of the Fifth National People’s Con-

gress. We are indeed honoured to have such a distin-

guished educationalist as our headmistress.

Headmistress Ni Guyin Receives Award

for Outstanding Contribution to New

China

Headmistress Ni Guyin wel-

comes new students with a smile

on the first day of the 2009-2010

school year


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YK Pao School Passes Inspection

YK Pao School passed an inspection by the Changning District Education In-

spectorate in June 2009, and the School’s license has been renewed for a further three

years. The inspectors praised the founding philosophy of the School as well as the organi-

sation as a whole. They commended the curriculum for being creative and progressive

and the teaching team for the strong sense of cooperation between Chinese and overseas

teachers. The panel of inspectors also gave recommendations for how the School can

continue to improve.

Tony Jaccaci appointed Executive

Principal, YK Pao Secondary School

The Board of Governors of YK Pao School is delighted to announce the ap-

pointment of Tony Jaccaci as Executive Principal of YK Pao Secondary School. Tony

will join YK Pao School from St George’s School, Rhode Island in the USA, taking

up the post as the Founding Principal in 2010 in preparation for the opening of the

Secondary School in 2011.

Having been a boarding student himself at Phillips Academy Andover and

teaching at St George’s, both highly regarded US boarding schools, Tony has deep

experience of boarding life as a student, teacher and as a house master. Tony is Direc-

tor of Global Programs at St George’s, where he also established and led the Chinese

Department. With a particular interest in international education, Tony has organised

exchanges with countries of Asia, Central America and Africa to give his students

experience of other countries and cultures over the last ten years. As a graduate of Harvard University and holding a Masters degree from the

Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Tony will bring a strong

academic record and passion for Chinese language to delivering YK Pao School’s mis-

sion. He will be applying his experi-

ence in guiding and supporting students

through admissions to leading US uni-

versities to the development of YK Pao

Secondary School’s curriculum. Tony’s wife, Lucia, is a

teacher of history and coach of ice

hockey at St George’s. Tony and Lucia

share a passion for sport and hope to

educate students to follow YK Pao

School’s motto: ‘Maintain a healthy

physique and be prudent in your en-

deavours’. They will bring their three

children with them to the YK Pao

School Jinshan Campus to integrate

with life there. Tony’s experience of boarding

schools will complement YK Pao

School’s emphasis on knowledge,

sport, aesthetics and high moral values.

The YK Pao Secondary School Campus

in Jinshan will provide a green and

healthy environment for students to

develop mind, body and spirit. Tony Jaccaci will be taking up his post in

2010 in preparation for the start of the 2011

school year


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Visit by Purdue University President We have been delighted to host high-profile visitors from Purdue University and

Oxford University in recent weeks. On 9th October, we received the President of Purdue, Ms. France Córdova, and

her team: Mike Brzezinski, International Programs Interim, and Cheryl Altinkemer, Asso-

ciate Vice President for Advancement.

Purdue University is ranked in the top

100 universities in the world overall

and is in the top 20 universities for

engineering. It has many well-known

alumni, including Neil Armstrong, the

first person to walk on the moon.

Anna Sohmen Pao, Founder of YK

Pao School, is a graduate of Purdue

and donated the funding to establish

the Yue Kong Pao Hall of Visual and

Performing Arts there. In the course of

the visit, we discovered that one of our

regular teachers is also a graduate of

Purdue, having graduated in aeronau-

tics. Professor Sohmen Pao and Presi-

dent Córdova discussed teacher train-

ing, developments in higher education

and campus sustainability.

Professor Sohmen Pao, Chairman of the Board,

shows Ms France Córdova, President of Purdue

University, plans for the new Primary School Cam-

pus in the June 1st Building

On 24th September, we were

also delighted to welcome Sue Cun-

ningham, Director of Development of

Oxford University, and Julia Herries,

Director of the China Office of Oxford

University. The visit was hosted by

Philip Sohmen, Co-Founder of the

School and Deputy Chairman of the

Board, and Principal Warren Johnston.

They discussed Chinese students at Ox-

ford as well as the China Oxford Schol-

arship Fund. The visit follows one ear-

lier in the month by Tracy Wells and

Fiona Whitehouse of the Oxford Ca-

reers Service in which the opportunity

to further links between YK Pao School

and Oxford University was welcomed

by both sides. With Oxford graduates

on the full-time staff and having hosted

an undergraduate intern for 10 weeks

over the summer, the School already

enjoys strong links with Oxford Univer-

sity.

Visits from Oxford University

Sue Cunningham, Director of Development of

Oxford University and Julia Herries, Director of

the China Office of Oxford University are warmly

received at YK Pao School

Yue Kong Pao Hall of Visual

and Performing Arts at Pur-

due University

The visitors from both universities were impressed by the manners and attitudes of YK Pao

School students and identified several they would like to enrol in future years!


4

New and returning teachers

enjoy the magnificent food

Teachers Day at YK Pao School was a very special occasion this year. At

morning assembly, students presented roses to their teachers to show their respect and

commitment to working hard over the coming school year. The roses were kindly

donated by the Friends of YK Pao School Association.

Parents also showed their support for the School by preparing a delicious

lunch for teachers and staff. Everybody greatly appreciated the feast of home-made

Chinese and Western dishes. The lunch was opened by some moving speeches made by Friends of YK Pao

School committee members on behalf of the parents, in which teachers were thanked

for all their hard work. It was a wonderful start to the year and an excellent example

of the supportive parent community we are lucky to have at YK Pao School.

Teachers Day

YK Pao School parents who came to help on Teachers Day

New School Logo

Over the last months a

new logo that better represents

YK Pao School has been devel-

oped. The new logo will be an

enduring feature of the School

over the years to come; it will be a

badge that unites our community. The new logo shows a

young tree, representing growth

and potential. The three fruit on

the tree represent the three mis-

sion statements of YK Pao

School: To develop our students’

full potential; to give our students

a foundation in Chinese language

and culture; to help our students

become global citizens. The col-

ours were also chosen to represent

the youth and vitality of our students and of the school community. The old logo is currently being phased out and you will begin to see the new

logo being brought into use over the coming weeks.


5

Learning about peasant paint-

ing in Jinshan

Learning the name of sea

creatures in Chinese during a

visit to the Shanghai Aquar-

ium

Over the summer holidays, YK Pao School successfully ran its second Manda-

rin Summer Camp. 70 students from 15 different countries attended the Camp, which

was held on our campus. We organised three programmes, each of two weeks’ duration,

running between the beginning of July and the middle of August.

The Pao Camp offered students a Mandarin immersion environment where they

learned basic conversational Putonghua and written Chinese. In addition they learned

drama in Chinese, calligraphy, Chinese music as well as handicrafts and kung fu. In the

afternoons they spent time with their parents, exploring Shanghai. At the end of each

session the students performed for their parents, showcasing what they had learned in the

two weeks. There were also trips further afield which gave students an opportunity to ex-

perience China in a broader way. One of the excursions was fruit and vegetable picking

in Jinshan, near where our Secondary School Campus will be built. Students and parents

also participated in trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou to explore the rich culture and fa-

mously beautiful surroundings there. We arranged Chinese host families for some students. Almost all these host

families were YK Pao School families. These stays benefited the host Chinese families

as well as the foreign students. Host families and students alike reported a very positive

experience. Thank you, YK Pao School parents! Your hospitality was very much ap-

preciated! We hope more Pao School families will sign up next year.

Positive comments poured in from parents of the Summer Camp children: ● The children were more confident about speaking after their two weeks on the

camp ● They enjoyed the green, open space of

the campus ● The parents commented on how warm

and caring our teachers are ● The children liked our campus, espe-

cially the gym and our indoor play-

ground. A number of parents have already expressed

their desire to enroll for next year, and friends

of others are also keen to apply. In December, the School will begin

taking early bookings for next year’s camp.

For more information, please contact Helen

Feng, Camp Coordinator on 5237 8400 or by

emailing [email protected]

Summer Camp

Picking vegetables in Jinshan, near the

future site of the YK Pao Secondary

School campus

Secondary School Information

Evening On Tuesday 20th October, the School organised an information evening on YK

Pao Secondary School plans for P4 and P5 parents. The event was presented by Anna

Sohmen Pao and Philip Sohmen, Founders of the School, Board Members and School

Advisors, including seven headmasters from famous schools around the world.

The newly appointed YK Pao Secondary School Principal, Tony Jaccaci, gave

an inspiring speech regarding boarding schools. We were also delighted to welcome

School Advisors who have collectively served as heads or in leading positions of such

distinguished schools as Eton College, Chinese International School Hong Kong, British

International School Shanghai and Concordian International School Thailand.

Presentations given to parents included information on campus plans, boarding

provision and curriculum plans. This exciting information was intended to give parents

a clearer idea of how the Secondary School will build on the solid educational founda-

tions offered by the Primary School and continue to strive towards the School’s mission

over the preparatory year (Grade 6) and in the Secondary School.


Welcome to New Staff

Michelle He (PE Teacher)

Michelle graduated from Beijing Physical Education University, majoring

in sport training. She is the former goalkeeper for the Chinese women’s

water polo team.

Fang Qi (Maths Teacher)

Fang Qi graduated from Huadong Normal University with a Masters de-

gree. She has 17 years experience and is the former Deputy Principal of

Taopu Primary School, Putuo District.

Lingling Shi (Chinese Teacher)

With a Masters degree in Chinese from Huadong University, Lingling Shi

has worked as a Chinese teacher and class teacher at the school attached

Shanghai Normal University. She has seven years’ teaching experience.

Mia Wu (Art Teacher)

Mia graduated from Shanghai Theatre Academy as a stage designer, crea-

tive designer and art assistant.

Liz Shen Ying (English Teacher)

Liz graduated from Huadong University, majoring in English. She has nine

years of teaching experience as a primary school teacher. From 2001, she

worked as a teacher with responsibilities in academic development, and as a

supervisor in an English training school.

Tammy Zhang (Chinese Teacher)

Over 14 years of teaching, Mrs. Zhang has received numerous awards in

English speaking and teaching competitions. Her students have also re-

ceived awards in reading competitions, writing competitions and creative

competitions.

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Jon Banks (Maths and PE Teacher)

Jon graduated from St Martin’s College, Ambleside, Cumbria, with BA

(Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, specialising in P.E. In Shanghai,

Jon has taught Year 4 and Primary PE at the British International School.

Stephen Bolton (English and Maths Teacher)

Stephen has a Bachelor of Arts and Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Edu-

cation. He has taught in Japan and Australia.


7

Geoffrey Cameron (EU and Maths Teacher)

Geoff graduated from Griffith University, Queensland, Australia, with a

Masters of Teaching Programme – Primary/Junior Education. Prior to

coming to China, Geoff taught primary and middle school in Korea and

Canada.

Susan Sanderson (English and Maths Teacher)

Susan graduated from Lancaster University, UK, and is working towards

her M.Ed. in Bilingualism in Education at Birmingham University. Susan

has worked as a homeroom teacher in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait

and Egypt.

Diana Zuo (English and Maths Teacher)

Diana is a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University, USA, with

an MA in Elementary Inclusive Education. She has worked in Grade 2 and

Grade 4 classrooms in New York City public schools.

Jolly Ge (Teaching Assistant)

A graduate from Donghua University, Jolly majored in Educational Tech-

nology. At university she received lots of social awards; she was also an

assistant teacher at Yew Wah International School and Tian Shan primary

school.

Mahoney Jiang (Teaching Assistant)

Mohoney graduated from Shanghai International Studies University, major-

ing in English. During her time at university she toured Europe with the

University Orchestra.

Samantha Ji (Teaching Assistant)

Samantha graduated from Shanghai International Studies School, majoring

in English education. She has a very high Level 8 score on an international

English standard level test.

Lisa Liang (Teaching Assistant)

Having graduated from Shanghai Marine University and University of Tas-

mania, Lisa worked as a training assistant and teacher at some famous train-

ing centers.

Alex Callow (English Teacher)

Alex is a graduate from the University of Nottingham. While living in

Shanghai he has worked as a PYP Grade 1 homeroom teacher at Shanghai

World Foreign Language Primary School.

Myra Mao (Teaching Assistant)

A graduate from Hefei University, Myra has worked at the Weize Creative

Training Center and British Consulate.

Eva Wang (Teaching Assistant)

Eva graduated from Shanghai Business School, majoring in Business Eng-

lish. At university she took part in several clubs and volunteered at the

Shanghai Jishengweibang World Furniture Fair and the Shanghai Grand

Prix.


8

Jocelyn Zhang (Teaching Assistant)

Jocelyn graduated from Shanghai Fudan University. She was an assistant

student tutor and vice-president of the student committee. She worked as a

Chinese teacher, science teacher and academic supervisor at a language

training centre.

Harriet Blomefield (International Teaching Assistant)

Harriet graduated from Edinburgh University with an MA (Hons) in His-

tory of Art. In the holidays she worked at Pacific Basin Ship Brokers, and

as an Intern at Sotheby’s in the Old Masters Department.

Antonia Forsyth (International Teaching Assistant)

Antonia graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a MA (Hons) in

History and History of Art. She has worked as a research assistant at the

Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, and as an Intern at Christie’s

Auctioneers.

Charlotte Xia (Teaching Assistant)

Charlotte graduated from Huadong Normal University, majoring in Chi-

nese. She worked as a Chinese teacher at Yew Chung International

School.

Frances Shi (Principals’ Assistant and HR Assistant)

Frances joins the Administration Department and will be responsible for

supporting the Principals and Human Resources. Frances comes to us from

Shanghai International Studies University, Xianda College of Economy

and Humanities, where she read English.

Anne-Katherine Gore-Andrews (International Teaching Assistant)

Anne-Katherine graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a MA

Hons in Classics. While at university she worked as a Brand Consultant

Intern at Graphic Alliance and as a Marketing Intern for the Estee Lauder-

owned company, Aveda, in London.

Young Wu (Accounts Officer)

Young joins the Accounts Office having recently graduated in Finance

Management from East China University of Science and Technology.

Rachel Chen (Accounts Officer)

Rachel graduated from Shanghai Lixin University of Commerce, majoring

in Management. She joins us in the Accounts Office.

Yukie Yu (Accounts Officer)

Yukie is a new member of the Accounts Office. She graduated in account-

ing from Shanghai Shanda University and has two years’ work experience.

Criss Gu (Logistics and Procurement Supervisor)

Criss graduated in English from Jiaotong University. She has seven years’

experience working in logistics and procurement in international schools.