Page 4 - 趙聿修紀念中學（校訊）

4 Class suspension without
suspending learning
Class suspension without suspending learning

Are you ready to be happy and grateful?

Pursuit of Happiness Project – English Department

During the class suspension period, coverage of the pandemic dominated the news, with
anecdotes of how the world had literally grinded to a halt, and the inextricable impact of the

pandemic on everyone, regardless of age, gender and nationality. As the pandemic took a toll on
the mental, emotional and physical development of people, the English Department took English

activities online and organized a whole-school activity titled ‘Pursuit of Happiness Project’ in March
2020. The aim of the activity was to celebrate the International Day of Happiness that is observed

every year on March 20.

Happiness and gratitude – the two most fundamental yet overlooked elements that all Hong

Kong citizens need most in the midst of a trying period, are the prime focuses of this project.
Recognising that the class suspension period would have caused stress and anxiety to students, the

English Department decided to take the opportunity to underscore the importance of happiness to
the students especially during this trying period, and provide a platform for them to express their

gratitude to the people who have influenced them in their lives most.

S1-S2 students and S3-S5 students were to complete two different tasks. After watching
the designated video clips, S1-S2 students wrote about five phrases they would say more often

to express joy and kindness, while S3-S5 students had to express their gratitude to a person who
has influenced them most in their lives, based on the “Science of Happiness – An Experiment in

Gratitude”.

The competition enjoyed a warm reception from the students, and there was an overwhelming

number of entries from across all levels. The entries were cloaked in warmth and humanity, which
left the adjudicator, our Principal, Ms. LEE Siu-yuk, Hilda, struggling to select the best five entries to

be awarded the First, Second, Third, Fourth and Fifth Prizes in each level. Students were extremely
excited when they learnt about the results, and prizes they received served as an encouragement to

them to keep pursuing happiness and observing gratitude while learning English in their daily lives.

Let us continue to embrace happiness and gratitude in our lives, no matter how challenging
times are. Let us remember that it’s not happiness that brings gratitude, but gratitude that brings us

happiness. Let us begin each day with gratitude in our hearts, and sunshine will follow.