Contributed by:
Julie Cheng, Alumni parent (Yichen and Yici’s mother, enrolled in respectively 2011, 2012, left Pao School in 2013,
2019 respectively, the children are respectively currently at: SenseTime (Shanghai), Concord College (UK))
Pao School has many precious memories for my family. One of which was in 2012, when founder Professor Anna Sohmen Pao invited Mr. Yang Zhenning to attend the celebration for Pao School’s fifth anniversary. For the ceremony, Professor Anna Sohmen Pao wanted to find two children to offer flowers to Mr. Yang. She happened to bump into my daughter, who was in Year 1 at the time, in the corridor speaking with with her classmates about her ambition to become an astronaut. When Mrs. Sohmen Pao saw her, she said, “You are just right; you are the one!” Since then, my daughter’s ambition for the future has changed several times. However, what has remained consistent is her determination to learn from those that have come before us. We will always treasure the photo of her with Mr. Yang.
Yici presents flowers to Mr. Yang Zhenning at Pao School’s fifth anniversary celebration
In addition to this photo, we have also kept dozens of certificates that our daughter received during her primary education. Some of them are for awards she won in competitions, some are to mark her progress in various subjects, and some recognise her sense of responsibility. She also has yearbooks for each of the years she attended Pao School, which show the highlights of each academic year as well as group photos of the whole class of students and teachers. If we look at the yearbook for each year, we see the children gradually mature, their tender young faces slowly transforming into those of young adults. My daughter also has kept the school newspapers the children produced when they served as editors in primary school, as well as an anthology of articles published when they were in middle school. There is even a set of school uniforms we have kept and will show to my grandchildren. Maybe they will be able to use them when they enter Pao School in the future.
Yan Yici graduates from primary school!
I have also saved a few items from Pao School as souvenirs: one is the rainbow scarf, which was designed and produced by the school’s parents. Every time I see it, I think of a group of enthusiastic parents. I also have in my possession several volunteer certificates and trophies given by Pao School; and a handy and attractive white canvas bag with the school logo printed on it, a green tree from which three fruits are hanging. I used to take this bag with me when I prepared lessons for my work in the Story Moms group. Now when I see it, I also think of the days when I was on the Primary School campus on Wuding West Road. At that time, the children were still so young, and we parents were too, in a way.
The Story Moms perform to children in the Primary School to the enjoyment of the audience
At Pao School, I have met many outstanding parents and children, which makes me feel that that education should be seen as a lifelong journey. During my time as a parent with the school, I have made some important self-improvements: I have gradually learned to be less anxious and complain less, and treat myself and my children fairly.
Of particular note is that our lifestyle has changed for the better since Pao School became part of our lives. I didn't like sports before, but after coming to Pao School that changed. Under the leadership of Hunter and other parents from the first class, my husband and son participated in RAW's long-distance cycling activity for the first time in March 2012. As they cycled around Yancheng Lake, a thunderstorm broke out unexpectedly. Though they were completely drenched, they kept on going; nobody gave up. My husband returned to the hotel that night with a leg cramp, but since then he has become an integral member of RAW. In the past decade, he has joined the club’s secretariat, accompanied the children to climb mountains and cycle around islands, and traveled to countless places. Now our whole family enjoys outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling, and we are more healthy both mentally and physically.
Philip Sohmen issues certificates to children who have completed the "Journey of Growth"
Mr. Yan and his son Yan Yichen participate in RAW's long-distance
ride for the first time to celebrate the club’s one-year anniversary
Philip Sohmen and Principal Crick Chen take a group photo with RAW members
In December 2012, Yan Yici participated in RAW activities for the
first time: the 10,000-metre long run around Century Park
Yan Yici participates in RAW's outdoor hiking during the holidays.
She and her teammates climb mountains and explore rivers,
enjoying China’s spectacular natural scenery
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