Mr Terry Zhang
Hello everyone,
I’m Mr Zhang, and I'm delighted to join PBSS as your new teacher. I am truly excited about the journey we will embark on together and eagerly anticipate the challenges and opportunities that this year will bring.
Since my own days as a secondary school student, I've been passionate about learning English through watching TV series. My favourite show is "FRIENDS," and even today, I find joy and learning in every episode. I encourage each of you to discover something you love to watch in English. It's not just entertaining but also one of the most enjoyable ways to enhance your language skills. Remember, there are countless ways to learn English, and finding what works for you is key.
In addition to my love for English, I enjoy traveling to different countries. Traveling gives me the chance to use English in real-world situations, meet new people, and immerse myself in diverse cultures. It's a wonderful way to broaden your horizons and apply what you've learned in the classroom.
I am really looking forward to getting to know each of you and exploring the exciting world of English together. Let's make this year not only educational but also memorable and fun!
Thank you, and see you in class!
Ms Mabel Bonaccorsi
Hello everyone! This is Ms. Mabel, and I am thrilled to be joining the PBSS family as part of the Native English Teachers team. I love learning languages and I support the idea that languages are a way to gain new and diverse perspectives of the world around us. Learning English opens doors that lead to new experiences, and, possibly, to new life paths!
I am from Italy, and I have been in love with the English language since I was a child - English homework never felt like a chore to me, it felt like I was simply discovering another part of myself. As a teacher, I aim to pass on that passion and nurture it in my students. During my two years of experience in Hong Kong, I taught a lot and I have learnt just as much, which is why I think it is fundamental to establish positive relationships with students to foster mutual trust and respect. The classroom must be a welcoming and stimulating environment, a safe space where students are allowed, and encouraged, to make mistakes and learn from them.
To learn effectively, I believe that one must also allow the mind to relax. I do so by filling my time with anything arts-related. From reading books to going to concerts. I am a very creative person myself and I take great pleasure in painting and taking photos, especially with my old film camera! I also love being surrounded by nature and discovering new wildlife species that I have never seen before (Hong Kong is excellent for that!). Spending some quality time with family and friends means a lot to me too.
I look forward to meeting you all and getting to know your interests and your future aspirations. I am sure we will have a great time learning and growing together!
Ms Ann Strandoo
I have been an English as a Second Language teacher and social worker for more than 20 years ago. I am originally from Seattle, Washington in the U.S.A. but I have worked as a humanitarian in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and the U.K.I have a B.A. from the University of San Francisco and a Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of Washington, and a teaching certificate in English as Second Language from Seattle University. In my free time I love exploring this amazing city. I especially love paddleboarding and hiking in my new neighbourhood which is inside the Sai Kung Country Park. I feel so lucky to be in this part of the world and making a positive difference in the lives of these young women.
Mr Paul Duncan Leach
Greetings everyone! This is Mr. Paul Leach and I am looking forward to joining the PBSS family as one of your new NET teachers. I am an ardent believer in language being more than simply a subject, but a bridge for communicating around the world. Understanding English is a fantastic way to open more opportunities for success later in life.
Coming from South Africa, a country with over twelve official languages! I have personally witnessed how useful English can be as a universal bridge for communication amongst friends, peers and even businesses. This, as well as my experience teaching English at a secondary school in South Africa and, later, as an ESL educator in Hong Kong, has fashioned my belief that an educated mind is a powerful mind. My vision here at PBSS is to create a safe, fun and healthy learning environment in which learners can feel valued for their efforts and receive the assistance needed to better understand the English language. I believe that education extends beyond textbooks, and by incorporating real-world examples of English, learners can gain a deeper understanding of the language.
I am a firm believer of the Latin saying, “Trio Juncta in Uno” – Three joined in One. That is to say the Mind, Body and Spirit. Outside of the classroom I enjoy hockey, both as a part time coach and as a player. I believe that keeping a healthy mind involves maintaining a healthy balance between academics and sport. Another favourite pastime of mine involves hiking. Getting in touch with nature and its surroundings is a great way to develop one’s spirit as well as help build one’s creativity.
I look forward to getting to know each of you at the start of this academic year and learn more about your talents and goals. I am certainly excited to play a part in your schooling career and am confident that this will be a fantastic and noteworthy year!
English Panel Head: Ms Jessie Ho
Form Co-ordinators:
F.1 Ms Leshana Liu
F.2 Ms Ruby Ho
F.3 Mr Terry Zhang
F.4 Ms Esther Yam
F.5 Ms Lydia Sheung
F.6 Ms Maahida Khan
IEC - Form Co-ordinators:
F.5 Ms Mabel Bonaccorsi
F.6 Ms Mabel Bonaccorsi
SBA Co-ordinators:
F.5 Ms Lydia Sheung
F.6 Ms Maahida Khan
NETs:
Ms Mabel Bonaccorsi
Ms Ann Strandoo
Mr Paul Duncan Leach
IT representatives:
Ms Leshana Liu
Ms Jessie Ho