Watching Them Grow: Mr Chan's Greatest Joy at RCHK
By Sally Lee and Nadia Hung
Many know the Chinese subject as a cornerstone of the RCHK curriculum, a challenging yet vital part of a student’s academic journey. But without the dedicated efforts of Mr Leo Chan, a widely known MYP and DP Chinese teacher, these courses would not resonate with the same depth and inspiration.
Mr Chan was born and raised in Hong Kong, and for the past ten years, he has served as one of the school’s Chinese teachers. We sat down with him to learn more about him, his reasons for choosing RCHK, and, in his opinion, the most and least rewarding aspects of teaching. As you read this article, you will undoubtedly discover what makes him a unique and important figure to our school community.
Mr Chan’s journey with RCHK started many years ago. He recalls being drawn to RCHK’s Chinese department 10 years ago, when it was a completely new environment. Seeing the school as a fresh start, he felt that coming to the school was an opportunity to start over, to meet a diverse community of students, and to contribute to the newly established school.
“應為其事我選RCHK是十幾年前的，當時候他是一所剛成立的學校。然後，聽說哪裡的同學剛剛開始一切，都是新的學生，全新的環境，全新的老師。然後，我覺得這裡邊是有讓我重新開始的機會，去接觸新的同學，一所剛建立起的學校，所以我就選擇了剛剛成立不久的RCHK。”
Translation: “I chose RCHK more than ten years ago because it was a newly established school at the time. I heard that the students there were all new, in a completely new environment, and with completely new teachers. I felt that this was an opportunity for me to start over, to meet new students, and to attend a newly established school.” Mr Chan explains.
To him, one of the best parts of teaching is the memories he collects as he witnesses his students thrive. When asked for his most memorable experience, he didn't hesitate, stating that it was when he was a Year 13 advisor, as it was the first time he watched a group of students grow up, starting from Year 9.
“最深刻的記憶應該就是第一年我當十三年級的advisor，我從九年級跟著他們到year 13整個過程，他們那年畢業，參加他們的畢業典禮還有prom是我最難忘的經歷， 應為我第一次看著他們從小到大成長到了畢業讀大學.”
Translation: “My most memorable memory was when I was a Y13 advisor. I watched them grow ever since they were Y9 all the way till they were graduating in Y13. Participating in their graduation prom was the most memorable part, as it was my first time watching them grow, graduate, and go into university.”
This joy in his students' journeys defines his favourite part of being a teacher. "The best thing is watching students grow up, graduate, and achieve success," he shared, his face lighting up in happiness. "They sometimes even come to the school to tell you what they do for a living. To my surprise, some students even bring their partners and children to see us."
However, despite this indelible connection, some memories also bring heartfelt sorrow. After a thoughtful pause, Mr Chan addressed the most troublesome part of his job. "If I really had to say what the most unhappy thing is," he said softly, "it's that some of my students left this world before me. Every time I hear this unfortunate news, it's the biggest shock to me." This heartfelt admission reveals the depth of his care and how much each student matters to him.
It is precisely this long-term perspective that shapes the advice Mr Chan wishes to give to his past, present, and future students. For those who wish to gain valuable advice from Mr Chan, here is his advice: “Never give up. Don't give up easily. As our school is an international school, we offer many opportunities for students.” He also emphasises the importance of participation: “Everyone can achieve great things if they are willing to participate. Don't give up easily just because you encounter difficulties or feel inadequate.”
While he was giving this piece of advice, he expressed that he first thought that “being a teacher was just a job, a skill I possessed. But now, what I enjoy most is interacting with students and witnessing their growth and change.” From Mr Chan’s perspective, he cherishes the connections he builds with his students, allowing him to see their progress over many years. "Watching them grow and graduate from secondary school is the process I appreciate and enjoy the most," deadpanned Mr Chan.
Apart from being the teacher we all know, Mr Chan’s appreciation for growth and interests extends far beyond the classroom. His hobbies include swimming and reading. He thoroughly expressed his love for books, his reasoning being: “Even if you've never been to a place, you can understand different times, places, and people through reading — what they're thinking and doing. “
Through his unwavering dedication and determination, Mr Chan, besides teaching generations of students how to analyse texts, write essays, and stories, has continuously expressed his love for Chinese and, more importantly, his love for watching his students grow. He is a downright example of how an outstanding teacher connects with his students while teaching a challenging topic. His legacy in RCHK is shaped by compassion, empathy, and his unshakeable determination to never, ever give up, no matter the challenges faced in the way.