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"We try to mix the mainland children with our children by pairing them up in the class so that they can catch up with their classmates in the learning of English. We don't think speaking Cantonese is a problem to the immigrant students. Kids can pick up very quickly."
Another three junior students coming from the mainland, Li Huaqing, Chen Jinghua and Wang Zhao, agreed that they could integrate with other students and catch up their studies in a short time.
"It's easy. At first, we may have to guess or use our body language. But now, we can speak very fluent Cantonese when we chat with our classmates and teachers," one student said.
"We like to work hard and play hard."
The teachers in the school are of the opinion that these children should not be pushed too hard at the beginning. They tend to avoid marking students' homework and classwork all in red because they believe more encouragement will result in less frustration.
Tsuen Wan Lutheran School makes use of the support services which are already available in helping the students. As most immigrant students have a lower standard in English, the school arranges for them to receive remedial teaching in the subject.
Immigrant students and the parents of the school disagree with the proposal that special schools should be set up for the Chinese immigrant children. On the contrary they should be given the chance to integrate into the Hong Kong society. Ling Yin's mother commended the staff at Tsuen Wan District Education Office for the assistance in helping her to look for a school place for her son.
"When I approach them, they briefed me on the education system in Hong Kong and showed me a list of schools with places available.
"I understand that it is the school's discretion to admit or reject students. But at least, they should give mainland children a chance or if not, they should refer them to another suitable school," she said.
End/Sunday, July 23, 1995
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