When interviewed by the media about the NASA missions to Mars and Saturn,  I often mentioned the outstanding education I received at QES.  Since it is impossible to acknowledge all the wonderful QES teachers, I would like to pay tribute to the following:  Mr. Hinton, Miss Wong, Mr. Chamberlain, Miss Tam and Miss Tsang.

Mr. Arthur Hinton is truly a model for all educators in the world.  He often greeted students in the hallways and engaged them in conversation.  Mr. Hinton was our Principal at that time and we often had interactions with each other since I was the Head Prefect. I found that Mr. Hinton had a genuine concern for all students.  He encouraged extracurricular activities and community service.  As a result, attending QES was such an enjoyable and meaningful experience in addition to the academic pursuits.  I remember several of us wanted to establish a summer bookstore so that students could buy and sell used books, which would be a financial help to many families.  Mr. Hinton liked the idea very much.   We needed to send a notice to all students at QES.  Since postage would be very expensive, I went to see Mr. Hinton and he immediately authorized the use of a stamp, “On Her Majesty’s Service” with which we stamped hundreds and hundreds of envelopes.  The summer bookstore, completely run by students, was an overwhelming success.  We were especially delighted to hear praises from many parents.  Mr. Hinton inspired us with his superior teaching, his trust, his integrity, his love for students and his volunteering spirit.

Miss Ruth Wong (now Mrs. Ruth Wong Ko) is one of my most admired teachers.  The interesting fact is that she never taught me in the classroom, but she taught me by her example, her character and her compassion.  I knew her well because she asked me to tutor her younger brother Freddie, also a fellow QES student.  Her dedication to academic excellence was well-known, and she often held extra classes after normal school hours.  She is always very kind and caring.  After a distinguished teaching career in Hong Kong and Canada, she continues to serve the disadvantaged as a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Mr. Terry Chamberlain was a first-rate Mathematics teacher.   When I was a teenager, I thought people with beards must be rough and tough.  On the contrary, Mr. Chamberlain was one of the most gentle teachers I ever had.  He was innovative in his teaching, and was well-respected by all.  I remember several of us in my class wanted to learn Calculus a year before the course was offered.  To our great surprise and delight, Mr. Chamberlain agreed to teach us Calculus on Saturday mornings for about two months and would not accept any compensation.

Miss Kay Tam taught Mathematics when we were in Form 4.   Even though she had a quiet personality, she had much influence on us through her inspired teaching and high expectations for our performance.  She drilled us on mathematical formulae which I still remember today.  She was strict in class but, at the same time, was friendly and accessible to students.

Miss Veronica Tsang taught Biology in Form 5.  Whether she was holding a flower or a small live crab, she would give fascinating explanations with a smile.  Her excellent teaching, vivacity and encouragement enabled me to develop a great interest in Biology which became one of my best subjects.  She carried our warm wishes with her when she left for England.