Name: Sherman Leung Kam-bor Age: 37 Years of headship: 31/2 years School: Pooi Tun Secondary School Did you always want to be a principal? No. I studied electrical engineering but I enjoy interacting with people so I left my first job as an engineer. At first, I just wanted to be a teacher but later I took up a lot of administrative tasks and counselling roles at school. I was made principal after teaching for 10 years. What is the most demanding part of a principal's job? Keeping up with the rapidly changing world of technology, educational reforms and changing values. How would you compare the challenges today with those of 10 years ago? The challenges are bigger now. A principal today has to deal with more people, from the Education Department to other education bodies. Describe your style of headship? I try to encourage others to get involved in the decision-making. I treasure every teacher and try to strike a balance between people participation and an effective system. What has influenced your approach to school administration? While I was still a teacher, I took up counselling for six years and attended related workshops. I learned to appreciate the unlimited power of every person as opposed to a restrictive system. What do you enjoy as a school head? The diversity of my duties, working towards my goals and interacting with people. What don't you enjoy? Sometimes, I feel lonely - there is no one who shares the same position as me. What would you like yourself to be remembered for? For my tears and laughter - I once cried during a talk with the school supervisor over the pressure and anxiety the students were causing me. But I was delighted with their achievements later. What is the most memorable moment of your career? The first time, as principal in my present school, when I heard all my students greet me with 'Good Morning' in assembly. How do you cope with the pressure of your job? I exercise, play football, read books. And I always look at the positive side of things. Who are your heroes? I have no heroes though there are a lot of people that I respect. Our supervisor, a missionary; Mother Teresa who has served others all her life; and Deng Xiaoping , whose reforms have helped China get rich. What would you like to tell your students? Everyone has potential and you should discover your own and develop. What would you like to tell your teachers? All students can learn, especially when affection and sincerity is shown. Any tips for principals? God grants me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Principal Tasks will return on the first Wednesday after the Easter break
