I have regularly visited Hong Kong from the United Kingdom since my retirement nearly six years ago and meet former colleagues and friends still working for the English Schools Foundation (ESF), my former employer. I was therefore shocked to hear that one such colleague, Chris Smith, presently head of Jockey Club Sarah Roe Centre, is to lose his job at the end of the current academic year due to 're-organisation'. If this is correct, then I find it incredible that the ESF would pass up the chance of continuing to employ a thoroughly competent and professional teacher and administrator with 24 years' proven service. I had hoped the foundation would have learned from previous debacles involving staff and their contracts. But it would appear that history is repeating itself. Never in my 20 years at Bradbury did I hear of 're-organisation' being given as a reason to terminate anyone's contract. It would seem that Mr Smith's dedicated service counts for little. It would be encouraging to hear that this particular decision could be reviewed and hopefully reversed. Whatever happens, I should like to record my thanks to Chris for all the advice and professional support he gave to me and to my school during my time as principal. ROBERT L. BROWN, Principal, Bradbury Junior School (1975-1995)
