Someone once asked me, "Principal Li, since you became principal and left the position of 'frontline teacher,' has the distance between you and the students increased? Do you have fewer opportunities to interact with them?"

My role at the school has indeed changed. Over a year ago, I went from being a "frontline teacher" to a "frontline principal"!

Cherish every precious second

Every morning, I greet my students at the school gate. I not only have the opportunity to interact with students every day, but I have also had more and wider contact with them than ever before. My way of greeting them is very simple: I greet them with a handshake.

During my year-long tenure as principal of Salesian Ng Siu Mui Secondary School, I shook hands countless times. The hands I shook varied in size and pressure. Sometimes, the handshake lasted only a few seconds; but sometimes, it led to a precious conversation.

"Measure your heart with your hands" - giving warm and caring love.

Most people view handshakes as a fleeting social obligation, but as an educator, I use this simple gesture every day to understand my students' physical and mental well-being.

Among the countless "handshake tests," the students I encountered generally fell into three categories:

• A firm and reassuring handshake : The strength of this student's handshake made me both happy and reassured, because I sensed that he was in excellent spirits;

• A gentle handshake : These students usually look tired. I'll try to find out if they haven't had enough rest. Is it because they've been playing games all night? Doing part-time work? Or is there some other story keeping them up so late?

• Forcing a handshake and then hastily pulling back : When I encounter this kind of student, I will try to take the initiative to hold their hand firmly. What I need more is to let them feel my care through the strength and warmth of my hand.