Staff Learning Day 2024: PLAY@HCI

鈥淲e don鈥檛 stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.鈥�

~George Bernard Shaw

On February 15th, 2024, Hwa Chong Institution took a leap into a new era of staff engagement with the inaugural "PLAY@HCI" festival, embodied by a day dedicated to fostering a vibrant and 鈥減layful鈥� staff community. The event kicked off as staff from all across Hwa Chong gathered for a day filled with custom-tailored workshops and engaging bonding activities. 

The morning session was dedicated to professional development through a series of Staff-led Workshops. These workshops covered a range of topics designed to enhance the skill set of our dedicated staff members. From Assessment Literacy to exploring the realms of ChatGPT, staff had the opportunity to delve into diverse subjects, fostering an environment of continuous learning.

HCI educator and workshop facilitator: Mr Justin Heng

The workshops not only equipped our staff with new skills but also provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration. It was inspiring to witness our educators and non-teaching staff actively participating in sessions that aimed to elevate their professional capabilities and contribute to the collective growth of Hwa Chong.

"It was an enriching and meaningful experience - not only did I learn more about ChatGPT (thanks Mr Justin Heng!) but I also got to meet new people and make new friends."

- Dexter Ang (participant)

The heart of PLAY@HCI lies in appreciating each member of our staff community. The festival was a celebration of the diverse talents and contributions that make Hwa Chong Institution an exceptional place to work. 

鈥淚 was happy to share on the everyday use of ChatGPT and how to improve prompt design to obtain better output. It was also encouraging that many colleagues were excited to learn more and asked many questions during the hands-on session.鈥�

- Justin Heng (HCI educator and workshop facilitator)

The afternoon was dedicated to fostering connections through an array of bonding activities. Sports enthusiasts engaged in friendly basketball matches, while others explored their creative side with recreational activities such as soap making or cake decorating. Laughter echoed across the campus as staff members participated in team-building exercises and shared moments of joy and relaxation.

PLAY@HCI was not merely an event; it was a testament to the Hwa Chong commitment to the holistic development of its staff. The festival served as a platform for personal and professional growth, creating memories that will resonate in the Hwa Chong community for years to come.

As we reflect on PLAY@HCI, let's carry forward the spirit of engagement, energy, and empowerment into our daily endeavors. Together, we will continue to build a thriving community that not only excels in academic excellence but also cherishes the bonds that make Hwa Chong Institution a truly exceptional place to learn and work.

Here's to more PLAYful moments in the journey ahead!