PEOPLE OF IMPACT: FAREWELLS
Maureen McCann:
Growing Lifelong Readers
Growing Lifelong Readers
Having been at HKIS for the past 21 years, Maureen McCann will be departing at the end of this school year to return to her home in North Carolina. Maureen came to Hong Kong over two decades ago and worked as an English teacher, Social Studies teacher and Librarian. She says she enjoys nurturing young people and aims to foster students’ reading skills and abilities. “That is what brings me true joy–allowing people to thrive in whatever they choose to, whether it's related to reading, or not,” Maureen explains.
Above: MS Librarian Maureen McCann with Toby Chen '25, an editorial intern with the HKIS Marketing Team who was inspired years ago to become a lifelong writer and reader! Pictured here in the MS Library.
In a rapidly digitizing world, Maureen talks about how the increase in technology has caused a decrease in student readers. “It has been challenging to get students engaged with physical books these days, but I firmly believe that reading is crucial for each and every student’s development.” Through working with other teachers in bettering curriculum, forming book clubs for students, and publishing the Inklings magazine, she has undoubtedly developed some life-long readers.
Maureen says that the library is always a safe, welcoming place for all, where reading and quiet studying is encouraged. She wants students to know that they belong there, and overtime, the MS library has become more than just a ‘place to read’, rather a community, and a haven for all. This is largely thanks to Maureen’s exceptionally welcoming attitude and her constant efforts to promote inclusion and kindness. If she could tell anything to the next librarian, that is what she would advocate for.
Maureen says that the library is always a safe, welcoming place for all, where reading and quiet studying is encouraged. She wants students to know that they belong there, and overtime, the MS library has become more than just a ‘place to read’, rather a community, and a haven for all. This is largely thanks to Maureen’s exceptionally welcoming attitude and her constant efforts to promote inclusion and kindness. If she could tell anything to the next librarian, that is what she would advocate for.
Through cultivating readers, building relationships and spreading important messages to students and faculty alike, Maureen has sparked genuine change in our community. Even though she feels sad to leave, she says she will forever cherish and appreciate her memories made at HKIS.
We are so thankful for Maureen’s presence at HKIS, and she will be missed greatly. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors, as she turns the page to embark on her next chapter!
We are so thankful for Maureen’s presence at HKIS, and she will be missed greatly. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors, as she turns the page to embark on her next chapter!