Campion College’s academic success is in large part due to the commitment of its hardworking and loyal group of teachers. Among this group are the well-loved husband and wife who have been members of the Campion family for over 30 years: “Kippy” and Jean Chin.

Many think that this couple met at Campion, but Kippy and Jean have known each other since they were teenagers. They both attended the University of the West Indies at the same time: he studied Chemistry and she, Botany. After graduation, Jean took up a job at Campion [the all-boys predecessor] teaching Integrated Science to Forms 1-3, while Kippy was appointed chief chemist at the Cane Farmers Association. The two later married and when their first son, Kesang, was born, Kippy decided to enter the teaching profession with the encouragement of Campion’s Past Principal, John MacKay, in order to spend more time with his family. Kippy started off teaching Chemistry in 6^th Form and, after a few years, added Advanced Math—subjects which he still teaches today. As for Jean, she has been teaching Biology to the CSEC group for a number of years and is also the 5^th Form Supervisor among numerous jobs she generously takes on around the school.

As proud parents of Campionites Kesang and Dave, the Chins continue to spread their parental care and attention on the two generations of Campion students whom they have taught so far. As master veteran teachers, they are able to convince their students that the topics are not intimidating but conquerable, and so, have left indelible imprints on these young minds. The Chins have dedicated their lives to teaching and helping so many students—including some of Jamaica’s top doctors, engineers and scientists—achieve their dreams.

As any Campionite who has had the honour of being taught by the Chins will tell you, the most difficult thing about this amazing couple is trying to keep up with them, especially Jean. However, we did tie them down for just a few minutes to answer some questions which we thought Campionites would want to know after all these years!

How do you get the students to understand the many hard concepts you teach?

Kippy Chin: I recognize that what I am teaching is difficult. It was difficult for me at school. So I try to break it down and bring it to their level.

How do you make it so much fun? What are your tricks?

KC: No tricks! I’m really an actor and in the classroom I have an instant audience. I like teaching. I use examples from everyday life and experiments.

Jean Chin: The children that come here are very bright. I never did a course in magic so have no tricks—what you see, is what you get.

What are some of your fondest memories at Campion?