HONG KONG (SE): “In this culture of competition and branding, the communion and collaboration among diocesan schools is a testimony to the culture of the Gospel,” said Bishop Stephen Chow Sau Yan SJ, at the 52nd annual general meeting of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council at Caritas Hall, on December 2. In his message, Bishop Chow encouraged the supervisors and principals of secondary, primary and kindergarten schools in the diocese to work together to build a “culture of the Gospel” in the education sector in Hong Kong.
Bishop Chow pointed out that building a “Gospel culture” requires the cooperation of not only diocesan schools but also schools set up by religious institutes and the Caritas.
According to him, this culture includes its own competitive behaviour as it is driven by self-improvement, but not with the intention of competing with one another, which is in keeping with the Gospel spirit of love and unity.
In his Advent pastoral letter this year, Bishop Chow emphasised the importance of nurturing and accompanying young people. He hoped the Catholic schools would continue to teach the integral person through training in “intellectual, emotional, volitional, behavioural, spiritual, aesthetical” aspects rather than only focusing on intellectual development.
Bishop Chow pointed out that building a “Gospel culture” requires the cooperation of not only diocesan schools but also schools set up by religious institutes and the Caritas
Joseph Kung Kwong-pui, episcopal delegate for the Catholic Education Office, said it is necessary to promote synergy among diocesan schools and invited the principals present to think about whether they are brothers and sisters or competitors. “If we only care about our own problems, we cannot get a synergy effect,” he said. He believes success can only be achieved if everyone takes small steps first. The Home among Homes Fund-raising Concert is a good example since each school made every effort to meet for rehearsals despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic and their busy schedules.
John Siu Sze-chuen, the chairperson of the executive committee of the Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council, recalled the activities organised by the council this year, such as a stem competition, a pilgrimage to historic churches in Sai Kung, a rope-skipping fundraising event as well as its participation in the Home among Homes Fund-raising Concert. He pointed out that the activities have taught students how to handle problems in unity and the importance of preserving the Church’s legacy.
Chairpersons of the secondary, primary and kindergarten sections summarised their activities during the year.
The AGM then honoured seven retired principals, as well as 150 long-serving principals, teachers, secretaries, and staff members who had served 40, 30 and 20 years.
