School Policies

The objective of the Healthy School Policy (HSP) is to help students reach a state of physical, mental and social well-being with a focus on developing students’ healthy lifestyles, positive attitudes and values, practical life skills and refusal skills to resist temptation. There are four elements in the HSP:

1. Developing a management and organization system for health matters;
2. Fostering a healthy school environment;
3. Developing students’ healthy lifestyles; and;
4. Identification of students who may need help and putting in place a referral system.

As advised by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC), schools are encouraged to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure that the school is free from any sexually hostile or intimidating environment and to avoid the possible vicarious liability on the employers, including developing a school policy (in written form) to eliminate sexual harassment, raising the understanding and awareness of both staff and students about sexual harassment, and setting up complaint handling mechanism to resolve sexual harassment complaints.

The EDB and the school sector share the common vision of strengthening school governance and providing quality education service. A healthy school governance culture is conducive to reducing misunderstandings and complaints.  A sound School-based Complaint Handling Mechanism can help schools get to the root of the issues and take appropriate follow-up actions, such as introducing new measures or improving the existing policies and practices to prevent similar problems from recurring.

Introduction
Homework is an essential part of the learning process, providing students with the opportunity to consolidate and extend their understanding of classroom lessons. This policy aims to outline the expectations for homework at STC, ensuring that students receive a balanced and effective approach to homework.

Purpose
The purpose of homework is to reinforce and extend the learning that takes place in the classroom. We assign homework which is meaningful, purposeful, challenging, and with clear objectives. Homework at STC also provides an opportunity for students to develop independent learning skills, such as time management, organization, and self-discipline. It further allows students:

Guidelines
Frequency and duration:
Homework will be set regularly. The duration of homework would be appropriate to the age and ability of the student, and would not exceed the following recommended times:
S1-S2: About 12 hours per cycle (2 hours per school night)
S3: About 15 hours per cycle (2.5 hours per school night)
S4- S6: About 18 hours per cycle (3 hours per school night)

Content and format:
Homework would be varied and relevant to the curriculum and would be designed to support the learning objectives of the subject. Homework may take a variety of forms, including written assignments, research tasks, reading, revision, and practical tasks. Guidelines on assigning homework:

• the level of challenge would match what students are capable of doing
• the quantity and nature of the homework would not interfere unreasonably with the students’ leisure time and extra-curricular activities

Teachers would keep in mind that they should:

• provide clear and constructive feedback that includes commendation of students’ effort and strengths, as well as steps or strategies for further improvement
• make clear to students their instructions and expectations in order to complete the homework
• give reasonable and clear deadlines
• not assign homework as punishment if there is no relevance to the lesson or topic being learnt
• not necessarily assign extra work merely because holidays are longer
• take into account deadlines of projects of other subjects and compromise on a reasonable deadline

Also note:
Deadlines
Homework would be set with clear deadlines, and students would be informed of the expected completion date. Late homework will be accepted, unless specified, but penalties may be imposed for work submitted after the deadline. Students may also receive a ‘Bad Habit’ mark for late submission of assignments.

Feedback
Teachers will provide regular feedback on homework and will use this feedback to inform their planning and teaching. Students will be given the opportunity to reflect on their homework and use feedback to improve their work.

Support
Students who require additional support with homework should speak to their teacher, who will provide guidance and support. Students may also set up additional study groups to support each other. They may also use the school library to complete homework as it provides a quiet and supportive environment for homework completion.

Plagiarism and the use of ChatGPT or other tools driven by AI technology
The School understands that tools like ChatGPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms can be used for educational purposes. This could include research work or learning more about a particular subject. However, misuse, especially to pass off work that is not the student’s own work as their own, cheating, or plagiarism of any form, would result in serious consequences, and would be subject to disciplinary action. Students should ensure that all work submitted is their own, and that they have acknowledged any sources used.

Guidelines on non-completion of homework

Conclusion:
Homework is an integral part of the learning process, and it is essential that students approach it with a positive and committed attitude. This policy aims to ensure that homework is set with clear objectives, is relevant and meaningful, and provides students with the opportunity to develop independent learning skills. By working together, teachers, parents, and students can ensure that homework is a positive and productive experience.

PROTECTING OUR PRESENT AND FUTURE

FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

Ensuring national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity

• In modern history, China was invaded by foreign powers. Maintaining national security allows us to enjoy the stable and prosperous life we have today.
• Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China. We have a constitutional duty to safeguard national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

THE FUTURE

The cornerstone of social stability and lasting peace

• Hong Kong’s success came from social stability. National security gives us a stable environment to pursue development without worry.
• Laws on national security help maintain public order and peace.

A guarantee for the people to live and work in peace and happiness

• Hong Kong is an international financial centre. Safeguarding national security protects our hard-earned achievements so we can continue to live safely and happily.

Realising the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation

• Since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, we have integrated into the country’s development. National security ensures smooth progress and creates more opportunities for Hong Kong.

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Hong Kong National Security Law

The Hong Kong National Security Law was enacted to:

• Prevent, stop, and punish acts that endanger national security (such as secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign or external forces).
• Protect the fundamental interests of the country and the people.
• Restore social order in Hong Kong.

Key facts:

• Came into effect on 30 June 2020.
• Effectively ended violence and chaos; daily life returned to normal.
• Protects residents’ rights and freedoms (speech, press, publication, association, assembly, procession, demonstration) under the Basic Law and international covenants.

Every country has national security laws

Many countries including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Singapore have their own laws to protect national security.

The four offences in the Hong Kong National Security Law are also crimes in other countries:

1. Secession
2. Subversion
3. Terrorist Activities
4. Collusion with a Foreign Country or with External Elements to Endanger National Security

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Responsibilities of Hong Kong’s New Generation

1. Know the motherland, love and respect our country’s sovereignty

• Learn about China’s history, culture, geography, and economic development.
• Understand the close relationship between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.
• Cherish the excellent culture of our country and Hong Kong.
• Respect the national flag, emblem, and anthem.
• Identify with our national identity.

2. Understand the Constitution, Basic Law, and Hong Kong National Security Law

• These three documents form the foundation of “One Country, Two Systems”.
• They guarantee Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability.
• We should see safeguarding national and Hong Kong interests as our own responsibility.

3. Be law-abiding citizens and actively safeguard national security

• Develop positive values and a sense of responsibility.
• Become a new generation with national awareness, affection for Hong Kong, and an international outlook.
• Uphold the rule of law and social harmony.

Safeguarding national security starts with me.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY

Helping Your Children Understand National Security
Through Strong Home-School Co-operation

Dear Parents,

National security is the foundation for our country’s stability, peace, and prosperity. It protects Hong Kong and the whole nation so that everyone can live safely and develop together.

At Shung Tak, we integrate National Security Education into the curriculum to help students build a strong sense of national identity, respect the law, and understand their responsibilities as citizens under “One Country, Two Systems”.

Parents play a very important role. When home and school work closely together, children learn better and develop positive values more effectively.

Why National Security Education Matters for Your Child

• It helps children understand what national security means in simple terms.
• It teaches them about major areas such as political security, economic security, cultural security, cyber security, and ecological security.
• It builds pride in our country’s history, culture, achievements, and development.
• It encourages children to think critically, use information responsibly, and contribute to a harmonious society.

How You Can Help at Home (Simple Everyday Actions)

1. Talk with your child – Share positive stories about our country’s progress together.
2. Watch and read together – View recommended videos or articles about Chinese culture and national development with your child.
3. Encourage participation – Support your child to join school activities such as talks on the Basic Law, national education events, or visits to museums.
4. Be a good role model – Show respect for the law and national symbols in daily life.
5. Discuss current affairs calmly – Help your child learn to view issues from multiple perspectives and distinguish right from wrong.

Ways to Strengthen Home-School Co-operation

• Attend parent talks and workshops organised by the school on national education.
• Join PTA activities related to moral, civic, and national education.
• Participate in at least one national education activity for parents each year, as encouraged by the Education Bureau.

When parents and teachers work as partners, children feel more supported and develop stronger values.

Key Message for Parents:

Your support at home makes a big difference. Together, we help our children grow into responsible citizens who love our country and contribute to Hong Kong’s future.

For more resources, please refer to the Education Bureau’s National Security Education webpage.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s class teacher.

Thank you for your partnership!

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SHUNG TAK CATHOLIC ENGLISH COLLEGE HOME SCHOOL COOPERATION ON NATIONAL SECURITY

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