Thursday, 4 September 2025Principal’s Message (1st September 2025)
Good morning teachers and Shungtakians,
It’s a true blessing to join the STC family. While there may be changes in the school’s leadership, our mission and vision remain the same. Our motto, “Ora et Labora” (Pray and Work), will continue to guide us as we strive to create an environment where we can glorify God and serve our world.
As your new Principal, I’m here to support you in every way possible. Our wonderful teachers and I are dedicated to empowering you not just to succeed academically, but also to grow into well-rounded individuals. Together, we will redefine what education means today and prepare you for a bright and sustainable future through co-creation.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredibly warm welcome I’ve received over the past few months. I’ve been truly inspired by the dedication of our community – our former supervisors, former principals, teachers, staff, students, parents, and alumni. You’ve shown me what it means to be part of the STC family, a place filled with love and support. You’ve taught me what STCEC stands for: a home built on Success, where we nurture Talents and Celebrate our achievements with listening Ears and a Caring heart.
Shungtakians, you are our pride, and you are the very meaning of our work. I’m sure you’ve heard about the outstanding accomplishments of our Class of 2025. They have made us proud by reaching their goals.
This year, 74% of the 592 papers sat received a Level 4 or above, with 100% of students achieving Level 2 or above. This means that all of our S6 students last year are eligible for sub-degree programmes, and 98% are qualified for university admissions. Shungtakians continued to show exceptional strength in languages. In English Language, 82% of students scored Level 4 or above, and 100% scored Level 3 or above, with nearly one in four reaching Level 5 or above. In Chinese Language, more than 7 out of 10 attained Level 4 or above; with 28% reaching Level 5 or above. Their success is a testament to our school’s commitment to ensuring every student thrives.
Let’s give a big round of applause to the Class of 2025 for their hard work. And let’s not forget to thank our incredible teachers for their guidance and support.
As we start this new school year, we are entering the second year of our three-year School Development Plan. I would like to remind you of our two Major Concerns:
- To cultivate students’ positive values and attitudes through promoting a school-based values education curriculum.
- To broaden students’ horizons through collaboration across different disciplines.
At STC, we aim for academic excellence, but we also place great importance on your character development. Since last year, we have been promoting the six character traits of a Shungtakian, namely, Kindness, Compassion, Discernment, Responsibility, Servant Leadership, and Gratitude. To me, these qualities represent the true DNA of our community.
Over the summer, our teachers and staff worked hard to improve our campus. We have upgraded our facilities and added portraits and stories of six significant Chinese Catholic figures near Staircase A. I hope their examples inspire you to be the kind of Shungtakian who makes STC proud.
Earlier this morning, we talked about hope — not just as a feeling, but as an active strength that helps us create a path to our goals. The remarkable results of our S6 students last year are a perfect example of this. Their hard work, combined with hope and faith, helped them achieve their dreams. These accomplishments are a beautiful reflection of God’s love for our community.
As we begin this new year, let’s remember the words from the Bible: “So faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)
I challenge you all to live out that hope every day. Be agents of change and help us fill our school with the love of God. I wish each of you a hopeful and successful start to this new academic year.
Thank you and God bless.
Ms Norris Lai
Principal