Wednesday, 5 August 2026Principal’s Message
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
Celebrating 67 Years: A Founders’ Day Address
Good morning, Fr Ip, Ms Kwong, our Supervisor, School Managers, Alumni, Guests, Teachers and Students,
It is a profound honour to stand before you today. As the new Principal of STC, having joined this vibrant community just three months ago, I feel grateful as we gather to commemorate our Founders’ Day and our 67th Anniversary.
Before we commemorate the remarkable journey of our founding, let’s take a moment to hold space for those affected by the tragic fire in Tai Po this Wednesday. As a community rooted in compassion, our hearts are with everyone impacted. In these difficult moments, we send all our deepest thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort. May that comfort find its way to every heart that is hurting right now.
This day of tribute is dedicated to thankfulness. First, let us express our sincere gratitude to our visionary founder, Reverend Wong King-in. His unwavering belief in the power of education, blessed by God’s love and guided by faith, established the strong foundation for Shung Tak. Today, we reaffirm our school motto, “Ora et Labora” – Pray and Work, which guides our journey toward lifelong learning, flourishing and character development.
In that same spirit, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the inspiring former supervisors and principals. Your hard work nurtured generations of Shungtakians, shaping them into the remarkable individuals they are today. Your commitment to quality education inspires us daily.
To our dedicated teachers, we offer more than just thanks – we express our deepest appreciation. Your passion is the engine of our school, and it is a gift we receive every single day. Your consistent effort in cultivating resilience and guiding every student to unlock their fullest potential is a profound act of service. For this dedication, the entire Shung Tak family is sincerely grateful.
And to our wonderful staff working diligently behind the scenes – thank you. Your service and care are the backbone of the Shung Tak community, ensuring our students receive the best learning environment possible.
To our alumni, your partnership is invaluable. Your contributions, from scholarships to mentorship, empower individuals to chase their dreams. Thank you for your continued dedication to STC, which truly is a second home for all Shungtakians.
To our parents, your trust is a blessing. You are our essential teammates, and this strong collaboration is vital for the holistic growth of our children. Thank you for your steadfast support that motivates every one of us.
Last, but certainly not least, to our incredible Shungtakians – you are the heart and the purpose of STC. As I shared on the first school day, your potential is the reason we commit ourselves fully. Each of you brings unique talents and aspirations. Your collective achievements reflect your dedication and the nurturing power of STC.
To conclude our thanks, on behalf of the school, a deep thank you to our past and present Priests, Sisters, and School Managers. Your committed oversight and spiritual guidance, drawing strength from God’s love, have been instrumental in shaping Shung Tak and ensuring it provides quality education. We are profoundly grateful for your wisdom.
As we humbly look to the future, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, cultivating an inclusive environment where everyone belongs, and empowering every student to realize a fulfilling future built on their unique strengths.
Thank you once again to every member of the Shung Tak family for your invaluable contributions to the extraordinary home we share. On this Founders’ Day, we honor our history, stand firm in this dedication, and move forward with the strength of our entire community.
May God bless you all.
Ms Norris Lai
Principal
Prize-giving Ceremony
Bringing this 2025–2026 academic year to a close fills my heart with profound gratitude. My inaugural year walking with you as your new Principal has been a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite as one family, growing together in faith and wisdom.
12th July was the International Day of Hope. It reminds us that hope is not a passive emotion, but an action-oriented strength that builds resilience.
Shungtakians, do you remember my challenge to you at the start of this year? I asked you to treat hope as a verb. Looking back, I am deeply moved by how you answered that call. You didn’t simply wish for a better future; you actively shaped it. You took small steps every day to master new skills, strengthen friendships, and bring your dreams to life.
We celebrated true excellence during our prize-giving ceremony. When I look at our awardees, I do not just see trophies or certificates; I see the grit, resilience, and self-discipline at the heart of their success.
True success is not only about results; it is about the courage to try, and the refusal to give up. Throughout this year, you have faced difficult challenges and found the strength to keep going. It is this process—the effort, the trying, and the resilience—that shapes your character. You have proven that your value is not defined by a single outcome, but by the beautiful journey of giving your best. Well done, Shungtakians!
As you receive your report cards during the upcoming Parents’ Days, please remember this crucial truth: your exam results do not define who you are. They are simply a mirror to help you reflect. Growth is not a race, and it looks different for everyone.
Whether your results were lower than expected or exceeded your targets, the question remains the same: How will you use your God-given talent next? If you need to find your rhythm, try a new method. If you have already found it, keep pushing your boundaries and lift up those around you. Ultimately, it is your attitude that truly counts.
Throughout the year, you have lived out our school’s DNA—our six core character traits: kindness, compassion, discernment, responsibility, servant leadership, and gratitude— through daily actions. You have embraced our STCEC identity as a home built on Success, where we nurture Talents and Celebrate achievements with listening Ears and a Caring heart.
None of this would be possible without our incredible teachers and staff. Thank you for your tireless dedication to nurturing every student with your whole heart and soul.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our alumni and our parents. Your support and steadfast collaboration ensure our Shungtakians grow up safe, sound, and deeply loved.
Before I conclude, I want to leave all Shungtakians with a question to think about over the summer holiday:
“How can you use this summer to bring greater hope back to our Shung Tak family this September?”
Let us close with scripture from the Book of Romans (15:13):
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Thank you all for a wonderful year. Have a restful summer. May God bless our Shung Tak family with continued joy, strength, and hope. Thank you!
Ms Norris Lai
Principal