Friday, 5 December 2025This year, Shung Tak Catholic English College marked its 67th Anniversary and Founders’ Day. The celebrations were markedly subdued this year, held in the shadow of the tragic Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po fire that claimed so many precious lives and touched the hearts of many worldwide. Our customary festivities gave way to a deeper sense of purpose, a time of thanksgiving for the blessings we have. As all gathered in reverence for the Thanksgiving Prayer Service, we remained one in prayer, remembrance, and thanksgiving.
With humility and heartfelt appreciation, STC offered thanks for the enduring legacy of the school’s founders and the 67 years of dedicated service in providing high-quality English-medium Catholic education to generations of young people.
Joining the Service were School Supervisor Ms Kwong, School Manager Reverend Ip, Independent Manager Mr Leung, Alumni Association Vice-Chairman Mr Tang and other executive committee members, Parent Manager Ms Yip and PTA representatives, Sr Jero and aspiring Sr Essee, as well as alumnus Mr James Chan. The guest of honour, Mr Charlton Lin (Class of 2007), who readily agreed to come back to share with fellow Shungtakians, delivered an inspiring address.
Mr Charlton Lin (Class of 2007) described Shung Tak as an extended family where he and his siblings studied, met his wife, and his parents gave service in the PTA. In his heartfelt speech, he credited the school with shaping his English fluency, public-speaking confidence, interpersonal skills, and lifelong adaptability. He urged current students to fully embrace their time at STC, noting that while academic knowledge may fade, the character, competence, and friendships forged at STC endure forever. Recalling his vibrant co-curricular life—from early-morning swimming and marching band to long-distance runs and St. John Ambulance service, he advised today’s Shungtakians to “work hard but play hard,” discover their passions, build lasting bonds, and make the most of every moment.
Reverend Ip’s message centred on the spirit of community so powerfully displayed in the aftermath of the Taipo fire. He expressed hope that Shungtakians would live out this sense of togetherness, care, and gratitude every day and not only in times of crisis, but as a daily commitment to treasuring one another and the gift of our school.
In reflection and prayer, the Shung Tak family stood solemnly together. It offered prayers and it gave thanks for 67 years of mission, and for the enduring bonds that make us one.
Giving Thanks
By Edith Hui
Time files like an arrow with the 28th November 2025 marking the 67th Anniversary of Shung Tak’s founding. To celebrate this anniversary, school manager Rev. Ip officiated the Thanksgiving Service.
The Gospel Reading of the Service from Matthew 6:1-8 reminded us to perform righteous acts like giving, praying, and fasting with sincere intentions and not for the praise of others. It warns against hypocrisy and emphasizes that prayer is not about outward form or many words, but about the honesty of the heart.
In light of the tragedy in Taipo, we also offered special prayers. We prayed and shall continue to have in our prayers those affected by the disaster. We pray that God offer all His strength and healing comfort and protection. We also pray for the eternal rest of those who died.
The Service was also a reminder of doing good deeds and praying sincerely. Our school’s founder Rev. John Baptist Wong King-In, through constant prayer, overcame numerous obstacles and founded Shung Tak. What we see today is a testament of his tireless labor, his good deed, to establish both the parish and the school. Today, we give thanks to him as well for we reap that benefit of being Shungtakian from his good deed.
As we go forth, let us always be reminded of our school motto: ‘Ora et Labora’.