Friday, 31 July 2026Following the Final Examination in early July 2026, our school hosted the Study Tour to Poland 2026 — a journey that combined rich cultural discovery with profound spiritual reflection. Throughout the tour, students explored breathtaking cathedrals, historic shrines, museums, and the underground wonders of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. More than just a lesson in Polish history, the experience deeply nourished our students’ faith and gave them a fresh perspective on the world.
A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp left a lasting mark on everyone. Confronted with the deep despair etched into these historical grounds, our students nevertheless discovered powerful glimmers of hope. In particular, the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe — who sacrificed his life for a fellow prisoner — reminded them that God’s love and grace can penetrate even the darkest corners. The visit inspired a shared realization: true peace begins with simple, intentional choices to practice kindness and refuse to let indifference take root in our hearts.
At the St. John Paul II Shrine, our group was blessed to attend a Mass officiated by Fr. Bernardo from IVE. In his homily, Fr. Bernardo highlighted the spiritual meaning of suffering, encouraging students to embrace life’s challenges with perseverance, faith, and hope. His message offered comfort and a transformative way to understand hardship.
Below are several heartfelt reflections from our students, highlighting personal growth and the enduring impact of this unique journey:
“It is definitely essential for each and every one of us to not only cherish what we have, but also pray to our Lord and take action to maintain world peace.” — Macy Lee (2J)
“It proved that religious faith could empower human beings to transform the most grueling physical hardships into timeless works of grace.” — Mini Hon (3J)
“This made me realize God’s love is for everyone, and we should do all things through Him and tell the world of His love.” — Cheryl Lam (4J)
“The experience at Auschwitz reminded me that peace is fragile and must be protected. Each of us has a responsibility to promote kindness, understanding, and tolerance in our own lives. We may not change the world overnight, but every small effort counts.” — Yubi Tam (4L)
“May the power of love beat the love of power. May the world learn tolerance and love from St. John Paul II.” — Demi Sze (5J)
“I was deeply touched by the act of St. Maximilian Kolbe, who sacrificed himself to save a man condemned to die. His story strongly reminded me of Jesus sacrificing Himself for our sins.” — Hazel Lee (5L)
“The mural of St. Faustina and Jesus really strengthened my connection with God.” — Jan Fung (5M)
As our students return to their daily lives, the lessons of Poland remain close to their hearts. Having witnessed both the solemn weight of history and the uplifting power of faith, they walk away with renewed purpose — ready to act as beacons of kindness, compassion, and peace in our school and beyond.