Christmas Greetings from Principal (2022)
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Dear alumnae and friends of Ying Wa,
With 2022 coming to a close and a fresh new year about to unfold, it is once again time to reflect on the past year and give praise to our wonderful God for his abundant grace. As reminded by the scripture in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
Colorful School Life amidst COVID
The resumption of whole day schooling reminds us just how much we have missed the energy, the laughter, and the joys of a complete school life. With the past three years being in a constant state of flux with social distancing requirements, quarantine restrictions, and various learning modes, we are thankful for being able to carry out many school activities and traditions, like the School Picnic, Class Assemblies, and Sports Day.
The happy ‘noises’ are all around campus and like music, are lifting our spirits and bringing a real sense of dynamism to Ying Wa.
Piano Recital and School Concert
Music has always been a big part of Ying Wa and a piano recital was successfully held in our So Chau Yim Ping Memorial Hall on July 16. This recital was a momentous occasion as it marked the first formal concert since our move back.
The music never stops as the recital was followed up by a school concert in our Silcocks Hall on July 30.
Dance Competition
The Ying Wa Dance Team participated in the 58th Schools Dance Festival Video Mode Competition and achieved pleasing results. Due to the pandemic, the organizer moved to a video submission format in order to continue providing a platform for dancers to display their talents under social distancing measures. While nothing beats the opportunity to perform live, the Dance Team took on the challenge and not only showcased their creativity in their choreography, but also enhanced their understanding of cultures through the connections they built in the competition with the local artistic community.
Basketball Champion
The Ying Wa Basketball Team once again emerged as champion of the Girls Inter-school Basketball Competition (Division 1, A Grade) this year. The competition was the first inter-school competition organized by the Hong Kong Schools Sports Federation since the outbreak of COVID and was an exhilarating competition for all teams involved.
Our biggest congratulations goes out to members and coaches. Their success is a testament that hard work pays off. And with other sports teams resuming practices, we wish them good results in their upcoming competitions.
Ying Wa Good Show
Cultivating students’ passion for performing arts has long been a tradition in Ying Wa. Different platforms have been developed throughout the years for students to explore their potentials in artistic expression. One of these opportunities is the Ying Wa Good Show, which has returned to our new campus and held at the Heritage garden for the first time on November 9.
The show was a hit, with students performing dramas, dances, and musical performances. Many teachers and students gave their full support to the talented, enchanting and graceful performers.
HKDSE 2022
Congratulations to Lau Sum (6A) and Luo Elysia Songen (6C) for getting 5** in five HKDSE subjects (2022)! Elysia is among the 76 outstanding students to receive the Hong Kong Scholarship for Excellence. The scholarship of up to $300,000 per annum will help embark Elysia’s academic journey of studying natural sciences at the University of Cambridge.
This cohort has worked exceptionally hard in face of numerous challenges. They deserve all the praise along with our parents and teachers who have gone through the journey with them!
Thanksgiving Sponsored Walk
The Annual Sponsored Walk was held during the Thanksgiving Week on November 25. To preserve our noble tradition while keeping in line with social distancing measures, we have for the thrid time carried out the Sponsored Walk within our Robinson Road campus. Much appreciation goes towards the Student Association, the Extra-curricular Activities Committee, staff, students and many others for ensuring the event was carried out smoothly.
This meaningful tradition is a core part of Ying Wa and reminds us of the value of “to serve but not to be served”. Through the event, we hope the funds raised can benefit the 21 charitable organizations under our patronage.
Documentary
Ying Wa’s first-ever documentary, To My Nineteen-year-old Self <<給十九歲的我>> made it to the screening of the 46th Hong Kong International Film Festival. The event was successfully held on August 21 and 22, 2022.
The documentary was met with an outpour of support and we are particularly thrilled to hear how the production can bring out many important social and educational values for the local community and beyond, especially teachers, parents, social workers and others who are interested in youth development.
Much thanks goes out to the filming team led by our esteemed alumnae Mabel Cheung (Director), and Eunice Wong (Producer).
We are also immensely proud and respect the cast members for their courage and maturity. It is certainly not easy to open up their lives but through their transformation and inspiring stories, they have undoubtedly benefited many adolescents, parents and youth workers.
For alumnae and friends who are looking to view the documentary, do continue to be on the lookout as private screenings are being arranged both locally and overseas. Private screenings for alumnae have already been held in Toronto, Vancouver and ones in the UK are in the pipeline.
Christmas is Around the Corner
Christmas offers us a respite from the exertions of our busy lives, so let the Bethlehem star remind us to draw close to our Creator God and teach us to be merry with a thankful heart. May your holidays sparkle with joy and laughter and may the New Year bring new hope and happiness!
Francis Kwan
