ST. MARY'S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE

Latest Happenings

Christmas Celebration 2024

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)
 
This uplifting message was shared by the Catholic Society during our Christmas celebration.

On December 20, St. Mary’s was alive with joy and festivity. Dressed in casual attire, students greeted each other with bright smiles, and the excitement was palpable, especially among the Form One students, who were experiencing their first Christmas at St. Mary’s.

The highlight of the event was the Christmas play, “The Brightest Star in the Dark,” produced by the Catholic Society and the Student Council. This delightful performance reminded us of the true meaning of Christmas: God our Father sent His only begotten Son into the world. The birth of Jesus demonstrates how the humble power of a newborn can illuminate lives, bringing love and hope to all.

The celebration featured a Bible liturgy, where we lit the fifth candle—the white Christ candle—at the center of the Advent wreath, symbolizing the arrival of our Savior. The nativity account from St. Luke conveyed the joyous news of Jesus, called Immanuel, God-with-us. With trust and hope, we offered our intercessory prayers to God, concluding the liturgy with carol singing led by the Assembly Choir. Their angelic voices lifted our spirits to new heights.

The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by captivating performances from the Concert Band, Intermediate Choir, and Junior Choir, filling the air with holiday cheer.
 
A particularly thrilling moment was the annual lucky draw, made possible by the generous donations from the PTA and PSA. We are grateful for their support, as well as the enthusiastic participation of our teachers and students, which made the event a success.
 
As we reflect on the message that God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son, let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. May we always express gratitude for God’s love and share the joy we experience with others around us.
    

A Day of Unity and Adventure:
School Picnic – 8th November 2024 

The annual school picnic, scheduled on 8th November 2024, was a time to rejoice in the spirit of community and love for nature. The memorable event was for students in Forms 1-6. Different activities were put forward at different locations. The students spent joyful days in country parks, on beaches, in cultural heritage sites, and at campsites. Activities ranged from team-building games to seaside adventures and BBQ sessions. The students spent the day playing inter-class games and engaging in activities that fostered team spirit and appreciation for culture.
 
Our beloved school tradition was upheld during this year's picnic, where students from all forms showed remarkable support and companionship for one another. All students had a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support. Students shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for the chance to interact with their peers outside of the classroom as the event came to a close. In addition to offering respite from the daily grind, this picnic was successful in highlighting our school's dedication to holistic education and concern for each student's welfare, once again capturing the atmosphere of harmony, joy, and camaraderie that characterises our school. With this belief, we anticipate upcoming events, resolute in our efforts to create experiences that foster our students' personal development and communal harmony, and it is with this faith that we look forward to future activities. 

CCA Club Executive Committee Members
Training Day 2024-2025

In a bid to cultivate leadership qualities among our CCA Club Executive Committee (Exco) members for the academic year 2024-2025, our school recently conducted an invigorating Leaders Training Day on the 12th of October at the HKFYG Jockey Club Sai Kung Outdoor Training Camp. This intensive one-day event was tailored to equip our club leaders with essential skills and attributes crucial for their roles.
 
The day commenced with a series of engaging activities designed to help participants understand their personal strengths and weaknesses. Through adventure training that emphasized group dynamics, members were encouraged to collaborate and communicate effectively with their peers. Tasks such as rock climbing, abseiling, net climbing and the high wall challenge demanded not only physical prowess but also teamwork and trust among participants.
 
One of the standout activities was the high wall challenge, where members were tasked with scaling a 3-meter wall without any equipment. This exercise tested their courage, determination, and ability to overcome obstacles, mirroring the challenges they may face in their leadership roles.
 
Throughout the day, participants were guided on building self-confidence and honing their leadership skills, essential for navigating the responsibilities that come with leading clubs. The training aimed to prepare them for the array of challenges they are likely to encounter throughout the academic year.
 
As the Training Day concluded, Club Exco members departed with newfound insights, equipped with the tools and mindset needed to lead their clubs effectively. We anticipate that the skills acquired, and the bonds formed during this training will empower our club leaders to make a positive impact within their respective clubs and the school community as a whole. 

Co-curricular Activities (CCA) Promotion Week

During our school's exciting Club Promotion Week, which ran from October 15 to October 17, student leaders took the initiative to spread the word about their clubs and events to their peers. The week was an excellent chance to highlight the variety of extracurricular activities available to our school community.
 
Student leaders erected captivating booths with vibrant decorations, educational posters, and interactive displays all week long. Every booth was made to draw in other students and pique their curiosity about the different clubs. Leaders actively participated in class discussions, offering personal anecdotes and outlining the special qualities and advantages of joining their organisations.
 
The atmosphere was charged with lively conversations and pounding music. Students had the opportunity to investigate a wide range of organisations, including Catholic societies, uniform groups, academic societies, social service organisations, and clubs related to their hobbies and culture. Students were more likely to ask questions and show interest in an activity when they interacted at booths.
 
Additionally, Club Promotion Week helped foster a sense of community within the school and highlighted the wide range of activities accessible to students. Students were able to discover people who shared their interests, forming support systems and friendships while exploring new passions and interests. The purpose of the event was to ensure that everyone felt included and could find their place in the school's extracurricular scene.
 
Overall, Club Promotion Week was a lively event that strengthened student leaders and improved everyone's extracurricular experience. It became one of the most memorable events of the school year since it genuinely demonstrated the students' innovative club promotion strategies. 

Leadership Training Camp for Student Leaders 2024-2025

In an effort to nurture the next generation of leaders, our school recently hosted a Leadership Training Camp for the Student Leaders of the academic year 2024-2025. This two-day event, held on the 4th and 5th of October at the Wu Kai Sha Youth Village, aimed to equip our young leaders with essential skills and qualities necessary for their roles. The training camp was under Jockey Club “The Year of Go!” series.
 
The camp commenced with engaging ice-breaking games that helped students connect and create a supportive environment. Through group challenges and cooperative tasks like the classic cup stacking exercise, participants learned the value of teamwork, effective communication, and collaboration.
 
One of the highlights of the camp was the unique activity of tracing in the dark, where students had to rely on their senses and trust in their groupmates to navigate and accomplish the task. This exercise not only fostered trust and reliance but also emphasized the importance of effective leadership in challenging situations.
 
Throughout the camp, students were encouraged to reflect on their personal strengths and weaknesses, fostering self-awareness and self-confidence. They were also guided on how to harness their strengths, improve upon their weaknesses, and develop essential leadership skills crucial for the responsibilities they hold.
 
As the camp concluded, students left with a newfound sense of empowerment, equipped with the tools and mindset needed to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in the academic year. We anticipate that the lessons learned and bonds formed during this Leadership Training Camp at Wu Kai Sha Youth Village will positively impact our student leaders and the school community as a whole.

SMCC Mentorship Programme 2024-25
cum Careers Seminar Day

The SMCC Mentorship Programme, launched in 2004, proudly celebrates its 21st anniversary this year. The program aims to connect past St. Marians with our Form 5 students, enabling them to share their academic experiences, life lessons, and professional insights. Through this exchange, we aspire to better equip our students for their future studies and career choices.
 
This year, we kicked off the program with a Careers Seminar Day on November 16, 2024. The event featured a plenary session led by Ms. Cindy Tsui, who captivated all Form 5 students with her inspiring career journey, transitioning from the publishing field to a leadership role in JPC. Students were engaged and fascinated by the diverse pathways Ms. Tsui presented.
 
Following the sharing by Ms Tsui, 13 past St. Marians who registered as mentors this year conducted two parallel career seminars to share their respective fields of expertise to the students. Students attended the seminar based on their preference and a number of students continued the talk with the mentors even after the whole event.
 
The conclusion of the event marked not the end, but the beginning of lasting connections between our mentors and students. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all mentors for their generosity in sharing their time and knowledge, ensuring the ongoing legacy of St. Mary’s continues to thrive.

CSD Three-Day Guilin Study Tour

From October 26th to 28th, 2024, thirty of our F.4 and F.5 students embarked on an enriching three-day study tour to Guilin. The adventure kicked off with a high-speed train journey from Hong Kong to Guilin, followed by a visit to Qixing Scenic Park, renowned for its breathtaking karst landscapes. Students immersed themselves in the cultural heritage of East West Lane, where they experienced traditional Chinese architecture and customs.
 
On the second day, students explored Silver Cave which is famous for its stunning rock formations. In the afternoon, they visited Yangshuo West Street, where the blend of tradition and modernity offered a unique cultural experience. The day concluded with a visit to the Shangri-La scenic area, giving students the chance to interact with local ethnic minorities and learn about their customs.
 
The final day featured a scenic cruise along the Lijiang River which gave students the opportunity to admire the iconic karst scenery that has inspired countless Chinese artists. The tour wrapped up with a visit to the famous Elephant Trunk Hill before returning to Hong Kong by high-speed rail.
 
In summary, this study tour provided our students with a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the nation and also understand the significance of environmental and heritage conservation. 

Annual Swimming Gala 2024-2025

The Annual Swimming Gala took place on October 3, 2024, at Lai Chi Kok Park Swimming Pool. We were delighted to welcome Ms. Cerin Yip, our esteemed Head Girl from the 100th anniversary celebrations and the current ESG Director at Alibaba Group, as our guest of honour.
 
This year, approximately 100 students participated in the races. In addition to the standard events, swimmers from two feeder schools and three sister schools joined us for the invitation relays, adding to the excitement of the gala. Notably, five outstanding female athletes broke records in six different events, including the 100M Backstroke and 200M Breaststroke in the Open Grade, the 50M Breaststroke in A Grade, and the 50M Breaststroke, 50M Freestyle, and 100M Freestyle in B Grade.
 
The most thrilling moment came during the Closing Ceremony when the results were announced: Red House clinched the Cheering Team Championship, while Yellow House took home the Overall House Championship.
 
Beyond the swimming competitions, another highlight was the vibrant performance by the Student Council and the four houses. The Student Council introduced their motto, "Venture," while the cheering teams, donned in colourful costumes, rallied support for the swimmers with their creative slogans.
 
Overall, the swimming gala was a resounding success and an unforgettable event.

Investiture of the Student Office Bearers 2024/25

The investiture of the Student Office Bearers took place in the Hall on 26th September, 2024. The event commenced with an address by our principal, Ms. Janet Wong, highlighting the crucial role of students as leaders and their dedication to the school. Following this, the school supervisor, Sr. Veronica, bestowed the badge upon the Head Girl, Angel Wong (5C), and then the Student Council committee members received their badges from the principal.  The prefects were also presented with their badges by their advisors, and the CCA chairladies and drama core team members were introduced on stage to the entire school.
 
Under the leadership of the newly elected Head Girl, the Student Council solemnly pledged their commitment to serve the school and uphold its esteemed values. In unison, the prefects affirmed their allegiance to the school, underscoring their unwavering dedication to their duties. The climax of the ceremony arrived as the Head Girl delivered a speech, unveiling this year's Student Council theme: VENTURE - set sail to the horizon, embarking on a journey while embracing the virtues of courage, compassion, and curiosity.
 
The culmination of the event saw the entire school uniting in the singing of the school song together. This act not only fostered a sense of unity among the student body but also reinforced the collective purpose that unites us all. 

School Opening Mass 2024/25

The School Opening Mass took place in the School Hall and Gym on September 26, 2024, with Rev. Fr. Joseph Chan, the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong, serving as the celebrant. With great joy and gratitude, students and teachers gathered to pray for God’s grace as we embark on the new school year.
 
During the Mass, the Executive Committee Members of the Catholic Society pledged to fulfil their missions and responsibilities faithfully, ensuring the well-being of the school community and striving for the greater glory of God.
 
After the Mass, Fr. Joseph Chan, along with our supervisor Sr. Veronica and Principal Ms. Wong, proceeded to Magdalene Corner and the Upper Playground for the blessing of the new statue of our Foundress and the St. Michael Building. This year marks the centennial celebration of the St. Michael Building, and the blessing ceremony serves as an invitation to welcome God into our lives.
 
We are deeply grateful for the countless gifts and blessings God has bestowed upon our school. We pray for His continued grace, enabling us to uphold the spirit of our Foundress and the legacy of our predecessors in serving the poor and needy in society.
 
We thank God for a smooth and meaningful event. May He bless each and every one of us at St. Mary’s in this new school year!