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.
 

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.

The investiture of the Student Office Bearers took place in the Hall on 26^th 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 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.
 

The Student Council Election unfolded in the school Hall on 12 September 2024. Following a riveting display of opening speeches by the candidates, they were plunged into a series of challenges crafted to push the boundaries of their abilities and knowledge on the council roles they aspired to secure. Stepping onto the stage, they seized the moment to go beyond their comfort zones in a bid to captivate their schoolmates' votes.

 

While the F4 –6 students filled the Hall with energy, a watchful eye from F2-3 students added to the atmosphere, observing the democratic process of the election. Angel Wong from 5C, was elected Head Girl for the academic year 2024-25.

 

The School Reopening Ceremony took place on September 2, 2024, in the school hall. It was a great pleasure for us to come together for this memorable event, especially after the challenges posed by the pandemic.
 

The ceremony began with a solemn flag-raising, marking the official start of the event. Our principal, Ms. Janet Wong, delivered a warm welcoming speech and introduced the new staff members joining our school community. She also presented the theme for the new school year: "Embracing Exploration, Breaking Through with Courage & Confidence, Reaching Out with Curiosity & Compassion."
 

The Student Handbook Publication Team unveiled the newly designed handbook, which reflects the essence of our school theme. Ms. Clara Leung, our discipline mistress, elaborated on the theme in her talk addressing important disciplinary matters.
 

Our vice principal, Ms. Jenny Chan, concluded the session by highlighting the significance of establishing routines to enhance our learning. She encouraged us to integrate these routines into our daily habits and to regularly monitor and review our goals.
 

On August 24, 2024, our Principal, Ms. Janet Wong, along with the teachers from the Religious Activities and Formation Team (RAFT), warmly welcomed our new Form 1 Catholic students in the School Gym. During this orientation, the newcomers and their parents were introduced to the various religious activities organized by the Catholic Society and the five religious clubs.
 

A highlight of the program was the holy sacrifice of Mass, celebrated by our school chaplain, Fr. Mario Carrejo, the Parish Priest of the Rosary Church.
 

On 24^th August, 2024, our Form One girls donned the St. Mary’s uniform for the very first time during the Form One Orientation Day. The atmosphere was filled with excitement as the girls and their parents arrived, eager to discover their class teachers, meet new classmates, and explore their classrooms.
 

This annual event marks a joyful occasion for welcoming newcomers and their families into the St. Mary’s community. Following a warm welcoming speech from our Principal, Ms. Janet Wong, co-curricular activities coordinator Ms. Clare Chan, along with students Jamie Lee Lau, Abbie Wong, and Venus Ho shared their valuable insights on maintaining a balanced school life and fostering harmonious relationships with parents.
 

As the students embarked on this new chapter, our Vice Principals, Ms. Jenny KM Chan and Ms. Amanda Tang, along with Discipline Mistress Ms. Clara Leung, outlined the school’s expectations for becoming exemplary St. Marians.
 

While parents were listening to presentations from teachers and parent representatives in the School Hall, students enjoyed quality time with their class teachers and peers in their classrooms.
 

Our English Learning Tour to the United Kingdom for Form 1 to 3 students was successfully held from 30 July to 14 August 2024.
 

To enhance their proficiency in English Language through complete immersion in the British culture and develop their interpersonal and leadership skills, 20 junior students took part in a vast array of activities ranging from interactive language lessons and workshops to cultural activities and excursions to various landmarks in London and Cambridge.
 

Staying in Tonbridge school for two weeks, our girls immersed themselves wholly in English Language learning and boarding school life. The tour ended with the students’ wonderful showcase of their writing, dance, and drama performances.

 

Two Form 4 students, Julianne Ho and Abi Ma were both selected for the EducationUSA Academy 2024 program, which is a pre-college academic enrichment program for international high school students.

This program consisted of two parts: the first part was held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from June 29 through July 20; the second part of the program was organized by their partner Sustainable Learning, and took place at Pratt Institute in New York during the period of July 20 - July 26.
 

They had a marvelous journey, attending writing workshops, campus visits, and cultural activities – gaining an insider’s perspective on higher education in the United States while getting the chance to experience and enjoy campus life.