Principal's Message

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Speech in 2024-2025 Closing Ceremony

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Dear Teachers and Students,

As we approach the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on our journey together. This year, our school has successfully hosted a myriad of vibrant and diverse activities that have enriched our students’ learning experiences. From the athletics meet and inter-class sports competitions to the inter-class dance competition and Christmas singing contest, each occasion has embodied the spirit of PoTong. In addition, in both the first and second school terms, we celebrated Health Education Week, featuring engaging activities such as indoor rowing competitions, the Form One “One-Minute Challenge,” and the distribution of nutritious fruit cups to all students.

To expose students to new perspectives and foster a strong sense of national identity, we organized a variety of enriching excursions. Highlights included the Form Five CSD trip to mainland China’s aerospace technology centers, exchanges with our sister school in Shantou, the “Dynamic Innovation, Hong Kong and Beijing Together” trip to Beijing, the Osaka Expo learning tour in Japan, and the Hainan Island aerospace technology assessment. Students had the unforgettable opportunity to witness the spectacular launch of China’s Tianzhou-9 rocket at the Hainan launch base — an experience that left a lifelong impact and inspired them to appreciate the advancements in science and technology of our motherland.

It is important to recognize that the success of these activities is due in large part to the dedication and meticulous planning of our teachers and staff. I encourage all students to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and appreciation for those who support you within our school community. As the saying goes, “The heart is as big as the stage.” I firmly believe that every student at PoTong possesses unique talents and potential. Each of us is exceptional; with perseverance and determination, we will undoubtedly shine on the stage of life.

Reflecting on the past year, I am proud to highlight the outstanding achievements of our students. Our results in the HKDSE remain exceptional, and our students have also excelled in external competitions, amassing a remarkable total of 550 awards this year — an impressive increase of 2.5 times from last year. Our accolades span diverse fields, including recognition as “Youth National Security Ambassadors” by the Security Bureau, championship wins at the Hong Kong Secondary School Model Building Creative Design Competition, gold awards in the Hong Kong Creative Writing Competition, and accolades at the Hong Kong Inter-school Music Competition.

Moreover, our students have shone on the international stage, consistently winning gold at the international Genetic Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition for two consecutive years, being ranked among the top ten globally, and receiving the Best Hardware Design Award this year. These achievements reflect the world-class caliber of our students, showcasing their ability to thrive in competitive environments.

While many students have demonstrated remarkable accomplishments this year, I regret that I cannot list every award due to space limitations here. However, the dedication and exceptional performances of our students bring pride to our school. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all teachers, as it is their guidance that enables students to unlock students’ full potential and excel.

As the summer holiday begins, I encourage all students to engage in physical activities to strengthen the bodies, enhance their well-being and to dedicate time to reading and learning in order to broaden their knowledge. For Form Five students, it is crucial to maintain focus on your studies and take full advantage of this period to prepare thoroughly for the DSE exams. Remember the wise words of the Ming Dynasty thinker, Wang Yang-ming: “Without setting a goal, nothing can be achieved.” History teaches us that great individuals, regardless of time or place, have always set lofty ambitions and pursued them with unwavering determination. I hope that every Form Five student remains steadfast in their aspirations, following teachers’ guidance and putting in the effort to successfully enter university next year.

As we look to the future, I encourage PoTong students to continue exploring their potential and interests. As the Canto pop song “凡星” beautifully expresses, “Everyone has the potential to shine when they are placed in the right environment and discover their true calling.” May each student explore their unique path and radiate brilliance, inspiring our entire school community.

Thank you all!

Principal Lo Kwok Leung

July 2025

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