Hong Kong

2020 March 19
Solemn Feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary

Dear Lasallians in the Frontlines,

Greetings of peace and well-being! We salute and support your gallant efforts to quell COVID-19 as you perform your responsibilities beyond the call of duty while putting yourselves at great risk. We stand in solidarity with you as part of the health and medical team directly assisting the sick and infected, or as researchers and scientists pressed to review test results or find effective antidotes to the virus, or as round-the-clock logistics and security forces, public servants and volunteers doing your share to reassure the public, restore and maintain order and provide much needed services to everyone.

We are one with you during this very challenging time and assure you of our fervent prayers as your fellow Lasallians in East Asia. We will especially remember you as we pause for a few minutes of quiet prayer daily to remember all Lasallians in the frontlines and to intercede for all those who are working earnestly in many different ways to provide solutions and address the challenges we face.

For you, all Lasallians in East Asia will gather together and by association in their respective homes and communities at around 5:00 p.m. beginning today March 19, feast of St. Joseph, Protector of our Lasallian Institute, and ending on May 15, feast of our Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle. May the good Lord ever keep you in the palm of His hand. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

Fraternally yours,

Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC

Loving Father, our Lasallian Family draws near to you in fervent prayer for all those affected by COVID-19. 

In FAITH, we lift up to you our fears and anxieties and the sufferings of those who have been infected always remembering that even in our darkest hours we are in your most holy presence. 

In SERVICE, we beg you for strength and wisdom to do all that needs to be done knowing that we can be channels of your healing grace when we do all our actions for the love of you. 

In COMMUNION, we stand in solidarity with all the frontliners who risk their lives for others and pray for all medical teams and support personnel who earnestly seek its cure and provide remedy and comfort to those who are sick and most vulnerable. Most Loving Father we entrust our lives and the health and well-being of our families and communities to your care and protection for with you we will be safe and secure.

Amen.

In this time of strife, we, the Lasallian East Asia District, remain faithful in our resolve by inviting everyone to spend a few moments of silence in joining us in prayer for Hong Kong. We believe in a God who makes all things possible by making us instruments of His peace and ministers of His justice.

#PrayForHongKong

Loving God, Father of All
bless the people of Hong Kong
today and in the days to come.

Look with kindness
on the aspirations of your people
especially the youth in the city.
Bless them, enlighten them, and protect each one of them.
Be present with them so they may truly feel
your love especially during these troubled times.

You are the God who makes all things possible;
Come to the aid of your people who call upon you,
Bring peace to your beloved city--
a just peace that fulfills the dreams and hopes
of all the people of Hong Kong
whom you hold dearly in the palm of your hand.

May we become instruments of your peace
and ministers of your justice. Amen.

(Hong Kong) - Dennis Lo recently received a highly prestigious award for his work on cell-free fetal DNA for prenatal testing. Dennis is an old boy of St. Joseph’s College, Hong Kong, to which he remains strongly attached.

Find out more: https://laskerfoundation.org/winners/noninvasive-prenatal-testing-using-fetal-dna/

Here are his acceptance remarks:

“I was born and raised in Hong Kong. My father was a psychiatrist in the public sector. He often rehearsed his conference talks in front of me. This gave me an early exposure to what it was like to present one’s research to peers. I was always envious of my father for his travels to exotic destinations. A seed was thus planted in me for pursuing a scientific career one day.

My father also gave me his ancient rangefinder camera and allowed me to build a darkroom at home. Developing photographs in those days was basically a wet-lab experiment and this experience gave me another nudge towards being a scientist.

I decided to pursue my undergraduate education at Cambridge. The small-group supervision—or tutorial—system there gave me the opportunity to interact closely with scientists, and see first-hand how they plan experiments. I then moved to Oxford to pursue my clinical medical education, where I learned about the practice of prenatal diagnosis and how invasive methods such as amniocentesis were associated with risks to the fetus.

Since the 1960s, there have been efforts to develop non-invasive prenatal testing. One approach was based on the detection of fetal nucleated cells in maternal circulation. Many researchers, including myself, attempted to utilize such cells, but their low concentrations eluded their practical use.

Shortly before I moved back to Hong Kong in 1997, I came across two papers talking about the detection of cell-free tumor DNA in the circulation of cancer patients. I thought that a fetus growing inside a pregnant mother had some similarities to a tumor growing in a patient. So I decided to look for cell-free fetal DNA. Inspired by my experience of cooking instant noodles, I tried boiling plasma and serum, and used a few drops of the boiled material for PCR. Surprisingly, this crude preparation allowed me to detect circulating fetal Y chromosomal sequences.

My team and I then spent the next 10 years trying to use cell-free fetal DNA for prenatal testing. We tried many different approaches. Some were not sufficiently accurate or practical, but all taught us important lessons. Eventually, we developed a highly accurate method based on the use of massively parallel sequencing. Competition was intense but served to push us forward.

I am pleased that since its launch in 2011, non-invasive prenatal testing has become a standard of care. It has also stimulated a global interest in the diagnostic applications of plasma DNA, especially in the area of cancer liquid biopsies and transplantation monitoring. I look forward to seeing these and other yet to be developed applications improving healthcare worldwide."

Organised by the Hong Kong Lasallian Family, the Tercentenary Thanksgiving Mass for the completion of the earthly journey of our Holy Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle was held on 21st September 2019 at La Salle Primary School. Five Old Boy Priests, eleven Brothers, and stakeholders from all our eight Lasallian schools in Hong Kong attended the mass and thanked God for his continued blessings throughout the years.

All of our schools offered help in one way or another in the organisation and operation of the mass. There were eight readers, one from each of our schools, offering the readings. Apart from the usual offerings of bread and wine at the altar, the offerings included the student handbooks and the school ties from our students. These gifts represented our desire to continue being faithful to our rich heritage, together with our Catholic and Lasallian ethos.

HONG KONG - We Hong Kong Lasallians are truly blessed as we could be part of, not just one, but two Final Profession of Vows within a year since half a century ago. Following the Eucharistic celebration of Br Paolo in December last year, on 30 July 2022, Br Edmon Viroomal made the rite of his final vows.

With the live broadcast and the presence of Br Edmon's family, friends as well as Hong Kong Lasallians, we all shared this utmost precious milestone together. We are grateful for Br Edmon's commitment to the Lasallian Family. We are all looking forward to working with Br Edmon in association for the educational service of the poor and be more inspired to embrace our role in the ministry of teaching minds and touching hearts. (Text: Ms. Alice Lau - CSKPS Vice Principal; Photos: Jeffrey Or)

First time in HK after half a century

HONG KONG - December 8, 2021 is certainly one date the Hong Kong Lasallian family would never deign to forget as Br. Angelo Paolo “Br. Paul” Mata FSC had chosen it to be the day he said forever to the Brothers. For a sector that has not seen the rite of final vows of a De La Salle Brother in over fifty years, Br Paul’s profession in Hong Kong is, as one might say, precious.

Prior to the Eucharistic celebration, Br. Patrick Tierney reminisced about his rite of final vows in Hong Kong which took place in 1967. In the same sharing, he helped the attendees understand the meaning and impact of Br. Paul’s profession on the current state of the Brothers’ ministry in the country.

Though he was unable to make his profession in the Philippines, his homeland, due to travel and health restrictions, Br. Paul was grateful to have received so much support from Hong Kong Lasallians, who made the mass and the rite of final vows possible. The evening's Mass was presided by Fr. Jojo Ancheril CMF with Fr. Alan Wong SJ, Fr. Joseph Haw SJ and Fr. John Wang SJ concelebrating. The altar servers, Eric Wong and Dustin Li, were old boys from La Salle schools in HK. Ms. Edith Ng of De La Salle Secondary School made sure solemn music was in place by bringing with her the Charis choir. Present, too, was Br. Jeffrey Chan who served as commentator. Br Mikey Cua, Ms Maggie Lam of St Joseph's Primary School and Ms Amy Lo of St Joseph's College served as lectors. Mr. Raymond Chu of Chong Gene Hang College and Ms Wendy Wong of La Salle Primary School led the Prayers of the Faithful.

Working behind the scenes were dedicated HK Lasallians that comprised the technical team headed by Ms. Nikki Chan. Together with Dr. Timmy Lo of De La Salle School, she was in charge of the event’s social media live feed among others. The highlights of the event were documented by Mr. Mark Huang and Mr. Jeffrey Or, the main photographers of the program.

Aside from Br. Patrick, Brs. Dennis Magbanua and Tom Lavin were also present to perform customary yet significant roles in the program. In his shared reflection, Br. Dennis revealed how well he has known Br. Paul even before the latter joined the Brothers. His exhortation centered on how Br. Paul has always embodied the image of “Kuya” to the people he has met. He explained that the very word, which also appears in Br. Paul’s email “kuyapaulfsc@gmail.com”, aptly defined his passion for being an “older brother” to his students.

Br. Tom Lavin, on the other hand, formally accepted Br Paul’s vows on behalf of Br Armin Luistro FSC, LEAD Visitor.

Before Fr. Jojo said the final blessing of the Eucharistic celebration, Br. Paul was given the chance to share his response. “This journey has empowered me to share my voice and presence. The Brother’s life has allowed me to find fellow companions who, to me, may not be related by blood but have significantly become ‘family.’ Today I am chosen. Today I also lovingly and humbly choose the One who has chosen me. Today, this ‘yes’ leads me to a tomorrow I know not, but with a certainty that the One who called is already there,” said Br Paul. He ended his response with a prayer that he himself composed:

Dear God,
THANK YOU!
For the grace to find you and meet you in the many
faces, places,
For the truth of the here and now,
For the hope that tomorrow carries,
For the shadows that have been brought to light,
For the resilience to carry what continues to weigh medown,
For the courage to let go of what is no longer necessary,
For the smile in my heart,
For those and that which make my heart smile,
For the many “NOs” that have allowed me to preservethis “YES”
For the “yes” that has brought me to where I am today,
For the “yes” that is You in its beginning and its end...
Amen.

The on-site mass attendees were each handed a six- decade rosary as a token of thanks for witnessing the event.

Br. Angelo Paolo Mata FSC is a De La Salle Brother from the Philippines. His tour of ministry as a Brother includes teaching assignments in Iligan and Singapore, and now in Hong Kong. Prior to joining the Brothers, he had served in De La Salle Schools in the Philippines responding to the Lasallian mission in various capacities. In Hong Kong, Br. Paul is more commonly known as Br. Paolo. (Text by Br. Edmon Viroomal FSC, Photos by Mr. Jeffrey Or and Mr. Mark Huang)

For the first time in the history of our Hong Kong Lasallian Family, managers from our eight schools came together on the 19th September for a training programme. The programme was held in the Hall of La Salle College and there was a large turnout of about 90 participants.

The event was blessed by the Brothers and coordinated by St. Joseph’s Primary School. The chief presenter was Ms Asha Sharma, a partner in a very reputable law firm and herself a manager of St. Joseph’s Primary. Indeed, her family has been closely associated with us over the years, her father, Mr. KC Sharma, having been a long-standing teacher at St. Joseph’s College.

Ms Sharma gave a splendid overview of ‘School-Based Management Governance’, ‘Guiding principles of Handling Complaints’ and of ‘Case Studies.’ The roles and responsibilities of school managers were clearly outlined as well as the most important documents for reference.

Feedbacks from participants were very encouraging and it is hoped that the Hong Kong Lasallian Education Council will organize similar workshops for our school managers and administrators in the future.

Leadership. Sustainability. Vitality. On 9-11 January 2020, the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Sha Tin, Hong Kong, stood witness to these values from the Lasallian community as it became the venue of 3 simultaneous Pacific-Asia Regional Conference (PARC) meetings and a Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD) District Council meeting. 

48 Brothers and Partners from Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Rome, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam attended the meetings. 

Brother Visitors and Auxiliary Visitors from the PARC Region gathered for PARC46, which was presided by Br. Ricky Laguda FSC, PARC General Councillor.

Concurrently happening in another meeting room, the PARC Bursars met with Br. Martin Rocha FSC, General Bursar of the Institute.

The PARC Workshop on Pastoral Ministry on Youth and Lasallian Vocations took place in a 3rd meeting room. Brs. Rey Mejias FSC and Antonio Cubillas FSC facilitated the 3-day workshop with young Brothers and Lay Partners from all over the PARC Region.

On 11 January, more Brothers arrived to meet for the 33rd LEAD District Council. It was, through God's grace, a successful event – one that is certainly productive and optimistic.

HONG KONG – The String Orchestra and the Chinese Orchestra of La Salle Primary School (LSPS) have captured a Gold Award and a Silver Award respectively in the 2021 Hong Kong Youth Music Interflows. The String Ensemble performed the set piece named “Hungarian Dance No. 5” by Johannes Brahms and arranged by Merle J. Isaac. The Chinese Ensemble performed the piece of own choice named “塔塔爾民歌” arranged by Mr. Ng Chiu Shing.

Even in times of difficulty, the two teams continue to strive. In the past two years, the orchestras have been practicing virtually over Zoom, where students had to take turns playing for one another. This year, the competitions ran in a video submission mode due to the epidemic situation and the control measures in force. Following the guidelines by the Education Bureau, the orchestras were finally able to rehearse synchronously in person before the competitions. Despite all the challenges and limitations, the performances by the two ensembles were nevertheless praiseworthy. Students have shown remarkable perseverance and resilience throughout their music practices and performances under the epidemic, and they have once again proven that their enthusiasm for music is unbreakable. (Text & Photos: Ms. Chandni Rakesh - LSPS Principal)

HONG KONG - The Brothers of Hong Kong held their Assembly on 23rd December 2021. Brothers Armin, Visitor, and Br David Liao are members of the Sector and were able to attend via Zoom. We were also happy that Br Antonio joined us.

We kicked off with an inspirational address by Br Armin. Besides encouraging us in our various endeavours, he challenged us to think outside the box, not to be content with maintaining the status quo, to look towards the peripheries. He stressed that the Lasallian mission is expanding all the time and we can be part of it.

All attending Brothers then had their say. The latest arrivals shared their first impressions of Hong Kong and of their mission here. They are spread over a number of schools and thus have the opportunity of broadening their vision. The older heads much appreciated the advent of younger Brothers, a sign of hope for the future. All agreed there was much work to be done both inside and outside our schools.

Br David Liao brought us up to speed with developments in Malaysia and with his own mission views, while Br Antonio shared some views which give food for thought.

The Assembly forms part of our sector conversation as we prepare for our General Chapter in 2022 and District Chapter in 2023. We continue to have dreams and hopes, for the needs are great. (Text: Br. Patrick Tierney FSC; Photos : Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC)

HONG KONG - The Kick-off Ceremony on 10 September marked the official launch of activities and events to celebrate the 90th anniversary of La Salle College.

The ceremony was simple but solemn. Brother Thomas reminded the assembly about how the college was started by Brother Aimar 90 years ago, and how Brother Cassian took headship after the war.

Caleb Chung, the one who designed the 90th anniversary logo, was given recognition. It was followed by LSC IMC members giving the 90th anniversary pins to the student representatives. Mr Tong, the school principal, shared about the Lasallian spirit of Faith, Service and Community.

The ceremony ended when over 200 guests and students blew their party poppers at the same time! (La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

The LEAD District Council members met in Hong Kong on 11 January for the 33rd LEAD District Council (DC33) Meeting. This may be the shortest DC meeting, which only lasted for half a day.

The DC members didn't waste time and went straight to the first part of the meeting, which was the Chapter of Vows.

During the break, cakes were given to Brs. Felipe and Dennis, who celebrated their birthday on 7 January and 11 January, respectively.

Mr. Jay Gervasio, a member of the LEAD Executive Team and Chair of the Mission Council, gave a report on the LEAD Mission Council and alumni engagement. Other business matters were discussed and the meeting ended in record time.

HONG KONG - The youngest La Salle school in Hong Kong, Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School, celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year.

Ms. Jenny Lam, one of CSKPS’ vice-principals, wrote an article on the 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Mass & Open Day. You may view it here: CSKPS 50th Anniversary Article

'CSKPS 50th Anniversary: Envisioning Beyond Legacy’ video provides a glimpse of the history and school life of CSKPS. View it here: CSKPS 50th Anniversary Video

Enhancing students’ self-directed learning skills and promoting reading across the curriculum through interesting self-study journey.

HONG KONG - Aerospace is always a hot and fascinating topic for students. Since the students of Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School love it, we launched a one-month self-study journey for P.1-P.6 students.

There were five stations in the self- study journey. At each of the stations, students were given different types of materials such as videos, websites, fact sheets and storybooks to support their learning. Students learnt according to their learning pace, goals and interests. For students to be successful in self-directed learning, they were encouraged to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation of their learning goals and progress at the end of each week.

Let’s meet our Student Space Ambassadors. Our Space Ambassadors organized the Space Quiz activity for all their schoolmates. During recess, they asked their schoolmates questions about space and gave unique gifts to students who answered them correctly. The gifts were cards designed by one of the Space Ambassadors, Kan Wing Yu. (Text & Photos: Ms. Samdy Fong - CSKPS Teacher)

The Pacific Asia Regional Conference (PARC) convened a 3-day workshop on Pastoral Ministry on Youth and Lasallian Vocations held in The Courtyard Marriott Hotel in Hong Kong last January 9-11, 2020. Participated in by representatives from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam, the workshop aimed at gathering the Pastoral Ministry of Vocations (PMV) leaders in the region to heighten awareness of the culture of vocations, be more involved in promoting Lasallian vocations, participate actively in identifying high potential candidates to the Brother’s life, and discover other forms of Lasallian communities that cultivate the Lasallian spirituality and charism.

The program included presentations and discussions on the state of Pastoral Ministry on Youth and Lasallian Vocations in the Institute level, dialogue of vocational experiences and PMV work, models of Pastoral Ministry and Lasallian Vocations, various ways in involving the youth in vocational discernment, use of social media in PMV, interaction with the Lasallian youth in Hong Kong, interaction with the visitors in the region, and strategic planning on PMV for the region.

As an output of the workshop, the PMV representatives in the region proposed to take actions on the following agenda: (1) common digital platform for collaboration in sharing PMV documents (photos, videos, and programs), international intentional community in the region, ministry for the poor volunteer program, and alignment of the existing Lasallian youth and partners’ gatherings in PARC like Asia Pacific Lasallian Youth Conference (APLYC) and Asia Pacific Lasallian Educators Conference (APLEC) with pastoral ministry of vocations.

The 3-day workshop was filled with dialogues and sharing of perspectives on the realities of the pastoral ministry in the region. The delegates ended the program with excitement for more collaboration and hopes for more vocations in the region.

HONG KONG – One central topic and over seventy representatives.

The number seems to speak for itself – Hong Kong is ready to address meaty topics regarding mission opportunities in the sector, notwithstanding the inconvenient pandemic situation.

Various representatives of the HK Lasallian family showed up in an online platform to take part in conceiving, planning, and rethinking the current and future state of the Lasallian mission in Hong Kong. Joining the spirited discussions were members of the Lasallian Education Council, alumni, youth volunteers, administrators, teachers, and students each taking with them their distinctive insights. The Brothers were also present and performed valuable duties during the two-hour assembly.

In order to bring all participants to the same plane of understanding and expectation, Br Dennis Magbanua FSC explained that the discussions that morning would mainly revolve around the strengths, the challenges, and the future of the Lasallian Educational Mission in Hong Kong.

The actual conversations didn’t start until after the short prayer service led my Br Paolo Mata FSC.

Br Patrick Tierney FSC’s report focused on the Acts of the second LEAD Assembly held in 2018. Stipulations in the said assembly includes (1) the promotion of shared mission within the district, (2) ways of inspiring young Lasallians, (3) engaging the HK Lasallian family more deeply, and (4) mobilizing HK resources for the benefit of LEAD.

The report proved to be ample to jumpstart the detailed discussions eventually enriched during the Breakout Sessions, which lasted for 45 minutes. Each breakout group consisted of about 8 members who were expected to share their thoughts and reflections on these two prompts:

1. How would you describe our existing Lasallian Educational Mission in Hong Kong in terms of its strengths and challenges?
2. What dreams do you have for the Lasallian Mission in Hong Kong, and what steps can be taken to achieve these dreams?

Having left the breakout rooms, the participants returned to the plenary to have quick exchanges on whatever transpired in their respective breakout discussions. Later on, Br Tom Lavin FSC had every one’s attention as he gave his synthesis of the entire sector conversation. Among the items that he capitalized on were (1) the importance of forging bonds and network between and among schools, (2) incorporation of the spirit of service in the formation programs of students and staff, and (3) sharing of resources in a more structured way.

When the assembly reached its end, new directions, new aspirations, and new hopes for the sector were included as intentions in the closing prayer which was led by Br Mikey Cua FSC.

Br. Jeffrey Chan FSC was the master of ceremonies. (Text & Photo: Br. Emong Viroomal FSC)

HONG KONG - A special Mass of thanksgiving commemorating the centenary of the establishment of the legal entity of the De La Salle Brothers in Hong Kong was held on the 6th November 2021 in the school chapel of St. Joseph’s College. A large gathering of the Hong Kong Lasallian Family attended.

Although the Brothers arrived in 1875, it took 46 years for them to become a separate legal entity. Up to that time, we were a Catholic Mission school, under the auspices of the Bishop.

As of 4th November 1921, the Brothers became a legal entity under the title ‘The Director in Hong Kong of St. Joseph’s College.’ In this way, we had to stand on our own feet as it were. It also indicated that the Brothers were fully committed to educational development in Hong Kong. The legal title was also given as a ‘Corporation Sole’ and our legal advisers assure us that today it is a rare and privileged status.

The man who brought this all about was none other than Brother Aimar Sauron, who played a significant role in the development o f Lasallian education in Hong Kong.

Brother Patrick has officially handed over the legal status to Brother Dennis Magbanua and we wish him well in his new role.

At the end of the Mass, there was a special ceremony awarding medallions of the Founder to three of the early members of the Hong Kong Lasallian Education Council (LEC). They are Mr. Nicholas Ng, Mr. Lester Huang and Mr. Chris Lau.

Finally, the celebrant priest, Father Carlos Cheung, had a pleasant surprise for his school day Primary Principal Mr. YC Yung. Since Father Carlos had just returned from Rome, he brought along a special blessing from the Pope to Mr. Yung and his family. (Text: Br. Pat Tierney FSC; Photo: Mr. Paul Tam)

On 14 April, Easter Tuesday, a small team of Brothers and Lasallian Volunteers visited the homeless in Sham Shui Po, an area in Hong Kong where a good number of poor people live. The group went there to give out masks and hygiene products.

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, prices of masks and hygiene products have escalated. The Hong Kong Lasallian Family Office was lucky enough to have received donations of these items from different parties. Thanks to the Brothers and Lasallian Volunteers for the repacking and distribution of these products within a short period of time.

Through the activity, the team was able to reach out to street cleaners and the homeless, most of whom have been suffering from social inequality for some time.

This is the time for us Lasallians to be the spark during these dark hours and be the change we want to see. (Text & Photos: Ms. Nikki Chan)

#1LaSalle #FaithServiceCommunity #StaySafe #MightyLasallian

Brother Visitor, Armin, wasted no time after the PARC and District Council meetings in January 2020. Straightaway, he embarked on the canonical visit to the two Brothers Communities in Hong Kong - St. Joseph’s College and La Salle College.

Personal Interviews of each Brother took time, followed by a general meeting of all the Brothers in the community. Br. Armin asked the community to reflect on the Brothers’ ministry of presence to the different La Salle schools. This opened up explorations on what it means to be a Brother in LEAD having a mission in a very secular society and discovering the God-encounter in this context.

The community was also reminded to keep in close contact with one another and have joint community gatherings regularly.

Moreover, now that Hong Kong has had some experience in welcoming new Brothers, perhaps an evaluation can be carried out with a view to possible improvements.

Brother Visitor also threw out a challenge, wondering if international Lasallian volunteerism can be promoted in Hong Kong. The possibility of creating an intentional and international community of Lasallians is well worth a try.

A fine buffet dinner at a nearby hotel rounded off the proceedings.

Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College (CSK) opened its doors to the general public for its 50th Anniversary Open Days on 7-8 December 2019 with the theme: Roots to secure our past, Wings to fly high in future. The De La Salle Brothers in Hong Kong attended the kick-off ceremony, followed by a campus tour. 

Various school clubs put up booths and exhibitions at the quadrangle that showcased their respective club activities. Some have interactive games with tons of freebies and prizes. Others offer arts and crafts located inside classrooms. The PTA handled food stalls. There were also variety shows like musical and drama performances. 
Introduction sessions for potential S1 students and their parents were also held to give them more information about CSK. Old Boys came back with their friends and family to reminisce and have mini-reunions with their batchmates and former teachers. 

All efforts paid off for definitely it was a weekend full of fun!

Br. Armin, Visitor of East Asia, took the opportunity of his visit to Hong Kong to call on Br. Lawrence Blake FSC in St. Theresa’s Hospital Kowloon where he is recovering from an accident in his motorised wheelchair. He was accompanied by Br. Tom and Br. Mikey. Br. Larry, who is now 89, is a member of La Salle College Community Kowloon and served on the staff of the school for a number of years. In his earlier years he taught at La Salle Secondary School Kota Kinabalu Sabah, and served as teacher and Principal in Chan Sui Ki College and Chong Gene Hang College Hong Kong. We look forward to Br. Lawrence being discharged in the near future and will keep him in our prayers. (Text: Br. Tom Lavin FSC)

HONG KONG - The Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) examination results have already been released and one student from La Salle College came out as a top scorer. Jason Cheung Yan Shek got 5** in seven subjects. What’s also interesting is that, at his young age, he has already written a textbook about organic chemistry that encompasses everything within the HKDSE syllabus as well as interesting facts and knowledge beyond the syllabus.

Congratulations, Jason! (Text & Photos: Mr. Joe Au Yeung, LSC Math & ICT Teacher)

Find out more:

https://tinyurl.com/topick01
https://tinyurl.com/topick02

HONG KONG - Our boys in the Student Leadership Enhancement Program underwent a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Adventureship over a two-day camp. The camp not only enhanced their collaborative skills and problem solving skills, but toughened their hearts to conquer every ill! (La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

#lasallecollegeofficial #LaSalleSpirit #LSCSLEP

Let us welcome Br. Lourdhu Jude FSC from the Delegation of India. He is assigned in La Salle College, Kowloon, Hong Kong, where he will be teaching English and Math subjects. He is an athletic Brother, playing and coaching basketball, volleyball, football, and other sports.

Welcome, Br. Jude!

HONG KONG - The 2022/23 Hong Kong Schools Jing Ying Football Tournament ended successfully on 10 March. The champion of this year's competition was won by St. Joseph's College (SJC) after winning on penalty kicks from the Diocesan Boys' School ( D B S ) . SJC regained the championship after a 24-year absence. Congratulations, St. Joseph's College! (St. Joseph's College Old Boys' Association, Hong Kong Official Facebook Page)

Click here to view the full article on sports.Now.Com

HONG KONG - The light of CSK! Lin Ming Fu, a student of Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) College, set a score of 7.89M in the long jump in the Hong Kong inter-school track and field competition, which not only broke the school record, but also broke through his personal best result, surpassing the record of 7.8M won by the champion of the Hong Kong men's long jump open group last Saturday. Congratulations, Ming Fu! Congratulations to the coach and Vong Sir! (CSK50 Official Facebook Page)

Find out more here: sportsroad.hk

HONGKONG - The College successfully broke the Guinness World Record for "The Largest Spherical Jigsaw Puzzle", as a finale of our 90th Anniversary celebration. We are looking forward to seeing another prosperous decade in the long history of La Salle College. (Text: 4G LU Runbo; La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

View a short video of the glorious moment on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaeVuWQJngQ

Here are some world records held by our schools in LEAD. Click on the images for more information. Photos courtesy of Guinness World Records.

Largest human image of a diamond La Salle Primary School (Hong Kong)

Largest umbrella mosaic formed by people De La Salle University - Dasmariñas (Philippines)

If you know any other world records held by any member of our LEAD Lasallian Family (individuals, groups, or institutions), please let us know by contacting sec_lead@lasalle.org . Thank you!

HONG KONG - Volunteers from the Lasallian Youth Movement, joined by Br Jude and Mr Peter Leung, contributed to the Food Angel community service in the morning of their holiday on 4 November 2022.

The volunteers prepared food and almost 2,000 lunch boxes for the underprivileged communities in Hong Kong. They have put the Lasallian Spirit of Faith, Service and Community into action. (La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

#faith #service #community #fsc #younglasallians #1lasalle #lsc

HONG KONG - As part of the yearlong celebrations of La Salle College’s (LSC) 90th Anniversary, the school launched the Aerospace Exhibition and Virtual Campus Tour during the Founder’s Day 2022. (Photos: La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

Click on the image to view a video of the Founder’s Day activity on YouTube.

Click on the image to experience the virtual campus tour.

Find out more about the LSC 90th Anniversary activities here: https://sites.google.com/lasalle.edu.hk/lsc90th/home?authuser=0

HONG KONG - In the spirit of Christmas, the Student Leadership Enhancement Programme of La Salle College conducted two outreach activities to benefit our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

Toy Reborn 2021 (in partnership with HK YMCA & La Salle Primary School) gave a second chance to donated toys which put a smile on the faces of the underprivileged children. #lasallecollegeofficial #Service #Community #LaSalleCares #ToyReborn #LSPS #PassItOn (La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

Lasallians live up to the school motto again! Our boys rolled up their sleeves and prepared close to 3 tonnes of food for the communities in need, and they went home knowing their work will warm many families. #lasallecollegeofficial #Service #Community #LaSalleCares #FeedingHK #BrJude #BrMikey (La Salle College Official Facebook Page)

It was probably a first, setting a record. On Wednesday 17th June 2020, three teachers and one student of La Salle College, Kowloon, took part in the Rite of Acceptance for Baptism in the College Chapel of La Salle. The three teachers were Charlotte Chung, Martin Ma, and Timothy Szeto while the Form 1 boy was Alvin Kwok.

Normally, the Rite would be held in the parish church but the COVID-19 virus has changed things. The approval to hold the ceremony in the school chapel was given by Fr Gabriel Ortega, who was also the celebrant for the occasion.

Both Fr Gabriel and Br Thomas Lavin gave meaningful reflections about the journey that lies ahead. At the end, pictures were taken for the record. (Text: Br. Pat Tierney FSC; Photos: Mr. Francis Tse)

HONG KONG – ‘Go Faith!’ is a weekly extra- curricular activity in Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School (CSKPS) where a group of Primary 4-6 students learn about the Catholic faith and the Lasallian heritage. A big majority of the class are not Catholics, so most of the topics are new to them.

Aside from learning prayers and Bible stories, certain periods are dedicated to learning the Lasallian tradition and identity. Students are introduced to the life of the Founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, as well as learning about the De La Salle Brothers, the Lasallian East Asia District (LEAD), and the 8 La Salle schools in Hong Kong. They carry out numerous activities, like playing an improvised board game with questions on the life of the Founder, matching pairs of school logos (also called Pelmanism game), and even crafting their own paper rabat*. They also learn that they are part of a worldwide network of Lasallian schools, present in 79 countries around the world.

It is hoped that through these activities, the students will learn to appreciate what it means to be a Lasallian. Each one of them plays a significant role in promoting the Lasallian mission, spreading the Lasallian values, and following the footsteps of St. John Baptist de La Salle. (Text & Photos: Br. Mikey Cua FSC)

*RABAT – Part of the official religious habit worn by Brothers together with the black or white robe. It looks like a white ‘bib’ which is similar to that worn by judges and barristers.

HONG KONG – In order to help students build a healthy, safe, and positive life, our school, Chan Sui Ki (La Salle) Primary School (CSKPS), joins the LEAP Programme every year. The LEAP Programme offers sequential, health based, age appropriate and interactive drug education programmes to students. Students enjoy learning the programmes with Harold the giraffe very much.

Besides the in-class programmes, our students also join the online learning programmes to further extend their learning. We are happy to see that our students are fully engaged in all the learning activities and get positive learning results. As a result of being one of the schools all over Hong Kong that had the most number of students participating in the program, all CSKPS students received a pedometer as a gift. (Text & Photos: Ms. Samdy Fong - CSKPS Teacher)

HONG KONG - As part of their Life Education Program, twenty-six Form 4 students visited St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Happy Valley on the 9th of November 2021 together with Br. Mikey Cua, Ms. Ivy Choy and Mr. KY Kiang. Three volunteer cemetery receptionists for the day - Joseph, Thomas, and Teresa – shared with the boys the history of the Cemetery, the life stories of some notable people buried there, and some personal experiences. The students were impressed when they visited the graves of the late De La Salle Brothers. After the short tour, they were then led to reflect upon the meaning of life. Br. Mikey led the closing prayer in the Cemetery Chapel to end the program. (Text & Photos: Mr. KY Kiang - CSKLSC RS Panel Head)

HONG KONG - The College is glad to announce that Chui Tsz Yeung Donald (4G, 2020-21) and his GRUEN Project groupmates from various countries have been awarded the "Heinrich-Boell-Stiftung Honorable Mention" prize. This awardrecognizes the outstandingperformance ofoneselect group from Cycle 2 of GRUEN. The participants would like to thank their Teacher Advisor, Miss Alsace Cheung, for her guidance and support.

Seven boys from Form 3 last year (2019-2020) joined the Green Urban Environment (GRUEN) Project which was held between mid-March and September. GRUEN is a project for secondary school students in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and Europe that has internationalisation at its heart. The Project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Jean Monnet Programme of the European Union and organized by the Hong Kong Baptist University in Hong Kong SAR.

Under GRUEN, students use a specially-designed online Moodle workshop to participate in asynchronous online discussions and share their perspectives, exchange ideas, and develop their concepts for a green urban environment while also familiarizing themselves with key sustainability principles and best practices of the EU under the 7th EAP.

The GRUEN website - https://gruencity.wordpress.com

(Text: La Salle College Official Website; Photos: Ms. Alsace Cheung)

HONG KONG - The 90th Anniversary Cross Harbour Swimming Gala was held this morning as part of the New World Harbour Race 2022. Seven Old Boys and 3 students braved the cold, early swim across the Harbour.

Br Thomas, Mr Ronnie Wong, Mr David Mong and Dr Jimmy Wong were granted the honour of firing the starting pistol for our heat.

#lasallecollegeofficial #LSC90A (La Salle College Official Facebook Page)