Should Secondary Schoolboys Be Involved in Love Affairs

STUDENT PRESS GROUP (SERIES VI)
Should Secondary Schoolboys Be Involved in Love Affairs

May 12, 1972

The 28^th of March is the Speech Contest Day (in Chinese) for the higher forms (Form 3 to 5). As we Form 6 students have no Chinese lessons, therefore we are not qualified to participate. Anyhow, we are invited to the spot --- our school hall. And it is with the consent of Mr. Y.W. Ko, our Chinese teacher and H.L. Ho, of Form 4D, the champion, that this article by him is allowed to be translated and published. Thanks to Mr. Ko and Mr. Ho. Here’s the speech.

Teachers and fellow students, today, I’m very glad to have such a good chance to speak to you about a lively topic: SHOULD SECONDARY SCHOOLBOYS BE INVOLVED IN LOVE AFFAIRS? For all who are present today, none can deny our affection for girls. If a gentle female walks before us, we will spontaneously cast our eyes on her. Well, why should you laugh? Why should not boys be sentimental and girls be amorous? Life is a flower and love its nectar. Nectar, oh, how sweet a word it is! Thus many of us would long for a chance to taste the zest of falling in love, because we are too much absorbed in these lovely sentences. We guess that love is as lofty as the blue sky, as pure as the white clouds but as brilliant as the red sun, as magnificent as the rainbow and as romantic as violet. The current of love is such an irresistible attraction to us youths that we are willing to be carried along by it without caring about any consequence!

However, dear friends, we must still remain sober! When we are situated between amour and study, we’ve got to consider carefully and make a wise decision.
Unfortunately, our affection for females is immature, blind and without experience. There are many charming girls within our reach. Thus if you meet one and then devote yourselves unreservedly to her trying to make her aware of your existence, well, I wonder what you will do if you ever come across a more charming creature. If then, these affections all come out of a vague consciousness, why should we trouble for all these?

Assuming that you have really fallen in love with a girl, then, the proper way to fulfil it is by marriage, which in itself is perfected by true love and thorough understanding. Thus tragedies are likely to turn out from unions that are lacking in the factors mentioned above. Even though a marriage by chance is a perfect one, children will soon be brought forth, then do you suppose a secondary school boy can take up the responsibility towards the next generation and society which children bring on him? As we don’t have any sound financial resources, where comes our source of income? Though your father may be wealthy enough to maintain your whole family, will you not be ashamed of it? After all, no one in this world except you and you alone can bear the burden in your soul. Gradually, you’ll feel that marriage is actually the tomb of love within which your life is confined, your wishes disillusioned and your ideals dropped to nowhere.

Some of you may well argue that “we can be in love with a girl without marrying her”. But fools! You must understand that if there be no proper outlet for the sensational climax we have initiated, it is frustrating. Thus, in a physiological and psychological point of view, it is absolutely harmful to our body and mind. On the other hand, our physical body is in fact not yet mature for marriage. Everybody knows well that marriage in early youthhood is detrimental to the next generation. And from history, we learn that we have suffered quite a lot from the tradition of marriage at an early age.

Our life history can be divided into several periods each of which has its unique and peculiar function. If in our adulthood, we are to devote ourselves to the career we have chosen, then the most proper mission in our youthhood is the preparation and cultivation of a man and the most proper way to fulfil this preparation and cultivation is by learning. Therefore, in this course of learning, a love affair or marriage is unquestionably a stumbling block. As I have said before, our time and energy are both limited. Thus, we won’t have enough resources for our study if some are spent on love or marriage. This is simply arithmetic and if we are not able to score good results in the academic field, then our future shows not much hope and how can we expect to live soundly anymore? Moreover, living in such a complicated society, as we are now, we teens are likely to be cheated and thus will be sorrowful forever.

As we can see so many disadvantages for a secondary school boy to be involved in a love affair with a girl, it is absolutely unsuitable to do so. However, having girlfriends is all right, since this is only the rehearsal for the social activities and dealings with the opposite sex in our later life. Thus we should make good use of this invaluable youthhood by concentrating on our studies while establishing our own personality and ideals, so that when our knowledge, observations, experience are mature enough, I don’t think it is then too late to look for a girl who is willing to live with you happily ever after.
The above is just my own opinion developed upon my limited knowledge. Therefore, criticisms and objections are highly appreciated. Many thanks.

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In The Year 33 A.D.

STUDENT PRESS GROUP (SERIES V)
In The Year 33 A.D.

March 24, 1972

My name was Jero. I was living in a long-forgotten village in the region of Samaria. The village was embedded in a valley where there was a river running throughout the seasons. Grass was abundantly green and taking these advantages, I had become a shepherd long before I established my own family in my early adulthood.

As time went on, one more member was introduced into our little community --- our daughter Miriam. She was just lovely, especially her bright eyes. They were so full of life and so brilliant as if they were promising us a clever daughter. Three of us together had then enjoyed our family life happily for three years. Those were the three years in which I was warmly greeted every day when I was back from work; in which my hut was tidily taken care of; in which I didn’t have to worry about my meals and the most important of all, our dear Miriam --- thanks to Anne, my wife.

Unfortunately, after those happy years, there came an unexpected plague, with which, the life of Anne and the precious eye-sight of Miriam were taken away. I was lucky enough to weather through, but what’s the use?
I could never stop hating that abominable plague! NEVER! Never would I forgive its depriving me of my good woman! Oh! How on earth could that disguting plague originate! Damn! Damn it forever! Though strong as I was, it was too much a shock for me. I just couldn’t bear it. My body seemed disintegrated and my soul broken into pieces. It was only after quite some days that I could bring myself together again. Then, I realized that I had left my sheep behind for so many days that they might have been scattered or eaten by wolves.

From then onwards, I had to take up my woman’s work as well as that of mine --- with the help of my neighbour[s], I became a shepherd again. Early in the morning every day, after having prepared the meals, I took Miriam with me to the grassland where our sheep were grazing. With my limited mastery of language, I tried my best to describe the magnificent combinations of the seven colours to my poor Miriam.

“The sky above us is blue and sometimes it is grey …
“What is grey, Dad?”
“Well, that is spilling some milk over your Dad’s hair when you were still a baby.”
“The grass we’re are sitting on is green. The flowers in your hands are yellow and some are red. You know, something does not have colour.”
“What is the something, Dad?”
“Well, it is the water we drink every day.”
“I see … Dad? Is it the same water which Mum used to wash my hands before we ate?”
“ … ”,
“Is it?”
“Yes, my dear.” --- She was too cute and my throat was too sore to utter these little words.

Yes, she was really cute and that was what kept me living on. When the sun set, I brought her home --- but no longer greeted by Anne. After putting her to bed, I used to sit down in silence. Now and then, I turned my eyes on the the sleeping Miriam. She was my only source of comfort.
“Anne, wherever you may be, pray for little Miriam and me always”…
“My God, my God! I don’t know what made you take my woman away. But whoever’s fault it be, please, may your boundless mercy be on my poor Miriam.”

Another three years elapsed.
One day, a merchant, who was on his way home after trading around Galilee, came past our grassland and sat himself down to take a rest. We began chatting.
“Recently, a man called Jesus came from Galilee and the people are crazy over him. You know, he did miracles and drove out devils. He made lepers clean and fed thousands. Many gained hearing and the blind their sight. I’m afraid he must be a messenger of God.”

I was suddenly awakened by his words’ “and the blind their sight!” It seemed that I had been sleeping for three years. But wait a minute, he said, blind, sight … then … Miriam! Yes Miriam!
“Where’s the Man, where’s he? Please tell me where [is] He is now!”
“Hey, take it easy, shepherd. You’re choking me. Put off your hands!”
“With your hands off, Jero. You’re hurting this mister. Forgive him, his daughter is blind. That’s why he’s so anxious.”
“I see. But I [have] never met that Man before. Anyhow, I know where He is. He is travelling up and down in Galilee.”

I was on my heels before I finished thanking him. Yes, Galilee. I had to go to Galilee. Hope was found there. Oh! I was too happy! My dear Miriam, he would restore her sight, I know she would! --- It seemed that that was promised by the Galilean.
I was really too happy, too excited that on my way home, I threw my staff aloft to the air with all my might …
The next day, I began my journey --- with my heart filled with overflowing confidence as if I had been promised. I sold everything and bought a mule on which Miriam was put. Then, I began to step on the road to Galilee. Anne. Pray for us!

The journey was a hard one, especially when we entered the Jewish region. Hospitality was not given [to] us as we were Samaritans. Sometimes, we had to travel with empty stomaches and thirsting throats. Sometimes, we had to travel in the roasting heat and not a shade was given [to] us. However hard it was, I hanged on with growing hope as we approached Galilee. One day, I heard that the Galilean had entered Jerusalem two days [ago] before. Then, we turned our direction to Jerusalem.

As we entered Jerusalem three [sic] days later in the afternoon, the sky was getting gloomy. It looked so sad that my hopeful heart yielded a little. “Rejoice with me, you grey heaven, for my daughter is going to restore her sight!”
It seemed that the heaven didn’t quite agree with me and was becoming darker. Then I started looking for that Galilean only to find a piece of news that was too hard to be accepted --- the people was crucifying my Galilean.

“Oh! No, that’s impossible! Ridiculous! It’s unfair! Why!”
“It’s because he stirred the peo …”
“I don’t want your explanation, just tell me where He is!”
“Golgotha.”

The name sounded terrible --- a place of skull. But my heart was more terribly upset. “Why crucifies Him! Oh God, have mercy on Miriam, don’t let them do it …”
It was too late. When I arrived, I found that three gibbets were planted on the ground, on one of which, my hope was nailed …
The whole world seemed quaking and the heaven lost its lights. Poor Miriam! You could never see things again! But tell me what’s the use to see this world! What is the use to see this confusing world where hope and happiness were absent? Am I going to look for them from this crucified Galilean who was once my only hope?

Alex Kwok
(CHECSS)

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Picture credit: creator.nightcafe.studio

Thus I’m 17

STUDENT PRESS GROUP (SERIES IV)
Thus I’m 17

February 4, 1972

Sixteen candles were blown out twelve months ago. There are just a few days to seventeen and it all comes out of a sudden that I am aware of my being so. I’m no longer in the midst of children now for I’m too “old” to be one of them. It would be better for me to be their “Big Boss”. Thus I become seventeen.

Physically, I’m taller than my mother and my shoulders are strong enough to bear loads that can hardly be moved by my father. Whenever I recall the time of childhood in the bosom of my mother, it’s so soothing and sweet --- all because of my being seventeen.

When I was young, I was living in subjection to my parents. But now, I begin taking part actively in my family affairs. It’s because I feel that these things conern closely with me. When I was still young, my father’s falling sick made no difference to me. However, I begin to understand now and thus know to worry. I really cannot tell when I began knowing to worry. On the other hand, my opinions become valid and have gained status. I must say that I’m becoming important, or rather say, begin seeing my importance in my family. It’s because I understand that I’m the hope of my parents. I’m 17 now.

Why are we in such a poor situation? (Luckily not many of us are aware of this “poor” situation.) Perhaps we are aware of our responsibility over the things that belong to and matters that concern us. Perhaps we understand that we are no longer playing merry-go-round or hide-and-seek but are to face our work genuinely and seriously. Last of all, perhaps we are not told of the meaning of studying in school or maybe we have never thought of the reason for studying here.

No matter we have thought of it or not, the treatment we receive from the Headmaster is “improved”. He’ll no longer show us his long face or shout to us as he does to the Form One kids. Whenever something has gone wrong, he’ll explain clearly what we have forgotten and will suggest some ways to approach the matter not as the one loftily above but as a friend of ours. After all, instead of using “Black Mark” system to enforce the school regulations, he appeals for our cooperation, because, “You’re no longer young kids now. You should begin governing yourselves and should understand that the school is for you and you alone, but not for the supervisor or me.” I understand what he means because I’m already 17 now.

In the parish I live, I begin taking part in the work of the laity associations and find in them pleasures that can only be appreciated by the partakers. After all, I begin making friends of boys and girls. Telling the truth, I suddenly feel that girls are so attractive and it’s a hard thing to abstain from looking at them. Anyhow, I find this sort of community life helpful to my religious life since it provides me with chances for the fulfilment of my belief. On the other hand, whenever I meet people that are strangers to me, they usually address me as Mr. Kwok. That really makes me feel grown up. Well, I don’t suppose I’ll reject such an address for sooner or later, they will give me this title --- Mr. Kwok.

Well, I’m quite sure that to this world, that young kid who had once fancied to become a Superman has vanished and instead of his place, there is a Mr. Kwok whose chin is coverd with hair that he has forgotten to shave. To the presidents in the laity associations, that kid is quite willing to work. To his headmaster, this student is quite cooperative. To his friends, that Alex is too trivial. To his girl friends, that same Alex is just one of their many friends, and to his fellow students, he’s just a rival that can be beaten down easily. But to his parents, this son is too simple-minded and is always reluctant to put on one more piece of clothing. Moreover, after having feared of failing to bring him up, they now begin to worry about his making girl friends in such an early age as seventeen. And …

Thus I’m seventeen now. Surely, changes do not take place suddenly but that it’s I that suddenly realize the changes. I begin to think of my future. What will I be? To be sure, no more Superman.
“A teacher, what about an engineer?” Suggest my parents.
“Alex, what about leading a life as a religious instructor?”
“I would like to be a surgeon, what about you, Alex?” …
Well, who can tell? Who can tell? Nobody can. But I can say one thing for sure, “Prepare yourself well!”
So, I’m 17.

Alex Kwok
CHECSS

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The Annual Speech Day

STUDENT PRESS GROUP (SERIES III)
The Annual Speech Day

January 7^th, 1972

The 21^st of December was our Annual Speech Day. This year, this special day of ours was marked by certain changes. Firstly, it was combined with the Christmas party so that the ceremony was more enjoyable and the party more meaningful. Secondly, the ceremony was in Chinese so that the parents could understand what was going on and what the master was talking on the stage. Thirdly, no V.I.P. was invited.

The ceremony began at 8 p.m. when the principal of our school gave an annual report of the work done in the past year. Taking such a good chance, he appealed for the cooperation of the students with the school and also that of the parents’ with the school authorities. After he had finished his speech, prizes and certificates were distributed. As soon as it was over, a representative of the graduates gave a [speech] vote of thanks. It is by the permission of the chairman of the Graduates’ Reunion that the speech is allowed to be printed. Thanks. The speech is as follows:

Supervisor, Principal, teachers, fellow students, Ladies and Gentlemen: I hope everybody is enjoying himself happily in this party and thanks very much for taking part in our Speech Day. As we can see, the teachers, graduates and parents are gathering happily, they have broken through the barriers among them and are talking so freely with each other.

The party tonight is for everyone of us. Every graduate present tonight has been receiving education for five years here. Living in this mini-society for five years, it was a sad thing to leave. Therefore, the gathering here tonight is really worthy of remembrance.
In these five years, the teachers have not only guided us in our studies and integrating our character, but also have helped us in understanding the world outside.

When we look at the results of the School Cert. Exam. of this year, the pass percentage is again raised. This, we must thank our teachers who have been working so hard for it. When we look at the extra-curricular activities, we can also see how hard they are working. Academically, we have English Club, Geography Club, History Society and Science Club. On the other hand, there are clubs that are established according to one’s interest: e.g. the 146^th Kowloon Scout, the Photographic Club, Music Club, Chess Club, Philately Club, Drama Club etc. And tonight, we have to thank [the] members of the Drama and Music Club for the entertainments they have given us.
Atheletically, our fellow students have shown on the playground that they are not pedants but youths of energies.

However, in spite of the hard working of the teachers, the number of participants was not so much as expected. Thus those activities have become the privileges of a minority of students. In fact, extra-curricular activities are necessary to all students. These activities not only provide us with proper recreations in our leisure time, but on the other hand, build up our knowledge of the society, strengthen our confidence and mentality, and develop our capability.

Therefore, these activities should be run, under the advice and direction of the teachers, by the students themselves. We sincerely hope that every fellow student, especially the boys of the higher forms, will take part actively in these activities, so as to try the zest of community life, either as a leader or as a member; take the chance to learn the proper attitudes of service. All these mentioned cannot only help us in our future independence, but at the same time make our school life more enjoyable, our spirit of community more radiant.

In the past six years, our school has established a little reputation and has begun making herself known to the other schools. So why not take a chance to build up our friendship with them? This mission is now on our shoulders. If we students are willing to work for the development of all sorts of activities, then our school life (both inside and outside of the school) will become more meaningful and enjoyable.

The graduates of 1971 have established a “Graduates’ Reunion”. Its function is to maintain the communication among graduates and that between our [mother school] alma mater and us. Though some of us have begun their phase of life in the society, in our heart, CHECSS belongs to all of us forever and we shall never forget her.

We sincerely hope that, under the cooperation of the supervisor, the principal and all the teachers, CHECSS will achieve successes in every aspect.
Now, may I [in] on behalf of our school, thank every lady and every gentleman for dropping in here tonight. May I take this good chance to wish everybody a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Many thanks.

Report and translated
by Alex Kwok CHECSS

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