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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Picture Credit: norfolkacademy.org