Revisiting Ying Wa, and Rediscovering Our Values
Revisiting Ying Wa, and Rediscovering Our Values
Kwan Mo Fong, Alice (’72)
Founder’s Day celebration has always held a special place in our school culture. Now that I have graduated for more than half a century and moved to Sydney for over 30 years, its significance to me on 28 March 2026 couldn’t have been stronger. The celebration was a wonderful, meaningful and memorable event indeed.
History
The celebration of the Centenary of the Kindergarten Block on Founder’s Day in 2026 was a testimony of our school’s mission to preserve this historical structure, and to honour Ying Wa’s pioneering role in early education for boys and girls in Hong Kong dating back to the 20th century. I was so impressed that the Block has now been turned into a mini museum of our school history, with many memorable and historical articles, and photographs on display, some of which were powered by technology like the electronic touch screen. This really brings history alive. The preserved and rejuvenated Kindergarten Block is a very valuable channel to connect us to the past, and guide us to the future.
Transformation and Legacy
I started Primary 1 in Ying Wa in 1960. I spent all my primary school years in the 1927 Robinson Road Block, whilst my secondary school years were split between the 1953 Low Block and the 1967 New Robinson Wing.
I still dream of my happy school days in these old buildings. Two moments stood out in my mind. Miss Chan Shuk Ming (陳淑銘老師), my class mistress in Primary 1, took us out to the playground outside our classroom on the day of solar eclipse, and showed us how to take a look at this phenomenon using primitive tinted glasses. Miss Kwan Yeuk Laan (關若蘭老師) (’37) taught me Geography in Form 1. We were so thrilled when at the first lesson at the start of term, she walked into the classroom with a model of the globe!
Over two times of campus redevelopment that I have witnessed, these old buildings were demolished. Looking back, Ying Wa has a really clear vision to put relentless efforts into enhancing our campus for teaching and learning. The current new campus completed in 2019 is a masterpiece of design and architecture. I found it modern and spacious, providing the students with a wonderful learning environment and well-equipped facilities. The theme “Space for Transformation” of the campus redevelopment aims at providing “tangible and intangible space for students to grow academically, creatively, intellectually and spiritually.” From my brief encounters with the students on the day, I found them thriving on this campus, impressing me with their poise and confidence in their different duties and roles to assist in the celebrations throughout the day. They were very polite and friendly, and very willing to communicate with alumni. They reminded me of my own school days. These young sisters have assured me that our traditions and values have been passed on to them, and will continue to prosper and flourish through them.
The Bond
Certainly, the highlight was sharing this special day with some 20 classmates, and meeting our former teachers including Miss Anna Lam (林綺麗老師) and Mrs Fong Lo Sau Chun (方羅秀珍老師). I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with everyone after so many years. It was a very heartwarming day for me, and undoubtedly, everyone who participated.
