The students enjoyed activities such as watching the first half of films and writing or recreating the rest of the story.

The experience of working with English and drama helped the students develop their language skills.

On the last day of the course, the students performed a play they wrote and directed themselves.

The programme helped students to appreciate other cultures, and to communicate in English with confidence.

Hong Kong Catholic Diocesan Schools Council

Fourteen schools organised a 19-day study tour to New Zealand for Form One to Three students from July 18 to August 5, to introduce them to a new culture and improve their English.

The children stayed with host families in Auckland, enjoying weekend activities with them and attending local colleges for summer school classes.

The group also visited museums and farms, and went south to Rotarua for 3 days of sports and sightseeing.

DMHC Siu Ming Catholic Secondary School Form Three students Silvia Chan and Athena Chan Chung-yin wrote about their experiences: They described New Zealanders as friendly, enthusiastic and helpful.

The girls said that even pedestrians were keen to chat with the young visitors. Silvia was touched by the care her host family showed her.

Both loved the easy-going, sporty lifestyle there. When it was time to leave the girls said they cried as they had fallen in love with New Zealand. They discovered a new culture and lifestyle and had an experience they will cherish.

Saint Teresa Secondary School

The school held its 29th graduation ceremony in July. School supervisor Reverend Francis Lau noted in his welcome address that he was happy to witness the school's success in nurturing its

students over the last three decades.

He encouraged graduates to set goals, live a colourful life and use their knowledge to contribute to society.

Guest-of-honour was children's writer Catherine Fung Yan-yan, an alumna of the school, who described her three years there as the happiest time of her education.

She advised graduates to broaden their horizons and realise their strengths in order to recognise and achieve their goals.

Principal Teresa Wong said new educational schemes had helped raise academic standards.

She stressed that punctuality was important to help students become responsible and disciplined.

During the year, various fund-raisers were also held to equip the school with more advanced facilities and create a better learning environment.

The ceremony was concluded by a number of student performances.