All the games and activities were related to days gone by, including hopscotch, rope-skipping, playing with yo-yos, and tossing coins to form words. There was also the challenging diabolo juggling, which most of the youngsters had never played before.

It requires excellent balancing skills', Leung Tsz-hin, winner of the Diabolo Juggling Competition, said.

There was also the 'Old Style Fashion Show'. The students designed and created their own clothes using recycled materials, like plastic bags, newspapers, magazines and old cloth. They displayed a lot of creativity and the models were proud to wear the outfits they had designed on the catwalk.

Another key event was 'Sing Along'. Some old songs, like Those Were the Days and Yesterday, were introduced to the students.

Next, a famous Charlie Chaplin film, Modern Times, was shown in 'Classic Movie House'. Students found the characters hilarious and learned about the life in the 1930s.

School principal Chung Chuen-ming was very impressed by the students' enthusiasm. 'I am very happy to see the students' wonderful performances', he said.

Student helpers played an important role in helping the newcomers. When asked what they liked about the camp, one Secondary One student said: 'I'm glad to meet my new English teacher at this fun camp.'

The camp was a great success. It proved that motivated students can overcome difficulties and do well in an English-speaking environment.

Fung Shuk-fan, English teacher

St Teresa Secondary School

St Teresa Secondary School was blessed with fine weather on September 22. After the opening ceremony of the school's 23rd Swimming Gala, members of the five houses began to compete while more than 1,100 students and parents cheered them on.

The individual championship went to Yu Yuen-ting from 2F. The overall championship was awarded to St Clare House, while St Anne House beat the other four Houses as the best cheering team.

The champion and runners-up in the 50m backstroke broke the school record in the event. The 4x50m relays were also highlights of the day.

The trophies were presented by school supervisor, Reverend Francis Lau, and Kwong Yan-yuk, who graduated from the school in 1986. Kwong, founder and director of the charity Mission of Love, shared with the students her secrets of a fulfilling life. She said she found true happiness in serving others.

Saint Too Canaan College

Our school, Saint Too Canaan College, joined Hebe Haven Yacht Club's sailing courses during summer, and it was great fun.

Four of us attended the training in Sai Kung from August 16 to 21.

On our first day the weather was unstable, just like our nerves. It was the first time we had sailed on our own. Our coach Stephen taught us the skills we needed.

After four days of practising, it was time for our assessment. We had to rig our boat, sail upwind and downwind and perform other tasks. And guess what? We all passed!

The course was really hard work, but we will never forget what we have learned. We had some cuts and bruises, but sailing is a water sport that's definitely worth trying.

Vivian Chan and Lorraine Chan