The students also learned about caring for animals in a speech by programme supervisor Jasmine Nunns.

Nunns spoke about the commitment involved in sharing a home with an animal, as well as the joy pets can bring.

An Animals Asia initiative, both the Dr Dog and Professor Paws programmes provide animals accompanied by volunteers for hospitals, orphanages, schools and centres for the disabled with the aim of giving comfort and therapy to those who need it.

Founded by Jill Robinson in 1998, Animals Asia strives to combat animal cruelty, is involved in cat and dog welfare programmes and plays a critical role in rescuing mistreated moon bears.

The students of G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College were pleased to donate more than HK$30,000 to Animals Asia to support the organisation's work.

And their generosity was rewarded with the chance to meet the two furry visitors face to face.

For their part, Cha Cha and Be Be seemed to enjoy all the attention. But the pupils didn't rush in - they asked the two volunteer handlers first if they could pat the dogs, before offering the backs of their hands for Cha Cha and Be Be to sniff.

It was a wonderful experience for everyone involved - the students, the animals and the volunteers.

G.T. (Ellen Yeung) College would like to thank Animals Asia for providing such an amazing hands-on learning opportunity for the pupils - and for teaching them about being responsible pet owners and the importance of treating all animals with care.

YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College

Echoing the English Week held at YWCA Hioe Tjo Yoeng College, in Ho Man Tin, all Secondary Six students helped to perform a revised version of the hit Hollywood film, High School Musical 2.

The organisers of the show had reworked the script and selected the cast beforehand. But there were only two weeks to rehearse because of the mid-term examinations.

It was hard work for the cast who had to rehearse until 8.30pm the night before the performance.

During the afternoon show, the school audience stayed in their seats right until the end. Some students were happy to stand in the gallery area so they could watch the performance.

For the participants, the finale of the show was not the end.

The memories of what they managed to do would live on - among them, how they all encouraged, supported and helped one another. Thanks to the many snacks provided by the teacher in charge, Miss Ip, they managed to keep on practising despite the cold weather.

Their language standards also improved a lot because they were forced to communicate in English. There were many funny moments which were still fresh in their minds. It was a memorable musical.

All the participants are waiting for the chance to put on another great show.

St Antonius Girls' College

The annual charity flower sale held by the Community Youth Club at St Antonius Girls' College, in Yau Tong, Kowloon, on January 19 and 20 raised about HK$10,000 for the Community Chest.

Among the novelty items on sale this year were Chupa Chups lollipop flowers and lucky bags containing lai see packets and chocolates. The school also held a lucky draw.

Although the lollipop flowers had no scent, the price proved attractive. Many students and teachers bought them.

'I think the flowers are very beautiful and I can buy them for my family,' one student said.

One of the teachers at the school said: 'I would like to be a role model for my students. I want to teach them that many people need our help. If we can help them, we need to do so.'

The students were so dedicated that they continued to sell flowers up to the last minute of the sale.