Birthday cake on stage at St Teresa Secondary School graduation ceremony

THE first 15 years have seen St Teresa Secondary School grow into a mature, full-fledged school.

This was the observation of the school supervisor Sister Esther Ling, who was speaking at the school's 15th graduation ceremony.

''Fifteen years is a comparatively short period, but in that time St Teresa had developed fast, thanks to the fine leadership of the principal and the co-operation of teachers, parents and students, a sound foundation had been laid for the students,'' she said.

In her annual report, the principal Ms Hilda Kwan said that St Teresa's had worked hard to give its students an all-round education. The children have been guided carefully in their moral, intellectual and physical growth, with much emphasis given to individual and social development. An understanding of Chinese culture has been an important aspect of the school's education, Ms Kwan added.

Of the Form 7 graduates, six of the 16 science students gained admission to the University of Hongkong last September. Sixty per cent are furthering their studies in tertiary institutes. Of the Form 5 graduates, 80 per cent were continuing their studies.

In order to encourage students to work harder, the school introduced an ''improved student'' scheme last year. The programme has benefited the students to a marked degree, producing better academic as well as sports results.