We notice that schools have implemented different effective measures in this regard. For example, with the one-off “Strengthening School Administration Management Grant” provided in 2016, some schools developed an electronic submission system for document transmission with external parties, and some procured a message management system to replace the issuing of notices to parents, which proved to be useful not only in enhancing the efficiency of school administration, but also in promoting paper-saving. We will continue to encourage schools to explore different practices to save paper in their daily operations.

As regards the proposed adoption of e-application for Primary One admission, it is worth noting that the whole admission process involves different stages and stakeholders, including schools and parents. Replacing the paper form submission with e-application for Primary One admission will affect more than 400 government and aided primary schools, and parents of over 50,000 applicant children each year. Additional workload will be incurred by schools, and the needs of parents with diverse backgrounds and abilities may not be well catered for. 

We will continue to keep a close watch on the implementation of the Primary One admission system and explore ways for further improvement where necessary.

Promoting environmental education is one of our priorities. We will continue to promote green practices for the sustainable development of our society.

Louise So, principal education officer (school administration), Education Bureau