Hong Kong marks smooth start to new school year after scramble to repair typhoon-damaged campuses

Education minister notes first day of class, postponed from last Friday, sandwiched between two storms with Haikui nearing

She reiterates decision to cut Primary One classes, citing good use of public resources

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Hong Kong students return to classes on Monday to mark the new academic year. Photo: Jelly Tse

Published: 11:23am, 4 Sep 2023Updated: 8:51pm, 4 Sep 2023

Hong Kong marked a smooth start to the new school year on Monday after a scramble to repair flood-damaged campuses and shattered windows caused by Super Typhoon Saola over the weekend.

Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin also defended her decision to cut the number of Primary One classes at public schools as she inspected a secondary campus in Fanling, saying the government should make good use of resources given the shrinking population.

Choi noted the latest academic year had started between two typhoons – Saola and the approaching Haikui – with some school halls flooded and windows broken by the first storm.

“I am very grateful for the opening of school today. We have started a new school year in the middle of two typhoons … Some schools were affected by the storm, including flooding in the halls and broken windows, but the problem was solved in a short time,” she said.

The first day of school for students was postponed from last Friday to Monday amid Typhoon Saola. Photo: Yik Yeung -man

The Observatory issued the No 1 signal at 4.40am on Monday as Haikui edged closer to the city, but said the chance of a higher warning being raised before 5am on Tuesday was slim.

Choi said traffic was slightly congested towards Kowloon from the New Territories in the morning, but it was generally smooth from the other direction.

The government last Thursday announced the cancellation of all kindergarten, primary and secondary classes for Friday, the initial first day of the new school year, with Saola looming and the city facing a No 8 warning signal.

Students on the first day of school at Tsuen Wan Trade Association Primary School in Tsing Yi. Photo: Sam Tsang

Education authorities earlier projected the number of children aged six would fall to 50,000 in 2029 from 57,300 recorded this year, while those aged 12 would drop from 71,600 to 60,100.