Secretary for Education Christine Choi Yuk-lin encouraged students to face the challenges of the new academic year with optimism, emphasizing that the learning journey is just as important as the destination, even if they feel unprepared.
In an opening ceremony at a Tai Po primary school yesterday, Choi said students can rewrite their story as many possibilities lie ahead.
Addressing the two recent suspected student suicides, along with 17 suspected cases reported in the first half of the year, Choi expressed deep concern for the mental health of students.
She highlighted various initiatives aimed at fostering a healthy and positive learning environment, including increased collaboration with schools and the community to promote the “4Rs Mental Health Charter”– which encourages students to prioritize rest, relaxation, building strong relationships, and developing resilience in the face of stress.
In response to concerns regarding the incomplete campus construction at Erudite Government Primary School in Kwun Tong, Choi attributed the delays to adverse weather conditions over the summer.
However, Choi assured that experts have confirmed the campus, located on the hillside near the former Anderson Road quarry site, is safe for the new academic year.
The school’s principal also assured that the current campus environment is satisfactory, with necessary classrooms and floors already in use.
The ongoing construction does not pose safety risks, the principal said, as workers and students are separated.
Generally yesterday, many students were eager to reunite with classmates and teachers, while others expressed anxiety about schoolwork and exams. A primary five student said he was concerned about the workload but glad to see friends. A primary six student worried about not gaining admission to his preferred secondary school.
A Hospital Authority specialist said psychology referrals during early school terms show a rising trend in recent years.
Clinical psychologist Mandy Chan Hsiao said the authority has received numerous referrals, including cases involving emotional issues and physical symptoms such as stomach pain and nausea.
Chan noted an increase in early term referrals in recent years, with more cases identified at an early stage. Symptoms among students include sleep problems and school avoidance, with varying manifestations of anxiety.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong began the new school year with 53 primary schools forced to reduce first-grade classes. Forty-seven schools are offering only one first-grade class, while 78 schools will maintain two.
