Good morning, Pastor Chan, teachers and my fellow students.
This is the day of the opening ceremony of the new academic year. Although we could not meet one another in school, we are still intricately connected.
To begin with my speech, I would like to share with you the outstanding HKDSE results of our S6 graduates. The overall passing rate of our students on average is 50%. 40% of students passed in 9 subjects out of 12 subjects and 50% of students attained Level 2 in 5 subjects. As the continuous improvement of the students' is recognized, I am grateful to announce that three graduates were admitted to the local university. Tse Man (from class 6B) enrolled successfully in the School of Communication of Hong Kong Baptist University. Kwong Wing Ki (from class 6B) enrolled successfully in the English Department of Chinese University of Hong Kong. HINA RABAEL (from class 6A) enrolled successfully in the Faculty of Science of Hong Kong Baptist University. More than 5 students were admitted to the universities in the Mainland and Taiwan. In fact, with their hard work and perseverance, they all achieved excellent academic results.
A new slogan of the theme of year is “Never give up, Always cheer up.” By observing the significance of the slogan, you are encouraged to show your perseverance and not to give up easily. The theme of year will be further discussed in the assemblies later.
In fact, I just wonder how you overcome the obstacles in your life. Would some sentences like “my ability is really limited”, “No matter what I try, I would not do well” or “I choose to give up” always appear in your mind. Professor, Carol Dweck from Stanford University once stated that no matter children love to learn or not, all children will encounter setbacks and challenges in their learning process. She also pointed out that students with a growth mindset would try to solve their problems in different ways or seek help from others. They believe that they can do better in the future. As the former one is bounded to a fixed mindset, it would limit their opportunities whereas those with a growth mindset would fully exhibit their capacities.
Do not let your thoughts in the past become your constrains. Believe in yourself and work hard to achieve your goals. I hope you can learn to embrace challenges and grow in times of adversity. I am sure you can all tap your potential to the fullest and have a fruitful campus life.
Wishing you all be strong and courageous in this academic year. One of apostles in the Bible, St. Paul, encouraged us in his letter by saying that “Letting go those things which are past, and stretching out to the things which are before” Regardless what your situation is, do not attach to the failure in the past and do not indulge to the radiance of your success. I really believe "in all your ways give ear to Him, and He will make straight your footsteps." "(Proverbs 3:5-6)