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St Joseph's College, Hong Kong

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St. Joseph's College
St. Joseph's College School Badge
Supervisor Brother Thomas Favier, FSC
Principal Mr. C.H. Leung
School type Government-subsidized private boys' school
Medium of instruction English
Sponsoring Body Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
Religious affiliation Catholic
Year of Foundation 1875
Location Central, Hong Kong
School Motto Labore et Virtute (Labour & Virtue)
School colours Green and White
School website http://www.sjc.edu.hk

Established in 1875, St. Joseph's College (SJC, 聖若瑟書院) is the first Catholic boys' secondary school in Hong Kong. It is located at 7 Kennedy Road, Mid-levels, in the Central District.

The College is a Lasallian institution. Together with a kindergarten and a primary school, St. Joseph's Primary School, at 48 Wood Road, Wan Chai, the St. Joseph's population now exceeds 4200.

The school excels in both academic and extra-curricular activities. Throughout its 130 years of history the school contributed a lot to society, with a lot of graduates becoming important social figures.

The north and west blocks of the school are declared monuments of Hong Kong.

Sponsoring Body

The sponsoring body of the school is the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, known as the 'De La Salle Brothers', named after the founder of the Institute, St. John Baptist de La Salle.

The aim of the Institute is to give a human and Christian education to the young, especially the poor. The spirit of the Institute is of FAITH and ZEAL: to have faith in God and an ardent zeal to teach the children. This is also a mission shared by all Lasallian schools in Hong Kong.

All Lasallian schools are committed to helping young people to develop themselves fully as persons, to learn to live as brothers and sisters in a world of justice.

History

The College was previously a Portuguese commercial school named St. Saviour's College, established on Pottinger Street in 1860. Father Timoleon Raimondi, who was the bishop, convinced Rome to send the Lasallian Brothers to the British Colony. On 7 November 1875 six pioneers from the Christian Brother landed in Hong Kong: Brothers Hidulphe Marie, Hidulphe de Jesus, and Hebertus who were from the Boarding school of Marseilles; Brother Adrian Edmund and Aldolphus Marie from the Novitiate of London; and Brother Isfrid from Paris. They renamed the school St. Joseph's College.

The Director, Brother Hidulphe Marie, had great experiences in teaching and organizing schools. After a few weeks the enrolment had doubled and it became evident that an extension to the present building had to be contemplated. Mgr. Raimondi, in June 1876 purchased for $14,000 a fine house (Buxley Lodge) situated at 9 Caine Road and the Brothers at once moved into it.

In 1879, the first class of Chinese students was admitted to school; however, most of the students then were Portuguese from Macau.

In order to cater for the needs of the fast-growing school, a piece of land in Glenealy below Robinson Road became home to St. Joseph's College in 1881. The original structure of the College till then was a two-storey building, but a third was added in 1898 for the accommodation of the boarders. Three years after completion of the building, the wings were added.

The College soon became outstanding in both academic and sports fields. The three higher classes prepared their students for the Oxford University Examinations, namely Senior, Junior and Preliminary, and it was quite usual to see St. Joseph's College heading the results list both in quantity and quality. The College also became a cradle for the success earned by many soccer and other sports clubs. Hong Kong's First Scout Troop was established here in 1913.

On 13th February 1918, a 50-second earthquake struck the Colony, and the Robinson Road campus was severely damaged. Anxious to get a new and safe place for the education of the youth, Brother Aimar bought the Old Club Germania at 7 Kennedy Road on 3rd September. The Club was left unoccupied since the outbreak of World War I. Brother Aimar also set up a branch school on Chatham Road, Kowloon, which later became the La Salle College, Hong Kong.

The top floor of the five-storey Victorian building was the Brothers' Quarters, accommodating the Lasallian Brothers who were the directors and teachers of the school. The third floor was once a dormitory for students and boarders, while afterwards it served as the old Old Hall. The second floor was the office and quarters of the secretary; the first floor located the general office and recreation room. The ground floor was a library.

In order to accommodate more students, the North Block (Classroom Block) was erected in 1920 and was opened by Governor Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs. The Chapel Block (Science Block) was completed in 1926, housing the Chapel, laboratories, and Li Shek Pang Hall (the current Old Hall).

During the Japanese Occupation of Hong Kong from 1941 to 1945, the College was used a clinical depot by the Imperial Japanese Army. Some Brothers fled to Vietnam and became guests of the Dominicans and the Jesuits, while others were kept as prisoners of war in concentration camps. The campus was kept in shape by a minor staffer called Ah Yiu, who would also smuggle essentials into the camp for the Brothers.

After the War, the College continued to flourish. In 1962, Club Germania was demolished and a modern eight-storey building, now known as the New Building, was erected. This was the time when Brother Brenden Dunne was Principal of St. Joseph's College. Governor Sir Robert Brown Black and Superior General Brother Nicet Joseph officiated the opening of the new building.

The College is now one of the most outstanding secondary education institutions in Hong Kong, providing Form 1-5 and matriculation education to more than 1300 boys.

Mission Statement

The mission of St. Joseph's College is to educate students in areas of intellectual, physical, social, moral and emotional development. This process will take place in an environment conducive to learning in the context of interaction between staff and students.

School Motto

LABORE ET VIRTUTE -- Labour and Virtue -- sums up the life of the great Saint Joseph. He was a workingman, a carpenter by trade and his virtue made him worthy to be the foster-father of Christ. This motto expresses the spirit that it is by hard work and virtue that a Josephian shall make a success of his life, and so remain true to the best traditions of the College.

School Badge

The badge of the College displays a shield divided into 3 divisions. The top division shows the Signum Fidei (sign of faith) - a five-pointed, radiant star, which is taken from the insignia of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. It reminds people of the spirit of FAITH of the Institute. The right lower division shows 3 chevrons, i.e. broken bones, reminding people of the bravery and ZEAL the Saint promoted. The left lower division shows the book of knowledge on top (with the Alpha and Omega inscribed) and a lamp below; together they symbolize the importance of education, something which St. La Salle emphasised.

The shield stands with a compartment with supporters each of French lily, since the Lasallian family originates in Rheims, France. The top features a ribbon with the name of the College, and a crest with a cross (Catholicism) and a crown (used to symbolize the Colony of Hong Kong before 1997). Below the shield are three shells symbolising baptism. The motto of the College in Latin, Labore et Virtute, is also found at the bottom of the badge.

School Rally

All through our College a voice is resounding,
Promptly respond to your duty's clear call.
Harken you all for the trumpet is sounding,
Your Mater's proclaiming her watchword to all.
(Chorus) Forward, not flinch nor fear,
Ever with heart sincere,
Render with joy to your Mater her due;
All that is vile reject; Heaven will e'er protect,
Sons of St. Joseph's valiant and true.
Labour and Virtute your motto still bearing,
Forward with courage in ways that are just
True to your standard be doing and daring,
As faithful Josephians in Heaven you trust.
(Chorus)
Onward and upward in life's earnest battle,
Joyously bearing the brunt of the fight,
Nobly forgiving for aught that may pain you,
And bravely defending the cause of the right.
(Chorus)
Lift up your hearts for a Kingdom awaits you,
Honour and Virtue with courage defend;
Serve Him in life, who in death can reward you,
And vow to be faithful and true to the end.
(Chorus)

Campus

File:704.jpeg
St. Joseph's Campus

The College is located at 7 Kennedy Road which is only five minutes walk from Central - the heart of Hong Kong - with neighbours include St. Joseph's Church and Hong Kong Park. St. Joseph's Path, which joins Kennedy Road and Garden Road, runs along the east side of the College.

The College's architecture is an interesting combination of traditional European and modern styles. The Old Building (North Block), constructed in 1920, houses most of the classrooms. The Chapel Block (West Block) houses the Old Hall, Music Room, laboratories, Lecture Room and School Chapel. These buildings were built in a Colonial style, reflecting European Classical influence. The most prominent features are the clock towers and the turret. Verandahs are also one distinctive feature of local architecture in the days with no air conditioning. Both of them are declared monuments of Hong Kong.

The New Building, which replaced the original Club Germania on the site, houses the upper form classrooms. The senior laboratories, library and computer rooms are located here. The New Hall is also part of this structure.

Green & White

This combination colours have become the symbol of the College over the years. Green represents the Irish Shamrock, while White represents the French Fleur-de-lis. The Brothers of the College mostly come from Ireland and France.

Curriculum

Arts and Social Subjects Business Fundamentals, Business Studies, Chinese History, Chinese Language, Chinese Language and Culture, Commerce, Computer Applications, Economics, Economic and Public Affairs, English Language, French, Geography, History, Principles of Accounts, Religious Studies, Travel and Tourism, Use of English

Science Subjects Additional Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Literacy, Computer and Information Technology, Integrated Science, Mathematics, Physics, Pure Mathematics

Cultural Subjects Music, Physical Education, Putonghua, Visual Arts

Staff

Supervisor: Brother Thomas Favier;

Principal: Mr. C.H. Leung

83 staff members work at St. Joseph's College, including 29 women and 54 men. The staff includes a principal, two vice principals, fifty classroom teachers, a careers mistress, a discipline master, a counselling mistress, a sports master, a librarian and one music teacher. In addition, there are three laboratory technicians, one secretary, five clerical personnel, a part-time social worker, twelve janitor staff and two IT technicians.

Student Organizations

Official

  • Students' Union
  • Parent - Teacher Association
  • Old Boys' Association
  • Value Education and Academic Promotion Team
  • Students' Information Technology Support Team

Religion

  • Christian Union.

Academic

  • Biology and Conservancy Association
  • Chinese Culture Society
  • English Society
  • French Club
  • Geography Society
  • History Society
  • Mathematics Society
  • Travel and Tourism Society
  • Economics, Commerce & Public Affairs Society
  • Literature Connection

Sports

  • Aquatic Club
  • Athletic Club
  • Badminton Club
  • Basketball Club
  • Bowling Club
  • Football Club
  • Squash Club
  • Table Tennis Club
  • Tennis Club
  • Volleyball Society

General Interest

  • Aesthetic Society
  • Art Workshop
  • Astronomy Society
  • Board Card and Role-Playing Games Club
  • Bridge Club
  • Camera Club
  • Drama Club
  • Library Society
  • Magic Society
  • Melodica Band
  • Movie Society
  • Music Society
  • Philatelic Society
  • School Orchestra
  • Science Society

Service

  • 1st Hong Kong Group Scout Troop
  • 1st Hong Kong Group Venture Scout Unit
  • Award for Young People
  • Interact Club
  • Red Cross Youth Unit 17
  • Social Service Group
  • St. John Ambulance

Publication

  • Green and White Editorial Board
  • Web Publishing Board

Publications

  • Green & White (published annually from 1958)
  • Green & White Gazette (published twice a year)
  • Green & White Online

Student Activities

  • Swimming Gala
  • Dress Casual Day
  • Opening Mass
  • Christmas Mass
  • Thanksgiving Mass (held every five years)
  • St. Joseph's Feast Day
  • St. La Salle's Feast Day
  • Dress Casual Day
  • Annual Cross Country Race
  • Green & White Walkathon
  • Green & White Ball
  • Green & White Day (Open Day)
  • Green & White Concert
  • Internal Talent Quest
  • Student Festival
  • Academic Prize Giving Day
  • Extra-curricular Prize Giving Day
  • Charity-Variety Show
  • Leadership Training Camp
  • Banner Painting Competition
  • Athletic Meet
  • Religious Festival


Names of Open Days:

  • 130th Anniversary Grand Open Day: Starring Josephians
  • 131st Green & White Open Day: A Josephilic Moment

Notable Josephians

Executive Council Members


Legislators


Civil Servants

  • Peter Tsao Kwang-yung 曹廣榮, CBE; former Secretary of the Government Secretariat. His career finished as the head of Home Affairs, ranking fourth in the colonial hierarchy
  • Donald Liao Poon-huai 廖本懷, CBE, JP, former Secretary for Housing
  • Andrew Wong Ho-yuen, JP 黃灝玄, Permanent Secretary of the Chief Executive's Office
  • Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun, JP 鄧國斌, Director of Audit
  • Paul Tang Kwok-wai, JP 鄧國威, Director of Social Welfare


Businessmen

  • Christopher Cheng 鄭維志, GBS, JP; former Chairman of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
  • Vincent Lo Hong-shui 羅康瑞, GBS, JP; Chairman of Shui On Group.
  • Dr. Dickson Poon 潘迪生, SBS; Chairman of Dickson Concepts (International) Ltd.
  • Martin Lee Ka-shing 李家誠, Vice Chairman of Henderson Development Limited and Henderson Investment Limited as well as a director of The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited and Miramar Hotel and Investment Company, Limited


Academics


Sportsmen


Show Business Characters

Notable Achievements

THE EARLY YEARS:

1877

  • Held the first ever inter-school sports competition in the history of Hong Kong with St. Paul’s College

Circa 1880

  • Establishment of one of the first modern days football teams in today’s China

1899

  • Held the first ever inter-school athletics meet in the history of Hong Kong with QC and DBS

1903

  • Formed the first ever inter-school football league in the history of Hong Kong with QC and DBS

1909

  • First Grand Slam in inter-school football, winning both the First and Junior Team trophies

1913

  • Establishment of the 1st Scout Troop in Hong Kong

1918

  • Won both the inter-school championships of swimming and football. Crowned the champion of inter-school athletics for the 6th year in a roll


PRE-WAR TIMES:

1925

  • Basketball team won the HKBA Shield

1927

  • Athletics team won the Governor’s Shield, champion of the inter-school athletics meet, for the third year in a roll

1936

  • First Olympian from SJC, representing China in swimming
  • Athletics team won the Governor’s Shield for the 6th time over the last 12 years it was being offered.


THE 50s:

1952

  • Grand Slam in inter-school football. Winning both the senior and junior titles in both the league and knock-out competitions

1956

  • Snatching the Wing Wah Challenge Shield, being the inter-school tennis champion, three years in a roll

1959

  • A fellow Josephian obtained 9 distinctions and 2 credits in the HK School Certificate Examination


THE 60s:

1961

  • Hockey team won the Sir Arthur Morse Challenge Trophy for 2 consecutive years

1962

  • First ever scout troop to hold the Prince of Wales banner and the Carlton Trophy at the same time.


THE 70s:

1970

  • Red Cross won the Drilling Shield three years in a roll

1971

  • Won the Haye’s Trophy, inter-school debating championships, for the first time

1972

  • Quiz team won the TVB quiz programme ‘On your marks’ for 2 consecutive years

1973

  • St. John’s Ambulance Brigade won the Sir Michael Hogan Trophy for 3 years in a roll

1974

  • Best year in the HK School Music Festival. Josephians won the champion title in Male Voice Quartet, Mixed Voice Quartet and Folk Music: Solos and Duets, the Dorothy Smith Trophy (Boys Junior: Treble), the Music Society Shield (Mixed Voice Choirs), the Dr. Karl Hohner Shield (Melodica Band) and the Moutrie Challenge Trophy (Piano Solos: Final)
  • Table-tennis team the first school team in history to receive the ‘Champion Honour’, the Hong Kong open championship, awarded by the Table Tennis Association

1977

  • Bowling team won the annual SCAA High School Bowling Tournament for the third time in four years

1978

  • Venture scout captured the Prince of Wales Banner for the 14th consecutive year (7th time), dominated it ever since its establishment
  • Badminton team won the colony’s championship
  • Two Asian-gamers from SJC


THE 80s:

1983

  • Recaptured the inter-school football overall title. Start of a 2-decade long dominance of SJC

1987

  • Table-tennis team captured the inter-school overall champion, the SCAA Open and the HKU President Cup titles all in the same year


THE 90s:

1990

  • Grand slam in inter-school football again since 1952. Won also the all Hong Kong (Jing-Ying) as well as the Interport championship in the same year.

1991

  • Recaptured the inter-school swimming overall champion title, last won in 1937.
  • Inter-school life-saving champion second year in a roll

1992

  • First grand slam in inter-school swimming

1993

  • Third consecutive grand slams in inter-school football since 1990

1998

  • First grand slam in inter-school basketball. Captured also the Jing-Ying and Marathon titles
  • Three Asian-gamers from SJC

1999

  • Breakthrough in the HK School Speech Festival. Capturing more than 100 Top 3 positions


THE NEW CENTURY:

2000

  • Two Olympians from SJC
  • Crowned as the champion for the 6th time in 7 years in the all Hong Kong inter-school basketball marathon

2001

  • Champion of inter-school Chinese debating for the second consecutive year

2002

  • Topped the list of all Hong Kong schools with 4 Josephians obtaining 10As at the HKCEE
  • Omnipotent champion of the inter-school football competition in the past two decades, snatching the overall championship for the 17th time in 20 years.
  • Five Asian-gamers from SJC

2004

  • First ever grand slam in the history of inter-school debating. Josephians crowned as the champions and best debaters in both the English and Chinese sections
  • Obtaining the A grade inter-school swimming championship for the 8th time in 10 years, with Josephians then holding 8 inter-school and 21 Hong Kong swimming records.

2005

  • Champion of inter-school english debating for two years in a roll. Set another record of being featured as a finalist for the 7th time in the last 8 years in either the English or Chinese section.
  • Dominated the inter-school waterpolo competition, clinching all 6 titles ever since its establishment 6 years ago

See Also

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