Mr CHU Chung-shing BBS MH

What shall I say of the Great Peak? The ancient dukedoms are everywhere green, Inspired and stirred by the breath of creation, With the Twin Forces balancing day and night. ...I bare my breast toward opening clouds, I strain my sight after birds flying home. When shall I reach the top and hold. All mountains in a single glance?   Du Fu, A VIEW OF TAISHAN 　　Dear Graduates, although you are not to submit Mount Taishan like Du Fu, you have gone through years of hard work to pick up the steps to finishing the diploma. This marks the completion of your secondary school year, and places you to another peak of life. You are about to leave Wai Kiu College, embarking another journey. You will march toward the farther and higher peaks. As the school supervisor, I wish you all the best. I hope that you can continue to lead a life of vigor; to make the name of WKC alumni proud by practicing our school motto: persevere with perseverance, courage, diligence and loyalty, and to become a promising youngster who is independent, far-sighted and prosperous.

　　While the year 2019 is a memorable year for graduates of this year, it is also a special and meaningful year to the school. This year marks the 50th year since it has been founded. For the Golden Jubilee Celebration, the school has held a series of activities, including the 50th Anniversary Slogan Competition, the 50th Anniversary Lunar New Year Fair, the 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee Alumni Dinner, the 50th Anniversary Primary School Short Poetry Competition, the 50th anniversary of the Non-Chinese Speaking Hard-pen Calligraphy Competition and the impromptu Chinese Calligraphy Contest. Through these events, teachers, students, alumni and friends from the neighborhood celebrate this memorable day. This 50th Anniversary Golden Jubilee school yearbook is made to record and exhibit the accomplishment of Wai Kiu College. It shares the joys and delights among teaching, counselling and discipline, extra-curricular activities in the past ten years in Wai Kiu College. It also displays the warm greetings from alumni, parents, and friends from the community. In addition, the major celebrations take place in May. After the graduation ceremony to be held on May 24th, the Open Day lasting for two days is unveiling itself. The most exciting side of the school and the fruits of learning among our students will be exhibited. Honourable guests and friends from the neighbourhood are welcome to celebrate Wai Kiu College Golden Jubilee with us.

　　Having accompanied WKC for 20 years, I am still amazed to see how WKC, a school composed of only two storeys 50 years ago, has developed into an establishment as such, the scale of which has won the recognition of people from all walks of life. Being a school under the Direct Subsidy Scheme, it has been the place where tens of thousands are educated. Every tempest and tribulation that storms, the school remains steadfast. It literally takes the bull by the horns. So to speak - for half-century it has not been easy to ascend to a pinnacle where we could slightly take a break and look back. As the supervisor, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all companions along the way - the members of the Board of Trustees, all previous principals and teachers and the current ones. You are the silent heroes who shed lights on our paths. I believe your dedication will only make Wai Kiu College a more promising school than we thought it possibly can be.

　　 Knowledge is like a boundless sea. Only through hard study can one reach the destination. Similarly, in life one overcomes hurdles and reaches high up another level. Brilliance is the result of insistent effort. The road is tough. Not everyone is bound to hit the ground and make its name in the big world. Nevertheless, before we march forward, I would like to remind graduates on two things:

Firstly, erect a flag in “the mountain of your heart”. Embrace a dream -- one that urges you forward. The famous Taiwanese writer Liu Yung’s aphorism which make reference to mountain-walking is well-received. “We can choose never to climb a mountain, but we must have a mountain in our hearts. It makes us constantly aim higher. It gives us the purpose to combat our current struggle. It gives us hope whenever one looks up.” It is true that only if there is a mountain in the heart, there is a goal. And then there is a reason to keep climbing. Nowadays, young people are not lack of goals and dreams of many kinds. But there are two kinds of propositions that are often criticized for good reasons. One is to talk about dreams without the power of execution. The other is an obsession with the end, or I should say, money at large. Young people should look inside, ask what they are passionate for, and then make small bets. Following the crowd is not wise, neither is daydreaming. One must implement plans and be down to earth; to make dreams come true. Setting long-term and short-term goals enable one to keep track of the hills one has peaked. Regardless of burden, sweat, exhaustion and difficulties, as long as you persist, you will eventually be able to climb to the peak like Du Fu. The majestic view awaits you there.

Second, you must learn to appreciate the scenery along the way. Be grateful to those who walk along and stand by you. Young people are often precipitate and impetuous in their pursuit. When it comes to making dreams come true, they are eager and often rush to reach the top as soon as they can. Supplementary to looking forward, one should also look around. When you are climbing, slow down occasionally. Appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way. Pause, and go; talk with the fellow travelers. One should steadily approach the pinnacle. There are ups and downs in life. The paths can be bending and winding. Sometimes fog blocks one’s view and the weather storms. The road is tough but fortunately, you have experienced fellow travelers guiding you through step by step. Looking back at your high school life, you should recall your class teachers who instruct you day in and out selflessly. Aren’t they experienced travelers who have guided you through a wire maze? Consider your parents, who lost sleep over you day and night. Are they the one who keep you well-nourished and well-prepared for challenges in adulthood? And so are classmates who share your interests and tears with you. You have people that expedite along with you to high mountains. The school supervisor wants graduates bear this old saying in mind to keep reminding yourselves while you are moving forward: when one drinks water, one must not forget where it comes from. Do not forget the teaching of your teacher, work hard to repay your parents who look after you restlessly and cherish the companionship of friends.

“If you want to see further, you must climb higher.” There are many peaks to conquer in life. Devote your life and enthusiasm to explore and adventure. Last but not least, I wish all graduates a bright prospect and tremendous success. I also wish that Wai Kiu College will continue to thrive and flourish. I will be glad to see Wai Kiu College carry on its half-century mission to cultivate character and make great minds, guiding more students in their pursuit for a fruitful and dignifying life, embracing another 50 years to come.