Have you ever wondered about a school built beneath a residential block? Here at Po Yan Oblate Primary School, that unusual story unfolds. Po Yan Oblate Primary School, nestled in Wong Tai Sin, started its life in 1965 as Po Yan School. It was established by the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This school was unique. It was the first government-aided primary school in Hong Kong built as an annex to a public housing estate. Imagine attending classes in the shadow of your own apartment building. This setup reflects the urgent need for school places in the newly developed areas of Hong Kong at that time. Po Yan Oblate Primary School provided a much-needed educational opportunity for children in Wong Tai Sin and nearby villages.
Po Yan Oblate Primary School underwent a significant renovation in 2000. A new wing was added. The school was blessed and opened by Bishop Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, the Bishop of Hong Kong at the time. Reflecting the changing demographics and declining birth rate, the school transitioned from half-day to full-day operation between 2003 and 2007. Now, Po Yan Oblate Primary School is a full-day co-educational aided primary school. It caters to students from Primary 1 to Primary 6, conducting classes primarily in Chinese.
The original sponsoring body faced challenges managing the school due to limited human resources. Consequently, in 2011, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate took over the school’s management. The name officially changed to Po Yan Oblate Primary School. Today, Po Yan Oblate Primary School embraces a mix of teaching styles. Lower grades enjoy activity-based learning, while upper grades experience a traditional classroom setting. The school also maintains a sister-school relationship with Huifeng Academy in Huiyang, Guangdong. This partnership provides cross-cultural exchange opportunities for students. Po Yan Oblate Primary School stands as a testament to adapting to the evolving needs of the community, from its unique annex-style beginnings to its diverse modern curriculum.