Pooi To Middle School

Whispers of “Love, Integrity, Purity, and Perseverance” echo through the halls of Pooi To Middle School. These words, the school’s motto, have resonated here in Kowloon City, Hong Kong, since 1888. Pooi To Middle School isn’t just a school. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of education and faith. It stands as a beacon, reflecting over a century of history. Missionary Emma Young, sent by the Foreign Mission Board from the USA, first lit this beacon in Guangzhou. Her vision was to provide education and Christian teachings to girls, a revolutionary idea in a time when such opportunities were scarce. The first class, held on March 3, 1888, had only five students. Can you imagine the courage it took for those girls to attend? Pooi To Middle School continued to grow, even amidst adversity. Relocations became a recurring theme in its story. During World War II, the school’s journey took a dramatic turn. Following the Lugouqiao Incident, an air raid forced teachers and students to flee Guangzhou for Zhaoqing. They reopened the school with 75 students. Another move followed in 1938, this time to Hong Kong’s Kwong Wah Street. Then, in 1941, the war reached Hong Kong. Pooi To Middle School sought refuge in Macau. After the war ended in 1945, Pooi To Middle School returned to Guangzhou. A branch opened in Hong Kong, eventually finding a home at 37 Grampian Road in Kowloon City. This site housed both primary and secondary students. The journey didn’t end there. In 1952, Pooi To Middle School secured land on Inverness Road. The new campus, a testament to perseverance and community support, officially opened its doors. The Seventieth Anniversary Memorial Hall, added in 1959, further cemented the school’s presence. Today, Pooi To Middle School stands proudly on Inverness Road. It has witnessed remarkable achievements. Its students excel academically, consistently outperforming Hong Kong averages on standardized exams. They also shine in extracurricular activities, taking top honors in competitions like the Inter-School Athletics Competition and the Inter-School Swimming Competition. Pooi To Middle School’s commitment to bilingual education also sets it apart. The school fosters a unique “one form-one house” system. This system creates a sense of unity within each grade level as they compete in inter-school events. The school emblem, a four-leaf clover, symbolizes love, faith, hope, and blessing. The school badge, in red, yellow, and blue, represents passion, energy, and rationality. These symbols embody the spirit of Pooi To Middle School. Pooi To Middle School isn’t just an educational institution. It’s a living story of perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to empowering young women.