“Via, Veritas, Vita” whispers the motto etched above the entrance. It means “The Way, The Truth, and The Life”. We stand before Sacred Heart Canossian School a place steeped in history and tradition.
Sacred Heart Canossian School began as the Italian Convent School. It started in 1860 with just 40 students. The Canossian Daughters of Charity founded it. They are a Roman Catholic religious order. Marchioness Magdalene of Canossa from Italy founded the order. She is now Saint Magdalene of Canossa.
The school taught Chinese, English, and Portuguese to its first students. Sister Emily Bowring was the first headmistress. She was the daughter of Sir John Bowring. He was the fourth Governor of Hong Kong.
The school’s name later changed to Sacred Heart School. This honored the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1960, it officially became Sacred Heart Canossian College.
Sacred Heart Canossian College is more than just a school. It embodies integrity. It values moral and religious principles. The school promotes versatility. It encourages students to grow. Charity in humility is key. Students learn to love, care, and serve others.
Originally, Sacred Heart Canossian College occupied a large area. It stretched from Robinson Road to Caine Road. This was in Mid-Levels, an affluent area of Hong Kong. Many students came from middle-class families. Parents working for the Hong Kong Government often chose this school.
In 1981, the secondary section moved to Pokfulam. The primary section stayed at Robinson Road. Later, the primary section moved temporarily. It returned to Caine Road in 1992. The primary school then became Sacred Heart Canossian School Private Section.
The school has expanded over the years. In 2006, the St Magdalene Block was built. It includes a video conference room. It also features a self-access learning center and a campus TV studio.
Sacred Heart Canossian School boasts impressive facilities. There are 38 classrooms. Science laboratories also exist. Students enjoy a multi-media learning centre. Visual arts rooms inspire creativity. Computer rooms support digital learning. A library with a German corner encourages reading. A chapel offers a space for reflection.
The school is known for excellence in many areas. These include discipline and languages. Arts, dance, music and sports thrive here.
Many graduates attend top universities. These include Oxford, McGill and Columbia. Others attend Cambridge, Chicago and London universities. Still others study at the University of British Columbia, MIT and the University of Melbourne.
Sacred Heart Canossian School has many notable alumni. Anson Chan was the Chief Secretary for Administration of Hong Kong. Elsie Leung was the Secretary for Justice.
The six houses are named after famous women. They include Bronte, Curie and Keller. Nightingale, Pankhurst and Teresa are also honored. Students are assigned to these houses.
Sacred Heart Canossian School has a rich history. It is a place of learning and growth. The school continues to uphold its values. It prepares young women for the future.
As we leave Sacred Heart Canossian School remember its motto. “The Way, The Truth, and The Life” guides its students. It inspires them to make a difference in the world.