Was it destiny or divine intervention? St. Francis’ Canossian School began its mission to Hong Kong’s children. It stands here today.
Let’s explore St. Francis’ Canossian School together. It is a place of learning and compassion. This esteemed institution has been shaping young minds since 1869.
In 1860 a small group of Canossian Sisters left their native Italy. They moved to Hong Kong for evangelism. They wanted to teach and care for the moral welfare of poor children in Wan Chai. In 1869 the Canossian Sisters took a house. They provided education with emphasis on moral growth. Self-respect was also taught to the poor. This was the beginning of St. Francis’ Canossian School. The Sisters also set up a hospital and orphanage. The Governor of Hong Kong visited the school. He was impressed. He invited the school to join the Grant-in-aid Scheme.
The school became a government establishment. It was one of the earliest Grant Schools in Hong Kong. The administration still belonged to the Canossian Daughters of Charity.
St. Francis’ Canossian School closed in 1941. This was due to the Japanese Occupation. The Sisters’ passion did not waver. After World War II ended in 1945 the school re-opened. It was named Sacred Heart Junior School. In 1953 it was renamed St. Francis’ Canossian College. Demand increased for school places. An expansion project began. Two extensions were completed in 1956 and 1958. The first team of Red Cross Youth Unit was established in 1956. It became one of the largest groups in Hong Kong.
To further fulfill needs St. Francis’ Canossian School introduced Form Six classes in 1962. It provided quality education from Primary One to Form Six. The hall building opened in 1985. It included a gymnasium and a library. There was also a needlework room and a cookery room.
Eventually only the school campus remained on Kennedy Road. The buildings on St. Francis Street were used as a convent. They were also used for Caritas Magdalene School. Caritas Magdalene School was redeveloped. It became the new campus for the primary section in 2007. The expansion finished in 2010. St. Francis’ redevelopment for the secondary section started in 2011. It finished in 2018.
St. Francis’ Canossian School is known for Veritas in Charitate. This means Live by the Truth in Love. The motto encourages Christian values. It promotes integrity, charity and compassion. St. Francis’ uniform policy is strict. Inspections are unannounced. The school has four houses. Students are assigned randomly. The houses compete throughout the year. The house with the highest score wins.
Many notable alumnae attended St. Francis’ Canossian School. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor was a student here. She became the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Laura Cha Shih May-lung also attended St. Francis’. She is a member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong. These women exemplify the school’s commitment to excellence.
Standing here you feel the rich history of St. Francis’ Canossian School. From humble beginnings it became a pillar. It embodies faith, knowledge and service.