Founded in 1960 Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School stands before you a testament to dedication and growth. Doctor Wong Tak-hing a retired Canton physician and devout Christian poured her heart and a substantial $250000 into its creation. This was matched by a government grant. The school’s name itself tells a story. ‘Shiu’ and ‘Chi’ are taken from her parents’ names Wong Shiu-tuen and Lai Tan-chi a poignant tribute.
Phase I opened in January 1960. Classes began on February 8th. Eight classes were offered. These covered Chinese and Anglo-Chinese sections from junior middle to form three. The early days were busy. Rev WC Newbern and Rev AG Bollback of the Christian Alliance Mission served as supervisors. Mr Chan His-hsiang was the acting principal. The school management committee was reformed. Mr Wong Kwok-fong became supervisor and Mr Fung Yui-shiu the principal.
The school’s first Senior Middle 3 students took the Hong Kong Chinese Schools Certificate Examination in 1961. They graduated that July. Education reforms in the 1960s changed the educational landscape. A five-year secondary education became standard. Students now took exams in consecutive years. Despite this the school thrived. In 1965 they achieved a 92 percent pass rate for the Chinese exam and a 74 percent pass rate for the English exam.
Hong Kong’s booming population fueled a demand for education. Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School expanded. Phase II was completed in 1967. Phase III followed in 1971. The number of classes soared from 15 to 25 between 1965 and 1972. This included expanding the middle and Anglo-Chinese sections. Form 6 and 7 classes in Arts and Science were added.
The school continued to grow. Phase IV with its Tang Yuek-fan Sports Ground opened in 1984. Phase V added a new hall and special rooms in 1988. The Administration and Teaching Building represents Phase VI.
From 8 classes and 11 teachers to 29 classes and 60 teachers Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School has evolved. Over 30 clubs now flourish. The school has consistently provided holistic Christian education guided by its motto To serve and not to be served. The school’s enduring success is a testament to the vision of its founder the dedication of its leaders and the hard work of its teachers and students. It stands as a beacon of education in Hong Kong.