School History
Established in 1901 |
The original address of YMCA was a rented space upstairs of No. 27 Des Voeux Road Central, Siberian Fur Store. During the early stage, bilingual Religion classes were taught in the club which was the predecessor of the school. Therefore historically, the school could be said to be founded at the same time as the Association.
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Foundation of school in 1908 |
Named YMCA Chinese School, it was set up on the 4th Floor of No. 26 Des Voeux Road, Central. Apart from Chinese, English and other subjects were also taught. Attaching equal importance to both Chinese and English was the major objective of the school and a consistent tradition over several decades until today.
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1913 |
Relocated to Bridges Street, the school rented the Ground Floor of the China Congregational Church as its campus.
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1919 |
Owing to insufficient light, the school moved into the students’ dormitory across the street. Later, as the name “Chinese School” was not representative of the school’s objective of bilingual education, “YMCA Day School” was used to correspond to the night school during the early stage. The curriculum of the day school followed the same structure similar to primary schools in China, having seven grades. Grades 1 to 4 were called “National School” while Grades 5 to 7 was called “Senior Primary School”. After graduation, the curriculum was able to link up with that offered by English colleges or Chinese secondary schools in Hong Kong in general.
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1931 |
Following the institutional restructuring of primary schools in China, the school abolished the curriculum of “National School” and “Senior Primary School” and changed to full primary school with six grades.
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1942 |
Owing to the outbreak of the Pacific War, the school ceased operation for a period of three years.
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Until 1945 |
When the war was over, the primary school re-opened and expanded to three years of secondary school.
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1956 – 1961 |
For some reason, the secondary school had to close down, leaving only the six-year primary school.
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1961 |
On its 60th Anniversary, the Hong Kong YMCA initiated four construction projects, in addition to massive celebrations.
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25th March, 1961 |
Laying of the foundation stone of the new YMCA campus by the wife of the Acting Colonial Secretary
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November, 1961 |
Completion of the new campus
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9th February, 1962 |
Opening Ceremony for the new school by Mr. Peter Donohue, former Head of Education Department. The first Principal was Rev. Ho Sai Ming.
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September, 1977 |
The second Principal, Mr. San Siu Kan, assumed office.
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November, 1987 |
The third Principal, Mr. Chan Joe-Chak, assumed office.
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September, 2000 |
Relocated to Tin Shui Wai and enrolled students from Secondary 1 to Secondary 6. As the new campus was not ready by the time, the school rented space from YLPMSAA Tang Siu Tong Secondary School. The former campus of Sheung Wan operated until students graduated after completing all their courses.
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2nd January, 2001 |
The new campus in Tin Shui Wai was officially opened.
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17th November, 2001 |
In celebration of the 100th anniversary, YMCA decided to hold the opening ceremony of the three schools of YMCA Secondary School, Primary School and Kindergarten on 17th November, 2001. Former Director of Education Department, Mr. Matthew Cheung Kin-Chung, GBS, JP, was invited to officiate the unveiling ceremony and distinguished guests included the Director of YMCA, Mr. Simon P.K. Sit; Chairman of the Board of YMCA Secondary and Primary schools, Dr. Cheng Hon-Kwan; Secretary-General of YMCA, Dr. Yick Kar Lim; Chairman of Board of YMCA Kindergarten, Dr. Kwok Man-Cho and Association Pastor, Rev. Chan Yu Ping. In addition to student and teacher representatives from the three schools, there were senior officers of the Education Department, Board Members of YMCA and friends, Principals of other schools, as well as parents and friends from the education sector who constituted a scene of great momentum and exuberance. At the end of the ceremony, three students from YMCA Secondary School, Primary School and Kindergarten held hands with students from various groups to link the three schools which symbolized that YMCA would promote the “one-stop” educational mode. It was also a milestone as we entered a new century. Therefore, 17th November was dedicated as the Anniversary Day of our school.
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24th April, 2004 |
The Farewell Ceremony for the Sheung Wan campus was officiated by Chancellor Dr. Samuel Loi and Principal Chan Joe-Chak during which Chancellor Loi announced the completion of its historical mission. After the ceremony, the Chancellor, Principal and Alumni visited the new campus in Tin Shui Wai.
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During 2005 – 2007 |
In order to adapt to Hong Kong’s education reform, the school applied to be a Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) school and succeeded in 2007.
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September 2008 |
The school officially implemented quality DSS Christian education for students with the belief of inspiring life with love.
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September 2011 |
The fourth Principal, Mr. Dennis Chan, assumed office.
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