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22.
During the period between April and
June 1977, had the School management been prepared to
acknowledge greater moral responsibility, in addition
to its legal responsibility, to the student population
and had it been more forthcoming in its explanation as to
why a thorough disclosure on its part was impossible while
Police investigations were in progress, the feelings of
the students might not have been aroused to the extent that
they were. In this connection, it is pertinent to note that
whilst the students could not be blamed for their impatience
and sense of grievance, their teachers should have been
able to understand the position more clearly and they could
have better discharged their duties as teachers by helping
their students to take a more balanced view of the matter.
23.
Financial mismanagement and its disclosure therefore
were, in our view, the central polarizing factor which led to subsequent conflicts. The generally harmonious spirit of close co-operation, trust and unity of purpose which
existed between Sister Leung and the teachers were irreparably
damaged. With Sister Leung's abrupt and total withdrawal
from the School following her being questioned by Mr. Chan
Chung-ling and Ms Fan May-yung, a situation of confrontation
came into being with the School Management on the one hand
and the teachers and students on the other.
24.
Inspite of mitigating factors, the Precious
Blood Congregation as the School's sponsor with members of
its Congregation on the School Management Committee must
bear some of the responsibility for financial irregularities
at the School. However, in our view, the responsibility is
much greater in the case of Sister Beatrice Leung.
As well
/as
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