10
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
10
A