"As provided under the Codes of Aid. the Director of Education may direct an aided school to admit to that school as a pupil a child who is referred by him to fill an available vacant place where necessary."
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As a result of the increase in the daily quota for immigrants from China, a number of school-age children will be entering Hong Kong's education system each year. An administration circular calling on school heads to offer places and assistance to these children was issued this week.
Mr Lam reminded heads of schools to make use of the existing support services, such as school guidance and counselling services and remedial teaching to help immigrant pupils overcome learning difficulties and adjustment problems.
"As parents' co-operation and support are important, school heads are also encouraged to keep close contact with parents and inform them of what the schools are doing or trying to do for their children," he said.
The Services Division of the Education Department is available to provide resource classes, peripatetic teaching service, resource teaching centres and adjustment programmes to help those immigrant pupils who experience more serious learning difficulties and require intensive remedial services to help them cope with the curriculum.
Other existing support or assessment services provided by the Services Division will render assistance to those immigrant children with learning or behavioural difficulties and those with hearing, visual or speech problems.
The Education Department also runs an induction programme for new immigrant children from China through voluntary organisations to help those children who arrive at Hong Kong for less than six months adapt to the local social and school environment.
Mr Lam requested heads of schools to bring the attention of these pupils to such service and encourage them to make use of the service as far as possible.
Parents or guardians of immigrant children from China may approach district education offices of the Education Department for help. District education officers will continue to offer placement assistance to them and refer eligible children to schools for admission in accordance with the procedural guidelines.
End/Thursday, August 3, 1995