TNAG-0797-FCO40-1001-Policy-of-Government-of-Hong-Kong-on-education-1978 — Page 39

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STATEMENT ISSUED BY BISHOP JOHN BAPTIST WU OF HONG KONG

(MAY 17, 1978)

IT IS DEEPLY regretted that recent events of the Precious Blood Golden Jubilee School, have led to the closure of the School.

The School is a subsidized school and its operation is governed by the Education Ordinance.

The closure of the School was judged necessary by the authorities con- cerned when the life of the School was disrupted to such an extent that it was no longer possible for the School to function normally. Under such It is their circumstances the students are the ones who suffered most. welfare which is of paramount importance. For this reason, painful though it is, I support the decision of the Education Department and the unanimous conclusions reached by the School Management Committee. I do so in the realisation that arrangements have been or are being made for the students to continue their education under a re-organized set-up.

I will spare no efforts to see to it that the lessons of the recent events are learnt by all of us concerned with the future of education in Hong Kong.

For this reason I have entrusted the recently formed Hong Kong Catholic Board of Education with the task of studying in depth and reviewing the overall Catholic education policy in Hong Kong and finding ways and means of improving communications at all levels. I should also disclose that a proposal has been put forward, to which I give my full support, for the setting up of a Conciliation and Arbitration Board in the Diocese.

I take this opportunity to welcome the appointment by the Governor of a Committee of Inquiry consisting of respected members of the community who have not previously been involved in this matter. This, I hope, will provide an opportunity to all concerned to make constructive suggestions to assist the Committee in its task of making recommendations to the Governor in the interest of education in Hong Kong.

May 17, 1978.

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