TNAG-0799-FCO40-1003-Dispute-over-closure-of-Precious-Blood-Golden-Jubilee-Second-1978 — Page 253

and asked to talk with her. The Principal refused to reply but just kept sile:.:

The students repeated their request as the Principal walked back to her office.

Some minor staff and clerical staff rushed out and pushed away the students,

Later the Principal accused the students of "surrounding and abusing" her.

64 On May 1, 1978, the Principal interviewed the parents of three students and

informed them of her decision to suspend their daughters from lessons for two

on the ground of their surrounding her and the deputy principal. weeks Later in the day, another student was suspended and three others warned,

65. In the evening of May 1, 1978, some parents, students and teachers sought help

from Mr Szeto Wah, President of the Professional Teachers' Union. In the

following day Mr Szeto went with the parents to the Unofficial Members of the

and the Education Dept Executive and Legislative Council (UMELCO)/to file their complaints, and Mr

Szeto tried to discuss the matter with the various parties concerned (the

Principal, the Management Committee, the Education Dept, ICAC and Rev. Joyce

Bennet, a councillor) to seek solution to the issue.

The Education Action Group and the ESAC had made similar efforts in the past.

66. On May 3, 1978, some students complained they were assaulted by a member of

the minor staff of the school. The matter reported to the Police. One such

case was txxxxx proven.

67. On May 3, 1978, Mr Lam, Acting Senior Assistant Director of Education, issued

a warning letter to Mr Szeto for absenting himself from his school. Mr Szeto

later described to the press that the warning letter was a threat from the

Education Dept without grounds.

68. On May 7, 1978, some parents, students and teachers gave a press conference

explaining their greivances and sought support from the public.

69 On May 8, 1978, xxxpar Miss Hilda Kwan, the Principal of the School gave

another press conference explaining her course of action.

In the afternoon of the same day, the Education Department issued a press

statement vowing full support to the Principal, Miss Kwan.