TNAG-0799-FCO40-1003-Dispute-over-closure-of-Precious-Blood-Golden-Jubilee-Second-1978 — Page 76

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to offer recommendations for the future. Our purview,

therefore, has included all relevant and significant developments

from the time when the School was established in 1973 to

the closure of the School on the 14th May 1978. However, in performing the task required by our Terms of Reference, we have identified, as we stated in paragraph 6(a) of the Interim Report, that the cause of discontent stemmed originally from the matter

of mismanagement of school funds. Therefore, our findings and

recommendations will reflect this fact; at the same

time, references will be made to related matters as and

when we consider appropriate. In addition, for the purpose of this Inquiry, Government schools are excluded as they are operated ·

under separate regulations.

II.

6.

Formation of the School and its early years

In order to view in a proper perspective the developments which had occurred from April 1977 to the closure of the School in May 1978, it is necessary to appreciate the situation which prevailed in the School since its establishment in September 1973.

The Precious Blood Golden Jubilee Secondary School

Whilst it

was sponsored by the Precious Blood Congregation. was a Roman Catholic School, the Hong Kong Catholic Mission did not have the same degree of direct authority over the School as other schools which came under the direct control of the

Diocese. The Precious Blood Congregation was given considerable

freedom in the operation of this School.

8.

Whilst the Precious Blood Congregation had had previous experience in the running of schools, there was a severe shortage of suitable and experienced personnel within the Congregation for the operation of a new secondary school on the scale of the Precious Blood Golden Jubilee Secondary School.

The

/Congregation