5-day Xi’an and Yan’an History and Culture Study Tour

From 13 to 17 March 2025, 34 of our Form 4 and 5 students took part in a 5-day history and culture study tour to Xi’an and Yan’an, funded by the Citizenship and Social Development (CSD) grant. The tour was designed to enhance students’ understanding of Chinese history and culture, while supporting the learning aims of the CSD curriculum—particularly in fostering a sense of national identity, civic responsibility, and appreciation for our country’s development.

Through visits to historical landmarks and revolutionary heritage sites, students were able to experience first hand the rich tapestry of China’s cultural legacy and reflect on the significance of historical events in shaping our nation today.

In Xi’an (西安), one of China’s ancient capitals, students visited iconic sites such as the Terra-Cotta Warriors Museum and Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (秦始皇兵馬俑和秦始皇帝陵博物院), where they observed the scale and sophistication of early imperial China. They explored the Xi’an Ming City Wall (西安明城牆), the Huaqinggong Relic Site (華清宮), and the Daming Palace National Heritage Park (大明宮國家遺址公園), deepening their understanding of urban planning, governance, and cultural life in ancient dynasties. In addition, students engaged with local customs and traditions through visits to Huimin Street (回民街) and the Tang Dynasty-inspired Datang Everbright City (大唐不夜城), gaining a more holistic view of cultural continuity and diversity in Chinese society.

In Yan’an (延安), students explored the cradle of modern Chinese revolutionary history. They visited the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall (延安革命紀念館), Wangjiaping Revolutionary Site (王家坪革命舊址), and Yangjialing Revolution Former Site (楊家嶺革命舊址), learning about the lives, ideals, and struggles of revolutionary leaders. These visits aligned with the CSD curriculum’s focus on understanding our nation's development and the importance of national unity.

The tour provided a meaningful and immersive learning experience beyond the classroom. It not only enriched students' knowledge of Chinese history and culture, but also strengthened their sense of belonging, identity, and civic awareness as members of the nation.

Celebrating 70 Years of Brotherhood: Alumni Voices Across Generations

As part of our 70th anniversary celebrations, we organized a memorable event on the afternoon of March 10, 2025, where three distinguished alumni shared their extraordinary experiences with our Form 2 students. Mr. Tim Chau (Class of 1998), Mr. Morris Lam (Class of 2003), and Mr. Jordon Cheng (Class of 2016) fondly recounted their invaluable experiences in Boy Scout training and service, alongside their mentors and peers.

Spanning more than three decades, the three alumni shared their collective memories being Scouts at SFXC, including the annual anniversary Scout Troop reunion gathering, which brings together over a hundred scouts across generations. They reminisced about their happy moments, such as setting up campfires, making bamboo scaffolding and mentoring new scouts, passing traditions from generation to generation. Their stories of camaraderie, resilience, and shared adventures vividly captured the essence of our anniversary theme: "Brotherhood: 70 Years and Beyond."

We are deeply grateful to our alumni for their inspiring participation and for truly exemplifying the spirit of lifelong brotherhood—the cornerstone of our school.

Third and Most Challenging Milestone of SFXC70 Breakthrough Activity

On March 1, we completed the third and most challenging section of our Breakthrough Activity: MacLehose Trail Challenge. A dedicated group of 15 students, three teachers, and one alumnus embarked on this demanding journey, covering approximately 20 kilometers in over eight hours.

 

The route included ascents up Needle Hill, Grassy Hill, and Tai Mo Shan, with a staggering elevation gain of more than 1,000 meters. Despite the difficulty, our students demonstrated remarkable determination and teamwork, ensuring that no team member was left behind. Their growth was evident in how they tackled the steep climbs and long distances.

 

The breathtaking views along the journey served as a well-earned reward for their perseverance, making every step worthwhile. Our team is now eagerly anticipating the final adventure, which will begin with an overnight stay at Brother’s Hostel in our school. We will then embark on an early morning hike to Shing Mun Reservoir, where we will join fellow Xaverians for a walkathon. This final leg will be particularly special, bringing our school community together as one family, truly embodying the spirit of our 70th anniversary celebration.

Second Milestone of SFXC70 Breakthrough Activity: MacLehose Trail Challenge

On February 24, we completed the second section of our Breakthrough Activity: MacLehose Trail Challenge. Eight students from Forms 1 to 5, along with four teachers and three professional trainers, embarked on this journey. We were especially honored to have Vice-Principal Mr. Ching and our alumnus Mr. Wong, the School Orienteering Team coach, join us.

The team covered an impressive distance of over 17 kilometers in six hours, conquering both Lion Rock and Beacon Hill with an elevation gain exceeding 450 meters. Building on their previous experience, the students demonstrated good improvement in both performance and teamwork.

A particularly meaningful addition to our journey was the Piety Recess Prayer Liturgy at St. Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery in Cheung Sha Wan. Led by our Marist Brothers Brother John and Brother Chin, we paid our respects at the Marist graveyard, where the Brothers who served and passed away in Hong Kong rest in peace. This solemn moment reminded us of their selfless dedication and reinforced our school’s enduring spirit: Once a Xaverian, always a Xaverian. Their legacy continues to inspire us to live lives of service and commitment to others.

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