30 September 2021

Dear Parents and Students,

Do you know the origin of Mid-Autumn Festival? Well, you have probably heard of the well-known saying "Chang'e flying to the moon." This is a myth about Hou Yi receiving an elixir from the Queen’s Mother. People who take this elixir can not only live forever, but can also rise to heaven to become an angel. On August 15th, Hou Yi went out with his followers. One of the followers pretended to be sick and stayed in for the night. He broke into Hou Yi's house and threatened his wife Chang'e to hand over the elixir. Chang'e swallowed the elixir in a hurry, then floated up and flew towards the moon. When Hou Yi returned, he could not find his wife. He rushed out the door to look for her, but only saw a moon in the sky, while his wife, Chang'e, was standing beside the laurel tree on the moon looking at him.

The myth of "Chang'e flying to the Moon" has inspired many scientists, leading them to conceive of the idea of lunar exploration. In 2004, Chinese scientists launched the "Chang'e Lunar Exploration Project". Chinese astronauts understand the moon from a scientific point of view, exploiting its resources and creating a new milestone in space exploration. Throughout China’s long history, Chinese people have made their dreams come true with perseverance and a pioneering spirit. The myth of "Flying to the Moon" is no longer a myth. We are proud to be Chinese, and I hope to encourage students not to underestimate their dreams, but to use their creativity, resilience and determination to strive towards their dreams and complete their own "Chang'e Project".

The COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong has gradually eased, and people enjoyed celebrating the recent Mid-Autumn Festival. On that night, I couldn't find "Chang'e flying to the Moon" when I looked up, but the bright full moon was in the sky with thousands of lanterns and beautiful scenery. Many celebratory events could be found this year, such as the Tai O Lantern Festival, the Victoria Garden Lantern Festival, the Kwun Tong Waterfront Park Mid-Autumn Moon Appreciation and the Garden Party. All were crowded, and families were reunited with joy.

Although many people think that "the moon in other countries is rounder", the Chinese understanding is that "the moon in the motherland is brighter". After the two-year pandemic, we can start to see the bright light at the end of the tunnel. In the Mid-Autumn Festival, citizens gathered together with relatives, took walks to look at the lanterns, looked up to the beautiful full moon and enjoyed the many moon cakes on offer. After the 2-year pandemic, it was extraordinary to see everyone together and it highlighted the value and importance of spending time with our family and having harmony within society. I cherish everything I have in Hong Kong, where we were born and raised. The Bible says "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, thank you in everything, because this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Let us learn to cherish, learn to be grateful, always be joyful, and strive to build good relationships with others so that Hong Kong will continue to be our paradise and a joyous place to live.


Best regards,
Constance Cheung
Principal



“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)