Sunday, 22 December 2013

Financial Summary of Reunion Activities

Financial Summary of Reunion Activities


Dear All

This is a summary financial report of the reunion activities. It is in two parts, the donation exercise and expenses for the dinner.

Part I Donation
We have passed on a cheque for HKD550,000 to the School and received a formal acknowledgement from the Principal. Please see attached. The account at HSBC has been closed. If the donor requested anonymity, we have complied and we only have one such case. None of the others did so. On the other hand if you wish to obtain a formal receipt from the School for tax reduction, please let us know by the end of the year, otherwise we shall treat the matter as closed.

According to our record, this is the situation.
Bertram Hui $78,000 (US$10,000)
John Liu Wai Tze $10,000
Anonymous $50,000
NK Tsien $20,000
Jerry Chung $50,000
Francis Ho $50,000
Kenny Ip $20,000
Patrick Leung $50,000
Marcellin Shi $5,000
William Wong $10,000
Charles Wong $78,000
Lawrence Heung $10,000
Francis Cheung $5,000
Peter Lee $5,000
Dicky Yip $80,000
Andrew Lee $10,000
John Ying $10,000
The total comes to $541,000 or $540,148.95 to be exact

Part II Reunion Dinner
We booked for 36 heads of which five were invited guests. Total bill of American Club came to $26,500 for 36 buffet dinners, corkage, additional drinks and $320 for tips. Other expenses were banners $305, souvenir mugs $2,870 and their transport $195 to the Club. The photography was quoted for $500 and it turned out to be $1,500 or $500 per hour, a misunderstanding on the part of Charles Wong and he covered for it from his own pocket. So total expenses was $30,370 with photography staying at $500. There were 29 who paid up for the dinner yielding a total income of $29,000, so there was a shortfall of $1,370. Copies of such invoices are available on requests.

Balancing
So we have a shortfall of $11,221.05 ($9852.05 from donation and $1,370 from dinner) from Part I and II, it was decided that Jason, Jerry and Charles would each cover for $2,500 while Dicky has generously covered the remaining $3,721.05.

This concludes the summary report. We are happy to entertain questions and requests for soft copy of the bank statements or other records.

Organising Committee
Jason Siu, Jerry Chung, Dicky Yip, Charles Wong

Friday, 1 November 2013

Sixteen Year Olds









Sixteen Year Olds

Br Joseph gave me a few photos taken in 1961, that means we were 16-years old at the time. I have asked Andrew Cheng to identify the classmates in there because he featured prominently in them which he graciously did.














Wednesday, 30 October 2013

Hike to Long Ke Beach Sat 2 Nov

Hike to Long Ke Beach Sat 2 Nov 
in charge: Francis Ho 5649 8686

Rendezvous
Sai Kung Bus Terminus at 10 am

How to get to Sai Kung Bus Terminus?
Take MTR to Diamond Hill MTR Station; go to Bus Terminus there and take Bus No. 92 which will take you to Sai Kung Bus Terminus, our rendezvous point.

What to bring?
Hat for sun shade, sun glasses to cut off glare, comfortable sports shoes for short walks, bottled water for your thirst, snack for your lunch, swimming trunk and towel if you fancy taking a dip in Long Ke Wan.

What do we do?
After assembly at Sai Kung Bus Terminus, every five persons to share the cost for a HK $135 taxi ride to East Dam. There we will take a leisurely walk in the geological park and look at some fascinating rock structures. Then another short walk to see Long Ke Beach. For those more adventurous, they can walk down the slope to the beach. Later, on return to Sai Kung Bus Terminus by taxi, we can have afternoon tea or fish and chips and a draft beer at the waterfront or even a full-fledged seafood dinner. Estimated time of returning to Sai Kung is about 4 pm.

If you want to join, please call Ho Hong Wai at 5649 8686 so we know you are coming and wait for your appearance at Sai Kung Bus Terminus.

Friday, 25 October 2013

Interviews

Interviews of classmates and Br Joseph Chang

John Ying video interview

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6fIFSpSjL4

Hok-lin video interview Part1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS2BnldnVrM

Hok-lin video interview Part2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnbb7eeELdw

Audio interview with Bertram Hui 2003 (40th Anniversary)
http://www.yourlisten.com/channel/content/16974588/SFXClass63%20Bertram%20Hui

Video interview with Dicky Yip on 28 May 2013
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdcj0tGtwqk

Interview with Br Joseph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAYcQxKzh8I

Interview with William Wong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yfSUqAlURo

Thursday, 24 October 2013

Donation Final Appeal

SFX Class 63, 50th Anniversary
Final Appeal for Donation


We are rushing towards the finishing line. So this is the final appeal and the rare last opportunity for all of us to contribute together to our mother school where we spent so many happy days and departed 50 years ago. 

We will be closing the bank account shortly after 8 November 2013 and transfer the funds to the School.  Our classmate, William Wang, who serves on the Management Committee of the School, has confirmed that contrary to speculation, the money we gather is much in need and most welcomed by the School. Scholarship for those with high merits and those in financial needs are both meaningful. There will be four ANNUAL scholarships of $5,000 each.The more money we are able to collect, the longer the scholarship can carry on. It will be known as SFX Class of 63 Scholarship.

Since our last newsletter when the figure was around $270K, we have received from $20,000 from Kenny Ip, $5,000 from Marcellin Shi and a pledge of $50,000 from Patrick Leung which brings the running total of nine contributors and amount of $340K or still about $150K short of our target of $500K. There is no minimum contribution as such, just chip in whatever you can and it will be much appreciated.

Bank/Branch HSBC, 1 Queen’s Road, Central, HK

Account No. 510-812654-292, Name: Yip Dicky, Peter

Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Dim Sum & Big Buddha Fri 1 Nov

Dim Sum and Big Buddha (optional)
Friday, 1 November 2013

Six classmates turned up for the dim sum


Back: Cliff Choi, William Wong, Marcellin Shi
Front: Edwin So, Charles Wong, Jerry Chung
















The dim sum will take place at Chinese Restaurant of Regal Hotel Hong Kong, the former location of Hoover Cinema in Causeway Bay 11:30 am.
88 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, please see map below. Booking of table by Jerry Chung, mobile phone 6309 1505. Those wishing to join Big Buddha directly, or need further info, please contact Edwin So at 5192 4462.


Please come to dim sum even though you may not intend to visit Big Buddha and vice versa. A good opportunity for those who arrived early from abroad to meet each other and locals.


Regal Hong Kong Hotel

















Noon lunch dictates starting time from cable car terminal around 2 pm (optimistically). It will be one way (going to Lantau Island) on the cable car; coming back will be by bus, making flexible return time.  The day's activities can be structured or otherwise


Optional trip to see Tian Tan Buddha via Ngong Ping 360 cable car.  

Attractions available


  • Walking with Buddha multimedia show (?)
  • Tian Tan Buddha
  • Po Lin Monastery
  • Ngong Ping Village
  • Po Lin Monastery
  • Wisdom Path

Ngong Ping 360
http://www.np360.com.hk/en/about-np360/index.html
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (weekend to 6:30pm)
How to get there: MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, walk a few min. to Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal, 25 min cable car ride to Ngong Ping Plateau, alighting close to Ngong Ping Village.

Newsletter 6
















SFX Class of 63, 50th Anniversary
Newsletter 6

We now have details for the reunion dinner, School Visit, Dim Sum and visit to Big Buddha on 1 November 2013.

School Visit
Each and everyone is encouraged to participate in the School Visit on Thu 7 November around noon when the group of us will appear on balcony of SFXC with the Principal in front of the afternoon assembly. We will  show present day students that we treasure our experience at the School and we do not forget, even after 50 years.

Communication
A new Blog with a Landing Page (Home Page) has been set up for the occasion. Each individual event will has it own page as well as previous newsletters. For information about the Reunion dinner click on its link on the Landing Page. The pages will be updated regularly. Contact details are in the Contact List including the email addresses and mobile phone number of the four organisers.

I urge you to take a look at the Landing Page now and bookmark it for future use.

Please register for the events now (except for the Reunion Dinner which we assume that you will be attending).

Please tell us which event you wish to attend by sending us an email to charles@wongz.com or whatsapp +852 9017 8811.


Attendance List

Old Boys:

2. Andrew Cheng 鄭榮輝/Gloria
3. Francis Cheung 張燦林
4. Daniel Chi 池重華
5. Cliff Choi 蔡継光
6. Chung Wing Sang 鍾榮生
7. Victor Fu 博蔭凱
8. Lawrence Heung 香家發
9. Francis Ho 何康偉
10. Sammy Ho 何宇珊
11. Bertram Hui 許可為
12. Kenny Ip 葉昇平
13. Philip Kwan 關建成
14. Vincent Kwong 鄺沃湘
15. Andrew Lee 李敏之
16. Joe Lee 李浩南
17. Lee Kai Fun 李啓勳
18. Peter Lee 李崇德
19. John Leung 梁鶴年
20. Patrick Leung 梁季熙
21. Lui 呂達勤
22. Paul Lun 倫永嘉
23. Marcellin Shi 施蘇拯
24. Jason Siu 蕭樹棠
25. Edwin So 蘇釗元
26. Tsien Nai Kun 錢乃昆
27. Charles Wong 黃傑雄
28. William Wong 黃耀廷
29. Benny Wong 黃燦佳
30. John Ying 應啓新
32. Dicky Yip 葉迪奇/Cecilia
33. Peter Zunn 陳根寶
34. Pat Ho 賀英

Guests:

35. Bro. Joseph Chang
36. Kenneth Mok (1st VP-SFXC Alumni Association)
37. Bro John
38. SFXC Principal

39. Photographer:Michael Mok

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

School Visit Thu 7 Nov

Thu, 7 November 2013 School Visit

Everyone is urged to attend.


For easy assembly, we will have dim sum 11:30 am at Gold Beauty Star Restaurant 金麗星酒家 
太子塘尾道197-199號好世界洋樓地下及2










Our classmate, William Wong, formerly Deputy Principal and now serves on the School Board is in charge of this event. His mobile phone number is 9120 0741. Please phone him if you need assistance. Table booked under the name Mr Wong of SFXC. We walk over to the School at 1:40pm. Afternoon School Assembly will take place at 1:55pm, we will appear on the 1/F balcony with the Principal. Will visit the Brothers and do a School Tour later. I suggest we should all go to this event. Going back together after 50 years is good for the students as well as ourselves.












The restaurant is not far from the School (Maple and Sycamore St) as you can see.


Landing Page


















SFX Class 63, 50th Anniversary and Reunion
Landing Page

On this page, you will find the links to all previous newsletters, events and their notices, contacts and attendance list on the top right of this page under Blog Archive. It would be a good idea to bookmark this page because you may need to come back quite a few times. Each of the events pages will also be updated regularly.

Events
Thu, 31 Oct, Helicopter Ride 3-5pm weather permitting
Fri, 1 Nov, BBQ organised by official SFX Alumni
Wed, 6 Nov, Helicopter Ride 9-11am weather permitting
Sat, 9 Nov, Hike from Siu Ho Wan to Mui Wo
Mon, 11 Nov, Dim Sum with optional visit to Ocean Park

Newsletters
Issue 1 28 Feb 2013
Issue 2 22 Mar 2013
Issue 3 14 May 2013
Issue 4 4 Oct 2013
Issue 5 16 Oct 2013
Issue 6 25 Oct 2013

Interviews of classmates and Br Joseph Chang 
List of contacts
Attendance List

Reunion Dinner Fri 8 Nov

SFX Class 63, 50th Anniversary of Graduation
Reunion Dinner, 8 Nov 2013


Friday 7pm American Club, 49/F, (Entrance 48/F) Two Exchange Square, Central

Western Style Buffet Dinner HK$1,000 each head, will donate to the School for whatever is left after expenses for the evening. Spouses are welcomed. Money will be collected on entry at the reception. Jason Siu in charge. No separate charge for soft drinks. Victor Fu has kindly offered to furnish the supply of table wine.

Just learned that there is another 50th Anniversary Reunion dinner on the 48/F the same night. Either King's or Queen's College. Please look for the sign that says SFX Class 63 and on the 49/F. The dinning venus is known as Forty-niner.

Will have name tags in case we do not recognise much changed faces.

Have invited Br Joseph Chang, current Principal and President of SFX Alumni to attend. The Principal can make it, the Chairman cannot attend, his mother's birthday is on that day, the Vice President, Kenneth Mok will attend in his place. The new Superior Br John will accompany Br Joseph to our dinner.

Will have a horizontal and vertical banners SFX Class of 63: 50th Anniversary for photography.

Have a dedicated photographer to take pictures, these will be available free for download on Internet a few days later.

Dress code, smart casual, minimum formalities with short remarks from Br Joseph et al. Singing of School Song to be led by John Ying. Br Joseph will lead us to say grace.

We will spend time to remember teachers and classmates who have departed.

Newsletter 5

SFX Class63, 50th Anniversary
Newsletter 5

Schedule of events (updated 16 Oct 2013)
Thu, 31 Oct, Helicopter Ride 3-5pm weather permitting
Fri, 1 Nov, Dim Sum with optional visit to Big Buddha
Fri, 1 Nov, BBQ organised by official SFX Alumni
Sat, 2 Nov, Short Hike to East Dam High Island Reservoir to Long Ke Beach
Wed, 6 Nov, Helicopter Ride 9-11am weather permitting
Thu, 7 Nov, School Visit
Fri, 8 Nov, Reunion Dinner
Sat, 9 Nov, Hike from Siu Ho Wan to Mui Wo
Mon, 11 Nov, Dim Sum with optional visit to Ocean Park

Donation
We have less than one month to go before the reunion and we have received $20K from Kenny Ip last week. This bring the running total to $290,000 and we are still some distance from our target of $500K. We understand many of you have expressed the intention to donate, well this is the moment to take action rather than to leave it to until the reunion dinner. Please contact one of us or deposit directly as soon as possible to bring this to a successful closure. HSBC account 510-812654-292, A/C Name: Yip Dicky, Peter/Chung Wing Sang/Siu Shu Tong/Wong Kit Hung, Charles. Any one name will suffice.

Helicopter Ride
Dicky has confirmed that the rides are to go ahead, maximum 3 passengers, registration on a first come first serve basis by email starting now, yourself (plus one family member max)

The Dim Sum sessions on 1 and 11 November are pre-reunion and post-reunion get togethers.

Andrew Cheng is gathering classmates to go to the official SFX Alumni BBQ on 1 Nov, please contact him chengwf@bigpond.com if you are interested. It will take place at SFXC starting 7pm.

Received an invitation from the current Principal who asked us to nominate one or more of us to be speaker(s) in the School morning assembly.

Reunion Dinner Friday 7pm 8 Nov 2013 American Club, 49/F, (Entrance 48/F) Two Exchange Square, Central, smart casual dress code.

We have intervewed Bro Joseph Chang, the video is available from YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAYcQxKzh8I

Jerry Chung wants to invite Bro Gregory or Hans to come to our reunion, but he decided to come back for the SFXC 60th Anniversary next year instead.


cwsjerry@gmail.com
dickypyip@yahoo.com
jpalsiu@hotmail.com
charles@wongz.com




Newsletter 4

SFX Class63, 50th Anniversary
Newsletter 4


Schedule of events

Thu, 31 Oct, Helicopter Ride to be confirmed
Fri, 1 Nov, Dim Sum with optional visit to Big Buddha
Sat, 2 Nov, Hike to High Island Reservoir
Wed, 6 Nov, Helicopter Ride tbc
Thu, 7 Nov, School Visit
Fri, 8 Nov, Reunion Dinner
Sat, 9 Nov, Hike to Siu Ho Wan
Mon, 11 Nov, Dim Sum with optional visit to Ocean Park

The Dim Sum sessions on 1 and 11 November are pre-reunion and post-reunion get togethers for those arriving early or leaving late from abroad and those local to get better re-acquainted with each other.

More details for the above events will be released later. We have the following for the reunion dinner.

Reunion Dinner Friday 7pm 8 Nov 2013 American Club, 49/F, (Entrance 48/F) Two Exchange Square, Central

Western Style Buffet Dinner HK$1,000 each head, will donate to the School for whatever left after expenses for the evening
Will have name tags in case we do not recognise much changed faces
Have invited Br Joseph Chang, current Principal and Chairman of SFX Alumni to attend
Will have banner/backdrop with wording SFX Class63: 50th Anniversary for photography
Have dedicated photographer to take pictures, will be available free for download on Internet a few days later
Donation to School will still be accepted that night, donation so far over $270,000 after Ho Hong Wai and Jerry Chung have each chipped in $50K.
Dress code, smart casual, minimum formalities with short remarks from Br Joseph et al, Leung Hok-Lin suggested School Song
Remembering teachers and classmates who have departed
Thanks for the input from many classmates, suggestions still welcomed

Video interview with Dicky Yip on 28 May 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdcj0tGtwqk
Audio interview with Bertram Hui 2003 (40th Anniversary)
http://yourlisten.com/wongcharles/sfxclass63-bertram-hui




Thursday, 10 October 2013

Newsletter 3

SFX Class of 63
50th Anniversary Newsletter 3, 14 May 2013

It is now the middle of May, about six months away from our get together on Friday, 8 November 2014. We are happy to report progress on a number of fronts.

Your Classmates: 50 years on
Leung Hok-Lin and John Ying were interviewed by Jerry Chung in March. Jerry wote:

Leung Hok-Lin




















It was not exactly the kind of interview you watch on TV. It was more like a chat between friends. It must be the most unprofessional interviewee you have ever come across.

I first met Hok-Lin in 1958 in SFX Form 1E but our friendship only started in Form 4A when our Form master, Bro. Leo asked us to join the Student Press of the English Catholic Sunday Examiner. Travelling by ferry to Hong Kong Island together once a month gave us an opportunity to cement our friendship.

When both of us went scouting around the Shamshuipo district searching for caterers and comparing prices for our graduation dinner in the summer of 1963, I realized then that Hok-Lin was more mature, all-rounded and street-smarter than many of our classmates.

Nothing he said in the interview was news to me cause after leaving school we were in constant contact. Even in England and later in Canada, we were able to see each other from time to time.

Quite a number of us participated in Bro. Gregory’s play the Absent-minded Professor with Hok-Lin assuming the leading role. In real life, he turned into a professor and none of us expected anything less cause he was always been the top of the class. What I admire about him is his continuous and consistent strive to achieve his ideals. In his early years working as an architect, he said a lot of his contemporaries had ideals but most of them wanted to make their fortune first and fulfill their dreams later. But he told me that following this road would distract him and might cause him to wander off into other directions. So, Hok-Lin chose to be an academic and raised four sons in Kingston, Canada with neither a TV set nor a motor vehicle for the family but none of the family member felt deprived. Not difficult to understand why one of Hok-Lin’s favourite songs is The Impossible Dream.

I wish to add that Hok-Lin is also very perceptive and here are two examples:

1. In 1972, when he was working in an architectural firm and I was working in the Lands Dept., it so happened that I had to prepare some documents relating to a piece of property which his firm was handling for a company. I told him about it and in passing he mentioned that in future, I should give some attention to the CEO of this company. He said this CEO was an extraordinary person. Since then I followed the news of this company, how it went public and the various deals that CEO made. According to Forbes, the CEO is now the richest Chinese on earth.

2. Hok-Lin and I have a mutual acquaintance/friend and many years ago he said this friend of ours would be like the main character in a Greek tragedy. Unfortunately, it turns out to be the case. Despite his wealth and intelligence, this ‘friend’ of ours has been suffering a lot in the last 20 years.

Hok-Lin mentioned last year to me that he feels I am a man of faith. I forgot to ask him to elaborate. It could mean that I’m an optimist or a person who believes everything or better still, one who will go to heaven one day. Hope his perceptive track record stays with the last meaning.

Those of you who are curious and want to know more about Hok-Lin and the title of the books he had written, you can ‘google’ him.

In the interview, Hok-Lin mentioned that his eldest son has a kind of sickness called Tourette’s syndrome. I knew it a long time ago but I had no idea how difficult and painful it was for the parents until my own grandchild was suspected to be inflicted with the same. Hok-Lin and his wife Lora have been praying for us since. For those of us who pray, please keep Hok-Lin’s family in your prayer too.

Hok-Lin, Lora and their four sons (left to right) Fok-Shuen (3rd), Fok-Jee (4th), Fok-Yan (eldest), Fok-Han (2nd)

Hok-Lin, Lora and their nine grandchildren























Hok-Lin’s BIG family: sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren





























John Ying






















I first met John when we studied in Primary 6 of Tak Sun Anglo Chinese School. SFX admitted quite a number of boys from this school. Among them were Peter Tsu, George Chang, John Lam, Anthony Luk, Edwin So and Dicky Yip. John Ying Kai Sun had little in common with me. He played football and sang in the Church choir and I didn’t. That’s why our friendship didn’t start till we were in Form 5A when both of us joined John Lam to attend daily morning mass at the Rosary Church, Chatham Road.

After graduation, a number of us including John Ying volunteered to teach SFX Sunday school. The volunteers were later rewarded with a weekend camp at the Clear Water Bay Church. It was specifically there that I noticed that John always believed every word I said even when everyone else knew I was joking. Of course, John is no fool but he has a heart of gold. He always shakes his head in disbelief when he is not happy with a situation but in the end he breaks into a nice and happy smile.

John is good with numbers especially bookkeeping. No wonder he chose accountancy as his career.

He is also an optimist and loves games of chance. Before immigrating to the States, he always made himself available when called upon to play mahjong or bridge.

After leaving Hong Kong for more than 30 years, John is still a lovable character and smiles a lot. He told me that at this point in his life, he hopes to spend a lot of quality time with his wife. I wish him and his wife the best of luck and good health in the years to come.

Many thanks to Hok-Lin and John. Next up: Dicky Yip

Watching or listening to the interview. Most of you have experience with YouTube, so click the appropriate link below to watch it. The video was recorded in High Definition but you can switch to lower definition if required. Each of the video clips is over twenty minutes long. If you rather listen to the interview instead, you can do so if you have Flash installed in your browser (normally present). The audio track links generally do not work with smartphones or tablets because Flash is required.

Hok-lin video interview Part1
To play the audio track of the video interview with Flash
Hok-lin video interview Part2
To play the audio track of the video interview with Flash

John Ying video interview
To play the audio track of the video interview with Flash

Donation
On the donation front, we have an additional HK$20,000 from NK Tsien. A copy of the bank statement dated 20 April 2013 is attached for your reference. So come on don’t be shy, let the account be flooded with your donations.


Dinner at the American Club on Friday 8 November
We have a confirmed booking for the Coffee Shop (on 49th Floor) of the American Club at Exchange Square II for a western style buffet dinner. Such an arrangement will facilitate people moving around and to interact with others while we eat. We will have the venue to ourselves. We expect some to come with their spouses, please let Jason know if you plan to do so.

Class Album
The class album was replicated in printed form and distributed when we had our 40th Anniversary. An Adobe Acrobat or pdf version has now been produced from the scanning ten years ago. You can download from this link.


















Email contacts:
Jason Siu             jpalsiu@hotmail.com
Charles Wong     charles@wongz.com
Dicky Yip            dickypyip@yahoo.com
Jerry Chung        cwsjerry@gmail.com