DGS snatches victory in A Grade Inter-school Badminton Competition (30 November 2025)
On 30 November, the Badminton Team performed spectacularly in the A Grade Inter School Badminton Competition. It was a nerve-biting and harrowing game, with the team clinching a decisive 3-2 victory to secure the A Grade Championship title. Their tenacity and teamwork truly exemplify the DGS spirit; we are immensely proud of them and we thank their coaches and fans for their support and encouragement.&nbsp;
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1765352810136" width="450" height="300"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1765352821422" width="450" height="300">

DGS snatches victory in A Grade Inter-school Badminton Competition (30 November 2025)

<h3>The 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest Study Tour (26 July &ndash; 3 August 2025)</h3>
Four Secondary 3-4 representatives from our school participated in the 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest and achieved encouraging results, receiving a 9-day study tour to Beijing and Shandong as an award. This journey offered eye-opening experiences of cultural exploration, traversing ancient and modern times while seamlessly integrating humanity and technology.
We arrived in Beijing Capital International Airport in the afternoon on 26 July. Our journey began at the very heart of Chinese diplomacy. At the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse (釣魚台國賓館), we witnessed the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western landscape architecture and building styles. More significantly, we gained a deep appreciation for the historical significance of the development of New China&rsquo;s diplomacy embodied in the structures. Our subsequent visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外交部) included the opportunity to observe a regular press briefing. The spokesperson Mr Guo Jiakun&rsquo;s (郭嘉昆) composure, coupled with the sincere sharing by young diplomats, transformed the concept of &ldquo;major-country diplomacy&rdquo; (大國外交) from an abstraction into a tangible experience of the rigorous professionalism behind it.
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Beyond diplomacy, this journey led us to explore both the foundations of Chinese civilization and its dynamic contemporary development. At the National Museum of China (中國國家博物館), we were awestruck by its collection of over 1.4 million precious artifacts. From the dignified grandeur of bronze to the serene elegance of porcelain, each piece unveiled for us the mysteries of China&rsquo;s time-honoured history. Within the solemn halls of the Museum of the Communist Party of China (中國共產黨歷史展覽館), we observed a wealth of historical documents and artifacts demonstrating a spirit of unity and resoluteness. Simultaneously, our visit to the Xiaomi Auto Super Factory (小米汽車超級工廠) showcased the perfect integration of fully automated production lines and cutting-edge technology, demonstrating the immense future potential of &ldquo;Made in China.&rdquo;
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126431" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250726_173141.jpg" width="533" height="300">&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126369" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250728_091824(1).jpg" width="228" height="300">
Traveling south from the capital Beijing to Shandong Province, the landscape and experiences shifted. In Jinan, we were enchanted by the poetic scenery of Daming Lake (大明湖), and activities like stone rubbing (拓印) and Hanfu dressing (漢服體驗) transported us across time, allowing us to experience first-hand the refined pastimes of ancient scholars. At the Temple and Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion in Qufu (孔廟、孔林、孔府), we delved into the essence of Confucian thought (儒家思想), marvelling at the wisdom of the ancient sages. Two spectacular immersive theatrical performances brilliantly fused history and drama, delivering dazzling artistic enjoyment.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126429" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250729_214221.jpg" width="234" height="300"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126392" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250730_164407.jpg" width="249" height="300">
The pinnacle of our journey was undoubtedly the ascent of Mount Tai (泰山), revered as the &ldquo;Eastern Peak&rdquo; (東嶽), and we managed to reach its summit at Jade Emperor Peak (玉皇頂). Under clear skies and gentle breezes, we were deeply impressed by the panoramic view, the majestic grandeur of Mount Tai, and the historical weight of the Dai Temple (岱廟) &ndash; the site of imperial Feng and Shan ceremonies (封禪大典) throughout the dynasties. On Liugong Island (劉公島), the Museum of the First Sino-Japanese War (中國甲午戰爭博物館) served as a solemn reminder to remember history.
Although unexpected heavy rain necessitated some itinerary adjustments, this did not diminish our deep sense of fulfilment. From modern factories to solemn historical museums, from the bustling frontlines of diplomacy to the serene summit of Mount Tai, each destination was like a piece of a grand mosaic. Together, they formed a vivid and magnificent panorama of China, granting us a richer understanding of the nation&rsquo;s past, present, and future.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761280126430" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250731_101920(1)(1)(1).jpg" width="450" height="253">
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Education Bureau, the Better Hong Kong Foundation, and The Hong Kong Jockey Club for their generous provision of this invaluable learning opportunity. We would also like to thank our tour guide, Mr. Kong, for his insightful commentary at each destination, which significantly enriched our knowledge. Moreover, we must thank Mrs. Hau, our teacher-in-charge, for chaperoning us and making the experience a fun and safe one for us. Lastly, thanks must be given to Mrs. Lau for her continuous guidance and support to the team, and encouraging us to explore more to broaden our horizons.

The 17th Hong Kong Cup Diplomatic Knowledge Contest Study Tour (26 July – 3 Aug)

<h3>Exchange Programme with Methodist Ladies&rsquo; College (25 July &ndash; 4 August 2025)</h3>
Methodist Ladies&rsquo; College (MLC) is a college for ages 5 to 18 based in Melbourne, Australia. Twelve S2 girls were selected to participate in an exchange programme to Melbourne for 10 days during the summer holidays, and we all learnt a lot while making the most precious memories ever. Throughout the 10-day trip, two of our teachers, Miss C.Y. Lo and Miss K. Lam, accompanied us and kept us safe every day. Our headmistress, Mrs. S. Lau, was also here for a few days to experience Melbourne together with us.
When we first landed in Melbourne, we went straight to MLC for a quick afternoon tea, trying famous foods like lamingtons, which are chocolate cakes covered with coconut flakes. We then headed home with our designated host families, where we indulged in the activities our buddies had planned for us for the rest of the week.
During school hours, I would stick with my buddy and her friend group. Everyone was super welcoming and sweet, waving, smiling, and even coming up to me for hugs, although we&rsquo;d never seen each other before. Other girls outside of my buddy&rsquo;s friend group were really warm towards me, too &ndash; some helped me through their gymnastics lessons, some guided me through their health and French lessons, and some would even try to speak Cantonese to me to make me feel more at home. After school hours, I often would go with my buddy to explore Melbourne, sometimes along the food street near school, sometimes going into the countryside to see wild kangaroos, or sometimes going further into the City to see the skyline.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279641291" width="261" height="350"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279641266" width="264" height="350"> &nbsp;<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279641267" width="261" height="350">
I was sure to face challenges, however, and the most difficult of them all was the cold weather. When we went to Melbourne, it was during their harsh winter, where temperatures reached up to 4 degrees Celsius only. The cold weather, along with the 2-hour time difference, made it really hard to wake up for school &ndash; I was basically waking up at 5 am Hong Kong time in the sheer cold! However, once I slowly adjusted to the mild jet lag and started wearing more clothes to combat the weather, I found myself becoming more comfortable during the Melbourne winter.
The time I spent with my buddy, though 10 days long, felt short &ndash; and I wonder if it was because we are a perfect match for each other &ndash; we both enjoy the performing arts, sleep a lot, and have the same sense of humour. We slowly warmed up to each other, from simply chatting before bed to spilling our deepest secrets to each other. Even during times when we weren&rsquo;t at home, we would still chase after each other in the park, hold on to each other during scary escape rooms, and share many more intimate moments which I will never forget.
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My immense gratitude goes to everyone who took part in making this trip possible, from MLC&rsquo;s headmistress, Ms Shea, to our headmistress, Mrs. Lau, and our teacher chaperones, Miss Lo and Miss Lam, along with our coordinating teacher, Mrs R.L. Wong, for granting us this opportunity to broaden our horizons. I would also like to thank all the MLC students, regardless of their age, for making us feel so welcome in such new territory for us.

Exchange Programme with Methodist Ladies’ College (25 July – 4 August 2025)

<h3>Exchange Programme with Convent of Holy Infant Jesus, Singapore (19-26 July 2025)</h3>
At the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, six S1 students from our school were selected to participate in a highly anticipated exchange programme with our sister school, the Convent of Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) in Singapore. This enriching experience provided a unique opportunity to both DGS and CHIJ girls for personal and academic growth. We are profoundly grateful to Ms. A. Tong and Ms. S. Yap for their guidance and&nbsp; arrangements, as well as to Ms. S. Yeung of CHIJ, whose hospitality and care ensured a smooth and welcoming experience.
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Upon our arrival, we were accommodated at St. Andrew&rsquo;s Hall, a hostel near the school that allowed us to immerse ourselves in a new living environment and showcase our&nbsp; independence among new acquaintances. This arrangement encouraged adaptability and social engagement with those around us.
Our time in Singapore was a blend of cultural enlightenment and academic discovery. After an initial visit to Universal Studios Singapore, we began our school week at CHIJ. The school&rsquo;s environment was remarkably diverse, with students from various backgrounds, including Malaysia, India, and even Hong Kong! This brought an atmosphere of genuine hospitality, which immediately made us feel at home among the CHIJ girls. Our student buddies helped us in many different aspects, guiding us through the campus, recommending diverse food options at the canteen, and introducing us to new friendships. We quickly bonded over shared interests in hobbies, music, and sports, whilst teachers provided opportunities for collaboration, allowing our exchange of insights on our different educational systems in different countries.
On Wednesday, I joined my buddy for her Culinary Arts extracurricular activity. We prepared coconut herbed rice, a popular Southeast Asian dish, by first picking out fresh herbs from the school&rsquo;s own gardens. This experience offered a distinctive comparison to the cooking lessons at our school. While our curriculum focuses on the scientific principles behind cooking using STEAM concepts, CHIJ&rsquo;s programme emphasizes the cultivation of fresh produce, providing an insightful approach.
Each afternoon, we embarked on sightseeing tours to different landmarks, including Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the Night Safari. These visits were both informative and enjoyable. At the Marina Bay, we went to an exhibition on early Singaporean culture in plays and theatre, spoken in Malay, the exhibition includes original sets from the comedy play; Gardens by the Bay contains a large variety of cactus species, along with Cloud Forests and their stylistic themes; and finally, the Night Safari is home to many animals, mainly known for their nocturnal animals such as leopards and lions, and also for their large animals, such as the Asian elephant and the Malaysian Tapirs.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761279398194" width="376" height="500">
This exchange programme was truly an unforgettable experience for us; being able to make new friendships of different races and cultures and even bond with the students in our form from DGS was exceedingly valuable. From academic learning through daily school life, to having fun at night with our friends at the hostel and mingling with the locals, we have gained many precious memories. When students reached out to talk with us or just give a small introduction, it brought us great joy and comfort to know that friendships really can be made so easily despite language, culture and distance; this felt precious and valuable especially with something so fragile as friendship birthed between two strangers.
We extend our sincerest gratitude to our teachers, Ms. R.L. Wong, Ms. A. Tong, and Ms. S. Yap, for their tireless leadership and unwavering support. We also thank Ms. S. Yeung and the entire CHIJ community for their exemplary hospitality. Finally, we thank our Headmistress, Mrs. Lau, for granting us this exceptional opportunity to create lasting memories and forge new relationships overseas.

Exchange Programme with Convent of Holy Infant Jesus, Singapore (19-26 Jul 2025)

<h3>The Health Literacy Challenge for Secondary School Students in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (19 July 2025)</h3>
The Health Literacy Challenge for Secondary School Students in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a cross-border competition designed to inspire and empower secondary school students to deepen their understanding of health-related topics. 8 representatives from S1-S4 had the opportunity of travelling to Guangzhou for the inaugural health literacy challenge.
Under the companionship of our headmistress, Mrs. Lau, as well as led by our teachers-in-charge Mrs. J. Hau and Ms. K. Lam, we arrived in Guangzhou late in the morning, where we were warmly welcomed by the organisers. Their enthusiasm and exceptional hospitality were both surprising and greatly appreciated. Shortly thereafter, we participated in a rehearsal for the competition, during which the emcees explained the rules and various components of the event. Our representatives and fellow participants also had the opportunity to conduct a test run of some questions prior to the actual competition.
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The competition itself was an exhilarating experience, as each team eagerly competed for the buzzer, striving to be the fastest one. The diverse components of the event posed significant challenges, testing participants&rsquo; speed and accuracy in real time. The atmosphere in the audience was charged, with cheers and gasps accompanying each team&rsquo;s correct and incorrect responses. Toward the end of the competition, participants faced questions regarding prevalent unhealthy situations in schools, requiring them to act out scenarios and propose viable solutions. Throughout the competition, our representatives skillfully leveraged their knowledge, demonstrating impressive performance and poise under pressure. In addition, the competition provided a valuable opportunity for our representatives to connect and bond with participants from other teams. This exchange fostered a spirit of camaraderie, allowing them to share experiences, learn from one another, and build friendships beyond the contest itself.
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As this was the first iteration of the health literacy challenge, we were uncertain about what to expect. In the weeks leading up to the competition, we engaged in comprehensive preparation, immersing ourselves in various health-related topics. The questions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including physical health, mental health, and traditional Chinese medicine. While we noted some differences between Hong Kong and the systems across the border, such as the different colours of Guangdong&rsquo;s extreme weather warning signals and their significance, we gained invaluable knowledge that will serve us well in the future. Additionally, we had the opportunity to experience the unique culture of Guangdong, particularly through health exercises conducted between sections of the competition&mdash;an activity commonly practiced by local students during their lessons.
Due to adverse weather conditions, the trip which was originally planned for two days was unfortunately shortened to just a day. However, despite missing out on museum visits and sharings by professionals, we were still able to gain valuable knowledge, enriching experiences, and lasting friendships from the competition. As a conclusion to both the competition and our trip to Guangzhou, the organisation presented us with a thoughtful gift &mdash; a box of mugwort steam eye masks, designed and created by local Chinese medical students. This gift not only served as a memorable souvenir from our trip but also deepened our appreciation for traditional Chinese medicine. In all, this trip proved to be a profoundly enriching experience for us, cultivating meaningful learning, personal growth, and cultural connection.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761278824933" width="800" height="581">
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Guangdong Provincial Department of Education for organising this competition and for their exceptional hospitality. Special thanks must also be given to Mrs. J. Hau and Ms. T.Y. So for coordinating our training schedules and preparation leading up to the event. Again, we are grateful to Mrs. J. Hau and Ms. K. Lam for accompanying us and making the journey enjoyable and memorable. Finally, we would like to thank Mrs. Lau for providing us with this invaluable opportunity to expand our knowledge, as well as for her support and guidance throughout our experience.

The Health Literacy Challenge for Secondary Students in Guangdong-HK-Macao GBA

<h3>Educational Tour to Laos (4-10 July 2025)</h3>
Back in April 2025, three Secondary 4 students participated in the &ldquo;My Interfaces with the Belt and Road Initiative&rdquo; Integrated Ability Competition. We were thrilled to have won third place, and were awarded the privilege of visiting Laos as Belt and Road Pioneers in early July, learning more about its history and position in the Belt and Road Initiative.&nbsp;
Bursting with excitement, the three of us embarked on our journey to Thailand and Laos, hearts full of anticipation for the days of learning and new experiences yet to come. From the nerves we felt as we were invited to express our views to our growing confidence in asking questions, to our gradual but sure acquisition of knowledge revolving around many aspects regarding the Belt and Road Initiative; we have gained much insight through meeting and speaking to professionals across different fields such as business, infrastructure, education, art and so on, both on our end, and from the perspective of the people of Thailand and Laos. We are not only honoured to learn from them, but also be able to share with them our perspectives and initiate discussions, fostering a great sense of communication and inclusivity among different countries.
<img src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761278252351" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250706_190722.jpg" width="800" height="451">
One of the most memorable scenic spots that we visited was the Lao Art Museum, which took our breaths away due to its magnificence and delicate art exhibits. Just in the architecture itself, the combination of Laos traditional architectural style and modern design elements makes every structure a piece of art. Walking into the museum, the realistic statues hand-carved from wood shocked us with their detail and beauty; the exquisite paintings took our breaths away with their witty colour utilisation and layered textures; the way the exhibits were directly related to one another enhanced the visitors&rsquo; viewing experience; they all contributed to the wonders of this museum, and left a long lasting impression on every one of us.
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://www.dgs.edu.hk/api/file?id=1761278270985" alt="C:\Users\kyw\Desktop\20250705_181649.jpg" width="800" height="451">
We also got to visit Vientiane High School, which is considered the best secondary school in Laos. After listening to a brief introduction on the education system in Laos, we got to interact with some of their students of a similar age as us. Through chatting with them, we found that they had a special emphasis on language learning, having the option of learning at most five languages at school, including those such as Spanish and French. The way the students cared for our experience in Laos, as well as their appreciation for our city and their desire to come visit one day, deeply touched us, as we could feel from the bottom of our hearts their warm welcome and hospitality. As echoes of laughter bounced off the walls of the hall, friendships were forged, and bonds were created.&nbsp;
As we finally bid farewell to Laos, we say goodbye to the country and the people, but what remains in our hearts are the precious memories that we&rsquo;ve made along the way, and all the knowledge that we would never have been able to gain otherwise. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the executive committee and assistant leaders of the delegation for organising this competition and making sure everything went smoothly during the tour; as well as Mrs. J. Hau, for taking care of us and making the journey a more pleasant and enjoyable experience for us. Thanks must also be given to Mrs. Lau, for the steadfast support she provided us throughout our participation in this competition. We are immensely grateful for the priceless opportunity, and all the memories made will be deeply treasured in our hearts.