The final chapter of the SFXC70 Breakthrough Activity took place on the evening of March 20, when 15 students, one alumnus, and four teachers gathered at St. Francis Xavier’s College for an overnight stay at the Brothers’ Hostel. This marked the beginning of the last and most symbolic milestone in the 70km journey—celebrating perseverance, brotherhood, and the unity of the school community.

The evening began with a quiet gathering in the hostel, where Brother shared heartfelt reflections about former students who once lived there. His stories reminded participants of the strong bonds and deep care that have long defined the Xaverian spirit.

At 3:30 AM, participants rose for a warm breakfast thoughtfully prepared by Brother. Before departure, he offered words of encouragement and led a morning prayer. At 6:00 AM, the group set off, joining fellow Xaverians for the annual Walkathon.

They hiked approximately 15 km through city streets and forest paths, eventually arriving at Shing Mun Reservoir. Upon reaching the intersection of MacLehose Trail Sections 6 and 7—the final checkpoint of the 70km challenge—participants spontaneously sang the school song, a powerful and emotional moment that captured the spirit of achievement and unity.

Later that morning, student representative Kwong Chun Shing delivered a stirring speech at the Walkathon assembly, officially launching the fundraising walk for school improvements. Participants then walked alongside hundreds of students, teachers, alumni, and friends of the school.

This final milestone showcased the students’ strength and determination. Their success stands as a testament to the values nurtured at St. Francis Xavier’s College—resilience, commitment, and brotherhood—as the school continues to celebrate its 70th anniversary under the theme: Brotherhood — 70th Year and Beyond.

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.

As part of our 70^th 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.