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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Education, Mr Eddie Ng Hak-kim, at a media session after officiating at the 20th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony of the Committee on Home-School Co-operation cum Home-School Co-operation Ambassador Certificate Presentation Ceremony today (June 1):
Reporter: (Primary One allocation in North District)
Secretary for Education: It is important to note that back to February this year, a lot of parents and students who are residing in the North District were concerned about their chance to stay in the district for their Primary One schooling. That is why on the first day of February, I made a statement that we recognised the expectation and anxiety of this particular group of parents and students and that we would try very hard to use different devices and tactics to meet the needs. We are very glad to report today that we are able to achieve it.
We recognise that only around 400 seats will be allocated to Tai Po schools in terms of borrowed places. However, within that 400, we recognise that only less than 200 would actually be students residing in the North District. With that in mind, based on the devise of adding classes, we are able to have a few schools which are willing to do that, in particular one additional school trying very hard. After a very rush and tight schedule, a couple of days ago, they confirmed that they are able to contribute three more classes. If you look at it from the whole spectrum, we will be able to place the 200 students who are residing in the North District to be able to study within schools in that network if they want to. So from now on before June 17 to 19, I will urge them to take a good look at the schools being assigned at this point of time very objectively to see the matching of curriculum objective, operating style, mission, location and transportation, all those factors first. And after you have gone through that one, make a good decision.
Reporter: Parents would like to know more...
Secretary for Education: We've picked up this particular message. That's why we will be trying very hard to ask district education officers to recognise that one and see how they would be able to speed up the communication.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Saturday, June 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:03
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