21st May 2025 – (Hong Kong) St. Hilary’s School Principal Chu Tsz-wing recently sparked discussions online after mentioning a ban on Cantonese within the school premises, enforcing communication solely in English and Mandarin. In response to the ensuing debate, the school released a statement today, affirming that students frequently use Cantonese in their daily lives. Consequently, classroom focus remains on English and Mandarin to provide a conducive language learning environment, dispelling claims of stifling Cantonese as a mother tongue. Principal Chu assured local media that students speaking Cantonese on campus would receive verbal reminders rather than disciplinary action.
Some Legislative Councillors opined that while encouraging English and Mandarin in classroom instruction is acceptable, schools should adopt a flexible approach towards student language interactions.
Principal Chu’s interview with social media influencer “Ken” led to discussions about the school’s language policy, which restricts students from speaking Cantonese, permitting only English and Mandarin. Chu highlighted the opportunity for Hong Kong students to improve their Mandarin skills through interaction with mainland Chinese peers, fostering a bilingual and cultural learning atmosphere.
The school’s language policy, in place since its inception and supported by parents, has been clarified by St. Hilary’s School. Emphasising that Cantonese serves as the mother tongue for most students, the institution underscores that classroom instruction in English and Mandarin aims to enhance language skills without undermining the use of Cantonese in daily life.
In classroom teachings, traditional Chinese and Mandarin are used for Chinese and General Studies subjects, while English is the primary language for other subjects. The school offers French and Spanish language learning in addition to English and Mandarin. During extracurricular activities, teachers and students communicate in English, Mandarin, or Cantonese.
Principal Chu clarified that any instances of students speaking Cantonese on campus would result in verbal reminders rather than recorded disciplinary actions, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.
Legislative Councillor Chu Kwok-keung shared that schools should encourage a variety of languages based on context and teaching needs, advocating for a tolerant approach towards student language interactions to reflect the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds within Hong Kong.