Our school recently had the pleasure of hosting 20 German students from Carl-Fuhlrott-Gymnasium in Wuppertal as part of a two-week exchange program. This particular exchange, which began last year, brought together many students who had previously formed friendships during their visit to Germany. The joy of reuniting with old friends made this year’s exchange especially meaningful, further strengthening the connections between our two schools.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of our collaboration with the German school, a milestone celebrated with a visit from their principal Mr. Reinold Mertens. Throughout the exchange, our students and their German counterparts engaged in a variety of activities. They participated in cultural workshops, history lessons, and cooking sessions, allowing the German students to experience St. Margaret’s first hand. Excursions included hiking Dragon's Back, visiting temples and the Big Buddha, and island hopping to Cheung Chau. Our Hong Kong host families also introduced the German students to local dishes such as hotpot and yum cha, and they enjoyed outings to popular attractions. We are also grateful to our parents who also provided accommodation and weekend activities for these German students in their home.

A highlight of the exchange was the special celebration on 13 January 2025, featuring a cake-cutting ceremony and a toast, during which we reflected on our 2 schools’ decade of friendship through a slideshow. This memorable moment was shared by many of our German learners from various levels in primary and secondary school, culminating in a delightful cake celebration.

The relationships formed during this exchange are invaluable, and we eagerly anticipate next year’s program with a new group of correspondents. As we look ahead, we are excited about continuing our collaboration for another ten years, fostering cross-cultural friendships and enriching our students' experiences.