St. Francis Xavier's College, Tai Kok Tsui

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St. Francis Xavier's College, Tai Kok Tsui

Overview
St. Francis Xavier's College (SFXC) is a Catholic boys’ secondary school in Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is run by the Marist Brothers. The school teaches mainly in English, with some lessons in foreign languages and Chinese. It is known for its strong faith-based education and its distinctive school traditions.

History
- The school’s roots go back to 1874 in Shanghai, where Jesuit Fathers began the college.
- Marist Brothers took over in 1895.
- Due to political changes in China, the Brothers moved to Hong Kong in 1949.
- In 1955, the school was rebuilt in Tai Kok Tsui at the corner of Maple Street and Sycamore Street and opened on December 9, 1955. It was named St. Francis Xavier’s College to honor St. Francis Xavier’s College in Shanghai.

Location
- Address: 45 Sycamore Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Coordinates: about 22.3255°N, 114.1631°E.

Motto and identity
- Motto: Suaviter in modo Fortiter in re (Latin) – Gentle in Manner; Resolute in Action.
- Colors: White and green.
- The school badge features a Cross (faith), the Marist Brothers emblem (their heritage), and symbols of knowledge (book) and light (oil lamp).

Prayers and daily life
- Students often begin with a short prayer or the Our Father, especially in morning assemblies, reflecting the school’s Catholic values.

School culture
- SFXC is one of three Hong Kong schools that allows students to wear different colored sports shoes.
- The school aims for a balanced discipline policy with relatively few formal rules.

School song
- The school has its own song celebrating the school, its history, and its students’ hopes for the future.

Notable alumni and staff (highlights)
- Entertainment and sports: Bruce Lee, Sam Hui, Eric Tsang, Dicky Cheung, Teddy Chan, Lau Wan-kit.
- Public service and leadership: David Lan Hong-tsung, Francis Tam Pak Yuen, Henry Fan Hung-ling, James Lau Yee-cheung, Nelson Lam Chi-yuen, Kemal Bokhary, Anthony Neoh.
- Education and science: William Wong Kam-fai, Octavius William Borrell.
- Medical and business: Francis Chan Ka-leung, Eric Edward Hotung.

The school remains a landmark for Catholic education in Hong Kong, combining faith, academics, and a community spirit that prepares students for diverse paths.