School History
Founded by Ms. Harriet Noyes, a missionary of the American Presbyterian Church, Kowloon True Light School has a rich history rooted in the spirit of Christ’s love and the motto “Thou Art the Light of the World”. The school’s journey began in 1872 with the establishment of True Light Seminary in Guangzhou. Over the years, it expanded to include a secondary school section in Paak Hok Tong, Guangzhou in 1917. In 1949, under the leadership of Principal Ma Yi Ying, the school relocated to Kowloon Tong and became known as Kowloon True Light School, dedicated to promoting Chinese culture and offering holistic Christian education.
In 1960, the school experienced a significant expansion and relocated from Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong to its present location on True Light Lane, Suffolk Road. Subsequently, in 1990, the school underwent further development, involving the demolition of existing structures and the construction of modern classrooms. The new wing was officially inaugurated the following year. In recent years, Kowloon True Light School has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to enhancing its campus facilities. Notably, the school has established the De Xin Academy, Performing Arts Theatre, Multimedia Learning Centre, Maker Space, and BioTech Port. These state-of-the-art facilities cater to the diverse needs of our students, cultivating an exceptional learning environment.
Kowloon True Light School has always placed a strong emphasis on developing students to be biliterate and trilingual, with the True Light educational philosophy permeating all levels, from kindergarten, to primary and secondary. In 2011, the primary section transitioned into an EMI school, and in 2017, the kindergarten was reopened. Starting from the 2022-23 academic year, English is the medium of instruction for all S1 students. The school’s commitment to values education through Chinese and English language teaching has garnered recognition and prestigious accolades, including the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the Outstanding Teaching Award for Moral Education. Additionally, the school continues to be a pioneer in educational innovation, actively promoting STEAM education, designing school-based curriculum, participating in international scientific research competitions, and nurturing innovative talents in science and technology. To further cultivate a spirit of entrepreneurship, the school organizes a variety of workshops and provides platforms for cultural and entrepreneurial creativity, enabling students to showcase their talents and capabilities.
As Kowloon True Light School commemorates its 75th anniversary, we humbly express our deep gratitude for the abundant praise and recognition bestowed upon us by various sectors of society. Inspired by the remarkable legacy left by our predecessors, we embark on an exciting journey into the future. Rooted in our cherished traditions, while embracing the spirit of progress, our unwavering commitment lies in the holistic development of our students’ spirits. We strive to create an enriching environment where students thrive in both Chinese and English, and develop their talents and virtues. Our dedicated efforts are focused on empowering the next generation with resilience, compassion, and a profound sense of purpose. Our ultimate aspiration is to cultivate individuals who wholeheartedly care for our homeland, foster global connections, and become catalysts for positive transformations in our ever-changing world.
Early History of True Light
1872
Ms. Noyes founded the True Light Seminary in Guangzhou. Six students were enrolled. Free meals and accommodation were provided. It was the first boarding school providing education to women in South China.
1924
Ms. Noyes returned to America. She passed away in 1942.
School History of Kowloon True Light
1949
“True Light Middle School” was relocated from Paak Hok Tong, Guangzhou to 115 Waterloo Road, Kowloon Tong. It was then renamed “Kowloon True Light Middle School”. Dr Ma Yi Ying continued to lead the school as the Principal. Dr. Ma promoted within the school the implementation of mother-tongue teaching while inviting foreign missionaries to serve as English teachers. Meanwhile, the Student Union and Student Fellowship were set up. A wide range of student activities and community services were offered to enrich students’ school lives.
1955
Sir Alexander Grantham, the Governor of Hong Kong, visited and acknowledged the effort of teachers and students in learning and teaching. The government granted the school a site for building a new school campus.
1958
With the allocation by the Hong Kong Government and support from the Church of Christ in China, a new campus was built at 1 True Light Lane, Kowloon Tong. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 21st November.
1960
The new campus at 1 True Light Lane, Kowloon Tong was opened for the middle school section. On 25th November, Mr. Douglas James Smyth Crozier, the then Director of Education of Hong Kong, officiated at the opening ceremony of the new Middle School campus. The primary section and the kindergarten section remained in the old location at Waterloo Road.
1963
Sir Robert Brown Black, the then Governor of Hong Kong, visited the school and complimented it for its high quality in learning and teaching.
1990
The spectators’ stand in the middle section was demolished for the construction of a classroom extension. Air-conditioning facilities were installed in the whole school.
1991
Ms. Butt Yee Har resigned and Ms.Chan Yuen Sheung was appointed Principal after her.
1992
The CMI advanced level curriculum was introduced in response to the new education policy. The Thanksgiving Service of the schools’ 120th anniversary was held.
2002
To celebrate its 130th anniversary, the school organized a joint True Light exchange tour during Easter to visit our mother school in Guangzhou. The Tour was followed by the publication of “The History of True Light”, Thanksgiving Service, Alumnae’s reunion banquet, Joint Hong Kong-Guangzhou True Light Art Gallery, Fund Raising Walk and Round-the-school Run, School Open Day, Musical Night and Homecoming Tour to Guangzhou.
2006
The new extension was built with new classrooms, multi-purpose rooms, the tuck shop and the
Internet access.
2010
Ms. Chan Yuen Sheung resigned and Ms. Lee Yi Ying was appointed Principal after her to carry on the “Spirit of True Light”.
May 2012
“A Light in the Land of Sinim: Forty-five Years in the True Light Seminary” by Ms. Harriet Newell Noyes was published, together with “From Guangzhou to Hong Kong: Oral History of the Golden Faith of True Light”, which was a product of the concerted effort made by students and alumnae. The 140th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner was held, hosting banquets of 130 tables for alumni and guests.
June 2016
Kowloon True Light School (Primary and Secondary Sections) UK Music Tour – “The Love Story In The Fantasyland” was organized to provide students with precious musical exchange including staging performances at a Chinese community centre, a cathedral and a local college.
2018
The Performing Arts Studio Theatre was newly opened.
2018
De Xin Academy, a room for Chinese Culture, was newly opened.
2019
In celebration of the KTL 70th anniversary, our secondary, primary and kindergarten sections have jointly organized a series of activities, including Gallery of the Exquisitely Sensitive, staff development tour to our Alma Mater in Guangzhou, KTL 70th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service with Mr. Kevin Yeung Yun-hung, JP, Secretary for Education as our guest of honour, KTL 70th Anniversary Banquet, Fundraising Walk and Variety Show.
2019
“From Crane Haven to Lion Rock: Brief History of Kowloon True Light School”, “Knowledge to Action” and “Meet to Write” were published.
July 2021
Ms. Leung Ching Wan, Ms. Ho Ka Wai and Ms. Wan Yuen Fan of our Chinese Department won the 2019/20 Chief Executive’s Teaching Excellence Award.
September 2021
Our STEM room was renovated and equipped with new technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IOT) devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI) humanoid robot and a set of DJI Robomaster.
October 2021
On the True Light 150th Anniversary Life Planning Sharing Day, various alumnae of four True Light schools shared with S5 students their invaluable experiences in different aspects of higher education and professional career.
December 2021
The True Light Joint School Athletic Meet was held where athletes showcased their talents and strengths in the area, demonstrating the spirit of perseverance and unity. Ms. Kong Man Wai Vivian, Hong Kong Olympian and épée fencer, was invited to attend as the officiating guest in the closing ceremony.
May 2022
Four True Light schools invited the Education Bureau and the University of Hong Kong to co-organise a Knowledge Fair on “Values Education” under the theme “Positive Values, Character Building.” Mrs. Hong Chan Tsui Wah, Permanent Deputy Secretary for Education, was invited to attend as the officiating guest while Professor Yip Siu Fai, Chair Professor of the Department of Social Work and Social Administration of HKU was invited as the guest speaker.