G&W -
In what ways has SJC changed from your days?
Mr. Arculli -
I think students nowadays tend to study science more than arts subjects. Another
thing is that the English standard as a whole has been declining, but that is
not just case for SJC and applies to the majority of students in Hong Kong. This
may be due to the change in the local education system. Another change in SJC is
that there are a lot fewer teaching Brothers now than before.
G&W -
St. Joseph's College has produced a number of well-known individuals in the
community, including yourself. has this anything to do with the school's
education system?
Mr. Arculli -
If the school provides a good education foundation, it will help much in one's
development in life. There are many SJC old boys who excel themselves in their
own field, especially those in the professional sector although I have also come
across many from the business field. When I first joined the Legco in 1988, I
think there were eight members from SJC. In the current Legco sitting, including
myself, there are four members. Except David Li, whom I believe was a couple of
years my junior at SJC, Edward Ho, Leong Che Hung and myself actually attended
the same class when we were studying in Form 3 or 4.
G&W -
SJC is known to give its students a lot of freedom. Do you think it is good for
them?
Mr. Arculli -
In general I think it is good to give more freedom to teenagers although in
special cases, some may not be good to handle it. If teenagers are not given
enough free space to develop, they will miss the challenge from life and I think
they will contribute less to the society.
G&W -
Do you think that if too much free space is given to teenagers, they may become
naughty and uncontrollable?
Mr. Arculli -
The truth is, I think nowadays all teenagers are naughty to a certain extent,
but if you say it is because teenagers are given too much freedom, I will not
agree on that. As long as there is always someone, say your teacher or friend or
family member, to give you a guiding hand to keep you on the right track, I
think it is okay to give a little more freedom to teenagers. I believe human
beings are basically good-natured. The trouble is that they don't know how to
strike a balance sometimes.