July 26, 2023
July 26, 2023
I thought of you this morning, Madame, and pray that you are enjoying peace and joy in God's eternal love. Bon anniversaire!
Cynthia
Cynthia
This memorial website was created in memory of our beloved and respected educator Mrs Lydia Huang, affectionately known as Madame to many of her students. We will remember her forever.
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June 8, 2023
June 8, 2023
Without Mrs Huang, I wouldn’t be the Maryknoller I am today.
Almost three decades ago, I was desperately looking for a job. I wrote to the primary section of MCS, but the letter was internally transferred to the secondary section. I was granted an interview. Hence, for the first time after my graduation, I returned to my Alma Mater to see Mrs Huang, Sister Agnes, and Mr Aloysius Lee.
With only primary school teaching experience on my CV, I thought getting hired would be highly unlikely. However, Mrs Huang offered me the job, which became the turning point in my career. Little did I know that it was literally a life-changing opportunity. Having become a member of the teaching staff, I developed a stronger attachment to Maryknoll and the girls. Besides, Mrs Huang and the veteran teachers taught me how to teach without wasting students’ time, how to love students without spoiling them, and most importantly how to live up to the Maryknoll standard as an alumna.
I am forever indebted to Mrs Huang for being my leader, role model, and mentor.
Almost three decades ago, I was desperately looking for a job. I wrote to the primary section of MCS, but the letter was internally transferred to the secondary section. I was granted an interview. Hence, for the first time after my graduation, I returned to my Alma Mater to see Mrs Huang, Sister Agnes, and Mr Aloysius Lee.
With only primary school teaching experience on my CV, I thought getting hired would be highly unlikely. However, Mrs Huang offered me the job, which became the turning point in my career. Little did I know that it was literally a life-changing opportunity. Having become a member of the teaching staff, I developed a stronger attachment to Maryknoll and the girls. Besides, Mrs Huang and the veteran teachers taught me how to teach without wasting students’ time, how to love students without spoiling them, and most importantly how to live up to the Maryknoll standard as an alumna.
I am forever indebted to Mrs Huang for being my leader, role model, and mentor.
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
It was in early July 2020 when I had this idea of preparing a little album for Madame as her 90th birthday gift.
Sharing the album here >> https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:2223cef6-78a3-321f-bb60-cf778bef6353
Thanks to many of her Maryknoll friends who kindly sent me messages, memories and photos, I managed to compile a lovely memento in less than a month. Due to the outbreak of the pandemic, her dinner party was forced to be canceled. Yet it didn't stop us from sharing the joy with her, singing the birthday song together via Zoom. I even captured her beautiful smiling face and put in this love album too.
I feel so blessed to have Madame as my teacher, mentor and friend for all these years. She will always be in my heart.
Tons of love,
Pinny
Sharing the album here >> https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:2223cef6-78a3-321f-bb60-cf778bef6353
Thanks to many of her Maryknoll friends who kindly sent me messages, memories and photos, I managed to compile a lovely memento in less than a month. Due to the outbreak of the pandemic, her dinner party was forced to be canceled. Yet it didn't stop us from sharing the joy with her, singing the birthday song together via Zoom. I even captured her beautiful smiling face and put in this love album too.
I feel so blessed to have Madame as my teacher, mentor and friend for all these years. She will always be in my heart.
Tons of love,
Pinny
Doris Kwan
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
Dear Madam,
Thank you for sharing your beautiful smile of support. Your care and grace will always be in our memories. You always asked about my daughters and my health. I never thought that our brief meeting at Easter Thursday Mass was our last goodbye! I will always treasure our memories together.
Miss you!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful smile of support. Your care and grace will always be in our memories. You always asked about my daughters and my health. I never thought that our brief meeting at Easter Thursday Mass was our last goodbye! I will always treasure our memories together.
Miss you!
Shelley Lee
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
Dear Madame,
You have inspried me ever since the 1960’s. You were so encouraging when we changed the Head Prefect system to form the Students‘ Association.
As a member of the then MCS Management Committee in the early1980’s, i was proud to help name you as the first lay Principal of MCS.
Then, in the 1990‘s., you supported our first ’Join Hands for Maryknoll Fundraising campaign.
You inspired me in 2002 to continue raising funds for the MCS Educational Trust by telling me, ‘The Trust is running dry.’
Now as we forge ahead to raise funds to celebrate the centenary in 2025, I know you will be giving us support and blessings from Heaven. RIP dear Lydia!
You have inspried me ever since the 1960’s. You were so encouraging when we changed the Head Prefect system to form the Students‘ Association.
As a member of the then MCS Management Committee in the early1980’s, i was proud to help name you as the first lay Principal of MCS.
Then, in the 1990‘s., you supported our first ’Join Hands for Maryknoll Fundraising campaign.
You inspired me in 2002 to continue raising funds for the MCS Educational Trust by telling me, ‘The Trust is running dry.’
Now as we forge ahead to raise funds to celebrate the centenary in 2025, I know you will be giving us support and blessings from Heaven. RIP dear Lydia!
Winnie Mui
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
Madame was my principal when i was in high school. She was always loving, gentle and had the smile that made you feel that she’d always be there for you. Thank you so much for being there. You are a role model that we will always look up to. Over time, we got busy with our lives, studied abroad and started our family. But it always felt good to come back and see you in meetings, punchoi etc. You were always here and we’ll miss you
May 25, 2023
May 25, 2023
Dear Madame, many of us didn’t take French, but you took us under your wings just the same, chatting with us, giving advice, and often calming our young, unsettled minds.
Your care continued beyond our school days. I still remember vividly ringing your home’s doorbell as I took my toddler for early evening walks. You always came down from your apartment and gave me motherly tips and encouragement. Precious!
You always grace our class’ celebration, and we especially enjoyed celebrating your birthday with our own July birthday girls.
Fast forward to recent years, your insightful perspectives and advice guided my role in IMCs and MCS Foundation.
Madame, your elegance, wisdom, and kindness will be sorely missed.
Hugs,
Kenzie
Your care continued beyond our school days. I still remember vividly ringing your home’s doorbell as I took my toddler for early evening walks. You always came down from your apartment and gave me motherly tips and encouragement. Precious!
You always grace our class’ celebration, and we especially enjoyed celebrating your birthday with our own July birthday girls.
Fast forward to recent years, your insightful perspectives and advice guided my role in IMCs and MCS Foundation.
Madame, your elegance, wisdom, and kindness will be sorely missed.
Hugs,
Kenzie
May 24, 2023
May 24, 2023
Forever Missed 24 May 2023
I first met Lydia as a colleague when I taught in Maryknoll in the 1980s, then became a ‘fellow villager” when I moved into the neighbourhood after marriage, and more, a family friend as she lived a floor above my in-laws and the families had known each other for years.
There is just so much to say or write about wonderful Lydia, yet her call to me a week before her passing away made me want to write the following:
Soon after Lydia’s retirement as the secondary school principal of Maryknoll in 1997, she joined the “Motorolas” (nickname for retired/former Maryknoll teachers) and started a bi-monthly Motorola lunch gathering at the Yau Yat Chuen Garden City Club near her home, which she was also a member. The Motorola lunch gathering has been held for over twenty years which Lydia was seldom absent, and her last attendance was in January 2020, owing to travel constraint. Later, Covid-19 outbreaks interrupted, putting Motorola lunch gathering to a pause, only to be resumed again on 10 May 2023.
On 27 April I received a call from Lydia. I was a bit surprised, but didn’t think much of it as she sounded fine and I told her about the coming Motorola lunch reunion with Miss Daisy Tsang joining from the States too and she sounded happy for us.
What I wish to say is that Lydia still thought of the ‘Motorolas” in her last days. She had connected Maryknoll teachers of different generations by founding the Motorola lunch gathering, living up to what Bishop Chow says, “Love Connects”!
I first met Lydia as a colleague when I taught in Maryknoll in the 1980s, then became a ‘fellow villager” when I moved into the neighbourhood after marriage, and more, a family friend as she lived a floor above my in-laws and the families had known each other for years.
There is just so much to say or write about wonderful Lydia, yet her call to me a week before her passing away made me want to write the following:
Soon after Lydia’s retirement as the secondary school principal of Maryknoll in 1997, she joined the “Motorolas” (nickname for retired/former Maryknoll teachers) and started a bi-monthly Motorola lunch gathering at the Yau Yat Chuen Garden City Club near her home, which she was also a member. The Motorola lunch gathering has been held for over twenty years which Lydia was seldom absent, and her last attendance was in January 2020, owing to travel constraint. Later, Covid-19 outbreaks interrupted, putting Motorola lunch gathering to a pause, only to be resumed again on 10 May 2023.
On 27 April I received a call from Lydia. I was a bit surprised, but didn’t think much of it as she sounded fine and I told her about the coming Motorola lunch reunion with Miss Daisy Tsang joining from the States too and she sounded happy for us.
What I wish to say is that Lydia still thought of the ‘Motorolas” in her last days. She had connected Maryknoll teachers of different generations by founding the Motorola lunch gathering, living up to what Bishop Chow says, “Love Connects”!
Ame Coombs
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023
Lydia was my neighbor, colleague and lifelong friend. My sister and I walked to school in the morning and we would deliberately walk around the curve to her home. When she saw us she would say “Hello dear, would you like a ride?” Little did she know we timed it to meet her. My older sister would push me forward to do the greetings. Then we would jump into her car, happily.
As her colleague Lydia would give me a ride to school. In the space of the traffic crawl from home to school we would accomplish the impossible - chat, eat, gather our wits and arrive on time. Sometimes we waited patiently for the teenage Lester to join us as he sauntered down the driveway, with one striped white and blue soccer sock at the knee and the other white and green striped sock, pulled up half way. Lydia was not a judgemental mother.
Lydia and I were among the moderators working with a group of very dedicated students on the Golden Jubilee yearbook of 1975. Lydia created a positive spirit where students and teachers can work creatively together. Lydia had to do the daily grind of proof-reading. She had terrific attention to every dot and comma. The yearbook won the SCMP yearbook of the year contest with a half page write up in the newspaper.
Lydia was the editor of my final creative thesis in the MFA Creative Writing program at City University (cohort poetry). She was again persistent, had attention to detail and prodded me along. She would not leave the punctuation alone and checked every dot and comma. I felt that I was taking advantage of her good will but she would call me up and say “let’s go over this again.” I would walk over and ended up staying for lunch. I was more tired than she was. That was in 2014-15.
In the last few years we exercised twice a week together. I was still her neighbour, albeit around another corner.
Losing Lydia is like losing part of myself - it left a hole of mammoth proportions. She was indomitable, spiritual, utterly kind and understanding - and the mother we wished we had. She became a mother to the Maryknoll girls and showed us how to be gracious and kind, and how to bring the best out of others.
As her colleague Lydia would give me a ride to school. In the space of the traffic crawl from home to school we would accomplish the impossible - chat, eat, gather our wits and arrive on time. Sometimes we waited patiently for the teenage Lester to join us as he sauntered down the driveway, with one striped white and blue soccer sock at the knee and the other white and green striped sock, pulled up half way. Lydia was not a judgemental mother.
Lydia and I were among the moderators working with a group of very dedicated students on the Golden Jubilee yearbook of 1975. Lydia created a positive spirit where students and teachers can work creatively together. Lydia had to do the daily grind of proof-reading. She had terrific attention to every dot and comma. The yearbook won the SCMP yearbook of the year contest with a half page write up in the newspaper.
Lydia was the editor of my final creative thesis in the MFA Creative Writing program at City University (cohort poetry). She was again persistent, had attention to detail and prodded me along. She would not leave the punctuation alone and checked every dot and comma. I felt that I was taking advantage of her good will but she would call me up and say “let’s go over this again.” I would walk over and ended up staying for lunch. I was more tired than she was. That was in 2014-15.
In the last few years we exercised twice a week together. I was still her neighbour, albeit around another corner.
Losing Lydia is like losing part of myself - it left a hole of mammoth proportions. She was indomitable, spiritual, utterly kind and understanding - and the mother we wished we had. She became a mother to the Maryknoll girls and showed us how to be gracious and kind, and how to bring the best out of others.
May 17, 2023
May 17, 2023
Madame, it is very sad to hear your passing. You were such a kind and caring person. I never heard you raise your voice to speak to anyone but always wore a smile on your face. Thanks for being my English teacher and my first boss & mentor in my career. I always feel grateful to be a Maryknoller. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve briefly as a teacher. That was one of my happiest journey in life. Madame,you are now shining upon us from Heaven. Everytime I look up the sky, I will still see your smiling kind face. Rest in peace, 馬胆 （this was how we called you dearly :) )
My condolences to your family.
Best,
Cecilia Tse (class of 1986)
My condolences to your family.
Best,
Cecilia Tse (class of 1986)
May 15, 2023
May 15, 2023
Dearest Madame, we are so blessed to have had you in our lives. I will never forget your understated elegance, ineffable grace, gentle smiles, kind words, unfailing loyalty and loving demand for excellence. Our happy afternoon tea at the Peninsula will forever be edged in my memory. You are a role model, icon and true Maryknoller! I love you, Madame.
May 15, 2023
May 15, 2023
Chère Madame,
Je me souviens de votre empathie et de vos encouragements en tant que professeur, de la tendresse avec laquelle vous parliez toujours de vos enfants et de votre vivacité même lorsque le corps s'affaiblissait. Je vous remercie pour votre amitié. Votre histoire est un brin de la diaspora. Ce fil vous a amené à Hong Kong et Maryknoll. De manière connue et inconnue les deux ont de la chance d'avoir bénéficié de votre service dévoué. Puissions-nous, nous qui avons été aimées par vous, trouver nos façons de servir avec intégrité et gentillesse.
A-Dieu et au revoir!
Cynthia Pon
Dear Madame,
I remember your warmth and encouragement as a teacher, the tenderness with which you spoke of your children, and your awareness even as the body grew weak. I thank you for your friendship. Your story is one strand of the Diaspora. That strand brought you to Hong Kong and Maryknoll. In ways known and unknown both are fortunate to have benefited from your dedicated service. May we who have been loved by you find our ways to serve with integrity and kindness.
Good bye!
Cynthia Pon
Je me souviens de votre empathie et de vos encouragements en tant que professeur, de la tendresse avec laquelle vous parliez toujours de vos enfants et de votre vivacité même lorsque le corps s'affaiblissait. Je vous remercie pour votre amitié. Votre histoire est un brin de la diaspora. Ce fil vous a amené à Hong Kong et Maryknoll. De manière connue et inconnue les deux ont de la chance d'avoir bénéficié de votre service dévoué. Puissions-nous, nous qui avons été aimées par vous, trouver nos façons de servir avec intégrité et gentillesse.
A-Dieu et au revoir!
Cynthia Pon
Dear Madame,
I remember your warmth and encouragement as a teacher, the tenderness with which you spoke of your children, and your awareness even as the body grew weak. I thank you for your friendship. Your story is one strand of the Diaspora. That strand brought you to Hong Kong and Maryknoll. In ways known and unknown both are fortunate to have benefited from your dedicated service. May we who have been loved by you find our ways to serve with integrity and kindness.
Good bye!
Cynthia Pon
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Dear Madame, thank you for being our teacher, mentor and friend. Your sweet smile (which was always on your face), loving and caring spirit will always be in our heart. Your passion, hardwork and devotion to our School will always be our role model. You are a delight to God and us Maryknollers. We love you.
May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023
Madame Huang was such a kind soul that touched me during my secondary school years. Her gentleness will be remembered forever. May her memory be a blessing.
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
Met Mrs Huang when I first came to Maryknoll to apply for the job of an English teacher. She was the supervisor at that time. She was so warm and loving and made me feel at home and a part of the Maryknoll family. Over the years she came to many of my lessons and gave me wonderful feedback and advice which I will cherish forever. She was a wonderful soul and will be dearly missed.
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
I feel lucky because I got to know Madame personally and we are very closed. She was an amazing lady and was so good to everyone who knew her. She will remain in our hearts and memories ❤️.
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
Greta Kwong (Class of 1991)
You will be missed forever Madame Huang thank you for being my wonderful French teacher with patience, care as well as love. You are the inspirational one who has introduced me to French language at the time I was in F.1E.
You will be missed forever Madame Huang thank you for being my wonderful French teacher with patience, care as well as love. You are the inspirational one who has introduced me to French language at the time I was in F.1E.
Colleen Yenson Chu
May 13, 2023
May 13, 2023
by Viola Chu
Madame Huang taught me French while I was studying at Maryknoll Convent School. This was such a fun class where every student started with zero knowledge of the subject and so eager to learn.
Over the years, Madame Huang tried hard to get us to know all those rules of French grammar, how to hold a basic conversation and attempt to roll our ‘R’s. Obviously some girls were more hard working than others but Madame Huang was forever patient, kind, friendly and encouraging to all her students.
Madame Huang got more frail over the years but her smile and positive spirit shined through in such a way that my friends and I always looked forward to seeing her. She will be sorely missed.
Over the years, Madame Huang tried hard to get us to know all those rules of French grammar, how to hold a basic conversation and attempt to roll our ‘R’s. Obviously some girls were more hard working than others but Madame Huang was forever patient, kind, friendly and encouraging to all her students.
Madame Huang got more frail over the years but her smile and positive spirit shined through in such a way that my friends and I always looked forward to seeing her. She will be sorely missed.
Emeline Yong (1978)
May 12, 2023
May 12, 2023
My memory - Madame Huang was always a very kind and thoughtful teacher. She enjoyed teaching. She will be missed.
Judy Yau (1978)
May 11, 2023
May 11, 2023
Madame Huang was always graceful, forever gentle and kind, as long as I could remember Madame always had a sweet smile for everyone. This is how beautiful Madame will be remembered forever!
Maggie Chau
May 10, 2023
May 10, 2023
Dear Madame, thank you for your lifelong dedication to Maryknoll. Your inspiration, wisdom, kindness and humility are reflected in million little things that happened within our red brick home. Although we hate to let you go, be with the Heavenly Father and your many friends in heaven and enjoy eternal life. You’ll be forever missed.
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
July 26, 2023
July 26, 2023
I thought of you this morning, Madame, and pray that you are enjoying peace and joy in God's eternal love. Bon anniversaire!
Cynthia
Cynthia
June 8, 2023
June 8, 2023
Without Mrs Huang, I wouldn’t be the Maryknoller I am today.
Almost three decades ago, I was desperately looking for a job. I wrote to the primary section of MCS, but the letter was internally transferred to the secondary section. I was granted an interview. Hence, for the first time after my graduation, I returned to my Alma Mater to see Mrs Huang, Sister Agnes, and Mr Aloysius Lee.
With only primary school teaching experience on my CV, I thought getting hired would be highly unlikely. However, Mrs Huang offered me the job, which became the turning point in my career. Little did I know that it was literally a life-changing opportunity. Having become a member of the teaching staff, I developed a stronger attachment to Maryknoll and the girls. Besides, Mrs Huang and the veteran teachers taught me how to teach without wasting students’ time, how to love students without spoiling them, and most importantly how to live up to the Maryknoll standard as an alumna.
I am forever indebted to Mrs Huang for being my leader, role model, and mentor.
Almost three decades ago, I was desperately looking for a job. I wrote to the primary section of MCS, but the letter was internally transferred to the secondary section. I was granted an interview. Hence, for the first time after my graduation, I returned to my Alma Mater to see Mrs Huang, Sister Agnes, and Mr Aloysius Lee.
With only primary school teaching experience on my CV, I thought getting hired would be highly unlikely. However, Mrs Huang offered me the job, which became the turning point in my career. Little did I know that it was literally a life-changing opportunity. Having become a member of the teaching staff, I developed a stronger attachment to Maryknoll and the girls. Besides, Mrs Huang and the veteran teachers taught me how to teach without wasting students’ time, how to love students without spoiling them, and most importantly how to live up to the Maryknoll standard as an alumna.
I am forever indebted to Mrs Huang for being my leader, role model, and mentor.
May 26, 2023
May 26, 2023
It was in early July 2020 when I had this idea of preparing a little album for Madame as her 90th birthday gift.
Sharing the album here >> https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:2223cef6-78a3-321f-bb60-cf778bef6353
Thanks to many of her Maryknoll friends who kindly sent me messages, memories and photos, I managed to compile a lovely memento in less than a month. Due to the outbreak of the pandemic, her dinner party was forced to be canceled. Yet it didn't stop us from sharing the joy with her, singing the birthday song together via Zoom. I even captured her beautiful smiling face and put in this love album too.
I feel so blessed to have Madame as my teacher, mentor and friend for all these years. She will always be in my heart.
Tons of love,
Pinny
Sharing the album here >> https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:2223cef6-78a3-321f-bb60-cf778bef6353
Thanks to many of her Maryknoll friends who kindly sent me messages, memories and photos, I managed to compile a lovely memento in less than a month. Due to the outbreak of the pandemic, her dinner party was forced to be canceled. Yet it didn't stop us from sharing the joy with her, singing the birthday song together via Zoom. I even captured her beautiful smiling face and put in this love album too.
I feel so blessed to have Madame as my teacher, mentor and friend for all these years. She will always be in my heart.
Tons of love,
Pinny
Gallery
Recent stories
on behalf of Viola CHU (Class of 1978)
Madame was my French teacher, and that’s why she was the only teacher who taught me for all 5 years.
Madame's French teaching was like singing, demonstrating all the intonations ups and downs. She was upbeat, smiley and always energetic. When she walked into the class, her loud and exciting "Bonjour toute le monde" could wake you up if you were dozing off in the last lesson.
The most funny memory I have of her was when I fell asleep during French Dictation, she came to my desk with her ever smiling face and suggested I stand up to do it cause that would help. There is only cheerfulness in Madame and her melodic french lessons were the most lovely.
Madame's French teaching was like singing, demonstrating all the intonations ups and downs. She was upbeat, smiley and always energetic. When she walked into the class, her loud and exciting "Bonjour toute le monde" could wake you up if you were dozing off in the last lesson.
The most funny memory I have of her was when I fell asleep during French Dictation, she came to my desk with her ever smiling face and suggested I stand up to do it cause that would help. There is only cheerfulness in Madame and her melodic french lessons were the most lovely.
Growing with the School. An interview with Madame Huang (2004)
on behalf of Maggie Chau
Mrs Lydia Huang joined MCS in 1965, along with Miss Edith Wong, Mrs Angela Lyall, and thirteen other teachers. It was the year Sister Rose Duchesne became Principal. Just how does it feel to be with the school for such a long time? Madame replied humorously,
'You feel like being part of the wall!'
These red brick walls, an unmistakable landmark in Kowloon Tong, bore witness to Madame Huang's lifelong career as a distinguished educator. She started as a language teacher of both English and French. For 22 years, she taught, guided and mentored. In 1987, she shed the frontline responsibilities of a teacher to become Principal, Secondary Section, following Sister Jeanne Houlihan's retirement. In 1997, she bid farewell to the Secondary Section and concentrated on her role as Supervisor, Primary Section, a role that has been ongoing since 1991.
'To be honest, I like being a teacher more than a principal, Madame confessed. 'Teaching keeps me in touch with the girls. And I love being around youngsters. They have such intuitive ideas. Their views about themselves, the surrounding people and the society are refreshing and stimulating.' Madame certainly had a lot of chance to literally 'read' the minds of teenagers, as she went through the massive number of essays each semester. Small wonder Madame manages to stay in tune with her students spanning several generations, from the sixties to the millennium!
As a teacher, you get to know the students personally. Being a principal is more like a backstage job. Pushing papers around, writing letters, reports, etc,' Madame added with a twinkle of the eye. 'And interacting with more grown-ups than youngsters too!' Being a principal, however, does have its excitements and rewards. 'During my time as Principal, there were fourteen to sixteen months that were especially memorable.
We were raising funds for the Jockey Club Wing. As Vice Chairman of the Educational Trust, I was swept up by the current of activities that tornadoed through those months. There were the Gala Premiere, Fun Fair, Concert at the Cultural Centre, selling of raffles, souvenirs and second hand clothing, etc. Almost something new cropped up everyday. It was hectic! But we survived. And looking back, things worked out quite well!'
Interestingly, the title of 'Madame has evolved to become a universal salutation for Mrs Lydia Huang. 'As you all know, I've been teaching mainly English and Religion. But for some reason, I got stuck with people calling me 'Madame'! Of course I don't mind but the French syllabus I taught was discontinued some time ago! In fact, people outside of school would get to know me by 'Madame'! I had one little girl who greeted me as 'Auntie Madame'! Now that's something new!
'I was impressed and touched by the support of friends, Maryknollers, parents and students. For example, the response to our call for donations for the Fun Fair was staggering. We had so many enthusiastic contributors that the school has to organize an additional clearance sale just to sell off the extra clothes!'
'There are good memories for me all over the campus,' Madame continued. 'I think I will always remember the school with my children - Maryknollers who have become like daughters to me, and my own.'
'Juggling between the roles of being a teacher and a mother has been challenging, Madame admitted. 'I remember going home with stacks of essays to correct. I would sit at my desk, marking, while my children would be sitting at their desks, doing homework.
Like all mothers, Madame could not help smiling when she talked about her children. 'My house was full of desks, one in each corner, so that I could keep an eye on them as we all slaved away.'
A mother of five who was working on a time-consuming and demanding job had to have a lot of stamina and a will of iron to cope. Madame managed superbly, helped by a wonderful mother.
'We all grew up together, my children, my students, and the school. Mydaughter was a student here. Even my sons who went to school at La Salle were here quite often.'
Quoting from the 75th Anniversary Special Edition Annual, Mrs Lydia Huang was a lady with 'steady nerves' and 'sturdy faith.' These qualities are well demonstrated as she fulfils her administrative responsibilities at the school with brilliance. On the other hand, Madame is an excellent listener and her strong maternal instincts have nursed along many of us on life's journey and the road to discovering the real meaning of 'to serve
Maggie Chau ('85)
'You feel like being part of the wall!'
These red brick walls, an unmistakable landmark in Kowloon Tong, bore witness to Madame Huang's lifelong career as a distinguished educator. She started as a language teacher of both English and French. For 22 years, she taught, guided and mentored. In 1987, she shed the frontline responsibilities of a teacher to become Principal, Secondary Section, following Sister Jeanne Houlihan's retirement. In 1997, she bid farewell to the Secondary Section and concentrated on her role as Supervisor, Primary Section, a role that has been ongoing since 1991.
'To be honest, I like being a teacher more than a principal, Madame confessed. 'Teaching keeps me in touch with the girls. And I love being around youngsters. They have such intuitive ideas. Their views about themselves, the surrounding people and the society are refreshing and stimulating.' Madame certainly had a lot of chance to literally 'read' the minds of teenagers, as she went through the massive number of essays each semester. Small wonder Madame manages to stay in tune with her students spanning several generations, from the sixties to the millennium!
As a teacher, you get to know the students personally. Being a principal is more like a backstage job. Pushing papers around, writing letters, reports, etc,' Madame added with a twinkle of the eye. 'And interacting with more grown-ups than youngsters too!' Being a principal, however, does have its excitements and rewards. 'During my time as Principal, there were fourteen to sixteen months that were especially memorable.
We were raising funds for the Jockey Club Wing. As Vice Chairman of the Educational Trust, I was swept up by the current of activities that tornadoed through those months. There were the Gala Premiere, Fun Fair, Concert at the Cultural Centre, selling of raffles, souvenirs and second hand clothing, etc. Almost something new cropped up everyday. It was hectic! But we survived. And looking back, things worked out quite well!'
Interestingly, the title of 'Madame has evolved to become a universal salutation for Mrs Lydia Huang. 'As you all know, I've been teaching mainly English and Religion. But for some reason, I got stuck with people calling me 'Madame'! Of course I don't mind but the French syllabus I taught was discontinued some time ago! In fact, people outside of school would get to know me by 'Madame'! I had one little girl who greeted me as 'Auntie Madame'! Now that's something new!
'I was impressed and touched by the support of friends, Maryknollers, parents and students. For example, the response to our call for donations for the Fun Fair was staggering. We had so many enthusiastic contributors that the school has to organize an additional clearance sale just to sell off the extra clothes!'
'There are good memories for me all over the campus,' Madame continued. 'I think I will always remember the school with my children - Maryknollers who have become like daughters to me, and my own.'
'Juggling between the roles of being a teacher and a mother has been challenging, Madame admitted. 'I remember going home with stacks of essays to correct. I would sit at my desk, marking, while my children would be sitting at their desks, doing homework.
Like all mothers, Madame could not help smiling when she talked about her children. 'My house was full of desks, one in each corner, so that I could keep an eye on them as we all slaved away.'
A mother of five who was working on a time-consuming and demanding job had to have a lot of stamina and a will of iron to cope. Madame managed superbly, helped by a wonderful mother.
'We all grew up together, my children, my students, and the school. Mydaughter was a student here. Even my sons who went to school at La Salle were here quite often.'
Quoting from the 75th Anniversary Special Edition Annual, Mrs Lydia Huang was a lady with 'steady nerves' and 'sturdy faith.' These qualities are well demonstrated as she fulfils her administrative responsibilities at the school with brilliance. On the other hand, Madame is an excellent listener and her strong maternal instincts have nursed along many of us on life's journey and the road to discovering the real meaning of 'to serve
Maggie Chau ('85)