A Short Holiday with Small Changes

Unlike the summer holidays, the shorter Christmas break does not allow for large-scale projects. However, thanks to favorable weather conditions with minimal interruptions from heavy rain or extreme weather, small to medium-scale projects that rely on good weather were scheduled during this period. While these projects typically involve two weeks of construction, the preparatory work is just as demanding as that of large summer projects. 

Discussions began early in the semester, starting with confirming needs with teachers, coordinating site visits with suppliers, requesting quotes, comparing samples, inspecting product factories, and fine-tuning process details. Every step, from setting construction schedules to ensuring coordination among different teams, was carried out meticulously.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the transformations made during the Christmas holiday.

With the establishment and growth of SCIE Arts Academy, the original nine instrument practice rooms could no longer meet the students' needs. To address this, five outdoor instrument practice rooms were installed at the east end of the first floor, designed to integrate with the campus’ aesthetic. These rooms feature two sound-absorbing walls and two transparent glass walls, striking a balance between soundproofing and visual openness. Equipped with integrated air-conditioning, they provide a comfortable environment for practice in all weather conditions. To accommodate the placement of the instrument practice rooms and to interface with the school's access control system, this area was re-modelled with a new floor, dedicated circuit and network. Once the instrument practice rooms are in use, students will be able to make bookings and authorize their student cards online through the CMS and use the rooms during their booked time slots.

After more than four years of exposure to the elements and high-frequency use, the outdoor basketball court on the G floor showed signs of wear and tear. During the Christmas holiday, the original court was demolished, the base surface leveled, and the court rebuilt. The new court utilizes upgraded silicon PU technology, offering improved hardness and elasticity to better meet the needs of both teachers and students.

The sports floors in the gymnasium underwent systematic restoration and maintenance. This included polishing, deep cleaning, repairs, and the reapplication of protective coatings. The court was also relined, and the logo was repainted, giving the floors a fresh and polished appearance.

To support A2 students’ online interviews during application season and enhance the daily teaching environment, acoustic panels were installed in five counseling rooms—A217A, B, D, and B528A, B in the teaching buildings. These panels improve the rooms’ acoustic conditions by reducing noise and enhancing sound clarity, creating a more conducive environment for discussions and interviews.

Over the years, the pepperwood trees in the central garden on Level G had aged and begun to dry out. Following consultations with the original designer, the plan to replant a large area with pepperwood was revised. Instead, a mix of two to three plant species was introduced. After small-scale replanting trials in November, the final transformation was completed during the Christmas holiday. Now, delicate white flowers are nestled amid lush greenery, adding a playful touch to the campus.

Before	After

Beyond these visible changes, several behind-the-scenes improvements were made:

• Replacement of water pumps in the campus water system and external systems in the east and south areas, using upgraded vertical pumps to reduce failures and enhance performance.

• Replacement of flower boxes in teaching buildings and upgrades to the vertical greening sprinkler system.

• Maintenance and descaling of domestic water tanks.

• Secondary waterproofing for the theater’s exterior and the external water system.

• Equipment maintenance in staff and student gyms, partial re-tiling of the Sports Hall floor, and repairs in Selene Apartment and Student Residence.

• Overhauls and upgrades to the intramural network, along with inspections and updates to the campus’ fire safety and monitoring systems.

During the holiday, workers from various teams and disciplines diligently advanced these projects, ensuring they were completed efficiently and effectively.

External Water System Waterproofing Upgrade	Secondary Waterproofing for the Theatre Exterior	Replacement of Flower Boxes in Teaching Buildings
Resurfacing of Floor Tiles in the Sports Hall	Maintenance of Gym Equipment	Maintenance of Domestic Water Tanks

The arrival of 2025 brings new challenges, fresh opportunities, and a growing list of projects to address evolving needs. Just as the seasons change, so does our campus. With diligent preparation and hard work, we can look forward to reaping the rewards of our efforts. In 2025, may every worker’s dedication be met with success, and may the year bring fulfillment and new achievements for all.

Recommended Article

Financial Exploration in Hong Kong: Reflections and Discoveries

Recommended Video