A destructive five-alarm fire in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong on Wednesday has caused significant operational disruption, compelling the Education Bureau (EDB) to announce the closure of at least 13 local schools for the subsequent day, Thursday. The extensive blaze at Wang Fuk Court and the resulting traffic gridlock were cited as the primary reasons for the mandatory class suspensions. The EDB has advised parents and stakeholders to closely track official announcements as the situation unfolds, emphasizing the safety and welfare of students and staff.
Schools Affected by Tai Po Blaze and Closures
The EDB confirmed that the closures apply to a diverse range of primary, secondary, and international institutions located near the affected area.
The institutions mandated to close on Thursday include:
- CCC Fung Leung Kit Memorial Secondary School
- Tai Po Baptist Public School
- SKH Yuen Chen Maun Chen Primary School
- Ling Liang Church M H Lau Secondary School
- The Women’s Welfare Club (Kowloon) Mrs Fung Yiu Hing Secondary School
- Po Leung Kuk Tin Ka Ping Millennium Primary School
- Delia Primary School
- Delia Memorial School (Broadway)
- Norwegian International School (Kindergarten Section)
- Annunciation Catholic School
- Wong Shiu Chi Secondary School
- Po Leung Kuk Lau Tsun Kindergarten
- Anfield International Kindergarten
Beyond these required closures, the EDB clarified that other educational institutions maintain the discretion to suspend classes based on their unique operational circumstances. Any such individual school closures must adhere to established governance procedures, requiring consultation with the respective incorporated management committees or school boards and subsequent notification to the EDB’s relevant School Development Sections. Transparency and timely communication with students, parents, and community stakeholders remain paramount during this period of uncertainty.
Prioritizing Student Welfare and Registration Logistics
In response to the emergency, an EDB spokesman detailed immediate outreach efforts, confirming that officials swiftly contacted the Tai Po Heads Association and schools located near the incident site. Crucially, the EDB mobilized resources to support those affected. Educational psychologists and personnel from the Tai Po School Development Section were deployed to temporary evacuation shelters, notably at Fu Shin Community Hall, to provide emotional assistance to displaced students and families.
The disruption coincides with a critical administrative date: Primary One Discretionary Places registration day. Recognizing the logistical challenges facing parents, the Bureau has instructed affected schools to proactively contact families to reschedule or make alternative accommodations for completing the necessary registration procedures for their children.
Further underscoring a commitment to mental well-being, the EDB strongly urged schools and teaching staff within the district to remain vigilant regarding students’ emotional health. Educators are encouraged to offer proactive support to those impacted by the traumatic event. The Bureau confirmed that educational psychologists and the Tai Po School Development staff will maintain close coordination with local schools to ensure continuous access to guidance and counseling services in the coming days. Parents are advised to regularly monitor school and EDB broadcasts for the most current information regarding operational status and support services.