Rosaryhill’s yearbook has always been more than a glossy record; it’s a living archive stitched from the small, accidental moments that define a school year. Flipping through its pages is like stepping into an intimate memory house where laughter echoes from candid photos, rivalries and friendships are immortalized in student quotes, and the formal portraits hide whole untold stories.
Origins and Purpose
Structure and Style
Editorial Voice and Choices
Cultural Significance
Notable Themes Over Time
The Politics of Inclusion
Errors, Omissions, and Memory Work
The Yearbook as Primary Source
Practical Notes for Future Editors
Closing Thought A Rosaryhill yearbook is a communal artifact—part scrapbook, part manifesto, part fragile time capsule. Read with attention, it teaches how a community understood itself at a given moment: its joys, its blind spots, and the small, stubborn traces of everyday life that survive in print.
While there isn’t a single definitive "article" exclusively titled "Looking at the Rosaryhill School Yearbook
," the school's recent closure has sparked significant interest in its history, famous alumni, and archival records. Recent Closure & Legacy
Rosaryhill School in Hong Kong, founded in 1959, officially closed its doors on July 13, 2024
. The closure followed a period of intense controversy between the school's sponsoring body, the Dominican Missions, and the school’s administration regarding enrollment numbers and financial stability. This sudden end to a 65-year history has led many alumni to revisit their yearbooks as a way to preserve the school's "Veritas" (Truth) legacy. Finding & Viewing Yearbooks
If you are looking for actual yearbook content, there are a few primary digital and physical resources: Digital Archives: Internet Archive hosts several scanned editions, such as the 1989 yearbook. Alumni Connections:
Many alumni have shared photos of their yearbook pages on social media platforms like the RHS Primary Instagram
or dedicated Facebook alumni groups to commemorate the school's final days. Collector Sites:
Occasional vintage editions (often from the late 50s and early 60s) appear on resale sites like Famous Faces in the Yearbook
Rosaryhill was known for its "star-studded" student body. A look through various yearbooks would reveal several major Hong Kong icons before they were famous:
The Rosaryhill School yearbook serves as more than just a seasonal publication; it is a vital historical record of a prestigious institution that has shaped Hong Kong’s educational and cultural landscape since 1959. For decades, these yearbooks have documented the growth of "Rosarians" and the evolution of the school from its Dominican roots to its recent, high-profile transition. A Legacy in Print
Founded by the Dominican Order, Rosaryhill School (RHS) established a tradition of comprehensive annual publications to celebrate its diverse community.
Institutional Memory: The yearbook captures the essence of the school’s motto, Veritas (Truth), recording the development of its Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary sections.
Milestone Editions: Special publications, such as the 35th Anniversary and 60th Anniversary volumes, provide deep dives into the school’s long history, including major architectural changes and community fund-raising efforts like walkathons. Cultural and Alumni Significance
Rosaryhill is renowned for its star-studded alumni list, making its yearbooks "collector’s items" for fans of Hong Kong cinema and music.
Celebrity Graduates: The pages of RHS yearbooks feature iconic figures such as the late Leslie Cheung, Cantopop star Kelly Chen, and actress Charlene Choi.
The "Rosarian" Identity: Organizations like the Rosaryhill School Old Students Association (RHSOSA) rely on these records to maintain connections between "Rosarians" across different generations and professions. The Final Chapters
In September 2023, the school’s sponsoring body announced the eventual closure of the school, with the Secondary Section officially closing on July 13, 2024.
Transition of Ownership: While the secondary section was transferred to Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No 2, the primary and kindergarten sections were taken over by Dalton School Hong Kong.
Historical Preservation: As the original institution ceases its 65-year run, the yearbooks remain the definitive archive of the school’s unique "House System" and its contribution to the city’s educational heritage.
Here is some suggested content for a Rosaryhill School (RHS) Yearbook, categorized by section. Since Rosaryhill School is a private Catholic institution in Hong Kong known for its bilingual (English and Chinese) curriculum, strong sense of community, and values of truth, goodness, and beauty, the content reflects that unique identity. rosaryhill school yearbook
Unlike many international schools, RHS operates a fierce House System (e.g., St. Joseph’s, St. John’s, St. Patrick’s, etc.). The yearbook is where the annual Sports Day results are immortalized. Finding a yellowed page showing your house winning the relay is a dopamine hit no Facebook memory can replicate.
The Rosaryhill School Yearbook is more than a photo album. It is a historical record of our shared faith, academic pursuits, and extra-curricular achievements. It aims to:
Since Rosaryhill School (玫瑰崗學校) officially closed its doors on July 13, 2024, after 65 years of history, a yearbook write-up should serve as both a celebration of its legacy and a meaningful farewell to the "Rosarian" community.
The following options provide different tones depending on your section of the yearbook: Option 1: The Commemorative Introduction
Best for the opening pages, focusing on the school’s 65-year legacy and its Dominican roots.
"Since its founding by the Dominican Order in 1959, Rosaryhill School has stood as a beacon of 'Veritas' (Truth) atop Stubbs Road. What began as the Dominican Primary School at St. Albert the Great Priory grew into a cherished institution that nurtured generations of leaders, artists, and global citizens. As we flip through these pages, we celebrate 65 years of academic excellence and spiritual growth. Though our physical campus transitions to a new chapter, the Rosarian spirit—built on integrity, compassion, and a grounded sense of self—will shine forever." Option 2: A Tribute to Notable Alumni
Best for an alumni or 'Looking Forward' section, highlighting the school’s impact on Hong Kong culture.
"Rosaryhill has always been more than just a school; it has been a cradle for talent that shaped the cultural fabric of Hong Kong. From the legendary Leslie Cheung and Cantopop icon Kelly Chen to leaders like Bernard Chan, our alumni have excelled across every field. This yearbook honors not just the students within these walls today, but the vast network of thousands of Rosarians worldwide. We carry forward a legacy of trailblazing success, proving that the lessons learned in these classrooms resonate far beyond the graduation stage." Option 3: The "Final Chapter" Farewell
Best for the closing pages, acknowledging the 2024 closure and the move to Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No 2.
"This year marks a poignant milestone in our history. As Rosaryhill School concludes its operations, we look back with immense gratitude for the memories created within these halls. While our students and staff embark on new journeys—transferring to Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No 2 or joining the Dalton School Hong Kong—the bonds formed here remain unbreakable. We close this chapter not with sadness, but with the pride of having been part of something truly historic. Once a Rosarian, always a Rosarian." Key Legacy Facts for Your Write-Up: Motto: Veritas (Truth). Founded: 1959 by the Dominican Fathers.
Famous Alumni: Leslie Cheung, Kelly Chen, Charlene Choi, Tony Leung Ka-fai, and Bernard Chan.
Core Pillars: Whole-person development spanning moral, intellectual, physical, social, aesthetic, and spiritual areas. Closing Date: July 13, 2024.
The legacy of Rosaryhill School (玫瑰崗學校) is deeply intertwined with its annual publications, which served as a vital record for its community from its founding in 1959 until its closure in 2024. The Final Chapter: Commemorating 65 Years
With the school's secondary section closing its doors in 2024, recent yearbook articles have shifted from routine annual highlights to poignant retrospectives. These publications capture:
The School Spirit: Documentation of the Dominican tradition and the "Rosaryhillian" identity.
Notable Alumni: Rosaryhill is famous for its "cradle of stars" reputation, having educated icons like Leslie Cheung and Kelly Chen.
The Transition: Articles detailing the merger and the migration of students to other institutions, such as the St. Paul's Convent School. Core Elements of a Rosaryhill Yearbook Article
Traditionally, a standard entry in the school's yearbook would include:
Visual Narrative: A focus on candid action shots and high-quality photography to document sports meets and musical performances.
Linguistic Style: Stories written in the third person and past tense, utilizing active verbs to keep the history engaging.
Memorable Highlights: Summaries of high school experiences, inside jokes, and messages of gratitude toward parents and teachers.
For alumni looking to access past digital archives or physical copies, many have historically been managed through the Rosaryhill School Old Boys & Old Girls Association.
The Rosaryhill School Yearbook (traditionally titled the School Annual) serves as the definitive historical record for an institution that has shaped Hong Kong’s cultural and social landscape since September 1959. With the school's secondary section set to cease operations after the 2025/26 academic year, these yearbooks have transitioned from annual keepsakes into vital artifacts of a closing chapter in Hong Kong education. History of the Rosaryhill School Annual
The school's tradition of formal documentation began with the publication of the first School Annual in 1966. This milestone coincided with the graduation of the first group of Form 5 students, who sat for the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination in 1967.
For over six decades, the yearbook has captured the evolution of the school’s three main sections: Kindergarten, Primary, and Secondary. It documents the school's core values—Truth, Justice, Love, Life, and Family—and the shift from its early days of offering business and secretarial courses to its modern academic curriculum. Notable Figures in the Yearbooks
Rosaryhill is famous for its "star-studded" alumni base, many of whom are featured in vintage yearbooks before they achieved international fame:
Leslie Cheung (Bobby Cheung): The late Cantopop icon attended Rosaryhill until Form 3 and was known to frequently return for school fundraising events. Kelly Chen: Renowned Cantopop singer and actress.
Charlene Choi: Member of the duo Twins and a prominent actress.
Bernard Charnwut Chan: Former Convener of the Executive Council of Hong Kong. Closure and the "Final" Yearbook
The announcement in September 2023 that Dominican Missions would hand over the Stubbs Road campus to Dalton School Hong Kong sparked significant controversy. The yearbook began as a simple annual memento:
Title: A Final Chapter: Memories of Rosaryhill School As the sun sets on Rosaryhill School
, a landmark of education in Mid-Levels for 65 years, the community is looking back through the pages of its history one last time. Founded in 1959 by the Dominican Order, the school officially closed its doors on July 13, 2024, leaving behind a legacy that has shaped generations of "Rosarians". A Hall of Fame Legacy
Flipping through the Rosaryhill yearbook is like walking through a gallery of Hong Kong’s cultural icons. The school was the alma mater for legendary stars such as: Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing: The late singer and film icon. Kelly Chen Wai-lam: The beloved Cantopop star.
Charlene Choi Cheuk-yin: Famed actress and member of the duo Twins. Bernard Chan: Former Executive Council convenor. Bittersweet Reflections
The closure was met with a mix of shock and deep nostalgia. While the sponsoring body, the Dominican Missions, cited declining enrollment and financial challenges, the school’s leadership and parent-teacher association initially disputed these claims, highlighting that student numbers had actually been increasing in recent years.
Students and alumni didn't go quietly; they launched petitions and even posted a heartfelt video appeal to city leader John Lee, titled "Please let us believe in hope," pleading for a review of the decision. Despite these efforts, the school proceeded with a phased merger:
Kindergarten & Primary Sections: Now under the stewardship of Dalton School Hong Kong Secondary Section: Students were transferred to Yu Chun Keung Memorial College No. 2 in Pok Fu Lam starting in the 2024-25 academic year. Preserving the "Rosarian" Spirit
Though the physical classrooms on Stubbs Road may be changing hands, the memories preserved in those yearbooks remain. Alumni groups like the Rosaryhill School Old Boys and Girls Association (RHSOSA) continue to connect former students, ensuring that the friendships and "sweet memories" formed through thick and thin are never truly lost.
Rosaryhill School in Hong Kong closed in 2024 , the most meaningful "good article" for a yearbook topic would likely focus on legacy, nostalgia, and the school's historical impact
Here are three distinct directions for a compelling yearbook article: 1. "The Final Bell: A Legacy of Excellence" Focus on the school's 65-year history since its founding in 1959 . This article should highlight: Milestones: Major achievements and milestones that defined the school across decades. The Rosaryhill Spirit:
Interviews with long-time staff or alumni about what made the school's culture unique compared to other Hong Kong institutions. Printingcenterusa 2. "Famous Faces of the Hill"
Rosaryhill is renowned for its high-profile alumni (including icons like Leslie Cheung Kelly Chen
). An article featuring these figures can inspire current students. Success Stories:
Brief profiles on how their time at Rosaryhill shaped their careers. Inspiration: Connecting their accomplishments to the values taught at the school. Westfield Middle School Yearbook 3. "Voices of the Last Class" student-focused feature
that captures the emotions of being the final graduating cohort. Printingcenterusa Memorable Moments: Highlights of specific events and activities unique to the final year. Summarizing the Experience: Quotes from students summarizing their personal journey and overcoming obstacles during the transition period. Writing Tip: When drafting these, use active verbs and third-person perspective
to maintain a professional yet engaging tone that honors the school's history. famous alumni to include in an article?
You can adapt the specific sections (e.g., "Primary Section" vs. "Secondary Section") based on your actual school level.
Whether you are part of the Kindergarten section watching a child grow, a Primary student enjoying your first camp, or a Secondary student preparing for the HKDSE, the Rosaryhill School Yearbook unites the community. It reminds us that we are part of a lineage of learners.
To the current students: Don't skip the pages too quickly. One day, you will look back at these photos and realize these were some of the best days of your life.
To the alumni: It might be time to blow the dust off your old yearbooks. You might be surprised at the memories waiting for you there.
Did you have a favorite memory captured in a Rosaryhill yearbook? Share your favorite "yearbook moment" in the comments below!
Preserving the "Hill" Spirit: A Deep Dive into the Rosaryhill School Yearbook For over six decades, the yearbook of Rosaryhill School (RHS)
has served as more than just a collection of photos; it is a vital historical record of a community that shaped some of Hong Kong’s most iconic figures
. With the school's secondary section having officially closed in July 2024, these yearbooks have transitioned from annual keepsakes to precious artifacts for "Rosarians" worldwide. A Legacy in Print (1966–2024)
The tradition of the Rosaryhill yearbook—originally known as the School Annual —began in
. This was a pivotal era for the school, which was founded in 1959 by the Dominican Order. The yearbook captured the school's growth from its early days as the Dominican Primary School at St. Albert the Great Priory into a massive educational complex on Stubbs Road. For generations, the yearbook has documented: The School Motto: "VERITAS" (Truth), reflecting its Dominican roots. Major Milestones:
The first Form 5 graduates in 1967 and the various renovations of the iconic school hall. Community Spirit:
The annual "Fund Raising Walkathon" and festive Christmas dinners organized by the Rosaryhill School Old Students Association (RHSOSA) A Star-Studded Alumni Roster
One of the most frequent reasons people revisit Rosaryhill yearbooks is to find early photos of its legendary alumni. The school’s halls were once home to: Leslie Cheung Kwok-wing The late Cantopop icon and actor. Kelly Chen Wai-lam Renowned Cantopop singer and actress. Charlene Choi Cheuk-yin Member of the girl group Twins. Tony Leung Ka-fai Three-time Hong Kong Film Award Best Actor. Bernard Charnwut Chan Prominent politician and former Executive Council convenor. Where to Find Records Today With the campus transitioning to Dalton School Hong Kong , physical archives are more sought after than ever. Digital Archives: While a centralized official digital archive is rare, the
maintains a strong network of alumni who share scanned copies and photos within private groups, such as the Class of '86 and '87 Facebook Groups Photo Collections: Structure and Style
Some alumni, like Johnson Choi (Class of '73), have historically curated "Ohana" Photo Album Collections for the RHS community. The Final Chapter
The closure of the secondary section in 2024 was met with deep sadness from students and staff who felt the "impersonal announcement" brought a sudden end to decades of camaraderie. The final yearbooks now stand as the ultimate tribute to the school's mission of providing "wholesome education" to "useful citizens". For those looking to reconnect, the Rosaryhill School Old Students Association
remains the best platform to track down specific yearbooks or reach out to classmates from the "Hill". or a particular alumni photo from the Rosaryhill archives?
For Rosaryhill School in Hong Kong, you can access digitized yearbooks and historical school documents through the following platforms: Digital Archives and Yearbooks Internet Archive: You can find a digital copy of the RHS 1989 Yearbook RHS Alumni "Arrow" Project
: A dedicated group of alumni volunteers has created an online collection of yearbooks known as the RHS Arrow. The collection includes many years, such as the RHS Class of '76 Yearbook Historical and School Context
Founding & Closure: Rosaryhill School is a Catholic co-educational institution in Happy Valley, Hong Kong, founded by the Dominican Fathers in 1959. Recently, the Dominican Missions announced the inevitable closure of the secondary school due to declining enrollment and financial issues.
Notable Alumni: The school has a storied history in Hong Kong's entertainment industry, with many alumni featured in historical cultural clips sharing their school memories. Distinguishing from Similar Institutions
Be careful not to confuse Rosaryhill School with Rosary Hill College (now Daemen University) in Buffalo, New York, whose yearbooks (titled ) are often found on eBay and Ancestry.com. RHS Yearbooks Digitized and Available for Download
The Legacy of the Rosaryhill School Yearbook: A Time Capsule of Hong Kong Excellence
For over six decades, the Rosaryhill School yearbook (often titled the Rosaryhill School Annual) served as more than just a collection of student portraits; it was a definitive record of one of Hong Kong’s most culturally significant educational institutions. Founded in 1959 by the Dominican Order, Rosaryhill School officially closed its doors on July 13, 2024, making its final yearbooks invaluable artifacts for thousands of alumni. A History Preserved in Ink
The tradition of the school annual began shortly after the school's inception, with the first School Annual published in 1966. These volumes documented the school's growth from the Dominican Primary School into a comprehensive institution featuring kindergarten, primary, secondary, and business studies sections.
The yearbooks are prized by the Rosaryhill School Old Students Association (RHSOSA), which was founded in 1967 by the first group of Form 5 graduates. For decades, these books captured the "Diamond Jubilee" celebrations and the core pillars of the school: Truth, Justice, Love, Life, and Family. A Who's Who of Hong Kong Stars
Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Rosaryhill School yearbook is its "Celebrity Alumni" pages. Because the school was a nurturing ground for Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, its yearbooks contain early photos of legendary figures before they reached global fame. Notable figures found in past editions include: Leslie Cheung: The late Cantopop icon and actor.
Tony Leung Ka Fai: Three-time Best Actor winner at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Kelly Chen and Charlene Choi: Major Cantopop stars and actresses.
Barbara Yung: The beloved 1980s actress who famously returned to her alma mater for filming before her passing.
Bernard Chan: Former member of the Executive Council of Hong Kong. The Final Editions and Digital Archives
With the school's closure in 2024, the final yearbooks have become highly sought-after commemorative items. While physical copies are often held in private collections or by the RHSOSA, digital traces of the school's history remain:
Since Rosaryhill School (located in Hong Kong) has a strong tradition of bilingual education (English and Chinese) and a Dominican heritage, this content is designed to reflect a balance of academic solemnity, spiritual growth, and vibrant student life.
You can adapt the specific year and themes to fit your current editorial needs.
The Rosaryhill School yearbook is a testament to Veritas—the Dominican motto meaning "Truth." It captures the truth of youth: the joy, the struggle, the friendships, and the farewells. Whether you are a 1970s alumnus searching for a photo of your old basketball team or a 2024 graduate looking back in twenty years, know that these books are out there, waiting to be found.
So, start your search today. Reach out to the alumni network, visit the library, or post that inquiry online. Because until you hold that Rosaryhill School yearbook in your hands again, a piece of your history remains unfinished.
Have a copy of an old RHS yearbook? Contact the Rosaryhill School Alumni Association to help preserve history for the next generation.
For your Rosaryhill School yearbook write-up, you can focus on the school's long-standing legacy at 41B Stubbs Road and its core mission of providing a "wholesome education" rooted in Christian values.
The following templates are designed to capture the unique spirit of the school, including its motto, Veritas (Truth), and its recent transition. Option 1: Formal Legacy (Best for Opening Pages)
Veritas: A Legacy of Excellence and TruthFor over 60 years, Rosaryhill School has stood as a beacon of education on Stubbs Road. Guided by our motto, Veritas, we have nurtured generations of students to become conscientious individuals and useful citizens. This year, we celebrate the unwavering dedication of our teachers and the vibrant energy of our "Rosarians," who continue to shine in everything from academic pursuits to our diverse extra-curricular programs like Taekwondo, choir, and the eco-friendly "Green Group". As we look back on our shared history, we carry forward the spirit of the Dominican Missions and the bonds that unite the Rosaryhill family. Option 2: Student-Focused (Best for Class Sections)
Cherished Moments and Lifelong BondsBeing a Rosarian is about more than just lessons; it’s about the memories made between the red-brick walls of our campus. From the excitement of the annual Athletic Meet and Swimming Gala to the quiet moments of mindfulness and Friday afternoon activities, this year has been a journey of growth. We’ve learned to "Seize the Day," making every minute count whether we were in the lab or performing on stage. Though our paths may lead us to new horizons—including our friends moving to Dalton School Hong Kong—the "Veritas" spirit will always be our compass.
Option 3: Short & Impactful (Best for Back Cover or Dedication)
Once a Rosarian, Always a Rosarian"Everything is possible in Him who has strengthened me" (Philippians 4:13). As we close this chapter of the Rosaryhill School yearbook, we honor the traditions, the friendships, and the pursuit of Truth that define us. Our doors remain open to our alumni, and our hearts remain full of the stories we’ve written together. Key Elements to Include: School Motto: Veritas (Truth) or "Seize the Day".
Spirit: Emphasize the "Rosarian Virtues" and the sense of belonging that over 80% of students take pride in.
Activities: Mention specific highlights like the Cross Country, LEGO Robot Class, or the Green Education initiatives.
Transition Context: If writing for the final operating years, acknowledge the transition to Dalton School Hong Kong with a focus on "bridging traditions".