Good morning Sr. Esther, Sr. Agnes, teachers and fellow Sacred Heartists.

Ever since I knew I was to be the Head Girl of the year, I have been longing for today to speak in front of you - the whole school. I would like to thank Sister Agnes, all my teachers and school friends for giving me tremendous learning opportunities throughout my years in Sacred Heart. Thank you.

I often ask myself what the school expects of the Head Girl. My answer is that the Head Girl, as a role model for others, should be able to exert positive influence on the student body's morale and vision.

This year, we are allowed much greater flexibility in setting our own pace. The school expects each and every one of us to have our own individuality. What do you think is "Active in learning"? I was deeply impressed by our schoolmates' morning talks about their involvement in the community beyond the school wall; and their active participation in the questioning sessions of the student leaders elections. I am so excited to see the different approaches used by our schoolmates as they head for the same goal of being "Active and Responsible in Learning and Community Service". It is a good sign! Their initiative in exploring the surroundings and their readiness to share their experience with schoolmates are commendable. Together with all of you, the Head Girl Core Group hopes to create an active learning atmosphere in the school.

Of course, to achieve a target, courage is a must. We students have the "privilege" of making mistakes, but we must have courage to acknowledge our mistakes so that we can learn from them. We also need courage to make attempts in a responsible manner. If we do not have the courage to face up to the frustrations which arise from our courageous attempts, we will never succeed.

Courage is particularly needed on the highway to globalisation. Things that happen far from us geographically in fact concern us in one way or another. In the devastating attacks against the United States three days ago, the terrorists have been courageous enough to cause tremendous destruction to their enemy to express themselves. Unfortunately, their courage came from hatred. Why can't we, the human race, always be forgiving and turn hatred into love, into the motivation for building a better world? Why can't we turn the courage for destruction into courage for construction? The tragedy this week does not only concern the American people. It concerns all of us - the whole human race. It is a tragedy of human nature.

What can we do? What can we Sacred Heartists do? Let's learn always to be compassionate towards our neighbours, our community, and the whole world. Show our love in whatever way we can! 1400 pairs of small fortunate helping hands will amount to a huge caring force.

Let's begin with appreciating one another. Let me begin by learning from you all. I promise that I will do my very best in being your Head Girl. And please excuse my inadequacies while I am on my way to being your school representative. I sincerely hope that together, you and I together, can strive for a better, warmer Sacred Heart. Let's always be proud of being Sacred Heartists.

Thank you!