The Education Bureau (EDB) today (July 8) reminded parents that the results for Secondary School Places Allocation (SSPA) 2024 (including results at the discretionary places (DP) and central allocation (CA) stages) will be announced tomorrow (July 9).
 
SSPA results
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      A total of 51 393 students participated in the SSPA System for this allocation cycle. Based on the total number of students allocated DP and the first three choices through CA, the overall satisfaction rate is 91 per cent. According to the number of students allocated DP and the first choice through CA, the satisfaction rate is 79 per cent.
 
      The respective satisfaction rates for DP and CA are:
 
* Among the students allocated DP, 67 per cent were allocated the first choice; and
 
* For students allocated through CA (including Part A for Unrestricted School Choices and Part B for Restricted School Choices), 81 per cent of students were allocated the first three choices and 62 per cent were allocated the first choice.
 
      The EDB hopes parents and students will accept the allocation results with a positive attitude. The learning effectiveness of students does not hinge merely on the schools to which they are allocated, but rather on whether students have a proactive mindset in learning. It is important for parents to continue to support and encourage their children, and to avoid burdening children with their own expectations.
 
Announcement of allocation results and completion of admission registration procedure
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      All Primary Six students participating in this year's SSPA System should return to their school tomorrow to collect the Allocation Slip and Admission Slip. Parents who have registered as SSPA e-Platform (eSSPA) users with "iAM Smart" or "iAM Smart+" (www.iamsmart.gov.hk/en/reg.html) may also view their children's allocation results via the eSSPA starting from 10am on the same day. If parents have provided a mobile phone number on the Secondary One Choice of Schools Form to indicate their consent to receiving the result via the number, they will receive the result of their children via SMS message starting from around 10am tomorrow. Please refer to the series of related videos and the Parent's Guide on the bureau's homepage (www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/primary-secondary/spa-systems/secondary-spa/general-info/sspa_eplatform_parents_guide.html) for details on creating and logging into an eSSPA account, as well as viewing the allocation results via the eSSPA.
 
      All students must report to their allocated secondary schools this Thursday or Friday (July 11 or 12) for registration. In case neither the students nor their parents or guardians are able to return to the school and collect the Allocation Slip and Admission Slip in person, the parents or guardians should authorise a representative in writing in advance to collect the documents and complete the registration procedure on their behalf.
 
      Should any parent or guardian have genuine difficulties in collecting the Admission Slip and registering with the allocated school personally or through an authorised representative, he or she should inform the schools concerned or the School Places Allocation Section (SSPA) of the EDB before the end of the registration period so that alternative arrangements for registration can be made. Failure to do so will be taken as giving up the place allocated.
 
      In case of inclement weather or other special circumstances on the day for announcement of the allocation results or on the days for registration, all schools and parents should pay attention to announcements on radio or television for special arrangements for announcement of the allocation results or registration.
 
      For enquiries about the allocation results, students and parents may call the School Places Allocation Section (SSPA) of the EDB on 2832 7740 or 2832 7700 during office hours.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will remove an Old and Valuable Tree (OVT) at Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui near the Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station on July 13, in view of its very poor health and structural condition.

     The tree concerned is a Ficus microcarpa listed on the Register of OVTs (registration number LCSD YTM/3). 

     The tree is 13 metres tall. Its health and structural condition has been deteriorating since 2022, showing signs such as an imbalanced crown, sparse crown density and a low live-crown ratio, relatively small and chlorotic leaves, and wood decay in its trunk base and limbs. The LCSD has carried out regular inspections and maintenance of the tree, including application of fungicides, improving the soil, applying fertiliser, conducting soil aeration, crown cleaning, cabling, aerial root training and application of pesticide. Despite the implementation of various maintenance and mitigation measures, the health and structural conditions of the tree were found to be deteriorating, and it is considered irrecoverable. Considering the heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic in that part of the road, the tree removal is necessary to avoid posing a danger to pedestrians and other road users.

     Having consulted the Urban Forestry Advisory Panel through the Tree Management Office and the Yau Tsim Mong District Council on the removal proposal, and having obtained the Panel's and the Council's support, the LCSD plans to remove the tree on July 13 and replant a Ficus microcarpa at the location.

     A spokesman for the LCSD reiterated that the department will continue to adopt a prudent approach in inspecting and managing trees under its care. Removal of problematic trees will be undertaken only when no other viable risk mitigation measure is available.

     Police today (July 8) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Ngau Tau Kok.

     Chan Ka-tung, aged 25, went missing after she left her residence in Tak Long Estate on July 1 afternoon. Her family made a report to Police on July 6.
              
     She is about 1.6 metres tall, 45 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and long brown hair. She has tattoos on both forearms. She was last seen wearing a dark-coloured sweater, light-coloured vest, grey trousers, white shoes and carrying a white paper bag.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon East on 3661 0335 or 6736 2136 or email to rmpu-ke-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

  

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     The spokesperson for the Kowloon East Cluster made the following announcement today (July 8):
 
     The emergency repair and cleaning works due to water mains leakage at Mona Fong General Out-patient Clinic (GOPC) in Sai Kung have been completed. Clinic services shall resume normal operations at 1.45pm.
 
     The cluster expresses gratitude to patients for their co-operation and understanding during the service suspension.

     A girl who went missing in Tseung Kwan O has been located.

     Li Yat-ching, aged 15, went missing after she left her residence in Hau Tak Estate on June 22 night. Her family made a report to Police on the next day (June 23).

     The girl turned up at police station to cancel the missing person report on July 6 night. She sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.