Published for the first time in the year 1965 the Starlet celebrates its 21st anniversary this year ( in year 1985).  As the  authorized newspaper for more than 20 years, the Starlet has a vital role to play in helping the students to communicate with one another and with the teachers.  In fact, the main aims of publishing the school newspaper is to foster in the students a greater concern for a love of the school, and cultivate the sense of belonging.   For the publication members themselves, it is a training in independence, self sacrifice and leadership.  Besides, it acts as the medium for students to express their views in a  general knowledge.

The 21st anniversary is indeed a memorable year in its history.  At a time like this we look back and find that our newspaper has changed in many respects and much improvement has been made.   

I think it would be worth-while to let all of you know about the history of the Starlet and how it has climbed the ladder of success from its humble beginnings.  

At the beginning of the school year at 1965, a group of enthusiastic Form Five boys begin to think of the idea of introducing an official school paper into our school.  After much planning and discussion, a committee was formed under the leadership of Hui Zan Lam.  At that time there were only nine members on the Editorial Board.  After a prolonged preparation, the committee gave birth to the first issue of the Starlet in June, 1965. The name "Starlet" was chosen after the name of the school magazine, The Star. Our first issue with only four pages was entirely home made. The editors did all the work from writing articles to typing, design to stenciling.  However, the price was only 10 cents per copy.  The articles in Chinese and English were well-balanced.  The Chinese session was sponsored by the Chinese Society.   The first issue got a satisfactory response from the students.  

However, they met with hundreds of difficulties that were inevitable.  The lack of articles and financial difficulty have been problems from the beginning till now. 

Because it is the policy of the school that we should be self sufficient as far as possible, the financial problem will go on. The Starlet depends on advertisements which cover a large part of printing expenses. However, the number of advertisements is always not enough no matter how hard we try.  

Besides, our students seldom send articles to us and therefore the Editorial board often do most of  the writing.  

Meanwhile, the committee members tried their best to smooth out all the difficulties with their untiring efforts. 

In 1967, the price was raised to 20 cents. The Chinese session was no longer written by the Chinese Club but by our Chinese editors. A revolutionary change took place. The Starlet came in real print. Photographs accompanied in the feature articles.  In addition, the Chinese name "華彗“ appeared for the first time in September 1967.  By then the Starlet became more organized and the editorial board did better.  They organized many functions such as essay contest, seminars and cartoon competitions. These activities were successful.  Moreover the Past Students Corner and the science  page "Scientia" was incorporated into the newspaper. 

Beginning the 70s the Starlet was no longer home-made but printed by one of the six famous printing  firms in Hong Kong.  Six issues were published in 1970, including an Open Day Special and a joint issue with "Signum" (華仁學報), the student newspaper of Wah Yan College, Kowloon. For the next five years the Starlet continued publishing a joint issue with Signum once a year.  The response was gratifying.  Moreover, our newspaper increased to ten pages, which was unique in secondary school at that time.  

Deficiency in advertisements continued to be one of the greatest handicaps and in 1972, the committee finally turned to school for help.  To serve the problem, they begin to sell the Starlet to the newly established primary school with the kind help of Fr. Barrett and Fr. Mallin.  Later they arranged with Fr. Mallin and Mr. Oliver Lam, the assistant principal of the primary school, for subsequent subscriptions from them.

The most difficult year to run the newspaper was 1975 on account of the worldwide economic recession. It was even more difficult to get advertisements.  The Starlet was forced to turn to the classes, clubs, and Past Student Association for financial support. They got a sum that they finally managed to survive the storm.

In the second half of the 70s the financial problem was eventually improved.  In addition extra colour was added so that a newspaper became more attractive.  In 1977, there was a breakthrough in the history of the newspaper. The special issue for the Open Day of our school was published in colour! The kind of printing had never been tried by any school.  1978 was a more active year because many activities were held. A Joint School Calligraphy Competition and a Editor's training course were organized.

After being The adviser of the Starlet for 10 years, Mr. M.S. Cheung was replaced by Mr. K.S. Fung in 1980.  From 1980 - 1985, the Starlet was functioned smoothly and make many improvements.  Mr. K.K. Chan and Mr. Koo were our Chinese advisors during these five years. Fr. McGaley had been our advisor for more than 15 years! 

In 1985, a new cover design with the use of two extra colours was introduced.  To run a newspaper is not an easy job indeed.  Besides the financial and technical problems which I have already mentioned, the process of publishing and issue is also very complex. 

First of all, we have to put up posters, asking students to contribute articles. We also ask clubs to write special articles for us. On the other hand, we often have interviews with teachers or fathers on certain topics.  Through these interviews, their opinions are expressed and a better relations between students and teachers can be established.  While the editors and busy collecting the articles,  our Business Advertising Manager has to contact advertisers in order to solve our financial problem.  After we have finished selecting and checking the articles, they will be sent to the printing company.  We have to proof read several times to ensure that our articles have no mistake. They understand it is printed and distributed. For each issue, more than 2000 copies are printed. 

We owe much to our former editors and advisors who worked hard  to foster the development and growth of the standard.  During these 20 years, all sorts of difficulties have cropped up.  However, with our own  all-out efforts and the invaluable counselling of our advisors, we always weather the storm.  The starlet has changed a lot and will change in many ways in the future but the spirit remains as a bond between the school and the students.  

All in all, there was much room for us to improve.  We sincerely hope that we can be very successful this year.  Finally I would like to say that any newspaper needs to have the support and the appreciation of the readers.   As a Wah Yan boy, you should remember that the Starlet is yours.  You have the duty to support it.  It needs your contributions, your criticism and your subscription.