Zhang Baizhi Criticizes School's Strict Attendance Policy After Posting Video of Sick Son
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong actress Zhang Baizhi (張栢芝) has sparked public debate after sharing a video on Instagram showing her 14-year-old son Quintus (謝振南) attending school despite running a high fever. The video, which lasted approximately one minute, captured Quintus looking exhausted and slumped in the back seat of a car, visibly ill with fever and chills. Zhang, known in entertainment circles as a devoted mother who has raised her three sons single-handedly, expressed deep concern and frustration over her son's condition and the educational system's demands on sick children.
Key Points
- Zhang Baizhi posted an Instagram video on September 3, 2026, showing her feverish son Quintus being driven to school, captioning her distress with visible concern .
- The 14-year-old appeared severely unwell, displaying classic symptoms of fever and chills while slumping weakly against the car seat, prompting Zhang to sigh repeatedly in the video .
- Zhang revealed that her son insisted on going to school despite his illness because of the principal's strict attendance policy, stating: "There's no choice, the principal requires a certain attendance rate" .
- She urged Quintus not to push himself and promised to inform the school nurse to monitor his condition and call her immediately if his health deteriorates, demonstrating her attentive motherly care .
- Quintus attends International Christian School (ICS) in Sha Tin's Shek Mun area, a prestigious institution founded in 1992 that charges annual tuition fees ranging from HK$148,400 to HK$328,500 .
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the intense academic pressure and strict attendance policies that Hong Kong students face, even when dealing with health issues. Zhang's public criticism of the principal's requirements resonates with many parents who share similar concerns about balancing educational demands with children's well-being. As a prominent public figure, her video has brought attention to whether schools should adopt more flexible attendance policies for sick students, particularly during peak illness seasons.
The incident highlights the intense academic pressure and strict attendance policies that Hong Kong students face, even when dealing with health issues. Zhang's public criticism of the principal's requirements resonates with many parents who share similar concerns about balancing educational demands with children's well-being. As a prominent public figure, her video has brought attention to whether schools should adopt more flexible attendance policies for sick students, particularly during peak illness seasons.