SJI News April 2009.pdf - ST Joseph's Institution

www.sji.moe.edu.sg
New Leadership,
Upholding Traditions
GCE O-Level Results
Our top students for the 2008 GCE O-Levels proudly pose with both the Principal, Dr Koh Thiam Seng (left)
and former Principal, Mr Lui Seng Cheong, Benjamin (right).
In this issue
Page 4
No. 62 April 2009
Visit to MIT and
Harvard
Page 5
A New Cohort of
Josephians
Page 8
Old Boys meet again
in SJI
Page 9

2 message from brother president
No. 62 April 2009
Message from the Brother President
Dear Josephians,
We have begun 2009 on a high note! Our new principal, Dr
Koh Thiam Seng had the delightful task of informing the
Josephian family that the Class of 2008 had done the
school proud by garnering the best overall GCE ‘O’ Level results
ever in the history of our school.
On behalf of the Brothers, I salute the Sec 4 students of 2008 for
their historic achievement and of course I congratulate their
teachers who so diligently prepared them over four years to come
to this point in their academic life.
People are saying good things about SJI, and as Brother President,
I am really pleased to say that our best publicity has been the
personal testimonies of our parents and students. You have been
our best ambassadors in selling the school to prospective families.
It is a double-edged blessing that as we improve academically, we
attract more students of higher calibre but at the same time lose so
many who cannot meet our higher entry cut-offs.
Josephians, you are among those who made it despite the fact that
we had to turn away so many others. Please value your place in this
fine school and serve your alma mater to the best of your ability in
all your endeavors both in studies and in your CCA commitments.
I would like to invite the whole community to consider one of our
school values, Faith, as an area of special interest in our lives. I
strongly believe this a value for everyone, regardless of religious
affiliation. It is what gives meaning and purpose to our humanity.
Some find it in God and religion while others find it in those nonnegotiable
values they hold which guide their moral choices and
their relations with others.
To believe in something higher than ourselves must surely be the
bedrock of every human endeavour in history. Children can’t go far
wrong in adult life if the home and school helped them develop a
well-formed conscience that can choose between good and bad,
right and wrong amidst the ambiguities of the crass materialism
and moral relativism of our times.
I look forward to working more closely with our Parents Support
Group and seek concrete ways in which they can enhance the SJI
experience of their sons. I also invite Catholic parents to contribute
more to the vibrant Catholic life we have on campus. It is my sincere
desire to see interested Catholic parent volunteers assist during
Religious & Moral Education activities and chapel services. I hope
we can have a Parents’ Prayer Group which will gather one day a
week in the chapel or Cenacle to pray for the well-being of the
whole school community. It would be wonderful to see more
parents joining us for daily morning prayer at 7.15am or Mass on
Tuesdays at 4.30pm or Thursdays at 2.30pm. Feel welcome to drop
in at any time.
Lastly, I want to sincerely thank the Board of Governors, our
immediate former principal, Mr Benjamin Lui, our present school
leader, Dr Koh Thiam Seng and his very able team of
administrators and teachers who have worked so hard to
begin this 157th year of our school’s existence so well.
ORA ET LABORA
Bro Michael Broughton, FSC.

message from the principal 3
Message from the Principal
Our founder’s statue stands at the
Malcolm Road frontage of
St.Joseph’s Institution as a symbol of
the pioneering works of St.John Baptist de
la Salle who started the Lasallian schools in
Singapore. It serves as a constant reminder
to every Josephian, past, present and
future, to draw inspiration from a shared
rich heritage to continue to serve the
community with faith. It reminds every boy
to carry on a tradition of excellence
established by those who came before
them and built an institution that is today
synonymous with a premier education for
boys in Singapore and many other parts of
the world.
At SJI, we are committed to providing
quality holistic learning experiences for
every boy entrusted to our care. SJI prides
itself as an institution that is constantly
open to innovations and places a high
premium in developing the whole person.
We provide the opportunities for every boy
to discover his potential and talents. We
provide the opportunities for every boy to
discover who they are and what they can
be. We encourage every boy not to be
afraid of treading the unbeaten path in
finding meaning in their lives. Essentially,
we want our boys to be men for others
and develop the dispositions to
contribute to the society. We hope they
recognize that servant leadership
involves caring and responsible
reflections and actions. We want them
to have the opportunities to learn to
experience life from all the aspects
including caring and making a difference
in the lives of others. We want to see them
develop into men of Integrity so they can
discern and evaluate the various
possibilities arising from any given actions
and consequences. Most of all, we want
every boy to develop a deep sense of duty
to family, community and country, and a
moral compass that will keep them
anchored for life.
At SJI, we recognize that each boy is
blessed with unique talents, interests and
capabilities. To this effect, we have
designed our Josephian Programme to
develop each of them as a whole person.
We are very clear of our role here – we are
preparing each boy for the test of life and
not a life of tests. Our boys experience an
enriched curriculum that challenges them
to analyse, see issues with empathy and an
inquiring mind and be ready to address
real-world issues. Our outstanding and
committed team of teachers works with
them to push limits with new ideas. We
also offer one of the widest variety of cocurricular
activities: each focuses on finding
the leader in every boy, building character,
resilience and confidence so that they are
equipped to meet the challenges of the
future. It is also here where boys foster and
find endearing friendships with one
another and find common space where
they learn to appreciate and respect
diversity.
In the School Rally is a line that our boys
will always remember - “All through our
college, a voice is resounding, promptly
respond to your duty’s sweet call.” Every
boy who passes through our gates
responds to that call to service - it is our
commitment to ensure that it is this call
that will inspire them to be Men of Integrity
and Men for Others.
ORA ET LABORA
Dr Koh Thiam Seng

4 achievements
No. 62 April 2009
Excellent ‘O’ Level Results … Again!
Congratulations, Class of 2008, for
giving SJI another year of fantastic
results, and retaining the Band 1
ranking in Singapore!
SJI retained her Band 1 ranking in MOE’s
ranking of Singapore schools for the GCE
‘O’ Level examinations. This outstanding
achievement is attributed to the hard work
and dedication of every student from the
Class of 2008 and their teachers.
Josephians scored an impressive L1B5
score of 10.2 with 100% passes in 16
subjects. The overall distinction rate was
69.1%.
The Art Department maintained its rating of
100% distinction while high distinction
rates were recorded in Mathematics
(96.6%), World History (90.2%), Biology
(86.4%) and Additional Mathematics
(82.7%). Well done, boys.
The Arts Department is in high spirits with
distinctions for the last four years. Mrs
Vivian Tan, Curriculum Specialist for Art,
commented, “The boys deserve the credit.
They worked consistently throughout the
year and constantly had in mind the strong
desire to maintain the good results
achieved by their seniors. As teachers, we
are proud of their achievement.”
This year, MOE released the ‘O’
Level results on Monday, 12
January, earlier than in previous
years.
Boys started to stream into school
by 10am to catch up with friends
before the announcement of the
results in the afternoon. Without a
doubt, the critical people all the
boys wanted to meet up with were
their teachers, who were also
waiting anxiously for the
results to be released.
Teachers were busy with
preparing all the necessary
paperwork for the boys. Boys,
staff and parents streamed in the
school hall at 1pm. One of the
things on everyone’s minds was,
of course, who the top scorers
for the year would be. With joy
in his heart, Mr Lui, outgoing
principal of SJI, announced
that their hard work has
resulted in the best results SJI
has received in many years.
This was met with a
spontaneous cheer of
happiness and celebration.
The four boys who topped the
class at SJI are Yap Li Wei and foreign
scholars, David Heryanto, Alvin Adrian
Wijaya and Michael Agung Pradhana. All
boys attained an excellent score of 9A1s.
Another seven boys scored 8A1s.
Our top local student, Yap Li Wei, raved, “I
had very good teachers who helped me
tremendously. I was consistent in working
hard throughout the year. For SJI, I hope
that subsequent batches of Josephians will
carry on getting good results and continue
to put in the effort towards making SJI a
recognized school of academic excellence.”
Li Wei is now in National Junior College.
Deputy Principal (Curriculum) Mrs Goh
added, “The 2008 cohort indeed made the
school proud. True to the Josephian spirit,
they rose to the occasion and did not let
their teachers down. The teachers and
school admin team are very satisfied with
the reward presented by the boys - their
outstanding performance! The 2008 cohort
has upheld the banner of SJI high with
pride. They have set a new benchmark for
the subsequent cohorts of Josephians. Well
done, Class of 2008!”

programmes 5
Study Trip to MIT and Harvard
SJI staff and students went on an
exciting visit to MIT and Harvard on
2 Nov 2008.
It was incredible because the six students
– Rovik Jeremiah (432), Nicholas Tan
(432), Gabriel Tan (432), Peter Ooi (432),
Tsao Tsing (433), James Law (432) and
two teachers – Mrs Tan Sia Hui and Mrs
Janet Kwok were given an opportunity to
tread in the hallowed hallways of not one
but two highly regarded institutions, namely Harvard University and
MIT. It was even more incredible as they got to rub shoulders with
some amazing people. Also, it was an honour to be able to experience
how education, specifically in the area of teaching and learning, takes
place among the most progressive and innovative in the field.
Upon arriving at Boston, they were warmly welcomed by Dr Wong
Chon Meng (SJI Class of 1971), his wife Mrs Belinda Wong and Mr
Hugo van Vuuren who were their guides for the two weeks they spent
there. For the rest of the journey, they were often there to guide
Josephians through the many questions they had about their roles and
tasks in the course they were attending, the accommodation, the food,
phone cards for calling home and just about everything.
The co-ordinator for the course, Hugo was crucial in
helping our 15-year-old students settle in among the
undergraduates. Although our students fitted in quite
easily, Hugo, being personal assistant to Prof David
Edwards and a tutor in his ArtScience module, took the
boys under his tutelage. The presenters spoke
confidently in front of other Boston teenagers about
their plan and commitment to create knowledge that
would improve patronage to museums. It is a
commitment that the students continue to honour
even though they are no longer physically in Harvard.
Our students were introduced to the idea of
Getting the morning's newspaper from Harvard
University's own printing press, The Harvard
Crimson
ArtScience, where Art is not limited by Science
or vice versa but is viewed in connection to
each other.
In addition, the contacts that our students
have made in Boston e.g. with Cloud
Organisation, Harvard, Apple, the Louvre in
Paris, etc. are presently helping them honour
their pledge of realising their project. The best
part of the trip, therefore, is not merely the once-off, two-week module.
It is the on-going commitment made by our students there to join
others in improving the world. It is the connections they have made
with the world outside of school and the passion that they have
discovered for themselves that have been the biggest take-away.
Mrs Janet Kwok added, “They are learning through doing, interacting
and living according to Prof Edwards’ principles in Idea Translation, that
‘one learns most when one finds an idea that he/she is passionate
about’ and that ‘the process of innovation is a process of
experimentation, of trying out, of running it and then bringing about
change’. These are invaluable lessons that have reminded us teachers
and our six students about what real learning is all about. And these
are, incidentally, helping us concretise the school’s mission of learning
how to learn and how to live, how to be
men of integrity and men for others.”
Dr Koh paid a visit to Harvard in March to
discuss how to bring the Art Science project
to SJI in Singapore. In this way, hopefully
some Josephians in Sec 3 next year will
benefit from this truly global education.
A landmark within Harvard University, the John
Havard Statue are students (left to right)
Gabriel, Nicholas, Peter, Tsao Tsing, Rovik,
James from SJI and Tsao Hui and Shannin from
SJI (Int'l)
Hair for Hope @ SJI
The Hair for Hope project by the
Children’s Cancer Foundation will make
its second appearance in SJI this year.
This worthy course, in support of the
Children’s Cancer Foundation to raise
awareness of childhood cancer in Singapore,
was initiated in SJI by 2008 Head Prefect
Choo Ruizhi and his EXCO. On the morning of
the activity, more than 150 Josephians and
teachers, including three female teachers and
one Primary 2 student from SJI Junior,
stepped up to shave their
heads, and around $16,000
was raised to support the
cause.
A student initiative, the
hair-shaving event is run
entirely by the boys, with
strong support from the
staff. This year, Head
Prefect Brijinder Singh
and his EXCO extend an invitation to all
parents, old boys, staff and Josephians
to continue this new, but worthy,
tradition to stand in solidarity
with those who suffer from
cancer.
Spend a morning in SJI and
join in the activity. Not to
worry, hair cuts are by
professional L’Oreal staff.
More details of the event
will be uploaded on the
school website soon.

6 in focus
No. 62 April 2009
Whos’ Who at SJI
Welcome to SJI. Let’s meet the
various teams of dedicated
teachers and staff who help to
serve the teachers and students at SJI by
maintaining high standards of education
and helping to preserve the SJI culture.
Dr Koh Thiam Seng, and old boy from the
Class of 1976, comes to SJI with a wealth
of experience in the education sector. He
was Director, Educational Technology whilst
seconded to MOE and was also the Deputy
Director of NIE. For his contribution to
MOE, Dr Koh was awarded the Public
Administration Medal (Silver) in the 2008
National Day Honour List. Dr Koh is the first
‘Lay’ Josephian to lead the school.
Mr Benjamin Lui is Director (Student and
Alumni Affairs). Mr Lui taught Mathematics
and Physical Education when he joined SJI
in 1979. He has served in the school as
Assistant Principal (Curriculum), Deputy
Principal and Principal. In recognition of his
contribution to the education sector, Mr Lui
was awarded the Commendation Medal in
1996 and the Public Administration Medal
(Bronze) in 2005.
Brother Michael Broughton FSC, is Brother
President to SJI and SJI International. He is
also Brother Supervisor to the other
Lasallian schools in Singapore. An old boy
of SJI (Class of 1973), he looks into the
moral and religious well-being of the boys.
He serves as Spiritual Director to the SJI
Legion of Mary and Chapel Sacristy. As
Brother President, he ensures the Catholic
ethos and Lasallian identity of the school
are upheld.
Mrs Goh Poh Kenn, Deputy Principal
(Curriculum) oversees all curriculum
matters, the Josephian Programme, internal
and external examinations, and school
twinning programmes. In recognition of her
contributions to the education sector,
Mrs Goh was awarded the Public
Administration Medal (Bronze) in 2007.
Mr Dominic Ang, Assistant Principal
(Student Development), oversees all
student related areas such as Physical
Education, Student Pastoral Matters,
Religious and Moral Education, National
Education, Outdoor Education and the
Catholic life in school.
Mrs Jenny Leong, Assistant Principal
(Special Programmes) looks after the
development of professional learning
opportunities for the teachers, and the
Humanities and IT departments. She also
oversees the Josephian Programme in the
school.
The Administrative Committee (ADCO)
comprises the ADMIN Team, Heads of
Levels, Heads of Departments and Subject
Heads.
Heads of Level (HOL) comprise Mr Jeremy
Liew (SrHOL), Mr Genesius Chan (SrHOL2),
SJI ADMIN Team 2009 (from left): Mr Anthony
Tan, Mrs Jenny Leong, Mrs Goh Poh Kenn,
Dr Koh Thiam Seng, Mr Dominic Ang,
Mr Lui Seng Cheong, Mr Philip Tay,
Brother Michael Broughton FSC.

in focus 7
SJI ADCO Team 2009 (from left): Front row: Mr Jeremy Liew, Mr Philip Tay, Friar Michael D’Cruz OFM, Mr Dominic Ang, Mrs Goh Poh Kenn,
Brother Michael Broughton FSC, Dr Koh Thiam Seng, Mr Lui Seng Cheong, Mrs Jenny Leong, Mr Andrew Tan, Mr Anthony Tan, Mr Genesius Chan.
Back row: Mr Jude Tan, Mr Bernard Teo, Mr Bryan Poon, Mr Terence Goh, Mr Raymond Tan, Mr David Kwang, Mr Calvin Ow Yong, Mr Lee Lye Hin,
Mr Alphonsus Gregory, Ms Christina Leong, Mrs Tan Sia Hui, Mrs Beryl Ang, Mrs Sandra Lee, Mrs Amy Chua, Mr Gary Sim, Mr Alfred Nathan,
Mr Sirhan Ahmadiah, Mr Eric Lam, Mr Michael Chin, Mr Tang Woh Un, Mr Raymond Wong.
There are 11 Subject Heads and 5
Curriculum Specialists at SJI: Mrs Amy Chua
(Mathematics); Mr Tang Woh Un (Chemistry
and Biology); Mr David Kwang (LSS) (Class
of 1986); Mrs Beryl Ang (Literature); Mr
Gary Sim (JIEP and External Examinations);
Ms Boon Yen Ping (Higher Chinese
Language); Ms Siti Rahimah (Mother
Tongue Languages); Mr Alphonsus Gregory
(PSE and CG); Mr Raymond Wong [Core
Skills and Curriculum Specialist (Science)]
(Class of 1988); Ms Christina Leong (Social
Studies); Mr Bernard Teo (RME) (Class of
1976); Mr Heng Guek Boon [CS (CL)]; Ms
Daisy Chia [CS (English Language and
Literature)]; Mrs Vivian Tan [CS (Art)];
Mr Jason Ingham [CS (Mathematics)]; and
Ms Surjeet Kaur [CS (Social Studies)].
Mr Jude Tan (HOL1), Mr Eric Lam (HOL3)
and Mr Sirhan Ahmadiah (HOL4).
Mr Liew (Class of 1975) teaches Social
Studies and Geography and is in charge of
the Prefects in the school. He is also in
charge of Student Development (Pastoral)
activities. Mr Chan (Class of 1984) teaches
Biology and is part of the NCC (Land) team.
He is also in charge of Student
Development (Programmes). Mr Tan (Class
of 1990) teaches Biology and he is the
training officer for NCC (Air). Mr Lam
teaches Physics and also in-charge of St
John’s Ambulance Brigade. Mr Sirhan
teaches Physics and is one of the teachers
in the SJI Military Band.
There are nine Heads of Department (HOD)
at SJI. Mr Michael Chin (Science); Mrs
Sandra Lee (English Language and
Literature); Mr Bryan Poon (Information
Management and Examinations); Mr Calvin
Ow Yong (Mathematics) (Class of 1989);
Mr Alfred Nathan (PE, and Sports and
Games) (Class of 1979); Ms Tan Sia Hui
(TDP and Special Programmes); Mr Lee Lye
Hin (Mother Tongue Languages);
Mr Terence Goh (Humanities); and
Mr Raymond Tan (IT) (Class of 1984).
Friar Michael D’Cruz OFM, an old boy
(Class of 1978), is the School Chaplain. He
is a member of the Religious & Moral
Education team in SJI. He also conducts
retreats, days of reflection and celebrates
Mass regularly after school on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. Mr Andrew Tan is the School
Counsellor. He provides counselling
services to the school community and
conducts workshops on life skills and family
issues. Mr Philip Tay is the Bursar of the
school who manages the financial. Mr
Anthony Tan is the Facilities Manager at SJI
who manages the facilities of the school.
SJI Pastoral Team 2009 (from left): Front row:
Mr Alfred Nathan, Friar Michael D’Cruz OFM,
Dr Koh Thiam Seng, Brother Michael
Broughton FSC, Mr Dominic Ang. Back row:
Mr Jude Tan, Mr Jeremy Liew, Mr Andrew Tan,
Mr Bernard Teo, Mr Eric Lam, Mr Sirhan
Ahmadiah, Mr Alphonsus Greogory,
Mr Genesius Chan.

8 news
No. 62 April 2009
A New Cohort of Josephians
In 2009, we welcome a new
group of young Josephians and
teachers to the school. As with
every year, this group of Sec1s and
their parents experience a truly
Josephian orientation.
The programme begins with the
registration and orientation around
the school. Parents are also briefed
on what happens in the daily of
being a Josephian, and of course, all the
school rules and regulations, and events for
the year. Parents are, of course, most
welcome to participate in the event and be
a useful member of the Parent Support
Group.
Camping: fun indeed! The older boys in the
school from the Peer Support Group,
organized the camp for Sec 1 boys. Every
Sec 1 boy spent 2 days in the school,
playing games, discovering every nook and
corner around the school, and, most
importantly, forming strong bonds with
their classmates and older Josephians.
SJI scholar Brandon Krygsman (101)
remarked, “The camp had very good
facilitators (senior Josephians) who made
the weekend in school extremely enjoyable.
They helped to welcome us to SJI and give
us an idea of what makes up a SJI boy.
Studying in SJI is more fun than I
anticipated it to be.”
An interesting aspect of every orientation is
the visit to the old SJI premises (now
Singapore Art Museum). Andre Sng (112)
cheered, “It was an interesting visit with
tales of missing stained glass and secret
rooms in the old building. As my father is
an old boy who studied in the old campus,
I saw the fountain and other areas where
his Scout group met. It was a pity I could
not eat the food then as he always said it
was very tasty.”
The orientation programme
came to a close at the
campfire. This annual
Sec 1 campfire saw
parents of Sec 1s, and
even some old boys
and former teachers
coming back to the
school.
The school was alive with the
songs and cheers for that
spectacular night.
Jesi Fung, parent of Kennard
Fung (109) added, “At the
orientation programme, my
son got a better
understanding of the
teachers and seniors, and
importantly, about the values
of the school which is important to a
Josephian. At the campfire, I felt that the
boys are comfortable and confident enough
to showcase their talents in front of
everybody. The boys are all different from
each other, but come together in shared
values with the school. I really like that the
senior boys are protective and nurturing
towards the younger boys, and also
respectful. This is the right school for my
son.”
New teachers to the school face a very
different kind of induction programme.
In addition to figuring out where everything
fits in the school and what makes the
school tick, all our ‘initiates’ also attend a
2-day induction programme with all the
LaSalle Centre. The centre conducts an
induction programme for new teachers and
staff in all Lasallian schools in Singapore.
Mr Jason Ingham, who joined SJI in 2008,
recalled, “The Lasallian Induction was truly
an eye-opening experience for me as it
properly introduced me to the Lasallian
educational philosophy. I am now more
able to enrich my students’ Lasallian
education experience having gone through
a subset of the experience in the 2-day
camp. I found the history truly fascinating
and it has encouraged me to plan a trip to
visit the relevant places in France in the not
too distant future.”

strengthening ties www.sjioba.com 9
Philip Seah Heads SJIOBA
SJIOBA AGM
The SJIOBA AGM on Fri 13 March 2009 saw about 60 old boys
coming together to support the association. The agenda for the
evening included elections for the 2009 committee.
The incoming President is Mr Philip Seah (class of 1971) who is the
CEO of Prudential, Singapore. Stepping down as President of the
SJIOBA is Mr Leong Kok Fann (Class of 1974 and former national
footballer).
Mr Leong said, “It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity
to serve on the SJIOBA Exco for over six years, two of which as
President. During this unique journey, I have been inspired by the
generosity & unconditional contribution of time and resources by old
boys, many of whom, I would not have met had I not been involved
in the SJI community. My deepest respect and admiration goes to the
SJI Leadership & Teaching Staff for their sacrifice and dedication to
the mission of the De LaSalle Brothers.”
On the new EXCO are the following: Vice-president: Dr Philip Tseng
(Class of 1975); Honorary Secretary: Mr Lau Kok Keng (Class of
1980); Honorary Treasurer: Mr Lee Choong Onn (Class of 1971);
Ordinary Members: Mr Au Yong Keng Song (Class of 1994), Mr
Gideon Mak (Class of 1971), Mr Gerard Hooi (Class of 1982), Mr
Dennis Tang (Class of 1971), Mr Danny Yong (Class of 1989) and Mr
Alvin Goh (Class of 1988).
Mr Philip Seah commented that the SJIOBA has grown in stature over
the years and in the process it has supported the Alma Mater to
achieve its stated objectives. During this period it has also
distinguished and differentiated itself from other Alumni with its
regional outreach programme that benefits fellow Lasallian students
in the Philippines and India. It has also strengthened its linkage with
SJI Junior with the formation of the Josephian Soccer Academy which
provides an opportunity for old boys who are passionate in the game
to benefit the young Josephians.
Philip iterated that the new EXCO will strive to build on the successes
of the past committees. It will immediately seek to connect with as
many old boys as possible through a series of ‘Homecoming Dinner’.
Plans are afloat to enlarge the data-mine of old boys and to establish
an effective communication
channel with them. On the school
front, the OBA has started a fundraising
exercise for the benefit of
the SJI Endowment Fund. The
workplan for the OBA will be
posted on the website for the
information of all.
Philip gladly informed the SJI News
that the OBA will have a
permanent office in SJI and it will
be manned by a secretariat. The
office is scheduled for operation by 1 Jun 2009. This is a major
milestone for the OBA and he is confident that it will bring the OBA
to a new level of engagement and service to our Alma Mater and its
membership.
Reconnect with your Alma Mater
SJIOBA has put together a series of events aimed at reconnecting old
boys with the school. These activities will run for the next few years,
to cumulate in 2012 when SJI celebrates her 160th anniversary.
The programme includes the 12 Homecoming Dinners to be held over
the next three years at the school’s Malcolm Road campus. Different
cohorts of old boys will be invited to the school to meet their former
teachers and peers for an evening of reminiscence and fellowship.
The inaugural dinner sees the return of the Classes of 1976-1979 on
18 April 2009. Tickets at $50 each are available at the school.
The programme is the initiative of the 2008 SJIOBA EXCO chaired by
former national footballer, Mr Leong Kok Fann. He has roped in a
group of old boys to work with the EXCO on the various
commemorative events.
Overseeing the planning of the Homecoming Dinners is a group led
by Mr Gideon Mak (Class of 1971) makkt@pacific.net.sg. This group
is working with the school to prepare a simple but interesting
programme for the dinner.
The second homecoming dinner calls home the Classes of 1980-
1982. The Chairperson for the second dinner organising committee is
Mr Gerard Hooi (ghooikc@gmail.com).
The new EXCO (front row from left): Kok Keng, Philip, Kok Fann, Gideon.
(Back row, from left): Alvin, Danny, Gerard, Au Yong, Dennis, Choong Onn.
Calendar 2009
www.sjioba.com
First Homecoming Dinner Sat, 18 April
Second Homecoming Dinner Sat, 4 July
6th Sports Fiesta Sat, 25 July
6th Ortega Cup (August: pending confirmation)
6th Annual Memorial Mass Sat, 7 Nov
Christmas Mass Thu, 24 Dec (SJI International)

10 news
No. 62 April 2009
All about Scouts
Scouting in SJI started in 1922. And so,
2009 marks 87 years of scouting in
SJI.
The world scout movement started in
England in 1907 at Brownsea Island after a
successful experimental camp. The founder
of the scout movement, Lord Baden Powell,
found the camp to be a resounding success
where boys learnt through fun activities.
Scouting activities then spread throughout
the word around and arrived in Singapore
in 1910.
The year 2010 will mark 100 years of
scouting on this city state. SJI hopes to join
the Singapore Scout Association in
celebrating this occasion with all
Singaporeans.
In celebration of the Centenary, the
Singapore Scout Association will be
organizing the Centenary
Dinner, the Amazing Race, the
Centenary Scout Rally, and the
official launch of the Scout
Museum at the Singapore Scout
Association Building. We will
also be organizing the
Centenary Jamboree cum
ASEAN Jamboree later in the
year.
To be a scout at SJI, boys need
to learn and score well in
certain skills and proficiency
tests. Pelandok scouts keep to the training
syllabus as planned and prescribed by the
Association. They may be able to earn the
coveted purple World Scout Badge which is
also called the Tenderfoot badge which
unites them to all scouts around the world.
The world scouting movement is the largest
youth world organisation.
At the Tenderfoot Camp in March, our Sec
1 scouts learn essential camping skills such
as how to pitch a tent, tie relevant and
useful knots, start a fire from kindling, and
to cook over the fire. As all scouts and boys
do, they are also pretty good at songs and
cheers and scouting games such as the
trestle or chariot race. Back at school after
the camp, they
will be taught
basic foot drill, salute, the
uniform, maintenance, appearance and
where the many different scout badges
should be pinned on the uniform.
Mr Alphonsus Gregory, the Group Scout
Leader, will then hold an investiture
ceremony in chapel at school to officially
welcome the boys as members of a world
youth movement.
An overview of scout progression at SJI: At
Sec 1, scouts earn the standard badge by
acquiring skills in basic first aid, basic foot
drill, the national anthem and pledge, and
understanding what it means, tying simple
knots and being able to do a demo on knot
skills. At Sec 2, they move on to advanced
scout standard skills including a certified
course in basic first aid and CPR. They also
L-R Nicholas Tan (435), Gabriel Goh (431),
Shannon Yong (435), Leonard Ong (425)
improve on rope skills, tying knots, foot
drills. In the course of the year, boys will
attend a national course on total defense,
energy conservation and healthy lifestyle.
They have the option to attend the Civil
Defense course. All secondary two scouts
lead a day hike with other secondary twos
or ones.
In Sec 3, boys can earn the first class
badge. They learn more about foot drills,
knots (rescue knots), higher order life skills,
and go on an overnight hike in Singapore.
In Sec 4, the Chief Commissioner’s Award
will be given to the select few who clear an
In dedication of their services rendered to
the Scout Association, Mr David Kwang (top)
and Mr Alphonsus Gregory (right) were
conferred the 10 and 20-year long service
awards respectively on 30 January 2009 by
the Chief Commissioner, Mr Nicholas Tang.
overnight hike and a detailed log book and
lastly an interview by HQ appointed adult
leaders.
This award is given in recognition of their
excellent performance, dedication and
service as a scout. This is the highest award
that can be given to a scout in Singapore.
The awardees for 2008 from SJI are: Former
Troop Leader Shannon Yong (435), former
Senior Patrol Leader Nicholas Tan (435),
and former Patrol Leaders Leonard Ong
(425) and Gabriel Goh (431).
Mr Gregory said: “As we celebrate our
101st year in scouting, I would like to
encourage all present scouts and our
aspiring younger brothers in secondary one
to give of their best, like every scout ought
to. We must be proud to be scouts. Proud,
because we are a part of a youth
organisation that is able to bring probably
the largest number of youth, including
foreigners from all over the world, to unite
during the World Jamboree.

in focus 11
Junior Josephian
Head Prefect
Bryan Lum has been blessed with the opportunity to undergo
10 years of education in Lasallian schools, and he has learnt
a lot. He came to SJI from St Anthony’s Primary School
where he was the Head Prefect.
In SJI, Bryan is a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade
(SJAB), Enterprise Hub and also serves as a prefect. Academically,
he has been obtaining an above 73% average in all his term
assessments and examinations, thereby coming in among the top
5 in his class consistently.
Bryan’s willingness to look beyond himself and his passion for
service were apparent even from the first month when he joined
the school. Mrs Lorraine Vastel, his form tutor, vividly recalled her
conversation with Bryan over his choice of Co-Curricular Activity
(CCA) in January 2007. Bryan had expressed, even at the tender
age of 12 that he wanted to be of service to others and that his
CCA should afford him this opportunity. His commitment to his
chosen CCA and his dedication led him to being named
Outstanding Cadet among the Sec 2s this year.
Bryan is a proactive leader who seeks to better himself and
reaches out to motivate his peers with such fortitude and
infectious cheer that these have become his trademark. Mr Lim
Meng Chye, his SJAB teacher commented, “Bryan has shown
outstanding zeal and optimism in dealing with life’s issues and
difficulties. His positive attitude has had a ripple effect on those
around him and encourages them.”
Bryan’s genuine respect for all and his
heartfelt desire to give of himself in
service have won him the respect and
affection of everyone who have
encountered him: peers as well as
teachers. His English teacher, Mrs
Janet Kwok observed how Bryan’s
friends when in doubt of their work,
even if they were from a different class,
would look him up for advice because
Bryan can always be counted
on to try his best to help
others.
Marne Brijinder Singh came to SJI from St Andrew’s Junior
School where he was a Section Leader in the Prefectorial
Board.
A sporty young man with ambitions and honest intentions and
ambitions, Brij’s talent shone through when in Sec 1. In the rugby
team, he was selected as SJI’s vice captain for the ‘C’ Division
boys. He was also elected as Class Chairman then. In Sec 2, it was
not surprising that he was the captain of the rugby team for the
junior boys and school prefect. Brij was also on the Principal’s
Honours List in Sec 1 and 2.
In Sec 4, Brij was faced with a quandary. He was offered the posts
of Rugby Captain and Head Perfect for 2009. After much
reflection, he decided to take on the servant lead role of Head
Prefect. It’s challenging to garner support from the school student
population at 16. However, with the support of an excellent EXCO
and peers who support and admire his role as Head Prefect,
things have been manageable. However, at every rugby training,
Brij is on the field with the ruggers he has come to care deeply for.
Brij also enjoys the lighter side of life. This sportsman enjoys
travelling and learning what life has to offer. While on the NLLC
trip to Ipoh, he immersed himself into work at the Good
Shepherd’s orphanage, spending time with the less privilege
children and getting as much back from them, as he had to give
them. To Brij, life is all about balance, and setting priorities at
different stages throughout the year.
As head prefect in 2009, Brij looks forward
to continuing the recent practice of
involvement with Hair for Hope - SJI
style. He hopes to see greater
participation from parents and old
boys in this event at school.
Brij shares with other Josephians,
“We should embrace the time
spent in SJI as these are key
formative years for development of
spirit and character in the individual.
Learn to work together as a
community and always be true to
yourself. At the same time, be
true to others too.”

12 strengthening ties
No. 62 April 2009
Visitors (Nov 08 – Mar 09)
18 Nov 08 Principal, senior staff and student prefects (St John’s Institute, KL)
16 Jan 09 Brother Principal and senior staff (Ateneo High School, Manila)
22 Jan 09 Professor Elliot Soloway (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor);
Professor Cathleen Norris (University of North Texas)
4 Feb 09 Sister Principal and senior staff (SMP Marsudiri, Jakarta)
9 Feb 09 Associate Professor Kate Bielaczyc (Learning Sciences Lab, NIE); Professor
Emeritus Carl Bereiter, University of Toronto; Marlene Scardamalia
(Education and Knowledge Technologies, University of Toronto)
Cathleen Norris is a Regents
Professor at the University of
North Texas and co-founder
and Chief Education Architect at
GoKnow in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Elliot
Soloway is Arthur F. Thurnau Professor
at the University of Michigan and cofounder
and Chief Strategy Officer at
GoKnow.
Fr. Raymund-Benedict Hizon,
SJ, Principal of Ateneo High
School came with a
delegation of 13 other senior
staff to share and learn how
the two school functions. Fr
Hizon is looking forward to
spending more time at SJI
during future visits.
Brother Principal and senior staff
(Ateneo High School, Manila)
Sister Principal and senior staff (SMP Marsudiri, Jakarta)
Staff and students from St
John’s Institute in Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia, stopped
in for a visit on 18 November
2008. The visit was handled by
the 2008 SJI Prefectorial Board.
“The first impression both Cathie and
I had of SJI was – WOW, this is a
beautiful campus! The buildings, the
grounds, the classrooms were so
grand – from the white exterior
facade to the wide internal staircase
– and it was so well-kept and
functional! The boys were outside in
what we considered to be excessive
heat, playing football, basketball, and
running track, while the classroom
we visited was having a conversation,
over the Internet, with an “expert”
who was a parent of a child in the
school. We have been to many, many
schools all over the world and we
have come to see that schools that
care about their appearance also
care about the educational
environment they provide.
From being warmly greeted the front
door at the outset of our visit, to our
provocative pedagogical and
leadership conversations with Dr
Koh, to being interviewed on video by
two SJI students, we had delightful
interactions with SJI educators, staff
and students.
In the taxi back to the hotel, Cathie
and I both agreed: we would have
loved to be students at SJI – what a
great place to get an education – and
prepare for one’s future. We look
forward to visiting again in April!”
Dr Bereiter and Dr Scardamalia are founders of the Institute for Knowledge Innovation
& Technology (IKIT). Together, they developed CSILE, the first networked system for
collaborative learning. The current version, Knowledge Forum®, is being used in
innovative applications worldwide at all educational levels from primary grades to
university. Dr Bielaczyc’s research at NIE centers on individual and collective metacognition,
teacher and student learning and epistemic change within contexts of classroom
innovation, and exploring new methodologies for classroom assessment.
Elliot Soloway
SJI News is a publication of St Joseph’s Institution, Singapore. © 2009 SJI. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted
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