St Joseph's Institution, Singapore

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St. Joseph's Institution
圣约瑟书院 (ShèngYuèSè Shūyuàn)
Institusi Saint Joseph

Motto Ora et Labora
Established 1852
Type Independent Secondary, single session
Principal Mr Lui Seng Cheong
School code 7020
Colours Green, White
Locale Malcolm Road, Singapore
Enrollment approx. 2000
Website St Joseph's Institution Online
Flag of Singapore Republic of Singapore

Saint Joseph's Institution (SJI) is a Catholic secondary school for male students in Singapore. It was founded in 1852 as St. John's Institution and is the 3rd oldest educational institution in Singapore (the first and second being Raffles Institution and St. Margaret's Secondary School respectively) .

SJI is recognised as one of the top secondary schools in Singapore, providing a value added and all-round education to boys of all races and religions. In 1988, SJI shifted into a new campus at Malcolm Road situated just off the neighbourhood of Bukit Timah, beside the Tanglin Community Centre. The beautiful old campus with its distinctive semi-circular wings was gazetted by the Singapore National Heritage Board as a national monument. After lengthy and painstaking restoration works, it currently houses the Singapore Art Museum.

In 1990, SJI became one of the few schools invited by the then Education Minister to turn independent- a mark of its excellence. Leadership in the school has passed increasingly to lay people but they remain committed to the memory and mission of the Christian Brothers and their founder St John Baptist De La Salle.

Under the administration of Brother Paul Anthony Rogers, SJI saw its peak in growth. The addition in 1995 of a large Performing Arts Centre and an entirely new wing to house Secondary One students, makes it well equipped to handle the needs and demands of a growing population.

The school has performed remarkably well academically and is consistently ranked among the top secondary schools in Singapore. In September 2005, the school is one of the few in Singapore to be awarded the coveted School Distinction Award as part of the Ministry of Education's 2005 Masterplan Awards. In addition, it has been awarded the Best Practice Award for teaching and learning. SJI has also received the Sustained Achievement Award for Sports and the Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Groups for the third and seventh consecutive year respectively.

In terms of Co-Curricular Activities, SJI has managed to make a mark for itself in squash, canoeing, table tennis and rugby among many other sports. The uniformed groups such as NCC(Land), NCC(Air), NPCC, Military Band (SJIMB), Pelandok Scouts and St. John Ambulance Brigade in SJI have been recognised for their discipline and excellent standards.

The current principal of SJI is Mr Benjamin Lui Seng Cheong. The deputy principals for curriculum and student development are Mrs Goh Poh Kenn and Bro Michael Broughton respectively. Bro Michael Broughton, the current Deputy Principal (Student Development), will leave to serve as Brother President in SJI International. To facilitate his exit, new appointments have been made to the school administration (2007). Mr Sydney Tan, the current Assistant Principal (Student Development) has been promoted to Bro. Michael's position. Former principal of St. Michael's School (now St. Joseph's Institution Junior) Ms Wee Siew Sun has been appointed Deputy Principal (Special Projects).

Contents

[edit] History

SJI was founded in 1852 as the first missionary establishment of the La Salle Brothers in the Far East. The endeavour was initiated by Rev Fr Jean-Marie Beurel MEP, who offered the six Brothers who came from Europe to start the school using a former chapel as premises. Within a year, an attap hut also had to be erected to accommodate all the students. The school was originally known as St John's, but on 19 March 1855 (the day of the Feast of Saint Joseph), the corner stone of a new school building was laid. From this date onwards, the school was known as Saint Joseph's Institution. The new central classroom block was completed in 1865, though further expansion of the facilities continued into the 20th Century. The school had 426 students in 1900. This grew to almost 1200 in 1914, and 1600 in 1922. With the student numbers expanding, a temporary branch school was opened which eventually led to the building of a second school – Saint Patrick's School – in 1933.

During World War II, prior to the fall of Singapore to the Japanese, the school was used as a Red Cross hospital and housed a unit of the Civil Defence Force. A bomb hit the school courtyard during the war, leaving a crater, but the main building remained unscathed.

In 1975, SJI's pre-university classes and some its teachers were transferred to the newly-opened Catholic Junior College.

In 2002, SJI celebrated the 150th anniversary of her founding.

In 2006, SJI, upon the urging of the Economic Development Board of Singapore, has opened an international school. The SJI International will begin classes in 2007. Andrew Bennett, former Principal of the United World College of South East Asia, has been appointed the first Principal of SJI International. To safeguard Lasallian traditions in the new school, the school has also appointed SJI's Deputy Principal (Student Development) Bro. Michael Broughton as the Brother President of the School. Lawrence da Silva, a former Chairman of the United World College of South East Asia heads the interim Governing Board of the School. Mr Bennett and Mr da Silva would recreate a partnership that led to UWCSEA's outstanding IB results in previous years.

The batch of 2006 was the first year that double pure science was offered to every candidate, with no one doing combined science.

[edit] School Rally

Verse 1:

All through our college

A voice is resounding

Promptly respond to your duty's sweet call

Harken you all for the trumpet is sounding

Your mater's proclaiming

Her watch words to all

Chorus:

Forward her children dear

Ever with hearts sincere

Render with joy to your mater her due

All that is vile reject

Heaven will e'er protect

Heirs of St Joseph's

Valiant and True

Verse 2

Onward and upward in life's earnest battle

Joyously bearing the brunt of the fight

Nobly forgiving for all that may pain you

And bravely defending the cause of the right

[edit] School Pledge

We Josephians pledge ourselves at all times,

in the spirit of our motto:

ORA ET LABORA.

To be loyal to God and to our nation,

to our family and to our school.

To follow the rules of good morality,

in our personal and social behaviour,

out of love for God and our neighbour.

To show respect to all who exercise authority;

Parents, teachers and student leaders

To give first attention to our studies

by seeking a balance in our academic work

and co-curricular activities.

To build an authentic Lasallian family,

here at St. Joseph's Institution,

in the spirit of faith, service and community.

SO HELP US GOD.

[edit] Motto

The school motto - "Ora et Labora", Latin for "Pray and Work" is a reflection of the work ethics of the La Salle Brothers.

[edit] Summary of Information

Principal

  • Mr Lui Seng Cheong Benjamin

Deputy Principals

  • Mrs Goh Poh Kenn (Curriculum)
  • Mr Sydney Tan (Student Development)
  • Ms Wee Siew Sun (Special Projects)

Assistant Principal

  • Mr Malcolm Wong (Curriculum)

Heads Of Level

  • Mr Jude Tan (Secondary 1)
  • Mr Genesius Chan (Secondary 2)
  • Mr Jeremy Liew (Secondary 3)
  • Mr Sirhan Ahmadiah (Secondary 4)

School Chaplain

  • Friar Michael D' Cruz, OFM

School Counsellor

  • Mr Andrew Tan

Bursar

  • Mr Philip Tay

Facilities Manager

  • Mr Anthony Tan

Alumni & Public Affair Manager

  • Ms Patricia Ang

GCE Exam Secretary

  • Mr Gary Sim

Heads Of Department

  • Mrs Sandra Lee (English Language/Literature)
  • Mrs Amy Chua (Mathematics)
  • Mrs Martina Chan (Humanities)
  • Mr Michael Chin (Science)
  • Mr Heng Guek Boon (Mother Tongue)
  • Mr Alfred Nathan (Physical Education/Sports & Games)
  • Mr Dominic Ang (Character Formation)
  • Mrs Rosy Goh (Information Technology)
  • Mr Bryan Poon (Information Management/Examinations)

Subject Heads

  • Mrs Janet Kwok (Media Resource/Aesthetics)
  • Mr David Kwang(Lower Secondary Science/Talent Development Programme)
  • Ms Marakatham (History)
  • Mr Alvin Chua (Personal & Social Education/CG)
  • Mr Lee Lye Hin (Higher Chinese Language)
  • Ms Siti Rahimah (Mother Tongue)
  • Ms Tan Sia Hui (Co-Curricular Activities/IEP)
  • Mr Tang Woh Un (Chemistry/Biology)
  • Mr Raymond Wong (Core Skills/Science)
  • Ms Daisy Chia (English Language)
  • Ms Lim Kah Choo (Mathematics)

Bus Services

  • 48
  • 57
  • 66
  • 105
  • 132
  • 151
  • 153
  • 154
  • 156
  • 170
  • 186
  • 190
  • 700
  • 960

Nearest MRT Station

  • Toa Payoh

Lasallian Core Values
Faith, Service and Community

School Mission
Enabling youth in a Lasallian community to learn how to learn and to learn how to live; empowering them to become men of integrity and men for others.

School Vision
SJI: A world-class Lasallian institution.

We shall be recognised for our innovative programmes; developing independent, collaborative learners and nurturing persons of faith and service.

Strategic Thrusts
1. Implementing the Josephian Programme
2. Building Staff Capacity

Theme For Year 2007
My Talents, My Interests - Making a Difference

Type of School
Independent School / Boys' School / Single Session

Mother Tongue
Chinese / Malay / Tamil

Affiliated Schools

Subjects Offered

  • Additional Mathematics
  • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Chinese
  • Malay
  • Tamil
  • Higher Chinese
  • Higher Malay
  • Higher Tamil
  • Combined Humanities (S, G)
  • Combined Humanities (S, L)
  • Combined Humanities (S, H)
  • English Language
  • French
  • Geography (Revised)
  • German
  • Higher Chinese
  • Higher Malay
  • Higher Tamil
  • History (Revised)
  • History (World Affairs)
  • Japanese, Literature (E)
  • Literature (T)
  • Mathematics
  • Music 'O' Level
  • Physical Education
  • Visual Arts

CCAs offered

Sports & Games

  • Badminton
  • Canoeing
  • Fencing
  • Gymnastics
  • Hockey
  • Judo
  • Rugby
  • Sailing
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Table Tennis
  • Tennis
  • Tenpin Bowling
  • Track & Field
  • Cross Country

UGOs

  • National Cadet Corps (Land)
  • National Cadet Corps (Air)
  • National Police Cadet Corps
  • St. Joseph's Pelandok Scouts
  • St. John Ambulance Brigade
  • SJI Military Band

Clubs & Societies

  • Drama Club
  • Chess Club
  • Chinese Language Society
  • Computer Club
  • Robotics Club
  • Micromouse Club
  • Mediamorphosis - SJI (Multimedia Club)
  • Design Club
  • English Language Society
  • Entrepreneur Club
  • Guitar Ensemble
  • Legion of Mary
  • Malay Language Society
  • Music Ministry
  • NEXUS
  • Society of St. Vincent De Paul
  • The Beurel
  • Tamil Language Society
  • Young Christian Students

[edit] SJI Prefectorial Board

The SJI Prefectorial Board was established in 1947 and is now on its 60th year since its establishment. Over the years it had played a major role in the school community. The Prefectorial Board's motto is "Service With A Heart" and undertakes a leadership style of servant leadership.

The Prefectorial Board is the premier student leadership body in St. Joseph's Institution (SJI) and consists of prefects from Secondary 2 to Secondary 4. Prefects play a huge role in maintaining school discipline and help out in school functions. In 2007, a distinct change is noted in the board's direction as it moves into organising functions and its initiation of Peer Tutoring in SJI.

SJI Prefectorial Board is currently led by Head Prefect Roth Trisno. The theme for this year is "Leading today, Changing Tomorrow", a theme which hopes that Prefects in leading the student body will be able to make a more well rounded school community. The Executive Committee of 2007 comprises:

  • Head Prefect  : Roth Trisno
  • Deputy Head Prefect  : Francis Chee
  • Deputy Head Prefect  : Kendrick Lee
  • Head of Administration : Sharidan Zavir
  • Head of Affairs  : Kenneth Quek

The Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Prefectorial Board is recognized as the highest level of leadership role the school gives and it plays a huge role in maintaining the standard of the board and in steering the board in the right direction. The EXCO also works to maintain cohesiveness in the student body and to be a bridge between the teachers and all the Student Leaders in the school.

Prefects in SJI wear dark green ties every day to denote prefectorial status. Senior prefects will be given Prefectorial badge to be worn at the centre of the pocket. They thus need not wear the normal school badge.

The website of the Prefectorial Board is: SJIPB

[edit] Uniform

The SJI uniform is completely white, worn with white socks and shoes. The boys in the lower secondary level wear white shorts, while students in the upper secondary level are dressed in long, white pants. The badge is to be worn on the top right hand corner of the shirt pocket.

Green and white striped ties are to be worn at the start of each school week, and on special occasions. For prefects, a dark green tie will be worn instead. Prefects are to wear their ties on every school day.

Senior prefects will be issued a badge denoting prefectorial status. It is to be worn on the middle of the pocket. They need not wear the regular school badge.

The SJI PE Uniform is a white shirt with the school crest printed on the front left breast, and the word "JOSEPHIAN" marked across the back. The green shorts have the word "SJI" threaded on the bottom left thigh. Sports shoes are allowed to be worn with the SJI PE Uniform.

[edit] Notable Alumni

  • Andrew Lum - producer, arranger, composer; founder of New Asia Records
  • Bernard Chen - Former Minister of State and MP
  • Brigadier-General George Yeo - Minister for Foreign Affairs
  • Christopher James de Souza - MP, PAP youth wing
  • Dick Lee - one of Asia's most well-known musicians; Cultural Medallion winner
  • Dr Tony Tan - former Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore (stepped down September 1, 2005)
  • Gerard Ee - ex-interim Chief Executive Officer of NKF, NCSS, AA, PTA, also a Justice of the Peace
  • Goh Tat Chuan - Singapore national soccer player
  • Jeremy Monteiro - King of Swing, virtuoso jazz pianist; Cultural Medallion winner
  • Julian Hee - actor and model
  • K.F. Seetoh - Makan Sutra food guru
  • Kevin Ou - Commercial and Celebrity Photographer, based in Los Angeles / New York
  • Khoo Teck Puat - Singapore tycoon
  • Leong Kok Fann - Former Singapore national soccer player
  • Leslie Pillay - Host, compere
  • Mah Bow Tan - Minister for National Development & Deputy Leader of the House
  • Mark Van Cuylenberg - also widely known as The Flying Dutchman; host, compere, radio personality
  • Philip Yeo - outgoing Chairman, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)and incoming Chairman,SPRING Singapore
  • Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean - Minister for Defence

[edit] See also

[edit] External links