2025

April: Josephians Showcase Eloquence at the Orator’s Trophy 2025

This year’s Orator’s Trophy, organised by Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC), provided a platform for young speakers to showcase their rhetorical prowess and insights. The various themes for the Senior and JC categories challenged participants to explore topics that touched on resilience, strength, and the art of navigating life’s uncertainties.

Among the many outstanding speakers, Josephians Ethan Chong (LE403) and Amelia Chan (ML612) both delivered stirring performances that earned them a spot in the Finals. With a speech that was both eloquent and thought-provoking, Ethan emerged as First Runner-up. His speech focused on the necessity of forward motion – not just in cycling, but in personal growth, ambition, and even with challenges. Weaving in personal anecdotes, Ethan illustrated how setbacks are merely part of the ride, and how balance is achieved through persistence.

For Ethan, the competition was an exhilarating challenge. “Standing on that stage, I realised that public speaking is a lot like cycling – you just have to keep going, even when the nerves hit,” he shared. “This experience has only motivated me to push further, to keep learning, and of course, to keep moving.”

A huge congratulations to Ethan and Amelia for their achievements, and a heartfelt thank you to ACJC for continuing to inspire the next generation of articulate and thoughtful speakers. Here’s to more ideas that challenge, more words that resonate, and of course – more balance in motion!

March: Josephians Shine at SPEX 1st Junior Age Group Tournament for Tennis

After a season of resilience and growth as National champions for B Division, our SJI tennis boys continue to sparkle in the SPEX 1st Junior Age Group tournament organised by Singapore Tennis Association. These boys remained dominant in their pursuit of sporting excellence and displayed a relentless fighting spirit.

Justin Lie (LE402) and Brennon Ng (ML302) clinched the gold medal in the U16 doubles category while Asher Sandhu (FN203) and Takuya Kaneko (LE202) also garnered the gold medal in the U14 doubles category. Asher also captured another gold medal in the mixed doubles open category with his partner/coach Lela Zainal.

While in the U16 Singles category, Justin clinched the silver medal in a hard fought contest in three sets against Andre Harnadi from ACS (I). These victories are remarkable accomplishments, showcasing these Josephians’ skills and teamwork on court. May this experience fuel their passion and drive as they continue to grow in the sport!

March: Josephians Excel at Track & Field Meet

On 7-9 March 2025, 3 Josephians, Michael Sofyan (FN203), John Lim (ML303), and Joshua Khoo (LE303) represented Singapore Schools at the annual Western Australian State Track & Field Championships in Perth. This competition brought together student-athletes from Singapore, Malaysia, and Western Australia to compete in a 3-day adrenaline-pumping competition. It provided a golden opportunity for our Josephians to compete against their international counterparts in their respective age-groups.

Michael Sofyan brought home an impressive Gold for Singapore Schools when he won with a huge personal best of 14.06 seconds in the Under-15 100m hurdles event. He also put up a respectable timing of 28.74 seconds to claim 5th place in the Under-14 200m hurdles. John Lim secured 3rd place for the Under-15 300m hurdles with a personal best of 42.40 seconds and a big personal best of 13.85 seconds for the Under-16 100m hurdles, coming in 5th.

Joshua Khoo came in 5th place for the Under-16 Long Jump event with an outstanding personal best of 6.08 metres.

The hard work and resilience of our Josephians paid off as they came home not only with an enriching experience but also bagging a few medals and an improvement in their personal bests.

Well done, boys!

March: Josephian Sailors Make Waves with Stellar Performances

Our Josephian sailors did splendidly well in 2 sailing regattas held in March. They fought it out on water for 6 exhausting days.

In the Singapore Youth Sailing Championships, Kenan Tan outdid himself and dominated the ILCA 6 fleet, winning 7 out of 10 races and he eventually won the ILCA 6 Challenge trophy.

Nigel Tan was placed 3rd among the 15 & Under sailors and both he and Lim Yuk Jun won the Novice prizes.

In the NSC Cup 1, Kenan Tan sailed in the ILCA 7 and clinched 3rd place with Asher-James Nair (9th), John Gabriel Lim (11th), Foo Yuei Jit (13th) , Darren Lai (15th) and Jayden Teo (18th) also putting up strong performances.

Gabriel, Yuei Jit and Darren were instrumental in securing the top Secondary School title for SJI.

All in all, a good outing for our sailors in preparation for the upcoming NSG in April. Well done, Josephians!

March: Strong Showing at the Inter-School Bouldering Competition

On 21 March, a group of SJI students participated in the annual Inter-School Bouldering Competition. This highly anticipated event brings together climbers from various schools to compete in a challenging display of skill and endurance. This year, the competition featured a new format where students formed teams to represent their schools.

SJI fielded two teams in the event and our boys showed resilience and determination to achieve good results. The C Division team secured an impressive 4th place, while the B Division team finished 7th, a notable achievement, especially considering the students’ training takes place outside of their regular curriculum hours.

The captain of the C Division team, Asher Tan (ML201), proudly received the trophy on behalf of his team.

Well done, Josephians!

March: Josephians Picnic Under the Stars

On Friday, 7 March, Picnic Under The Stars (PUTS) 2025 brought together Year 5 and 6 students in a vibrant setting filled with laughter and camaraderie. Jointly organised by Beacon and Astronomy CAS, this annual event offers IB students a meaningful opportunity to forge new friendships and deepen existing bonds through an evening of stargazing and shared conversation.

The evening unfolded with a series of live classical performances by Year 6 students, whose music lent a sense of serenity to the occasion. After weeks of intense examinations and submission deadlines, participants appreciated the opportunity to unwind through music. The event also unveiled the hidden musical talents of their peers—an often-overlooked dimension of the Josephian community, now brought into the spotlight.

Beyond an evening of relaxation and connection, PUTS embodied the values of service and generosity. All groups of participants purchased picnic baskets with all net proceeds donated to Balibabyhome, a non-profit organisation and foster home for abandoned infants and mothers at-risk in Bali, Indonesia. As students gathered under the moonlight, singing along to familiar melodies, they reflected on the impact of their contributions in supporting children in need.

The success of PUTS 2025 was indeed in the spirit of community it fostered – in a single evening, friendships were strengthened, talents were celebrated, and the Josephian commitment to service was made tangible. The event stood as a testament to the lasting difference made by Josephians in the lives of others, reminding us that even a simple gathering under the stars can contribute to a brighter future for children around the world. – by Alycia Goh (FN603), Vice-President of Beacon 2024-25

March: Minister K. Shanmugam Engages SJI Year 6 Students in Dialogue

On 7 March 2025, Mr K. Shanmugam SC, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, was at St Joseph’s Institution to engage with Year 6 students through a dialogue session. Members of the school leadership and teaching staff were also in attendance. The dialogue session was aimed at raising students’ awareness of national issues and to help them better understand the underlying rationale of government policies. This year, the Year 6 dialogue session in SJI touched on three main topics: drugs and the death penalty, governance, and racial and religious harmony.

During the Q & A segment, the lecture theatre was abuzz with anticipation as students formed a queue to ask Minister Shanmugam various questions on a wide range of topics. Minister Shanmugan shared his perspectives and provided valuable insights in response to the questions. A key takeaway was that while Singapore can learn from other countries, our laws and policies should ultimately prioritise Singapore’s unique needs and interests, to keep the country safe and united. Minister Shanmugam referred to our laws on drugs, corruption, hate speech, and public assembly as examples of this principle at work. The dialogue session provided a clearer perspective on how Singapore navigates domestic challenges in an evolving global landscape.

Our country is known internationally for its safety, strong economy and high standards of education and healthcare. However, as Minister noted, we often take these for granted. In this season of Lent and Ramadan, I hope to notice and become more appreciative of what we have. This way, we can protect and uphold the traits which have brought Singapore to the success it enjoys today. – Kayden Ee (MN616)

I understood more about certain rationale and intentions behind policy-making for law and order in Singapore as well as the importance of racial and religious harmony. The thing that I will remember most is when he said, while we should learn from the good of other countries, Singapore’s policy should still ultimately be crafted with the interest of Singaporeans at its core. – Matthew Pang (LE606)

I learnt a lot about the reasoning behind Singapore’s harsh stance on drugs and the death penalty. As someone who lives in a bubble and who hasn’t seen the dangers of drugs firsthand, I feel very fortunate to have such measures in place to safeguard and deter our people against using such substances. I also learnt more about our country’s long-term goals and how our policies help to achieve them through thorough planning and reasoning. – Tong Guy Ian (LE609)

The dialogue with Minister K. Shanmugam provided valuable insights into Singapore’s approach to law enforcement, governance, and racial harmony. He highlighted the global drug crisis and defended Singapore’s strict anti-drug laws, including the death penalty for traffickers, as a necessary deterrent to protect society. He also emphasized the importance of good governance, where pragmatism and accountability shape policies that ensure stability. The dialogue reinforced my understanding of the complexities in policy making and Singapore’s data-informed approach to long-term societal well-being. – Rachel Lim (LE607)

Thank you, Minister, for your meaningful engagement with the students and staff. Your insightful sharing, coupled with your passion and eloquence, left a lasting impression on Josephians, inspiring us to serve with kindness and compassion.

March: SJI Debaters Triumph as Champions in the Infernus Cup 2025!

Our SJI Debaters made the school proud by emerging Champions in the Infernus Cup held on 15 March and hosted by NYJC.

The Infernus Cup is a novice debating competition aimed at providing a platform for emerging debaters to hone their skills in a competitive yet supportive environment. The tournament follows a unique structure, where only students with no prior competitive debating experience are allowed to speak. However, each team benefits from the guidance of one experienced debater during preparation, ensuring that novice debaters receive mentorship while developing their own argumentation and public speaking abilities.

SJI’s team comprised the following Josephians: Krishna Muthukuraman (ML612), Tan Xue Yuan (ML612), Dhakshesh Vijay (FN502) and Jedidiah Eo Shuo (MN519). The Team Captain serving as the debater with experience was Patrick Nott (MN516).

The SJI team made an impressive debut at the tournament by securing 2 victories against Victoria Junior College (VJC) and National Junior College (NJC) respectively. In the final round, the SJI team faced Raffles Institution (RI) and delivered a decisive victory to finish first place in the entire tournament, claiming the Infernus Cup for SJI. The SJI debate team was the only team to secure 3 wins out of 3 rounds during the tournament, leaving SJI as the only team to go home undefeated.

Well done, Josephians!

March: SJI Shines at Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) 2025

SJI proudly fielded its largest-ever team at this year’s Singapore Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF), with 13 students from OPAM Year 4, Year 5, and Year 6 presenting 10 projects across diverse scientific disciplines. On the Final Judging Day, held on 11 March 2025, students showcased their research projects at SSEF booths, where they delivered concise 3-minute pitches to panels of up to 10 external judges. This was followed by in-depth Q&A sessions covering their project background, objectives, findings and their impact.

SJI’s students excelled at SSEF 2025, securing two Merit Awards and a Special Award, demonstrating their dedication and passion for scientific research and inquiry.

Brayden Chang (ML614) led a team project titled “Deep Reinforcement Learning AI for Multi-User Allocation in Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) Communication Systems”. His research was part of a 5-week Research Attachment Programme (RAP) under the ASTAR Science Award (Junior College) at the ASTAR Institute for Infocomm Research (I²R) in December 2024. Brayden collaborated with a JC2 student from Raffles Institution, taking on the role of team leader.

Audrey Chuah (MN619) led a team project titled “Geometric Optimisation of LCAT Resonators to Aid the Development of 6G High Speed Networks”. Her research was conducted at the ASTAR Institute of High Performance Computing (IHPC) as part of a 5-week Research Attachment Programme (RAP) under the MOE Local Students Attachment Programmes (LSAP) in December 2024. Audrey worked alongside a JC1 student from Cedar Girls’ Secondary School, serving as the team leader. In addition, Audrey’s project was recognised with one of SSEF Special Awards - with the James Dyson Foundation Design Engineering Award.

Congratulations to our young Josephian researchers!

March: Josephian at Admiral's Cup Optimist Sailing Regatta in Thailand

Lucas Lim (MN102) participated in the highly competitive Admiral’s Cup Optimist Sailing Regatta in Pattaya, Thailand. The regatta, a significant international event, brought together young sailors from across Asia and the Middle East, including participants from Thailand, Malaysia, Oman, Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The competition provided Lucas with a platform to challenge himself against some of the best up-and-coming sailors in the region.

The regatta was an exciting and intense experience for Lucas, filled with highs and challenges. Though he didn’t win any medals overall, Lucas achieved a significant personal milestone by securing first place in one of the races, showcasing his skill, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. This victory, while not part of the final medal tally, was a testament to his progress and growth as a sailor.

Throughout the event, Lucas also had the opportunity to connect with fellow competitors from different countries. The camaraderie and friendships he formed with sailors from around the world enriched his experience, providing him with a broader perspective of the global sailing community. This cultural exchange was invaluable, allowing Lucas to learn from others’ sailing techniques and strategies, while also gaining a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

March: Josephians Participate in Buka Puasa at Masjid Al-Falah

Our Josephians had the meaningful opportunity to participate in a Buka Puasa (breaking of fast) event at Masjid Al-Falah with the Muslim community in this cherished tradition during the holy month of Ramadan. They had the honour to share this experience with Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth.

The gathering provided Josephians a deeper understanding of the values of compassion, gratitude and inclusivity, which fosters greater appreciation for Singapore’s rich multicultural society.

Through shared meals and warm conversations, they experienced firsthand the spirit of Ramadan, one of reflection, unity and giving back to the community.

March: Josephians’ Shining Artistry

Five student artists had the opportunity to display their works alongside reputable international artists at Marina Bay Sands as part of ArtSG. Their works were part of the exhibition booth put up by The Sovereign Art Foundation Student Prize 2025 as part of a celebration of art in our education system. Other works from secondary and tertiary school students in Singapore were also showcased.x

Featured student artists:

Aaron Yeo, FN503 (IB Art)
Zoe Josephian Tiah Hui Ting (2024 IB Art)
Jeff Chan Jing Kai (2024 IB Art)
Sebastian Jerome Chin Long Yee, FN605 (IB Art)
Chiong Kung Yu, FN604 (IB Art)
Liyu Jiong Yang, FN602 (IB Art)

We also received delightful news that two of our Josephian Arts Programme students’ creative works received accolades at the annual ViART Art competition which both encourages youth to create innovative and meaningful works by using recycled materials, and strives to be a growing movement to raise awareness on the importance of sustainability in the face of our climate crisis.

In recognition of their artistry, both Luke Fong (MN202) and Ng York Heng’s (ML201) creative works are on display at the Singapore Sustainable Gallery, 8 Marina Gardens, until 31 Mar.

Congratulations, Josephians!

March: Josephian Represents Singapore in Davis Cup Junior

Zachary Sng (ML401) is representing Singapore as part of the National Team in the Asia Oceania Pre-Qualifying rounds of the Davis Cup Junior! The competition takes place in Kuching, Malaysia, from March 10 to March 15, where 23 nations are vying for a coveted spot in the Final Qualifying Round later this year.

Zachary joins teammates Luke Ho and Allen Leong, under the leadership of Coach Pranash Babu, as they take on this exciting challenge.

Let’s cheer them on as they give their best on the court; go Zachary and Team Singapore!

March: SJI Tennis Makes History!

Josephians are still reeling with joy at the victory of the SJI Tennis Team in clinching the Championship Trophy in the finals of the National Schools Games B-Division Tennis on 6 March, after defeating the defending champions, ACS(I). This historic event, after a 34-year drought, took place at the Kallang Tennis Hub where our determined Josephian Tennis team battled it out to emerge triumphant with closely fought matches to a final score of 3-2 in a display of tenacity, determination and excellent teamwork.

Kudos to the leadership of the Captain, Edgar Chow (LE403), and under the guidance of the teachers in-charge Ms Juliana Woo, Mr Azhar Ghazali and Ms Koh Dee Yong and the dynamic duo of their coaches, Mr Tan Xu Teng and Mr Gary Tan, the team was relentless in pursuing that elusive title. This momentous event certainly marks the beginning of a new era for SJI Tennis.

The SJI family of teachers, parents, alumni and supporters were united in their prayers and cheers for the team, and left the Tennis Hub hungry for more victories in the near future.

God bless our Josephian Community!

March: SJI Cross Country Meet

The Singapore Sports Hub came alive with the Josephian colours on the morning of 5 March 2025, as 1,800 students and 175 staff gathered for the annual SJI Cross-Country Meet. From assembling at 7:30am to setting up the start and finish lines, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation. Meanwhile, off-site teams worked efficiently to prepare the route, position marshals, and ensure all safety measures were in place.

The event kicked off smoothly with Bro Paul’s opening prayer, followed by Principal, Mr Justin Arul Pierre’s declaration to officially start the meet. Competitors and non-competitors alike took their places at the starting line, eager to represent their fraternities; Red, Blue, Yellow and Green. Wave after wave, Josephians took off, their colours brightening the course.

This year, unexpected roadworks altered the planned route. In true Josephian spirit, the team adapted swiftly, seamlessly transitioning to a shorter yet safe alternative. The resilience and teamwork displayed were a testament to the unwavering Josephian spirit.

The morning concluded at 10:30am with the rousing School Rally, marking the end of yet another successful SJI Cross-Country Meet: a celebration of camaraderie, perseverance, and sportsmanship.

March: SJI Tennis Team Secures Spot in the Finals

SJI beat Raffles Institution on 4 March in a valiant display of grit and determination in all 5 tennis matches. The SJI Tennis team’s gutsy and juggernaut performance turned the overall tide in SJI’s favour with a final score of 4-1 in the National School Games B-Division Boys Tennis Semi-finals.

We cheer on the SJI Tennis team as they face defending champions ACS (I) in the Finals on Thursday, 6 March at the Kallang Tennis Hub at 3:00pm.

Wishing the Tennis boys all the very best as they strive to do the school proud!

March: SJI Ruggers Triumph Again!

On 22 and 23 February 2025, our C Division rugby team took on the challenge at the Singapore Rugby Union Schools U-14 7s Tournament with two teams representing our school. Competing against tough opponents, our boys showcased resilience, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament.

One of our teams battled their way to the semifinals of the Main Cup competition. Despite losing in the semi-finals, our Rugby Team rallied and triumphed during the 3rd/4th placing match, ultimately securing 3rd place in the competition.

Meanwhile, our other SJI team fought valiantly in the Shield competition and emerged as the Champion.

A huge congratulations to all our players for their hard work and fighting spirit. Well done, boys!

March: SJI Scripts it Right Again!

Over 70 students - including Year 2 Higher Chinese students, Chinese Cultural Society members, and Year Three competition participants - gathered for the “Script It Right” Chinese Radio Drama Script Writing Workshop. This diverse group enjoyed an exciting and insightful afternoon with UFM100.3 Radio Station DJs on 27 Feb 2025.

This “Script It Right” Chinese Radio Drama Script Writing Workshop is organised by The Committee to Promote Chinese Language Learning (CPCLL), in collaboration with the Chinese Radio Station UFM100.3 and Holy Innocents’ High School.

This initiative is designed to promote Chinese language learning through a fun and interactive approach, sparking students’ interest in the language. It provides valuable skills and insights that will not only improve their Chinese language proficiency but also encourage them to participate in the “Script It Right” Chinese Radio Drama Script Writing Competition.

During the workshop, learners improved their Chinese Language proficiency in a fun and practical setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and read-world application. It makes learning Chinese engaging and interactive through the art of scriptwriting.

In addition, SJI also warmly hosted two other Secondary Schools namely, Anglican High School and Unity Secondary School for this workshop.

LE202 林炡鋐（LIM TZEN HON）同学认为: “活动十分有趣，演讲者也十分幽默开朗。我从这个活动中学会了学剧本，也明白除了人物，地点和时间，声音的变化和人物对白语气的差异也同样重要。这个活动让我发现其他学校的学生华文能力很强，我更要继续努力，学好华文。” (“I am impressed by the presenters’ sense of humor and delivery of the workshop’s contents. Besides, scoping and scripting a story, I discovered intonation of the one’s speech is critical too. Through this workshop, I also discovered other Secondary Schools’ students’ strong Chinese Language ability and I am motivated to sharpen mine too.”)

LE201佘昊恩同学 (JOSES SEAH HAO EN)补充说道：“两名DJ李欣盈和詹靖禾的出现炒热了整个现场的气氛！我也从中学习到课堂以外的新知识。此外，和其他两所学校的学生进行交流，对我来说是一种新体验，我也结交到新朋友。”” The DJs’ (Andrew and Xin Yin) presence ignited the lecture hall! I also learnt lessons beyond the classrooms! Through interactions with other Secondary School students, I also made new friends. “

February: SJI Strengthens Digital Defence in Exercise SG Ready 2025

On 18 February, SJI experienced a simulated power and electricity disruption as part of Exercise SG Ready 2025 (ESR25), which involved several organisations across Singapore for Total Defence Day.

In this simulation, the cause of the nationwide disruption was an online phishing attack. The exercise underscored the critical role of Digital Defence - the 6th pillar of Total Defence - in safeguarding our nation’s security and resilience.

Our Josephians had the opportunity to reflect on the exercise. Here are some of their sharing:

Ashton Wong (LE102): Actually, I realised how it can be very uncomfortable without electricity. Thankfully my seat in class is next to the window! But I did realise how difficult it could be for other people when we have such disruptions.

Kieran Tan (MN301): … We were able to have conversations about how to respond and even help one another in such situations. Nationally, a disruption like this can cause panic, and so it is important that we trust and rely on one another.

Jing Xuan and Ethan Tan (MN517): This disruption is limiting and places restrictions on what we can do in terms of our work and day to day activities. Disruptions like these make us realise our reliance on resources and the importance of not taking these for granted!

Mdm Tan Kah Choon and her class: I think challenges and disruptions only impact us as much as we allow them. Here at SJI, our school community appreciates one another because we know we can count on one another when we, individually or as a community, face challenges. We must think of ways we can spread this culture and mindset among other communities we are a part of.

February: SJI Celebrates Inaugural Assembly 2025

The Inaugural Assembly at SJI is a cherished school tradition that celebrates the beginning of the new academic year. It is the first formal assembly when the entire Josephian community comes together in a spirit of thanksgiving. After a month of orientation, we officially welcomed the newest additions to the school - our Year 1 and Year 5 students, and the new members of the teaching and non-teaching staff.

To celebrate our sense of being a Lasallian community, the Inaugural Assembly began with a celebration of the Eucharist led by Friar Michael D’Cruz, OFM. During the service, he blessed the school flag and the school colours—cherished symbols that have guided and inspired many generations of Josephians both during their time at school and beyond.

The celebration was enriched by the beautiful sounds and harmonious performances of the SJI Vocal Ensemble and the SJI Band. The school community also enjoyed a short skit by the Drama Club, which showcased the importance of developing 21st century competencies and dispositions namely curiosity, adaptability, creativity and resilience when navigating change and challenges.

During the Principal’s Address, Mr Justin Arul Pierre set the directions and priority areas for the school in 2025 with emphasis on Nurturing Adaptive and Inventive Thinking, and Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy. He also introduced the school theme for the year, “Celebrating Growth and Shaping Possibilities Together”.

Mr Pierre encouraged the entire school community to face the challenges and disruptions brought about by our fast-paced and ever-evolving world with courage, a willingness to take responsible risks and to experiment with new approaches. By doing so, we can become more adaptable, agile, and resilient in the face of change and uncertainty. He urged Josephians to uphold the school values of Faith, Service and Community as they serve as our foundation, as well as our motivation and driving force in guiding our decisions and actions.

Mr Pierre reminded the school community that we must continue to uphold our Lasallian ethos and traditions, emphasising that the educational mission that the founding brothers of the De La Salle order brought to Singapore 173 years ago is even more important today. It is this mission and our strong values-based and human-centred education that defines and distinguishes SJI.

February: SJI Wraps Up Work Experience Programme 2025

SJI Work Experience Programme (WEP) 2025 successfully concluded on a high note with a celebratory closing ceremony on 3 February. This year’s programme involved close to 200 students, including students from our cluster schools, Bendemeer Secondary School and St. Andrew’s Secondary School, and fostered collaboration with more than 50 esteemed organisations.

Over 2-3 weeks in the month of January, the students stepped beyond the classroom and into the real world, gaining valuable insights into the professional environment. WEP provided participants with hands-on experience to apply their knowledge, learn new skills as well as enhance their career awareness and social emotional competencies.

Ariel Aiman (LE509) shared that the most memorable part of his WEP experience at the National Heart Centre was when he attended a live surgical procedure and was able to stay composed at the sight of blood. Werner Lee (LE507) who was attached to a law firm, Arul Chew and Partners, appreciated the opportunity to read correspondents’ cases and to learn more about the responsibilities of a lawyer via his mentor’s personal sharing. Although law was not Werner’s first choice for his WEP, the experience provided a space for him to reflect, and this revealed new possibilities for him that he did not consider earlier.

As evident from the students’ sharing, they had a deeper understanding of workplace culture and expectations as well as learnt to value all occupations after the 2-3 weeks of work experience in January. They should be commended for demonstrating a willingness to learn and for showing resilience to embrace new challenges and adapt to different environments.

We are indeed grateful for the wonderful opportunities and support provided by our industry partners, alumni and parents for this WEP. Special mention should be made to the mentors and supervisors who generously shared their time and expertise with our students in helping them to learn and grow.

We look forward to continuing this strong partnership in the future, providing more opportunities for our students to gain valuable industry insights and skills.

January: SJI Celebrates Chinese New Year

The spirit of the Lunar New Year came alive at SJI as the school community gathered to celebrate with a vibrant array of traditional activities, culminating in a lively concert at the Indoor Sports Hall.

In the days leading up to the celebration, teachers from the Chinese New Year Celebrations Organising Committee, together with students from various activity groups, adorned the school with festive decorations. Peach blossom flowers, radiant red lanterns and dreamy lights transformed the school premises into a scene of warmth and prosperity.

One of the highlights of the festivities was the Chinese calligraphy session, where teachers and students worked hand in hand to craft beautiful artistic pieces. More than just a creative exercise, the session provided a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange and appreciation of this timeless art form.

The celebration culminated with an entertaining school concert, captivating the audience with vibrant performances. The energetic beats of the lion dance set the stage, ushering in blessings of good fortune for the year ahead. Josephians then dazzled with an electrifying line-up - the dynamic SJI Percussion Ensemble, the harmonious SJI Vocal Ensemble, an energetic hip-hop routine by the Dance CAS and a thrilling martial arts demonstration by our wushu exponent Ang Jet Hong (FN 602).

The Chinese New Year celebrations at SJI were a true reflection of our school’s spirit- one that embraces culture, tradition and unity.

January: SJI Participates in the Student Archivist Project

SJI participated in the Student Archivist Project (SAP), an oral history initiative organised by the Founders’ Memorial under the National Heritage Board. This meaningful project invited students to collect personal stories from senior interviewees about their experiences of becoming Singapore citizens in the 1950s and 1960s, along with their reflections on multiculturalism in Singapore.

Two teams of Josephians conducted insightful interviews, demonstrating exceptional oral history and interviewing skills. Representing SJI were:

Team 1: Alexander Tan (MN302), John Gabriel Lim (FN303), Krystian Su-Meng Ochman (MN303), Sherwin Junior Bok Jia Le (LE301)

Team 2: Aarya Ramesh (MN401), Kwok Han Rong Meyson (LE402), Ahsan Idris (MN401), Chidambaram Rohith (FN402)

Congratulations to our students for their commendable efforts and valuable contributions to preserving Singapore’s heritage!

January: A Strong Start for Our Young Taekwondo Josephians!

Seven talented young Josephians kicked off the year on a high note by competing in the Waein Cup Open Championship held at Our Tampines Hub from 17-19 January 2025.

This prestigious event brought together nearly 1,500 Taekwondo athletes from 12 countries including Australia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Sanctioned by the Singapore Taekwondo Federation, the championship provided a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and determination.

We are proud to congratulate our seven Josephians who participated in this international competition, achieving outstanding results: 6 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals, and 6 Bronze Medals!

Poomsae

Isaac Koh (LE301)

Junior Male Individual: Silver
Junior Male Team: Gold

Darius Lim (FN201)

Cadet Male Individual: Silver

Anders Yoon (FN101)

Cadet Male Individual: Bronze
Cadet Mixed Team: Silver

Athan Kiong (FN101)

Cadet Male Individual: Bronze
Cadet Mixed Pair: Bronze
Cadet Mixed Team: Bronze

Mitchell Chan (FN102)

Cadet Male Individual: Silver
Cadet Mixed Pair: Gold

Kyorugi

Isaac Koh (LE301)

Junior Male Team of 5: Silver

Kinley Ng (MN201)

Cadet Male Under-41kg: Bronze

Anders Yoon (FN101)

Cadet Male Under-45kg: Bronze
Cadet Male Team of 3: Gold
Cadet Mixed Team of 3: Gold

Kyler Tan (ML102)

Cadet Male Over-65kg: Gold
Cadet Male Team of 3: Gold
Best Male Cadet Kyrougi Player Award

Well done, Josephians!

January: SJI Welcomes our 2025 Year 1 cohort

Friday, 17 January 2025 marked the grand culmination of the two-week-long Year 1 Orientation at SJI. The Year 1 Initiation Ceremony and Campfire celebrated the coming together of our youngest and newest Josephians as a family. With their badges proudly pinned by Peer Support Leaders, the young gentlemen joined in cheers and songs that ignited the SJI spirit in their hearts. The batch song, “You Raise Me Up,” and the campfire glowing over the star at the SJI Oval under an overcast sky created a truly magical evening.

This memorable event brought together more than 1,000 parents, guests, alumni and Josephians, a testament to the strong bonds within our community as the Year 1 students were officially inducted into the school community in a celebration of unity, friendship, shared hope and purpose.

During the two-week orientation, our enthusiastic Year 1s immersed themselves in a variety of activities aimed at fostering camaraderie and enabling them to have a deeper appreciation of the history, culture and ethos of the school. Highlights included an overnight camp, a learning journey to the original site of the old campus in Bras Basah Road and an exploration of diverse CCAs - where students had the opportunity to try out the various sports and games, uniformed groups and enjoy the captivating performances of the various performing arts groups. Through these various activities and conversations with their Seniors, the Year 1s had the chance to learn a new skill, discover new interests and be open to the many possibilities within our wide range of CCA offerings.

The lively Campfire, where students from the four fraternities: Fintan, Lawrence, Marcian and Michael came together in a colourful and spirited display of songs and cheers, created unforgettable memories for the Year 1s to kickstart their academic journey and new adventure of learning, discovery and personal growth at SJI.

January: TABA 2025

SJI organised Camp TABA (Together And By Association), a programme aimed at fostering meaningful connections among Year 3 students to set the stage for a harmonious and supportive class environment for their educational journey in the school.

The camp comprised two parts: the first involved building sandcastles at the beach. Coupled with fun- filled games and activities on the beach that encouraged collaboration, the experience provided an opportunity to forge new friendships.

The second part of the programme saw our boys engaged in meaningful discussions and creative exercises in school. In these discussions, the boys articulated their shared vision, outlining goals, and aspirations that will guide them through their academic journey as a united class.

TABA 2025 marks the beginning of the school year for our Year 3 students, and it helps to lay the foundation for a vibrant and supportive learning community.

January: SJI Alumni Receive Prestigious NYAA Gold Award

On 10 January 2025, Adriel Lee Wei Xuan, Lee Le Jiin Matthias, and James Choong Fui Jae from SJI’s IB Class of 2023 proudly received the prestigious NYAA Gold Award from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the National Youth Achievement Award Ceremony.

Celine Lee Tse Qi and Giovanni Goh Zhen Rui, who were also recipients of the award, were unable to attend the ceremony.

Achieving the NYAA Gold is no small feat. Over two years, these five outstanding individuals embarked on a transformative journey, excelling in Healthy Living, Outdoor Appreciation and Service Learning, while also designing and executing a Community Leadership Initiative. Their commitment and dedication were put to the test during a rigorous interview process with the NYAA panel.

The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA), established in 1992, stands as one of Singapore’s premier youth development programmes. It nurtures vital qualities such as self-reliance, perseverance and a profound sense of responsibility to oneself, society and the nation.

We are proud of Adriel, Matthias, James, Celine, and Giovanni for their inspiring achievements. Their hard work and passion exemplify the SJI spirit of becoming Men and Women for Others.

January: SJI Rejoices in the Outstanding O-Level Results of our Class of 2024

Josephians from the Class of 2024 have excelled in the 2024 GCE O-Level examinations, with 100% of the students passing and advancing to junior colleges and polytechnics for their post-secondary education. 98% of the cohort qualified for junior college, and 72% scored 5 Distinctions or more.

Mr Justin Arul Pierre, Principal of SJI, shared, “Our Josephians have once again demonstrated their ability to excel, achieving exceptional results in the O-Level examinations. This success reflects their unwavering resilience, dedication, and spirit of camaraderie, as they supported and encouraged one another throughout their journey.

“To the Class of 2024, the Josephian community celebrates your efforts and achievements with great pride and joy. As you step forward into new opportunities and challenges, hold close the values of Faith, Service, and Community that have shaped your time at SJI. May you continue to inspire others and make a difference and positive impact in all that you do.”

Congratulations, gentlemen!

January: Nigel Tan Shines on the International Sailing Stage

SJI congratulates Nigel Tan (ML303) on his outstanding performance at the 2024 Optimist Asian & Oceania Championship in Hong Kong! Finishing 4th out of 133 sailors is an incredible achievement, made even more inspiring by Nigel’s unwavering determination and resilience in overcoming illness and numerous challenges, including cold weather and difficult wind conditions during the competition.

Nigel’s sailing journey has been remarkable—at the end of last year, he excelled over four intense days at the Singapore National Sailing Championships 2024, where he placed 4th out of 82 sailors.

SJI is immensely proud of you, Nigel!

January 2025: Celebrating the IB Class of 2024

SJI is delighted to celebrate the efforts and achievements of our Class of 2024 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) November 2024 Examinations!

All 283 students who sat for the IBDP exams in November passed, and was awarded the diploma. The cohort achieved an impressive average score of 40 points, with more than 60% of students scoring 40 points and above!

As our graduates streamed into the Founder’s Hall on 3 January, they were warmly embraced by our School Leaders, teachers and parents, who celebrated not just their stellar academic accomplishments but also their journey of learning, discovery and growth into compassionate, purposeful, and critical thinkers. These young men and women have made us proud by using their gifts and talents to make a positive impact for others both in school and the wider community.

Our Principal, Mr. Justin Arul Pierre, shared his pride: “This remarkable 2024 IB cohort truly embodies the spirit of resilience and embracing an open mindset. They have shown throughout their IB journey their willingness to step out of their comfort zone, work hard, learn from mistakes, and never give up. We are immensely proud to graduate this cohort of future leaders who are ready to shape a better world with their compassion, integrity and strong sense of purpose.”

Here’s to the bright future awaiting our Class of 2024 - go forth with courage and conviction!