St Joseph’s Institution International
Elementary School
Newsletter
Enjoying the eclipse
experience
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Dates for your Diary
Principal’s Diary
 Prep 1 Easter Bonnet
Parade & Celebration of
Learning
Dear Parents,
Tue 15 Mar
 First Holy Communion
Meeting (May Group)
 G1J Reading Workshop
 Stations of the Cross
Wed 16 Mar
 Prep 2 Easter Bonnet
Parade & Celebration of
Learning
 The Rocky Monster Show
(G5SBa/CDo)
As you may recall, last week my digest focussed on children interacting with social
media and how we as educators and parents have a very important role to play in
setting the foundations for our future ‘netizens’. This week, my focus remains on
social media and how we as adults, are role models to our children in the way we
use and interact with social media, in particular as a member of our SJII
community.
Mon 14 Mar
Thu 17 Mar
 G1 Easter Bonnet Parade &
Celebration of Learning
 Prep 1 & G2 Field Trip
 The Rocky Monster Show
(G5PMc/SGe)
Fri 18 Mar
 Mass @8am
 Last Day of Term (No early
dismissal)
Mon 4 Apr
 Summer Term commences
Thu 7 Apr
 Children’s University Meet
Up
Click here to read
Br. Larry’s
Lasallian Reflection
Globally, there has been a proliferation of instant messenger services and chat
apps, with published data indicating that these platforms such as, ‘WhatsApp’,
‘WeChat’, ‘Facebook Messenger’ and ‘Viber’, continue to have impressive growth
patterns. In environments such as schools, these groups start with a wellintentioned clear objective; to share important information among parents whose
children are in the same class, in the same team, music group etc., unfortunately,
they can be overtaken by individuals airing their personal grievances, a source of
speculation and even the spread of misinformation.
As adults who are role models to our young students, we also should have
established respectful norms around the use of social media within our community
and beyond. We are a school that is built on the five Lasallian Core Principals and
we pride ourselves on the Virtues; it is one of the reasons many of you made SJII
Elementary School, the school of choice for your children. The way we speak and
act towards one another is equally as important whether it be in a face to face
interaction or via any of the social media platforms.
The issue with Chat Applications such as ‘WhatsApp’ is how instant it is. We used
to think of email as being instant communication. However, I now look at email
nostalgically in this regard. When we get an email, we take time to read and digest
it, press reply and type our response, and then proofread it. This usually takes a
couple of minutes, by which time we may already be thinking, “Hmm, maybe I
won’t send it in that form.” A further edit takes place, possibly softening the
response, before it is eventually sent, sometimes after a couple of hours of cooling
off. We thus tend to be more thoughtful and deliberate. With ‘WhatsApp’, we read
the message and we reply there and then, in mere seconds. We are not
necessarily reflective or thoughtful on the impact of the words or language used
and how this may affect the mood of the rest of the group or the even the
person/people who are the target of the criticism.
St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Principal’s Diary Continued
Respect, mindfulness and integrity are key virtues that should guide us with each and every interaction and adopting this in all
our communication ensures that we are thoughtful of others but also living the virtues that we would like our children to live by.
Unfortunately, we have had instances where this is not the case. If you have concerns that are specific to you or your child,
then please come and see me or either of the Vice Principals to discuss your concerns. I firmly believe that a school Library
is made
stronger and better by constructive feedback from its parents. This is why I have instigated the biannual Town Hall meetings,
hold briefing sessions on topics such as the CAT4 assessments and moving to One Calendar, regularly meet with parents and
receive many emails.
I recently came across a blog written by a parent who was struggling with the use of ‘WhatsApp’ groups in her child’s school
and, whilst the blog is a little dated, it continues to be very relevant. This poses a very interesting perspective on norms and
what role the school and the EPSG plays in establishing these. As a community I would like us to consider the introduction of
some norms on the use of social media groups such as ‘WhatsApp’ which may include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Remember your virtues.
Avoid spreading gossip and rumours.
Evaluate your information before you hit ‘send’ – Is your information accurate and reliable?
If you’re angry, put your phone down.
Don’t post anything you would feel uncomfortable saying to a person’s face, including to your child’s teacher or coach.
I will be taking these thoughts to the EPSG and asking for their assistance to work with the community in assisting to develop
a set of norms that will help us maintain positive relationships, set an established path to seek information from the right
sources, and above all to help us live by the wisdom espoused by St John Baptist de La Salle “The way you behave should be
a model for those you teach”.
I am proud that the ES is a reflective school; one that is constantly seeking improvement. We want to do things better!
‘WhatsApp’ and the associated groups that are set up can help in this regard. Let us all be mindful though of using it for this
purpose. I look forward to working with all to continue to improve our school.
Kevin Hannah
Principal, Elementary School
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
News from the Principal’s Desk
Kevin Hannah
Town Hall Meeting
On Wednesday, the 4th Principal’s Town Hall was held with in
excess of 50 parents in attendance. This biannual event is designed
as an information sharing session in which I provide key
developments and progress updates on strategic initiatives and
culminates with an interactive Q & A session.
A broad range of questions were posed to the panel, which I can
broadly summarise into 5 areas:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
VLE
School Campus
Leadership
Curriculum
Administration
Please do log into the VLE to refer to the updates shared at the Town Hall.
A summary of the feedback raised and responses provided will be communicated to all in my Principal’s Quarterly Update which
I will be sending out next week.
My thanks to Dr Koh, Brother Larry, Clement Lee, Vince Burke and Dee Hazlewood for being on the panel with me. Thanks also
to Neil Corrigan, who I also called upon to answer a question on the UES. The next Town Hall will be in October.
The Town Hall was followed in the evening with a meeting between the EPSG and PSG, the Executive Leadership Team and
representatives from the Board of Governors. This forum allows the parent organisations to deliver questions and raise issues
on behalf of the parent community directly to the Board. The ES parents were represented by Kerry Allen, Sarah Alden and
Justine Darby who posed questions regarding the lease of our current site, development of facilities and the timing of Friday
morning Mass timings, amongst others. The EPSG will be providing parents with an update from this meeting next week.
I have found that Principal Forums are the most effective way to share information on a regular basis. Commencing next month
on 27th April, I will be holding informal monthly open forums on a designated topic. The dates have all been scheduled into the
school calendar and the list of topics is being developed, with some very good suggestions emanating out of the Town Hall. If
you have a particular topic that you feel should be discussed at these forums, please do let me know.
Solar Eclipse
There was great excitement within the school earlier this week as many of the children
talked about the eclipse. Discussions were held, including at the Monday Assembly, about
what an eclipse is and the safety aspects of viewing one. I was pleased to see the many
activities organised by teachers, including making pinhole cameras and watching the event
live streamed on the internet. There were clear skies for the eclipse meaning the pinhole
cameras worked very well. The next eclipse in Singapore is December 26th 2019!
Grades 2A & 3 Sports Day
Well done to the Grade 2A and Grade 3 children for their determination and enthusiasm competing at Sports Day this week. It
was a more ‘serious’ sports day compared to last week with times recorded and measured against a set of benchmarks.
Children were awarded up to a diamond standard per event. The top five boys and girls in each grade were recognised for their
performance on the day. My thanks once again to the many volunteers on the day who helped make the day such a success
and to the teachers and especially PE Department for the organisation and running of the day. A full write up of the event will be
shared with you in next week’s Newsletter.
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
News from the Principal’s Desk Continued
Early Years Easter Bonnet Parades
This year, for the first time, we invite all Early Years children (Prep 1, Prep 2 and Grade 1) to participate in an Easter Bonnet
Parade. All our Early Years children have been asked to design and create an Easter Bonnet at home with their families.
This event will be a fun activity that allows for the children to participate and better understand this special celebration. Easter is
the most important Christian celebration because it marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The children are
encouraged to incorporate images of Easter (the cross, eggs, new life) and/or the Virtues into their design. Please place your
child’s name and class on the design and bring it to school on or before their parade day.
Stations Of The Cross
As part of the Lenten preparation, our Grade 1 to 6 Catechism children will be taking part in Stations of the Cross prayers on
Tuesday 15th March at 3:10pm. Parents and children from across the school are also warmly welcome to partake in this group
prayer which will commence in the Elementary School Hall and conclude in the Chapel.
Lost Property
We are still seeing a significant amount of items making their way to the lost property drawers. However, it is pleasing to see that
more items are now labelled. As part of the UES CASS an initiative was started in the Christmas Term which entails identifying
labelled items and having them returned to the students’ class on a weekly basis. This has reduced the ‘unclaimed items’
stockpiling in the drawers.
Next Thursday and Friday 17th & 18th March, all unlabelled and unclaimed lost property items will be displayed on tables in front
of the Elementary Office for collection. Any unclaimed items will be donated to the school’s charity of choice.
New Cleaner
We have a new cleaner who started with us this week and she is Ms Lee. She is replacing Aunty Chan
who was working at the Gabriel Block and who has left employment with CBM.
Parents Campus Access & Childrens Toilets
We have once again seen an increase number of parents on campus without their Parent Identification Cards. Please be
reminded that parents are required to wear their Parent Identification Cards AT ALL TIMES whilst on the school campus. If you
have misplaced your card, please inform the Office and arrange to have one re-issued.
Parents are also reminded that the children’s toilets are for the exclusive use of students only. Should your child require your
assistance in going to the toilet or getting changed, whilst on school premises, or should you require to use the toilet facilities,
please use the Teacher’s/Disabled toilets located at the end of each toilet block.
Our school takes its duty of care very seriously when it comes to protecting our children against harm and to ensure that the
welfare of children is safeguarded by providing guidelines for adults to have an understanding of proper adult/child boundaries.
Baby News!
It’s A Girl!
Yesterday we received the wonderful news that Siti and her husband Syaherman
welcomed a beautiful little baby girl named Mishel Husna. Little Mishel was born
th
Wednesday, 9 March 2016 at 2.15pm and weighed in at 3.57kg.
Both Siti and baby Mishel are doing very well.
On behalf of all the children, teachers, staff and parents we congratulate Siti and Syaherman as they celebrate the
birth of their second child and we wish them all the very best.
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Prep 2 Parent Reading Workshop
Alison Morias
On Thursday, Mrs. Jacqueline McNalty and Mrs. Alison Morias presented the
Prep 2 Parent Reading Workshop on ‘Reading - The Whole Story!’ This
workshop gave parents the opportunity to learn more about the reading
curriculum in Prep 2, and how to support the reading development of their
child at home through the the skill of retelling. The workshop was well
attended by enthusiastic Prep 2 Parents - thank you all for attending!
Retelling is an important skill for all readers to develop. When we are able to
retell a text that we have read, it demonstrates that we have been thinking
about what we are reading, and have focused on the meaning. Reading is not
about getting through the words - rather, we read for information, for
communication or for enjoyment. Retelling what they have read encourages
students to be mindful of the purpose for which they are reading.
When we monitor the reading progress of our students using the PM Benchmarking Assessments, there are three areas
that are assessed:
1. Decoding
2. Retelling
3. Comprehension
During the workshop, parents were given the opportunity to have a go at retelling, and encouraged to think about how to
best support their child’s retelling skills at home.
In addition, part of this workshop was spent on highlighting the benefits of re-reading texts. When we read texts more
than once, we are able to focus more on the meaning and are better able to comprehend what is being communicated.
Beginning readers spend their ‘first read’ decoding unknown words and reading slowly through the text, using strategies
such as sounding out and using picture cues. By re-reading texts, students develop their fluency and subsequently their
comprehension. It is important for young children learning to read, to re-read known texts to develop these fluency and
comprehension skills and in turn develop their confidence in being able to read a book well!
As adults, we re-read when we have not grasped the meaning of what we read the first time, and when we want to revisit
a text that we enjoyed. In the words of C. S. Lewis, “I can’t imagine a man [person] really enjoying a book and reading it
only once.”
Parents are also encouraged to re-read the texts that they loved as children with their child. This is because as adults,
when we demonstrate our love of reading and of specific texts, we inspire a love of reading in the children around us reading is contagious! Making reading memories together empowers children to love reading.
The slides from the presentation are available here, and any parent interested in learning more about supporting their
child’s reading is encouraged to read the following text, which is available in our School Library:
Calkins, L., & Bellino, L. (1997). Raising Lifelong Learners. USA: Da Capo Press.
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Science Book Fair
Claire Douglas
There has been a scientific buzz around the Elementary School this week. As part of our drive to encourage
children to be inquisitive about the world around us, we had some local companies in to showcase their
products. On Wednesday Reader's House entertained Grade 2J and Grade 4 with their human body show.
This helped the children consolidate the knowledge they have been learning in class this term. On Thursday
and Friday, the IPC lab hosted a science themed book fair, and Reader's House were joined by Big Tree
Educational aids who showcased their collection of home science kits. The children found these fascinating
and proved to be very popular purchases. We hope you enjoy reading and experimenting with your child this
week.
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Celebration of Learning –
January Classes
Deidre Hazlewood
Next week Prep 1, Prep 2 and Grade 1 classes will be hosting their first Celebration of Learning event for the year. Grade
2 January will host theirs after the Easter break. Dates have been shared with you, but we hope that this information will
provide you with some clarity on the purpose of the event and give you some tips when sharing your child’s learning with
them.
The classroom based Celebration of Learning event is a morning spent in your child’s classroom, sharing their child’s
learning journey since January. This is your child’s time to showcase their efforts and the achievements made. Please
remember that this event is well attended by all parents and your child will be really looking forward to sharing their
learning with you – they are such enthusiastic hosts!
Parents will still have the opportunity to view their child’s workbooks and journals, experience the learning of the
classroom and view the learning displays both within and outside the room.
Early Years only:
Prep 1, Prep 2 and Grade 1 children will start the morning off with their Easter Bonnet Hat Parade, and then proceed to
the Celebration of Learning in your child’s classroom. Please make sure your child has their home-made Easter bonnet
for the day below. Parents are asked to assemble in the ES Hall at 8.00am.
Time: 8.00 - 9.00am
Prep 1
th
Monday 14 March
Prep 2
th
Wednesday 16 March
Grade 1
th
Thursday 17 March
Primary Years:
Grade 2 Jan
th
Tuesday 5 April
Time: 8.00-8.30am
The Learning Conversation
"The question, 'How do you learn?' demands quite different answers from the question 'What have you learned?' An indepth appreciation of this difference is essential to understanding how you might improve your capacity for learning."
Laurie Thomas & Sheila Harrie-Augstein
Engage in a learning conversation with your child to encourage the learner to talk in-depth about their learning
experiences and focus on the process of learning rather than just the content of their learning.
 What did you learn from doing this task/activity/project? Why did you find this interesting?
 Why do you think you are learning this? Where else can you use this learning?
 What has been the most enjoyable part of learning this?
 What was challenging? – (Remember, it’s GOOD to be challenged!) Where did you struggle?
 What helped you to learn this?
The Celebration of Learning event is all about your child showing you what they have learned.
If you would like to speak with your child’s teacher about any specific areas please do make an appointment.
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Relaunching the Ringpull Project –
Time to start collecting again!
Sally Baines
Last year the children demonstrated their strong virtues of Service, Commitment and Enthusiasm as they collected
record-breaking numbers of ringpulls for the PCF (Philippine Community Fund) Tondo Ringpull Project. In October Mrs
Crossland and I were delighted to meet the creative and diligent women who make a huge variety of products with the
ringpulls, earning money for their families in order to put food on the table (and, lucky for us, bringing joy and sparkle to
thousands of ringpull wearers around the world).
The Grade 10s shared our experiences of the Service Project with the ES at a School Assembly earlier in the year; there
was a true feeling of Unity as the HS children acknowledged our children for all they do and the difference each ringpull
makes.
It is with great pleasure that we are relaunching the Ringpull Project in the second week of the Summer Term, in line with
our Virtue of that week - Service. On the Friday of that week (15th April) we will have our first 2016 Ringpull Weigh In
so please, please get collecting!
Children will have the opportunity to have another look at some of the products during an exciting showcasing at next
Friday’s assembly… watch this space!
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Grade 5 Productions &
Andrew Tan & Pamela Main
Grade 5 proudly presents
The Rocky Monster Show
High School Hall
7.00pm
Wednesday 16th March
Featuring CDo & SBa
&
Thursday 17th March
Featuring SGe & PMc
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Sportlight On Sport
Peter Vassbotn
Our 11U Boys Cricket Team are hosting for the very first time on Monday Mar. 14th as the Aussies are
coming to play… 3 cheers for the boys and Mr. Bazzo!
Tryouts/Training in black; Matches in red; Special Events in Blue
11U Cricket Team Fights Bravely in Friendly vs. TTS
The U/11 Cricket team answered a last minute call to fill in and play a friendly match against
Tanglin on Wednesday. After defeating the same team last week, our hopes were high but this
week Tanglin turned the tables.
Captain Archie lost the toss and he opened the batting with Agustya. Dominic and Yash showed
good composure against some very accurate bowling early on to put some runs on the board. But
our opposition were very determined and they kept us under pressure throughout the innings
limiting our team total to 35 runs.
We needed all of our confidence and resilience in the field. Eashan took his first wicket, Matthew bowled with good speed and Finn
displayed great improvement also. Oliver showed great athleticism and commitment in the field and took a great catch but it wasn't
enough to stop a rampant Tanglin outfit who amassed 90 runs and enjoyed extracting their revenge! Special mention to Eashan,
Agustya and Yash who played their first match for SJIIES. Well done boys! Thanks also to the parents for their flexibility and reliability
in responding to the late call up!
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Sportlight On Sport Continues
SJI Tigers Host Nexus in SSAC Friendly Meet
th
On Friday the 26 of February SJI hosted a friendly swim meet against
Nexus. This gala catered for our rapidly developing junior team with events for
the 8 years and under as well as the 9 to 10 year old swimmers. With the
growth of our 8 and under age group we were fortunate enough to have many
of our young swimmers participate in their very first gala. Our coaching team
was very impressed with the performances displayed by these swimmers.
A couple of outstanding performances were seen on the day but special congratulations needs to be extended to those junior
swimmers who partook in the Individual Medley events as well as the Butterfly events, as these are challenging swims for more
experienced senior swimmers but the SJI Tigers really showed determination in completing these events with vigour and commitment.
We were also happy to see that all our regular gala swimmers were able to complete all their swims in personal best times. The
dedication of our swimmers in regularly attending the practices is really beginning to show dividends and on behalf of the coaching
team we would like to extend out thanks to the parents for continuing to support the SJI Tigers by regularly getting your swimmers to
training, by continuing to motivate them, and by your support at our galas. The SJI Tigers vs. Nexus gala was a great success and was
enjoyed by all and on behalf of the Physical Education Department we would like to thank all the teachers who volunteered the ir time
on a Friday afternoon to assist us in the smooth running of the gala.
With performances such as those seen on Friday the 26
optimistic.
th
of February, the future of the SJI Tigers Swimming Team looks very
11U ACSIS Netball 2016
The 11U Netball season has got off to an explosive start with lots of goals being scored and some fast and furious play! Both Apaches
and Biloxis have won and lost games beating AIS and Dulwich so far. All players are showing the skills and knowledge they are gaining
from Monday training and are showing flexibility and versatility in the positions they are playing.
The next several weeks are crucial as the teams are all jostling for final divisional positions which will dictate the finals day divisions at
the end of the season. Good luck to the Cherokees who are starting their friendly fixtures on Monday against AIS!
Congratulations to following ‘Players Player’ as voted by the teams:
Players Player Week 1: Apaches
Imo Crossland & Kanade Kamei
Players Player Week 1: Biloxis
Rachel Zhang
Players Player Week 2: Apaches
Katie Lamb
Players Player Week 2: Biloxis
Georgie Pegna
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Virtues Corner
Kerry Tremblay
This week I have been privileged to facilitate a workshop for our
new teachers on Speaking the Language of Virtues and a Virtues
Connection meeting for our teacher facilitators. Teachers at SJIIES
participate in a series of workshops in each of the 5 Strategies of
the Virtues Project. These workshops offer practical ways to
cultivate virtue in themselves and others. Teacher facilitators have
enjoyed a more intensive training and meet throughout the year to
support one another in deepening their understanding and practice
of the strategies and share best practice. It is inspiring to work with
such a committed and enthusiastic team of educators.
In classrooms this week, I have appreciated the honesty and
wisdom of many children as they reflected on the Virtues of
Forgiveness. I am noticing the power of story and quiet reflection
time helping children to personally connect with the virtue. Asking
children how they will choose to practise the virtue this week is also
important. Our children move from awareness to action when the
lesson influences the choices they make in their own life. It is action
that ensures character education is transformative.
Children often feel very guilty when they have done something
wrong. The Virtues Educators Guide suggests a very powerful way
in which children can be taught self forgiveness. The children in Ms
Sothie's class were participating in this ceremony, without the fire,
when I visited their CCA on Wednesday after school. Prior to the
ceremony the children had been involved in warm up exercises,
guided and free flow dance and stretching, breathing and
meditation. Through these experiences Ms Sothie offers the children
a space to connect with themselves. She reminds them to
simply flow with the music when they dance and encourages them
to be present, aware of their bodies and the way it moves. The
children are also encouraged to feel their emotions. What a
wonderful way to encourage awareness and for the children to enter
a reflective space where they can grow their virtues each week. We
are thankful that Ms Sothie uses her creativity in such a meaningful
way with the children.
In a safe, outside area, have a small fire. With older children,
you can invite some to be the fire makers, and some to be
responsible for dousing the fire with water afterward. All is to be
done in complete silence. Have wood, paper, kindling, matches
available. Form a circle and say “When you are ready, release
your mistake to the fire of forgiveness.” If it is appropriate, in
your setting, say a prayer for forgiveness. “Forgive us these
mistakes. Make them our teachers. Help us to replace them
with new ways of being and acting.”
Come back in and invite each person to write or draw a
commitment. “I commit to…” involving a virtue and an action
which will replace the mistake. It could be a form of making
amends. Close with a closure and integration question “What
did you appreciate about this exercise?”
Pg 170 The Virtues Project Educator’s Guide by Linda Kaveline
Popov
EY Virtue of the Week:
Self-Discipline
What is Self-Discipline?
Self-discipline means self-control. It is getting yourself to do
what you really want to do, rather than being tossed around by
your feelings like a leaf in the wind. You don’t lose control of
yourself when you feel hurt or angry, but decide how you are
going to talk and what you are going to do. With self-discipline,
you take charge of yourself.
Signs of Success
Congratulations! You are practicing Self-Discipline when you…
 Use detachment so your emotions won’t control you
 Speak and act calmly when you are hurt or angry
 Get things done in an orderly, efficient way
 Create routines for yourself
 Do what is expected without people having to watch over
you
 Do things on time
Forgiveness Fire Circle
"This powerful ceremony has been done with all ages, from preschool through adult. There are alternatives without fire. If fire is not
available, have each person shred their paper and release it into a
basket. Have someone agree to take them and burn them.
.
Talk a little about the virtue of Forgiveness and say that all of us
have done things we regret or are sorry for.
Set a boundary that silence will be kept throughout this exercise.
There will be no sharing. It is to be done privately and individually.
No one else will look at what we are putting on paper.
Pass out slips of paper and invite individuals to write or draw
something they feel very guilty about. Do one yourself.
MY & UES Virtue of the Week:
Forgiveness
What is Forgiveness?
Being forgiving is giving someone another chance after they
have done something wrong, knowing that eveyone makes
mistakes. It is making amends instead of taking revenge. It is
important to forgive yourself, too. Forgiving yourself means to
stop punishing yourself or feeling hopeless because of a
mistake. Forgiveness is moving ahead, ready to act differently,
with compassion for yourself and faith that you can change.
Signs of Success
Congratulations! You are practicing Forgiveness when you…
 Remember that everyone makes mistakes
 Take responsibility for your own mistakes
 Share your feelings without taking revenge
 Stop giving uncaring people the chance to hurt you
 Accept people without judgement or criticism
 Make amends instead of punishing yourself with guilt
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Lasallian Reflection
Enabling students in a Lasallian community to learn how
to learn, and to learn how to live, empowering them to
become people of integrity and people for others
Enter to Learn – Leave to Serve
Occasionally someone asks the
question, “Why is our school named
St Joseph’s?” Others have asked,
“What does ‘SJI’ stand for?” I’ve
even heard someone ask, “Who was
St Joseph?”
In 1852 when the De La Salle
Brothers first came to Asia, they
began teaching in Singapore at a
school called St John’s. Increases
in enrolment led to the expansion of
the school on Bras Basah Road
(now the Singapore Art Museum),
and on 19 March 1855, the feast of
St Joseph, the school was renamed
St Joseph’s Institution. And ever
since, young men, and more
recently young women, in Singapore
have been proud to identify
themselves as Josephians.
Why did those pioneer Brothers
want the school to be named St
Joseph’s? One reason has to be
that the Founder, John Baptist de La
Salle, had such great devotion to St
Joseph that in his Last Will &
Testament (De La Salle died in
1719), he named St Joseph as
Patron and Protector of the Institute
of the Brothers. The early seal of
the Brothers depicts St Joseph
leading the child Jesus by the hand.
In his Meditation for the Feast of St
Joseph, the Founder explains the
importance he gives to the life of the
carpenter from Nazareth, devoted
husband of Mary, and guardian of
the child Jesus. First, St Joseph
was a just man, holy in every way,
and therefore fit to care for and
guide the son of God. Second, he
obeyed God’s will perfectly; he did
not hesitate to do what God asked of
him.
him. Finally, he cared for the child
Jesus and protected him from harm.
De La Salle advised the early
Brothers, “Take St Joseph as your
model since he is your patron. You
have been made responsible for
your students just as St Joseph was
made responsible by God for the
Saviour of the world.” De La Salle’s
message for teachers is that they
should treat their students as St
Joseph treated Jesus!
What does it mean for us to claim St
Joseph as the namesake and patron
of our school? What virtues in his life
should we want to emulate? As we
strive to be Caring and Courageous,
we are following the example of St
Joseph. Similarly we can look to his
life as a witness of Commitment and
Perseverance.
St Joseph was
Responsible and Trustworthy, two
reasons why we continue to honour
him today as the Patron Saint of our
school.
captured in a moment of love, gently
holding his son and about to kiss the
sleeping child. His hand is also
positioned in a way that offers or
presents the baby to the viewer of
the painting, perhaps as an invitation
to share in his love. The myrtle in
the background is the Hebrew
symbol of love and marriage,
representing his devotion to his
family and forms a halo over baby
Jesus’ head. I used strong
contrasting tones to enhance the
intimacy between the two.”
Very soon this painting (and a copy)
will hang in both the Elementary and
High Schools.
th
Next Friday morning, 18 March,
the
7:45am
Mass
will
be
celebrated for the feast of St
Joseph, which is actually the next
day. All parents and students are
welcome to attend.
PAINTING OF ST JOSEPH:
I
recently asked Danielle Solk, an SJI
International parent and former art
teacher in the High School, if she
would do for us a painting of St
Joseph. I am delighted to share this
image with you. In the words of the
artist, “I have tried to show St
Joseph as an ordinary, hardworking
man, with weather-beaten skin and
strong working hands.
He is
captured
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St Joseph’s Institution International Elementary School
Easter Term, 11 March 2016
Children’s University
Andrew Bazzo
A Children University meet up will be held next week on Tuesday 15th March at 8am in the Pavilion. This is a great
opportunity for CU members to come along with their Passports to Learning and discuss their progress.
Please encourage your child to come along to the meet with their Passports. New members are also welcome to join us.
We are also pleased to announce that the date for this year’s graduation ceremony will be Friday 20th May during the
whole school assembly at 1pm. More information about this event will be shared with members next term.
If you have any further questions or would like to know more about Children's University, please check out our page on
the school VLE.
Elementary Parents Support Group
Dear Parent Community,
It has been a very busy first two weeks in March and we would like to thank our parent community for their generosity and
kindness not only for volunteering to help but also for sending in delicious baked goodies for the Grades 1, 2 and 3 sports
days. A very special thank you goes out to our dedicated café mums for their reliability and dedication as always!
The EPSG held a purposeful first meeting helmed by our new EPSG Exco Chairperson Sarah Alden, and we would like to
thank our Class Reps who attended the meeting for providing valuable feedback and ideas.
A variety of issues were raised for discussion such as the possibility of making available healthy afternoon tea snacks for
children attending CCAs and organizing whole community events such as the hugely popular family movie night. We will
keep you posted on all on-going initiatives when the details are finalized.
If you would like to contribute ideas, lend a helping hand or provide constructive feedback please send us a message via
your Class Rep or contact the EPSG Exco directly at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from
you!
Have a wonderful weekend!
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