The SJI community cheered as they welcomed the pioneers , our former teaching and nonteaching staff , at a reunion to celebrate Singapore ’ s 50th anniversary . What can be a better way to celebrate Singapore ’ s golden jubilee of independence than bringing the Josephian community back together ?

The pioneers were treated to artistic and visual feasts of music , dances and raps , performed by the students from various CCAs including the Guitar Ensemble , Voice Ensemble , SJI ’ s Indian Cultural Society , Chinese Cultural Society and the Secondary 2 CAL groups .

The SG50 celebrations ended with a video montage of pictures of SJI at Bras Basah , and personal photos of many teachers and students of our guests ’ time . Alan James Bean ( MN202 ) said , “ It ’ s great to see our school and nation being built into what it is now . We are very grateful to have the pioneers with us .”

In collaboration with Children ’ s Cancer Foundation , SJI once again played host to a Hair for Hope ( HfH ) satellite event . The event was one of many that took place around Singapore to collectively raise funds and awareness for childhood cancer .

This year ’ s theme was “ Pave the Way with a Shave ”, and it revolved around the idea that every Josephian can make a difference to a cancer patient ’ s life with this simple act , financially and through solidarity . It challenged Josephians to lead by example and united us through a common goal .

In the weeks leading to the event , Josephians across all levels were challenged to pledge their participation in the event . Especially significant was the ‘ Wax for a Cause ’ challenge that ran online on social media platforms , where Josephians pledge either to shave their heads or to donate for the cause .

On 6 July 2015 , steady streams of students poured into the amphitheatre from 9am- 2pm to participate or to support their friends . Close to 350 students shaved for this noble cause . This year saw a new milestone for SJI ; we collaborated with Rainbow Centre for this cause . There were more than 20 participants from the centre , volunteers and children alike , who turned up to take part in this event . Ultimately , Hair For Hope was a great success with the huge turnout , and with students inspired to pave the way in society with this tough yet simple act of a shave .

ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2015