CHAPTER THREE
12 October
5 th IBDP Farewell Paraliturgy and Graduation
12 October 2018 was a day to remember for our graduating Year 6 students . It began with a Paraliturgy where the students reflected on their years in school and the future ahead . It marked the end of their schooling years and a new beginning that was to come for many : National Service for the boys and universities for the girls . Candles have always been used to symbolise taking their light into the future to brighten the world with the values that they have been blessed with at SJI .
Many of the students found this occasion very emotional , especially the boys who have been in SJI for the last 6 years . Many shed tears and expressed their appreciation of friendships that they have shared over their teenage years . They sang the traditional school songs with passion and gusto , and with arms on shoulders over one other , to symbolise the bond that all Josephians share .
Mr Karam reminded the graduands that words of wisdom can be found everywhere . He pointed out the importance of being “ men and women for others ”, acting as “ men and women of integrity ” and being “ servant leaders ”. He encouraged the students to think about these words of wisdom , and to enact these principles in their lives .
The graduating class was then joined by the Year 5 students in the final assembly , where Vedant Chauhan , president of the 5th Student Council addressed the assembly . This culminated in an emotional send-off of the Year 6s as the Year 5s sang “ The Salute to the Alma Mater ” in the background .
The Graduation Ceremony in the evening saw the families coming together to celebrate with the graduands . SJI was graduating its largest cohort of 271 students since the IB programme started in 2013 . Ms Janet Ang Guat Har , Chairman of Caritas Singapore , was the guest of honour . Ms Ang ’ s inspiring speech presented to our graduating students how she balanced her work as a Chairman of Caritas Singapore with being the Managing Director of IBM Singapore as well as being a mother to four daughters . The speech by Principal Fr Adrian Danker was as meaningful to the students . His reference to Ed Sheeran ’ s songs and humming of the lyrics eventually got the students singing along too .
Although the presentation of the certificates to all 271 students took a long time , yet every student was cheered for and celebrated with throughout the ceremony . To end off the celebrations , the SJI boys were sent off in the same way they were welcomed at the start of Secondary 1 , with the ringing of the school bell from the former SJI campus at Bras Basah Road .
The following students have achieved the highest awards and recognition from SJI :
Spirit of SJI Award ( Principal ’ s Award ) and Lasallian Distinguished Leadership & Service Award :
• Neil Bhargava ( TG605 )
• Vedant Chauhan ( TG615 )
Lasallian Distinguished Leadership & Service Awards :
• Bou Dolphie ( TG611 )
• Kevan Toh ( TG614 )
• Maretta Simon ( TG606 )
For more photos , visit https :// www . flickr . com / photos / stjosephsinstitution / albums / 72157702839443315
56 ST JOSEPH ’ S INSTITUTION