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LUMEN | EVENTS
Rejoice , Reflect Repay and
SJI Class of 1965 Golden Reunion
By Anthony Chia
SJI ’ s 1965 cohort held a rocking SG50 Golden Reunion in the original school premises at Bras Basah Road , and gratefully repaid SJI with the launch of the Brother Justinian Memorial Bursary .
Secondary students during the tumultuous period from 1962 to 1965 , the SJI ’ 65 cohort and the nation ’ s youngest baby boomers lived through the dark days of Konfrontasi . Drilled in safety protocols and programmes to build a rugged society , they sat for their final “ O ” level exams in November 1965 , the year of Singapore ’ s independence .
Fifty years later on 6 November 2015 , this group reunited in much brighter and joyful circumstances . Nicknamed the ‘ SJI Nineteen Sixty-Fivers ’, the cohort not only celebrated their Golden Jubilee at the school ’ s original premises at Bras Basah Road ( now Singapore Art Museum ) but also in the very same Oei Tiong Ham Hall ( now known as Glass Hall ), where the cohort sat for their “ O ” level exams and participated in many Extra Curricular Activities .
With the support of Singapore Art Museum , it is significant that SJI is the only premier school of the Sixties that was able to hold its SG50 Golden Reunion at its original school premises .
Guests of honour were former teachers Mr Peter Calaco , Mrs Calaco , Mr Thomas Ong and Mr Tang Wing Kee , Brother-President at SJI Bro Paul Ho , FSC , SJI Principal Dr Koh Thiam Seng and incoming principal of SJI Rev Fr ( Dr ) Adrian Danker , SJ . The Organising Committee consisted of cohort members George Thia , Anthony Chia , James Yip , Joe Peters , Eric Chan , Chew Hee Hong and Jeffrey Lim Jit Kiang .
Set to a nostalgic 60 ’ s rock theme , the event brought back the fond memories and vivid flavours of the past in vibrant rock and roll fashion . The buffet was inspired by the eateries and hawkers that surrounded the school ’ s old