EVENTS | LUMEN
15
SJI Open House : Giving the
Josephian Welcome
By Ho Jun Bin
On 13 January 2017 , the school ’ s senior section opened its doors to prospective JC 1 students . Planned by the JC 2 student body and council , a variety of activities showed the visitors # whysji should be their choice .
For many visitors , the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme ( IBDP ) is an unfamiliar path , as compared to the GCE ' A ' levels offered by the majority of junior colleges in Singapore . Nevertheless , SJI and its students provided both parents and prospective students with a comprehensive understanding of its curriculum and activities . Teachers and students organized academic booths for every subject , providing important resources detailing the IBDP syllabus and structure . Visitors also had a chance to listen to opinions on how the curriculum differs from the ' A ' levels .
Subject and Creativity , Activity and Service ( CAS ) booths were set up to showcase SJI ' s unique set of opportunities for students . The CAS groups also shared , through their exhibitions , the unique experiences students can anticipate when they join the school . From Ultimate Frisbee to Photography to the social enterprise club , PRISM , SJI strives to cater to a broad range
of interests and abilities , promising every student an enriching CAS experience .
What was especially striking to visitors , however , was the warm and welcoming environment . Common spaces were filled with music as the CAS groups such as the Strings Ensemble , Vocapella and Rock-a-Cause performed throughout the day . The Dance CAS even organized a flash-mob , surprising visitors with an energetic dance performance . Elizabeth , a student from CHIJ Toa Payoh , described the school as “ warm and lively ”, whereas Alison from Swiss Cottage Secondary found the school “ great because people are so willing to extend their help .” Indeed , the JC 2 students were
enthusiastically sharing about our school , giving tours and entertaining every question posed .
All 140 students were assigned specific roles , from tour guides to ushers to subject representatives . Yet , many went out of their way to welcome each and every visitor . Claire from JC2 explained , “ When I was in their position as a Secondary 4 graduate , I remember feeling uncertain and confused about the IBDP . Now I want to assure anyone who feels the same way that it ’ s not as scary as it sounds .”
Through this willingness to help , the students and staff proudly exhibited the school ’ s culture of community and gave nothing less than a Josephian welcome .
This page ( top ): Our friendly receptionists
This page ( right 2nd from top ): Both teachers and students ready to answer any Chemistry related questions
This page ( bottom left ): Getting their enquiries answered for English .
This page ( bottom right ): Mr Raymond Karam engaged in a dialogue with the SJI Sec 4 IP boys