LUMEN Issue 13 - June 2017 | Page 9

Welcoming new members to the SJI community has always been a heartwarming tradition , but this time , it is even more significant as we are finally back at Malcolm Road .
FEATURE | LUMEN
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physical structure , but as an institution where students grow to discover more of themselves .
Besides praying together as one big family , contributions made by students in 2016 were acknowledged and celebrated through the presentation of the Lasallian Distinguished Service Award during the mass . Everyone was clapping with sincere gratitude for these students who have made SJI a better school .
One boy commented , “ Welcoming new members to the SJI community has always been a heartwarming tradition , but this time , it is even more significant as we are finally back at Malcolm Road .” His eagerness in starting the school year in our newly redeveloped campus was touching . Putting aside their different past experiences from their former primary and secondary schools to uphold the banner of green and white in order to keep it flying high with pride over generations is important . “ To build the school together ” was another key message that was reiterated throughout the ceremony , and it must have struck a chord in fellow Josephians ’ hearts as SJI truly is a home that is always growing in faith , facilitating students from all walks of lives to enrich one another in service , and forging friendships that will last for a lifetime . The ceremony ended with a rousing harmony of Josephians standing shoulder to shoulder , singing the most-loved ‘ We are Lasallian ’, as a sign of unbreakable friendships that have formed in the past weeks and months .

Welcoming new members to the SJI community has always been a heartwarming tradition , but this time , it is even more significant as we are finally back at Malcolm Road .

Minutes after the Inaugural Ceremony , the school was no longer filled with only green and white , but with the vibrant colours of the four proud houses of St . Joseph ; red , yellow , green and blue representing Michael , Lawrence , Marcian and Fintan respectively . As dusk fell , a metamorphosis occurred . Replacing the solemn and meditative mood of the Inaugural Ceremony was the heartwarming laughter of students and staff who were now getting ready and waiting for the evening picnic and concert to start . There was food aplenty to cater to the hungry , complemented with blasting music from the amazing student live band , Out Of Time . The light from the full moon enveloped everyone in the SJI family as they engaged in fun conversations , relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere . Even the school track was transformed . It became a massive dance floor for those who wanted to jive . Ultimately , the celebration would have been incomplete without the cheers of " Hail , Hail , Alma Mater " resonating throughout the whole field as the Homecoming party came to an end . A long anticipated event – SJI ’ s Homecoming was special as no distinction between old and new Josephians was felt that evening . Everyone had immersed themselves in the celebratory atmosphere and enjoyed the shared camaraderie . Coming home never felt better .