8 LUMEN | F EATU RE
Being
Fully Human andAlive
- Brother Kelvin Tan
By Maretta Simon
Stepping into SJI , visitors are greeted by several cardboard cutouts bearing the silhouette of a Brother placed at strategic spots around the school . If one comes earlier before lessons begin , like many of the students and staff , that cutout appears in the flesh to welcome them to school . Lasallian Brother Kelvin Tan has been with us for three years but in his quiet and warm way , has befriended and influenced many .
2017 marks 165 years of Lasallian presence in Singapore . There is much to celebrate as the Lasallian ethos of faith , community and service continues to be instilled in Josephians and students from other Lasallian schools . We are also thankful for the De La Salle Brothers among us , reminding us of the need to live beyond ourselves . One of them is Brother Kelvin Tan .
This year is Brother Kelvin ’ s third and last year serving as a Brother in SJI , and he has been very satisfied to have journeyed with many Josephians , watching them grow from boys to men . Brother Kelvin is Singapore ’ s youngest Lasallian brother , and he admitted that answering the call to be one was indeed not easy , but it is a life choice he will always cherish . “ To be a Brother is a calling , and it is not about going to the different schools that matter ,” said Brother Kelvin with his signature warm smile , as he recalled his experience of deciding if the vocation was the right one for him . As a Brother , he works with just a segment of the population unlike a parish priest . As a staff of SJI , Brother Kelvin wore many hats . He was a form tutor , Religious and Moral Education and CAFFE teacher , the coordinator of both the National Education committee and the Catholic Lasallian Youth groups in the secondary section , while overseeing two Legion of Mary presidiums : Arc of the Convenant and Our Lady or Good Counsel . He also worked closely with
parents from the Parent Support Group and helped to make events such as Racial Harmony Day a meaningful celebration for the school community . Through all the close encounters that he has had with various students in his different roles , a deep relationship with them has been formed . It is this connection that he has with the students that makes his vocation even more meaningful for him .
In SJI , Brother Kelvin is often seen standing near the foyer early in the morning , always nodding and smiling warmly , wishing everyone a good morning . The gesture though small is encouraging . Small acts such as these are examples that Brother Kelvin hopes Josephians can do for the larger community . The formation of the student is foremost in Brother Kelvin ’ s mind . Brother Kelvin stresses on the importance of building character , nurturing students ’ perspectives and enriching individuals with the correct values on top of academic excellence . He believes that a Lasallian education provides the avenue to achieve this , as the school will always ensure that students are reminded to go beyond themselves and answer the call God has given them .
Although the task of nurturing youths who are in the midst of finding their identity and place in society can be challenging at times , he still regards his vocation a blessing , a way for him to be closer to God and to love Him better .
For many Josephians , SJI is a place where hearts are touched , and Brother Kelvin is an important catalyst in this process . He has always come to school with the heart to empower Josephians to really look within themselves , reflect , and initiate call for actions in order for them to be contented and find meaning in whatever they do . “ If you are able to live your life well , it is all that matters . To be fully human and fully alive .” This is the principle that Brother Kelvin lives by , and he desires Josephians to embrace this for themselves too .
When the new academic year begins in 2018 , the all too familiar figure at the foyer will be missed but the legacy Brother Kelvin has left behind will certainly remain .
This page ( top ): Bro Kelvin ( standing third from left ) roughing it out with the boys at ACE camp 2016
This page ( bottom ): Bro Kelvin and some of the parents during Racial Harmony Day