MESSAGE | LUMEN
1
From the
Editor
It could be our current addiction to the news , but it seems as if every day brings another report of a murder or assault or nasty exchange between individuals . Could it be a rash of cabin fever , people forced into close quarters at home yet distanced from others by masks and partitions and appropriate distance ? The world seems a smaller place , where there is less to go around and more opportunities for collision .
Amidst all of this incipient hostility , might one be challenged to go that little extra mile for someone else , as many of those featured in this issue have , not least our outgoing Principal who has given so much to so many of us ? As Father Danker moves on to new beginnings , we remember so well his favourite line of poetry from Mary Oliver ’ s “ The Summer Day ”, “ Tell me , what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life ?” Both he and the teachers leaving us to work new fields have done plenty with their time here - we thank them for their love and efforts .
This semester , SJI came together in dialogue with Dr Janil Puthucheary , to discuss how racial differences must not divide us , and that tolerance and patience may bring us very far indeed . We also witnessed SJI teachers and students trying to make a difference in their various service projects and through our Values in Action Programme . Less directly but perhaps even more importantly , we highlight the worth of art , music and literature within the community , in making us think about the world in which we must necessarily live , work and play together .
As this changeful and rather exhausting year comes to an end , may we find time to replenish our wells so that we may in turn refresh others .
Ora et Labora !
The SJI 170th Anniversary logo is designed by Le Hai Long Quan ( MN403 , Class of 2021 ) through which he aspires to remind Josephians of the Lasallian values of Faith , Service , and Community . Central to the design is the Star of Faith , in Latin “ Signum Fidei ”. The star is a symbol that guides Josephians through their successes and challenges in life , all of which is part of God ’ s greater plan . The statue of St John Baptist de La Salle inspires all of us who are part of the educational mission in SJI . It is a reminder of the importance of Service , to always give back to those who have less , especially the poor . A well-intended depiction of human silhouettes is illustrated as four sets of windows , representing the 4 Fraternities of Fintan , Lawrence , Michael and Marcian , which form the SJI Community , a family to which all of us belong .