From the Editor
Welcome to our latest issue, a collection of stories showcasing“ Celebrating Growth & Shaping Possibilities Together.” As the academic year progresses, it’ s easy to get caught up in our individual routines. We all inevitably overlook the remarkable achievements blossoming all around us. With over 2,000 Josephians, our school is a frenetic hub of activity, but it’ s truly wonderful to finally shine a spotlight on some pockets of excellence.
It’ s worth remembering that true grit is often forged in the fires of adversity. As the Stoic philosopher Seneca observed,“ Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labour does the body.” It is through pushing past our perceived limits and embracing the discomfort of growth that we truly discover what we are capable of. This issue, in many ways, is a testament to that very Josephian spirit.
Among the many stories within these pages, we are incredibly honoured to present a semicentennial feature celebrating Brother President Paul Ho’ s amazing 50 years of dedicated service in the Lasallian brotherhood. From his early years in Malaya, UK and Singapore, Brother Paul shares profound insights on community and leadership, emphasising a particularly pertinent line from Luke 9:62:“ No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
This issue also highlights the innovative spirit of our Innomakers, who have embarked on a specialised foray into Architecture, conceptualising natureinspired housing prototypes for the elderly, a special blend of creativity and social consciousness. We also celebrate the gargantuan effort by all our Performing Arts groups for this year’ s Singapore Youth Festival( SYF), collectively garnering accolades along the way. Ms Wong Wah Lee, teacher I / C for SJI’ s Vocal Ensemble, remembers the rendition of her group’ s stirring rendition of the Raga Ramkali( Hindu Classical Music) and commends the immense, collective effort by her 72 tenors and bass members in achieving the Distinction award. You’ ll find snippets from the Ensemble and the SJI Band within.
Our younger FPAM students have also embarked on exciting interdisciplinary journeys with“ Artefactually Yours,” offering a captivating 700-year overview of Singapore’ s history. What an opportune time to be immersed in these programmes, especially as Singapore gears up to celebrate her 60th birthday soon!
Beyond the headlines, we also shed light on our tenacious SJI Girls Football Team, those green-and-white hoops you occasionally spot from afar on blazingly hot 38 degree days on the field. You’ ll also find insightful writeups featuring new teachers who have taken the path less travelled: Mr Stanley Tan( History) and Ms Liu Wan Zhen( Chemistry). And finally, let’ s not forget one of the most pulsating moments of 2025: our Football“ A” division team narrowly edging out a plucky Nanyang JC team to clinch our maiden championship at Jalan Besar Stadium! Kieran Tan( LE609), captain of the Boys’ Team, who provided the winning assist, fittingly graces the cover of this issue.
Indeed, possibilities truly abound when we work together and celebrate every step of our growth. We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
Mr Eugene Ong Editor
1