JOSEPHIANS | LUMEN
21
First Year
Josephians By P Marakatham
Secondary Ones Jovian Low , Jordan Augustin , Mark Lim , Julian Foo , Tony Pakkanen , Antriksk Verma , Hoo Jinh Wann and John Arizo from the Class of 112 share about their experiences after spending their first year in SJI .
This is an excellent example of how the problem of poor academic results can be overcome with positive peer influence and self-help peer groups . The journey was , of course , less arduous because they were there for each other with no one being left behind .
As for Jordan who is wheelchair-bound due to a medical condition , he had his own struggles . His greatest perhaps was ‘ learning to trust people and have
It was the last day of school , the mood in Secondary 112 seemed euphoric as the class broke out for the long break . Just moments before , the class was celebrating their academic progress at the year-end examinations . It was an apt closure for a year well ended . This was probably a contrast to how they started off on the first day of school .
I caught the boys before they went to celebrate the end of a school academic year to find out how their year has been for them . Their sentiments were loud and earnest , and definitely spontaneous as all of them unanimously cried out that the Secondary One Orientation Programme was one of the most powerful experiences as it made them feel as if they are a part of something larger than themselves , a fraternity to belong to . It was a defining moment for them to be initiated into the school community , knowing what it stands for and embracing its school values of Faith , Service and Community . It was the first step towards becoming a ‘ Josephian ’.
It was clear to me that their relationships define some of their positive school experiences . The Class of 112 students coming from many parts of the world such as Finland , Austria , Philippines India and Korea , bring with them diverse interests , abilities and cultures . Despite this diversity , their Form Tutor , Mr Yeo Jin Wei observed ‘ the class rises to every occasion , as they are strongly bonded .’ Inter-class sporting events , setting up a stall in the SJI Carnival and a class chalet outing were cited as highlights that
brought the class together . Undoubtedly such shared experiences , positive peer relationships and a strong class spirit have allowed the students of 112 to become well-adjusted and high functioning in school . Tony sums it all up , ‘ there were many fantastic times for us to be together !’
On hindsight , Jinh Wann , an active sportsman , related how the school culture has changed in his attitude . In his primary school , he had difficulty managing his anger when playing competitive sports . The constant focus on values education such as fair play and playing for honour by SJI has helped him exercise self-restraint and embrace good sportsmanship .
Antriksk was philosophical as he felt that RMSE ( Religious , Moral and Personal Education ) programme has ‘ changed his world view ’ and now he takes religion and prayer more seriously .
For non-Catholics , Jovian and Jinh Wann , prayer has been ‘ a unique experience ’, adding that they still felt ‘ very much part of the family ’ and could relate to the shared values of the school .
Weren ’ t there struggles then ? One of them found juggling both academic and Co-Curricular Activities a challenge . As their mid-year results took a beating , the class was not ready to give up yet . Mentored by their class tutors , the class committee leaders became student-teachers for their peers , co-creating notes and carrying out mini-lessons for the entire class after school in Term Three . Evidently , this small learning community humbly started by Class 112 , made a significant difference as the boys did well for the final examinations , coming in tops for Chinese Language in the entire level and performing commendably in English Language and Mathematics . What is poignant is that a positive transformation has taken place in this class with students taking charge of their education , living up to the school mission ; learning how to learn .
faith in them ’. Being used to teachers helping him move around in his primary school , he was apprehensive of his peers carrying his wheelchair up and down staircases without any mishap . But over time , he began to trust his peers and is immensely thankful for the ready help and support he gets from them . His mother , who was initially worried about his adjustment in SJI , feared he would be a burden to his peers and considered buying a motorized wheelchair . Now she gladly shares Jordan is ‘ coping well and is happy ’ in SJI and is heartened by the sense of care and spirit of inclusiveness in the school community .
On the other hand , Form Tutor , Mr Soo feels that ‘ Jordan ’ s presence throughout the year has benefited his peers more than it has Jordan .’ No duty roaster was drawn up to help Jordan instead whenever Jordan needs help , he makes his needs known and his peers respond to them . Helping each other has become akin to second nature for these boys .
As we were about to part ways , I asked them what was the defining moment of the first year experience in SJI , they collectively quipped they are proud to be a Josephian , an identity that will stay with them for a lifetime .
This page ( left ): Interviewees from Class 112 from left to right : Front row : Jovian Low , Jordan Augustin and Mark Lim . Second row : Julian Foo , Tony Pakkanen , Antriksk Verma , Hoo Jinh Wann and John Arizo
This page ( top ): ‘ Ready for water bombs , anyone ?’ during their class chalet stay