St Joseph’s Institution is the only Catholic Independent School in Singapore. Founded in 1852 it has a rich history and tradition spanning over 150 years.
SJI is currently headed by Dr Koh Thiam Seng, the first Alumnus Principal of the school. Taking care of the learning needs of nearly 1,600 students in SJI are more than 110 Heads of Department, Heads of Level and teachers. The students and teachers are assisted by about 25 administrative and support staff.
Our teachers are, in true Lasallian tradition, big brothers and sisters to the boys under their charge. The strong pastoral care in SJI are manifested in our teachers who strongly believe in and live out the spiritual culture of the school.
With male teachers comprising half the teaching staff, our boys benefit from having strong male role models. About 22 of them are also Old Boys of SJI who have returned to teach at their alma mater, working in association with other teachers to preserve and pass on SJI tradiitons and culture.
There are currently three Brothers in SJI - Brother Jason Blaike, FSC, is an English teacher in SJI and Brothers Eustace and Pinto serve as Allied Educators. Sr Julia Ong, an IJ Sister, is also serving as an Allied Educator. Friar Michael D’Cruz is the school chaplain. Both the Brothers, Sister Julia and the Friar also teach Religious and Moral Education to the boys.
About 40% of the staff have been with SJI for at least 10 years.
Profiles of SJI Staff for 2010
From left: Mr Alan Johnson, Ms Siti Rahimah Buang, Ms Christina Leong, Mr Jason Ingham
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Alan Johnson
Alan is an English and Literature teacher who is an old boy of the school. His passion for literature, theatre and poetry led to him earn the title “An Inspiring Teacher of English" by the Speak Good English Movement.
“SJI taught me so much and I have so many memories of being a student here. There is no place quite like this. I had so many fantastic teachers then, and they certainly inspired my choice of profession. It has been an honour to come back here and work with Friar Michael; once my teacher, now my mentor. What he did for me before, I hope I can do for my students; open their eyes, minds and hearts to a world of possibilities and ideas.”
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Siti Rahimah Buang
Siti is the Subject Head for the MT Languages Department. She teaches Malay Language and Higher Malay Language to the boys in the Upper Secondary classes. She is also the teacher-in-charge of the Malay Cultural Society.
“When I first started my day as a teacher, I knew … this is it! To teach with passion, dedication, commitment and create smiles on the faces of my students. Teaching has never stopped me from learning. Apart from helping out in instilling and nurturing values in them, I find it an honour to be part of their journey in life. As a language teacher, I am happy to be able to help the boys see the beauty of the Malay language. And SJI has always supported my career."
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Christina Leong
A Subject Head for Social Studies, Christina believes that learning social studies is about creating knowledge. As a Catholic, she feels that it is her mission to advocate the passion of learning in her students. She also enjoys being a part of St Joseph's Pelandok Scouts.
“Teaching started off as a career for me. Ten years down the road, it has become a mission for me. In recent years, I began to reflect on my role as an educator. My aim is simple: to make a difference in my students' life. I strive to be like my teachers who made the effort to know the students as unique individuals. Being a part of the SJI family has allowed me to perform my role wholeheartedly and I appreciate the opportunities given to me.”
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Jason Ingham
Jason is a Mathematics teacher. He is also the teacher-in-charge of Tennis, and the Lawrence House Master. Sporty and calm by nature, Jason is a role model to the boys in his care.
“We need to believe in our students, to look beyond the examinations and help prepare them for the future. Our focus should be to educate, not just teach our students. Children will automatically rise to meet the challenge and if we do not stretch them, they will never rise above the mediocre.
As a teacher once said to me, “Don’t be an average Joe, no one will every look out for or notice the average Joe. Strive to be outstanding in whatever you do. Believe in yourself.”
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Profiles of SJI Staff for 2009 [archived]
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