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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 What is this grand occasion about?
This dinner celebrates the 160th anniversary of the founding of St Joseph’s Institution in 1852. It will be held on 12 May 2012 to mark the feast day of our Founder, St John Baptist de la Salle, which is on May 15. It is also a wonderful opportunity to bring together all members of the Josephian family together as a community for one evening.
It will be a great chance for Josephians to catch up with their schoolmates, renew their bonds of friendship and camaraderie and their ties to the school, and be part of a night of nostalgic merry-making. More importantly, it allows all of us to pay tribute to our La Sallian Brothers and teachers for the significant part they have played in molding our character and values.
Q2 Is this a fund-raising dinner?
Not really. The primary aim of the Dinner is to rally as many Old Boys and teachers to come together in celebration of a joyous occasion.
However, any surplus from the event will go towards establishing a Teachers’ Welfare Fund.
And if you and your friends want to donate to other worthy causes of SJI such as the Building Fund or the Endowment Fund, you are more than welcome to pass the hat around during the dinner. Donations towards both funds will enjoy tax exemption of 2-1/2 times the amount of the donation.
Q3 What is this Teachers’ Welfare Fund?
This fund is an opportunity for Old Boys to express our appreciation for our teachers and recognition of their commitment and dedication in shaping our characters and values. The fund will be used to defray medical expenses or provide some financial support for our retired teachers. It will also be used to sponsor the further development of our current teachers so that they can continue to provide a La Sallian education for Josephians.
Q4 Why are you planning for the dinner now when it is scheduled for May 12, 2012, which is almost a year away?
We are anticipating a large turnout – about 2,500 to 3,000 people - for the event which will be held at the school field. As such, it is important that we start planning the logistics and operations now to ensure a successful and memorable night for everyone.
Q5 Why are we using the school field as the dinner venue?
We feel that the school holds a special place in the hearts of many Old Boys who had studied at Malcolm Road. Having the dinner at the school will allow them to revisit and rekindle fond memories. As for the Old Boys who studied at Bras Basah Road, this will be a good opportunity for them to get acquainted with the Malcolm Road campus. We are also holding it at the field so as to accommodate as large a turnout as possible and keep table prices affordable to all.
There are very few hotels that can hold 3,000 guests and their charges may not be affordable for many Old Boys, especially those retired and those still pursing their tertiary education.
Q6 How else can we contribute to the dinner?
Any sponsorship will help to defray the costs of the dinner, especially the stage equipment and the rent of the tentage. We will also be inviting teachers and Brothers as our guests. The size and cost of the tentage depends on the number of people attending. A full house of 3,000 people will see the tentage stretching to almost the full length of the field.
Contact us at Assist160Celebrate@sji.edu.sg to explore what other ways you can contribute to the dinner. We would love to hear from you.
Q7 I would like to sit with my old classmates or my cohort but I had lost contact them. Can you help?
We would be happy to help. Send us your details including name, year of graduation, contact information (mobile phone number & email address) and we will connect you to your cohort.
Contact us at Help160Celebrate@sji.edu.sg
Q8 Who can I contact if I have any other questions?
Email us at Ask160Celebrate@sji.edu.sg
Q9 How do I pay for my reservations, how much & when should I pay?
Payment should be made by cheque as soon as possible via mail or in person by 15 April, 2012 at the latest. Amount to be paid: $85 per person / $850 per table of Ten.
Cheques to be made payable to: “St. Joseph’s Institution”.
Address: St. Joseph’s Institution,
38, Malcolm Road,
Singapore 308274
(Attn: Linda Chua, 160th Anniversary Dinner).
Kindly state the Table Leader’s name, mobile number,personal email address and the graduating year (Sec 4) on the reverse side of the cheque.
Q10 When will registration close?
We will close registration on 10 April 2012. If you wish to book a table after this date, please email Ask160Celebrate@sji.edu.sg. We will try our best to accommodate your request, provided we have the tables available.
Q11 Is general parking available for attendees of the May 12 dinner at or near SJI, Malcolm Road?
As over 2,100 guests are expected, all attendees without the Car Park Labels are requested to take public transport, or the free shuttle service provided to and from HDB Hub, Toa Payoh, and not to drive to the school in order to avoid a traffic jam.
Q12 Restricted Parking
Only personnel allocated with the Anniversary Dinner Car Park Label will be authorised to park in the restricted lots available in SJI (Malcolm Rd), CJC or SJI International car parks. Table leaders will receive Car Park Labels for parking in either CJC or SJI International – shuttle buses will be provided between these restricted parking venues and SJI Malcolm Road for authorised cars only.
All guests & table leaders should have received their parking labels by 8 May.
Parking will NOT be allowed on all roads leading to and near the schools. Be forewarned that unauthorised parking will be penalised by the Police and appropriate authorities.
Q13 Free shuttle buses to & from HDB Hub, Toa Payoh
For those wishing to take advantage of our free shuttle bus to & from the HDB Hub in Toa Payoh, we are providing a regular shuttle service. You may drive & park your cars (there are ample car lots available) at the HDB Hub or take public transport there.
Toa Payoh Central Pick Up Point: will be at the bus stop between the Toa Payoh Bus Interchange and Blk 175, along Lorong 2, directly opposite Toa Payoh Methodist Church.
Pick-Up Point after the dinner: will be at the bus-bays along Malcolm Road, at the school’s front entrance.
Shuttle Bus Schedule:
• From Toa Payoh Cantral Pick Up Point to SJI : 5.30 pm till 7.30 pm
• From bus-bays at SJI, Malcolm Road to Toa Payoh) : 9.00 pm till 11.50 pm
Taxis:
Guests taking a taxi to the dinner are to note that the Malcolm Road entrance to the school will be closed. As such, please alight along Whitley Road, either at the Esso petrol station or at the Tanglin Community Centre. |
