Four Fraternities Of SJI

The hallmark of St Joseph’s Institution is a strong spirit of community. Being a Lasallian school, founded by the Brothers of the Christian Schools according to the charism of St John Baptist de La Salle, there is a strong emphasis on relationships and the forging of brotherly or fraternal bonds. It is from the official name of the Brothers of the Christian Schools – ‘Fratres Scholarum Christianarum (FSC)’ – that we get the term ‘Fraternity’, which means ‘Brotherhood’.

The student population is organised into four Fraternities at St Joseph’s Institution. Each Fraternity is named after a La Salle Brother who had served in the Brothers’ District of Penang. Other than Brother Fintan Blake FSC, who was Brother Visitor, the others were at one time Brother Directors (or Principals) of St Joseph’s Institution.

Brother Fintan Blake FSC	Fintan Fraternity is named after Brother Fintan Blake FSC, who was once a teacher in the school. Although he was never a Brother Director of the school, he became the Brother Visitor of the Brothers’ District of Penang. The symbol of Fintan Fraternity is the Interlocking Rings of the school’s crest, symbolising Unity and Community. The colour of the Fraternity is Blue. Fraternity Motto: Indivisa Manent (This is the motto of the family of St John Baptist de La Salle and it means United We Remain or Whatever the challenge, we remain united)
Brother Lawrence Robless FSC	Lawrence Fraternity is named after Brother Lawrence Robless FSC, who was Brother Director of the school from 1957 to 1963. The symbol of Lawrence Fraternity is the Lion of the school’s crest, symbolising Courage. The colour of the Fraternity is Yellow. Fraternity Motto: Nil Desperandum (Literally means No Desperation. We take it to mean: Never Say Die)
Brother Marcian James Cullen FSC	Marcian Fraternity is named after Brother Marcian James Cullen FSC, who was once a Brother Director of the school from 1922 to 1927. It was Brother Marcian who wrote the lyrics of the School Rally. The symbol of Marcian Fraternity is the Signum Fidei of the school’s crest, symbolising Faith. The colour of the Fraternity is Green. Fraternity Motto: Age Quod Agis (which means Whatever you do, do it well)
Brother Michael Noctor FSC	Michael Fraternity is named after Brother Michael Noctor FSC, who was once a Brother Director of the school from 1900 to 1914. It was Brother Michael who extended the old school and added the curved wings. The symbol of Michael Fraternity is the Flame of the school’s crest, symbolising Wisdom. The colour of the Fraternity is Red. Fraternity Motto: Cave Ad Sum (which means Beware, I am Here)