Embracing the SJI Spirit Through ALOHA

Photos by Fr Adrian Danker SJ

By Nicholas Tan Yi-Jia (LE610)
The SJI spirit is one that is u Orientation Camp (OC) 2021 themed 'Aloha!' aimed to commence the incoming Year 5s' IB journey with a sense of spirit, hope and camaraderie. Though the OC had to be conducted with safe management measures in place, the Student Leaders endeavoured to showcase the unique SJI spirit and to introduce the values and motto and heritage of the school. The SJI school spirit is an integral aspect of every Josephian, and as such, the Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) hoped to inculcate the value of Community in the Year 5s and share this uplifting and meaningful experience with them, and help them to better integrate into the new chapter of their educational journey.

The native Hawaiians use the word Aloha as a greeting, a farewell and an expression of love. However, Aloha is not just a word, it is an experience. It encompasses the deep care and respect that we ought to have for our surroundings, both physical and social. The acronymic meanings of Aloha are:

• A, ala, watchful, alertness

• L, lokahi, working with unity

• O, oia'i'o, truthful honesty

• H, ha'aha'a, humility

• A, ahonui, patient perseverance

Aloha was chosen as the theme of OC2021 as it resonates with the Lasallian value of community; it also encompasses what it means to be men and women of integrity, highlighting how we should be patient, humble, honest, and have faith in others, values that are all an integral part of the Josephian family here in SJI.

Throughout the OC, the Year 5s met new friends and classmates through the Information talks about the IB life, Subject and CAS booths as well as trial lessons that aim to accord them with a better idea of the IBDP syllabus and curriculum. These were paired with engaging and interactive activities to encourage bonding through games that interrelate our school values while encouraging interaction and facilitated talks within the respective OGs.