SJI Celebrates Inaugural Assembly 2025

The Inaugural Assembly at SJI is a cherished school tradition that celebrates the beginning of the new academic year. It is the first formal assembly when the entire Josephian community comes together in a spirit of thanksgiving. After a month of orientation, we officially welcomed the newest additions to the school - our Year 1 and Year 5 students, and the new members of the teaching and non-teaching staff.

To celebrate our sense of being a Lasallian community, the Inaugural Assembly began with a celebration of the Eucharist led by Friar Michael D’Cruz, OFM. During the service, he blessed the school flag and the school colours—cherished symbols that have guided and inspired many generations of Josephians both during their time at school and beyond.

The celebration was enriched by the beautiful sounds and harmonious performances of the SJI Vocal Ensemble and the SJI Band. The school community also enjoyed a short skit by the Drama Club, which showcased the importance of developing 21st century competencies and dispositions namely curiosity, adaptability, creativity and resilience when navigating change and challenges.

During the Principal’s Address, Mr Justin Arul Pierre set the directions and priority areas for the school in 2025 with emphasis on Nurturing Adaptive and Inventive Thinking, and Civic, Global and Cross-Cultural Literacy. He also introduced the school theme for the year, “Celebrating Growth and Shaping Possibilities Together”.

Mr Pierre encouraged the entire school community to face the challenges and disruptions brought about by our fast-paced and ever-evolving world with courage, a willingness to take responsible risks and to experiment with new approaches. By doing so, we can become more adaptable, agile, and resilient in the face of change and uncertainty. He urged Josephians to uphold the school values of Faith, Service and Community as they serve as our foundation, as well as our motivation and driving force in guiding our decisions and actions.

Mr Pierre reminded the school community that we must continue to uphold our Lasallian ethos and traditions, emphasising that the educational mission that the founding brothers of the De La Salle order brought to Singapore 173 years ago is even more important today. It is this mission and our strong values-based and human-centred education that defines and distinguishes SJI.