2026

March: SG Prespectives with Minister Jasmin Lau

On 27 February 2026, Ms Jasmin Lau, Minister of State in the Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) and in the Ministry of Education (MOE), was at St Joseph’s Institution to engage with our Year 6 students through a dialogue session. Our school leadership and teaching staff were also present. The dialogue session was aimed at raising students’ awareness of national issues and to gain a better understanding of the rationale behind government policies, in their formulation and implementation. This year, the theme of the dialogue session was ‘Building Social Capital in a Digital World’.

During the Q & A segment, students took turns asking various questions, such as on the risk of AI dependence, the potential of a digital divide and cybersecurity threats. A key takeaway was that AI has much potential for good - but its use must be judicious and ultimately beneficial for society with adequate safeguards implemented. The dialogue session provided a clearer macro perspective of AI issues, and of how Singapore is evolving politically, economically and socially with the pervasiveness of AI use.

Thank you, Ms Lau, for your fruitful engagement with students and staff. Your heartfelt advice, alongside your candour and eloquence, left an indelible impression on Josephians, inspiring us to strive for a purposeful life with an open mind and a heart of service.

February: Josephians Shine at the Australian Mathematics Competition

158 Josephians from Year 1-4 took part in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) at the end of 2025.

The results have been announced and we are happy to share that our Josephians have achieved commendable results. From the Junior category (Y1 & Y2), we have 15 Distinction Awards recipients. From the Intermediate category (Y3 & Y4), we have 4 High Distinction and 33 Distinction Awards recipients.

The High Distinction Awards recipients are:

David Parman (ML402). David also attained the Best in School Award.
Phyo Thet Pai (LE402)
Ryan Lim Kian Hong (LE403)
Dang Anh Quan (MN402)

The other Josephians received Credit, Proficiency and Participation awards.

The AMC is Australia’s longest-running, largest, and most well-known Mathematics competition for school students. Each year, it features original problems created by leading educators and academics to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills. The competition aims to foster interest in mathematics, encourage excellence, and recognise students who demonstrate strong foundational mathematical abilities.

February: Josephian Athlete Spotlight: Michael Jude Sofyan

This year, Michael Sofyan (ML302) proudly represented Singapore at the Western Australia State Junior Track & Field Championships. Competing in the Under-17 400m hurdles, he delivered an outstanding performance, clocking a personal best time of 60 seconds flat and securing Gold for Singapore.

Last year, Michael, together with two other Josephians, also represented Singapore Schools Sports Council at the same championships. There, he clinched an impressive Gold in the Under-15 100m hurdles with a remarkable personal best of 14.06 seconds.

Michael’s consistent excellence and commitment continue to make him a standout athlete and a proud representative of both Singapore and SJI.

February: SJI Debaters Shine at First Local Tournament of the Year

Valentine’s Day weekend proved to be an exciting and memorable one for the SJI Debaters, who took part in the first local competition of the school year hosted by the National University Political Association (NUSPA).

Represented by five dedicated Josephians; Xavier Kwek, Esmond Goh, Jedidiah Eo, Ignatius Liong, and team captain Patrick Nott, the team did SJI proud with an outstanding performance across both days of competition.

By the end of Day 1, the team had secured a Top 8 ranking out of 20 competing teams, earning them a well-deserved spot in the Quarterfinals.

Adding to the day’s achievements, two members were recognised for their exceptional speaking performances:

Xavier Kwek (Best Speaker, Round 1)
Esmond Goh (Best Speaker, Round 3)

Although the team’s journey concluded at the quarterfinals, the round was fiercely contested. The panel delivered a split decision in favour of their opponents, yet notably, the chief judge ruled in SJI’s favour, commending the team for a debate “very well fought.”

Despite the long and demanding day, the boys demonstrated resilience, poise, and admirable sportsmanship. True to the words carried on their jackets, they walked away “HEADS UNBOWING”, having represented SJI with honour.

February: SJI Celebrates Inaugural Assembly 2026

The Inaugural Assembly is one of SJI’s most meaningful and cherished school traditions, marking the official start of a new school year. It is the first formal school assembly in which the entire school community gathers in gratitude, united in welcoming the months ahead. On this special occasion, the school came together to warmly welcome our newest Josephians from Year 1 and Year 5, as well as the new members of both the teaching and non-teaching staff.

The assembly began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Fr John Paul Tan OFM, reaffirming our shared Lasallian identity. During the service, he blessed the school flag and colours, enduring symbols that have long inspired unity and school spirit across generations of Josephians.

Principal, Mr Justin Arul Pierre, outlined the school’s direction and focus areas for 2026, and shared the school’s theme for 2026 - “Readying Every Josephian for the Future, anchored in Faith, Service and Community”. He also mapped out the school’s preparations for SJI’s 175th Anniversary celebrations next year, sharing the series of events and initiatives planned over the next two years leading up to this milestone

Mr Pierre called on the school community to play an active part in these celebrations, highlighting opportunities for contribution and participation. In particular, he shared about the school’s 175th Anniversary fund-raising efforts this year, which will support essential campus renewal and infrastructural upgrades and development projects across the school, to enhance the learning environment for our students, enabling SJI to continue delivering a high-quality, values-centred and future-ready education.

February: SJI Celebrates Lunar New Year

SJI welcomed the Lunar New Year with a festive school-wide celebration filled with colour, culture and community spirit. The campus buzzed with excitement as traditional activities unfolded throughout the week, culminating with a spirited concert in the Indoor Sports Hall. In the lead-up to the event, the Chinese New Year Celebrations Organising Committee worked closely with students from various groups to transform the school environment. Peach blossoms, bright red lanterns and soft decorative lights adorned the spaces, creating an atmosphere of joy and abundance.

A well-loved feature of the festivities was the Chinese calligraphy activity, where students and teachers collaborated to create elegant pieces of art. Beyond learning brush techniques, participants enjoyed a meaningful moment of cultural appreciation and shared creativity.

The celebration reached its peak with a dynamic concert showcasing the talents of our Josephians. A spirited lion dance opened the show with wishes of prosperity, followed by an exciting programme that featured the SJI Band, the SJI Vocal Ensemble, the SJI Guitar Ensemble, a high-energy hip-hop performance by the Dance CAS and two song performances by our Year 6 students. There was also a special song featuring songwriter and composer Wong Rong Zhen and Zhen Zekai from ML 201 who won the Merit Award in the Xinyao Songwriting Competition 2025 with the song entitled Reunion Dinner.

SJI’s Lunar New Year festivities were a heartwarming reminder of the school’s commitment to honouring culture, fostering togetherness and celebrating the diverse traditions that enrich our community.

February: SJI Celebrates Total Defence Day 2026

On Monday, 9 Feb, SJI commemorated Total Defence Day with a simulated digital disruption, as part of Exercise SG Ready 2026. Internet connectivity was temporarily disrupted for two hours, requiring staff and students alike to adapt accordingly. Josephian Formation Journey (JFJ) lessons were conducted in the following days where Josephians reflected on their experience, and discussed how a digital disruption can have a severe impact on our transport, finance and communication sectors.

The next day, Major (NS) Wong Pixiang, an alumnus of the Class of 2005, gave a talk to the Year 1’s on the importance of Total Defence and the RSAF’s role in defending our nation. His talk served as a reminder that defence is a shared responsibility, not just for the armed forces but for every citizen, even those who are young and growing.

By staying vigilant, supporting one another, and strengthening our community bonds, we help safeguard Singapore’s peace, security, and way of life for future generations.

February 2026: SJI Welcomes the Year 5 Cohort of Josephians

SJI welcomed the Year 5 cohort on 5 February with an Orientation Programme built around the theme “Anchored in Mission, Steered by Common Vision.” Student leaders and teachers eagerly introduced the cohort to the Lasallian ethos and traditions as well as the Josephian identity and spirit that shape life at SJI. The orientation programme aimed to help students understand the rich heritage they are joining and the values that define what it means to be a Josephian.

Over four days, students participated in a series of engaging activities, including bonding and heritage-based games in La Salle’s Legacy: Sailing through Time, Rise from Ruins, and Finale, held across the SJI campus and the Botanic Gardens, culminating in a campfire experience. Each day also featured meaningful programmes such as heritage plays depicting the school’s history and conversations centred on key Josephian role models who have shaped SJI’s history.

These activities were intentionally designed to be lively, purposeful, and community-building. They helped the Year 5s familiarise themselves with their new environment, forge friendships, create shared experiences and strengthen their sense of belonging to the school. Additionally, a new service learning experience in collaboration with NTUC Health Active Ageing Centres and Methodist Welfare Services was incorporated, showcasing the spirit of service that Josephians strive to embody as Men and Women for Others.

Ending off with the campfire, the lively atmosphere reflected the newfound bonds created throughout the camp, as everyone sang and danced energetically. As the Year 5 cohort were welcomed into the Josephian family, they were reminded of the warmth of community, the joy of belonging, and the assurance that they will be supported in their journey by their peers, their teachers and a school that believes in them.

February: Josephian Makes Waves in Hong Kong

SJI congratulates Nigel Tan (ML403) for his exceptional performance at Hong Kong Race Week and the Hong Kong Nationals.

Nigel placed 5th overall at the Nationals, 3rd in the men’s category, and achieved an impressive 8th overall at the 29er Asian Championship. These are remarkable accomplishments, especially considering that he is still relatively new to the 29er class.

His results reflect not only his talent and growth potential, but also his discipline, resilience, and determination to learn from every race.

January: Josephians at ACE

ACE Camp 2026 offered Year 2 students a rich and immersive outdoor learning experience that brought together National Education (NE) themes, Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, and values-based character formation. Designed as a holistic programme beyond the classroom, the camp challenged students physically, mentally and socially, while grounding their learning in real-world contexts relevant to Singapore.

Josephians explored key issues of resource sustainability and national resilience through hands-on experiences. Outdoor cooking activities prompted meaningful discussions on food security, where students planned meals, managed limited resources and reflected on Singapore’s reliance on global food systems. Hikes and learning journeys around our water catchment areas deepened their understanding of water security, environmental stewardship and the importance of long-term planning in safeguarding the nation’s future.

The camp programme also emphasised the development of ATL skills through daily reflections. Through kayaking, cycling and orienteering activities, students practised teamwork, communication, self-management and problem-solving as they navigated unfamiliar terrain and dynamic challenges. These activities required students to make collective decisions, manage fatigue and support one another, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and resilience.

Our team of ACE Leaders played a vital role throughout the camp, modelling positive leadership, guiding their peers and reinforcing a culture of care and responsibility. Their leadership helped create a supportive environment where students felt encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and learn from both successes and setbacks.

ACE Camp 2026 continues to be a meaningful experiential learning at SJI.

January: SJI’s Work Experience Programme 2026

SJI successfully concluded the Work Experience Programme (WEP) 2026 on a high note with a celebratory closing ceremony on 28 January. The programme engaged over 180 students, including students from Bendemeer Secondary School and St. Andrew’s School (Secondary), and fostered collaboration with more than 60 industry partners and host organisations.

SJI’s WEP aims to provide student participants with hands-on experience in a real-world work environment, enable them to value and appreciate all occupations, enhance their career awareness and support school goals by preparing students for future employment.

Students reported that after 2-3 weeks of WEP in January, they gained a deeper understanding of workplace culture and expectations, which fostered their confidence in their future careers.

Achyut Aravindh (FN403), who was attached to the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of NUH, shared that he learned that being a doctor requires patience, as well as empathy when dealing with patients, for example, explaining details of a surgery or asking patients to reconsider risky procedures. What surprised him was that doctors work very long hours.

Ethan Chong (LE403) had the privilege of being attached to DDK Capital, a boutique consultancy firm in the PE industry, and shared that it was an eye-opening experience. He visited the factories of DDK’s clients, such as Dawn Plastic Industries, Khoo Sun Printing and Character Montessori. He gained an understanding of how local businesses operate through personal analysis and predictions.

We are extremely grateful for the collaboration and support of our industry partners, alumnus and parent volunteers in this WEP. SJI is committed to strengthening these partnerships and expanding opportunities to ensure our students continue to gain valuable industry insights and skills in future iterations of the programme.

January: TABA 2026

Over the course of two days, SJI organised Camp TABA (Together And By Association), a programme aimed at building meaningful connections between the Year 3 students as they begin the start of their two-year journey as a class.

The camp comprised two parts: the first involved the building of sandcastles at East Coast Park. The half day out allowed the Year 3s to enjoy themselves in the sun and provided an invaluable opportunity for them to collaborate on a shared vision; forging new friendships and finding out more about each other.

The second part of the programme saw our students engaged in meaningful discussions and creative exercises in school. These discussions allowed the Year 3s to lay the foundation blocks of building a shared class culture and spirit.

Camp TABA always marks the beginning of their journey together as Upper Secondary students and has always served as the bedrock for a vibrant and supportive community.

January: SJI at the ISYF 2026

The International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) 2026, hosted by Hwa Chong Institution, provided an enriching platform for inquisitive, science-driven students to explore diverse scientific fields and engage with distinguished researchers, including Nobel laureates. Centred on the theme “Curiosity Unlocked: How Questions Drive Discovery in the Age of AI,” the five-day programme offered a dynamic blend of academic learning, cultural exchange, and scientific discovery.

This year, SJI was represented by a team comprising John Gabriel Lim (FN403), Zachariah Goh (LE403) and Alexander Tan (MN402).

The forum began with a school assembly and mass photo-taking, followed by a Cultural Exhibition where delegates learned about the traditions of participating countries. Delegates then embarked on the Singapore Discovery Trail, visiting historical and cultural landmarks such as Fort Canning and Chinatown. In the days that followed, participants attended an engaging lecture by Professor Sow Chorng Haur, hands-on workshops at Science Centre Singapore, and two immersive masterclass sessions led by experts in specialised scientific fields. Activities such as Science Quest, the ArtScience Museum visit, and a poster exhibition further deepened students’ exposure to multidisciplinary scientific concepts.

Zachariah shared that ISYF was a memorable opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers and delve into advanced scientific ideas. He particularly enjoyed Professor Sow’s interactive lecture on nanotechnology and found his masterclass with materials scientist Dr Kedar highly insightful, especially on the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating scientific experimentation. ISYF 2026 concluded with a closing lunch at a hotel and poster presentations, leaving delegates with new knowledge, meaningful friendships and a renewed passion for scientific inquiry.

– by Zachariah Goh

January: SJI Rejoices in the Outstanding O-Level Results of our Class of 2025

Josephians from the Class of 2025 have excelled in the 2025 GCE O-Level Examinations, with 100% of the students passing and advancing to junior colleges and polytechnics for their post-secondary education. 96% of the cohort qualified for junior college, and 70% scored 5 Distinctions or more.

But beyond the numbers and grades, they tell a deeper story - a story of Josephians who stayed the course, showed up, rose to the occasion and who learned to overcome challenges.

Principal Mr Justin Arul Pierre commended the cohort, noting that our Josephians have once again proven their strength and commitment through their outstanding O-Level performance. He highlighted that these results are a testament to their resilience, steady discipline and the strong bonds they forged as they supported one another along the way.

Addressing the Class of 2025, he shared that the entire Josephian community rejoices in their hard work and accomplishments. As they move into the next stage of their education, he encouraged them to carry with them the values of Faith, Service and Community that have guided their journey at SJI. These ideals, he reminded them, will continue to light their path as they strive to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

January: SJI Welcomes our 2026 Year 1 cohort

Monday, 12 January brought a warm and celebratory close to SJI’s two-week Year 1 Orientation, as the Initiation Ceremony and Campfire welcomed our newest Josephians into the school community. Marking their first milestone in this shared journey at SJI, the evening was filled with pride, excitement and a strong sense of belonging.

As Peer Support Leaders pinned badges onto the boys’ uniforms, the stirring strains of “We are the Young” filled the Founder’s Hall. Soon after, cheers and songs rang out across the Oval, igniting the SJI spirit. The cheers and songs, paired with the jubilant glow of the campfire beneath the cloudy night sky, created a memorable atmosphere for all. The occasion drew more than 1,200 parents, alumni, guests and students, a powerful reflection of the close-knit community that defines SJI. Beyond the formal induction of the Year 1 cohort, the ceremony celebrated friendship, unity and the hopes and aspirations the boys bring as they join generations of Josephians before them.

Throughout the orientation programme, the Year 1s immersed themselves enthusiastically in activities designed to build strong bonds and deepen their understanding of SJI’s rich heritage and strong traditions. Highlights included an overnight camp, a visit to the historic Bras Basah Road campus site and opportunities to explore the school’s diverse CCAs. From sports and uniformed groups to the performing arts, the boys were encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, develop new skills and discover interests to pursue. Meaningful interactions with seniors further broadened their appreciation of life in the SJI community.

The campfire celebration itself showcased the energy and spirit of the four fraternities, Fintan, Lawrence, Marcian and Michael, as students came together in spirited cheers, songs and displays of fraternity pride. It was a fitting and inspiring start to their SJI journey, one rooted in learning, discovery and personal growth.

January 2026: SJI Celebrates the IB Class of 2025!

SJI proudly congratulates the IB Class of 2025 for their outstanding performance in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) November 2025 Examinations. All 273 students who sat for the IBDP exams in November passed, and were awarded the IB Diploma. The cohort achieved an impressive average score of 40.4 points, with more than 68% of students scoring 40 points and above, reflecting the cohort’s strong academic achievement and consistent pursuit of excellence.

On 2 January, our graduates returned to the campus and gathered in the Founder’s Hall, where they were warmly welcomed by School Leaders, teachers, and parents. The celebration recognised not only their stellar academic performance, but also their formative journey of learning, discovery, and growth into compassionate, purposeful, and critical thinkers who have used their gifts to serve others in school and the wider community.

Mr Justin Arul Pierre, Principal of St. Joseph’s Institution, shared: “The outstanding performance of the Class of 2025 once again affirms SJI’s belief in a holistic education - one where strong academic foundations are nurtured alongside character formation.

Our students have sharpened their intellect, discovered and pursued their passions, and engaged deeply with the world around them, always guided by a spirit of service and a desire to make a meaningful impact. Their excellent results are a testament to their perseverance, resilience, hard work, and ‘gung-ho’ spirit, as well as to the unwavering dedication and commitment of our teachers, whose passion and guidance continue to bring out the best in every Josephian. We are deeply proud to send forth this exceptional cohort of graduates, confident that they are well prepared to lead with integrity and serve with purpose as they contribute meaningfully to a better world.”

Here’s to the bright future awaiting our Class of 2025 - go forth with courage and conviction!

SJI Flickr