CJC Flame 2015 Issue 1

C JC N E WS L E TTE R I SS U E O NE

O UR 40 TH A N N IV E RSARY

A P R 2015

KEEP THE FLAME BURNING! As our school turns 40 this year, we celebrate the past and look forward to greater things to come

II

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

EDITORS Nadia Arianna Bte Ramli Suzie Yanti Jumadi Sng Mee Lian Aprilene Goh Huishan

PRESIDENT

A

s our country celebrates SG50, at CJC, we have the additional joy of celebrating CJ40. The CJ40 Mass on 10 January 2015 and the CJ40 Carnival on 14 March 2015 were both memorable affairs.

The CJ40 Carnival attracted 15,000 visitors and it was heartening to see many were “Reliving Memories and Relishing Moments”, which was the theme of the carnival.

Lorraine Tan

VICE PRESIDENT Glen Tan

PHOTOGRAPHERS Aaron Soares Chia Shan Jin Clarice Boo Pamela Ngui

Ethan Rozario Ng Yi Cheng Javerri Kho

CONTRIBUTORS Ang Si Jia Boo Wen Si Cindy Ho Charles Mak Glen Tan Huang Guohan Lorranie Tan Megan Lee Melissa Khoo Ryan Siew Simran Kaur Wendy Gao

DESIGN JAB Design Pte Ltd

It has been a nostalgic and uplifting experience for us at CJC as we cherish the past and look to the future, while still anchored in the values of ‘Truth and Love’. These values have been the foundation, since 1975, of the numerous friendships and bonds forged in the last forty years.

They are solid foundations that have withstood the ravages of time and now loom more relevant and imperative in this current world of volatility, uncertainty and constant change. As we pore over the pages of this issue of the Flame that takes us down memory lane, let us distill the essence of the CJC experience throughout the years. Teamwork, care, humility, resilience and service form the backdrop of the themes and photographs captured and displayed.

On the reference to foundations, we lost two key pillars of our country and to CJC very recently. We pay tribute to two leaders who have passed on and left their mark in the founding and development of CJC. First, we pay tribute to the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, our first Prime Minister. He mooted the JC model for Pre-University education and CJC was the third junior college to be established as a result of this foresight and initiative.

We next pay tribute to the late Mr Bernard Chen, a former Minister of State for Defence, who contributed significantly to CJC as Chairman of the School Management Committee from 1995 to 2008. Mr Chen was actively involved in the upgrading of the college. Both leaders epitomise the qualities of a “Thinker with a Mission, Leader with a Heart”.

As we celebrate the significant milestones in our country and college and we reflect on the legacy of the leaders who have impacted us, let us look at the road ahead. The current CJC community has the important duty of upholding the values of ‘Truth and Love’ as it continues to build the college to be ‘A Place of Excellence in Learning and Living’. There is still much to be done and we will continue with fortitude and zeal to develop every CJCian to be a ‘Thinker with a Mission, Leader with a Heart’ and guide them to serve the greater good.

In Veritate et Caritate God bless

Mrs Christine Kong

1

A Tribute to

Mr Bernard Chen Tien Lap (1942-2015)

M

r Bernard Chen Tien Lap was the Chairman of the Catholic Junior College Management Committee from 1995-2008. Under his leadership, CJC has developed the mission to make all our students be responsible, morally upright citizens of the future. He stressed the importance of the tripartite partnership of parents, teachers and students, a belief that CJC continues to hold and to realise through regular parent-teacher meetings and conferences held throughout the year and regular dialogues that our home tutors have with parents and students. Mr Chen also emphasised on the importance of imparting values to our students and this is the basic principle of our Student Development Programme. He also strove to build CJC into a family, of not necessarily Catholics, but of people who share our mission and live it through the years, not just for the moment but in the years to come.

build our new Chapel and the Performing Arts Centre, completed the redevelopment of the Science Block, and the building of the new J Block of classrooms.

The air conditioning that we enjoy in the auditorium was also provided by Mr Chen and his Committee. In addition, Mr Chen upgraded the CJC Hostel. Another major change that Mr Chen carried out in CJC was changing the composition of our School Management Committee (SMC) with the smooth transition from the clergy and the religious to lay people in the governance of the College.

In his condolence letter to the bereaved family, the President of Singapore, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, stated that Mr Chen was committed to a lifetime of service.

During his chairmanship that was firm and kind, Mr Chen devoted much of his time to serving CJC. As a tribute to his exemplary lifetime of service, the College annually presents the Bernard Chen Award, that was created in 1998, to a deserving CJCian for outstanding service to the College and the wider community. A building in our college is named the Bernard Chen Leadership Training Centre. This is indeed a tribute to Mr Chen’s role in significant improvements in the upgrading of the College so that it has become more modern and has facilities to support better teaching and learning. Together with our former Principals, Sister Maria Lau and Brother Paul Rogers, Mr Chen worked to

Mr Chen always had the interest of the College at heart. Not only was he concerned about the students, he also showed keen interest in the staff. In order to help the teaching staff in their classroom pedagogies, he initiated the Mentorship Programme wherein the members of his Committee came down to the College and personally talked to the teachers of the different departments. He also supported the College’s various events and was a familiar figure during our Annual Awards Ceremony and the CJC Carnival.

He attracted prominent Singaporeans to join the Committee to help CJC to raise funds, and to lend their experience and wisdom in guiding the College to achieve its mission. Eventually Mr Chen ensured another change of leadership, handing over the running of our SMC to our alumni.

The CJC family indeed mourns the loss of an exemplary leader, a caring and dedicated benefactor, and a true man of God. ner

e win a priz o t d r a an aw mony enting ards Cere s e r p Aw en Mr Ch he Annual t g n i r du

Mr Chen viewing the management of the SMART Lecture Theatre in CJC

2

CJ’S 40 YEARS of Service

of Service

TEXT BY WENDY GAO (2T29) 40 years ago, philanthropist Dr Ee Peng Liang laid down the foundation stone for our college walls on Whitley Road. 40 years on, CJC has continued with the spirit of giving back to the community.

In this issue of The Flame, we look back at CJC’s journey to make a difference in society.

TO SERVE WITH LOVE Even before the Community Involvement Project (CIP) was officially introduced to schools in Singapore, it was already part of our college mission to develop young men and women of integrity who sought to serve the community. In fact, in the 1980s, CJCians were already conversing in a mix of English and dialect with the elderly in old folks’ homes in Singapore as part of their community project efforts.

“FUN RAISING” CJCians showed a lot of heart in their fundraising efforts and more often than not, with a smile. We have had multiple fund-raising events such as a “Walk-a-Jog” for the Community Chest in 1985 and a “Skip-a-Thon” in 2002, where a little sweat and a smile had the college unite to raise thousands of dollars for those in need. In addition, the funds collected from the CJ Carnivals from the 1980s to 2001 were donated to our beneficiaries.

3

Clockwise, from Top left photo 1. A visit to St Joseph Home in 1980 2. CJCians have continuously worked with the elderly in old folks’ homes 3. CJCians laying down the foundations for the future in Vietnam 4. Our CJCians gave English lessons at Yucai Primary School in Shanghai 5. A CJCian shares the importance of reading and writing in Vietnam 6. As a part of the JC1 Orientation Programme in the 1990s, CJCians were involved in community service

BEYOND THE SEA The need to support the community expanded beyond the shores of Singapore.

Many CJCians have journeyed to the rest of Asia such as Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines to be the change they want to be in the world. Armed with knowledge, CJCians have taught simple English lessons to the young ones in Cambodia, shared sustainable ways of living through creating urban gardens in the slums of Manila and planned disaster management projects of mangrove planting in the Philippines.

Indeed, the seeds of service sown all those years ago have borne fruit with each and every generation of CJCians.

4

FROM Cover to Cover

TEXT BY HUANG GUOHUA (2T12)

Change is inevitable. The Flame is no exception. Here’s our story through the years.

1988 (Above) Our origins in 1988 were literary in nature, fuelled by students who shared a love for the written word.

1996 (Above) CJ’s Flame was burning hot in the 1996 coverage of JC 1 Orientation.

2012 (Left) “Brothers-in-arms”: We welcomed back the friendly competition of the House System in 2012.

1

2

3 4

5 6

7

2014 (Right) Higher, Faster, Stronger: CJCians rose to the challenge of the ‘A’ Divisions in 2014.

A

5

1.The Sky’s the Limit (Yeo Shao 4. The Beau Jie) 2. The ty of Natu Black and re (Ng Zi White of Decis Xuan) 5. Build ions (Este ings (Ng Zi lle Teo) 3.

Xuan) 6. Tran Sunset over quility (Yeo Mekong Delta Shao Jie) (Chia Shan 7. The Sym 129 Whit Jin) bol of Life ley Road Singapor (Estelle Teo) E-mail: cath e 297822 Telephone olic_jc@m : +65 6252 oe.edu.sg 4083 Fax: Website: www.cjc.e +65 6253 7267 du.sg

1

2002 (Below) Our newsletter in 2002 made waves with its new look and welcoming the new Principal, Brother Paul Rogers.

2009 (Left) 2009: Design in focus - for both the college and the newsletter.

2011 (Right) Our newsletter covers in 2011 highlighted CJCians who walked through our halls.

2012 (Left) A fairy tale ending for CJC’s drama production “Cinderella” clinching a Gold with Honours in the Singapore Youth Festival 2012.

CTOoMgeItNhGer

AS One

2014 TE WSLET CJC NE

R ISSUE

(Left) The graduation issue of 2014 looked at how the CMC added colour to the classroom.

2014 THREE

1

29/9/14

Fax: 24083 +65 625 phone: sg 822 Tele jc.edu. apore 297 e: www.c Road Sing sg Websit

37267 +65 625

10:33 AM

6

RELIVING MEMORIES, Relishing Moments TEXT BY EDITORIAL CLUB

I the nce Tay, Mr Lawre 96 rnival 19 at CJ Ca

Guest of

Honour

t has been 14 years since CJC last saw a chain of students lining up from the classroom to the field.

Shifting over 500 chairs and tables would have been a logistical nightmare had it not been for every single CJCian’s arms to carry them down the line. One by one, the tables and chairs made their way down to the field, with CJCians cheering to beat the heat. What better way to kick off the CJ40 Carnival than to experience what our seniors did, all those years ago?

Of course, not everything was exactly the same as it was. Alumna, Ms Evelyn Chew, recollected that they only had a field in the 80s. There was no grandstand or piazza back then. Material changes aside, Evelyn shares that it is still very nostalgic coming back. Dorothy Ong (2T06, class of 2014) echoed those thoughts: “While this Carnival is a new experience for me, you get to see a lot of seniors, juniors and you see people with their families. It just goes to show how big the CJ family is. It feels good returning to CJ. It feels like coming home.”

While the CJ family came together as one, there was still some friendly competition among us. There was the much-awaited Laser Tag competition, where the courtyard was transformed into a Mission Impossibletype battle between the 4 houses, as well as with the teachers.

(Bottom Right) Michael House looking serious during the Laser Tag competition

7

(Left) A human chain back in the 1990s

(Above) “The past revisited: our human chain in 2015”

Laughter and excitement also surrounded the dunking machine when everyone competed to be the one to successfully dunk our Student Council President, Mulder Teo, Economics teacher, Mr Mark Li and even our Principal, Mrs Christine Kong! Sitting on the dunking platform may be daunting, but everyone gamely took it on, in the name of charity. “I was nervous! In fact, I was glad when the first two throws did not hit the target. I didn’t expect the third one to actually hit it but I’m thankful that people rallied to raise money for this,” shared our Vice-Principal, Mr Tan Jek Suan. Even after being drenched in the water, everyone still had smiles on their face. “I am very encouraged by the support of the community to raise the funds needed,” said Mrs Kong.

CJ Carniv al banner

back in 19

98

(Left) Mr Tan Jek Suan gamely took on the dunking machine for charity

As the Carnival came to a close, CJCians came together once again to truly act in love. Shanice Ling (2T05) sums it up best, “From forming the human chain to move the chairs and tables to volunteering to stay back and help the classes clean up the Haunted House, the Carnival really showed me what the CJ spirit was all about”.

8

HOMECOMING TEXT BY GLEN TAN (2T28), WENDY GAO (2T29), MELISSA KHOO (2T34) & BOO WEN SI (1T30) It was home sweet home for these former CJCians during the CJ40 Carnival.

The Old Boys (2 Tech 1, class of 1978) What drew all of you to come back for the CJ40 Carnival?

It started off with our classmate, Theodore, who suggested that we run a stall here. We’re all turning 55 years old this year, so we wanted to do something different. So we said, yeah why don’t we start this stall and there’s nothing better than ice kachang!

Would you come back again for the next carnival?

If there’s a carnival again, we’d be happy to come back!

We probably won’t sell the same thing, maybe we’ll do zhi char next time! The idea is to do it with a laugh and to enjoy ourselves. We’re still meeting up 37 years later and we’re still together, 37 years later. We’ll definitely do it all over again.

Keeping it in the Family Ng Hwei Sung, class of 1982 How do you feel about your child being in the same college you were in?

I’m pleasantly surprised and happy that she chose CJ. It’s refreshing to be able to teach my child about the values I have learned in CJ. Although the college has been around for 40 years, the values embodied by the college remain timeless. Values such as thinking of others before yourself and loving and understanding everyone in spite of the differences continue to

transcend the boundaries of time.

The Planners

Alumnus, Mr Alex Goh taki ng a shot at the du nking machine .

Mr Dennis Loo, an alumnus, calling on the crowds to raise funds for the “dunking” session

9

Alex Goh, class of 1997 What made you want to come back and help out?

I owe it to the teachers and to our then Vice-Principal, Mrs Low Siew Nghee. She asked me to help out with the main committee and I responded to that call. We benefitted a lot when we we went through this system some 20 years back. When Mrs Low called us, we responded to the call. I wanted to create a common experience with this cohort. Hopefully, 20 or 30 years down the road, the positive memories this cohort has will motivate them to come back.

Dennis Loo, class of 2003 What motivated you to come back?

Firstly, friends. I think, you may forget the curriculum after a while, but you’ll never forget your friends. I have a bunch of friends who want to give back to the college. It has been 14 years since we’ve had the carnival and in this period, a lot of alumni have not come back for all these years. I want to recreate the CJ spirit. I think everyone is enjoying themselves today and hopefully, it will inspire them to give back to the college.

Han Yi Qian, class of 2005 What encouraged you to come back?

I saw the Facebook invite, and I wanted to unite the alumni. I have a big vision of trying to gather the younger generation of CJC. It has been good to see people come together. This is the first step to gather people. I’ll bring more of my friends who are good at organising to help out for the next carnival!

Fall of Cypru

s wins!

ROCKAFELLA XI, Feel the Vibe!

(Abov e) K Ones ristian from Left d Last eliv an ele ctric p ered erform ance

Text by Simran Kaur (1T02) & Megan Lee (2T03)

R

ockafella XI is not only the most highly-anticipated event of the CJ40 Carnival but arguably also the most highly anticipated event of the entire academic year. It is when all the hidden gems in CJ come to the forefront and showcase their musical talents for the whole school to see.

The concert kicked off in the piazza with a stellar performance by the Teacher’s Band which performed Bon Jovi’s ‘It’s My Life’, which got students up on their feet and singing along enthusiastically. The following bands were also extremely well-received: the Quad Squad got the crowd waving their arms in the air and jumping along to their upbeat songs, while Dim Sum Lights grooved it up with the well-loved reggae-inspired song ‘Rude’ By Magic!

Nebula 17 then brought back the rock vibe as they performed a mash-up of rap and rock by combining ‘Check Yes Juliet’ and ‘The Great Escape’, as well as ‘What I’ve Done’ and ‘In the End’.

This was followed by several other bands, namely, Midway Remedy, Dawn & Kyle, The Marquees, Last Ones Left, Holy Dried Mangoes and Rated CCU, all performing wonderful and distinctly unique renditions of their chosen songs.

There were non-competing bands as well, such as the alumni bands I, The Clarence and Sir Ocelot, which drew a lot of support from the audience. These performances encapsulated the loving spirit of CJ, and brought the entire community of students, teachers, staff and alumni together.

Rockafella XI was made remarkable by each band’s unique identity, which was reflected in their song choices and band names. With the judges’ table and the voting boxes tucked away in a corner of the piazza, the idea of Rockafella as a competition would have eluded the audience had it not been for the emcee, who encouraged the audience members to vote after every performance. Fall of Cyprus emerged as the winning band, while the audience won a day of good music and great vibes.

Rockafella was, without doubt, a roaring success. It was an avenue for student and teacher performers to let their talent shine through their music, and the undying support of the audience was endearing and heart-warming to witness. The universality of music was exemplified through the various performances, and it showed how music transcends ordinary day-to-day inhibitions to bring the community together.

Rockafella XI, feel the vibe!

(Bottom) Feeling

lla

the vibe of Rockafe

10

CJC’S40th ANNIVERSARY CARNIVAL: RELIVING MEMORIES AND SENSING THE SPIRIT FROM AFAR Dear colleagues and friends, Let me express my heartfelt thanks to the college community for coming out to the Carnival. My congratulations to the organizing committee for the work well done! I saw photographs of the Carnival on Facebook (yes!

I still keep track on what is going on in college), and couldn’t help feeling amazed and energized by the spirit of community that came alive at the event. It was heartening to see so many of my former students find time to rekindle friendships, not just among themselves but with each of you. The sight of the ‘human chain’ was inspiring. And as for teachers and school leaders who ‘readily’ allowed themselves to be dunked – well, what can I possibly say other than applaud you for being sporting and courageous? I wish I could have been there with everyone.

There was something attractive about the Carnival. This attractiveness isn’t simply about having fun. Rather, what I saw was the attractiveness of joy that made fun meaningful. It is an attractive joy that does not come overnight, but the fruit borne by a community that stays committed to bring out the graced humanity of the young people we teach, as well as in one another as a body of educators. “The glory of God is the human person fully alive,” as St. Irenaeus would say. Such an attractiveness of being fully alive is contagious, that even I’m infected by it from afar in Boston. My only wish in sharing this is that it’ll go some way to encourage you to never give up in what you’re doing. This attractiveness has a history that includes you and us, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.

It is this very human history that the Carnival celebrates of the college’s 40th anniversary.

At this CJC Carnival, you did not just relive memories and relish those moments. What strikes me is how as a community, you are planting a moment that the current JC1s and JC2s will never forget. It is not merely a fun-filled event that they will remember. What they will remember is a sense of belonging to a community for something larger than themselves that can be fun. I see this Carnival as creating a positive memory, which begins to ignite their imagination of a future. Memory bears a history of your presence that lives on in the relationships you share with young people. From a faith perspective, memory also bears the living presence of God who is at work always with us in education. It is for this that the college recites every morning at assembly, “Let us remember we are in the Holy Presence of God.” So, CJC ignite and soar onward to the next forty years, In Veritate et Caritate.

With affection and in prayer,

11

Alfred Pang

Former Teacher of CJC

PASSINGLegacy THE TEXT BY GLEN TAN (2T28)

A legacy that inspires generations, one in truth and love. This was the theme of this year’s Commencement Ceremony, where CJC celebrated its 40th anniversary of nurturing students to be Thinkers with a Mission, Leaders with a Heart.

T

he 40th Student Council President, Mulder Teo, explained the theme of this year’s Commencement Ceremony, “Generation of Legacy: One in Truth and Love.” He shared the significance of the concept of ‘Ohana’ (meaning ‘family’) with the college community and how this is relevant to CJC. The belief that no one should be left behind, the need to build strong ties and not to judge one another are important in CJ. Our Principal, Mrs Christine Kong, addressed the college, welcoming the JC1s into the CJ family. She shared her observation of strong leadership qualities in CJC, noting that it was evident in the Student Council nominees and urged all CJCians to develop this spirit. She reiterated how we as one college should actively participate, discover ourselves and hone our leadership skills. Similar to ‘Ohana’, the family spirit is the glue which binds the college together, and which will help CJCians to step out of their comfort zones to do all things in the spirit of truth and love. Her view that “no individual is a lesser being” was a solid reminder to CJCians on upholding the value of respect.

The new additions to the CJ family included JC1 students who either displayed exceptional leadership qualities or whose parents were alumni of CJC.

Father Leslie R

aj cele

bratin

g mas s

Officia lly me m of the CJ fam bers ily

Mrs Kong igniting the flame

Jerome Thio from 1T20, is the sixth sibling of the Thio family to study in CJC. His parents are also alumni of the College. He hopes to contribute actively to the college. “I believe that my past experiences as a Class Chairman in my secondary school will prove to be a valuable tool for leadership in CJ. As I am an alumnus of mission schools, SJI and SJI Junior, I hope that my journey in CJ will allow me to grow in my faith.”

On the topic of leadership, Sophia Sng from 1T01 remarked that, “Leadership is about engaging others. I want to rally people towards a common vision.”

(Below) The blessing of the college pins

by Father Leslie Raj

Both truly exuded the family spirit and the values of truth and love.

12

(Below )T Archbis he arrival of hop W illiam G oh.

PRAYING Together,STAYING Together.

Text by Melissa Khoo (2T32)

J

ust a few weeks shy of Lunar New Year, Catholic Junior College carried out its own family reunion by holding a special CJ40 mass on 31st January 2015. The first of a host of events commemorating CJC’s 40th anniversary, the mass saw numerous members of the CJC family, from the young to the not-so-young, returning to the college to celebrate the Feast of the Eucharist one more time.

Celebrated by Archbishop William Goh himself, and accompanied by the dulcet tones of a choir of alumni members, the mass was held in the Auditorium and Auditorium Extension to accommodate the massive turnout. Greeted by a welcoming committee of smartly-dressed teachers and friendly ushers in the foyer, guests were each given their own golden mass booklets, complete with laminated prayer cards. A special video montage chronicling the history of CJC, prepared by the graduating class of CJC, was screened to the congregation once they were settled in their seats, after which the mass began.

It was truly fitting to begin CJC’s 40th anniversary celebrations by returning to the college’s roots. Established in 1975, CJC was and continues to be the only Junior College in Singapore with a strong Catholic focus. Its mission is not simply to impart knowledge to every student who walks through its doors – it seeks also to promote good

13

(Below ) Our f ormer our cur Princip rent Pr al, Siste incipal, r Deird Mrs Ko re with ng.

CJC's ve

ry own a

ltar boy s.

morals and strong Christian values, forming generation after generation in truth and in love. Indeed, it was the college motto – In Veritate, et Caritate – that was the focus of the mass itself. Archbishop William Goh greatly emphasised the importance of these values in his Homily, as living by them would lead to the creation of peace and harmony in the world. Hence, Christian values as well as academic achievements are, according to him, necessary ingredients for success. His Grace also highlighted the benefits of the college mission to educators to educators.

“The joy of forming people in truth and in love is a joy beyond dollars and cents,” he pronounced, and indeed, in teaching others, people may learn more about themselves as well. Mr Gerard Lee, Chairman of the School Management Committee, rounded up the celebrations with a speech detailing the numerous changes to CJC in its 40-year history, after which the entire CJC family stood up to sing the school song, in one loud, harmonious voice.

There was a distinct familial atmosphere in the college throughout the entire event – it was as if the alumni and teachers had never left. Even the Archbishop himself was more than willing to mingle with the crowd and take selfies with excited students. Teachers from years past smiled and laughed as they met for what was perhaps the first time in many decades.

Scores of alumni, including some of the recent ‘A’ Level graduates, were overcome with a wave of nostalgia as they returned to their alma mater.

Some even had their children in tow!

Father Patrick Peyton, a well-known Irish priest, once said, “The family that prays together, stays together.” 40 years in truth and love have truly made the CJC family grow closer together. With more exciting events coming up in the course of the year, the bonds and ties between us all will surely grow ever stronger, and ever more unbreakable.

(Ab

ove ) Un

ited

14

in p

raye r

UNFADING MEMORIES: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS of CJ History TEXT BY CINDY HO (2T05) & ANG SI JIA (2T08) The staff of CJC have their own special memories of their careers and experiences with the community across the years. Both the teaching and non-teaching staff have played a huge role in bringing CJ to where it is today, with some having been with CJ since the very beginning. The Flame sought out these special members of the CJ community who have had a long connection with the college to share some of their fondest memories.

MR PETER THIA What’s the most memorable thing a student has ever said or done?

In 1997, a fast-track programme was started which banded students according to their results. One of the students in my home class then was streamed into a weaker class, and was unhappy to be separated from her classmates. I spent about two weeks counselling and cheering her up so that she could adapt, pointing out that her new class was only a short distance away from her previous class. However, she said it was still going to be different. I knew she had a talent for drawing and I wanted her to divert her attention to something productive. I put her in charge of the T-shirt design for the fundraising committee in that year.

When she passed her A-levels, she thanked me and told me how pleased she was that she chose to remain in college. So the most memorable thing would be the relationships and trust formed between the students and the teachers.

What do you think is the biggest change that CJ has undergone in the past 40 years?

The college anthem used to be sung in both English and Mandarin. In 2003, Brother Paul Rogers realised that more than half of the students did not understand the Mandarin lyrics, so he decided to remove it.

The student profile has changed. There is only one intake of students now compared to two in the past.

Before 1980, CJ used to have two streams, that is, the Chinese stream and the English stream. In the earlier batches, it was very clear that the students were mostly from mission schools. But now we have students from over a hundred different schools.

MRS NG KEE LUAN (LIBRARIAN) What is the most memorable thing a student has ever said or done?

A female student who was in her PE shorts entered the library to attend a lesson. I did not allow her to come into the library, and her friends went in without her.

Much later, she returned to the library, dressed in the school skirt. I was quite suspicious so I followed her to class. And this was what happened. Apparently, to let their friend come into the library, one of the girls in class removed her skirt and passed it to another friend who went out of the library to pass it to the student who did not have her school skirt. I informed the teacher about the incident.

What is your biggest takeaway from CJ?

What is your biggest takeaway from CJ?

It would be the sense of belonging to CJ. I have taught in CJC for 28 years and am an alumnus of the college (Class of ‘77-’78). I love the college and want to continue to contribute to it.

After 39 years of service, I am happy to work here as I get to see hundreds of new faces each year which makes my job interesting. I like it when the students use the library to study, because I can actually see their hard work translated into good ‘A’ Level results.

15

To you, what is the biggest change that CJ has undergone?

The library facilities were probably the biggest change in CJ. There was a major overhaul every 10 years. For example, from 1975 to 1976, the library was located in an area that was the size of two classrooms with no tables or chairs. There were only 12 shelves altogether for the books. In 1977 to 1990, the Runme Shaw Library was established, but it was only half the size of the current library. It had about 25 tables and 20 shelves in total. In 2006, the Library had a major transformation and was called the “Learning Resource Centre”.

MDM JALIKHA (LIBRARIAN) What’s the most memorable thing a student has ever said or done?

Once, without my knowledge, a boy went into one of the discussion rooms and slept under the table. There also used to be a pair of twins whose parents never gave them the house keys, so they would bring big bags to school to hold their notes and other belongings. They did not leave until the library closed - sometimes they did homework, rested or sat on the floor or the sofa. This was more than ten years ago.

What is your biggest takeaway from CJ?

e g Ke rs N dm M , ff M and y sta brar e, left) t) i l r Ou bov e, righ v n (a Lua a (abo h k i l a J

I like working in the library as you can get to interact with the students and see them develop as young adults. Some of the ex-students return to introduce their own families to us.

To you, what is the biggest change CJ has undergone throughout these past 40 years?

I think the environment has changed. The students are increasingly motivated and more of them spend time in the library to study.

16

MRS SNG MEE LIAN

MRS TAN SIOW LENG

What’s the most memorable thing a student has ever said or done?

What’s the most memorable thing a student has ever said or done?

A most memorable event would probably be how my 1997 Angus Ross Prize winner Guo Shulian regularly had a chat with me about her favourite writers, especially Sylvia Plath. I was her teacher for the ‘S’ paper for Literature (now known as H3) and she said that she ‘lives and breathes Literature’.

A memorable thing is how students like to take shortcuts. For example, during cross-country in school, they think the teachers are unaware of what they are doing and they will cut through the canteen or toilet. This is even when we tell them to follow a specific route.

What is your biggest takeaway from CJ? It would be about students: that students can and do change for the better in 18 months. For example, there was a student who could have been expelled from CJC for fighting in college or at the school bus stop. He was, however, a very intelligent student, and saw the light in JC2. He did extremely well in his A-levels and he is now a lawyer. I was his General Paper teacher then.

To you, what is the biggest change that CJ has undergone throughout this past 40 years?

The curriculum would be one of the changes – it has become more structured now. There is also an increasing focus on improving classroom pedagogies.

What is your biggest takeaway from CJ? That you can be friends with the students. The students here are friendly and willing to learn. They don’t act tough or think they’re superior. More importantly, they are humble.

To you, what is the biggest change CJ has undergone throughout these past 40 years?

The facilities are the biggest change. There is airconditioning in the auditorium and some classrooms.

There is also a big change in the teaching staff. I can’t find my old colleagues when I want to talk to them, particularly those from my batch. They are all new faces.

Mr David Fahy (below, left) and Mrs Sng Mee Lian (below, right) have educated generations of CJCians.

17

MRS KOH LAY SENG

What is your biggest takeaway from CJ?

What’s the most memorable thing a student has ever said or done?

Despite being a teacher for so many years, I find that a teacher has to learn and grow constantly. We have to introduce new teaching methods and even though you may be very experienced, you still have to understand your students’ profile well by adjusting and adapting to the needs of the students.

One of the most memorable things was the carnival preparations back then. The students were very cooperative and spent a lot of time on it. They were also very willing to actively take part in the discussions and to brainstorm on ideas. The class was divided into two teams: one to oversee the food stall and the other to oversee the games stall. They were able to discuss very effectively, made decisions and delegated tasks early. I remember at that time we sold popiah and kueh pie tee, and they had to design the stalls using very simple things such as cups to make a roof for the stall. We even won a prize for stall design. One of the more memorable aspects is that they were able to efficiently complete a lot of things in very limited time. They even went to a classmate’s house just to prepare and try cooking the food once or twice. I even got invited.

In the 1980s, we didn’t use computers to teach. The teacher would just teach and the students would just listen and take notes.

But now it is more interactive. It’s more student-centred teaching now. It is more efficient now because you can prepare beforehand, and we can screen videos or use pictures to engage students.

To you, what is the biggest change CJ has undergone throughout these past 40 years?

I feel that students’ attitudes towards Chinese Language have changed. Maybe this is prevalent across Singapore and not just in CJ. Language is a very important tool and learning Chinese is also about learning the culture. This is from my perspective as a Chinese teacher – It is important for them to appreciate the chance to learn about their own language and culture.

18

A HOUSE, A HOME,Heart A Text by Lorraine Tan (2T03)

atrick ft), P e l r m othe fro (first ring with o G than chee Jona Captain, e s Hou bers. mem

T

he CJC Houses are more than just platforms for us students to earn points and win the House Championship. As Hue Ng, the Joseph House Captain, puts it, his House has become “more of a family where my members and I feel welcomed”. Even though we have grown smaller from the 6 Houses in the 1980s to the current 4 House system, the spirit of camaraderie still burns bright. The Houses have indeed become more of a home for CJCians, where they can interact with other students from their House, forging great and lasting bonds of friendship.

The House System legacy To Jonathan Go, the Captain of Patrick House, humility is the name of the game. “Humility is a value I hold close to my heart, and is something that I wish for all members of Patrick House, both current and future, to remember: we are a House, we are a family. No one is larger than anyone else, neither are they more important or special,” he shares.

Seah Jit Seng (right), Michael House Captain, dancing to ‘Chori Chori’.

Seah Jit Seng, the Michael House Captain, echoes these sentiments.

To him, “Hearing students scream the house cheers with zeal and enthusiasm and competing actively for the House,” is what makes him the happiest. He cites that “although these small things may not seem extraordinary, they are in fact so very heartwarming and meaningful.”

House pride, according to Timothy Chong, the Captain of Albert House, is something he deeply believes in. He hopes that “future batches of Albertians (will) remember and experience the fighting spirit together as a house even when everyone else doubted us”.

Timothy Chong, Albert House Captain

19

Hue Ng, the Joseph House Captain on the dunking station during the CJ40 Carnival.

Hue Ng, the Joseph House Captain, wholeheartedly agrees, citing that “the Sports Leaders and I have grown close through the many difficulties we’ve gone through, and I’m proud to be one amongst them, serving by their side for the better of the House and the College. I hope that Joseph House will continue to love, care and learn from one another, making the House one of their pillars of support.”

While the House system is a way for us to compete for the glory of being House champions, let us not forget that our Houses serve as another form of moral support for us as we tackle the tough road towards the ‘A’ level exams.

Mr

ON THE Other Side

You may know them as your teachers but not too long ago, these teachers were seated right where you are now, as students in CJC. We share some of their memorable moments as CJCians.

MRS LYNETTE LA’BROOY

MR MARK LI

2A8 / 1992

2S7 / 1999

The biggest event in the two years that most students looked forward to at that time was the CJC Carnival, where every class would set up a games and a food stall. Our ‘Mum’ (i.e. Home Tutor, Madam Mary Goh) was the most dedicated tutor in looking out for us and for the carnival. She even got a chef to come to her house to teach us how to prepare pan-fried dumplings. The day before the carnival, the whole college was roped in to form a human chain to transfer all the chairs and tables to the field. It was an amazing feat that brought everyone together. On the day of the carnival, although all of us were scheduled to take shifts, some of us spent 8-9 hours at our stall kneading dough and seasoning the minced meat instead of walking around. We were exhausted at the end of it all, but it was all worth it! Now the batch of 2015 will get a taste of this and enjoy the moment!

I remember Ms Judy Low fondly. She was my PE teacher who tried to help me pass my 2.4 km run for NAPFA. However, after 3 separate attempts, I missed the mark by 3 seconds! Even though I failed then, I returned from my BMT (Basic Military Training) with a smile to tell her that I could run under 11 minutes and did my first pull ups with success! As “scary” as she was, she was a great teacher who tried her best to get me to move.

MR AARON RAJOO 2S15 / 1999 The teacher I remember the most is Ms Judy Low, the “scariest” PE Teacher in Singapore. On my first run with my classmates, she scolded me for running slower than one of the girls in my class. Later, when I became the House Captain, she made me her assistant during the Sports Carnival and did not allow me to play any games because she wanted me to help her run the show. But in a rare moment, she allowed me to take part in a watermelon eating competition, and we won. I was scared of her but I think she was one of my favourite teachers at the same time.

Mr Mark Li as

an Orientati

on Group Le

ader

20

MS VALERIE BAPTIST

MS SONIA MARICAN

2A9 / 2000

2T01 / 2004

The auditorium holds memories of many long and tiring nights spent working on preparing for performances. I remember trying to work out several New Edition and Boyz II Men harmonies, practising Jedi moves for a Star Wars themed orientation skit, neverending rehearsals for the annual Christmas plays and we even did a dance to Will Smith’s ‘Wild Wild West’ for Teachers’ Day!

I remember Joyce Hooi, Leon Michael Ryan and I were the dream debate team. Together, we beat Hwa Chong at the JCDCs Semi Finals that year.

We won the debate and took Best Speaker too!

MS NADIA ARIANNA 2T02/ 2004 Mr Fahy’s presentation of Othello’s mournful outburst for Desdemona, with the broom as a prop had my entire class completely transfixed.

We had legendary literature lessons even way back then.

MS MARYANNE JOSEPH 2T10 / 2006

A

21

C- Mr Bernard Yeong

o!

B

C

B - Mr Joey Kang

Gues s Wh

A- Ms Melissa Olsen

h

tion wit ) in conversa

ft aptist (far le Ms Valerie B Hean Mr Teo Chee

I remember running and training a lot during my CJ days. I was in college by 7am for a 2.4 km run around the track followed by physical training sessions at the grandstand. But what I remember the most about these training sessions were my Hockey teammates cheering me on, as we ran alongside each other. I wasn’t the strongest or the fittest but I was compelled to run and get fit because the team was with me and we always had each other’s back. This friendship got me through intense study periods as we used to head down for night study as a team in the lead up to our exams. When I think about it, I was closer to these girls than anyone else! Those days shall live on as part of my CJ experience.

LEADING WITH Love TEXT BY MEGAN LEE (2T03)

Love

“Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head.”- Euripides

A

good leader makes all the difference in a community – they shape the way things are done and often their efforts go unnoticed.

The Leadership Dialogue, that was held in March this year, really showed me how the leaders in CJ can come together to tackle problems and issues of contention in the college. During the session, we were split up into groups to discuss in depth the various issues regarding the college that needed attention such as ‘school attire’, ‘college image’ and ‘appreciation for non-teaching staff’.

We did not know beforehand which issues we would be assigned to, but as I sat in my group with the other CCA leaders and councillors, I found myself struggling to find solutions for the problems we were pointing out. It was more difficult and complicated than I expected, as we had to take into account the budget of the school, the different stakeholders’ opinions, the overall feasibility and even the approval from the Ministry of Education, in some cases.

As I watched the various groups present their given issues and possible solutions, I was impressed by the thought, passion and seriousness with which they addressed their issues. Many groups went over their allocated three minutes of presentation time because

they simply had so much that they wanted to propose to Mrs Kong and the rest of the school leaders present.

Mrs Kong responded after each group’s presentation, commenting on the feasibility of their solutions and often adding her own thoughts on the situation.

One topic that amassed a lot of murmurs in the room was that of the school attire. The group that presented pushed for more dress-down days and the ability to wear coloured shoes to school. Mrs Kong confessed that she was always glad that CJCians wore white shoes, especially when she visited other colleges where the students wore coloured shoes, because we look smarter in comparison. She also brought up the point of how uniformity was important, and that she did not want brand names of our shoes to become an unnecessary concern.

I found myself actually enjoying the dialogue and becoming wrapped up in each group’s passionate presentation. The dialogue session was an invaluable experience as it showed me the strong school spirit and camaraderie present in all the leaders there. It was also very fruitful to have Mrs Kong there, as she was able to offer us her insight and wisdom.

It was clear to me that all the participants in the dialogue fervently wished to serve the college better, in whatever ways they could, and although I know that being a leader is not always smooth sailing, I am heartened by the dedication exemplified by my fellow leaders, and am assured that CJ is in good hands.

22

129 Whitley Road Singapore 297822 Telephone: +65 6252 4083 Fax: +65 6253 7267 catholic_jc@moe.edu.sg Website: www.cjc.edu.sg IE-mail: