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St. Joseph International Institution, the Lasallians journey, part 1

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Aug 16, 2016

St. Joseph International Institution Malaysia will soon open it's doors to new parents and excited students and start classes. Lets look into the Lasallian journey to Malaysia.

Brief History

In 1852, Six Brothers, in the footsteps of their founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, arrived from Europe to provide for the educational needs of the poor in Singapore. This was to be the first missionary establishment of the La Salle Brothers in the Far East.

The school was welcomed by the community, to cater to the increasing number of students, the school had to build additional classrooms and facilites. On 19 March 1855, the School was named St. Joseph’s Institution.

By the dawn of 1900, St. Joseph’s Institution was known to groom some of the recipients of the most glittering academic prizes to be won in the colony. This was the coveted Queen’s Scholarship, both awards were won by Josephians.

Due to the school's reputation and quality edcuation, the number of student enrolment increased. By 1922, there were already 1,600 students enrolled.

During World War II, just before the surrender to the Japanese, the school was used as a Red Cross Hospital and also housed a unit of the Civil Defence Force, the A.R.F. (Air Raid Precautionary Group).

In 1991, St. Joseph’s Institution became a single session school with all levels functioning in the morning, leaving the afternoons free for comprehensive activities, student and staff development programmes.

The Genesis of SJII

In 2006, Lawrence da Silva gave birth to St. Joseph’s Institution International Singapore. Lawrence was passionate about education and spent most of his professional life in the field, running or building successful educational enterprises.

The reception for the school was very welcoming. Within a short period of time it became the Catholic international school of choice for local and expatriate parents. Today the school is operating at full capacity, the elimentary and highschool enrolment are considered oversubciribed at times.

Lawrence da Silva passed away on 1st January 2013, however the Lasallian Brothers will always be there to continue his vision. The founding fathers of SJII Singapore we're open to opportunities for new international Lasallian initiatives not only in Singapore, but abroad as well.

In Malaysia, there's already an extensive network of Lasallian schools under government control. Malaysian alumnis who have experiened the Lasallian tradition, expresses on how there is a need and a demand for a private Lasallaian international school, which is open to all.

Continue Reading, St. Joseph International Institution, the Lasallians journey, part 2