2 minute read
Message from our Chairman
from 2021 Annual Report
2021 marked another year in which the Covid-19 pandemic restricted our travel, our ability to spend time with friends and family, and even how we were able to study and work.
Despite these challenges, the last 12 months also provided an opportunity for us to demonstrate our belief and commitment in living our Lasallian values of Community, Service, Faith, Excellence and Respect. In adversity, we have seen the strength and resilience of our SJI International community.
Our adoption of technology-enabled platforms supported not only the continued delivery of curriculum with remote learning but also provided parental access to special events and student showcases via live streaming. Despite limitations in a physical audience, the Elementary School managed to hold a series of ‘Let’s Go Solo’ virtual concerts and the High School shared virtual performances of ‘Agatha Rex’ and ‘Bach in Black’ during the Music, Arts, Drama, Design and Dance showcase. The highlight of our streamed events was undoubtedly the ‘Class of 2021 Graduation’ which took place in November, providing well-deserved recognition to the Grade 12 cohort, of whom we are all incredibly proud.
Our class of 2021 IB graduates thrived in spite of the tremendous challenges brought about by the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic. Completing their entire final two years of study under the cloud of Covid-19 made the average point score of 39.3 for the IB, the highest to date for SJI International, most commendable. Our International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) students were just as impressive. At 189-strong, they were the largest cohort to date. The cohort scored an excellent 7.3 (maximum 8) Grade Point Average. We have every confidence that they will continue to do well as they progress through their IB years.
In SJI International, we believe in doing well and doing good. Service and Faith underpin many programmes and activities in the school, even in the midst of the pandemic. This was aptly demonstrated in the Elementary Schools “Legs of Legend” Lapathon held in May 2021. The Lapathon has been a highlight of the Elementary School’s annual calendar since its inception in 2016. The 2021 Lapathon was organised in support of the Lasallian Community Education Services (LCES) in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The virtual run, where families logged in their distances remotely, was a tremendous success and raised over $40,000 for the LCES that would go towards the Henamulla Preschool, which provides schooling and daily meals to nearly 200 children. I salute all our students, staff, parents and stakeholders for taking part in this most meaningful endeavour.
We have much to be grateful and thankful for as a community in the midst of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. There is cautious optimism that we can have a greater semblance of normality in 2022. The experiences of 2020 and 2021 have shown that our SJI International community is a cohesive and resilient one, and that together, we can overcome adversity and emerge stronger and better.
Ora et Labora!
Mr Roy Quek
Chairman, Board of Governors
