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St. John's Institution

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St John's Institution
Location
Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia
Information
TypeGovernment-Aided Non-Boarding all-boys secondary school
MottoFide et Labore (Latin)
Faith and Zeal
Established1904
FounderDe La Salle Christian Brothers
HeadmasterMr Peter Yii
GradesForm 1 - Form 6
Enrolment1200
CampusLarge School campus, at the city centre
Colour(s)Green and gold
AffiliationsMalaysia Ministry Of Education
AbbreviationSJI
Websitehttp://www.sji.edu.my

St John's Institution (Malay: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St John) is a premier secondary school for boys (and girls for form 6) and one of the oldest schools in Kuala Lumpur. The school is widely known as SJI and the students of St John's Institution are called Johannians.

SJI is famous for its high achievement in academic, sports and other activities for secondary school level in Malaysia. It is considered one of the best non-residential schools in Malaysia. The school is named after Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers order.

Recently, SJI was named as one of the cluster schools of excellence by the Malaysian Ministry of Education, which will be given autonomy in administration and adequate funding to excel in specialised fields (academic, sports and extra-curricular activities) of choice.

Site and Architecture

The school is located in Jalan Bukit Nanas, in the city centre of Kuala Lumpur, next to the Bukit Nanas forest reserve, giving it a lush surrounding. St John's Primary School is located across the road while the Convent Bukit Nanas is further down the road. The Fatima Kindergarten (which is now converted into a community service centre) and the Roman Catholic St John's Cathedral are both situated on the road leading up to SJI.

The school is famous for its magnificent historical main building - a red and white-brick building with Grecian-Spanish influences. It has been gazetted as a National Heritage Building by the Malaysian government and is the most elaborate school building in the city.

[1] [2] [3]

Students

In the last 100 years, thousands of boys and girls - girls are admitted for Form 6 only - from all walks of life were schooled at St John's. Royalty, children of prime ministers, politicians, merchants and civil servants went to school together.

The students of St John's, who are fondly known as 'Johannians', are well-known and stand out compared to those from most other school in Malaysia, for they possess a burning spirit - The Johannian Spirit - that is described as a rich blend of incredible love towards the school, great leadership skills, unity, loyalty, outstanding manners and class.

The school has continually produced students who have gone on to make names for themselves in various fields. Indeed, the old-boys roll reads like a Who's Who of Malaysia.

Now a days students in the school no longer have the johannian spirit because st john's inst has became the worst school in the list of cluster schools . The only reason for the school to be listed in the cluster school in Malaysia is because the Education Minister was a former old -boy of the school and also the son of the former prime minister . The exam results for the school is nothing better than an average secondary school in Malaysia . This is the results of the acceptance of the students form the primary school of St John's Inst which are granted automatic entry into the secondary school, thus dropping the standard of the school .

Administration

The school has traditionally been headed by the brother of the La Sallian order, with a Brother Director (like a headmaster) and a Brother Supervisor (like a deputy headmaster). In recent years, the Brother Supervisor was replaced with two assistant principals, whom are non-brothers.

Former brother directors include:

  • Bro. Dositheus Joseph Brophy
  • Bro. Cornelius
  • Bro. Stephen Edward
  • Bro. James Gilbert
  • Bro. Lawrence Spitzig (1979 to 1982; also earlier in 1955 to 1961)
  • Bro. Joseph McNally
  • Bro. Joseph Yeoh (1969 to 1979, dying in office)
  • Bro. Marcian
  • Bro. Julian Francis
  • Bro. Cassian Pappu
  • Bro. Michael Wong (the last brother director, retired in 2002)

The names of the five sports houses in the school are derived from the previous Brother Directors: D. Joseph, Cornelius, Gilbert, Claude and Stephen.

The headship of the school has since passed on to the laity and the present principal is Peter Yii, who became the first non-brother and non-Catholic to head the school in 2002. He is assisted by three assistant principals and an afternoon supervisor.

History

1904

  • At the request of the Education Department and the then Bishop of Melaka, Mgr. Fee, the La Sallian Brothers opened a school in Kuala Lumpur. According to records, it started with an initial enrollment of 18 boys.
  • Three days before classes were to commence on January 18, three Brothers arrived to take charge of the school – Brother Julian Francis from Hong Kong, Brother Andrew Corsini from Burma and Brother Cyril Alexander from Penang.
  • The school building was a two-storey wooden structure, 80 feet long and 20 feet wide, with a brick pillar and a verandah facing the north.
  • Later in the year, Brother James Gilbert arrived from Singapore to take the place of Brother Julian Francis as Brother Director of SJI.

1905

  • On 2 January 1905, a Standard 7 was set up and entrusted to Brother Cyril Alexander.
  • With this new set-up, expansion was needed. So Father Renard lent to the school the house of the Chinese Catechist which was capable of holding one class and also an attap shed near the site.

1906

  • In June 1906, Brother Imier of Jesus, Provincial Visitor of the United States paid a visit to SJI. He later became Superior General in 1913.
  • More classes were opened and accommodated on temporary structures.
  • Finally the government provided a piece of land given to the mission for religious and educational purposes.
  • 3 November 1906, the foundation stone for the new building was laid by Sir Conway Belfield, Resident Councilor for Selangor.

1907

  • On August 10, the new building was completed and declared open by the High Commissioner and Governor, Sir John Anderson.
  • At the end of the year, the building was used for the Cambridge Examination for all the candidates of Kuala Lumpur.

1914

  • The Brothers’ Building was enlarged by the addition of two new wings which were to house the chapel and offices and the Juniorate and Novitiate.
  • Brother Marcian was appointed Director of the newly formed Juniorate.

1915

  • A Cadet Corps was formed followed shortly by a Scout Troop.

1921

  • Brother Stephen Edward (Director from 1921 – 1925) demolished the Brothers’ Building and replaced it with the present one, to which additions were made later.

1930

  • Brother Cornelius served as Brother Director from 1930 to 1946 and under his energetic management, many projects were brought to a successful conclusion.
  • Brother Cornelius enlarged the playground, a project that was started by Brother Louis. He then turned his attention to the building of the hall which was finally completed with the provision for two more storeys in the future.
  • Brother Cornelius next built a new wing on the east side of the Brothers’ Building, which became the Boarding Department.

1942 – 1945

  • During World War II, SJI was closed but crowds of refugees flocked to Brother Cornelius for help and stayed in the school for security. When the war ended and peace returned, these refugees organized a scholarship fund to express gratitude to Brother Cornelius and to perpetuate his memory.

1948

  • Brother D. Joseph established La Salle Sentul, La Salle Brickfields, La Salle Peel Road and La Salle Klang, which were intended as feeder schools for St John’s.
  • In SJI, he renovated the school hall as well as built a new cafeteria, space staff room and offices. A modern library was furnished and equipped and an extensive P.A. system was installed.

1953

  • On April 15, the first issue of the Term Review was on sale. The Term Review was the predecessor to the current Editorial Board.

1954

  • In the Golden Jubilee year, Brother D. Joseph achieved his final objective – the completion of the field extension.

1955

  • Brother Lawrence Spitzig became Brother Director of SJI (1955 – 1961).
  • The Dramatic Society staged its second play, ‘Twelfth Night’, and the newly formed school orchestra made its first public appearance at the play’s public performance in the hall. Brother Celestine was responsible for the success of the play.

1956

  • Brother Lawrence renovated the school and added 14 classrooms at a cost of M$90,000

1957

  • General Sir Francis Festing, Commander-in-Chief of the Far East visited SJI.

1958

  • In accordance with a new government directive, a Board of Governors for the school was set up and the first meeting was held on September 24. In the primary section, the Board of Managers held its first meeting on March 13.

1959

  • His Excellency Mgr John Gordon, Charge d’Affaires of the Apostolic Delegation of Thailand and Malaya visited SJI on January 27.
  • Construction of the St John’s Primary School began on the site of the Old Boys’ Club. The building could accommodate 24 classes and would cost M$220,000

1960

  • On September 16, St John’s Primary School was officially opened by Brother Fintan.
  • The new chapel on the middle floor of SJI was officially opened and used on October 19.

Affliations

File:Sxi12.jpg
Statue of St John Baptist De La Salle

SJI is affiliated to other La Sallian Educational Institutions such as:

(Most of the La Salle schools in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya were set up by Bro. Lawrence Spitzig, a former Brother Director of SJI, and were originally intended as feeder schools for SJI but eventually grew to be respectable schools of their own.')

Uniform

The traditional uniform was a white shirt, white trousers with a green tie (similar to the uniform of St Joseph's Insitutition in Singapore). In the 1970s, the federal government imposed national school uniforms as opposed to uniforms distinct to each school. Therefore, Johannians wear the common navy green long pants and white shirt as found in other secondary schools in Malaysia.

But the green tie which is a symbol of the institution stayed. The lower All the upper secondary students (Form 1 - 6) wear the distinct green tie with stripes and school emblem.

The Councillor Prefects, had changed to "The Board of Prefectorial"(as the prefectorial board is known) have a special uniform of black trousers, white shirt and black kot. The name of Councillor means councilling the student when they do wrong. Now is no longer in that manner the prefect will just take action when they do wrong.

Subjects

Compulsory subjects

Certain subjects are made compulsory for students. These are:

Elective subjects

Science stream

Commerce Stream

Art Stream

Additional Subjects

Uniformed Bodies

Some of the school uniformed bodies are the St John's Institution Cadet Corps, St John's Cadet Band, Eagle Scout Group, St John Ambulance, Eagle Scout Group and Red Crescent Society, Taekwondo Club, Karate club & Kendo Club. Kendo Club is another uniqueness belong to St. John's Instituition where almost no other government schools have. There have been some isolated cases of bully within some units; however the school has taken prompt action to punish those in question.

Principal Mr Peter Yii has made a rule that all students must wear the uniforms of their uniformed body on Wednesdays.

St John's Institution Eagle Scout Group

The St John's Institution Eagle Scout Group was established in 1963.

The name Eagle Scouts was taken after the "Eagle Scout" of America which was the equivalent of the King Scout in Malaysia. This occurred when a group of scouts from the council visited another scout troop in America and decided to name the troop Eagle Scout Group. It is also known as the 8th Bukit Bintang Scout Troop. The scouts organize Campfires biennially, which turned annually in 2005. One of the top achievements of the Eagle Scouts is the acknowledgment by the Malaysia Book of Records for the Largest Bakau Structure.

The troop is managed by a group of boys in Form Four or better known as the Court of Honour. As for the old boys, it is a legal body namely the Rover Crew who helps out partially on the management and mostly scouting skills. The troop was gifted with a Scout Den (located across the school field) for the boys to conduct their activities. As reminder the Scout Den was built in 1970s with Funds raised by the scouts themselves. All those scouts in the 1970s have made the Group a legacy & they have went beyond to achieve their ambitions in the world. Colin Nicholas & Gang led the Group in the 1970s wrote several survival digest through experiencies in real life. The legacies still lives in the history of this Group

Eagle Scout Group has participated in various competition camps such as the World Jamboree in Thailand in 2002, LSCS Camporee in 2003 and 2004 and the next World Jamboree which will be held in London, England.

As the troop has endured the ups and downs, the highs and lows over his existence for 44 years, it is the undying spirit and the faith of not just the members of this troop but everyone including the parents, teachers and scouters who has enabled this troop to overcome all odds. Among those who have been highly honoured as the leader of the Eagle Scout Group throughout the last decade includes Mr. Simon Ng, Mrs Pok Mee Chin, Joseph Anthony Gomes, Joel Ng, Lee Jia Wen, Leonard Chooi and Christy Vicknesraj also Bryan.

The troop has been a fantastic source of pride for the school being the best in everything they do. The scouts continue to live up to expectations and excel in everything. The troop have even have their own song and oath. The scouts are most probably the best Johanians.

St John's Institution Cadet Corps

The St John's Institution Cadet Corps was established in 1915. It is the oldest cadet in this school formed by LT Eric Chart. It was under the command of the British Military Somerset Light Infantry during the colonial days. The Cadet Corps conducts school function. The Cadet Corps also performed the cadet EXPO with the help of the cadet band.

St John's Institution Cadet Band

The St John's Institution Cadet Band was formed in 1916 and is an institution by itself. The Cadet Band is also one of the few bands in Malaysia who include bagpipes in its ensemble.

In 2005 the St John's Institution Cadet Band Alumni was registered as an alumni body representing ex-band members. Today the members continues their passion through the formation of the Alumni Band, mainly Pipe and Drums, performing private functions.Losing streak.

St John Ambulance of Malaysia (KL SJI A/C Div)

Part of the St John Ambulance, an international organization dedicated to training and providing first aid, KL SJI A/C has made the school proud with several achievements, most noted in 2006. The current Divisional Structure is as follows:

  • Officer in Charge: Divisional Officer Woo Chong You (Trainer)
  • Teacher Advisors : Mr. Han Peeh Siew & Pn. Azny Rohaidah
  • Member in Charge : Act. Cadet Corporal Eugene Wong Ying Wei
  • Secretary  : Act. Cadet Corporal Kan Yip Yun
  • Treasurer  : Cadet Yap Calvin
  • Storekeeper  : Act. Cadet Lance Corporal Tan Fu-Shen
  • Cadet Voluntary Service Coordinator: Act. Cadet Lance Corporal Cheah Wei Nam
  • Afternoon Representative : Cadet Lee Zheng Yang

The 5 cadets who formed the 2005 team (Thian Kah Tuck, Lee Yong Keong, Kan Yip Yun, Heng Yik Hoe, Adrian Goh, managed by Adrian Chee) represented the division at the 17th Regional First Aid & Home Nursing Competition 2005 held in Methodist Boys' School achieved the following:

  • Uniform Test & Foot Drills : 1st

At the 18th Regional First Aid & Home Nursing Competition 2006 held at Methodist Boys' School, the team consisting of Heng Yik Hoe, Wan Ming Wai, Cheah Wei Nam, Tan Fu-Shen, Eugene Wong and managed by Thian Kah Tuck secured the following awards:

  • Uniform Test & Foot Drills : 1st
  • Short Case : 2nd
  • Long Case : 1st
  • Best Leader : Heng Yik Hoe
  • Overall Champions of Ambulance Cadet category.

The same team, albeit one new member (Heng Yik Hoe, Wan Ming Wai, Eugene Wong, Tan Fu-Shen, Tang Qi Kit) then represented the Federal Territorries at the 48th National First Aid & Home Nursing Competition 2006 at Universiti Teknologi Mara, Jalan Semarak. The accompanying officer was D/O Woo Chong You. The results:

  • Uniform Test & Foot Drills : 3rd
  • Short Case : 2nd

At the 3rd Regional First Aid Quiz 2006 held in St John's Institution, Wan Ming Wai was awarded the Best Individual Award.

At the 19th Regional First Aid & Home Nursing Competition 2007 held in Methodist Boys' School, the team of 2007, (Kan Yip Yun, Tan Fu-Shen, Eugene Wong, Cheah Wei Nam, Leong Kar Soon, managed by Wan Ming Wai) achieved:

  • Long Case : 1st
  • Overall Champions for Ambulance Cadet category.

The same team (accompanying officer: Mr.Tan Gengta) represented the Federal Territorries at the 49th National First Aid & Home Nursing Competition 2007 held in University Darul Iman, Kuala Terengganu on the 26 and 27 May 2007.

School Songs

School Rally (English)

Cheer, cheer and courage display ,
All ye Johannians join in the lay!
Send a volley of cheers on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small,
Dear old St. John's will win over all,
While her loyal sons are marching
Onward to victory.

Rise, boys and loudly proclaim
That ye will never sully her name!
Let the hills and woodlands ring,
Lift up your hearts and loudly sing.
What though the way be rough or steep,
We unto virtue's summons will keep;
And if e'er our country needs us,
Loyal and true we'll be.

School Rally (Bahasa Malaysia)

Tunjukkanlah keberanian,
Marilah semua Johannian,
Laungkan semangat berkobar,
Hingga angkasa bergegar,
Walau apapun rintangan,
St John tetap berjaya menang,
Barisan putera setia,
Menuju puncak jaya.

All The Way

All the way St. John's we go for you
All the way or nothing at all
We are loyal we are good and true
All the way we hearken to your call

For you are beautiful
St. John's you're beautiful
Our alma mater
We will sing Fide et Labore

All the way St. John's we go for you
All the way or nothing at all
We are loyal we are good and true
All the way we hearken to your call

All the way
All the way

Onward St. John

Let us march onto glory
Let us surge onto fame
Let us raise our voices and our hearts
Onward, onward St. John

The gold and the green
The white and the true
We are here for you St. John
Fide et Labore
Ever loyal we'll be
The bold, the best and the brave

Let us march onto glory
Let us surge onto fame
Let us raise our voices and our hearts
Onward, onward St. John

Onward, onward, onward St. John...

Contact details

The postal address of SJI is:
Jalan Bukit Nanas,
50250 Kuala Lumpur.

Telephone numbers:

  • +60 3 2078 2846 (secondary school)
  • +60 3 2078 1643 (primary school)
  • +60 3 2078 8594 (residence)

Notable Johannians

other notable Johannians: Elias Yamani Bin Ismail, Artist, Sculptor

See also


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