St. John Baptist De La Salle

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Singapore’s history, stands a figure who championed education for all: St. John Baptist De La Salle. Here, in this dynamic city, his legacy continues to inspire. St. John Baptist De La Salle, a name synonymous with educational reform, arrived on the shores of Singapore not in person, but in spirit, carried by the dedicated Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1852. Imagine six brothers, aboard the ship La Julie, answering a call to uplift the lives of underprivileged children. Three of these brothers, Brothers Liefroy, Switbert, and Gregory, stayed in Singapore at the invitation of Father Jean Marie Beurel. Their mission was to establish a Catholic English mission school. This school, first known as St. John’s Institution, later became the renowned St. Joseph’s Institute (SJI). St. John Baptist De La Salle’s vision was to provide a holistic education, regardless of religion or race. The curriculum encompassed languages, mathematics, bookkeeping, and art, nurturing well-rounded individuals. The school, built on land granted to the Roman Catholic mission, stood on the site of a former wooden chapel along Bras Basah Road. This location, designated in Sir Stamford Raffles’ 1822 town plan, became a beacon of learning. SJI flourished. Its success led to the establishment of other Lasallian schools, including St. Anthony’s Boys’ School in 1879, now St. Anthony’s Primary School. The Brothers’ retreat house in Katong was transformed into St. Patrick’s School in 1933. After the war, De La Salle School opened in 1952, furnished with items from SJI. St. Michael’s School followed in 1954, and St. Stephen’s School in 1957. The legacy continued with Brother Joseph McNally establishing the St. Patrick’s Arts Centre in 1984. The center offers diplomas in painting, ceramics, sculpture, and music. The Brothers of the Christian Schools, following the path set by St. John Baptist De La Salle, continue to shape young minds in Singapore as teachers and counselors. They also lead retreats and camps for teachers, students, and the wider community, further enriching the educational landscape of this vibrant nation.