ONE hundred and seventy years ago, the La Salle Brothers established their first school in East Asia, here in Farquhar Street.
And from there, they founded over 40 schools in other parts of Malaysia.
The life philosophy of the La Salle Brothers is very much alive today and thriving in St Xavier’s Institution (SXI), as well as her feeder schools, SK St Xavier’s and SK St Xavier’s Branch.
Over a thousand Xavierians returned to their alma mater to celebrate the school’s 170th anniversary this evening.
Among the dignitaries present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui Ying, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid, Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang Right Rev Datuk Sebastian Francis, SXI Brother Director Bro Jason Blaikie, SXI Board of Governors chairman Victor Tan, and SXI Heritage Centre sub-committee chairman Ooi Gim Ewe.
Chow invited the Xavierians to recollect the five core La Sallian Principles during his speech.
The five core principles are Faith in the Presence of God, Concern for the Poor and Social Justice, Respect for All Persons, Quality Education, and Inclusive Community.
“All of us must nurture in the belief of God. Whatever religion the students profess, it is of the utmost importance that faith in God remains the central part of their lives.
“It is also essential that the students of St Xavier’s inculcate an awareness of the poor and the victims of injustice. Xaverians are taught to respond to their needs through programmes of community service such as the Annual Charity Drive,” Chow said.
He also thanked the teachers for their dedication and goodwill towards the students.
“Without the teachers, St Xavier’s will not be the success that it is today,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tan invited all Xavierians to keep the mission alive.
“Let us continue to educate the students here in St Xavier’s. Keep the mission alive. It has to come from the heart.
“Welcome home, Xavierians,” he said.
Brother Blaikie and Tan later escorted Chow, Lim, and other VIPs to visit the SXI Heritage Centre where they checked out the artefacts and panels depicting the events which happened in different eras.
Besides the heritage centre, the Xavierians also visited the Hall of Gratitude (a former ping-pong area of the school).
The hall features the names of 35,000 students who studied there.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Alissala Thian
