THE 170th HOMECOMING CELEBRATION

 

17 December 2022

St. Xavier’s Institution

 

YB Lim Hui Ying 

Deputy Education Minister

 

YB Syerleena Abdul Rashid

MP for Bukit Bendera

 

YB Chris Lee

ADUN Pulau Tikus

 

Bro Jason Blaikie 

Bro Director St Xavier’s Institution

 

Mr. Victor Tan 

Chairman of the Board of Governors

 

All Xaverians 

 

The year 2022 is very memorable and auspicious for St Xavier's Institution.

 

It will be the year St Xavier's Institution will be associated with its 170th Anniversary Celebrations. It is here that the La Salle Brothers established their first school in East Asia in 1852.  And from here, the La Salle Brothers founded another 40 over schools in other parts of Malaysia.  

 

As the school celebrate its 170th Anniversary, I wish to invite everyone in joining me to celebrate the dedication, perseverance and foresight of the La Sallian Brothers in committing themselves to education in this part of the world.  Their dedication to providing meaningful and holistic education for the young and the needy cannot be over-emphasised.  

 

I am happy to note that the life philosophy of the La Salle Brothers is very much alive today and thriving in St Xavier's Institution, as well as her feeder schools, St Xavier’s Primary and St Xavier’s Branch School.  

 

I also ask you all to join me as we remember and celebrate the five core La Sallian Principles as we move beyond the 170th year.  

 

First, Faith in the Presence of God

 

All of us must nurture in the belief of God in our world.  Whatever religion the students profess, it is of the utmost importance that the faith in God remains the central part of your lives.

  

Second, Concern for the Poor and Social Justice

 

It is 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. 

 

Third, Respect for All Persons

 

All Xaverians should learn to respect the dignity of all students.  In a multi-racial, multi-religious and multi-faceted school like St Xavier's, the students have learnt the importance of tolerance and acceptance.  

 

Fourth, Quality Education

 

St Xavier's, through the members of the teaching staff provides an education that prepares students not only for college and career but also for life. Here, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers of St Xavier's, past and present for your dedication and goodwill towards the students, without which, St Xavier's would not be the success that it is today.  

 

Lastly, an Inclusive Community

 

We are a united community where diversity and multi-culturalism are respected, where no one is marginalised, and where everyone finds a deserving place. Here, I believe everyone is welcomed and accepted and in return they recognize and accept another’s strengths and limitations.  

 

In fact, these five core principles which I just mentioned very much complements the State Government’s Penang2030 Vision. What we hope to achieve through the Vision, is for every Penangite to find his or her deserving spot and role in the future prosperity of Penang. To succeed in this vision, one has to be guided by the right principles, the right beliefs and love for hardwork as well as dedication towards the family and loved ones.   

 

Ladies & Gentlemen,

 

Today, more than a thousand Xaverians have come home to celebrate the 170th homecoming dinner. I would like to thank you all for your dedication and the honour you bring back to your alma mater. Rest assured that the State Government will continue to support the needs of St. Xavier’s especially when it comes to the upgrading of the school infrastructure. We want the students to study in a conducive and safe environment because they are the future of the state and add to the crucial talent pool for our development. This is the reason that the state government allocated RM70,000 to St. Xavier’s Institution and RM15,000 each to the two feeder primary schools this year.

 

But even more importantly, let us work even harder for the Penang which we all love in order to realise the Penang2030 Vision. This way, the state of Penang can be a shining example as we inspire the whole nation. 

 

Thank you.