THANK YOU, DR. PUVANENDRAN MARUTHAVANAR!

On the 20^th of July 2016, Johannians bade farewell to SJI’s third lay principal, Dr. Puvanendran Maruthavanar. It was a simple, yet memorable occasion, as the Johannian community celebrates the retirement of the third son of St. John’s who has had the privilege to lead our alma mater.

A very calm and composed commander-in-chief bidding farewell to Johannians

Wait, Dr. Puvanendran was a Johannian?

Believe it or not, Dr. Puvanendran was a student of SJI; not as long as our former Principal, Mr. Lim Hean Hwa, yet long enough for him to be acquainted with our heritage and to be part of our Johannian family.

Born on the 21^st of July, 1956, in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, Dr. Puvanendran received his primary education in SK Jalan Kuantan, and was also schoolmates with HRH Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah of Perak. He then received his secondary education up to the Malaysian Certificate of Education in Setapak High School.

 Dr. Puvanendran receiving HRH Sultan Nazrin during SJI's Speech Day, April 2016

Photo credits: Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia

HRH the Sultan of Perak pacing the halls of SJI accompanied by Dr. Puvanendran

Photo credits: Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia

Dr. Puvanendran then pursued the Higher School Certificate in SJI through the Federal Evening Class program, in which he completed with a full certificate in 1977. He was probably among the last batch of FEC students and who was lucky enough to witness St. John’s at its height under the leadership of the one and only Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh.

Dr. Puvanendran then went on to the Kinta Teachers’ Training College in which he received his teaching certificate in 1980. He then pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry at UKM in 1987, Master’s in Education at UM in 1993, and his PhD in the University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom in 2000.

Dr. Puvanendran served in seven schools between 1980 till 2004. In January 2005, he was posted to SJI as the Senior Assistant of Student Affairs. When SJI was made a cluster school in 2007, Dr. Puvanendran was sent to represent the school administration to undergo the Postgraduate Certificate for School Leadership & Management programme in King’s College, London. Upon his return in 2008, he was promoted to Senior Assistant of Administration and Curriculum.

With a doctorate in Information Technology and experience as the head teacher in IT at SMK Putrajaya 1, Dr. Puvanendran was instrumental in the establishment of the second Smart Lab and ensuring that SJI was keeping up with the latest technology in teaching methodology. One such example was the introduction of smart boards, which eventually was not fully utilized sadly.

After a seven-year stint in SJI, Dr. Puvanendran was promoted as Principal of SMK Taman Yarl, Kuala Lumpur. At that time, we felt saddened that we lost the service of a very dedicated administrator and teacher. However, this was to be only a temporary farewell.

May 2014 saw the retirement of Mr. Lim Hean Hwa, a Johannian who had the privilege to serve his alma mater just like his Director, Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh. After weeks of waiting in anticipation, SJI was delighted to receive the news that Dr. Puvanendran was to be the successor of Mr. Lim Hean Hwa to lead SJI.

Dr. Puvanendran listening to his 'ucap jasa' 

Just like his first return to SJI, Dr. Puvanendran was very quick in getting straight to work. He emphasised on the use of IT in teaching and learning in SJI and made sure that Johannians are kept abreast with the latest technology in school. Notebook computers were used widely, smart boards reintroduced, and a plan to provide comprehensive internet coverage throughout the school premises was drawn up.

After two years of service as Principal, SJI bade goodbye to Dr. Puvanendran as he reached the mandatory retirement age of 60. Throughout his nine years of service in SJI, Dr. Puvanendran is fondly remembered as a strict disciplinarian who had a charming aura in commanding respect from students, teachers, and management. His persona exhibits great wisdom and composure that he rarely needs to resort to physical punishment for students who commit disciplinary offences. Whenever he paces the hallways of SJI, he commands respect and admiration from those in his surroundings.

Dr. Puvanendran is also widely remembered for short and simple speeches. He makes sure that he delivers his message in a very concise manner and avoids addressing the assembly unless it is very necessary. This helps a great deal in keeping the assembly on time and makes the message delivery very efficient. His signature is the deep booming voice in greeting SJI ‘Good  morning’.

The last address to Johannians as Principal

The most important event that took place under his administration was the reverting of the name SMK St. John to St. John's Institution. The good news was announced by none other than HRH Sultan Nazrin during SJI's Speech Day back in April this year. It was a very historic and proud moment for all Johannians when HRH the Sultan broke the news to the audience. 

Personally, it was a great honour to work with Dr. Puvanendran during his tenure in SJI. Like Mr. Lim Hean Hwa, Dr. Puvanendran is very easy to work with and is ready to listen to opinions before making any decision. However, the one trait I find most unique and commendable of Dr. Puvanendran is his ability to keep his cool despite being faced with issues on multiple fronts. This is a skill not many leaders have, and to be able to be alongside one with such quality is an experience to be cherished.

On behalf of Johannians, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Puvanendran for his dedicated service to SJI all these years. It is our hope that Dr. Puvanendran be blessed with good health and visit us in SJI from time to time.

Dr. Puvanendran cutting the farewell cake. On his immediate left is his spouse, far right of photograph is Pn. Nor Laila Lambak, former Senior Assistant 1

Presentation of the vintage metal chair by Tuan Megat Mizan Nicholas Denney, 

Chairman of the Board of Governors

Thank you very much and all the best in your future endeavours, Dr!

A send-off fit for a king.

Photo credits to Jenko Chugani (except photographs with HRH the Sultan of Perak and the final photograph)

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

Greetings!

Sincerest apologies for the two-month absence of the This Month in History section.

LET US LOOK AT THE EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN THE MONTHS OF SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

September

1946 - The longest serving Director of SJI, Rev. Bro. Cornelius Nulty leaves after a 16-year tenure at the helm of the school. Brother Cornelius materialized the construction of the Hall, an idea first mooted by Rev. Bro. Gilbert. He was also responsible for the construction of the East Wing (now the St. John International School). Brother Cornelius was also successful in keeping SJI running during the Japanese occupation.

1962 - Due to deteriorating health, Rev. Bro. Director Ignatius returns to Ireland. His place was taken by Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally, Sub-Director.

September 16
1960 - The new Primary School building was officially opened by Rev. Bro. Fintan Visitor, Provincial Superior of the La Salle Brothers. SJI Primary was the largest English Primary School in Malaya then. 

Excerpts from the 1960 Term 3 Term Review

September 21

1955 - SJI welcomes Rev. Bro. Lawrence O'Toole, Assistant Superior General of the Christian Brothers.

September 30

1958 - Major A.J.A. Petrus resigns as Officer-in-Command of the SJI Cadet Corps. He is replaced by Captain A.I. Howe.

October

October 7

1968 - The official closing of the St. John's Institution Development Fund by Y. Bhg Tun Dr. Ismail Abdul Rahman.

The programme booklet from 1968

October 8

1954 - His Excellency Sir Donald MacGillivray, the High Commissioner to Malaya visits SJI. He is accompanied by Mr. K.D. Luke, the Selangor Chief Education Officer

From the 1954 Term 3 Term Review

October 19

1960 - The school chapel was officially opened and used.

November

1916 - Rev. Bro. Claude Marie is appointed Director of SJI. He was at the helm of SJI for almost 5 years before his transfer to St. Francis Institution, Malacca.

November 3
1906 - The foundation stone of the Main Block was laid by His Excellency Sir Conway Belfield, Resident Councillor of Selangor.

November 5
1977 - The Scouts Den was officiated by Datuk Hj Mohammed Yaakob, Minister of Public Enteprise

From the 1979 75th Anniversary Souvenir Album

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - AUGUST

EVENTS THAT TOOK PLACE IN SJI IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST:

August 1
1955 - Public performance of SJI Dramatic Society's adaptation of 'Twelfth Night'.

August 2-3
1968 - A Food & Fun Fair was held, aimed to pay off debts incurred during the rapid expansion of SJI over the past 4 years.

 Souvenir booklet for the 1968 Food & Fun Fair

August 5
1953 - The second issue of the Term Review was released.

August 10
1908 - The Main Block was officially opened by the High Commissioner, Sir John Anderson. 

 Taken from the 1954 Golden Jubilee book

August 18
1984 - The 80th Anniversary Dinner at SJI Primary

2009 - The Good Shepherd of SJI, Rev. Bro. Datuk Lawrence Spitzig, passes away at the age of 91 in Assunta Hospital. The wake was held in SJI the next day.

August 19
1972 - The Charity Big Walk was held at the Lake Gardens and was officiated by Tan Sri H.T. Ong, Chairman of the Board of Governors. Johannians managed to exceed the initial estimated target of $25,000 with a final figure of $44,440.94.

August 26-27
1984 - The 'Pesta Karnival Ria' was held as a fund raiser for the School Development Fund. The Carnival was declared open by Datuk Abdullah Badawi, Minister of Education

August 28
1965 - The completed Arts Block (now Form Five block) was blessed by His Excellency Monsignor Dominic Vendargon, Bishop of Kuala Lumpur.

Biography of Rev. Bro. Conleth Henry 

by the late Rev. Bro. Vincent Corkery

Johannians studying in St. John's between the mid-1960's to the 1970's, would be familiar with this name. 

Bro. Conleth was among the several Brothers who were teaching in SJI back then.  

FAREWELL CEREMONY FOR THE PRINCIPAL OF SJI

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2016, A FAREWELL CEREMONY WILL BE HELD FOR

DR. M. PUVANDENDRAN, PRINCIPAL OF ST. JOHN'S INSTITUTION

WHO IS RETIRING BY MANDATORY STATUTE.

STJOHNINSTITUTION.BLOGSPOT.COM TAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS ITS SINCEREST GRATITUDE TO DR. PUVANENDRAN FOR HIS SERVICES TO SJI OVER THE YEARS AS SENIOR ASSISTANT AND PRINCIPAL.

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - JUNE & JULY

Greetings!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the June edition of This Month in History could not be completed within the month of June. 

In this edition, we will explore the events that took place over the months of June and July.

June

1906 - Rev. Bro. Imier of Jesus, Provincial Visitor of the United States visited SJI

June 5
2002 - The last Director of SJI, Rev. Bro. Michael Wong officially retires

June 7
1971 - To emphasize the importance of Bahasa Malaysia, Rev. Bro. Joseph Yeoh announced that Bahasa Malaysia was to be spoken at all times on Fridays except during lessons.

1984 - The Job-A-Long campaign raised RM42,344.67

June 14
1969 - The opening of the play "The Government Inspector" by the Dramatic Society. Bro. Celestine stars in this play.

June 21
2004 - The launching of the "Limited 2D Art Piece" by then Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr. Nazrin Shah

July

July 6
1957 - The Cadet Corps receive their Colours from General Sir Francis Festing, Commander-in-Chief of the Far East Land Forces

July 8
2002 - A new beginning as SJI welcomes its first lay principal, Mr. Peter Yii Sing Chiu

July 9
1955 - After one year since the extension project commenced, the new field was opened with the school Annual Sports.

July 21
1989 - SJI bade farewell to its school bus due to financial constraints

July 28
1960 - Rev. Bro. Vernier Augustus, one of the pioneer Brothers in Malaya, passed away. Bro. Augustus was the architect of the Main Block of SJI. He was also the founder of St. Michael's Institution as well as the architect for the St. Francis Institution chapel.

From the 1960 Term Review Issue 3

July 31
2004 - The centenary Hari Keluarga 

HAPPY TEACHER'S DAY 2016 FROM US AT stjohninstitution.blogspot.com

Ladies and gentlemen,

On Monday, May 16, we will be observing a day in which we express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to a group of amazing people who made most of us who we are.

On this auspicious occasion, we would like to wish all teachers, past and present a Happy Teacher's Day. Thank you for your guidance and support in our quest to success and finding ourselves. May God bless all of you for your noble actions.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

THIS MONTH IN HISTORY - MAY

In this edition, we will look at the events that took place in St. John's during the month of May:

May 1
1956 - Formation of the S.J.M.A.C

May 2
1984 - "The Pledge to St. John's", a song written by Mr. Dennis Doss in conjunction of the 80th anniversary, was introduced to Johannians. 

May 17
1955 - Rev. Bro. D'Joseph, Director since May 1948 was transferred to St. Xavier's Institution, Penang. His successor was Rev. Bro. Tibertius Lawrence Spitzig.

Front Page of 1955 Term Review Term 2

May 20
1964 - HRH The Sultan and Tengku Ampuan of Selangor attended the staging of "Bamboo Princess" at KL Town Hall in conjunction of the Diamond Jubilee year. Also present was Tun Dr. Ismail, Home Minister and Chairman of the Developmnt Committee.

May 23
1964 - HRH The Sultan and and Tengku Ampuan of Selangor attended the Jubilee Sports held at the school field. 

May 24
1954 - The St. John's Dramatic Society presents William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" for seven consecutive nights in the school hall.

Reviews on "Macbeth" from the Term Review

1956 - Visit of Mr. Edward Payne, Director of Education in conjunction of Commonwealth Day.

May 30
1964 - During the Old Boys Dinner, Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally, Director of SJI announced that the Director house will be renamed D'Joseph house in honour of former Director Rev. Bro. Joseph Brophy.

Transcript of Rev. Bro. Joseph McNally's speech during the Old Boys Dinner

THE ORIGIN OF THE SCHOOL MAGAZINE - 1953 TERM REVIEW

In 1953, Rev. Bro. Celestine introduced a tabloid that reports happenings in the school and select works from Johannians. The name of this tabloid - Term Review.

It ran as a series of three papers per annum until 1963 when it was merged into a magazine. The Term Review then became Term Review/Garudamas before it was renamed as Garudamas in 1966.

In case you're wondering, the volume count of the present day Garudamas started when the Term Review became a magazine in 1963.

The Term Review made its debut on April 15, 1953. Today, we proudly present a copy of the Term Review Volume 1 Number 1 for your viewing pleasure.