Dear faithful readers,
Please note that this blog posting has been discontinued due to unforseen circumstances. Attached are some link that I hope will keep you connected with the history and heritage of our Montfort Schools in Singapore.
Montfort Missions in the World - http://www.stgabrielinst.org/en/intheworld-en.htm
Brothers of St. Gabriel's in Singapore: An Oral History - http://gabrielitebrothers.blogspot.sg/
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Festive roar !
Montfortians eager to welcome the Lunar Year of the Tiger, had worked hard to put up a commendable performance on the 12th of February 2010. The Wushu tigers purred and roared into the lives of the Montfortian audience, who received enthusiastically, the performance that was put up by the prancing Montfortian Tigers.
Following next, The CLDDS performers made an entrance to the stage on stilts! It was an eye-catching Cowboy-themed Western dance that was put up to the catchy and popular Jay Chou song. It garnered quite a number of singers from amongst the audience. Jay Chou would have been pleased!
The importance of Reunion Dinners was transmitted to the young audience in a play put up by the ELDDS members. The character of Spicy Grandma enacted skilfully by Kenny Yaw of 4E4, conveyed the message that despite the generation gap, Chinese New Year is a significant cultural event.
A scintillating performance by Montfort's own magician, Anthony Tan of 4E2 had everyone spellbound for that 10 minutes. His bag of tricks included colourful hankerchiefs, and hot strings.
To add a multicultural flavour to the days event, TLDDS took the stage by storm with a Bollywood-inspired energetic dance. Singer Sai from Secondary 2AA gave a melodious rendition of a popular Tamil song, and despite many Montfortians not being able to understand the language, they enjoyed the song.
The event was a success. Students returned to their classes, and lessons resumed.
Following next, The CLDDS performers made an entrance to the stage on stilts! It was an eye-catching Cowboy-themed Western dance that was put up to the catchy and popular Jay Chou song. It garnered quite a number of singers from amongst the audience. Jay Chou would have been pleased!
The importance of Reunion Dinners was transmitted to the young audience in a play put up by the ELDDS members. The character of Spicy Grandma enacted skilfully by Kenny Yaw of 4E4, conveyed the message that despite the generation gap, Chinese New Year is a significant cultural event.
A scintillating performance by Montfort's own magician, Anthony Tan of 4E2 had everyone spellbound for that 10 minutes. His bag of tricks included colourful hankerchiefs, and hot strings.
To add a multicultural flavour to the days event, TLDDS took the stage by storm with a Bollywood-inspired energetic dance. Singer Sai from Secondary 2AA gave a melodious rendition of a popular Tamil song, and despite many Montfortians not being able to understand the language, they enjoyed the song.
The event was a success. Students returned to their classes, and lessons resumed.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Move - The Hot And The Not
Montfort has moved! 4th of January saw Montfortians making their presence felt in the new surroundings of Serangoon North Avenue 1 . Thrilled and excited at the newness of things and the abundance of space , the gentlemen embarked on a voyage of discovery . With sprawling basketball courts amongst the leafy environment , the Montfortians felt they were more in a 'resort' than in a school .
However , reality hit upon entering the rather small and 'basic' classrooms. Definitely the students felt a sense of loss especially at the absence of air conditioning and spaciousness of the classrooms of Montfort @ Hougang . But knowing that two years would eventually pass would help get us through this temporary deprivation of comfort . Persevering Montfortian decided to rise to the occasion and to enjoy also the present location and the perks of space and the green world around them . Onwards we go!
However , reality hit upon entering the rather small and 'basic' classrooms. Definitely the students felt a sense of loss especially at the absence of air conditioning and spaciousness of the classrooms of Montfort @ Hougang . But knowing that two years would eventually pass would help get us through this temporary deprivation of comfort . Persevering Montfortian decided to rise to the occasion and to enjoy also the present location and the perks of space and the green world around them . Onwards we go!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Sec 1 Orientation 2010
It's very nature is hard to describe.
But as the fire died down, I realized Zenith 2010 (Sec 1 Orientation) was very much about 4 words; "a man for others".
The simplicity of our school vision amazes me, in a way that so much can be achieved when one is "a man for others". More than anything, these 4 words encompass how everyone should be.
Firstly, the Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) and councillors gave up so much time for the secondary 1 students. To ensure that the students were safe, healthy and happy; to ensure the programme was successful. At the end of the day, they were more tired most can imagine. But they did not sleep, they practiced campfire songs and a special dance, all for others.
This dance was choreographed in less than 2 hours, and the OGLs learned it in less than half an hour, in the middle of the night. Absolutely incredible.
Secondly, the teachers spent days and nights perfecting the camp. When the time finally came, they worked even harder to make sure things ran smoothly. How they had the energy to cheer at the top of their lungs during the campfire is a wonder. Not to mention them coming up to dance for and with us. Teachers are special people; it's probably the most 'giving' occupation; and all our teachers are certainly great examples of that.
Thirdly, the old boys who came back to help and support us. Without them, there wouldn't be that much joy and encouragement than there was. And for making that choice to come back even though some are years from their Secondary School days, we are indebted to them for helping carry on the Montfortian traditions.
Many things happened during camp; games, preparation, campfire. Many feelings were felt; some happy, stressed, sad, tired. And there's a lot to learn from it, to improve and work on. If everyone took back something in common, it would be about being there for others.
We learned, taught and loved.
Camp was a show. A show of true Montfortian love.
That's the simplest way I can put it, because it's very nature is hard to describe.
- Brian Josef Theng
But as the fire died down, I realized Zenith 2010 (Sec 1 Orientation) was very much about 4 words; "a man for others".
The simplicity of our school vision amazes me, in a way that so much can be achieved when one is "a man for others". More than anything, these 4 words encompass how everyone should be.
Firstly, the Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) and councillors gave up so much time for the secondary 1 students. To ensure that the students were safe, healthy and happy; to ensure the programme was successful. At the end of the day, they were more tired most can imagine. But they did not sleep, they practiced campfire songs and a special dance, all for others.
This dance was choreographed in less than 2 hours, and the OGLs learned it in less than half an hour, in the middle of the night. Absolutely incredible.
Secondly, the teachers spent days and nights perfecting the camp. When the time finally came, they worked even harder to make sure things ran smoothly. How they had the energy to cheer at the top of their lungs during the campfire is a wonder. Not to mention them coming up to dance for and with us. Teachers are special people; it's probably the most 'giving' occupation; and all our teachers are certainly great examples of that.
Thirdly, the old boys who came back to help and support us. Without them, there wouldn't be that much joy and encouragement than there was. And for making that choice to come back even though some are years from their Secondary School days, we are indebted to them for helping carry on the Montfortian traditions.
Many things happened during camp; games, preparation, campfire. Many feelings were felt; some happy, stressed, sad, tired. And there's a lot to learn from it, to improve and work on. If everyone took back something in common, it would be about being there for others.
We learned, taught and loved.
Camp was a show. A show of true Montfortian love.
That's the simplest way I can put it, because it's very nature is hard to describe.
- Brian Josef Theng
Thursday, December 31, 2009
From Montfort boys to men
Front row, from left) Archbishop Nicholas Chia with Gabrielite Brother Emmanuel and Father Patrick Goh (extreme right) together with old boys and Montfort Secondary Principal Andrew Tan (back row, extreme left). Photo by Dareen Boon
ALSO TURNING 50 was Montfort Secondary School. The anniversary was commemorated with a dinner for 500 alumni and their families at the school premises in Hougang on Nov 21.
Its roots, however, actually go further back. In 1916, it was founded as Holy Innocents’ English School, at Upper Serangoon Road, by Father Henri Duvelle, then-parish priest of Church of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
After the Gabrielite Brothers took over in 1936, the school was renamed in 1959 in memory of their founder, St. Louis Marie Grignon de Montfort.
Father Patrick Goh, who graduated in 1960, said the school, together with the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary next door, provided him with a strong religious formation with students gathering for the Sunday children’s Masses and regular confession on the first Fridays
Students and teachers had a close relationship, he said. Father Goh remembers how he and his classmates used to make fun of a Science teacher – Brother Thomas – for the way he spoke English with his native Spanish accent. But jokes aside, he was “a dedicated teacher”.
“I’m very happy that Montfort has continued to contribute to the education of young people to become useful people in society, and not forgetting many of them have become priests,” Father Goh said.
Other old boys contribute to Montfort by returning to the school.Seah Kok Woei, 30, has been teaching physics and computer applications at Montfort for four-and-a-half years now, after requesting the Ministry of Education for a posting to his alma mater. He said that values such as self-discipline, humility, teamwork and resilience were not taught through textbooks, but from involvement in co-curricular activities and school events.
“These values have put me in good stead in my years after graduating from Montfort to junior college and all the way to the present moment,” said Mr Seah, who hopes to pass on these values to his students.
He also sees no difference between the school back then and now, except for the school building and some staff. “The school has always maintained the same vision and mission that the Founder set out to achieve – helping the poor – and therefore, the doors of Montfort are always open to students who seek to be a better individual through a Montfortian Education,” said Mr Seah.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
21 Nov - Farewell by Old Boys
The Montfort Alumni held a dinner at the Montfort School Hall on 21 Nov. It bids a fond farewell to our Hougang Ave 8 Site for 2009. The evening was graced with the attendance of His Grace, Archibishop Nicholas Chia, Bro Emmanuel, Andrew Tan, the architect of the school and many old boys (and girls), as well as teachers who came. It was an evening of great revelry. Mr Peter Chua, George Ong & Fauzi and a host of others provided songs that entertained the evening.
More pictures are available at:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkweesonglim%2Fsets%2F72157622728154183%2F&h=19e7b427cacce1c5ae19413a2fa9b21e
More pictures are available at:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fkweesonglim%2Fsets%2F72157622728154183%2F&h=19e7b427cacce1c5ae19413a2fa9b21e
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Valedictorian Speech - School Graduation Ceremony
There was fantastic speech given by our valedictorian from 4E1, Daniel Lee and this is a tribute to it:
"It has been four years, and for some of us, five since we first entered this school. Many, many things have happened since then, as we learned how to be gentlemen, scholars, sportsmen, leaders and most importantly a Man for others.
In these past years, Montfort Secondary School has created many opportunities for us to learn these outside of the classroom. One such example would be the trip we made to Perak, Malaysia last year. In learning the history and geography of the state, we were scholars. Trekking and white-water rafting gave us opportunities to be sportsmen and making our way through the challenging caves helped us develop leadership qualities. In our interaction with the locals and tribesmen, we learnt to be the perfect and chivalrous Montfortian gentlemen.
However, all these experiences would not have been made possible without the help of our dedicated teachers and unceasing efforts to guide us through the labyrinth of our journey through school. Not only did they guide us through our lessons but they also put up with our eccentricities, our teenage pranks and of course our endless complaints. Despite their heavy schedules, they made the time to help us. At this juncture, on behalf of all the Montfortian gentlemen present here, I would like to thank all the Form teachers and our Subject teachers for their care, guidance and given to us and not forgetting their infinite patience and tolerance.
What does the future hold for each on of us after we leave Montfort? Is there a future minister among us today, or a billionaire entrepreneur or perhaps another Archbishop? I stand here today full of dreams and hopes that mine will be a bright and fulfilling one. While I cannot see what lies ahead, I am confident that Montfort has prepared us well for the challenges that we will face in our future. Long after we have forgotten differentiation in A Maths, we will be able to differentiate between good and evil, wisdom and folly. And these are what will stand us in good stead when life becomes too complicated or too weary, so that we may constantly strive to be a Man for others.
But now let me turn back to where we are now and what we can do here and now. My fellow Montofrtians , let us use these coming national exams, whether they be our O level or N level exams, as a way to for us to show our gratitude and appreciation to our teachers. Let us show our teachers that all their teaching and our efforts will not go to waste; let us put in that last burst of strength and conquer the exams, so that we can be proud of ourselves, knowing that we have done our best.
Age quod aqis. Thank you."
"It has been four years, and for some of us, five since we first entered this school. Many, many things have happened since then, as we learned how to be gentlemen, scholars, sportsmen, leaders and most importantly a Man for others.
In these past years, Montfort Secondary School has created many opportunities for us to learn these outside of the classroom. One such example would be the trip we made to Perak, Malaysia last year. In learning the history and geography of the state, we were scholars. Trekking and white-water rafting gave us opportunities to be sportsmen and making our way through the challenging caves helped us develop leadership qualities. In our interaction with the locals and tribesmen, we learnt to be the perfect and chivalrous Montfortian gentlemen.
However, all these experiences would not have been made possible without the help of our dedicated teachers and unceasing efforts to guide us through the labyrinth of our journey through school. Not only did they guide us through our lessons but they also put up with our eccentricities, our teenage pranks and of course our endless complaints. Despite their heavy schedules, they made the time to help us. At this juncture, on behalf of all the Montfortian gentlemen present here, I would like to thank all the Form teachers and our Subject teachers for their care, guidance and given to us and not forgetting their infinite patience and tolerance.
What does the future hold for each on of us after we leave Montfort? Is there a future minister among us today, or a billionaire entrepreneur or perhaps another Archbishop? I stand here today full of dreams and hopes that mine will be a bright and fulfilling one. While I cannot see what lies ahead, I am confident that Montfort has prepared us well for the challenges that we will face in our future. Long after we have forgotten differentiation in A Maths, we will be able to differentiate between good and evil, wisdom and folly. And these are what will stand us in good stead when life becomes too complicated or too weary, so that we may constantly strive to be a Man for others.
But now let me turn back to where we are now and what we can do here and now. My fellow Montofrtians , let us use these coming national exams, whether they be our O level or N level exams, as a way to for us to show our gratitude and appreciation to our teachers. Let us show our teachers that all their teaching and our efforts will not go to waste; let us put in that last burst of strength and conquer the exams, so that we can be proud of ourselves, knowing that we have done our best.
Age quod aqis. Thank you."
Friday, August 21, 2009
Montfort Plate Champs 2009
The Montfort Rugby C Div team emerged as Plate Champions in the National Schools C Division Championshiop after beating Greenridge Secondary 26-22 in a hard-fought final played on Friday 21 August at Saint Andrew's Secondary.
Both teams played a pulsating match that saw both teams giving their best performance for this season.
Both teams scored four tries each but it was the deadly goal-kicking of Montfort Captain Mohd Shamir that sealed the match for Montfort.
Montfort converted three of the four tries whilst Greenridge was only able to convert one of their tries.
Both sides showed great spirit.
For Montfort, the front row of Matthew Ho, Alvin Yap and Lewis Syn dominated their opponents with deadly scrummaging.
The second-row partnership of Kenny Lee and Azhar gave the much-needed push in the scrum's engine room.
The loose forward trio of Kang Dong Wan, Chinnakrit and Eugene Sito were at the breakdown almost instantenously.
The backline was well-marshalled by Captain Mohd Shamir who linked up well with our Kiwi scrum-half Harry Stokes who gave it his all despite the sweltering heat and suffocating humidity.
Centres Kirish and Ivan were devastating in the line-breaks and defensive tackling duties whilst Dominic Daniel was his usual calm self in the full-back slot .. cooly cleaning up high balls.
Wingers Musli and Randell were equally tenacious in the tackle counts.
Above all the match today was a great advert for rugby. The Montfort boys consoled their beaten compatriots from Greenridge at the end of the final whistle by referee Mr Mohd Azhar Yusof.
In the end, the real winner of today's Final was rugby as both sets of players set aside their rivalry and shared a combined team group picture after the match. They truly deserved the applause from the spectators, made up of parents, old boys and school senior management, who thronged Saint Andrew's.
Scorers:
Tries: Mohd Shamir (2), Kenny Lee, Kang Dong Wan
Conversions: Mohd Shamir (3)
Montfort Rugby Lions vs Greenridge
Props: Matthew Ho and Alvin Yap
Hooker: Lewis Syn
Locks: Kenny Lee and Azhar
Flankers: Eugene Sito and Chinakrit
No 8: Kang Dong Wan
Scrum Half: Harry Stokes
Fly-Half: Mohd Shamir (C)
Centres: Kirish Deepan and Ivan Lim
Wingers: Musli and Randell Toh
Full-Back: Dominic Daniel
Subs (Used): Syahiran
http://montfort-rugby.blogspot.com/
Both teams played a pulsating match that saw both teams giving their best performance for this season.
Both teams scored four tries each but it was the deadly goal-kicking of Montfort Captain Mohd Shamir that sealed the match for Montfort.
Montfort converted three of the four tries whilst Greenridge was only able to convert one of their tries.
Both sides showed great spirit.
For Montfort, the front row of Matthew Ho, Alvin Yap and Lewis Syn dominated their opponents with deadly scrummaging.
The second-row partnership of Kenny Lee and Azhar gave the much-needed push in the scrum's engine room.
The loose forward trio of Kang Dong Wan, Chinnakrit and Eugene Sito were at the breakdown almost instantenously.
The backline was well-marshalled by Captain Mohd Shamir who linked up well with our Kiwi scrum-half Harry Stokes who gave it his all despite the sweltering heat and suffocating humidity.
Centres Kirish and Ivan were devastating in the line-breaks and defensive tackling duties whilst Dominic Daniel was his usual calm self in the full-back slot .. cooly cleaning up high balls.
Wingers Musli and Randell were equally tenacious in the tackle counts.
Above all the match today was a great advert for rugby. The Montfort boys consoled their beaten compatriots from Greenridge at the end of the final whistle by referee Mr Mohd Azhar Yusof.
In the end, the real winner of today's Final was rugby as both sets of players set aside their rivalry and shared a combined team group picture after the match. They truly deserved the applause from the spectators, made up of parents, old boys and school senior management, who thronged Saint Andrew's.
Scorers:
Tries: Mohd Shamir (2), Kenny Lee, Kang Dong Wan
Conversions: Mohd Shamir (3)
Montfort Rugby Lions vs Greenridge
Props: Matthew Ho and Alvin Yap
Hooker: Lewis Syn
Locks: Kenny Lee and Azhar
Flankers: Eugene Sito and Chinakrit
No 8: Kang Dong Wan
Scrum Half: Harry Stokes
Fly-Half: Mohd Shamir (C)
Centres: Kirish Deepan and Ivan Lim
Wingers: Musli and Randell Toh
Full-Back: Dominic Daniel
Subs (Used): Syahiran
http://montfort-rugby.blogspot.com/
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