Message From Chairperson October 2021
MESSAGE FROM CHAIRPERSON OCTOBER 2021
Message from Chairperson of CHIJ Board of Management
We are grateful for the blessings we have received this year. As we draw a close to the school year in 2021 we use this time to take stock. Here is a message from Ms Vivienne Lim, Chairperson IJ Board of Management. Echoing Ms Lim’s message, we at OLGC will continue to be committed to develop our students holistically
2021 has been a year of challenge, but also a year from which we can draw joy. Covid-19 continues to affect the way we live, work and play. But it has also provided the opportunity for us to show how we rise above such challenges. Nor does it dampen our spirit to honour the legacy of those who came before us to build what we have today. Indeed, more so than ever, in the midst of uncertain times, we look back with greater gratitude for the institutions that have been built for us over the years in the CHIJ schools, through the love and service of our Founder, Blessed Nicolas Barré and the Infant Jesus sisters. It is with thankful hearts that we celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the birth of Blessed Nicolas Barré and 200 years of the Catholic Faith in Singapore.
Blessed Nicolas Barré gave his life to help the disadvantaged, and established the first free schools in France for girls in poverty. Through his wholehearted commitment and trust in God, Blessed Barré inspired many dedicated young women who later became known as the Infant Jesus Sisters, who set up many schools across France and other parts of the world to continue Blessed Barré’s vocation of providing and giving. Today, we remain moved and inspired by Blessed Nicolas Barré’s love for God and by his dedication to the most vulnerable.
From its very inception, Catholic education and service to the community go hand-in-hand and side-by-side. Today, guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel continues to nurture her students so that they may feel the fullness of God’s love, be grateful and are empowered to serve as citizens and leaders of society, especially in serving the disadvantaged. As Archbishop William Goh said in his Prayer for Catholic Schools, Catholic schools understand that our mission is to nurture our students “to their fullest potential, to be the unique individuals that God has created them to be”. In this light, CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel will continue to work hard at forming her students to acquire knowledge and values, as well as use their God-given gifts for the service of humanity.
I would like to thank the school leaders, teachers, parents and alumnae for your love for our girls, so that they may feel the full support of the school community and their families, as they are nurtured to live out the values of Christ, and gain strength through prayers and reflection.
Let us be guided by our IJ motto, “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty”, as we continue to build on the foundations that our Founder Blessed Nicolas Barré and all our forebearers have forged for us.
May God continue to bless CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel, her leaders, staff, students and parents, as always.
Yours in Christ
Ms Vivienne Lim
Chairperson
CHIJ Board of Management