Bro Celestine Toh, CsSR

In 1965, my parents enrolled me to study at St Stephen's School (SSS). At that time, SSS was the best school and is still currently the best. I would highly recommend parents, to enrol their children there because of the caring values and culture of inculcating respect and responsibility for one another. I remember even at a young age, I was taught by teachers to treat everyone with dignity and respect regardless of faith and religion. Being in a catholic school, there was regular faith formation and special occasions mass celebrated like Founder's day. I am proud to be from SSS and to receive the faith formation by the school to treat all with dignity.

My most memorable memory at SSS would be representing the school in a softball tournament. It was an extreme privilege gearing in a jersey with the school logo representing SSS in a softball tournament. Despite being disappointed that we didn't make it to the finals, I felt encouraged and appreciated by the Principal support in rallying students and teachers to attend our matches.

With no doubt, the teachers at SSS made an impact on my life. Caring teachers like Mrs. Magnus and the late Mr. Fred Patterson are two examples of the many teachers that have touched my life as a student from SSS. I remember those days, Mrs. Magnus was expecting a child. However, she would go out of her way to give us additional classes outside of class hours. Some might remember her for her "strictness" but you can't deny her caring heart in wanting to guide us. On the other hand, Mr. Fred provided us the space to share freely. I was inspired and heartened by his action and authenticity in sharing. I vividly remember instances when my classmates came to school late without breakfast and the teachers would use their own money to ensure that the student have a decent meal at the tuckshop. These are a few examples of how caring the teachers were. It felt like a family where everyone wanted the best for each other. The care and love coming I received at SSS have taught me to go beyond myself even today in my religious life.

My experience at SSS has definitely played a role in shaping the person I am now. The former Principal, Bro. Denis Watt for example created lots of fun and laughter moments that brought everyone together with a sense of belonging. As a religious brother myself, I often meet new people during missions. I made it a point to have an ice breaker to ease the situation of unfamiliarity to bring people closer. As I look back at my formative years at SSS, I am grateful for the school co-curricular that had given me opportunities to excel in my leadership skills and care for others. I wonder what would I be now if I had not met these awesome teachers that had mentored me and my fellow classmates.

Looking back, I am deeply grateful that SSS had transformed me to be a person with confidence, compassion, and courage.

My aspiration for SSS is that the school will continue to focus on the development of their student and staff, to ensure that they create a vibrant culture and person-centred environment. So that everyone that leaves the school will be filled with compassion and a beacon of light to whomever they meet along the way.