Staff Day 2024 

“Staff day is a day to celebrate our heroes in VJC”. This quote by Faith Tan (24S54) accurately encapsulates VJ’s 2024 staff day celebrations which sought to celebrate our unsung heroes- our teaching and non-teaching staff! Time and time again, our teachers have traded their leisure time to assist students, offering extra lessons and consultation sessions. Our non-teaching staff also put in their all into ensuring a safe and conducive environment for Victorians. From our principal to our security guards, it is their relentless efforts that has allowed Victoria Junior College to be a second home to many of its students. 

In order to express gratitude on behalf of the school, the staff day planning committee had a wonderful event line-up planned.

Nothing conveys the message of love and gratitude quite like food does. The first of many treats the staff enjoyed was the wonderful spread of food from food booths set up in the concourse on 20th August. Planned and hosted by VJ’s Parents Support Group, our staff relished the snacks and drinks served. 

Most of the celebrations took place on 22 August, with the no-lessons mandate a treat for students as well as teachers. The day started off with the presentation of scrapbooks to teachers filled with heartfelt messages and words of thanks.

With the first half of the day allocated for class bonding, different classes chose to spend their allocated times differently, with some classes choosing to take part in funny TikTok trends and others, activities like Kahoot quizzes or Karaoke. 

Classes engaging in various fringe activities. Photos taken by Yeow Kai Sing (24s39) and Darion Tan Rui Yu(24A14) from VJC Photography Society.

Students and staff alike scrambled to complete the bingo cards, with students in a frenzy to collect as many house points as possible ! 

Then came the dynamic celebrations everyone had been eagerly awaiting - the concert segment ! This year’s theme, The Incredibles, perfectly captured the essence of our staff—true heroes without capes. Emcees Faith Tan(24S54) and Aashitha Abraham (24S54) lead the segment, guiding us through the different events. 

After a heartwarming video that featured thankful Victorians expressing their gratefulness to our staff, we were launched into the game show segment. 

A mixture of teaching and non-teaching staff were invited up on the stage to participate in the mystery box challenge. They were tasked with naming all items in the mystery box, solely by feeling them! Though challenging, everyone was able to name the majority of the items in the mystery boxes. Mr Seet sent Victorians into fits of laughter with his random emotes. 

Teachers participating in the ‘Mystery Box’ game. Photos taken by Yeow Kai Sing (24S39) and Darion Tan Rui Yu(24A14) from VJC Photography Society.

During the school-wide kahoot quiz, the hall was a chorus of ‘awww’s and ‘ahhh’s as students tried their best to identify teachers from their baby pictures. 

The last leg of the celebrations was a golden opportunity for Victorians to showcase their talent as well as appreciation through performances. The concert segment lineup featured the VJ-Novas, solo singer Haasini Priya(24S45) and the Fluteloops followed by performances from Gaby, Min, Yee Herng as well as Contraband.

Concert segment line-up. Photos taken by Tan Yuan Bin Clarence (24S45), Yeow Kai Sing (24S39) and Darion Tan Rui Yu(24A14) from VJC Photography Society.

Each performance left the audience in awe and energized the atmosphere. Haasini Priya , the solo-singer who enchanted everyone with her rendition of Adele’s ‘Rolling In the Deep’, said that she had wanted to contribute to the positive energy and spirit of Staff Day. “The song’s powerful message of strength and resilience resonates with the dedication and commitment of our staff members. The intensity and emotion in the song mirror the passion that everyone brings to their work,” Haasini noted. 

The staff day ad hoc had sought to make staff feel appreciated and planned the celebrations to assure them that their efforts in running this school has not gone unnoticed and that the Victorian community is grateful for the hard work and effort they put in everyday.  And the celebrations did just that. They highlighted the vital role our staff play in making VJC a lively and welcoming environment. Ms Daphne Lim remarked that the celebrations left her feeling appreciated, namely the notes from students and the hall segment. Faced with many challenges and a tight schedule, the planning committee was doubtful of whether everything would go according to plan. However, the reactions and comments from staff and students made them realize that they did a brilliant job and they felt rewarded having helped create a memorable experience for Victorians and staff.

Victorians enjoying Contraband’s performance. Photographed by Yeow Kai Sing (24s39) from VJC Photography Society.

Through their care, diligence and dedication, our staff have left an indelible mark on this school, shaping its future with their unwavering commitment. Here's to the quiet strength behind our success, the people who make it all possible - our staff.

On stage staff photo at the end of celebrations. Photographed by Yeow Kai Sing (24S39) from VJC Photography Society.