The De La Salle Brothers

Our Lasallian Heritage

The legacy of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, also known as the De La Salle Brothers, is woven into the very fabric of SJI International. Since their arrival in Singapore in 1852 to establish St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) their vision of education - rooted in faith, service and community - continues to shape who we are today.

The order was founded in 1680 by a French priest, St. John Baptist de La Salle. It was created in response to a simple but powerful belief: that every young person deserves access to a meaningful education, regardless of background or circumstance.

Deeply moved by the plight of poor children, who were often left to fend for themselves, De La Salle recognised that without a proper education, they risked being lost to their faith and to society. This inspired him to devote his life to a unique mission: creating a community of dedicated teachers to serve and educate young people, especially those in poverty. He brought these men together to form the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools.

They chose the name "Brothers" to reflect their commitment to one another and, most importantly, their role as older brothers to the students they taught.

A Vocation, Not Just a Job

St. John Baptist de La Salle was a true innovator. He developed pioneering teacher training programmes and new teaching methods, long before these were common practice. He believed that teaching was not merely a job but a vocation - a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the children entrusted to their care. This mission remains at the heart of our work at SJI International today.

He also championed the idea of universal education. In his schools, every child, regardless of their family's wealth, was to receive the same high-quality education and compassionate care. This founding principle of inclusivity continues to shape our approach today.

Today, the Lasallian network spans more than 80 countries, with approximately 2,700 De La Salle Brothers and over 100,000 educators and staff serving more than one million students worldwide. They work across a wide range of educational settings, including universities, special education centres, and schools like ours. We are proud to be part of this global Lasallian family.

Learn more about the Lasallian mission.

Principles of Lasallian Education

At SJI International, we provide a Catholic education guided by the Lasallian vision and mission. Our approach is grounded in shared values, which are reflected in all aspects of school life.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is purposefully designed to be values led, inclusive, flexible, and relevant. We emphasise excellence across all areas, with the aim of preparing students to become responsible and engaged citizens.

It is shaped to reflect the needs and cultural context of our school community, ensuring that learning is both meaningful and appropriate. We are committed to supporting every student.

Our Teachers

We recognise that teachers play a central role in each student's learning experience. Our faculty's teaching practices are centred on:

• Prioritising student learning
• Clear and effective communication
• Mutual respect
• Expert subject knowledge and sound teaching principles
• Setting high expectations for every student
• Encouraging and recognising progress
• Valuing each student and acting as positive role models