We celebrated the 194th anniversary of our Founding on 22 July 2017. In addition to the traditional ceremony, we hosted a panel discussion on Singapore's future, the Gryphon Recall sports and games reunion, and ARTStage, an arts exhibition. The ceremony was officiated by Director-General of Education Mr Wong Siew Hoong, who was RI's principal from 1999 to 2004.
In the days leading up to the ceremony we launched a social media campaign, #RI05061823, in which students, staff and alumni tagged memorable snapshots of school life. A montage of these photographs was screened as our guests took their seats at the Founder's Day ceremony. Guests then watched From Me to You, a video specially created by a team of teachers and students featuring conversations between 16 Rafflesians of different cohorts.
The school mace and colours were borne into the Albert Hong Hall by Year 6 Student Council President See Chung Yi and Year 4 Head Boy Chew Jay Hong. We then joined Raffles Chorale to sing the Founder’s Day song, Rafflesians Salute Your Alma Mater, which was penned by late former Principal Mr Rudy Mosbergen. The welcome address was delivered by Jay Hong.
PRI Mr Chan Poh Meng presented the Institution Report, an overview of the achievements of Rafflesians over the past year. Mr Wong then addressed the Rafflesian community, encouraging them with contagious enthusiasm to 'go fly kite' — remaining rooted while pursuing their wildest goals.
The awards ceremony commenced after this. Students were given awards from five domains: cognitive, character and leadership, community and citizenship, sports and health, and arts and aesthetics. Some members of the staff received long-service awards for 20 to 30 years of dedication to the school. Ms Alagarsamy Krishnakumari, Dr Ramesh Wijaya and Dr Wong Weng Hoa were given the Friend of RI Award, a token of our deep gratitude for their contributions.
Freda Mah (RI, 2016) and Jared Foong (18S06H) received the prestigious Stamford Raffles Award for their outstanding achievement in co-curricular activities, exemplary character, leadership, and contributions to society.
The Founder’s Day assembly concluded with the Valedictory Address, delivered by See Chung Yi (President of the 36th Students’ Council), and the singing of the Institution Anthem. Guests proceeded to the Atrium for a lunch reception and and to catch up with old friends and acquaintances. They also explored ARTStage, an exhibition that celebrates our school's artistic talents.
After the reception, few Year 5 classes gathered in LT1 for The Next Big Thing and You, a panel discussion with alumni contributors of The Birthday Book--Mr Aaron Maniam, Mr James Chan, Mr Zakir Hussain, Mr Adrian Kuah, Mr Ow Yeong Wai Kit, Ms Phua Mei Pin and Mr Ervin Yeo. They discussed their thoughts, hopes and anxieties about Singapore's future, and answered pertinent questions raised by the students about how our society can balance optimism and fear.
