Nandini, since 2011, how has SJI International's culture evolved, and what core aspects have remained the same?

SJI International's culture has evolved essentially based on its rich Lasallian Catholic Heritage, which balances with the needs of a diverse and growing student body. The enduring values of Faith, Service, Community, Respect and Excellence remain central and are continually shaped by:

• Lasallian Leadership and Mission — The school's leadership team ensures that Lasallian values guide its decision-making while adapting to contemporary educational challenges.
• Diversity of staff and Students — The community fosters inclusivity with its diverse cultures, faiths, and backgrounds while consistently reinforcing its core identity through school-wide events and discussions.
• Experiential Learning and Service — The rich curriculum, along with its variety of extracurricular and co-curricular activities, is instrumental in nurturing well-rounded individuals who embody the school's mission of "Enabling students, within a Lasallian community, to learn how to learn and to learn how to live, empowering them to become people of integrity and people for others."
• Global and Societal Influences — The school has embraced the evolving global perspectives, sustainability, the integration of technology into teaching and learning, and social responsibility into its ethos.

Which key SJI International values remain central, and how do they continue to shape students today?

When I joined the school in 2011, the values of Faith, Service, and Community were central. In 2025, Respect and Excellence are also integral to our school values. We continue to mould students by guiding their personal growth, academic success, and societal contributions.

• Faith encourages students to seek a deeper meaning in their lives by developing a strong moral compass and remaining resilient in facing challenges. It fosters hope, compassion, and a sense of purpose.
• Service instils a commitment to helping others and making a positive impact through service projects and volunteering programmes. It helps them develop empathy and realise the importance of giving back to society. I had a former tutee who visited Mindful Farms in Chiang Mai as a volunteer for her Challenge Week project for IB’s CAS programme, and she came back as such a changed person. She told me she realised how blessed and grateful she was for whatever she has in life and not to take all of these gifts for granted. Currently, I am a teacher supervisor for a group of students who support the Cahaya Surya Bakti, an organisation based in Johor Bahru committed to providing quality education to a diverse population of refugees, and they are carrying out such excellent work through their fundraising and advocacy projects. Accompanying some students of the Atollo Project, another service group, to Tan Tock Seng Hospital every Wednesday after school and watching them engage with the elderly patients in rehab through conversations, board games, and sports is also a very fulfilling experience. The passion and commitment of the students involved in the many service projects is unmatched!
• Community emphasises the value of collaboration, teamwork, inclusivity, and a strong sense of belonging, which is the essence of being a Lasallian.
• Respect encourages students to treat each other kindly, listen with empathy and appreciate diversity. It fosters a positive learning environment where everyone feels valued.
• Excellence is about achievement, growth, perseverance, and lifelong learning. It motivates students to strive for their best academically, in extracurriculars, in behaviour, and more.

Looking back on your time at SJI International, what are some of your most cherished moments, and what made them so special?

"You can perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to your care" St John Baptiste De La Salle. I'm unsure if I can say this, but sometimes, they ring true when cherished moments come in small, unexpected ways and leave a lasting impact. These special moments come unexpectedly in the form of, let's say, a WhatsApp message early in the morning that goes, "Hi Ms Ghosh, taking my first Biology class in cognitive neuroscience college and thought of you," or an email which goes, "Ms Ghosh, I got a 7 in Biology. Thank you for the 2 years and for always believing in me and helping me achieve this. Miss you already."

For the last 14 years, every Teacher's Day has been special in many ways. The PSG goes out of its way with grand-themed celebrations with extravagant lucky draws and gifts; the students pour out their gratitude and love with little home-baked goods, gifts and cards. A student said, "Sorry, Ms Ghosh, I couldn't buy you a gift, but here's a little note I wrote for you." These little gestures of thank yous for inspiring them, helping them through a tough time or just making learning more enjoyable speak volumes of the little difference teachers like me make in their lives, and it's moments that I cherish the most.

Others that pop up in my mind are the annual Biology trip to Tioman Islands in the past and now to Batam/ Sedili every year, watching their excitement as they explore ecosystems first-hand, witnessing their curiosity spark during a field study, or just sharing a little joke or exchanging notes on how things were at the end of a long day outdoors.

I also cherish having made the most of opportunities provided to perform with students at various assemblies - be it the skit for the CNY assemblies, Bollywood dancing for the Deepawali, or the end-of-year assemblies, where sharing a feeling of nervous excitement or the shared sense of accomplishment after a well-received performance is a beautiful feeling.

Some unplanned meaningful conversations in class about life, including likes, dislikes, and dreams, making me realise that I've made a real connection, are so special. So is witnessing a once-struggling student finally grasp a difficult concept, step out of their comfort zone, or gain confidence in their abilities.

Biology is a content-heavy subject, so visual clues like mind maps, flow charts, and diagrams were integral parts of almost every lesson. I was touched when the Class of 2024 asked me to sign on their shirts with a diagram. 

Along with my role as an educator, I have also been an SJI International parent in parallel. I have watched my son grow from a shy little teenager in Grade 7 into a caring and responsible young individual who graduated with the Class of 2020 with flying colours. It was also the year COVID struck, and the cohort had to go through periods of uncertainty on whether the exams would happen, along with masks, online lessons, circuit breaker periods, a ban on excursions, etc. Watching him stay resilient and focused, celebrating his little successes along the way and occasionally feeling heartbroken, silently watching him fight his little battles, also holds a special place in my many memories at SJI International.
 

How has student curiosity about the natural world evolved, and how do you nurture that curiosity?

Student curiosity about the natural world has evolved with greater access to technology, the dawn of AI and its applications in almost every aspect of our lives, increased environmental awareness and changing approaches to education. Students today have instant access to information at the click of a button, so their direct engagement with nature may be less frequent due to urbanisation and digital distractions.

However, the severity of climate change that we are currently witnessing, sustainability issues, and a couple of scientific breakthroughs - fluid batteries that can take any shape and revolutionise the integration of power sources into future technologies or a novel method to detect the presence of nanoplastics in body fluids - has sparked a renewed interest in Biology and the environmental sciences.

Their Biology teacher tries to nurture this by encouraging hands-on experiments in the lab and beyond, trips to the DNA Lab at the Science centre, and the week-long Biology/ESS trips to Malaysia, which provide them with opportunities to engage directly with nature rather than just reading or studying.

Strive to make science relevant by connecting Biology to real-world issues like conservation, climate change or medical advancements. We have had fascinating discussions on the captive breeding of pandas Jia and Kai Kai at the SG Zoo to maintain sustainable populations of giant pandas under human care and the triumphant return of the panda cub Le Le to China. The IB syllabus has also undergone a recent overhaul, and the introduction of Viruses and their life cycles is very relevant post-COVID. Also, gene editing technology like CRISPR and its use to treat diseases like Sickle Cell Anaemia - a blood disorder, Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis - a genetic eye disorder and even some cancers have sparked their curiosity and have led to some interesting debates surrounding their ethics.

The list of effects of microplastics on the Laysan albatross population, food security, the need for sustainable farming practices, and vertical farming is endless. Documentaries, podcasts, interactive simulations, and real-world case studies can make an ordinary Biology lesson come to life.

In a nutshell, encouraging students to observe, ask questions, investigate and appreciate the beauty of the natural world in everyday life fosters more profound curiosity and problem-solving skills. Also, leading by example, sharing my passion and enthusiasm for the subject, and sharing my personal experiences as a student and beyond ignite their curiosity and inspire them.
 

What role can alumni play in mentoring and supporting future SJI International graduates?

Alumni can play a crucial role in mentoring and supporting future SJI International graduates by actively engaging with current students, sharing their experiences and offering guidance to shape and support the next generation of graduates. Key ways in which they can contribute are:

1. Alumni can also serve as mentors, offering advice on University applications and career pathways and navigating different industries, giving them valuable real-world insights. 
2. They can also help our students gain practical experience by connecting them to professional networks and potential internship opportunities.

By staying engaged with the school and mentoring their juniors, sharing their success stories, stories of their resilience, and the hardships they have faced, they inspire students and reinforce the values of Faith, Service, Community, Respect, and Excellence. They can also support the school and its mission through volunteer programmes, fundraising, and service learning projects.

Alumni play a crucial role in shaping future SJI International graduates. They can mentor current students by sharing their experiences, offering guidance on university and career pathways, and connecting them to professional networks and internship opportunities. By actively engaging and sharing their stories of success and resilience, alumni inspire students and reinforce the school's values of Faith, Service, Community, Respect, and Excellence. They can also support the school's mission through volunteer programs, fundraising, and service-learning projects.

What advice do you have for students preparing for life after SJI International, especially those pursuing STEM careers?

As STEM fields rapidly evolve, developing and embracing a lifelong learning mindset is the key. Stay curious, and read the latest journals. Upskill and keep up with the technological advancements in your field of interest. Look for various internship opportunities, research projects, hackathons, lab opportunities and summer projects just for participation and experience. It is not about winning all the time. Hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by engaging in projects that challenge you to think critically and find innovative solutions. Working on collaborative skills and effectively communicating complex ideas is just as important as technical expertise - practice explaining scientific concepts to a sibling or friend. Being open to interdisciplinary learning is the key to pushing you to explore beyond your primary subject: Bioinformatics, sustainable engineering, AI in healthcare and the like. STEM careers demand you to remain persistent, learn from setups and adapt to challenges, as failure is a part of the learning process. Considering its broader impact on society, it’s also essential to use your skills to ponder on the ethics of navigating through a STEM career.

Building strong connections and networking with professors, professionals, and alumni in your field is crucial. This is where alumni can help/guide you along the way.

Having spent over a decade at SJI International, how has your personal growth been shaped by your experiences here, and what key lessons have you learned? 

Having spent over a decade at SJI International, my personal growth has been shaped by my countless experiences within and beyond the classroom. The privilege of witnessing the full spectrum of student life - the triumphs, the setbacks, and the quiet, steady moments in between- is unmatched, and being a part of those journeys has been humbling. It's in the little things: the awe in a younger student's eyes when they think you know everything Biology and beyond, or a parent saying a quiet "thank you" for the support and having made a difference in their child's life.

Also, former students drop by during their National Service or university break. They come back taller, more confident, and beaming with stories and experiences. When they take the time to share their journeys with me, it's both humbling and heartwarming - and a reminder that the connections we build in the classroom do last.

These moments have taught me patience, empathy, and perspective. Balancing work with home and family life has grounded me further, reminding me that growth isn't always loud or fast - it's steady and intentional. One of my most important lessons is that success is deeply personal and doesn't have to be titled or climbing a ladder. For me, success is loving my work, having the flexibility to be present in my personal and professional life, and creating a space where students feel safe to learn, grow, and become the best versions of themselves.

There is immense joy in seeing them step into the world as confident, grounded young men and women. That's the real reward - knowing I've had a small part to play in their journey. That fills me with pride - the kind of success I hold close.