Saint Gabriel's Secondary School
Encyclopedia
St. Gabriel's Secondary School (referred to as "SGSS" or "St. Gabs") is an all-boys Catholic secondary school
in Serangoon
, Singapore
. The school is affiliated to St. Gabriel's Primary School
and Catholic Junior College
and is one of 7 Gabrielite Schools in Singapore. Classes are offered in the Express, Normal Academic and Normal Technical streams.
In the 2009 National Secondary School Rankings, St. Gabriel's Secondary School was ranked a Band 3 and 8 (Normal and Express respectively). The school was also awarded the Achievement Award for Academic Value-Added in years 2007-2009 and Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Group, Aesthetics and Sports in years 2008-2009.
The school has also met the requirements for the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) for business excellence with effect from 31 January 2008.
The principal of St. Gabriel's Secondary School is Mr Marcel Lee and its vice-principals are Miss Jackie Cheng and Mr Anith Kumar S/O Nadesan.
Brother Louis Gonzaga took over as director in 1955 and Brother Elzear left to take over management of Parish School in Johore Bahru, Malaysia. In 1958, under the supervision of Brother Camillus, the afternoon session began functioning on its own. Brother Raymond was made director. This year also marks the publication of the first St. Gabriel's School Annual (Magazine).
In 1959, the school had its first Secondary Four class, thus attaining the status of a full school. Under the leadership of Brother Adolphus, the class sat for the Overseas School Certificate Examinations (Cambridge) and achieved a high passing rate of 90%.
Brother Emmanuel took over the rein in 1961. Mr Leo Remedios and Mr Paul Lee became first two senior assistants of the school. 1961 also marks the formation of St. Gabriel's Old Boys' Association. Brother Noel became director in 1963.
By 1968, St. Gabriel's School had a total of 47 classes for both the morning and afternoon sessions, with an enrolment of 2000 students. The school was reaching its available capacity. To solve this problem, the primary section of the school was relocated to new building along Highland Road on 2 January 1969 and officially declared open on 12 July 1969, hence the creation of two separate schools, namely St. Gabriel's Primary School
and St. Gabriel's Secondary School.
With the establishment of the Primary School, the Secondary School was reorganised when there was a shift in emphasis towards technical education. Some premises were converted into machine and electrical workshops to cater to the needs of pupils of SGSS and three other neighbouring schools. Brother Emmanuel took over reign again in 1969 following the sudden death of Brother Noel. Leadership was passed on to Brother Edmund James in 1974 and Mr Peter Tan was appointed Senior Assistant of the school.
St. Gabriel's School produced its first President Scholar in 1978 (Dr. Ramani, graduated 1975). The Brothers of St. Gabriel's were at the helm of the school for 30 years (1953–1983) before the leadership was passed on to lay principals in 1984. In line with Ministry of Education's guidelines, the school went single-session in 1986. The school has its second President Scholar, Francis Chong, in 1989. The school has its first and only female principal, Mrs Ng Peng Hock, in 1990.
In May 1992, St. Gabriel's Secondary School shifted to its new (and current) premise at Serangoon Ave 1 and was officially opened in August 1993. At present, the school teaches the default GCE 'O' and 'N' Level syllabus as outline by the Ministry of Education.
A.M. with the lily flower: "A.M." is an abbreviation for “Ave Maria.” It represents the greeting of Angel Gabriel to Mary. It also shows our Patron Saint St. Louis de Monfort's strong devotion to our lady.
D+S with a cross: D.S. comes from the French words "Dieu Seul", which can be translated as "GOD ALONE". God Alone is the all-motivating force in the life of St. Louis Marie de Montfort.
Sailboat at sea: represents the hardships we experience through life. Just like the sailors at sea, if we are able to face hardship and overcome difficulties, we will come out being better people.
Star and the man in the boat: symbolizes the Star of the sea, where seamen navigate to their destination in the vast ocean. If we are focused on the essential values of life, we shall reach our ultimate destiny in life. The Star of the sea shall be the guiding light that lights up the way in our life.
Olive branches: symbolizes peace and prosperity. It is thus the duty of each one to promote peace in the world, a peace that will last. Coupled with peace is that of prosperity which connotes not only the generation of wealth but also the integral development of human society.
Labor Omnia Vincit: which stands for “Labour conquers all things.” Hard work embodied in diligence and perseverance leads one to achieve greater things in life.
Math and Sciences
Languages & Humanities
Others
Note: List above does not take into account the fact that subjects are offered at various levels of difficulty.
(For example: Languages are offered at Levels: Basic, Standard, T Syllabus and Science are offered as pure or combined subjects)
Sports & Games
Uniformed Groups
Performing Arts
Clubs & Societies
, Japan.
(SGPS), giving SGPS students priority for admission. St. Gabriel's is also affiliated to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
and the Monfort Brothers of Christian Instruction of St Gabriel
. Other Gabrielite Schools in Singapore include: Assumption English School
, Montfort Secondary School
, Montfort Junior School and Assumption Pathway School.
Contrary to popular belief, St. Gabriel's is not affiliated with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
or any of its schools. It does maintain friendly relationships with them however.
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Serangoon
Serangoon
Serangoon is town situated in the central part of the city-state of Singapore, within the North-East Region. The Housing and Development Board housing estate of Serangoon New Town in Serangoon is one of the smaller new towns. Its town centre is known as Serangoon Central, and is the target of...
, Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
. The school is affiliated to St. Gabriel's Primary School
St. Gabriel's Primary School
St. Gabriel's Primary School is an all-boys Catholic primary school in Singapore, affiliated to St. Gabriel's Secondary School.-School History :...
and Catholic Junior College
Catholic Junior College
Catholic Junior College is a junior college in Singapore, offering a two-year course for pre-university students leading up to GCE 'A' Level examination. Founded in 1975, CJC was the third junior college established in Singapore...
and is one of 7 Gabrielite Schools in Singapore. Classes are offered in the Express, Normal Academic and Normal Technical streams.
In the 2009 National Secondary School Rankings, St. Gabriel's Secondary School was ranked a Band 3 and 8 (Normal and Express respectively). The school was also awarded the Achievement Award for Academic Value-Added in years 2007-2009 and Sustained Achievement Award for Uniformed Group, Aesthetics and Sports in years 2008-2009.
The school has also met the requirements for the Singapore Quality Class (SQC) for business excellence with effect from 31 January 2008.
The principal of St. Gabriel's Secondary School is Mr Marcel Lee and its vice-principals are Miss Jackie Cheng and Mr Anith Kumar S/O Nadesan.
School history
St Gabriel's School opened its doors on 3 June 1953 (costing $175000 with a government contribution of $71000) and was located at the junction of Hillside Drive and Upper Serangoon Road. Under the supervision of Rev Bro Louis Gonzaga (Founder) and seven pioneer teachers, the school accepted 212 pupils for its first intake, consisting of only five classes: two of Primary 1, one each of Primary 2, Standard 1 and Standard 2. The school was officially declared open on 13 December 1953 by the then Bishop of the Diocese of Singapore and Malacca, Mgr Michael Olcomendy. In 1954, Brother Elzear became the school's first full-time director (Principal).Brother Louis Gonzaga took over as director in 1955 and Brother Elzear left to take over management of Parish School in Johore Bahru, Malaysia. In 1958, under the supervision of Brother Camillus, the afternoon session began functioning on its own. Brother Raymond was made director. This year also marks the publication of the first St. Gabriel's School Annual (Magazine).
In 1959, the school had its first Secondary Four class, thus attaining the status of a full school. Under the leadership of Brother Adolphus, the class sat for the Overseas School Certificate Examinations (Cambridge) and achieved a high passing rate of 90%.
Brother Emmanuel took over the rein in 1961. Mr Leo Remedios and Mr Paul Lee became first two senior assistants of the school. 1961 also marks the formation of St. Gabriel's Old Boys' Association. Brother Noel became director in 1963.
By 1968, St. Gabriel's School had a total of 47 classes for both the morning and afternoon sessions, with an enrolment of 2000 students. The school was reaching its available capacity. To solve this problem, the primary section of the school was relocated to new building along Highland Road on 2 January 1969 and officially declared open on 12 July 1969, hence the creation of two separate schools, namely St. Gabriel's Primary School
St. Gabriel's Primary School
St. Gabriel's Primary School is an all-boys Catholic primary school in Singapore, affiliated to St. Gabriel's Secondary School.-School History :...
and St. Gabriel's Secondary School.
With the establishment of the Primary School, the Secondary School was reorganised when there was a shift in emphasis towards technical education. Some premises were converted into machine and electrical workshops to cater to the needs of pupils of SGSS and three other neighbouring schools. Brother Emmanuel took over reign again in 1969 following the sudden death of Brother Noel. Leadership was passed on to Brother Edmund James in 1974 and Mr Peter Tan was appointed Senior Assistant of the school.
St. Gabriel's School produced its first President Scholar in 1978 (Dr. Ramani, graduated 1975). The Brothers of St. Gabriel's were at the helm of the school for 30 years (1953–1983) before the leadership was passed on to lay principals in 1984. In line with Ministry of Education's guidelines, the school went single-session in 1986. The school has its second President Scholar, Francis Chong, in 1989. The school has its first and only female principal, Mrs Ng Peng Hock, in 1990.
In May 1992, St. Gabriel's Secondary School shifted to its new (and current) premise at Serangoon Ave 1 and was officially opened in August 1993. At present, the school teaches the default GCE 'O' and 'N' Level syllabus as outline by the Ministry of Education.
School Crest & Motto
The School Crest was formally introduced in 2007 to replace the School Badge (1953–2007) and is now used by all Gabrielite Institutions. This is in line with the St. Gabriel's Foundation's aim to forge a common identity for all Gabrielite Institutions in the SE-Asia Region. Components of the School Crest are as follows:A.M. with the lily flower: "A.M." is an abbreviation for “Ave Maria.” It represents the greeting of Angel Gabriel to Mary. It also shows our Patron Saint St. Louis de Monfort's strong devotion to our lady.
D+S with a cross: D.S. comes from the French words "Dieu Seul", which can be translated as "GOD ALONE". God Alone is the all-motivating force in the life of St. Louis Marie de Montfort.
Sailboat at sea: represents the hardships we experience through life. Just like the sailors at sea, if we are able to face hardship and overcome difficulties, we will come out being better people.
Star and the man in the boat: symbolizes the Star of the sea, where seamen navigate to their destination in the vast ocean. If we are focused on the essential values of life, we shall reach our ultimate destiny in life. The Star of the sea shall be the guiding light that lights up the way in our life.
Olive branches: symbolizes peace and prosperity. It is thus the duty of each one to promote peace in the world, a peace that will last. Coupled with peace is that of prosperity which connotes not only the generation of wealth but also the integral development of human society.
Labor Omnia Vincit: which stands for “Labour conquers all things.” Hard work embodied in diligence and perseverance leads one to achieve greater things in life.
Mission, Vision, Values & Song
Mission Shaping Lives for Service to God and Nation I=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=I Vision The Gabrielite... Servant Leader Lifelong Learner Gracious Citizen I=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=I Values Respect Responsibility Care |
School song by Rev. Bro. Louis Gonzaga and improved upon by Rev. Bro. Noel Our School Song In white and blue, boys full of mirth and life From early morn, we flood the green playground In every hall, soon starts the daily strife Of school routine, lessons and work all round With spirits bright, our will we'll gladly bracing From teachers kind we learn what's good and right We thus do hope to attain with God's blessing Virtue and Truth, Virtue and Truth Of life's true beacon light Saint Gabriel's School Dear Here willing hearts behold When duty's call rings clear 'Mid sorrows as through joys For Singapore and God For justice to uphold Let us live and thus prove Saint Gabriel's boys The School Song (MP3 Format) |
Subjects Offered
The following subjects are offered by the school:Math and Sciences
- MATHEMATICS
- ADDITIONAL MATHEMATICS
- BASIC SCIENCE (GENERAL)
- BIOLOGY
- CHEMISTRY
- PHYSICS
- PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING
Languages & Humanities
- ENGLISH LANGUAGE
- ENGLISH LITERATURE
- CHINESE
- MALAY
- TAMIL
- HISTORY
- GEOGRAPHY
- SOCIAL STUDIES
- COMBINED HUMANITIES
Others
- ART
- MUSIC
- CIVICS & MORAL EDUCATION
- DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
- HOME ECONOMICS
- COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Note: List above does not take into account the fact that subjects are offered at various levels of difficulty.
(For example: Languages are offered at Levels: Basic, Standard, T Syllabus and Science are offered as pure or combined subjects)
Co-Curricular Activities
The school offers a range of extra curricular activities:Sports & Games
- BADMINTON
- FLOORBALL
- GOLF
- JUDO
- KARATE
- SHOOTING (AIR RIFLE and PISTOL)
- SOFTBALL
- TABLE TENNIS
Uniformed Groups
- NATIONAL CADET CORPS (AIR)
- NATIONAL CADET CORPS (LAND)
- NATIONAL POLICE CADET CORPS
- RED CROSS YOUTH
- BOYS SCOUTS
Performing Arts
- GUITAR ENSEMBLE
- SYMPHONIC BAND
- VOCAL ENSEMBLE
- AESTHETICS RECREATION CLUB
Clubs & Societies
- ART AND CRAFT CLUB
- INFOCOMM CLUB
- LIBRARY
- TAMIL LANGUAGE DRAMA & DANCE SOCIETY
Exchange Programmes
The school has annual exchange programmes with Kitago Junior High School in Miyazaki Miyazaki PrefectureMiyazaki Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu. The capital is the city of Miyazaki.- History :Historically, after the Meiji Restoration, Hyūga Province was renamed Miyazaki Prefecture....
, Japan.
Affiliation
The school is affiliated with St. Gabriel's Primary SchoolSt. Gabriel's Primary School
St. Gabriel's Primary School is an all-boys Catholic primary school in Singapore, affiliated to St. Gabriel's Secondary School.-School History :...
(SGPS), giving SGPS students priority for admission. St. Gabriel's is also affiliated to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore
The Archdiocese of Singapore is an exempt archdiocese of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church. Its territory includes all of Singapore. Its current archbishop is the Most Reverend Monsignor Nicholas Chia Yeck Joo, D.D., S.T.L....
and the Monfort Brothers of Christian Instruction of St Gabriel
Brothers of Christian Instruction of St Gabriel
The Brothers of Christian Instruction of St Gabriel, otherwise Gabrielite Brothers or FSG, is a secular Catholic order. Its roots go back to Saint Louis de Montfort, who opened a few schools for poor children in La Rochelle, France, in about 1711....
. Other Gabrielite Schools in Singapore include: Assumption English School
Assumption English School
Assumption English School is a coeducational Catholic school in Singapore located at 622 Upper Bukit Timah Road which was established in 1953 by Brother Vincent....
, Montfort Secondary School
Montfort Secondary School
Montfort Secondary School is a Catholic school in Singapore, founded in 1916. Originally named Holy Innocents' English School, it was renamed to its current one in 1959 in honour of the Founder of the Gabrielite Brothers, St Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort...
, Montfort Junior School and Assumption Pathway School.
Contrary to popular belief, St. Gabriel's is not affiliated with the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools
The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools is a Roman Catholic religious teaching congregation, founded in France by Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle and now based in Rome...
or any of its schools. It does maintain friendly relationships with them however.
Past Principals
- Brother Louis Gonzaga (1953–1954) (Founder)
- Rev. Brother Elzear (1954–1957) (First full-time Director)
- Brother Louis Gonzaga (1957–1958)
- Brother Raymond (1958–1959)
- Brother Adolphus (1959–1961)
- Brother Emmanuel (1961–1963)
- Brother Noel (1963–1969)
- Brother Emmanuel (1969–1974)
- Brother Edmund James (1974–1983)
- Mr John Teo (1984)
- Mr Harold Mathieu (1985–1986)
- Mr Andrew Ng (1987–1989)
- Mrs Ng Peng Hock (1990–1996)
- Mr Winston Hodge (1997–1998)
- Mr Adolphus Tan (1999–2004)
- Mr Marcel Lee (2005–Present)
Library
The library, named The Zone, is equipped with CD-Roms, DVDs, VCDs, CDs and internet-enabled computers. The library organises events such as the Inter-Class Debate Competition (2008, 2009), Photography Competition (2007), Jamming Competition (2007), and the Book Cover Design Competition (2006). The Zone's motto is "Partner in Education".Notable alumni
- Benedict Goh - MediaCorp artiste
- Pierre PngPierre PngPierre Png is a Peranakan Chinese Singaporean MediaCorp television and film actor and comedian who works on both Channel 5 and Channel 8 . He is best known for his role as Phua Chu-Beng in Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd and as Mo Yangyang in Holland V...
- MediaCorp artiste - Indra Sahdan DaudIndra Sahdan DaudIndra Sahdan bin Daud is a professional footballer who is currently playing for SAFFC as a striker.-Club career:...
- Footballer - Hariss HarunHariss HarunHariss Harun is a Singaporean footballer and plays S.League team, Young Lions as a central midfielder. He is S.League's and also the national team's youngest ever player, playing at the age of 16.-Football career:...
- Footballer