CJC Celebrates with the Class of 2023

CJC Celebrates with the Class of 2023

Catholic Junior College takes great pride in celebrating the academic achievements of the Class of 2023 at the recent GCE A-Level examinations. With good distinction rates across subjects and strong value-added performance, our students’ academic results are a testament to their determination and dedication to their academic pursuits. The Class of 2023 is well positioned to qualify for reputable local and overseas institutes of higher learning and to realise their dreams and aspirations.

Mrs Woo Soo Min, the Principal of CJC, extends her heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023. “Our class of 2023 has achieved very good results, which bear testimony to their hard work, grit, and commitment, as well as the support and help from their teachers. As a cohort whose educational experience had been affected by the uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, CJCians have emerged stronger in character and with clarity of purpose. Formed as Thinkers with a Mission, Leaders with a Heart, they are well placed to venture out to pursue their passion in the next chapter of their lives, be it in higher education or in discerning their vocation. Congratulations to all!”

Lauding the Class of 2023, Mr Tan Jek Suan, Vice-Principal (Student Development) added, “The future holds many exciting possibilities for you. I encourage you to cherish all that you have learned, to be passionate in all that you do, and to continue making meaningful connections with all whom you meet. I am confident that you will continue to shine brightly and serve as an inspiration to future CJCians. Not only have you done well, you have also contributed to the legacy of the CJC community.”

The Year Head of the 2023 JC2 cohort, Mr Mark Li, also sends his well wishes to the Class of 2023. “Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your academic pursuit! Today marks yet another start towards the next lap of your journey of chasing your dreams. Remember your personal mission and where your passion drives you towards, and also be cognisant of the community around you. Remember that the true calling of a CJCian is to make a difference in the lives of others around us. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!”

As we celebrate the success of the Class of 2023, the College would like to thank our dedicated teachers, administrative staff, parents, the School Management Committee (SMC), and alumni for their steadfast support. Together, we are a community that values holistic development, nurturing and fostering generations of thinkers and leaders.

The College proudly recognises and celebrates the outstanding achievements of the following CJCians who exemplify the qualities of a Thinker with a Mission and Leader with a Heart. May God bless the Class of 2023 with grace and wisdom as they take flight and soar.

In Veritate et Caritate.

Tan Wan Fei

Wan Fei is an exemplary individual who demonstrates self-discipline and resilience. Wan Fei overcame many personal obstacles throughout her journey to achieving academic success at the A-Level examinations. She has a medical condition which impedes her mobility; however, she remained steadfast in her commitment to academic excellence, making her an inspiration to her peers and tutors. Wan Fei possesses maturity of thought, criticality and a keen sensitivity to language — dispositions that stood her in good stead as a student in the arts faculty. 

Beyond her academic commitments, Wan Fei was actively involved in the Nexus Investment and Entrepreneurship Society, her co-curricular activity (CCA). Her participation in this CCA provided her with a platform to express her passion for financial literacy, business, and entrepreneurship. Despite not holding an official leadership role, Wan Fei made significant contributions to various college events. Wan Fei took an active role in events like the CCA Open House and CCA Bazaar, which enabled her to hone her communication skills and master the art of effective pitching. Stepping out of her comfort zone, she assumed the role of a facilitator during the CJC Nexus Experience Day. In addition, participating in CCA-related competitions, including the CJC Nexus FinLit Week in 2023, offered Wan Fei insights into leadership responsibilities. She coordinated logistics, motivated team members, and ensured project deadlines were met.

Tay Hui Xin Sharon

Sharon demonstrated strong leadership abilities throughout her college journey. As the House Captain of Joseph House, she guided and mentored a team of sports leaders under her charge. Kind and nurturing, Sharon was an exemplary role model to her peers who often looked to her for advice. She played a pivotal role in planning significant college events such as Open House, Cross Country and the Sports and Aesthetics Carnival. Sharon honed her leadership skills through her participation in the 2022 JC1 Leadership Training Camp and JC1 Leaders' Dialogue. As a testament to her capable leadership, she was selected as one of the few JC2 facilitators at the Leadership Training Camp in 2023 where she imparted her wisdom to her juniors. Sharon’s time as a House Captain helped her develop confidence, resilience and empathy.

Despite being involved in multiple leadership commitments, Sharon was active in the Choir, her co-curricular activity (CCA). As a former member of her primary school and secondary school choirs, Sharon joined CJC's Choir with a strong foundation. She took on the role of Section Leader, effectively guiding and leading members of her choir section. However, the transition proved to be a new challenge as the Choir CCA was notably smaller in size compared to the choirs she used to be involved in. This shift necessitated a heightened level of accountability for each member which was stressful at times, but also rewarding and character defining. Sharon motivated her fellow choir members, and they worked together to achieve a Certificate of Distinction for the college at the Singapore Youth Festival Arts Presentation 2023.

Wong Jian Cheng, Herman

Herman is a keen and intellectually curious learner. During his time in Catholic Junior College, Herman demonstrated excellence in his academic endeavours. He set high standards for himself, and worked relentlessly towards achieving them. Herman was generous with sharing his knowledge with his peers; for example, Herman took up the role of a StellarNova mentor which involved guiding a peer in one of his strongest subjects, Geography. Herman also went the extra mile to pursue learning beyond the prescribed A-Level curriculum: He participated in the 34th Chemistry Olympiad, and was also a participant in the Economics and General Paper Stretch Programme organised by the College where he learnt about sustainability and development in Singapore. 

As the Vice President of Publicity for his co-curricular activity (CCA), the Nexus Entrepreneurship and Investment Society, Herman demonstrated resourcefulness, dedication and servant leadership. He led a team responsible for managing Nexus’ publicity efforts which include running an Instagram account and promoting events organised by Nexus. He collaborated effectively with his peers to plan and facilitate schoolwide events such as BizWeek; in addition, he also took up the challenge of being a presenter during those events to educate his schoolmates on financial literacy. 

Odelia Lim Wanjing

Odelia’s remarkable work ethic and resilience made her an exceptional student. Odelia was highly invested in her studies; she often went the extra mile to clarify her doubts with her subject tutors, and also put in consistent effort to revise for her academic subjects. During her time in CJC, Odelia was given the opportunity to participate in the Academic Immersion Programme with Tran Phu High School from Vietnam. As part of this programme, Odelia took on the responsibility of planning and teaching lessons to CJC students about the similarities and differences between Vietnam’s and Singapore's green plans. Odelia's academic achievements and active engagement in cross-cultural learning exemplify her dedication to personal growth and academic exploration.

As a Student Councillor in the Catholic Activities Wing, Odelia was driven by a strong desire to serve God, and to serve her peers; she truly embodied what it means to be a “leader with a heart.” Odelia, along with her peers in the Catholic Activities Wing, helped strengthen the College’s Catholic ethos; for example, she was involved in planning the College’s Easter Celebration event—a role she performed with great aplomb. She was also involved in weekly Friday masses and Lenten Evening. Her faith kept her afloat in trying times; it is truly a testament to both her tenacity as well as her exceptional leadership qualities that she was offered the CJC Flame Scholarship. 

Kieran Chang

Kieran is a mature and diligent individual who shows genuine curiosity about the world around him. He attained numerous academic achievements during his time in CJC, and this can be attributed to his dedication, consistency and thirst for knowledge. Kieran was recognised as the Top Arts Student  when he was a JC1 student and was on the Principal's Honour Roll for multiple assessments. He topped his cohort for H2 Economics, H2 Geography and H1 History in these assessments. To extend his learning beyond the classroom, Kieran offered Geopolitics: Geographies of War and Peace at the H3 level. 

Beyond his many academic achievements, Kieran actively pursued opportunities to develop his interests and serve the community. He put his love for making meaningful connections to good use as an Orientation Group Leader (OGL) for the 2023 JC1 Orientation and invested much effort into making his incoming juniors feel welcome in the college. In addition to being an OGL, Kieran was also chosen to be a faction head which required him to take charge of the coordination of his fellow OGLs. 

Koh Bevan

Bevan is an independent and self-directed learner who demonstrates drive and purpose. As a student, he read extensively to broaden his intellectual horizons. He used his knowledge meaningfully to enrich class discussions, mentor his classmates and to buttress his arguments in essays. Due to his admirable work ethic, Bevan was able to keep up with the rigorous demands of the A-Level curriculum. Bevan also pursued opportunities to extend his learning beyond the classroom. He was a participant in the Junior College Law Programme (JCLP) where he learned about the complexities of the legal profession. 

As a student in the Ignite programme, Bevan embarked on a service learning project with his classmates to promote the importance of cultivating and consuming locally grown vegetables as a sustainable food source. Bevan demonstrated exemplary work ethic during this project: he oversaw the planning and the setting up of an exhibition in school. Bevan and his classmates hoped to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability, and to inspire his schoolmates to make choices that benefit the environment. 

Bevan was selected from his English Language and Linguistics (ELL) class to be a moderator at the CJC-NJC (National Junior College) ELL Symposium which was graced by esteemed academics and guests from the National University of Singapore and other schools. Bevan worked hard to prepare for this rare opportunity to facilitate the discussions between the speakers and the audience. Quick-witted and adaptable, he was able to think on his feet and improvise solutions to technical difficulties when they arose. 

Yang Liquan Adam

Adam was a participant in the Ignite programme, the college's interdisciplinary stretch programme for academically talented students. A dedicated and passionate learner, he constantly sought opportunities to broaden his understanding of global issues, and sharpen his critical thinking skills. For example, he participated actively in events such as the annual Ignite conference, the National Education Symposium, and the History Pre-University Seminar. He also participated in CJC’s Model United Nations Conference where he was conferred the Outstanding Delegate award. 

Adam was a recipient of the college's prestigious Flame Scholarship that recognised his leadership capabilities and outstanding contributions to his Co-Curricular Activity (CCA), Strategy Games Club. He was elected the President of the Strategy Games Club due to his passion for mentoring and nurturing others. During moments of disagreement among the executive committee, Adam showed maturity in mediating these situations, further strengthening his leadership skills. He instilled confidence in his team members by encouraging them whenever they encountered obstacles, and was an ever-present source of help to them. In 2022, Adam represented the college at Hwa Chong Institution's Bridge Cup.

Deirdre Phua Yi Ting

Deirdre's empathy for others served her well in her role as the Home Tutorial Councillor (HTC) of her class. A natural leader who exudes warmth and sincerity, Deirdre was well-liked by her classmates. 

Always attracted to the power and beauty of the Arts, Deirdre joined Drama as her Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) in college. While learning new skills as a fledgling thespian was challenging, she made the most of her time in the CCA by absorbing important lessons from her instructor and peers. Deirdre worked effectively with her peers to put up an engaging performance at the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation 2022 where they attained a Certificate of Distinction. 

As an English Literature and English Language and Linguistics (ELL) student, Deirdre derived great joy from learning about the intricacies and mechanics of the English language. She participated in the Creative Arts Program, the English Language and Linguistics Symposium, Litera and the Literature Stretch Programme; Deirdre was also selected to attend the Singapore Perspectives Conference and was attached to the National Council of Social Services for an internship which was a requirement of the English Language Elective Scholarship (ELES) that Deirdre was a recipient of. 

Siti Sarah Binte Muhammad Burhan

Diligent and conscientious, Sarah set high standards for herself, and worked tirelessly towards achieving them. She listened attentively during lessons, applied feedback thoughtfully, and offered intelligent ideas during class discussions. 

As the Vice-President of the Student Council and Head of the Community Involvement Wing, Sarah demonstrated a strong sense of duty, and commendable leadership skills. She was involved in the planning and execution of important school events such as Open House, CCA Bazaar and Leaders’ Dialogue. Sarah was also involved in many other school and student welfare activities including Mental Wellness Week and the Orientation Programme for JC1 students. She led the Student Council in advocating for student needs, and working towards a better learning environment for the students in the College. Throughout her leadership journey, Sarah honed her organisational skills and problem-solving capabilities, and emerged a more well-rounded and poised individual.

Hayden Lee

During his time in Catholic Junior College, Hayden took on several leadership roles. He was the Sports Leader for his class—a role which required him to plan multiple school events as well as Physical Education sessions. He worked with his fellow Sports Leaders to facilitate the 2023 Sports and Aesthetics Carnival, the 2023 Cross Country, as well as the 2022 Post-Promotional Examination Activities. 

Hayden was also the Vice-Captain of his co-curricular activity (CCA), Football. He demonstrated strong leadership abilities through his active involvement in training sessions. He led warm-up exercises, planned logistics, and assisted his teachers-in-charge with key administrative duties to ensure the smooth running of the CCA. An inspiring leader, he organised early morning runs for his CCA members to improve their stamina. Throughout his stint as a CCA leader, Hayden has developed a strong, personal voice which he will continue to use to inspire others.  

Jacholas Gay

Known for his critical thinking skills and diligence, Jacholas consistently achieved commendable results, showcasing strong motivation and drive that made him a role model for his peers. His intellectual acuity is complemented by his deep curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Jacholas also served as the General Paper Subject Representative for his class, and with his unwavering work ethic, he earned the trust and respect of both his teachers and classmates. 

Beyond the classroom, Jacholas participated actively in his co-curricular activity (CCA), the Strategy Games Club where he honed his strategic thinking skills and his ability to work collaboratively with his peers. Jacholas' dedication to making a positive impact on those around him extends beyond the boundaries of the classroom: He participated in a Service Learning Project in collaboration with CodeSpark, where he worked with young children to teach them the basics of coding, reflecting a desire to make a difference in the larger community. 

Ong Zhi Rong

Although Zhi Rong already demonstrated an aptitude for mathematics and the sciences from the start of his journey in CJC, he continued to pursue opportunities to extend his learning beyond the classroom. He participated in various competitions such as the Australia Mathematics Competition in 2022 and the Singapore Mathematics Olympiad 2023 where he attained an Honourable Mention. 

Zhi Rong grew as an individual and a leader throughout his time in the Film, Sound, and Video Society. As the Vice-President, he not only honed his photography and videography skills, but also developed the ability to cooperate with various stakeholders during school events. Despite the pressures he faced as a CCA leader, Zhi Rong remained steadfast and unwavering in his commitment to excelling in his duties. 

Branson Yong

Branson's academic interests lay in the sciences, with Chemistry being his favourite subject. He would raise insightful questions and ideas during lessons, demonstrating his strong analytical and critical thinking skills. Determined and motivated, Branson worked independently and relentlessly to achieve his academic targets. 

Branson achieved a balanced and active life in College: He was not only invested in his studies, but was also devoted to managing his responsibilities as the Vice-President of his co-curricular activity (CCA), Symphonic Band. Passionate about music and keen to make a difference to the CCA, Branson was unstinting in his efforts to ensure that CCA sessions ran efficiently. Besides turning up for all his practice sessions punctually, he worked closely with the CCA teachers, band conductors as well as the rest of the Executive Committee members to plan events, uphold high standards of discipline and look after his bandmates' well-being. He took ownership of his leadership role and personally mentored juniors to set realistic and achievable goals for themselves. Besides performing at college events such as CJ Celebrates, Branson also put in long hours of practice, together with his bandmates, to prepare for the Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) Arts Presentation in 2023.

Aqil Aufa Bin Muhammad Taufik

Aqil demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead and inspire his peers as the President of the Student Council. His tenure was marked by a strong desire to serve others and to improve the college’s environment. He spearheaded various school events, fostered unity among his fellow peers in the Student Council, and led by example — all while managing his heavy academic workload. Aqil attained the CJC Flame Scholarship in 2022 in recognition of his exceptional leadership skills. Although Aqil was highly accomplished and respected as a student leader, he remained humble and receptive to constructive advice. 

One of the highlights of his leadership journey was being selected to participate in the Halogen Elements Mentoring Programme where he received guidance on how to make the most of his future career and was taught to empower young people like himself to reach their potential. Due to his eloquence and poise, Aqil was selected to be a moderator for a school dialogue session with Dr Maliki Osman where he further honed his communication skills. 

Isabel Desiree Sivanesan

A civic-minded and compassionate individual, Isabel was an active member of the Interact Club. As the Vice-President of the CCA, a role which she performed competently, Isabel planned numerous service learning projects with a view towards benefitting the less fortunate. Isabel and her peers worked closely with Beyond Social Services, an organisation aimed at helping children from lower-income families enhance their literacy skills. Through engaging and guided reading sessions, Isabel added value to the lives of the children she worked with. 

Isabel also demonstrated her unwavering commitment to community service by participating in the Interact Club's Cambodia Overseas Service-Learning Project (OSLP). The aim of this project was to make an impact on the lives of Cambodian girls by teaching them basic computer skills. As part of the project, the team also donated several laptops to the Cambodian students. Isabel’s exemplary work ethic shone through her involvement in this project: She went the extra mile to take lessons in basic Khmer before teaching her own CCA members; this was to ensure that they were able to have a basic conversation with the Cambodian girls. Isabel also devoted her time and efforts to a service learning project in collaboration with the Bone Marrow Donor Programme. Isabel designed an awareness campaign to educate her peers about the challenges faced by patients who need bone marrow transplants. 

Lauren Hannah Augustin

As a member of CJC’s Ignite Programme, designed for critical thinkers and future-oriented leaders, Lauren demonstrated effective communication, adaptability, and tenacity, positioning her as a promising individual ready to make a meaningful difference in her future endeavours. Her perseverance and strong work ethic were evident in her research into food security in Singapore as part of her class’ Local Service Learning Project. Through this project, Lauren gained a deeper understanding of the various food sources available locally, including artificial options such as lab-grown meat.

Lauren also successfully navigated the challenges and rigours of competitive sport, adeptly managing her time between her academic and co-curricular commitments. An active member of Floorball, Lauren played a vital role in contributing to her team's remarkable fourth position in the National School Games 2023 ‘A’ Division. 

Tran Trung Kien

Kien distinguished himself as an exemplary student in CJC, showcasing exceptional discipline and leadership in his role as an administrator for the Student Council. Spearheading the organisation of various school events, including the annual Rockafella and J1 Orientation Week, he exhibited effective communication and organisational skills. His contributions not only left a lasting impact on the school community, but also reinforced his belief in the power of collaboration for collective growth.

With a commitment to excellence and a remarkable work ethic, Kien was not only able to manage his academic commitments; he also made time for meaningful service learning initiatives. He actively contributed to a Local Service Learning Project, Project Food Fighters, aimed at promoting awareness of food sustainability and social responsibility. He worked with his peers to plant crops within the school compound and created a digital platform to disseminate information and educate peers about urban farming. 

Nguyen Thai Binh

Binh is a highly motivated and independent learner who demonstrated exceptional academic abilities during his two years in the College. His commitment to excellence was evident through his consistent placements on the Principal’s Honour Roll for various JC1 and JC2 examinations. He was also presented with the Academic Award for Excellence in H2 Chemistry for his performance in the 2022 JC1 Promotional Examination. 

Binh not only excelled in his studies; he also actively contributed to his class as the Treasurer and Secretary, as well as the Subject Representative for Chemistry. He was also one of the facilitators at the Physics booth during the CJC Open House in 2023. Binh’s leadership skills and ability to work in dynamic environments were most apparent in his role as the Assistant Vice-President of People Development in the CJC Nexus Investment and Entrepreneurship Society. Organising finance-related events and lessons allowed Binh to contribute to the holistic development of his peers, collaborate with others, and learn how to be appreciative of those who work behind the scenes.

Ever willing to learn, Binh demonstrated a growth mindset and a commitment to personal development by participating in programmes such as the Temasek Foundation-National University of Singapore Youth Environment Camp 2022 and competitions such as the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad and the Singapore Physics Olympiad. He also represented the school in the International Mathematical Modelling Challenge (Singapore) 2023 where he and his team members derived a deterministic model as a decision metric to make the best use of a land parcel, achieving a Distinction for their solution paper. 

Genevieve Joelle Pang Shan-Wei

A recipient of various prestigious scholarships, including the Ministry of Education English Language Elective Scholarship and the CJC Archbishop’s Scholarship, Genevieve demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence. Her drive to succeed saw her consistently rank among the top performers in the school, earning her a place on the Principal’s Honour Roll for the JC2 Preliminary Examination; Genevieve was also chosen as the 2023 Valedictorian of the science faculty.

Genevieve enjoyed learning beyond the school curriculum, participating in the 3D Printing in Space Workshop and securing Second Place in the 3D Printing Challenge during the CJC Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Fest in 2022. A confident communicator, Genevieve also played a key role in introducing the newly launched CJC Create Space to Ministry of Education personnel. Additionally, she engaged with public leaders during events such as the National Education Symposium 2022 and Singapore Perspectives 2023, demonstrating a keen interest in national and global issues. 

As the Head of Department of the Catholic Activities Wing in the CJC Student Council, Genevieve was able to contribute to the school community in a meaningful way. She planned and executed events that brought students of the Catholic faith together. She took this role seriously, and made the most of it to strengthen the faith of her Catholic peers. 

Sammi Goh Wan Yee

As the President of the CJC STE2M Club, Sammi was a capable leader who demonstrated an undeniable love for the sciences. As the head of her CCA, Sammi was able to inspire and motivate her peers. She spearheaded student-initiated activities such as 3D printing during CCA sessions, and successfully organised college-wide events such as the STEMazing Virtual Race, CJC STEM Fest 2023, and CJC Open House 2023.

Sammi’s work ethic and dedication to her academic pursuits saw her consistently place on the Principal’s Honour Roll for both the JC1 and JC2 examinations. For her outstanding academic results in the 2022 JC1 Promotional Examination, she was presented with the 2022 JC1 Best Academic Performance Award (Science). Having a strong interest in the environment and sustainability, Sammi participated in the CJC-Nara Senior High School Exchange Programme 2022 and the Temasek Foundation-National University of Singapore Youth Environment Camp 2022. She also took part in the 35th Singapore Physics Olympiad 2022, the Singapore Physics League 2022 and the Green Wave Environmental Care Competition 2022. In addition, Sammi was selected to give an introduction of the newly launched CJC Conceptualise Space to key personnel from the Ministry of Education.

An accomplished student, Sammi is a dynamic individual who is motivated to make a positive impact on the environment. While working on her various projects, she has not only deepened her understanding of the global complexities of environmental issues, but also strengthened her problem-solving skills. 

Khanatip Chok-Oon-Kit

Khanatip is an inquisitive and keen learner who  did consistently well in College examinations. He was on the Principal’s Honour Roll for the JC1 Mid-Year Examination and the JC1 Promotional Examination in 2022. Furthermore, he was willing to immerse himself deeply in his academic subjects, as evident from his participation in the Singapore Physics League 2022, the Singapore Junior Chemistry Olympiad 2022 and the Singapore Mathematical Olympiad 2022 where he obtained an Honourable Mention.

Khanatip was willing to explore topics beyond the College curriculum and challenge himself to apply his knowledge in competitions. He participated in the STEMazing Virtual Race with his classmates during the CJC Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fest in 2023 where he worked collaboratively with his team members to solve science and mathematics related puzzles for which they achieved the second team placing. He also represented the College in the Cyberthon 2023 where he developed crucial skills related to Information and Communication Technology and his team emerged as one of the top ten finalists. Furthermore, he was one of the contributors to the commentaries published in the newly launched CJC e-newsletter, The Economics Kaleidoscope, in 2023. 

Khanatip also proved himself to be an excellent leader as the President of the Co-Curricular Activity (CCA), the CJC Nexus Investment and Entrepreneurship Society. A caring and nurturing leader, he tapped on the strengths of his CCA members to plan and execute several events successfully. He also represented the College in several competitions such as the Young Founders Summit 2022 where his team obtained the top ten placing.

The college congratulates the following students on their commendable performance at the 2023 GCE A-Level examinations.

Representing the Arts faculty, we have:

Representing the Science faculty, we have:

Our Student Leaders who have done well:

Our Archbishop, ELL and Flame Scholars who have done well: