Speech by Brother Director of SXI, Brother Charles Levin, in conjunction with the handing over of the Grand Piano by Datuk PEPPE FOO at SXI Library. (presented on Tuesday 10 ^th Jul7, 2012)

The 160^th Anniversary celebrations on March 31^st of this year marked a new beginning of theLlasallian presence in Asia. There was and is a new emphasis on what Lassalian education is, its history and its heritage.

When you enter St. Xavier’s Institution from the front side gate, enter the lobby, go past the Heritage Room, walk past the new Lasallian Xaverian Centre, go upstairs and walk along the middle corridor, the “La Salle Mall”, you breathe Lasallian history, heritage and culture. St. Xavier’s Institution will be ever grateful to the Class of ’72, Mr. Tam Tian Jin and Mr. Francis…. For helping me to give concrete form to my concepts and the donors who made financial contributions (various classes) and certainly, last but not least, the class of ’79, which, under the leadership of George Aeria, really made my day.

Today marks another step in the completion of what I call Xaverian tradition and cultural heritage. Here I am not referring to all the icons and artifact we had on display. I am referring to the great tradition of music SXI had, particularly before the opening of Dewan Sri Pinang. We were visited by world class artists and we ourselves produced quality productions. Over the years all that tradition disappeared but today marks a resurgence of that tradition through the good offices of Datuk Foo. He has presented us a beautiful grand piano which you can see here (SXI Library). “A thousand thanks, Datuk Foo”. It will be the centre piece of a sew style programme called “Young Performers Musical Fiesta” where young musicians who have attained a certain standard in light classical music will have the opportunity to show their talents. It must be for free. The programmes will not be for fund-raising, rather for giving talent exposure. The library will have a good sound system for music, television screen at the back of the piano for showing famous orchestral concerts. Parents of students performing will be invited.

I have already mentioned to our Principal, Mr. Loh Kea Yu that we also have to bring back the days of our grand Art Exhibitions, drama society productions and debating skills. SXI has had a rich heritage and history in these areas. It is time we become aware of the fact that we must not allow ourselves to be swallowed up by the plebeian culture of today. Let us get refinement back to our lives. Thanks to all those who are helping me to see my dream come true and no less thanks to Mr. Loh Kea Yu for giving me the free hand in my projects. He knows I will do the right thing.

N.B.  The WebTeam welcomes feedback on any mistakes in the names of the individuals mentioned in this speech.  Thank you ;-)