In a simple ground breaking ceremony held on Jan 10th, Bishop John Chew dedicated to the glory of God the physical start to the construction of St Andrew's Village.
Conducted at the site of St Andrew's Junior School (which has been vacated to facilitate the Village's construction), the three St Andrew's schools, Ascension Kindergarten, the Diocese of Singapore and representatives of the three churches that will eventually make up the St Andrew's Village community, came together to praise God and dedicate the site in His service.
Led by Bishop, the ceremony saw the 300 strong audience made up of students, staff and alumni of the 3 St Andrew's schools, as well as invited guests from the Ministry of Education and other institutions, enjoy performances by the St Andrew's School combined Concert Band and the St Andrew's School choir. A special rendition of "The Holy City" by Mr. Geoffrey Abisheganaden was a fitting herald to the "city" that will rise on site in 3 years. The message clearly received during the ceremony, which was emceed by former St Andrew's student Kenneth
Liang, was for all to remember that "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain who build it."
That the coming together of the St Andrew's schools is an eagerly awaited milestone in St Andrew's history was clearly reflected by the strong presence of so many alumni. Saints past and present who had gathered together, drawn by their belief in the unique opportunity the Village presents as a beacon to the community.
The ceremony, though short, was meaningful and as Bishop dedicated the Village, the principals of the 3 St Andrew's schools and Ascension Kindergarten, Canon James Wong, MOE representative Andrew Lai as well as Mr. Seah Mong
Hwee, a venerable old boy, took turns to turn the soil.
Construction of the Village will be carried out in phases with the Village completed by the end of 2005 and becoming fully operational by 2006. On site will be the three St Andrew's schools as well as Ascension Kindergarten, the offices of the Diocese of Singapore as well as Chapel of the Resurrection, Chapel of the Holy Spirit and Church of Ascension.
Fundraising for the project is a pressing priority for the schools and churches and it is estimated that the Village requires them to raise a sum of nearly $10 million dollars. While much of cost for the schools will be borne by the Ministry of Education, there is an urgent need for the schools and churches to devote time and effort to raise the extra that is needed to for the top-notch facilities such as an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cultural
centre, indoor basketball court, indoor gymnasium and Centre for Excellence for Design and Technology. In addition, education programmes maximizing the potential of the Saints are being drawn up as the Village provides a unique educational opportunity.
Kalyani Kausikan
Kalyani Kausikan is a teacher in St Andrew's Junior College.
Funds to be raised: $10 million
If you want to contribute towards the St Andrew's Village, please call 64743248
ext 11 or 62723055 for more information.
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