In the spirit of St Patrick’s Day… we’ve never really had a tradition of celebrating St Patrick’s Day, and only in recent years has it emerged locally as a pub celebration more than anything else. These St Patrick’s School badges were unearthed during my brother’s attempt to spring-clean the house.
The badge in the middle was the one used in “my time”, ie the early 90s and I think still in use now. On its right is the badge’s predecessor, sans the enamel coating and the left is an even-rarer St Patrick’s School librarian badge, both circa 1970s. I never was a prefect myself, so I never had a prefect badge with was a classic badge wrapped with a wreath. Yes, it made the badge twice the size (and in my mind, a convenient target, too).
The motto “Potest Qui Vult” roughly translates to “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. Of course, us incorrigible boys would rather adapt it to mean “Protest! Revolt!”. The three-leaf clover at the bottom is a shamrock, alluding to the legend of St Patrick and his use of the Shamrock to teach the doctrine of the triune God. The star at the top is the Signum Fidei, or Star of Faith, an iconograph that is shared among all the Christian Brother Schools in Singapore (and possibly round the world).
Built in Katong in 1933, St Patrick’s School used to be known up to the 70s as the school by the sea – the area of Marine Parade Road being where the shoreline once stood. Sadly, I never got to enjoy the school by the sea, although I’ve lived on reclaimed land all my life. The land on which the school stands on was acquired by the Christian Brothers in 1898, and the Brothers themselves were instrumental in the gathering of the local Catholic community which eventually led to the erection of another local landmark, the Church of the Holy Family.
Of course, despite the name St Patrick’s, you won’t find any revelry on St Patrick’s Day. Founder’s day is observed on April 30, on the feast of St John Baptist De La Salle, the founder of the Christian Brothers’ Community. Still, identification with the Patrician identity is still strong. Terry Foenander, an old boy of the school is seeking to build a register of old boys. If you are, or you know anyone who is, an alumnus of St Patrick’s School, take a look at the Register of Past St Patrick’s School Students.
7 Responses
Yes, the Signum Fidei is used by most CBS schools worldwide. More accurately, De La Salle Brothers schools. Another order goes by ‘Christian Brothers’ and their charism happens to be education too.
St. Anthony’s Boys’ (now Primary) School is an exception. It does not sport the Signum Fidei. The current badge may have been modified to include the Signum Fidei, but I can’t make it out clearly from the website.
Hmmm… I feel a primary school post coming up… =)
Posted on March 19th, 2006 at 1:54 am
I graduated from St. Pat’s in 2003.
You’re right, the badge in the middle is still used today
Posted on May 15th, 2006 at 5:53 am
Well, this comment comes in 7 months after the article is posted; hope its not too late. Happen to chance upon this posting when doing a search because the Patrician Society is organizing a get-together.
In any case, I happen to be in the school from ’80-’83. Prefects were not targeted then, nobody gets too personal about it, its a duty to be done, and everyone appreciates that.
But great to know there is an interest in our school.
Posted on October 25th, 2006 at 2:29 am
st. pats’ never fails to bring back memories esp the love bridge and the sewage tanks
Posted on August 25th, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Can across this article while gather some memories of the old St Pat’s. I was an old school boy back in 1972 to 1975. Lots of good memories. Could not view the picture of the old school badge, could you send it to me please. I need to upload it on my FB St Patrick’s School group. Sadly I lost mine. Thank you.
Posted on March 28th, 2010 at 3:08 am
Guys, As what Nic has said, many of U remenber St Pats for the love bridge and the sewage tanks and many other memnorable events. I remember going to Primary 1 in St Pats as St Stephens was still in the making. Had the chance to Mt up with some of the Younger batches. Alfi, has done a Gd Job putting up the Sight, hope all will contribuate, Cheer.
Posted on March 28th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Dear Patrician Brothers,
Come and join me and the rest of the Patricians in our HomeComing Event on 9th October 2011 at Mel’s Place @ East Cost Road. Join in our Patrician Pride Facebook group.
Cheers
Alphonso
President of Patrician Society
Posted on August 29th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
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