John Singh, A Lasallian commitment of Fifty Years

The rush and demands of modern teaching life doesn’t fit easily with the long haul for many mature educators. This last year John Singh completed a diamond fifty years of teaching, much of it at De La Salle Mangere, New Zealand.  He has, as St. Paul says, “run the race” from his arrival in New Zealand as an immigrant in the 1970’s.

John was conferred with the Institute’s “benefaction”, an honour recognizing  one’s generous commitment over time, beyond career.

Of Indian extraction, his great-grandparents came to Fiji in the 1880’s. Growing up playing soccer and listening to music, John went to primary and secondary school with the Marist Brothers. He found, he says, that family and the Brothers were great role models – with “their dedication, faith and humility.” Becoming a teacher in a Marist school in Suva gave him financial stability for his family’s move to New Zealand Aotearoa.

John’s keen mind drew him towards mathematics and engineering, so a Maths /Physics position at De La Salle College Mangere fitted him well.

Teaching, a subtle blend of specialized knowledge, and talents of enthusiasm and building relationships, has been for John a profession – “an incredible journey,” beginning in those days with blackboards, chalk dust and textbooks as standard fare. Keeping students motivated, says John, was dependent on one’s developed knowledge and creativity.

“I have watched countless students grow and develop into successful adults embracing the Lasallian values.”  His impact with the largely Pacifica student population at Mangere De La Salle has been expanded through student retreats and school holiday computer programs.

John readily recognises the popular aspirations of a Catholic Lasallian school under the banner of faith, community, and service values. Other hallmarks, as in most schools today are “focusing on high- quality education and the development of the whole person, and building relationships and sense of belonging among students, teachers, parents, former students and the wider community.”

Asked about the specific Lasallian ethos of Mangere, John points to quality education empowering students spiritually, academically, culturally, and socially. In a strong working-class Pacifica area, he mentions student community-building in service activities, which nurtures “empathy and social responsibility…(and) a culture of respect, understanding and acceptance of diverse community groups.”

Having the wisdom of many years in the school environment , he highlights the challenges he sees today for De La Salle as:

• Balancing quality Catholic education with affordability for students and their parents

• Recruiting experienced and skilled Catholic teachers

• Providing adequate pastoral support systems for students

• Fostering effective communication and partnerships between school and parents and addressing concerns and expectations.

• Keeping up with rapid advancements in Technology and integrating digital tools in the Curriculum.

Life beyond school has enriched John. He sees blessings from his family members, especially his wife Lata, with her shared values of education and personal growth. Some family members are teachers, and he gives witness to the influence of his family’s growth in his on-going approaches and understandings of his pupils.

Life also involves, for John, staying active, attending cultural functions, travelling and some volunteering community work. It all sounds like a full, integrated life for one who sees

“being a Lasallian has been the greatest privilege of my life”.

Source: Br Gary Wilson, District Creative Writer