In Truth and Love: How a Visit to CJC Redefined My Vision for School Leadership

By Marvin Tano Golingay

"In Veritate et Caritate"—In Truth and Love. This motto is not just on the crest of Catholic Junior College (CJC); it embodies the spirit of the institution. Established in 1975, CJC has been a key part of holistic education in Singapore. It focuses on shaping thinkers with a mission and leaders with a heart. 

Our recent visit to the campus was more than a formal observation; it was an enlightening experience in a culture of excellence and empathy. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt different. We received warm smiles from the CJC administrators instead of cold formality. There is a unique type of hospitality in schools that emphasize heart, and it was clear here. 

As we explored the campus, we noticed a mix of tradition and modernity. The well-resourced library and specialized classroom equipment sparked curiosity in every corner. What impressed us most was not just the excellent facilities but the clear sense of discipline. It wasn't a strict, fearful silence; it was a focused environment where students and staff moved with purpose. During our briefing, we learned more about their two-year GCE Advanced Level curriculum. Their idea of quality education goes beyond high test scores. It’s about the intentional growth of character. 

As an aspiring school leader, this visit was a strong wake-up call. It is easy to get caught up in our own local systems, but seeing different leadership styles helps us grow. The experience showed me the big differences between the Philippine educational landscape and global standards. However, it didn't leave me feeling discouraged; instead, it filled me with hope. The success of CJC’s model reminded me that quality education is not an unattainable dream for us; it results from effective and visionary leadership styles. It reinforced that a leader's main job is to create an environment where excellence becomes the norm, not the exception. 

We left Catholic Junior College with more than brochures—we felt a renewed passion for our work. As teachers, we are more than just instructors; we are community builders. I learned that to nurture leaders with a heart, we must lead our classrooms with compassion. The visit also inspired us to be more inventive in our teaching methods, finding ways to make learning engaging, even amid challenges. Following the CJC example, we feel motivated to encourage our students to become critical thinkers who don’t just memorize information but also question how they can use that knowledge to help others. 

Our time at CJC was a powerful reminder that when education is based on Truth and Love, the results can be transformative. We return to our schools not just as better educators but as dreamers committed to creating a brighter, more disciplined, and more caring future for our students.