A solemn atmosphere marked the graduation ceremony of Grade IX students at St. Aloysius Junior High School in Turi Subdistrict, Yogyakarta, this June, as parents and students celebrated a 100% graduation rate with quiet gratitude and heartfelt embraces.
The school, run by the Congregation of St. Aloysius (CSA) Brothers, has long been known for its emphasis on character formation.
During the ceremony, students bowed to their parents after the official announcement, with many families exchanging emotional hugs in a touching show of appreciation.
Mr. Yanto, a parent representative, delivered a candid speech reflecting on the school’s formative impact.
“I’ve been summoned by the guidance counsellor before,” he admitted, recounting an earlier disciplinary incident involving his son. “But I wasn’t surprised. Two of his older siblings who also studied here got into trouble as well.”
For Yanto, adolescent mischief is part of growing up. What matters, he said, is how educators respond.
“I’m grateful this school pays close attention to my son,” he added. “From when we first brought them here as little children to now—some even have moustaches—it’s clear they’ve grown, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.”
Quoting the school’s graduation theme, “Released with Love to Soar and Reach Dreams,” he praised the school’s nurturing approach. “Love has transformative power. My son has become more honest. He tells us when something’s wrong,” he said.
He reflected on the challenges of adolescence, describing it as a period marked by resistance and a desire for independence.
Children often distance themselves from their parents, making it difficult for families to navigate this stage. In this context, moments of openness between parent and child become especially meaningful.
Even small acts of rebellion, he added with a smile, are not necessarily negative. “It means they’re thinking critically. It shows the school is helping them develop courage and independent thought.”
Building life skills beyond Java
Mrs. Rose, a parent from Nabire, Papua, echoed Yanto’s sentiments. Her daughter, Bene, recently completed her junior high studies at the school.
“She’s more disciplined now,” she said. “She’s also learned to adapt to and appreciate her new environment.”
For Rose, learning to navigate and embrace a different culture is an essential life skill—one her daughter gained at St. Aloysius.
Mr. Hengki, father of Edwel from Sorong, West Papua, observed similar growth in his son. “This school has built a strong foundation for our children,” he said, crediting the school’s boarding system for helping his son become more self-reliant and organized.
Living out diversity and shared values
Both parents emphasized how their children developed a deeper understanding of Indonesia’s multicultural identity while living in the school’s boarding facilities.
Students from diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds share daily routines—an experience symbolized by the traditional costumes worn during the graduation ceremony.
Located in Turi Subdistrict, Sleman Regency, in the Yogyakarta Special Region, St. Aloysius Junior High School welcomes students from across the archipelago, including Medan, Jambi, Jakarta, and various regions outside Java.
Parents say the school reflects the vision of Father Hellemons, founder of the CSA Brothers, who believed that education should shape not only minds but also hearts. That vision, they noted, is especially evident in the school’s boarding program.
While not all students live in the dormitories—some reside with families nearby—the values promoted in the boarding environment are embedded in the school’s overall approach. Discipline, honesty, and a spirit of communal living are consistent themes.
For many parents, academic success is important, but it is the formation of character that truly sets the school apart.
“In a world that continues to shift and evolve,” one parent noted, “strong character may be the best preparation for the future.”
