St. Francis' Institution

St. Francis Institution or Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St. Francis is a secondary school in Melaka, Malaysia of the La Sallian tradition. It is fondly called 'SFI' by its students and alumni (who call themselves 'Franciscans').

Alma Mater's Call

Attention Franciscans a voice is resounding
Promptly respond to your duty's sweet call
Hearken each one for the trumpet is sounding
Your Rally's proclaiming Her watchwords to All!

Forward Her children dear, ever with hearts sincere
Render with joy to your Mater Her due!
All that is vile reject, Heaven will e'er protect
Sons of St. Francis, valiant and true

Age Quod Agis your motto still bearing
Forward with courage in ways that are just
True to your standard be doing and daring
As faithful Franciscans in Heaven Your Trust!

Forward Her children dear, ever with hearts sincere
Render with joy to your Mater Her due!
All that is vile reject, Heaven will e'er protect
Sons of St. Francis, valiant and true

The school traces its origin to the founding of St. Mary’s School in 1872 by one Rev. Fr. Maximillian de Souza, better known as 'Father Bachino'. It was originally meant for the Catholic education of children in the Parish.

In 1880 the school moved to a two-storey building in its present location and was renamed St. Francis Institution by the then principal, Rev. Fr. Deloutte.

In 1902, the colonial government withdrew aid, forcing the school to suspend operations.

In 1903, the school was re-opened by four Christian Brothers led by Rev. Bro. Joseph.

Enrollment began to rise rapidly and it was soon apparent that an expansion was needed. In 1906 the 'U-Building' was erected, so called because of its shape when viewed from the air.

In 1922, the school under the principalship of Rev. Bro. V. Augustus purchased the Malacca Rubber Plantation building adjoining the school premises. The building was renovated and turned into quarters for the Brothers. The grounds at the back of the new addition increased the size of the playing field.

In 1926, the first School Band in Malacca was formed and was known as Cadet Band in the year 1930.

In 1938, a chapel was build in the school premise.

In 1986, Mr King Tuen Chan & Ft. Lancelot Rodrigues donated a new 3-storey block and in the following year the Chan Sui Ki block was built.

In 2002, the school attained the grand milestone of one hundred years under the La Salle Brothers and also mark the one hundred and fifty years since the arrival of the Brothers to this land.

• Official website
• TheFranciscan.org - Old Boys online community
• La Salle Christian Brothers
• SFI Forum - A forum managed by SFI students