Devotion to education started here. CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to nurturing young women. Founded by the Infant Jesus sisters this school has a rich history. It began as a Chinese-medium primary school.
Let’s step back to 1933. The Chinese population in Singapore was growing. The sisters recognized the need for education among Chinese girls. Victoria Girls’ School opened in a former hotel. It had just 40 pupils and one Chinese teacher. Sister Solong became the first principal. The school later became St Nicholas Girls’ School.
In the late 1930s CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School expanded. It added its first secondary class. A teacher-training section ensured qualified educators. By 1940 Sister Francoise Lee, a local Chinese, took the helm. She extended the secondary section. St Nicholas became a full school offering both primary and secondary education.
During the Japanese occupation life changed. The school had to adopt a Japanese name. While Mandarin remained English was forbidden. Japanese language was introduced.
After World War II CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School quickly recovered. By November 1945 it reopened. In 1946 enrollment surged to 700 girls. The old hotel building was too small. In 1949 the school moved to Town Convent on Victoria Street. This offered better facilities.
In 1972 Mrs. Hwang-Lee Poh See became the first lay principal of CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School. Enrollment doubled creating a pressing need for more space. A pre-primary section started in 1979. That same year St Nicholas became a Special Assistance Plan school. This recognized its Chinese culture.
By 1980 the Victoria Street building was inadequate. For five years classes were held at different locations. In 1985 CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School finally moved. It found a permanent home in Ang Mo Kio. In 1992 it was renamed CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School.
In 1995 the Ministry of Education granted CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School autonomous status. This recognized its academic performance. From 2009 to 2012 the school was upgraded. This created a future-ready environment. In 2013 the school celebrated its 80th anniversary. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reopened the school. That year the Joint Integrated Programme began. It partnered with Catholic High School Singapore Chinese Girls’ School and Eunoia Junior College. CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2018.
The school motto is simple. It’s “Simple in Virtue Steadfast in Duty.” This emphasizes personal honesty respect and service to others.
Look at the school crest. The cross symbolizes salvation. A garland of marguerites represents purity. A golden distaff and spindle signify womanly labor. The open Gospel represents the teachings of Christ. A silver rosary symbolizes prayer. The red shield embodies God’s love.
CHIJ St Nicholas Girls’ School continues to shape young women. It balances tradition with innovation. Its graduates contribute to Singapore and beyond. The school’s story is a beacon of dedication and excellence.