“Pure, wholesome and innocent.” That’s what Holy Innocents’ High School means. Holy Innocents’ High School began as Tao Nan School in 1892. It stood as one of Singapore’s first Chinese mission schools.
Bible studies and classical Chinese lessons filled its classrooms. Fast forward to 1920. Tao Nan School became Holy Innocents’ Boy School.
During the Japanese Occupation from 1942 to 1945, Holy Innocents’ High School was known as Syonan School. Imagine the resilience of students during those times. A new chapter began in 1958. Secondary classes started and the school’s name changed again. It became Holy Innocents’ High School. Archbishop Michel Olcomendy blessed the new campus on January 5, 1958.
More classrooms and labs appeared between 1960 and 1964. Pre-University classes arrived in 1965. Another building joined the campus in 1968. Holy Innocents’ High School continued to grow.
The primary school section moved in 1985. It found a new home at Lorong Low Koon. The high school became a single-session school. Expansion started in 1992. Lower secondary students studied at Hai Sing High School. Upper secondary classes stayed put. Gregory Yong, Archbishop of Singapore, blessed the upgraded facilities in 1994. Three new teaching blocks joined the original building.
Holy Innocents’ High School temporarily relocated in 2004. Students attended school at Edgedale Plains. They returned to their upgraded campus in December 2005. Archbishop Nicholas Chia blessed the campus in 2006. An air-conditioned hall and chapel were added.
In 2008, Holy Innocents’ High School celebrated 50 years as a high school. Students performed a musical titled “I Want to Be A Star!” In 2013, journalism and broadcasting became a niche program. The school designated leadership and service learning as its Learning for Life Programme in 2015. An indoor sports hall was completed in 2017. The school marked its 125th anniversary in 2017. A time capsule and heritage gallery were set up.
The school motto, 谦诚和爱, conveys the Chinese traditional values of Sincerity and Compassion. Holy Innocents’ High School believes in nurturing Good Samaritans. The school encourages students to be compassionate. In 2014, students were lauded for removing debris from a busy road.
Holy Innocents’ High School continues to shape young minds. It blends tradition with modern learning. The school prepares students to serve with pride and dedication.