CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent

From a small parish class in 1892, CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent has blossomed into a renowned institution. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of education and community. CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent initially known as CHIJ Kampong Bahru, started by offering parish classes at the Church of St. Theresa. These classes, taught by the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus Congregation, laid the foundation for what would become a prominent educational establishment. It evolved into an integrated school, providing education in both English and Tamil. Many of its primary-level students would later continue their education at the “Town Convent” CHIJ at Victoria Street, now known as CHIJ Toa Payoh. The school’s journey took a significant turn in 1948 when it acquired its current 12-acre site at Lower Delta Road. A new building was erected in 1951, marking a new chapter in its history. In 1952, CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent transitioned from a private institution to a government-aided school. The Tamil section was phased out in 1953, and by the late 1950s, the school expanded to include secondary-level education. The last intake of primary-level students occurred in 1986, after which CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent focused solely on secondary education. CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent is more than just academics. It offers a rich tapestry of co-curricular activities. These include sports like hockey, netball, and bowling, performing arts such as choir and drama, and various clubs and societies. The school’s niche lies in hockey, with the team consistently achieving accolades and producing national team players since the 1960s. Even primary school students can gain admission through the Direct School Admission program based on their hockey prowess. CHIJ St. Theresa’s Convent also emphasizes leadership development. Its three leadership modules provide students with diverse experiences. Module 1 involves outdoor adventures, often held overseas. Module 2 focuses on leadership in society. Module 3 centers on service, with students contributing to communities in countries like Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The school’s house system, named after former principals, fosters unity and friendly competition. Catherine (yellow, eagle), Marie (purple, pegasus), Isabel (green, dragon), Caroline (blue, white tiger), Ignatius (red, phoenix), and Joseph (orange, griffin) each embody distinct colors and animal symbols.