“Mother of God” That’s what Mater Dei means. This isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to faith education and history. Right here on Ploenchit Road stands a place where two future kings of Thailand once walked these very halls. Prince Ananda Mahidol student number 273. His younger brother King Bhumibol Adulyadej student number 449. Can you imagine them as young boys attending classes here?
Mater Dei School opened its doors in 1928. The Ursuline Sisters founded it. They were invited by Archbishop Rene Perros. He headed the Catholic mission in Siam. The sisters bought land. They built Mater Dei on it. It became the only school on Ploenchit Road. The original building was replaced. The current buildings house a Kindergarten and Secondary school.
The early days were quite different. Classes followed the British system. There were English and French departments. Both day students and boarders attended. Mater Dei even accepted boys in the Kindergarten to Primary 2. The area was quite deserted. The sisters accompanied students to and from Rajprasong.
In 1936 the curriculum changed. It conformed to the Ministry of Education’s guidelines. World War II forced the school to evacuate. It moved to Hua Hin. The school returned to Bangkok in 1945. The school continued to grow. A new building opened on Lang Suan Road in 1960. It expanded in 1962. Mater Dei received awards for excellence. It even received a royal plaque in 1966.
The 50th anniversary brought another significant addition. The 50th Memorial Building opened in 1981. Today it is the school gymnasium. A more recent building opened in 1992. It’s known as the Royal Celebration Building. King Bhumibol gave it that name. He was celebrating his 72nd birthday. This impressive building houses the Kindergarten and Secondary School.
Mater Dei’s motto is Serviam We Shall Serve. This reflects the school’s commitment to educating well-rounded students with strong moral values. Today Mater Dei continues its legacy of academic excellence. It serves students from Kindergarten 3 through Secondary School. The school boasts a rich history. It has produced leaders in many fields. Its enduring legacy inspires students to serve others and make a difference in the world. So take a moment. Reflect on the enduring legacy of Mater Dei School. A place where history faith and education intertwine.