Not many people in the world know exactly where Singapore is until the historic “Trump/Kim Summit” and the surprising success of the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” (which is adapted from a novel by Kevin Kwan) in 2018. Unbelievably, Singapore has become from the third world to First World country and is now the “Most Expensive City in the World.” Currently, it has a population of 5.4 million people.
It is in this small island city/state that I grew up in during the early 60s and the population was only 3.3 million. Although I was born in Johore, Malaysia, my father brought us (my mother and I) over to Singapore when he had worked for Malaysia Singapore Airlines and had stayed on when the airline went on its separate ways in 1972.
Those were the halcyon days, growing up in the 70s and 80s. The best years of my life was spent in the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, an all-girls Catholic school in downtown Singapore. it was run by The Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Infant Jesus (IJ) and was founded by Reverend Father Nicholas Barré in France in 1662. The order first arrived in Singapore in 1854 to set up schools for girls in Singapore.
The good sisters have taught us, girls, well and some of us are scattered all over the globe. We will always have very fond memories of our formative years here. We are grateful that our teacher and principal, Sr Elizabeth is still well and enjoying her “winter years” back in Ireland. (picture attached)
The CHIJ Badge (Picture attached)
The School Crest is one is shared by CHIJ schools all over the world.
In the centre of the Crest lies a red shield with a silver band edged in gold. Red conveys the message of love, God’s love embracing the world.
The shield is surmounted by a gold Cross. This serves as a reminder that inspiration, dedication and fidelity come from Christ.
The shield is encircled by a garland of white marguerites. The garland of marguerites
speaks of simplicity – the most charming trait in young girlhood.
On the right lies a Gospel with a silver rosary. The gospel is a guide for those who seek God’s will for a life of godliness. Live by it and you will attain peace and happiness. The Rosary of the Virgin Mary symbolises communication with God. Cultivate it and you will grow in the Knowledge of God.
The Distaff and the Spindle are symbols of womanly labour, typical of an earlier period when the weaving of cloth was done by women at home. The symbol is typically French, pointing to the French origin of the Sisters of the infant Jesus. It reminds the students of the satisfaction and fulfilment to be found in a task well-accomplished.
Emblazoned on the Crest is our motto: “Simple in Virtue, Steadfast in Duty” or “Simple Dans Ma Vertu Forte Dans Mon Devour” (in French)