Catholic education in Singapore

From the 19th century, the Catholic education system has grown to be the second biggest sector after government schools in Singapore, with more than 65 000 students.

The Catholic Church has established kindergarten, primary, secondary and junior colleges educational institutions in Singapore.

Missionary schools, notably Saint Joseph's Institution, were established and attended by Roman Catholics and non-Catholics (many of whom became converts).

The endeavour was initiated by Rev Fr Jean-Marie Beurel MEP, who offered six Brothers from Europe to start the school using a former chapel as premises.

However, 3 weeks after the Japanese surrender, the Brothers returned and St Joseph's was re-opened and normal lessons resumed.

[1] Noting the absence of an all-rounded Catholic education for girls, three French and an Irish sister led by Mother St Mathilde Raclot established the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus in 1854 at the corner of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Street (presently CHIJMES).

Emmanuel, born Pierre Gaudette, who was dedicated to developing the institutions to give a quality of education that is unparalleled.

The school received consecutive Sustained Achievement Awards in Academic Value-Added, Sports, Uniformed Groups and Fitness.

In recent years, alumni of Catholic schools include Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Cabinet Minister Lim Swee Say, Supreme Court Judge, Chao Hick Tin and Actor Tay Ping Hui who graduated from Catholic High School.

Alumnus from the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus includes Actress Jacintha Abisheganaden and Ambassador Chan Heng Chee.

Lee Yi Shyan, Minister of State for Manpower and National Development, graduated from Maris Stella High School.

Several leaders of the Catholic Church in Singapore including Archbishop William Goh, are alumni of the seven institutions of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel.