This is the key to the Sacred Heart Gate of the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) premises at Victoria Street. Founded in 1854, CHIJ played an important role in furthering women’s education in Singapore. A pioneering mission of French religious sisters led by Mother St Mathilde and three sisters succeeded in establishing the school, which was also known as “Town Convent” due to its location in the city area at the corner of Bras Basah Road and Victoria Street. In addition to conducting classes, the sisters established an orphanage and boarding school on its grounds. CHIJ remained at its Victoria Street premises until it moved to Toa Payoh in 1983.
