CHIJ schools celebrate 350 years with photo book

SINGAPORE: The Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ) schools have launched a photo book as part of their 350th anniversary celebrations.

The book aims to not only raise funds but unite the CHIJ alumni.

It is not often that alumni from all 11 CHIJ schools in Singapore get a chance to gather.

They may not know one another but looking at old photographs of the trademark blue—and—white pinafores may stir up memories that they share.

The book, titled "Quill", comprises archived and present—day pictures from an CHIJ school—wide photography competition.

Elaine Teo, who initiated "Quill", said: "It has been a team of 10 ladies who have given up their time, and volunteered on this. Everyone had their area of speciality and expertise. Some are old friends. Others are new friends. There is a CHIJ ethos across different schools because we all came from different CHIJ schools and we just kind of clicked and worked very well together."

The book also features quotes from the CHIJ community.

Leonora Liow was in charge of conducting the interviews and putting the quotes, poems and essays together.

"On the telephone. On the email. I spoke with old girls, I spoke with the sisters. So it was basically talking with them, sharing their life experiences," said Ms Liow.

A CHIJ book was also launched on its 150th anniversary but what makes this book different is that rather than focusing on historical facts and figures, it tries to evoke school memories such as how the uniform was worn and what kind of childhood games were played.

Three thousand copies of the books are available with a minimum donation of S$50.

Funds from the books will go to children from disadvantaged backgrounds — Infant Jesus Homes and Children’s Centres.

— CNA/fa