The historic Infant Jesus Convent in JB

Oct 05, 2017

By Vincent D’Silva
It was way back in 1925 when three nuns came to Johor Bahru and, with two teachers, began a school in two rented shop houses side by side in Jalan Ibrahim. This was mainly for girls, but boys came too. This was the beginning of the mission school in Johor.

The land where the school stands majestically today was donated by the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim. The Sultan was very interested that a Convent be set up in Johor Bahru. He also made sure that the state government gave a grant of RM25,000. The Sultan even sent his grandchildren to the school.

The school started with only 83 students. By 1947, that number had reached an impressive 590 students. Classes at that time were held on the ground floor of the building. Boys were not allowed to enter the Convent from 1938 onwards.

It was in 1951, when the nuns came to reside permanently, that the Johor Bahru Convent became an independent unit. As years went by, it grew in size with classrooms, pupils and teachers.

In 1960, the building of the secondary school block, consisting of 11 classrooms, and all amenities, was completed. The school has seen many principals and teachers in the primary and secondary sections. Some have gone to their well-earned reward, while others are old and still around, watching with interest the changes that are taking place.

Today, the Convent stands as a landmark in the city. There is a white carrara marble statue of the Immaculate Conception right in front. This had also been donated by the late Sultan Ibrahim.

During the Japanese Occupation, the school was requisitioned by the military and the sisters were forced to leave. They returned in 1946, after the war was over and restored the school to its original state.

Although the Johor Bahru Convent and other distinguished IJ Convents in the country are no longer supervised by the mission, it is most encouraging to note that this school’s traditions are very much alive.

This nonagenarian Convent remains a testimony of the I.J. Sisters’ belief that education is for everyone, regardless of race, wealth, status and religion. The school has managed to hold true to the distinctive traditions of the Infant Jesus Sisters — a tradition that stands for high academic standard, excellent moral tone and discipline.