The Good Shepherd Sisters’ Annals recorded that on 16 January 1958 Marymount Convent School (MCS) was blessed after it was officially opened in 1957. Sixty years have gone by and MCS went through two big shifts and face lifts.  Starting out as a full school with a Chinese Primary Section which phased out when Singapore ceased the Chinese Medium Schools in the 1980s, its Secondary Section also phased out in 1995 when it became necessary for the school to undergo re- building and be equipped for 21^st century education.  Spending 2 years at a holding school in Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, MCS returned to its Marymount Road premises in June 1999.  Incidentally 15 years later, the Good Shepherd Sisters relocated with the kindergarten and social services to the school’s holding site after the land and buildings at Thomson Road was compulsorily acquired by the Government.  The then Minister of Education, Mr Teo Chee Hean officiated the opening of the new school building on Foundress Day, 24 April 2001.

This year MCS celebrates her 60th anniversary with year-long activities giving thanks to God for all the blessings received, and opening themselves to more blessings to come.  Using St Mary Euphrasia’s favourite quote “Gratitude is the memory of the heart”, a quote by Jean-Baptiste Massieu, a pioneering deaf educator and contemporary of St Mary Euphrasia, students and staff reflected on, acted from and encouraged grateful hearts to flourish and grow.

Celebrations were highlighted with pomp and pageantry on 31July 2017, the birthday of St Mary Euphrasia.

The morning began with the school singing “Glory and Praise to our God”, remembering the goodness of God and all the good people who had served over the last 60 years.  The students were then taken on a picture tour to various places in France, to the places where their Foundress lived and worked.  Some Good Shepherd Sisters shared with the cohorts of different levels their experiences, their ministries and their hopes.   The day climaxed with a Homecoming Dinner Event coinciding with the official opening of the upgraded premises and a new Heritage Gallery.  The school had the honour of having DPM Teo Chee Hean, who had graced various other occasions, officiating the event.

Among the guests were former principals, Mrs Angela Tan and Ms Cecilia Lim.  The latter saw to the completion of upgrading of the school but was transferred out of the school to serve at St Anthony’s Primary School at the end of 2016.  In its 60th year MCS is helmed by its 6^th principal, Mrs Allison Lim.  Fr. Edward Seah, Director of ACCS was also present.

The students put up a musical reminiscing the past.  The vibrantly sarong kebaya clad choir sang, and the gymnasts put up amazing displays of their prowess.  The music ensemble was complete with a young harpist adding melodies to their recital.  Modern dancers were impressive. Guests were thoroughly entertained.

Former pupils who attended the dinner included local celebrities and many other grand personalities.   Parents of current students also joined in the celebrations.  It was heart-warming to hear former pupils think of the school so fondly.  “I’m so happy to be back”, “I love this school”, “Marymount is so much a part of my life”, “I owe my life to my Alma Mater” were some of the comments they made.  They sang the school song with much gusto and repeated it after it was over.

Many missed the Convent “next door” and especially the Convent Chapel and the Grotto of our Lady where they remembered best going over to pray during exams and in times of need.

The school now has a small Prayer Room where children’s adoration are held weekly.   Recently four volunteers, one of whom is a parent of an alumna, painstakingly decorated the wall with a mosaic image of the Good Shepherd using aluminum drink cans (see picture below).  The brilliant idea created a more conducive and prayerful atmosphere welcoming all visitors to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

DPM Teo Chee Hean wrote in his Facebook the day after the celebration:-

“Happy 60th to Marymount Convent School! Great pleasure to be back at MCS and be part of its homecoming dinner celebrations. Happy to see the strong school spirit and the lively energy of the students. My best wishes to MCS as it marks this significant milestone and wishing it many more years ahead.”

Indeed, all glory and praise to God, for his love and blessings.