Maris Stella High to be rebuilt; primary school to go co-ed
Maris Stella High School (MSHS) is set to undergo a transformative phase from 2027 to 2029, with plans for rebuilding to enhance facilities for both its primary and secondary school students.
A significant shift will occur as the primary school section welcomes girls for the first time in 2027, coinciding with its relocation to the former MacPherson Primary School site on Mattar Road. Currently enrolling 270 Primary 1 pupils, the school intends to explore expanding its intake in 2027.
During the rebuilding period, the primary school section will operate across two sessions at the holding site to accommodate the increased intake. Primary 1 and 2 students will attend afternoon sessions, while those in Primary 3 to 6 will attend morning sessions. Upon the completion of rebuilding works at the permanent campus, tentatively scheduled for 2030, the primary school will revert to a single-session basis.
Meanwhile, the secondary school section will be temporarily situated at the former Bedok North Secondary School site in Jalan Damai. Despite these changes, MSHS (Secondary) will maintain its status as an all-boys school.
Established in 1958 and relocated to its current Mount Vernon site in 1966, Maris Stella High School is renowned for its robust bilingual program and boasts notable alumni such as Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.
Principal Boy Eng Seng outlined that the rebuilding initiative will incorporate essential additions like a school field and indoor sports hall, addressing facilities lacking at the current campus. He assured that students’ commuting to the holding sites, located relatively close to the current campus, should not pose significant challenges.
Regarding the preservation of the iconic school gate, Mr. Boy expressed the school’s desire to retain it, emphasizing collaboration with architects to explore feasibility before reaching a decision.
Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin lauded the rebuilding project for rejuvenating facilities and enriching the educational experience for students. The decision to make MSHS co-educational reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusivity, offering more options to families in nearby estates like Bidadari and Potong Pasir. Sitoh assured cooperation with government agencies to address any inconveniences arising from the construction activities in the surrounding neighborhood.
