Maris Stella High School

[derberg]

Anyone receive the sms on the class allocation already?

[monstertoi]

Yes the class allocation is out. My boy is in 1G

[MrsKitKitLeong]

My boy is in 1C. Any parents’ son is in the same class?

[biscuitee]

monstertoi:

Yes the class allocation is out. My boy is in 1G

hi, my boy is also in 1G 2018. Do we have a parent whatsapp group for 1G? appreciate if you can add me to the group? many thanks.

[benatslc]

Some parents had took the initiative to email me about their concerns so I will share my reply here so that parents with similar concerns may also consider my five cents' worth.


Q1: Facilities and teaching quality

The building Maris Stella is in is very rustic at about 40+ years old and has seen 2-3 renovations.

Facilities wise, the school may not possess the newest infrastructure akin to that of newly built neighbourhood schools, but it comprises of a comprehensive suite of facilities that neighbourhood schools may not have. For example, the school's software functions entirely on an Apple ecosystem with full wifi coverage school wide (to prepare students for the 21st Century digital economy). It also has a rock wall, air conditioned classrooms, a double levelled library, a tennis court, a professional video recording studio, a space observatory (located at its primary school section) and a soccer court.

The school also enjoys extensive relationships with the best schools in China such as in Xi'an and Shanghai as well as European countries like the UK and Germany. Some neighbourhood schools may offer similar programmes, but from what I understand having taught in these schools, they have thus far been able to tie up with schools from second tier and below cities, as top schools from first tier cities already forge exclusive ties with more endowed schools (in terms of resources). Maris Stella's partnership efforts can be traced back to as early as the 1980s with then principal Brother Anthony Tan spearheading overseas immersion programmes and Tioman scuba diving (Bro. Anthony being a certified diver himself).

The school also prides itself of an impressive alumni, in which your child would be part of should he join Maris Stella, with Education Minister Ong Ye Kung, former Senior Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan, Indonesian billionaire Dato Low Tuck Kwong on the slate, just to name a few. Should your child require a network the alumni is there to support his needs.

With regards to pedagogy and teaching staff, majority of the teaching faculty owns at least a Master's degree from NiE with some specially appointed senior teachers from CfBT (Centre for British Teachers) rotating their teaching involvement at Maris Stella. In the 70s and 80s, the school had gone the extended mile to headhunt for top teachers in the British Commonwealth such as the late English teacher Mr Ian Quayle from the UK and retired English HOD Mr Christopher Thodey. Many of the best teaching practices have been passed down to colleagues in the English department.

Many teachers such as Mr Paul Seah (Humanities), Mr Wu Yaoquan (Maths) and Mr Koh Yew Kiat (Maths) are old boys themselves who joined the faculty after NiE graduation.

While every school has its merits and demerits, I hope my sharing does help to shed some light on your understanding about Maris Stella.

Q2: How much of Catholicism is inculcated in the daily activities like assemblies and other school events?

Catholic values are embedded into the moral functioning of the school; even classes are named after apostles such as Francis and Ignatius. Pupils are required to witness the once a year Catholic mass event but are not required to attend any Catholic classes. There is a REM module whereby Catholic students will opt to attend Catholic classes at the chapel while majority of the non-Catholics will attend a civic moral lesson conducted by the form teacher.

There may be (and definitely used to be) priests living in the campus. But only one or two. They are very advanced in age, in their 70s and 80s. One of them is the former principal Brother Paul who was also a favourite, competent and dedicated chemistry teacher back in the 1970s and 80s.

Feel free to contact me at [email protected] should you require any advice or assistance pertaining to your son's education.

Ben is an adjunct lecturer and a MOE English and Chinese language and communications instructor developing English and Chinese tuition classes, language and communication programmes for Primary, Secondary and Tertiary levels (http://www.slcedu.sg). From time to time, he also teaches at various Primary and Secondary schools as well as tertiary institutions.

[Missho]

Hello Everyone,

Hope someone can shed light on my query. Would it be possible for my 2nd child to be registered under phase 2A for Primary 1 registration if my eldest son is studying in MSHS where he had graduated from another primary school?
Thank you

[emoh]

Missho:

Hello Everyone,

Hope someone can shed light on my query. Would it be possible for my 2nd child to be registered under phase 2A for Primary 1 registration if my eldest son is studying in MSHS where he had graduated from another primary school?
Thank you

I think its no from the MOE FAQ

https://va.ecitizen.gov.sg/cfp/customerPages/moe/explorefaq.aspx?Category=3583&utm_source=moe-corp-site&utm_medium=referral

My elder child is studying in a secondary school which is affiliated to my primary school of choice. Can I register my younger child during Phase 1 of the Primary One (P1) Registration Exercise ?
Answer:
Phase 1 is for a child whose sibling (brother or sister) is currently studying in the primary school of choice.

Parents may register their child in the next phase that their child is eligible for. More information on Phase and Eligibility is available here.
Go to Primary One Registration webpage

[longshoredrift]

Hi everyone. I’ve just completed my O Levels and I’ve graduated from Maris Stella. Feel free to ask me anything you wish to know more about the school and I’ll reply your queries honestly ^_^

[anxious.01501dad]

emoh:

Missho:

Hello Everyone,

Hope someone can shed light on my query. Would it be possible for my 2nd child to be registered under phase 2A for Primary 1 registration if my eldest son is studying in MSHS where he had graduated from another primary school?
Thank you

I think its no from the MOE FAQ

https://va.ecitizen.gov.sg/cfp/customerPages/moe/explorefaq.aspx?Category=3583&utm_source=moe-corp-site&utm_medium=referral

My elder child is studying in a secondary school which is affiliated to my primary school of choice. Can I register my younger child during Phase 1 of the Primary One (P1) Registration Exercise ?
Answer:
Phase 1 is for a child whose sibling (brother or sister) is currently studying in the primary school of choice.

Parents may register their child in the next phase that their child is eligible for. More information on Phase and Eligibility is available here.
Go to Primary One Registration webpage

Hi Missho, MSHS is a full school, thus, I believe your second son will qualify for Phase 1 during the P1 registration as long as your elder son is still studying in the secondary section. It is best that you confirm with the general office of MSHS.

[phtthp]

longshoredrift:

Hi everyone. I've just completed my O Levels and I've graduated from Maris Stella. Feel free to ask me anything you wish to know more about the school and I'll reply your queries honestly ^_^

A friend of mine, her son just received PSLE results today, considering Maris Stella.

She would like to find out : how many Triple Science O-level classes are there (opened), in Upper Sec (3 and 4) @ Maris ? Thank you.