For former students of Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus here, the chance to revisit their alma mater and walk down memory lane is forever lost.

Their beloved school, the only convent in all of Negeri Sembilan, was torn down in 1994. Today all that remains is a vast stagnant pool of water.

FMT Lifestyle met with members of the Convent Past Pupils’ Association Seremban (CPPA) at Dataran Seremban, once the school’s field, now a public park.

Mary Josephine Prittam Singh, a member of the Class of 1966, has an undeniable bond with Convent Seremban, as it is known, having spent her entire school life there.

“Not only that, but three generations of my family studied here – my mother who was born in 1920, myself and my daughter as well! She was, in fact, part of the last graduating batch in 1994,” Mary, 74, said.

Established in 1904, this school also stood as a historic monument.

“This place brings back so many memories. It’s sad that I’ll never be able to bring my grandchildren and say: ‘Look, I studied here’.”

So, what transpired? Why did a school with over a century of history meet its demise, leaving behind a giant pool of water?

“There were many speculations as to why the school was demolished,” explained Mary. “But of course, who were we to argue?”

When the day came for the school to go, acceptance was the only path forward.

Sounding rather emotional, Mary said: “I was among those standing opposite from the school, crying as I watched it go down.”

As the school occupied prime land in the heart of Seremban, developers began to construct a mall on the site a year later. But fate had other plans.

Excavation work for a three-story basement car park began, yet the project never went beyond this stage as the recession hit, halting all work.

The plot of land, abandoned, gradually began to fill with water.

“The authorities tried draining out the water, two or three times but each time the water came up to the same level again,” shared Mary.

More than 20 years on, the pool of water still remains at the same level, and is crystal clear.

“Seeing this, old folks around here believe that this may be holy ground.” Take a closer look, and you can even spot the building blocks of the parking lot structure.

Convent Seremban was one of the most sought-after schools in the state, adhering to the motto: “Simple in virtue, steadfast in duty.”

“The nuns were quite strict with us,” Mary recalled with a smile. “But we all have such deep gratitude for the Infant Jesus sisters. They were my backbone to who and what I am today.”

It is perhaps for this very reason that the school has fostered numerous achievers, including individuals like herself, a retired assemblyperson.

“Our Convent always excelled in athletics as well! I played hockey, netball, I was a runner and a high-jumper too. We even had a very good debate team,” she said.

Seated at Dataran Seremban, where they once played on the school field, Mary shared her hopes.

“I can speak for all the convent girls; what we would like is for this area to be given some recognition,” she said.

“We’re grateful to the state government for beautifying this space, and maintaining it.”

However, she noted that the name Dataran Seremban falls short in capturing the spirit of what existed here before.

“To me, I don’t see Dataran Seremban; it should be Dataran Convent Seremban.”

Although these former students and teachers can never set foot in their school again, their endeavours to rename the site could potentially make them history-makers.