Sunday, September 25, 2005

St Willibrod School History

From SHGV Archives:
I have found the following extracts in the Revue-Souvenir Jubilé D'or of 1950 for period 1898-1948 issued by: La commission des Écoles Catholiques de Verdun.
            St Willibrod High School (Girls)
            St Willibrod Primary School (Girls)
            St Willibrod Primary School (Boys)
1- St Willibrod Parish founded 1913.
2- From 1913 to 1919, english speaking children of Verdun were given class rooms in gymnasium of N.D. des Septs Douleurs School.
3- New school completed 1919, then called Jeanne-D'Arc school, the pastor was Father McDonald.
4- Sept. 18, 1919 Thomas Cuddihy, inspector of schools paid first visit.
5- Jan. 20/1920, arrival of 1st permanent music teacher, Sister St Mary of Visitation. July, father McDonald elected to school commission, held position until 1929.
6- Sept. 1920, registration was 325.
7- Sept. 1922, school officially named St Willibrod.
8- June 1924, 1st exibition of art needle work and drawing.
9- 1927, essay contest of Irish History open to all students of U.S. and Canada.
10- April 1927, new church was blessed.
11- 1929, registration was 1000.
12- June 1931, Death of father McDonald.
13- Sept. 1931, opening of High School.
14- The Brault ave. School now known as St Bernadette Soubirous School was built for younger children both English and French.
15- in 1933 and the next 7 years, registration reached a new high of 1633.
16- June 1934 ushered in the first high school graduation.
17- in 1936, five classes had to be lodged in the new Notre Dame de Lourdes school.
18- in 1937, Rev. Father Reid was transferred to ST Augustin Parish and replaced by Rev. Father Elliott.
19- in 1938 the teaching staff  consisted of 16 sisters and 24 lay teachers.
20- Interschool debating was an interesting feature of years 1937-45.
21- in 1942 a convention was held for the Verdun teachers. It opened by Holy Mass offered by father Elliott in Notre Dame Auxiliatrice church.
22- in 1945, Rev. Father Lucien Lemire became Director of Studies.
23- 1946 brought free text books for all school children.
24- Nov. 1947 was celebrating Miss Blancheti챔re's 25th ann. as teacher in our school.
25- 1950, the school has a registration of 1145 under the direction of Sister St Paulinus.
(To follow: St Willibrod High School (Boys))
 
 
 
          
 
 

7 comments:

shirleybh2 MSN said...

Guy - that was so very interesting and I dont even know anyone who went to St. Willibrod's - lol.  Cant wait for the seconds installment/

maroonvet MSN said...

To Guy;   Great info on St, Willibrord's, your just getting to my era 1939 To 1953. Looking forward to next installment   HF & RV   Gordo

give_me_one_1 MSN said...

Here's a picture ,I'm not sure it's St.Willibrod School or not.     Steve

bubbacut MSN said...

This message has been deleted due to termination of membership.

give_me_one_1 MSN said...

Thanks Bubba I wasn't sure if it was St. Willibrod School or the one my son went to in Dollard Des Ormeau,Wilder Pennfield.     Steve

guy5479 MSN said...

Steve, It is the Éli Sauvé french elementary school which replaced the St Willibrod school situated at the corner of Verdun and Willibrod. Enclosed is a picture taken May 5th. Guy

bubbacut MSN said...

This message has been deleted due to termination of membership.