Located in the heart of Oakville at 165 Sewell Street, St. Michael Catholic Elementary School opened its doors to students and staff within the Halton Catholic District School Board, in 1964. On May 6, 2015, students, staff, parents, trustees, and members of the community gathered as a whole to celebrate 50 years of achievements.
To begin this celebratory year, staff and students took part in a school procession that honoured their Patron Saint on the Feast Day of the Archangels, on September 29. The procession began in the school playground where students gathered and walked in solidarity along a designated route, as a sign of their Catholic Faith.
As part of the celebration on May 6, attendees were able to tour the school and observe a time capsule in the school library. Artifacts such as pictures, newspaper articles, artwork, and stories collected over the years were presented. Attendees were also able to visit classrooms for a 'Journey through the Decades' presentation. Each class represented an era, with students depicting significant events that took place, video presentations, and decade inspired artwork.
Following the open house festivities, Mass was held at St. Michael's Parish. Students, parents, staff, trustees, and members of the community came together to honour this memorable occasion, as they sang the opening hymn, "Gather Us In".
Paula Dawson, Director of Education brought greetings on behalf of the Halton Catholic District School Board, recognizing the tremendous achievements in the school community and vibrant partnerships that have thrived for over half a century. A 50th Anniversary Plaque was then presented by Director, Paula Dawson, and Burlington Trustee and Chair of the Board, Jane Michael to School Principal, Gino Montanari, and to Catholic School Council Chair, Tarra Philips.
"50 years may have passed since our school community first opened its doors,” said Gino Montanari, Principal at St. Michael Catholic Elementary School. "But in each one of us is the legacy of Catholic education...a school culture founded on peace, love, and unity.”
Members of the community were invited to the school gymnasium for a reception, including a 50th Anniversary 'cutting of the cake' and barbecue picnic, following the Mass and heartfelt greetings. A presentation on how the school has changed throughout the years was showcased, as well as the replacement of the school's time capsule.