On the 125th anniversary of our arrival in Guelph, the history students at Bishop Macdonnell High school, the secondary school which developed out of Loretto Academy, made a time capsule with various artifacts from 1981:  newspapers, letters and memorabilia.  On December 6th of this year, the 150th anniversary of an IBVM presence in Guelph, the time capsule was opened, the former students retrieved their artifacts, and a new history class added some of their own.  IBVMs and former school staff were invited to be part of this evening of  prayer, memories and laughter, and among other items added to the time capsule in 2006 is a  calendar, Loreto around the World, published by the IBVM Development Office in Australia.  This newest time capsule will be opened in 2031. 

The present principal, Mr. Vadala.

Bishop Macdonnell Secondary School is now on a new site, with a new principal, Mr. Joseph Vadala, who is intent on keeping alive the memory of Loretto’s involvement in education in the city of Guelph.  The school’s chapel is dedicated to the memory of all Loretto Sisters who helped establish Catholic education in that school and throughout the city.  On the wall outside the chapel hangs a beautiful plaque, made from slate taken from the old school, with an etching of Mary Ward striding forward, bringing her message of generous self-gift:  To live today in such a way that others can live tomorrow.  An outline of the convent can be seen etched into the background.

One photo shows Sisters Jeanine Glute, Jane Dunbar and Helen Cameron, with Rita Schuett Sheridan, a Loretto graduate of 1928 and former school secretary.  

Two history teachers from 1981 and 2006, Joe Tersigni and Mike Rossit.

 Some of the history students from 1981 and 2006.The spirited tradition of excellence lives on!

Some present students of Bishop Macdonnell Secondary School.

    Written by Helen Cameron IBVM