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Crowds gathered in the gymnasiums of two new elementary schools at York Catholic to catch a glimpse of history in the making.
St. Raphael the Archangel and St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary Schools opened their doors and their hearts to large crowds of families excited to be a part of the official openings of new Catholic schools in their communities.
St. Raphael the Archangel CES in Maple welcomed over 400 guests to its official opening on May 11. In attendance were honoured guests Director of Education Susan LaRosa, Associate Director Patricia Preston, representatives from Vaughan Mayor Bevilacqua and MPP Greg Sorbara’s offices, and MP Julian Fantino.
Staff and students worked tirelessly to put on a memorable evening for attendees. Local Maple priest Father Ernesto De Ciccio led a beautiful and solemn blessing of the school, which included a liturgical dance by Grade 3 students.
The Official Opening portion featured greetings from honoured guests, as well as creative student performances, such as the Kindergarten students dressed as delightful insects for their performance, “Signs of New Life,” as well as a touching and poignant slideshow of the school’s journey from the laying of the first bricks until present day. The evening ended with an energizing student drum ensemble as the dignitaries recessed out of the gymnasium.
Principal Will Morrison couldn’t have been more proud of his staff, students and school community.
“Our school blessing was a beautiful event that involved the cooperation of many hearts and minds,” said Mr. Morrison. “It was a wonderful example of working together, growing together and winning together. St. Raphael the Archangel is off to a great start!”
On May 18, St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School in Maple held its own Official School Opening and Solemn Blessing, attended by hundreds of members of the school community.
Like St. Raphael the Archangel’s blessing, St. Cecilia’s blessing also welcomed honoured guests from the Board and the City of Vaughan.
The Solemn Blessing was once again led by the much-loved Father De Ciccio, and featured a classical opera performance by three talented teachers, and a hymn by the school choir.
After the attending dignitaries spoke during Official Opening portion, audience members were treated to a recorder performance by a group of Grade 8 students, and an inspirational liturgical dance to Suzie McNeil’s song, “Believe,” performed by junior students.
Mary Battista, St. Cecilia’s principal, knew the evening would be a success because of the constant cooperation and collaboration shown by her school community.
“Throughout the school year, our students show a love of learning and mutual respect for one another, and our Solemn School Blessing was truly touching,” said Ms. Battista. “The music, choir and dancers filled our hearts with joy. We are sure that St. Cecilia was smiling down at us from the heavens.”
In total, York Catholic opened three new schools during the 2010-2011 school year – St. Raphael the Archangel CES and St. Cecilia CES in Maple, and St. Mary of the Angels CES in Woodbridge.