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This school in Longlac, Ont. is marking a milestone in French-Catholic education
École Notre-Dame-de-Fatima in Longlac is marking a milestone — its 75th anniversary.
Since its founding in 1948, the school has served generations of French-speaking families across northwestern Ontario. The school first opened its doors in 1950 renting space from the Longlac Canadian Legion.
A new building was constructed in 1961 and officially named École Notre-Dame-de-Fatima. Over the years, the school expanded both physically and academically, reflecting the growing demand for French-language instruction in the region.
In 1988, Notre-Dame-de-Fatima became the largest Catholic school in northwestern Ontario east of Thunder Bay, with 425 students. A turning point came in 1998 with the creation of the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales, which gave French-language Catholic schools in the region full governance over their programming. École Notre-Dame-de-Fatima transitioned to being fully French-language.
"It is a source of pride," said principal Vicky Rancourt, who has worked at the school for two decades.
"We're a French Catholic school. So I'm really happy to see the evolution and that parents still bring their kids to our school."
Rancourt, who started as a teacher before becoming principal two years ago, said she's noticed a significant change in the student population.
"We have more students from English families that believe that it's important to have the two languages," she explained.
Today, the school serves 93 students. But its legacy extends far beyond enrolment numbers.
Former teacher Micheline Blais, who spent more than 30 years at the school, remembers organizing trips to regional events in Thunder Bay, Marathon and Manitouwadge.
"It was there that my students were able to see that they weren't the only francophones in our region. It was a real eye-opener," she said, in a media release.
Gabie Couture, the school's secretary from 1973 to 2019, also witnessed the school's evolution over the decades.
"As the longest-serving board assistant, I had the right to choose which board I wanted to join. My choice was clear: I wanted to continue with the French-speaking board," she said in a media release, explaining that it was due to her attachment to the local community.
To celebrate the 75th anniversary, the school and the Conseil scolaire de district catholique des Aurores boréales organized a series of events including a party for former students, a special anniversary mass and a family night for current students and their families.
According to École Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, families gathered in a warm, relaxed atmosphere on family night. They say the event was filled with laughter, songs and joyful moments, as children played freely on the lawn and shared in the celebration around a birthday cake.
Rancourt said the celebrations are more than just commemorative: they're an opportunity to reflect on the school's roots and future.
"We have a community for the parents and parents get involved if we need help or to do activities," she said.
