St. Anthony’s Catholic School invites the community to a gala to raise funds for its schoolyard greening initiative
The students of Dante’s Academy in 1925.
by Sonia Vani
Most of us know that Ottawa’s Little Italy is built around Corso Italia’s restaurants, retailers and St. Anthony’s Church.
But unless you happened to have attended the school yourself, you may not have realized just how many Ottawans’ lives have been positively impacted by another of the community’s pillars, St. Anthony’s Catholic School.
In addition to the key importance it has in the Italian community, it has also been pivotal to many immigrant families of Irish, French and Asian descent.
Whether you’re an Italian Centretowner or not, if you believe in the potential of children and in their right to enjoy greenspaces, you won’t want to miss the school’s reunion gala and fundraising event on September 26.
The school, originally founded in 1925 as Dante’s Academy, is celebrating its 90th anniversary.
Over time it’s been a hub for immigrant families living in Somerset West. Testimonials from generations of students and staff confirm what the school stood for then, and what it stands for for today: people from all over the world, helping each other.
Appropriately, it eventually adopted the motto: “We help each other.”
Cliff Foley, the school’s principal from 1991-1997, explains that “when it became obvious to the staff that very few students in this inner city school had the opportunity to play organized sports or take music, dance or karate lessons, the staff decided to do something. The intent was to assist students (mostly new Canadians) gain experiences so they could be on the same level playing field as peers living in other communities.”
Today, under the leadership of Principal Paul McGuire, the school continues to enrich students’ lives by offering experiences that otherwise may have been out of reach.
In addition, it builds on its tradition of partnering with community groups such as the Somerset West Community Health Centre and the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services (OCISO) to offer extended services.
Thanks to the dedication of staff and volunteers, activities such as soccer, chess, green clubs, maker spaces and many others are now offered.
With this fundraiser, the school hopes to support its schoolyard greening initiative.
Ermelinda Mancini Whiting was seven years old when she arrived in Canada. She attended the school between 1963 and 1965. “At first, it wasn’t easy being immersed in a new culture. The language barrier was tough, but I was among other immigrant children who made the transition much easier. Everyone helped each other out. Kids who had been there longer and knew the language and the system helped us newcomers out, and you never felt alone or like an outsider.”
Angela Ierullo, also a past student and an active community volunteer, has been busy all summer long organizing the fundraiser. Alongside Principal McGuire and the organizing committee, Angela hopes to bring everyone together so that enough money can be raised to continue to support the schoolyard project, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly space for the children:
“St. Anthony’s Catholic School was there for us, for our parents and families, when we needed help most. Now, it’s time for the community to give back.”
John Dorner, principal from 1997-2003, notes the close ties between the school’s children and nature: “Working together to build community has always been an important characteristic of the school. New schoolyard initiatives that support care for the environment also help build hope for the future. Children care about nature and are concerned for their future. It is thus critical that we find ways to support initiatives that give them hope.”
For more information on the event, or to buy tickets, visit www.stanthonygala.com, email stanthonyottawa@gmail.com, or call 613-567-4532 or 613-828-1807.
The students at St Anthony’s today.