A brief history of Notre Dame School
In September 1944, Sister Louis Omer and Sister Bernice Marie came to teach in Dawson Creek, British Columbia. They began teaching 56 pupils in the basement of Notre Dame Church. They soon purchased two surplus American army buildings. These humble beginnings were the start of more than 60 years of Catholic education at Notre Dame School. The following September, Notre Dame School opened its doors to approximately 130 pupils, grades 1-8. Many of the students stayed on as borders. Notre Dame Business College opened one week later with an enrollment of 12 students. A music program soon followed.
As each year passed and enrollment grew, a new grade was added until it reached grade 12. By the late 1940's the army barracks were proving insufficient to house and school the students and it was then decided to build a new Notre Dame School.
May 22, 1952 marks the official opening with 13 Sisters on staff and 258 students. As years passed and the city grew, spaced was needed for more classrooms and the closing of the boarding school became necessary. The Sisters “sold” the school to the parish in 1960. Bishop O' Grady sent lay people, his “Frontier Apostles” to teach when the staff of Sisters became low.
In the spring of 1968, Notre Dame School went up in flames and the school was once again in the old army barracks. The present school was quickly rebuilt.
Sister Louis Omer and Sister Bernice Marie would be proud of what Notre Dame School stands for today- the value of education, respect for others, faith and the continued pride of Notre Dame School.
The benefits and rewards of Notre Dame School
Students gain greatly from the special celebrations, Mass, morning prayer service and the other religious activities that are held at the Notre Dame Church or in the school prayer room.
Notre Dame School has close ties to the community. We are proud of the traditions and values that have been passed on through the 60 years of quality education.
The school has a fully fenced playground (locked except when the students are arriving or leaving school.) The playground equipment is new and we have a large grassy field and pavement area for basketball and skipping. There are teacher supervisors and conflict managers on duty at all times.
We currently have less than 160 students enrolled at Notre Dame School (K-7). The low student to teacher ratio has many benefits to learning and to the school community. The school is a caring and safe community.
Notre Dame School is committed to creating a healthy school atmosphere. We are registered with Action Schools B.C., participate in a milk program 3 days a week and encourage healthy eating with a veggie program on Mondays and pizza on Wednesdays.
Our Parent Support Group is very committed to not only fund raising but to providing fun events for the students and families.
Extra Curricular Activities Include:
- Recorder Club
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Curling
- Crochet Club
- Spirit Club
- Swimming and skating outings
- Field Trips and more.
Notre Dame School Contact information:
925 104th Avenue Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2H8
Telephone: (250) 782-4923
Fax: (250) 782-4388
Principal: Mrs. Terri Haynal