Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School Celebrates 50 Years of Faith, Learning, and Community
On May 15, 2026, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School (OLS) and the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) celebrated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of faith, learning, and community at the Our Lady of Sorrows School site on Coursol Road in Sturgeon Falls.
Joined by numerous students, past and present staff, families, alumni, Board members, and community partners, the day truly reflected the spirit of community and collaboration that makes OLS such a unique and inspiring Catholic school community.
The anniversary celebration began by honouring the land upon which the school stands, as well as the cultural and historical influences that have shaped it into the inclusive, welcoming learning community it is today. The school’s Grade 6/7 drummers performed a song under the guidance of community partner and Knowledge Keeper George Couchie, Indigenous Graduation Coach Mr. Jordan Mowat performed an Honour Song, a land acknowledgement was offered by the school’s youngest learners, and a group of students sang O Canada in Anishinaabemowin, English, French, and American Sign Language.
Guests then gathered as a community of faith for a Mass of Thanksgiving, presided over by His Excellency Bishop Dowd with the assistance of NPSC Board Chaplain Father Joseph de Viveiros, C.R., Father Amaladhas Alexander Tensingh, and Father Trevor Scarfone. Several students participated in the Mass, which unified those present in the spirit of gratitude, as Bishop Dowd explained the values of compassion and care that define the school by virtue of its namesake, Our Lady of Sorrows.
A particularly meaningful and spiritual moment followed when Bishop Dowd presented Principal Stacey Malette with a Papal Blessing for Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School from Pope Leo XIV. Made possible through the efforts of Father Tensingh, the blessing stands as a lasting recognition of the school’s fifty-year journey and its ongoing commitment to Catholic education.
“This blessing is a profound honour for our school community,” said Stacey Malette, Principal of Our Lady of Sorrows. “For 50 years, Our Lady of Sorrows has been a place where faith, learning, and belonging come together, and this celebration reflects the love and dedication of everyone who has helped shape that legacy.”
OLS was also blessed to receive congratulatory certificates from the Honourable Paul Calandra, Ontario Minister of Education, as well as Member of Parliament Jim Bélanger and Anita Bourgeois, representative for Member of Provincial Parliament John Vanthof. Each recognized the significance of the milestone and the school’s contributions to Catholic education in the community.
“As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we do so with deep gratitude for the close-knit West Nipissing community and, in a very special way, Nipissing First Nation,” said Paula Mann, Director of Education at NPSC. “The Nation’s partnership, advocacy, and friendship have profoundly shaped Our Lady of Sorrows School, grounding it in relationships built on trust, respect, and a shared responsibility for the well-being and success of our children.”
The strong foundation of community that has supported OLS for the past five decades was reinforced throughout the celebration. Congratulations and reflections were shared by NPSC Board Chair Shawn Fitzsimmons; Gimaa Cathy Stevens of Nipissing First Nation; Jim Bélanger, Member of Parliament; Anita Bourgeois, on behalf of the office of John Vanthof, Member of Provincial Parliament; West Nipissing Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon; NPSC Director of Education Paula Mann; and Principal Stacey Malette. Together, their remarks underscored the impact of OLS and the importance of continued partnership in supporting student success.
“There was a shared reverence in the room during the celebration,” said Shawn Fitzsimmons, NPSC Board Chair. “We stand together as a Catholic education community, and it was amazing to witness that unity in support of our shared mission.”
The day concluded with celebratory cake and refreshments in the school library, where guests were invited to explore a photo display capturing memories from the past 50 years. The display was a meaningful representation of the Catholic school’s history, a reflection on the many people, moments, and shared experiences that have shaped it. Guests spent time together reminiscing, sharing favourite stories, and gratefully honouring the many who have faithfully served Our Lady of Sorrows School.
As OLS marks this golden anniversary, the celebration served not only as a reflection on its beautiful past but a look to the future with gratitude and hope. Grounded in our Catholic faith and strengthened by community, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Elementary School continues its mission of nurturing students in mind, body, and spirit.