From École St-Nom-de-Marie to École Irénée-Lussier
The launching of the book “L’École Irénée Lussier (Saint –Nom-de-Marie) from the collection about schools in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve area” took place on October 10, 2013 in the school cafeteria.
Among the many people who attended the launching were several SNJM Sisters, particularly those who had opened the Community Archives to provide an account of the years from 1911 to 1976, during which the community played an integral part in the life of the district. A number of members from the current personnel from the school were also in attendance.
Mr. Robert Cadotte, author of the book, along with Mrs. Sosa, brought to life on screen, the main stages of the history of the school up to the current life of “École Irénée Lussier”.
In 1911, a new school opened: “Académie De la Salle” for boys and “Académie du St-Nom-de-Marie” for girls, which was located at the corner of Hochelaga and Létourneux Streets.
Unfortunately, during the night of December 12th to the 13th, 1914, a fire destroyed the school.
For a moment, let us go back in time to this era. In this institution, as in all the homes, meat, fish and milk products were stored in an icebox: men would carve blocks of ice from the river and deliver them in the area.
Different times, different ways!
In 1918 a new school called “École St-Nom-de-Marie” opened its doors on the corner of Pie IX and Hochelaga. This 16-class school, run by the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary, only accommodated girls from grades one to nine. In 1976, the Sisters left this institution for good.
The “Centre Baril”, an education center for adults with mental disabilities, was eventually set up in the premises of "St-Nom-de-Marie".
In 1981-82, the name was changed to “École Irénée Lussier”, in recognition of the person who had played a major role, first as a CECM (Commission des Écoles Catholiques de Montréal) class inspector to the special education classes, and then as rector of the “Université de Montréal”, from 1955 to 1965.
Today, this school continues its same vocation, but now it is for boys and girls from the ages of 13 to 21. In 2013, the mission of teaching and education is still ongoing under the direction of Mr. Gérald Gauthier.
Following the visual presentation of the book, light refreshments provided time for those who were present to meet and share with each other.
What a heartfelt gathering
for us as educators!!!
Sister Aline Hébert, former student and former teacher at St-Nom-de-Marie
*Refer to information taken from the SNJM archives in the Pdf file below.
