The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) is proud to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first five Loretto Sisters in Canada, who would begin the first Catholic School in Toronto, laying the foundation for Catholic education in our City.
- September 16, 1847: Five Loretto Sisters arrive in Toronto.
- September 29, 1847: The first Catholic School opens with Loretto Sisters as teachers.
The Loretto Sisters (the Canadian Region of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary) were considered the first religious teachers in the newly formed diocese of Toronto, and their impact remains evident today - with Loretto College, Loretto Abbey, St. Mother Teresa and Mary Ward remaining schools today that continue to serve hundreds of Toronto Catholic students each year.
The TCDSB is also proud to honor female student leaders each year with the Sister Evanne Hunter Award for Young Women in Leadership, named after Loretto Sister and former MSSB teacher and principal.
To learn more about the Loretto Sisters and their anniversary celebrations, visit the Loretto Sisters Canada website.