On Thursday, November 6, 2025, a group of Loretto College School's Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) students visited the University of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto to earn a certification in Advanced Training in a Technique: Book Repair and Conservation and a Reach Ahead experience.
Jessica Barr, University of Toronto archivist, facilitated a dynamic and informative certification experience for the students at the John M. Kelly Library. After providing background knowledge on the importance and methods of preservation and conservation, she allowed students to explore a series of unique and varied artifacts that illustrated these concepts. She led students through instruction on how to create a phase box out of cardstock to conserve and preserve archival books. Students then had the opportunity to create phase boxes to protect University of Toronto materials.
Following their certification, SHSM certificates were presented to students by David Sylvester, President of the University of St. Michael’s College. He warmly welcomed Loretto College students and spoke of the long-time connection between the Loretto Sisters and the Basilian Fathers and the impact that both orders had on the education of young people in the early days of Toronto.
After a hearty lunch at Brennan Hall, students were taken on a tour of the University of Toronto St. George campus so they could get a feel for post-secondary life.
The expertise, hospitality, and kindness shown by all University of Toronto staff were greatly appreciated, and Loretto College students were grateful for the learning experience.
The Loretto College Arts and Culture SHSM students and teachers would like to extend their gratitude to Michael Salvatori for inviting them to the University of Toronto and to Lendyl D’Souza for facilitating the connection between U of T and LCS.
At Loretto College — we are the small school with a big heart — we believe that when girls are given the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need, they can become successful women in the future!
