OLW celebrates 25 years

Our Lady of the Way School in Stratton celebrates 25 years of service to Catholic education this year.
A celebration of this achievement will be held there Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.

It will begin with a Mass at 9:30 a.m., followed by a tea.
All community members, parents, former students, and staff are welcome.
The official opening of Our Lady of the Way School was Sept. 27, 1987. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, parents, children, and much of the surrounding community.
Elder Anne Wilson and Delbert Horton of Rainy River First Nations presented a painting, “Bakite-Waabigwan,” by Bob Hunter of Manitou Rapids.
The school song, composed by Mary Curtis, was performed for the first time by the Our Lady of the Way School choir.
This school had the honour of being given three names. In the Catholic tradition, Our Lady of the Way invokes Mother Mary’s guidance as students journey through life.
Ecole Notre Dame Du Chemin is the French interpretation of the English name, represented by the original French community that resided in the area.
And Bakite Waabigwan is the Ojibway name given to the school by Anne Wilson of Rainy River First Nations.
The Ojibway name originates from the legend of “Bakite Waabigan,” which translates to “White Water Lily” and symbolizes the desire of the Creator to get closer to His people.
It is said that He dropped a star into the water in the form of a water lily so that people could be near Him.
Although the school is 25 years old, Catholic education institutes date back to the 1800s in the region with schools in Pinewood, Rainy River, and Stratton.
The celebration will involve students performing a variety of songs.
Director of Education Mary-Catherine Kelly will speak briefly about the school’s history while principal Darlene Fejos Rousseau will share a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the school.