Prayer for Our Catholic Schools

All Praise to You, Heavenly Father, Lord of All Creation:

You have Gathered Us in This Holy Family Catholic Regional Division to Praise You by our Words and Works. Bless our Schools which have been Established for the Catholic Education of our Young People. Bless our Students and Teachers, our Parents, Pastors, Board Members, Employees and All who Promote Sound Education in our Area. May our Youth Grow in Wisdom, Age and Grace Before You and All Your People. May our Schools Always be Homes of Truth and Wisdom, of Faith and Good Will Toward All. Through the Prayers of our Patron Saints, May our Schools Help our Communities, and Foster the Advancement of Your Kingdom of Justice, Light and Peace.

This we pray in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother.

Amen

History of Our School

The early history of education in McLennan dates back to 1916 when the first settlers to the area established the first school in a small log hut.

When the Sacred Heart Hospital was opened in December of 1928, Father Cozanet offered the Church to serve as a Catholic School in the fall of 1929. Miss Alice Boisjoli, a Catholic bilingual teacher became the first teacher in this school.

In November of 1929, Bishop Joseph Guy, O.M.I. Vicar Apostolic of Grouard visited McLennan for the sole purpose to begin planning for the construction of a separate school. This school was to be named Guy School.

In September of 1931, the Sisters of Providence accepted the responsibility of educating the young of McLennan in the new school with Sister Jean Placidus taking this challenge. Throughout the early years the school student population grew and new additions to the school as well as dormitories were added to accommodate this growth.

In the 1970's and 1980's, declining enrollment occurred in all schools in rural Alberta and Ecole Providence suffered similar fate.

Currently, the student population is about 70 students and the education programs begin at E.C.S. and extend to Grade 9.

In retrospect, the good Christian education, which the Sisters of Providence and other lay teachers have undertaken at Ecole Providence for the youth of the McLennan area will never be forgotten.