History of St. Michael’s School

In July 1957, His Excellency Archbishop W. M. Duke, D.D., Archbishop of Vancouver, ordered the erection of a school. The land was purchased from the B.C. Electric and the Corporation of Burnaby in one of the best locations on the boundary of Burnaby and New Westminster at 10^th and Holmes Street.

In the first week of May 1958, construction was begun by Doyle Construction Co. Ltd., of a school building and a Rectory, designed by the architect, W. R. Ussner.

With the prayers of the parishioners and the help of God, perfect weather permitted the erection and completion of the school building within 5 months.

Divine Providence continued unabated and Teaching Sisters of the Order of Charity of St. Louis inclined to the petitions of the parish and agreed to send from Saskatchewan three Sisters as the beginning of a religious community to teach at St. Michael’s.

In gratitude for this blessing, the parish built by the voluntary labour of its members a large convent on the school grounds to accommodate the Sisters. Sister Jane Frances, Mother Superior and Sisters Rose and Carmel arrived in late August. The teaching staff consisted of Sister Jane Frances, the principal and Sister Rose, Mrs. I. Pigeau, Mrs. B. McCaan and Mrs. Mitten. The sisters faithfully served the St. Michael’s community until 1996.

The first classes began in the school on Monday, September 8^th, 1958, with a registration of 123 children.

In 2008, St. Michael’s school celebrated its 50^th Anniversary. For the last half a century, the Church, parents, students, and staff have worked in collaboration to form a living community with a shared vision that promotes excellence. Excellence through involvement, accomplishment, and perseverance, all within a visibly Catholic framework.

St. Michael’s School presently enrolls approximately 220 students from Kindergarten to Grade Seven and employs a staff of 20 dedicated individuals.