FRIENDS OF LORETTO ABBEY CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL

The history of Loretto Abbey lies deep in the history of Toronto. The Abbey a school for girls was established by the religious of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) better known as the Loretto Sisters. The Institute which has a long tradition in education was founded for that purpose early in the 17th century by an English woman Mary Ward. Mary Ward has been described by Pope Pius XII as 'that incomparable woman given to the Church by England in its most somber and bloodstained hours'. On May 22 1927 the cornerstone was laid and in September 1928 the impressive Tudor Gothic building of cut stone the new Abbey opened its doors to more than 100 boarders and as many day students. In 1986 Loretto Abbey High School became a member of the Metropolitan Separate School Board - now the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) - family of schools. Christ and His teachings permeate all aspects of life at Loretto Abbey. Everyone is a child of God unique and special. Everyone is treated with respect and with dignity. Students meet Christ sacramentally in school liturgies and in the retreat program and come to know the mind of Christ in religion class. As an organization FOLA we will seek the support of Parents of current LAT students Alumni as well as Board and School Administration to drive initiatives that will ensure a positive learning environment for our Girls and Loretto Abbey Staff as well as foster a sense of community between current families Alumni Administration and the Loretto Sisters. Our focus is on academic and physical needs of the school. Programs this past fiscal year included ongoing assistant of uniforms for students in financial need.