A Century of Faith and Community in East Vancouver Our Lady of Sorrows School celebrates 100 years of Catholic education and service.
The school was solemnly blessed by His Grace Archbishop Timothy Casey on August 29th, 1926 and the school opened on September 7th of the same year with 92 students. In 1963 there were 385 children enrolled.
In East Vancouver, one Catholic school carries a story across a full century. Our Lady of Sorrows School prepares for a 100 year anniversary. Generations of families, teachers, and parish members share one community rooted in faith and service.
Immigrant families built much of East Vancouver during the twentieth century. Many arrived from Italy and other parts of Europe seeking work, stability, and opportunity. Our Lady of Sorrows parish and school welcomed those families. Classrooms soon filled with children whose parents and grandparents arrived from across the world.
Principal Pasquale Balletta understands such history through personal experience. His own family immigrated from Italy in 1963. Parish youth groups and community gatherings shaped early life within the neighbourhood. Years later, Catholic education brought a teaching career within the CISVA system. The school community drew him back.
“Service to migrants and families defines Our Lady of Sorrows. Students feel valued here. Alumni return with children and grandchildren. Loyalty across generations speaks clearly.” Balletta explains.
Generations returning to teach represents one of the school’s most unique traditions. Several members of the anniversary committee once sat inside the same classrooms as students. Today those same alumni serve students as teachers, administrators, or support staff.
Examples include:
• Anna Corrado (Minichiello), Grade 7 graduate 1975. Kindergarten teacher.
• Lisa Renzullo, Grade 7 graduate 1979. CISVA teacher.
• Caterina Kennedy (Calandra), Grade 7 graduate 1979. CISVA Director of Learning Support.
• Paula Bortignon (Imperadeiro), Grade 7 graduate 1980. Teacher since 1989.
• Fernanda Longo (Minichiello), Grade 7 graduate 1980. Educational assistant.
• Lisa Gabriele, Grade 7 graduate 1981. Vice Principal.
For many alumni, school memories extend beyond academics. Paula Bortignon remembers immigrant parents choosing Catholic education with strong faith values. Sacraments, friendships, and dedicated teachers shaped daily life. Joyful memories still guide work inside Catholic education.
“The school felt like family. Friendships, teachers, and faith shaped many years.” Bortignon recalls.
Sisters Anna Corrado and Fernanda Longo share similar memories. Their family lived across the street from the parish church. Their father helped build the parish hall. Three words describe school life across decades.
• Family: there is a real connection between families, and the staff treat each other like family
• Community: the families look out and display care for each other’s family
• Acceptance: OLS accepts all and the children are taught to do the same”
May Procession 1951 Parish life formed an essential part of school culture as families gathered through faith, celebrations, and community events.
Leadership stability also shaped the school’s legacy. For many decades, pastors and the Sisters of Charity of Halifax led education at Our Lady of Sorrows. In 1970, Anne Coulombe became the first lay principal and served until 2005. Anne Coulombe’s legacy at Our Lady of Sorrows spans nearly four decades of leadership, innovation, and deep faith. She began as a Grade 2 teacher in 1968 and later became the school’s first lay principal, serving until 2005. During this time, she led major advancements that shaped both the school and the wider Catholic education system, including the introduction of kindergarten, language programs, parent education initiatives, and one of the first inclusive special needs programs in the Archdiocese. She built strong partnerships with families, universities, and community organizations, always focused on giving every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. Her work reflects a clear belief that education, rooted in faith and guided by love, forms not only strong students but compassionate and capable human beings. Pasquale Balletta later assumed leadership and continues guiding the school today.
Anne Coulombe
Served as the first lay principal of Our Lady of Sorrows from 1970 until 2005.
Former student Lisa Renzullo remembers arriving early at school during childhood. Students waited near the entrance for Principal Coulombe. When the principal arrived, children rushed forward to help carry books or bags inside the building. Respect for teachers and school leaders defined daily culture. Such small moments shaped lifelong memories. Another important chapter in school history involved special education.
Our Lady of Sorrows developed one of the earliest Catholic programs integrating students with special learning needs. A learning centre offered individualized instruction while students continued participation inside regular classrooms.
Such work later helped lead toward Vancouver Special programs now operated by the Franciscan Sisters and the Archdiocese of Vancouver.
Graduates from the school also rose into leadership across the Catholic education system. Two examples include:
Lisa Bond, former student and later school principal who now serves within the Superintendent’s Office for the Archdiocese as an Educational Consultant.
“The school has always been a shining example of service to others. Leadership has served with humility, dedication, and a steady commitment to focusing on what matters most, persevering through every challenge with grace and purpose.”
Caterina Kennedy, former student and later principal who now serves within the Superintendent’s Office for the Archdiocese as Director of Learning Support.
Their leadership continues a tradition of service rooted inside the Our Lady of Sorrows community. As the centennial celebration approaches, the school prepares for a major anniversary gala bringing together alumni, families, and parish members. The event celebrates more than years, it celebrates faith, community loyalty, and generations of Catholic education across East Vancouver and Canada.
As Ralph Gabriele former student and now Principal at Saint Ptricks Regional said “Being part of a 100-year story is both an honour and a privilege. It’s something I do not take for granted, and I am truly grateful to have played even a small role in its history”.