Although the school had been occupied in January of 1955, the official opening did not take place until October 5, 1955. At 9:00 a.m., Monsignor J.A. Murphy offered the votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin to call down God’s bless— ing on the school. After Mass the pupils lined up in two single files outside the school. The clergy and altar boys entered the school for the blessing while the pupils sang the beautiful “Ave Maris Stella?’ The school was officially opened in the afternoon by Neil A. Matheson, MP for Queens, assisted by Patricia Gauthier and Allison Gallant. Representatives from the church and state were present.

The first North Star Yearbook for Stella Maris High School was published in 1957. It was published annually until 1978 with the exception of 1970. For a lovely trip down memory lane, simply flip through its pages. In a few moments you will be able to recall the many teachers, friends and events ofthe years spent at your Alma Mater. Toward the end of this chapter lists of teachers of St. Andrew’s School and Stella Maris School are given.

In 1960 the following school districts met separately to discuss the mak- ing of Stella Maris High School into a regional one: Stella Maris; St. Mary’s; St. Ann’s; St. Patrick’s; Toronto; St. Ignatius; St. Augustine’s; Doiron’s Creek; Grand Pere Point; and Rustico Cross; all ten districts voted in favor. On September 3, 1960, Stella Maris High School was officially declared regional. with a separate regional board of trustees.

With a total enrollment of 330 for the school year 1961-62, added room became necessary. The construction of four new classrooms, two to each wing, and a teachers’ room was completed in 1962.

Stella Maris School (1986)“ ' 3 5