January of 1966 brought another milestone in education with Ray Malone appointed the first lay principal at the high school in Tignish. After 97 years as an educational institution the doors of the Convent closed, taking on a calm and quiet, away from the clatter of mounting footsteps. With young voices heard no more the space firmly occupied by the pupils and boarders were changed into attractive living quarters for the resident

sisters. In 1979, after twenty years of classes, the Tignish Regional

High school closed. With school consolidation extended all across the Province. The Westisle Composite Education Center opened in September of that same year. Junior High schools also became part of the plan. Today a very modern Elementary school is situated on the property where the high school and old

grammar school once stood. In 1991 after 123 years the Sisters moved to a much smaller

home and ”Our Lady of the Angels Convent” closed. The building has been converted into an accommodation facility known as the ”Tignish Heritage Inn.” During renovations the historic fabric of the building was respected and the beautiful old brick building today looks the same. It’s spacious rooms and

many windows give a breathtaking view of the area. Close to the Heritage Inn is the church of St Simon and St

Jude built in 1860, that contains the historic 1882 Tracker-action pipe organ. This along with the opening of the Bicentennial Cultural Center, housing an interpretive center, is attracting many summer visitors to this part of Prince Edward Island.

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