Father Leonard Kennedy, a Basilian priest who taught here at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy for a number of years, passed away quietly this Holy Thursday morning, a providential day indeed, dedicated as it is to the priesthood.  Father Kennedy was, by all accounts, a very holy priest, a brilliant scholar, teacher and writer, trained in the truest Thomistic tradition, and a wise confidante and friend.  He had a profound influence on the beginning of the Academy, was a loyal supporter of this apostolate, and developed a lasting friendship with many of our teachers and alumni.  He was truly loved by all: a tall and stately man, with his mane of white hair, that knowing and infectious Irish grin, his jokes, and his readiness always to listen.  He will be sorely missed.  God rest your soul, Father Kennedy, and may you receive the reward for your many fruitful labours in Christ’s vineyard: et ora pro nobis! 

   OLSWA has launched a new and much more extensive program of student aid. It will feature a greatly expanded work-study program, and more bursaries. Students who face financial difficulties are encouraged to apply for the work-study program: application for this program is a pre-condition for consideration for most bursaries.
   The rate of pay for the work-study program is $10.25 an hour. The minimum number of hours which can be worked in the program is three hours a week, for fourteen weeks a semester (thirteen weeks of classes and one examination week). The maximum number of hours a week is eight. Students may opt to work more hours in one semester than another, as long as the minimum of three hours per week is met. The work involved will typically be clerical or janitorial. Satisfactory performance of the work assigned is essential: failure to discharge one’s duties may result in the termination of participation in the program.
   Bursaries, varying in value from $500 to $1500, will also be awarded. While these will normally be held in conjunction with a work-study position, in exceptional circumstances they may be held independently.
   The Academy also awards a number of merit based scholarships, and these continue to play an important part of our aid program.
   An application form for the Student Aid Program can be found on this website. Link
 

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy offers congratulations to Languages teacher, Christopher A. Zakrzewski, on his receipt of the Sarmatian Review Literary Prize, which is bestowed from time to time on candidates for their "significant and disinterested contribution to Polish Culture." The Sarmatian Review (Rice University, Houston, Texas) is currently serializing  Zakrzewski's prose translation of Adam Mickiewicz's 10,000 line poetic masterpiece, Pan Tadeusz. Webpage: Link 

Books are an integral part of learning at OLSWA. Our library seeks to promote the liberal arts and preserve the Catholic tradition. Learn more about OLSWA's Library Collection here.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom is becoming of increasing interest to our southern neighbours. Over the last ten years, we've had students from 17 different US states, and currently 10% of our student body is American. To learn more of the American connection at OLSWA, click here.

On Friday, November 27, Pembroke Bishop Michael Mulhall visited Barry’s Bay for a game of hockey with OLSWA students. Every Friday evening, from 10:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., students and members of the community play pick-up hockey at the local Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre. Hockey is one of the sport options available for students who want a break from academics. It will be a long-lasting memory in the minds of these students, who can now say that they have played hockey with the local bishop!  Bishop Mulhall enjoyed the game as well and hopes to come out again.

The Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre resonated with the sound of fiddle and piano, laughter, and clapping, as OLSWA celebrated its annual American Thanksgiving. Members of the school, and also of the local community, enjoyed three hours of dancing and desserts. Throughout the evening of November 26, participants were asked to “square their sets” as square dancing occupied much of the dance time. A few polkas and waltzes were also welcomed for some variation. This annual celebration was a student –organized and coordinated event.  An American Thanksgiving evening has been a tradition at the Academy, to join its American students in celebrating their Thanksgiving, when they cannot go home to celebrate.  Many thanks go out to Julie and Kerry Fitzgerald (Bancroft, ON) who provided the live music, and also to Stanley Pecoskie who called the square dances.  Thank you to the student organizers, Elizabeth Enright and Hannah Corkery.

Norm Edwards and Wayne Forsyth of St. Casimir’s Knights of Columbus Council, Round Lake, presented a cheque to Interim President, Dr. Keith Cassidy, and Senior Development Officer, Maria Reilander. The council presented this contribution as the proceeds from their first fundraising breakfast for OLSWA. The breakfast was held at St. Andrew’s Parish, in Killaloe, on Sunday, October 18.  The Knights plan to make this an annual event, to show their appreciation and support for the Academy.  OLSWA is very grateful for their financial assistance and ongoing encouragement. 

At 10:50 a.m., on Wednesday, November 11, staff and students took a 20 minute break from classes and study to participate in a school-organized Remembrance Day service.  It was held outside at the Jubilee Cross which overlooks Lake Kamaniskeg. The service consisted of several reflections, prayers, the singing of our national anthem, and the recitation of the poem, In Flanders Field.  It was officiated by Deacon Robert Probert. Thank you to students, Joseph Jalsevac and Elizabeth Enright, for coordinating this event.