On the eve of the Solemnity of the Annunciation, students took the time to celebrate the fiat of all the teachers and staff who have dedicated themselves to Academy. The reception took place in the beautifully decorated St. Hedwig Hall  and was organized by third-year student Emily Stuyt and first-year student Ksenia Choly.

Three courses of gourmet desserts, including fresh fruit, Greek baklava, and lemon chiffon cake were served along with wine and coffee. MC Paul Taylor welcomed the guests and introduced the various performances by talented student singers and musicians. Some of the members of OLSWA’s own band, Survived ’88, performed a few pieces including a lovely rendition of “Scarborough Fair.” Other students performed vocal and piano numbers, and some played on harp, cello, and violin.

Students volunteered as black-tied waiters, as cooks, set-up and clean-up crews, with the hope of showing their appreciation for all that the teachers and staff give to the school. Second MC, Anna Pierlot, delivered a brief speech on behalf of all the students, thanking OLSWA faculty not only for their dedication to the Magisterium and to academic excellence, but also for their faithfulness to the Catholic way of life. As “fellow workers in the Lord’s vineyard” (a favourite phrase of our assistant chaplain, Fr. Hattie), the professors and staff members were sincerely thanked for their unified, honest, and generous efforts in tending the “garden oasis” of OLSWA. Education “only begins with the academics,” they were told. “Your example, in your spiritual and personal lives, and in your relationships mean so much to young people, especially in a world as spiritually dry as ours is.”

Paul Taylor finished the evening by awarding a couple of farewell door-prizes (including a vibrant painting by student Joseph Ferrant) and with words special thanks to all who helped to make the night a wonderful success.