What if you are an actor, and you have to play the part of someone you hate? Genesius, a pagan Roman actor and director of the third century A.D., finds himself in just such a situation when the emperor, Diocletian, orders him to put on a play about a Christian martyr for the emperor’s own amusement. Playing the lead role of the martyr Adrian, Genesius is torn between his loathing for Christians and his desire to understand their point of view in order to get into his part. The experience turns out to be life-changing. Genesius becomes a Christian, and ultimately a martyr as well.

It is a powerful tale that points to underlying truths about the power of drama to change minds and hearts, and about the impact that the Christian witness had on the pagan Roman world. Henri Ghéon’s The Comedian, a three-act play based on the legend of St. Genesius, was presented by OLSWA’s Don Bosco Drama Club on March 4, 5, and 6.

Integrity. Fellowship. Holiness. Not only are OLSWA students presented with a challenging Academic curriculum, but they are called higher day by day simply by participating in Student Life. Whether you find yourself studying in your room, playing hockey with friends, having an intense post-class lunch discussion with a professor, sweeping the halls or praying in the Adoration Chapel, you will discover that truth, integrity and faith go much further than the classroom. Come experience the life that OLSWA offers!

As a general rule, all incoming first-year students live on campus (exceptions can be made for mature students and local students). The residences are nearby houses, with 6-16 students living in each. Each residence is named for and placed under the patronage of a particular saint, and each house takes on a new personality with each new group of students. 

The Academy meal plan covers 19 meals a week, usually eaten in common in the basement of St. Hedwig Church (due to the demands of space). Meals are usually simple and informal, though the weekly Monday night Academy dinner brings together both faculty and students for a larger school-wide meal. Solemnities and special celebrations are anticipated events of the year—whether it be the Epiphany Formal or St. Joseph’s Day, such events serve as reminders that life is worth celebrating.

Field trips are organized, such as annual religious pilgrimages, or skate days on the Ottawa canal.  Closer to home, the small-town/rural setting of Barry’s Bay provides an ideal environment for outdoor activities.  Volleyball, soccer and ultimate Frisbee are favourites among the students, and as the weather gets colder many students participate in gym sports and then hockey on Friday nights.   

Aside from the annual play and choral performances, favourite traditions include the freshmen orientation weekend, the costume party, the week-long Advent Angels (i.e. Secret Santas), the Epiphany Formal, swing dances, hikes and bonfires. Of course, some events vary as much as the student body – from a barefoot winter race (aka the “Penguin Run”) and pro-life pool or volleyball tournaments, to Irish ceilidh dances and 80's parties, there is no shortage of variety. Clubs are also added as the student body grows—favourites here have included the Paul Sanders and Janine Lieu Pro-Life Club, the Weavers Writing Guild, the Art Club, and the Cupertino Catechism Club.

Students at the Academy live in small men's and women's households. The households are designed to foster genuine Christian friendship and growth, and the furthering of a sacramental prayer life. Residence life is more than merely living in a "dorm." It is a place where real human development is expected to take place, a place to study, and a place to relax.  Visit the Residence Life section on our Student Life Overview.

 Something new has been heard in the halls of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy over these past few weeks: show tunes.  The Academy’s Don Bosco Drama Club, which has performed an impressive list of productions since it was formed in 2003, presented its first musical, the Tony Award-winning hit Oliver! last weekend.  It featured musical classics such as "Food, Glorious Food," "Where is Love?" "Consider Yourself," “Who Will Buy?” and "As Long As He Needs Me." Lionel Bart’s ever-popular Oliver! has become one of the most popular and longest running musicals of all time. The musical continued its popularity in the auditorium of Madawaska Valley District High School as the Don Bosco Drama Club gave three gripping performances of Oliver! to a delighted audience.