Inspired by their founder, Mother Marie-Rose Durocher, the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) have been committed to providing an education that promotes a person’s full development. This deep commitment has ensured that girls followed the same educational program as boys, regardless of time or place.
The Study Plan drawn up by Mother Véronique du Crucifix (Sister Hedwidge Davignon) and implemented as early as 1850, included a range of academic subjects that went far beyond the norms of the time.
Indeed, in addition to the basic subjects required at the time, such as French (grammar and spelling), mathematics and sacred history, the curriculum included: national history, geography, analysis of parts of speech, certain business techniques, English, art, music, drawing, embroidery, housework and physical education.
Then there’s the science component, which covers zoology, botany, mineralogy, chemistry, physics and even the use of globes! How does this compare with the current primary and secondary school curriculum?
To maintain exemplary teaching quality, SNJMs invest a great deal of energy, time and financial resources to perfect their knowledge and acquire the necessary equipment. They are often among the first to acquire certain equipment, such as the pantograph.
As soon as this type of microscope arrived in Quebec, the SNJM were quick to acquire one for a school. They then made sure that the same type of instrument was used in all their other schools. This model was acquired in the 1950s.
