Students

School Life

Studies

Annie O'Sullivan, one of St. Ann's first Graduates (click for larger image)

“Reading, Writing, Arithmetic practical and rational, Book Keeping, Geography, Grammar, Rhetoric, History, Natural History, English, French, plain and ornamental Needle and Net work in all their different shapes, will form the course of studies...” This was the list provided in the first school calendar or prospectus, which informed parents of the education their children would receive. The Sisters brought the curriculum of Quebec with them in the 1850s, but they adopted the programme of the new province of British Columbia, when it was established. In 1859, Public Oral Examinations were instituted, and the public could come to watch as the children, likely terrified, were tested. By 1904, Provincial Examinations were written by the upper grades, looking towards graduation.

Religious Instruction at the Academy was an important aspect of education. Pupils of any denomination were received. The non-Catholic children had the option of taking a study period while the catechism was taught, but many were curious, and stayed in the room to listen. For many years, this line appeared in the school prospectus: “No undue influence is exercised over the religious opinion of non-Catholics ... Catholic pupils receive daily instruction in the principles of their religion.”

Art

St. Ann's Academy Art Class, c. 1911 (click for larger image)

The prospectus from 1911 reveals that the art department’s goals changed little over the years. The entry begins: “The Academy furnishes every facility for the study of Art in its various branches. Well-lighted studios are supplied with a fine collection of casts from antique as well as modern figures and grouping. Many choice pieces of value for the study of life are also found.” The entry goes on to discuss the instruction, which consisted of “Drawing from the antique, Drawing from life, Painting from still life and Perspective and art composition.”

Painted Vase with Daffodil Design (click for larger image)

Sister Osithe’s skill and enthusiasm for china painting enhanced the equipment and knowledge in the department, as well as the number of adult pupils from the Victoria community who paid for art classes outside of school hours. The prospectus claims that “instructions are given in decorative art work, such as china, and the firing of the latter is done weekly, both for actual students and for amateur artists not attending the academy.” The paints came in glass bottles, powdered into a light coloured dust. Much of the skill lay in understanding how this special paint would become vibrant, shining colour once the china had been fired at high temperatures.

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