OAPCE’s Stained Glass Program

Our story, Your story

Ontario Catholic Parent Engagement for 77 years

The Stain Glass Program

A brief history of the Stained Glass program at St. Marcellinus Catholic S.S. (DPCDSB)

In September of 2006, St. Marcellinus Catholic Secondary School (DPCDSB) decided to put a unique idea into practice.

It was decided to have our Needs Moderate students, that is, students with exceptionalities that range from Developmental Disabilities to students on the Autism Spectrum, work and shape glass under the caring guidance of Mr. Gorecki.

What has occurred since that humble beginning has been nothing short of astonishing. The students have created a series of 4 large stained glass windows for our chapel that reflects our community’s faith, created inserts for our classrooms and for our offices, and other works too numerous to mention.

Furthermore, these projects have given our students a sense of pride and purpose. During the last few years, the students have learned, amongst other things, practical numeracy, patience, the importance of precision, and team work.

While they shaped glass, the glass helped to shape their own identity.

70TH ANNIVERSARY STAIN GLASS

CELEBRATING THE JOURNEY The President, Brian Evoy, with the Vice-President, Aimee Gerdevich and Dufferin Peel

Director, Roberta Zamadar met with Angelo DiFrancesco at St. Marcellinus Catholic High School in Brampton in early 2009. OAPCE and the school worked together in creating a stain glass of the 70th Anniversary logo for OAPCE.

In May, on the occasion of the 70th Annual Awards Dinner, the stain glass was unveiled and presented to Brian Evoy. Joining the ceremony was Roberta Zamadar, Aimee, John

Kostoft, Director DPDCSB, and Michael Schmitt, Director ALDCSB.

Upon the presentation, Brian Evoy presented the stain glass to Michael Schmitt who was representing Wayne Hill, Principal of RND Kingston.

The stain glass is displayed in the “Upper Room” of RND where monthly the RND School Council meet.

RND is Canada’s oldest English Catholic High School.

The stain glass will be a lasting tribute to all those parents who worked numerous volunteer hours for over 70 years in the support of publicly funded Catholic education in Ontario. It will be an integral part of the history of Catholic education in Ontario.

The Stain Glass – 70 years