La Petite Fleur | 2025

La Petite Fleur

A New Campus for 2027

Breaking ground this fall, the next evolution of LFA is near

Project Launch

Join us Friday, September 5th to celebrate our launch

Our Extraordinary Alumnae Rhodes Scholar, Provincial Judge, Canadian Screen Award Winner, National Volleyball Player, and more

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2025 - 2026

Welcome Back BBQ

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 5:00 PM www.lfabc.org/BBQ

Give Her Wings Gala

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 www.lfabc.org/Gala

Open House

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 6:00 PM www.lfabc.org/OpenHouse

The Grape Escape 2025

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 6:00 PM www.lfabc.org/GrapeEscape

Home for the Holidays

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1:00PM www.lfabc.org/Christmas

Distinguished Alumnae Mass

THURSDAY, APRIL 23

MASS & RECEPTION www.lfabc.org/Distinguished

Spring Event

To Be Announced

It is my great honour to present this year’s issue of La Petite Fleur! This edition is overflowing with incredible stories of Angels past and present. Within these pages you’ll discover inspiring alumnae profiles, relive some of the most exciting events of the school year, and get a glimpse into the future with updates on the upcoming campus redevelopment—LFA’s next exciting chapter.

The LFA Alumnae Association had the pleasure of hosting several unforgettable events this year. Our beloved Grape Escape returned with an unrivaled food and wine experience curated by our very own Chef, Jay Fournier. In December, we welcomed alumnae back for Home for the Holidays, a joyous reunion filled with laughter and connection. In April, we honoured two exceptional Angels—Romayne Gallager ’75 and Mellissa Fung ’90—at our Distinguished Alumnae Mass and Reception. Then in May, our Arty Party event offered a perfect opportunity to reconnect, get creative and enjoy a glass of wine or two!

Looking ahead, we’re beyond excited for our Welcome Back BBQ on September 5th which will serve as the official launch of our long-awaited campus redevelopment—marking a bold new chapter for LFA. We anticipate this will be the biggest event in LFA’s history! You can RSVP at www.lfabc.org/bbq.

On November 28th, Grape Escape will return with another unforgettable culinary and wine-tasting journey—tickets are available now at www.lfabc.org/GrapeEscape. And don’t miss our Home for the Holidays on December 18th—we look forward to welcoming you back to LFA for a festive and heartwarming celebration.

This year marked my first year as Chair of the LFA Alumnae Association Executive and I am deeply grateful to my fellow Executive Committee members and to the alumnae community, near and far. It brings me such joy to connect with Angels at events and to see so many return to LFA as parents. Our alumnae community is vast, vibrant, and inspiring, and we strive to reflect that spirit in this magazine.

Thank you for reading and thank you for keeping LFA in your heart.

“Behind every successful Angel is a community of alumnae who inspire, support, and empower her to soar higher.”

REUNIONS

PLANNING YOUR 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10 OR ANY YEAR IN BETWEEN?

WE CAN HELP alumnae@lfabc.org

Sincerely,

Jo-Ann Monteiro '92

We wish to acknowledge the incredible accomplishments of our Class of 2025. Their hard work, dedication and commitment have served them well and presented them with wonderful opportunities across Canada and abroad, where they will bless new communities in the next chapter of their lives. Offers of acceptance give our students outstanding post-secondary choices, which this year include: Concordia University, Corpus Christi College, Huron University, McGill University, McMaster University, New York University, Queen’s University, Simon Fraser University, Trinity Western University, Tusculum University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of California San Diego, University of Guelph, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, University of Victoria, University of Waterloo, Vancouver Island University, Western University, York University.

LITTLE FLOWER ACADEMY CLASS OF 2025

LFA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

4195 Alexandra Street

Vancouver, BC V6J 4C6

Phone: 604.738.9016

Email: alumnae@lfabc.org www.lfabc.org/alumnae

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Victoria Battiston '25

Kevin Beliveau

Sue Bryde '92

Meghan Canil '00

Emily Cordonier '01

Tara Diakow '02

Cecilia Doll '87

Recel Fajardo-Jardine '85

Ben Fitch

Raine Gurton '25

Josette Jorge '01

Lara Kordic '96

Ingrid Lodewyk '90

Elizabeth Mah '97

Charlotte Mauricio '85

Ali McGillivray

Katelyn McGuinty '04

Jo-Ann Monteiro '92

Carlie Erin Paxton '97

John Prescott

Udhay Sokhi

Karen Teufel ‘02

Erika Ullrich

DESIGN, LAYOUT,

Ben Fitch

Connie Sabo

Udhay Sokhi

Tugboat

Celebrating Mr. St. Cyr

After 24 years of providing LFA with warmth, laughter, and leadership, Mr. St. Cyr is heading off into retirement!

AUTHOR:

It is hard to encapsulate the profound impact Roland St. Cyr has had on our school community over the years. For the past 24 years (with a 10year exit to Sacred Heart School working as a VP) he has been the steady hand guiding the school through many challenges and triumphs. His work ethic and commitment to Little Flower Academy have left an indelible mark on all of us. But what stands out most is his warmth, his sense of humour, and the way he has made even the busiest of days a bit lighter.

One of his signature qualities has been his exceptional organizational skills. Whether it was planning major school events, managing sports teams, or ensuring everything ran smoothly in the background, he was the person we could always rely on to get things done. His love for spreadsheets was legendary—while others might groan at the thought of organizing and logistics, Roland was in his element. The meticulousness with which he populated his spreadsheets was both impressive and reassuring. If something needed to be done, we knew it would be handled with care.

Though his logistical genius was a cornerstone of his role, it was his sense of humour and fun-

loving spirit that truly made him stand out. No matter how stressful the day got, he always found a way to bring a smile to our faces. The staff room at lunchtime was never dull when he was around. His quick wit, laughter, and endless stream of jokes made the mundane moments feel special. It was a joy to sit with him, even for just a few minutes, and laugh about the day's events or the sometimes humorous complexities of school life. Roland was always ready to engage in friendly bets with colleagues, especially when it came to the Canucks and BC Lions. These lighthearted wagers became a staple of the staff's camaraderie, with plenty of laughs and good-natured competition.

Beyond his organizational talents and humor, one of the most remarkable qualities of Roland is his deep reverence for his faith. His faith was not just something he practiced—it guided his every action; from the way he mentored students to how he interacted with staff. His example of integrity, humility, and service has left a lasting impression.

As he moves on to the next chapter of his life, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt thanks. Roland’s contributions were

immeasurable, and his legacy will live on in the vibrant, organized, and faith-filled school environment he leaves behind. We are forever grateful for the laughter, the lessons, and the love he gave to each and every one of us.

We wish him all the best in his retirement and know that, just as he touched our lives, he will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to know him. His time with us may be over, but his impact will last for years to come.

CARLIE ERIN PAXTON '97

Roland and student, Gabriella Alvarez de Araya '18, at the Great Gatsby lunch in 2017.

Remembering Roland!

CARLIE ERIN PAXTON '97

Working for Mr. St. Cyr, who also happens to be my Uncle and Godfather, has been one of the most meaningful chapters in my teaching journey. He has always been a role model and a guiding light in my faith. He is the fun uncle who never passed up a chance for a friendly bet and a good laugh. Growing up, he was fiercely competitive during family card games (with maybe a little cheating here and there) and our Christmas street hockey games, where he would steal the puck away from anyone, even my Grandmother, to claim victory. During family meals if bacon went missing from my plate, I always knew exactly who the culprit was.

His leadership, humour, and steady presence have shaped me both personally and professionally. I am incredibly grateful for the time we have spent working together and feel lucky to call him family. While many of you may be saying goodbye, that won’t be the case for me—I'll still be seeing him regularly at family dinners, because he never says no to a homecooked meal. Congrats on your retirement Rolo!

TARA DIAKOW '02

When I was a student at LFA, I really struggled with math, and in Grade 11, Roland was my math teacher. To say the least, it was a challenging year, but Roland's patience, perseverance, and ability to break down complex steps into something more manageable, helped me immensely. I barely passed the course, but I still remember Roland gave me a smile and a high-five in the hall once I ended up with a 50% on my final exam. I appreciated the fact that he knew that was a win for me!

VICTORIA BATTISTON '25

What truly sets Mr. St. Cyr apart is how much he genuinely cares about his students. He brought energy and humour into the classroom, whether it was handing out candy after every "testola" as he liked to call them, or cracking the same terrible jokes—even one about ‘Depends’ adult diapers made its way into our Econ class. After every joke, when we would be too tired to react, he would laugh to himself and say, “tough crowd, tough crowd,” before moving right along, and trying to make us laugh in the next class. It’s moments like that that made his classroom feel like a place where it was okay to have a rough day, as long as you kept trying.

I won’t miss getting yelled at every morning for jaywalking, but I will miss knowing that someone genuinely cared enough to do it. Mr. St. Cyr made us better, not just as students, but as people and I’m really grateful for that.

KATELYN MCGUINTY '04

Back when I was in Grade 8, Mr. St. Cyr was my basketball coach. He was a very good coach, but he was also a competitive coach. One of my favourite memories was during a particularly competitive game. We headed into the dressing room for half-time and he immediately slammed his clipboard on the edge of a bench. While it was meant to grab our attention and relay the importance of what he was about to say, it made his basketball-themed tie sway wildly from his shirt, swinging back and forth. We immediately burst into laughter. It highlights for me that while he demanded excellence from his players and students alike, we always felt safe enough in his presence to see the humour. I don’t remember if we won that game or not, but I do know that we had a great coach leading us and sometimes even laughing with us.

This year, working closely with Roland and leaning on his expertise daily, that sentiment rings truer than I could have predicted. I will miss his presence in the office right next door to mine. He is a principled leader who can take and give a joke, making every day at work a joy-filled and productive one.

MEGHAN CANIL '00

Roland was one of the first people I met at LFA. He was my Bantam field hockey coach, so I got to know him early on! Fast forward to my senior year, and he was my Accounting and Info Tech teacher. Roland was always approachable and fun, so I was thrilled when he became our VP. His organizational skills are top-notch, and he has made lots of changes to the schedule and bulletin to accommodate our student council activities. I am definitely going to miss his sense of humour and how he keeps all of the different activities at LFA organized.

SUE BRYDE '92

Roland first crossed my path many lifetimes ago when he stepped in to cover a maternity leave for Mimi Jones, taking over Consumer Ed 10 and I was his student. From that moment on, I knew we had someone special—someone game for anything and everything, and someone who was just so easy to tease.

Fast forward a few decades, and Roland returned to LFA as a VP while I was teaching. Our roles may have changed, but our relationship didn’t. He was still up for any adventure I threw his way—France in 2014, letting students pie him in the face for Angels for the Cure, countless Active Living field trips, and even a season with the senior soccer team. Most memorable, though, was the relentless teasing that he so often set himself up for.

We won’t find a better sport than Roland. Whether he was Mr. St. Cyr, my teacher; Roland, my colleague and boss; or Uncle RoRo to my daughter, he always brought laughter and lightness to every room. Thank you, Roland—for the card games on picnic tables on the Sunshine Coast, or on trains winding through the south of France. For the humour, the memories, and being exactly who you are.

Roland and Diane at the 2014 Welcome Assembly.

Roland sporting a dashing "mo" for Movember 2011.

Roland in his first year at LFA in 1992.

Thank You Ms. Prescott

After 14 years of passionate service and leadership at LFA and 30 years in education, Ms. Prescott embraces retirement.

AUTHOR: JOHN PRESCOTT

It’s a true honour to say a few words about my sister, Carole, as she retires from an incredible career in education. Carole began her teaching journey at St. Patrick’s, where she not only found her footing as an educator but also formed friendships that have stood the test of time. From those early days, it was clear that she had a gift—an ability to connect, lead, and inspire.

She went on to make a significant impact at Holy Cross High School, teaching humanities, directing school plays, and coaching volleyball. Her classroom was known for its respectful culture and high expectations—students always knew where they stood with Ms. Prescott.

Her school productions were legendary. Carole had a remarkable ability to bring together a group of students and make each one feel valued. For many, being part of those plays was the highlight of their high school experience.

As a coach, Carole’s teams regularly competed at the highest level, and her players were always prepared—mentally, physically, and emotionally. She held her athletes to high standards, and they rose to meet them. One former athlete, Jodi, now a decorated university coach, recently told me a story from Grade 10. After a less-thaninspired effort on the court, Carole pulled her aside and said, “If you’re going to stand around on the court, you might as well just go wait at the

bus stop.” That message was received—loud and clear—and the team went on to great success. The story still brings a smile to Jodi’s face today.

Carole continued her journey at Notre Dame, where once again, her drama productions were a marvel, and her coaching culminated in a provincial championship. She later spent time at Vancouver College, where she played an important role in the spiritual life of the school, including the Encounter retreats.

Eventually, with her Master’s degree in hand, she found her home at LFA, where she continued to lead, teach, and serve with the same passion, compassion, and excellence she’s known for. Now, I may be a little biased, but I truly believe Carole embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator. She is kind, passionate, and empathetic—but never shies away from high expectations. Her students, athletes, and colleagues have always known that she sees their potential and will walk alongside them to help bring it out.

Congratulations, Carole, on a remarkable career. You’ve changed lives—more than you’ll ever know—and I know you’ll continue to inspire in whatever comes next.

Carole, your patience and pastoral approach has touched all of us. From you I learned that consistency and flexibility are not mutually exclusive. You need both to support and nurture the students entrusted to us. You have modeled the gospel values of love and acceptance in everything you do. Women leaders can be dismissed because of our emotional intelligence and keen intuition…but you have shown these students, who will follow in your footsteps as female leaders, that reflection is the result of insight, emotion is the result of caring, and soft words give us a strong voice. You have modeled what it means to be a strong female leader.

The following is an excerpt from a speech given by Head of School, Diane Little, at a surprise farewell event for Carole and Roland at LFA:

Diane and Carole at the LFA Grad Ceremony in 2025.

The following message is from Carole's friend and long-time colleague at Holy Cross and VC, Kevin Beliveau:

It is a pleasure to write a few words about one of the finest colleagues I have ever had the pleasure with whom to work and teach, and call a friend. Carole and I started our full-time teaching careers at Holy Cross—me in 1993 and her in 1994.

Within a year we were co-directors of the Holy Cross Players and that same summer we went on the annual Los Embajadores Pilgrimage to Tijuana, Mexico. We drove two rented vans from Surrey to northern Mexico in early July and together with about 25 senior students worked alongside the Salesians of John Bosco in their ministry to young people at various "youth centres" scattered across the city. Carole and I worked hard, but also had so much fun laughing at the antics of the kids and the often bizarre occurrences we would encounter. We shared the dorms with the priests and our boys and girls used washroom facilities on two different floors. Often enough, however, hot water would run out on the men's floor and we would be left with ice cold water in which to try to get clean. On one occasion, Carole suggested I wrap a couple towels around me and one over my head as if I was a woman and quickly sneak into a shower stall to take advantage of the hot water. Carole played sentry at the door later that night to make sure no one would come along or be using the facilities. I snuck up quickly and the two of us could not stop laughing, hours, days, and now years later.

Carole is always up for a laugh and many know she's a woman of rare wisdom, common sense, and quick-wit. My favourite days teaching were often in her company and I've missed working alongside her. We met up recently and got caught up quickly and our memories of the good old days feel as fresh and alive as if they happened yesterday. I wish Carole all the best in her retirement.

The following message is from Carole's friend and long-time colleague at LFA, Erika Ullrich:

When you come to work and start your morning by comparing your favourite quotes from last night’s episode of “The Bear” with your pal, and end up spending the next 15 minutes gasping with laughter, it’s hard not to have a great day. In truth, this is what it’s like every day you work with Carole—a great day.

Carole’s views on life and the world somehow reinforce your faith in humanity, no matter how bleak your initial outlook. Just a few words from her are all it takes for you to feel that everything will be alright. In the face of busy teaching days, those little moments with Carole pick you up and carry you.

As if it’s not enough to be the most decent of humans, Carole is the kind of educator that we all want and need. It’s pretty exciting when she drops by your classroom quickly before the first bell and tells you about the super fun and creative activity she has lined up for AP Psych that day. Or the tasty recipe her Foods students get to make. You can’t help but wish you were in her class too; you just know that you’re not only going to discover something new, but you’re also going to have a terrific time doing so. This is all part of Carole’s core approach and philosophy of doing what’s best for the kids. You will find her building up the Grade 8s’ confidence and applauding the Grade 12s’ accomplishments, alike. And the facts don’t lie: how many times you hear the students come out of her class saying, “Psych was lit”, or "they need to offer more than one block of Psych", despite it being an AP course not for the faint of heart—one you would think would send students running for the hills. With Carole, learning isn’t just learning.

Not to speak of leadership by example. Morning Traffic Control in the parking lot. Daily collections of donations for those in need. Crisis management with students and staff. Making sandwiches after the end of a long school day and handing them out on the DTES, the list is endless. Carole does it all, and with genuine heart, humility, and a comforting smile.

Carole inspires you to give and love more fully than you thought you could. I already miss our lunch break World Cup watch parties, our shared delight in all things culinary, and our many laughs over silly memes and anecdotes.

Carole, whoever said you can retire from work, but you can never retire from being awesome, spoke a real truth in your case. And my hope is that the freedoms in your road ahead to live your life to the fullest will be awesome back. Ad Lucem, and Happy Retirement!

Carole exiting a surprise farewell tribute for herself and Mr. St. Cyr, held at the school on June 2nd, 2025.

Carole and colleague, Kevin Beliveau at Holy Cross in 1994.

Home for the Holidays 2024

This year, LFA held its annual Home for the Holidays event on December 19th, 2024. We welcomed home nearly 100 alumnae with a school mass and reception. By all accounts alumnae had a wonderful time mingling with our Grade 12 students and staff. Home for the Holidays presents a special opportunity for recent grads and alums to catch up with their old friends and former teachers.

The day began with a beautiful mass led by Father Rob with our entire student body and alumnae guests in attendance. Alumnae, staff, and our Grade 12 students were then welcomed into the cafeteria for a bounty of delicious food and seasonal drinks. With festive tunes setting the scene and plenty of room for mingling, the chatter was lively and made for a very homey atmosphere.

This year, alumnae also had the opportunity to catch a basketball game at the event our Senior Girls team versus Churchill. It was an incredibly lively crowd as streamers, drums, and bells were all brandished to help cheer on our Angels. From the sights and sounds of it, despite the years away from LFA, our alum hadn’t lost an ounce of their school spirit.

Many thanks are owed to the Alumnae Executive team for their support in organizing and volunteering at the event. A special shoutout is also owed to Dana Hospitality! They created an outstanding assortment of savoury and sweet options.

Home for the Holidays is a perfectly LFA way to kick off the holiday season. If you haven’t been to LFA recently, we highly recommend trying to make it out for this cozy, fun, and welcoming community event. If you're coming up to a milestone reunion year, it is a great way to bring a group together.

with friends and teachers. Learn more at www.lfabc.org/Christmas.

The Grape Escape

AUTHOR: KAREN TEUFEL '02

The 2024 edition of Grape Escape marked several firsts. This year’s theme compared wines from BC to wines from France, the first time BC wines have been featured alongside international wines at Grape Escape. Other firsts included super-sizing the event by selling an additional 50 tickets, offering the option of a vegan menu, and entertaining guests with a raffle draw for prizes generously donated by the LFA Parents’ Auxiliary. Thanks to our super-sized guest list we had many new wonderful alumnae and parent volunteers helping to ensure that everything ran smoothly.

Perhaps most importantly, Grape Escape 2024 marked Chef Jay Fournier’s first foray into our beloved alumnae event. Based on the satisfied smiles of attendees and many empty plates cleared, he knocked it out of the park! From the first course of Dungeness Crab and BC Beet Cocktail to the seasonally-appropriate Pumpkin Spiced Mason Jar Cheesecake for dessert, every course was simply delicious and paired wonderfully with the wines selected by our long-time sommelier Lara Victoria. We can’t wait to see what Chef Jay Fournier and the Dana Hospitality team have in store for Grape Escape 2025!

Reunion and class tables are a true staple of Grape Escape, and this year was no different, with alums from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 2000s, 2010s and even 2020s in attendance. We always enjoy having reunion tables at this event, and hope to see many more next year!

Grape Escape is one of our most beloved community events, but it would not be the success that it is each year without the help of everyone behind the scenes, working tirelessly to make this event the best it can be. A sincere thank you to everyone involved, including our alumnae and parent volunteers, many of whom were joining us for the first time! And an even bigger thank you to our wonderful guests. Whether this was your first Grape Escape, or if you're a seasoned pro, we hope you enjoyed Grape Escape 2024. Be sure to join us in November for Grape Escape 2025!

Arty Party 2025

This year’s spring alumnae event, Arty Party, was held on May 9th in the LFA Art Room. In attendance were former LFA teachers Kathy Clarke and Ali McGillivray, and long-time receptionist Corilee Cotter ’70. Alumnae in attendance were delighted to see their familiar faces, and as they all got settled in behind their desks for the evening’s art lesson, it almost felt as if they were back in school again the one key difference being the glasses of wine in their hands!

Leading the evening’s lesson was Liz Clay, the founder of Cici Art Factory, and mother of three Angels, Georgia '22, Kate '24, and Hazel Clay '26. This year’s Arty Party theme was: Watercolour!

Known for being diffuclt to master, Liz eased everyone into the art of watercolour with patient and detailed instruction. Guests were treated to a number of instructional breaks over the course of their masterpiece making, while also indulging in some lovely canapes prepared by our own Chef Fournier, and a great selection of wines.

The alumnae in attendance were full of laughs and cherished memories as they reminisced about their LFA days in between brush strokes and sips of wine. Liz’s guiding hand helped turn out a classroom full of beautiful watercolour paintings as guests proudly showed off their work to one another with glee. We thank Liz for her incredible knowledge and encouragement throughout the night.

Our spring alumnae events are always a blast. If you’ve never been, they present the perfect opportunity to rekindle your LFA spirit with friends old and new. The LFA Alumnae Executive always takes great joy in planning out each year’s spring event and we can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store!

Grandparent Day 2025 was a truly special event this year! Our LFA grandparents and grand friends were delighted to spend the day with their granddaughters.

We are grateful to The Most Reverend, Archbishop Richard W. Smith, Father Pablo Santa Maria, and Father Paul Chu for celebrating mass with us on the day. Our award-winning choir serenaded grandparents with a lovely selection of songs, and the day was capped with school tours along with a beautiful rose and some delicious LFA chocolates for all grandparents that attended. It was a special and joyous day at LFA.

GRANDPARENT DAY 2025

A Brief History of LFA's Grad Gowns

The final uniform every LFA student dons before graduating reflects a deep tradition and shared history.

AUTHOR: ALI MCGILLIVRAY

LFA graduation is a time of excitement and pride of accomplishment. It also reflects tradition as the Grade 12s, wearing the gowns that are such a part of the school’s history, participate in their final mass and later that day, in their graduation ceremony.

The current grad gowns were purchased from Vancouver-based tailors Matz and Wozny. Their business was bought by another company in 2007. Unfortunately, there are no records as to whether the original ones came from them and if so, when the orders were first placed.

Early grad photos, the one in the cover photo above, taken in 1945 in Foundress Hall, show a longer version of today’s gowns.

Between 1986 and 1987, the gowns, as seen below, changed from a collared version to the present collarless one. The photo on the left is of Alfreda Ready ‘50 whose name is now on a scholarship for the Grade 8 "Student of the Year". On the right, Karen Teufel ‘02, who works in the LFA Advancement Office, graciously allowed her grad photo to be included as an example of style that continues to be worn today.

One of the reasons that students in the 12th century wore gowns was to keep them warm as heat was lacking in the universities of the day. As many LFA grads will attest, keeping warm is never a problem in June. In fact, one graduate told me that ice packs were passed around in the back row during one of the ceremonies. These were smuggled in past unsuspecting grad committee sponsors in an attempt to keep cool in the school auditorium where the mass and ceremony were previously held.

By the middle of April each year, grad gown try-ons are complete. Students are required to have their white, or now cream-coloured shoes by this time, as the heel measured to a maximum height of 3 inches can affect gown length. Admittedly it can be a bit of a challenge for some to find light-coloured shoes in March in preparation for these fittings. Thanks must be expressed to the parent volunteers who have devoted numerous hours over the years helping students find the right gown size, making any

As seen above, the gowns have intricate detail on the back.

alterations necessary, and organizing shoes, hats, and gowns so they can easily be found on graduation day.

For many years, students returned their graduation caps along with their gowns. Now however, grads purchase and keep their caps. The tassels are worn on the right side during the ceremony until after the school pledge. Following the last words, “Faithful to her trust”, the graduates move the tassels to the left.

The day after the ceremony, the gowns are sent out for cleaning so they are ready for the next year’s Grade 12s.

I contacted several graduates of the school to ask them how they felt at the time about wearing the gowns. Primarily, it was a sense of appreciation of tradition and a feeling of connectedness to the Angels who had worn them before and those who would don them in the years to come. The words “serene” and “elegant” were used by a grad of 1996. There were fears about spilling something on the robes, but in my experience as a grad committee sponsor, this seldom happened. Ms Coady had an interesting story about the gowns. She wrote, “it is possible that the grad gown you wore at your graduation is the same one I wore at my graduation many eons ago. I went to a high school in Burnaby where some Sisters of St. Ann taught. So, when it came to our graduation, the Sisters suggested we could borrow grad gowns from LFA. Having a grandparent that lived just blocks away from LFA, I was the only one who knew the way, so I drove to Vancouver to pick them up.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 who this June joined the ranks of the many Angels who have worn the classic white LFA robes.

Above: Caroline Smart '81 in her LFA grad gown featuring a "notched" collar.

Below, left: Shannon Stelling '24 and Mia Garcia '24 posing before their Grad 2024 Liturgy.

Below: Annika Ferronato '23 speaking to the audience at her Grad 2023 Ceremony.

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path.

— Psalm 119 : 105

As the world of high school meals continues to evolve, so too has the way we think about food. For generations, students have been fed a mix of comfort foods, fast meals, and nutrition. At Little Flower Academy, however, the story is one of transformation, from the days of crock pots filled with macaroni and cheese to the vibrant, healthconscious offerings served in the LFA cafeteria today. A key player in this culinary revolution is Chef Jay Fournier, whose innovative approach to meal preparation has made an impact not only on the food served, but on the entire dining experience at LFA.

A Look Back: The 1970s to 1990s

To truly appreciate the current dining culture at LFA, it’s important to first look back. The 1970s to 1990s marked a time when high school cafeterias were more focused on comfort and ease rather than nutrition. This reflected our societal views on food and the convenience of fast food rather than the quality of what was being consumed and the impact on health and chronic disease. Mass-produced meals like frozen pizzas, greasy fries, and mystery meat configurations became staples and breakfasts migrated to sugary cereals. The nutritional guidelines were minimal, and much of the food came from cans or pre-packaged boxes. Meals

The Evolution of Meals and Nutrition at Little Flower Academy

Celebrating the Culinary Excellence of Chef Jay Fournier

AUTHOR: JO-ANN MONTEIRO '92

were designed to feed large numbers of people quickly, but the focus was not always on taste or quality.

The 2000s: A Shift Toward Healthier Choices

By the early 2000s, the conversation around food began to change. With increased awareness about childhood obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and the rise of the organic food movement, LFA started to rethink its meal program. The school began to offer healthier options like fresh salads, and incorporating vegetarian and gluten-free options, along with emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients.

While these changes were a step in the right direction, it was a process getting teenagers to enjoy these new, unfamiliar foods. The transition from sugary chocolate bars and potato chips in our vending machine towards healthier alternatives took a lot of criticism from students who'd rather reach for a high-sugar treat to keep them going throughout the day. It was clear that the shift towards healthier meals needed a more creative, personalized approach.

Chef Jay Fournier: A New Era at LFA

Enter Chef Jay Fournier, who has brought both his passion for cooking and his experience from

the fine dining world to the heart of the school’s kitchen. With over 25 years in the culinary industry and 16 years as an Executive Chef, Chef Fournier’s philosophy about food is simple: it must be fresh, flavourful, and engaging. His focus on cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients has revolutionized the LFA meal program.

“Even after all these years, I still love to cook,” Chef Fournier shares. “When I’m not cooking at LFA, I’m cooking at home for my wife, family, and friends. It’s my passion.”

From Scratch Cooking to Creative Menus

Chef Fournier’s culinary approach to high school meals at LFA revolves around scratch cooking—making everything from marinades and dressings to sauces with fresh, high-quality ingredients. “I focus on fresh cuts of proteins, fresh vegetables, fresh herbs, and using scratch ingredients to ensure quality and flavor,” he explains. His meals are designed to appeal to the tastes of teenagers. He understands that getting students to eat their veggies can be a challenge, so he makes it a priority to experiment with different ways to prepare them, often through international cuisines, which helps students step out of their comfort zones and try something new.

A World of Flavor: Diverse Menus Inspired by Global Cuisine

Chef Fournier’s menus are not just about nutrition; they’re about giving the students a global culinary experience. Drawing inspiration from a variety of cultures, his meals feature dishes from around the world while also keeping LFA favourites in the mix. “I like to be diverse in my menu creation, incorporating different styles from different parts of the world,” Chef Fournier explains. “That way, students have the opportunity to try new things while still having the comfort of familiar options.”

From Mediterranean-inspired grain bowls to hearty Italian pastas and vibrant Asian stir-fries, students at LFA are exposed to a wide array of flavours. But Chef Fournier doesn’t just listen to international trends—he actively engages with the students to see what they like and what they want to try. “I pay attention to how the girls react when they walk through the cafeteria,” he shares. “That feedback helps me shape the menus and make adjustments when necessary.”

The LFA Difference: A Close-Knit Culinary Team

What makes Chef Fournier’s work at LFA unique is the intimate, close-knit environment of the kitchen. Unlike his previous roles, where he

managed large teams and had to balance paperwork with cooking, Chef Fournier finds fulfillment in the small, dedicated kitchen at LFA, which includes Cafe Assistants Kuldip Sidhu, and Mariana Arzola Alvarez. “Here, it’s just me and a small but passionate team,” he says. “The fact that I get to directly interact with the students and staff and cook in a much smaller setting is one of the reasons I love it so much. I also have menu autonomy, which allows me to be flexible and creative with my offerings.”

This smaller operation enables Chef Fournier to create a personalized experience for everyone in the school, from the students to the staff, making each meal a unique and enjoyable event. The ability to adjust the menu on the fly, based on student feedback and seasonal ingredients, keeps the offerings fresh and exciting.

A Growing Culture of Health and Enjoyment

The evolution of meals at LFA, particularly under the direction of Chef Fournier, represents a shift from the past—a time when meals were about sustenance rather than enjoyment or nutrition. Now, students not only enjoy their meals but also learn to appreciate the benefits of eating fresh, balanced foods. Chef Fournier’s commitment to providing delicious, nutritious, and diverse meals

has elevated the standard of school dining and created an atmosphere where food is a celebrated part of the LFA experience.

As we look ahead to the future of meals in schools, it’s clear that the journey from cafeteria trays filled with questionable offerings to today’s vibrant, nutrient-dense menus is just the beginning. With leaders like Chef Jay Fournier at the helm, LFA will continue to nourish not only the bodies but also the spirits of its students through the power of food.

In this evolution, we celebrate the impact of those like Chef Fournier, whose work has truly changed the way we think about school meals. His dedication to culinary excellence and the well-being of students reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that every meal served is not just food, but an experience.

Bon Appétit, LFA!

Kuldip, Chef Jay, and Mariana posing before a lunch service in the LFA cafeteria.

Become an Alumnae Exec

Plan seasonal alumane events, liaise with the alumnae community, organize reunions, contribute to La Petite Fleur, stay involved with LFA, and much more!

To learn how you can become a member of the Alumnae Executive, please reach out to Alumnae Executive Chair, Jo-Ann Monteiro '92 at alumnae@lfabc.org

Kat is Back

Stay tuned Angels! This August you will be able to catch film director and LFA alum, Kat Jayme’s ’06 newest sports documentary The Second Set with tennis superstar Naomi Osaka.

The documentary follows Naomi’s return to pro tennis after taking a break to give birth to her child. The film is set to premiere on Tubi in August.

The following excerpt from The Hollywood Reporter reveals more:

“The Second Set will deliver an intimate look into the life of Osaka as she navigates balancing her career with first-time motherhood and is described as a love letter to her daughter, Shai,” the doc’s producers said in a synopsis. Tennis superstar Osaka added in her own statement: “This film is special to me because I’ve learned so much about life through Shai and she brings me so much joy. I’ll always look fondly on this period of our lives.”

We’re incredibly excited for Kat’s fourth feature film! Her first three documentary features, Finding Big Country (2018), The Grizzlie Truth (2022) and I’m Just Here for the Riot (2023) can be watched on Pluto TV, CraveTV, and ESPN+ respectively.

Above: Naomi Osaka, 2025 (source: corporate.tubivtv.com).

Left: Clapboard from the set of Kat's forthcoming feature, The Second Set.

Below: Kat filming at LFA for The Grizzlie Truth.

Owning the Change

Why Menopause is a Conversation We All Need Right Now

AUTHOR: ELIZABETH MAH '97

A Universal Yet Overlooked Transformation

Menopause is one of the most universal human experiences, yet it remains hidden in the shadows. When it is discussed, it's often framed as something to suffer through, a problem to fix, or a phase to endure quietly.

But what if we viewed it through a different lens?

Back in 2021, I was recently separated, a burntout 42-year-old woman facing overwhelming uncertainty. Everything around me felt out of control, so I did the only thing I could: I turned inward and focused on what I could control—my health. And what began as a small research project to create a habit list for my mid-life health, became a simple, practical, and informative handbook for women for their bodies, minds and healing during this phase: Own Your Menopause (available on Amazon).

Why I Wrote Own Your Menopause

I wrote this book because I was frustrated by the lack of clear, practical, compassionate, and empowering info available to women. Too often, the advice is overly broad, general, or dismissive.

There was no simple guide to learning about bodies so we can make informed and empowered choices about our own bodies, much like when we got our periods.

As I started diving into research and speaking with women, I realized how much of this journey

is not just a physical one, but one shaped by our mindset, culture, and the stories we tell ourselves. I discovered the power of intentional action and the profound shift that happens when we reclaim our agency. It’s not just about hormones—it’s about how we approach change. And that’s something we absolutely do have control over.

The Power of Talking About What’s Been Left Unspoken

Menopause is much more than hot flashes and mood swings. It’s a radical transformation, a shift in identity, and an opportunity to truly reclaim our health back.

For too long, we’ve been conditioned to shrink in this phase—to stay quiet, to accept discomfort, to ignore our needs. We stay at home and often avoid social events or hobbies we enjoy out of anxiety for the embarrassment and discomfort. We struggle at work, battling the brain fog and headaches, aches and fatigue.

But something amazing happens when we talk about it openly and collectively: we all feel more seen, supported, and stronger.

That’s why this conversation matters.

It’s not just about menopause—it’s about shifting the way we value, support, and uplift women throughout their lives, at home, at work, and in the community.

Lessons from Other Cultures: How Perspective Shapes Experience

What I found most fascinating while researching my book, and has quickly become my favourite chapter, is how menopause is viewed in various cultures around the world.

In Western cultures, menopause is often viewed as the end of a woman’s reproductive years, accompanied by negative symptoms. However, many cultures around the world see menopause as a powerful transition into wisdom and leadership, with women experiencing fewer symptoms—embracing this phase with positivity.

In Japan, for instance, menopause is seen as a gradual renewal of energy rather than a depletion of it. Japanese women report fewer symptoms, including hot flashes, and have a longer life expectancy, likely influenced by their diet and lifestyle. The Japanese word for menopause, konenki, translates to "renewal" and "regeneration," offering a more empowering view of this life stage.

In Mayan culture, women look forward to menopause, seeing it as a rite of passage that grants them freedom and the role of spiritual leaders in their communities.

Some Indigenous cultures also celebrate menopause as a phase that allows women to access healing powers and become central figures of wisdom and support.

These perspectives challenge the negative view often held in Western societies, showing how our beliefs can significantly influence our experience of menopause. By shifting our mindset, managing stress, and making healthy choices, we can approach menopause with empowerment and embrace it as a time of growth, wisdom, and leadership.

What if we started seeing menopause not as an ending, but as a beginning?

What if, instead of fearing it, we welcomed it as an initiation into a new phase of wisdom and strength?

This shift in perspective is powerful and literally changes the reported statistics among women in those countries.

The Cultural Shift: Menopause in the Spotlight

After years of being ignored, menopause is finally having a moment in mainstream media. Recent films and Netflix documentaries, including The M Factor: Shredding the Silence on Menopause have started shedding light on this universal yet often silenced experience.

Celebrities and influencers are speaking out, pushing for better education, medical research, and open conversations. The fact that menopause is making headlines is proof that we are no longer willing to suffer in silence.

These stories matter because they validate what millions of women have known for years: menopause is not just a physical or medical issue—it’s a cultural shift. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize it, and the more empowered women feel in their own skin through all phases of life.

In a Divided World, This is a Unifying Change

Right now, the world is filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and division. But menopause is something that transcends politics, geography, and generations.

We spend so much time arguing about what divides us, but menopause is a reminder of what connects us.

Every woman will go through it. And how we choose to talk about it—how we support each other—can shift the experience for everyone. That’s why I believe menopause isn’t just a conversation about health. It’s a movement.

From Anxiety to Action: The Power of Choice

So much of today’s world is marked by worry and instability. It’s easy to feel like everything is out of our control.

But menopause can be a reminder to choose to step into our power and to advocate for change.

When we shift our mindset from fear to choice, we take action:

• Making better decisions for our health.

• Creating space for real conversations.

• Supporting one another instead of suffering in silence.

We know that women’s health has long been neglected, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. The more we demand better education, research, and solutions, the more the world will listen.

Menopause isn’t just a women’s issue—it affects families, workplaces, and entire communities.

What I Learned in Writing This Book

I thought I was just researching and writing a book on menopause, but what I discovered was much more than that for myself and for the community of women around me. The most powerful lessons for me are:

• The power of reframing menopause from something to "get through" to something to own.

• Small daily habits can make a massive difference—what we eat, how we sleep, how we move our bodies.

• Validation matters—simply knowing you’re not alone can change everything.

• Community is essential—menopause is easier when we navigate it together.

• Sharing stories creates change—when we talk, we break the silence and reshape the narrative.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

Menopause should not be a solo journey—it’s something we need to navigate together.

Let’s make this a conversation, not a secret.

Let’s start talking, because every voice matters.

Because when we choose empowerment, we create space for kindness, compassion, and the deeper conversations our world needs right now.

Let’s own this together.

If you want free resources to help you reclaim your health and confidence, tips and links to my monthly events, please check out my website, elizabethmah.com.

LFA's New Campus

To be completed for our centenary in 2027

Nearly a decade in planning, LFA's Campus Master Plan will come to life in the coming months.

Break Ground This Fall

With our Building Permit awarded this past spring, this summer we are hard at work putting the last pieces in place to break ground this fall. It's a beautiful, simple mass timber design, using BC wood products. The new campus will deliver the most outstanding learning environment for our students—a campus befitting one of the very best, well-rounded schools in British Columbia.

Open Fall, 2027

The new buildings will open in 2027, enriching every aspect of the student experience. The 20-month build schedule will not impact the existing academic program, as the new build happens on our existing field, tennis courts, and staff parking lot. After we complete the new build, will we take down the 1950s wing to give way for enough parking and a synthetic outdoor practice field.

Why New Build Rather than Renovate?

We looked at every imaginable option to give future generations of young women the same types of learning spaces and opportunities that already exist at Lower Mainland Catholic high schools and local public schools. Renovation and retrofitting the 1950s cinderblock buildings was simply not cost-effective. Having no

buildings near the King Edward side of our school campus, presented an opportunity to build new with minimal disruption. The City of Vancouver and our neighbours were understanding of recentering our campus on the busier King Edward thoroughfare.

LFA Enrolment Stays the Same

Though there is a generational campus improvement coming, what has made LFA unique and special through the years will very much remain the same. LFA will keep enrolment as it is today, with 96 students at every grade: 480 Angels from Grade 8 through 12. We explored expanding enrolment. We looked at the possibility of reintroducing an elementary school to LFA. Our research made it abundantly clear that our current student population is the perfect fit for who we want to be.

Commitment to Accesibility

From the outset, accessibility of a Little Flower education remains at the heart of our school mission. We are committed to being "needs blind" and representing a Catholic community from across the Lower Mainland. To this end, campus development will coincide with the expanding role of the school's endowment fund to provide both operational resources and financial aid.

Fundraising

This fall we will launch a major fundraising campaign ito help fund this extraordinary project. With no government funding for an independent Catholic school, LFA will look to those who care for us most to help us realize this generational project.

Naming Opportunities

You can be a part of the story that tells of our community coming together to build our school. For the first time in a generation, we have naming opportunities for rooms and areas of our new campus and are excited about the level of interest in our early conversations!

Join

Us for the Launch!

Come be a part of the launch at our biggest Welcome Back BBQ ever. Friday, September 5th! www.lfabc.org/BBQ

Project Timeline

Where are we and how did we get to this exciting moment?

After an exhaustive planning process, it was clear that our Fine and Performing Arts would be at the centre of any new campus development.

Create

Create

The ground floor of our new campus is all about giving our students a space to create. We know that, in our changing world of phones, predictive search engines, and AI, that children's brains are developing differently. The value of programming and spaces that foster creativity are more important than ever.

Performance Centre

LFA doesn't have a functional performance space. Our 1950s Auditorium remains a vibrant place in our school for liturgies and assemblies, but it is not suitable for hosting performances. Acoustic, lighting, and limitations aside, the Auditorium remains a thoroughfare during each class change. The seating requires students to set up and take down in their class time. There are no wings or storage. The views of the stage are obstructed by seismic reinforcement. Special machinery is needed for students with accessibility needs.

A new auditorium a Performance Centre will be positioned at the centre of our new campus. Given our campus' size limitations, and the careful thought that has gone into the whole project, the new auditorium will remain multi-use, able to give way as a secondary gym for basketball, volleyball or badminton. There will be retractable theatre seating and temporary seating to accomodate more than 500 people. The space will have a light and sound booth. The stage will have proper wings and accommodate modern projection technology for sets, and there will be dedicated dressing rooms.

Black Box Drama Room

The main floor will also feature a "blackbox" drama room, which will include special lighting, sound, and furniture. The music room will have soundproofing and be sufficiently large for the choir to rehearse as a group, while also providing smaller rehearsal rooms. There will also be dedicated storage for all the things needed in a robust and thriving performing arts program: sets, props, instruments, and a sheet music library.

Foods Lab

The main floor will also house our new Foods Lab a new Home Economics kitchen with space, tools, and flexibility to accomodate a full class of students. Its proximity to the foyer and Performance Centre also provides our community with new event options.

Flex Classrooms

Informal learning commons and additional flex classrooms give the school new programming opportunities for the future.

New ways of teaching and learning are central to a modern education. Labs for traditional and the applied sciences are a direct response to clear trends in what our students pursue after high school. In the larger picture, it's more fundamental: we aspire to teach effective problem solving through hands-on experience.

Innovate

Innovate

The second floor of our new academic building is focused on meeting the moment for women in science. Expanded in every way, the space also bridges curriculum meaning that regardless of whether the student "loves" science, we can teach the universal and foundational skills in a design cycle. Identify a problem; develop and test solutions; then, improve on one's design based on the feedback measured.

STEAM

Our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Lab is at the heart of experiencing the design cycle. When we first opened our existing STEAM lab, we simply could not have imagined how widely our students would make the most of the tools at their fingertips.

This year LFA celebrates its fourth Schulich Scholar in five years. Only 100 of these engineering scholarships are given out across Canada each year. In the last two graduating classes, more than 20% of our graduates have gone on to study engineering or applied science at university.

In the new building our STEAM lab is expanded into a larger space, allowing for more diverse and technical tools. While the engineering applications are obvious, our vision for the lab is cross-curricular use. Our students will have far greater opportunities for learning and discovery.

Not Just "STEM" at LFA

We've invested in the additional tools needed to include the Arts in our STEM lab making it STEAM. This inclusion is intentional from our earliest plans as it is a core belief that LFA should offer the most well-rounded education possible.

Textiles & STEAM

The cross-over between textiles and our STEAM lab is, in many ways, the most obvious link between the lab and crosscurricular opportunities. The laser cutter can intricately cut cloth and the creative use of CAD software offers unlimited possibility. Traditional sewing machines will sit alongside modern technology. At the heart of it all, we are putting relevant tools in the hands of creative young minds.

An Additional Lab

In 1992, LFA opened three new science labs, which immediately fostered a flourish of interest in the sciences. With the extraordinary demand for science courses, it was not long before we bumped up against the limitations of "only" having three labs. In our current facility, we are stretched to the very limit for scheduling the science classes requested by our students.

The new building will include four modern science labs. Not only will this give us an additional lab, it is a timely refresh for our labs which remain mostly unchanged since the 1990s.

Nearly all of our classroom spaces are from a different era. It is a testament to the school's stewardship of the campus that our 1950s classrooms remain largely unchanged but the lack of space holds us back from implementing modern teaching practices.

Collaborate

Collaborate

The third floor of our new academic building is, in a word, about space. The smallest classroom in the new building will be larger than our largest current classroom.

Space in the Classroom Classrooms will increase in size by approximately 30%. The current classrooms never envisioned the type of group work that characterizes a modern education. The consequence is that we are currently compelled to configure classrooms in rows of desks. Space offers flexibility, allowing for collaborative work that currently takes place on the floors of hallways, the auditorium stage, or in the dining hall.

Breakout Space

In addition to the flexibility of larger classrooms, the new building (and third floor in particular) has dedicated breakout spaces, with sightlines to classrooms for ease of supervision. New pedagogical approaches require space that simply doesn't exist in our current facility.

Connectivity

Over and above the need for larger teaching spaces, the current cinderblock building was seismically updated in the late 1990s. Rebar and concrete were run though the cinderblock and a steel exoskeleton was added. Safe in an earthquake, it is endlessly problematic for wifi connectivity and modern electrical demands. As one might imagine, the current building has proven extraordinarily difficult to introduce reliable high speed wifi to classrooms. Reliable, fast internet in every learning space is an exciting prospect for students and faculty alike.

Flourish

The Campaign for Little Flower Academy

Legacy of Giving

As Little Flower Academy navigates the challenge of the most extraordinary fundraising campaign it has ever undertaken, the Sisters of St. Ann have again embraced the vision of Catholic girls' education in our community.

The Sisters of St. Ann in BC continue to chart their path to "completion", all the while supporting the many causes they champion. In light of the complexity of their situation, it is our great blessing to have them fully embrace our campus development plans by joining our lead donors to the Flourish Campaign.

We give thanks for their blessing in our lives and our community and their steadfast commitment to giving women the opportunity to find their voice in our society.

Schulich Leader: Hilary Pang '25

Hilary Pang '25 becomes the fourth LFA student in five years to earn the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship.

AUTHOR: UDHAY SOKHI

This past May, Hilary Pang '25 became LFA's fourth Schulich scholar in the past five years as she heads off to study Engineering at the University of Waterloo. Schulich Leader Scholarships are Canada's most coveted undergraduate STEM scholarships. Of the over 300,000 applicants, only 100 students are awarded the scholarships at 20 partner universities across Canada.

We sat down with Hilary to chat about her incredible accomplishment, learn what fuelled her passion for STEAM, and what she's looking forward to in her post-secondary journey.

Describe the moment you found out you had received the scholarship. How did it feel? I received the email in the morning before school, so I was in shock and unable to process anything because I had to leave the house to get to school on time. When I finally processed the information, I was really excited. It felt almost surreal, and I kept checking whether or not it was a scam email to make sure it was real and I wasn’t in a daydream. I am incredibly grateful to have received this scholarship since it is an opportunity to join a network of individuals that excel in leadership and entrepreneurship, with the common goal to make a difference in the world.

Where did you develop your passion for STEAM? I first started developing my passion for STEAM seven years ago watching Mark Rober videos on YouTube, and seeing his many builds sparked that interest in science and engineering. Since then, being in STEAM club for the past five years and Physics Olympics for the past three is where I honed my skills and gained experience building projects.

What was it like being a part of the STEAM Club and Physics Olympics team at LFA?

I found STEAM Club as a fun place to explore and try new things. Being part of the club from Grade 8 to 11 and becoming one of its leaders in Grade 12, I had the opportunity and resources to learn new skills and build projects that I am passionate about, as well as mentoring younger students. I enjoyed using Onshape (a CAD software) and arduino, and having access to a laser machine and 3D printer, I could bring my designs to life. I was introduced to Physics Olympics in my ADST 12 class during Grade 10, but it wasn’t until Grade 11 and 12 that I fully immersed myself. This club was a great opportunity to apply the engineering design process to build something to solve a problem. These opportunities shaped my enthusiasm for STEAM and my desire to pursue it further.

What were some of your most formative classes at LFA?

I took ADST as an elective all of my 5 years at LFA and it gave me a lot of time to start and work on projects during school hours. I also worked on Physics Olympics pre-builds with the rest of my team during these classes. Other formative classes include AP Physics 1 and 2, since the concepts we learned there applied to some of the builds we made in Physics Olympics and our personal STEAM projects.

What are you looking forward to as a Schulich Scholar at the University of Waterloo?

As a Schulich Scholar at the University of Waterloo, I’m most excited to connect with other like-minded people with the common goal of becoming leaders to change the world through STEM. Being part of a network of driven Schulich Leaders and collaborating on cutting-edge research will further fuel my passion for STEM. I am so grateful to receive this scholarship since it is an incredible opportunity to grow as a leader while contributing to Waterloo’s culture of excellence.

Cover page: Hilary receiving the Sisters of St. Ann Exellence Award at Grad 2025.

Above: Hilary and her classmate Jessica Cheng '25 working with 3D modelling software in the STEAM Lab.

Below, right: Hilary and the LFA Physics Olympics team posing with their medals at UBC's 47th Physics Olympics.

Bottom, right: Hilary and the LFA Physics Olympics team enjoying a lunch break in the STEAM Lab.

Bottom, left: Our LFA Physics Olympics team at UBC for the 47th Physics Olympics.

Representing Canada: Ceili McCabe '19

AUTHOR: ALI MCGILLIVRAY

This past August, Ceili McCabe '19, competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 3000m steeplechase one of track and field’s most thrilling events.

The steeplechase is thought to have had its origin in the UK, with runners racing each other from church to church, hurdling obstacles and crossing creeks. These obstacles have now been replaced by unmovable hurdles and a water pit. It is over these barriers that Ceili has made her mark in the Canadian record books as the current Canadian 3000m women’s record-holder.

The women’s 3000m race became part of the Summer Olympics in 2008. It requires strength, agility, endurance and speed, all of which Ceili demonstrated as a multi-sport athlete at LFA. She was on the field hockey, basketball, and soccer teams as well as participating in cross country and track, but it wasn't until Grade 10 that Ceili really started to take running seriously.

A member of the Vancouver Olympic Club and the Point Grey track and field programs, Ceili also credits former LFA teacher Mark Wilkie for her success. Ceili was offered a full athletic scholarship after being noticed at the Canadian cross country championships while she was in Grade 12 and she has never looked back. She is a record holder in American college indoor and outdoor track and field and cross country.

I had the opportunity last fall to speak with Ceili over Zoom. She is currently a graduate student at the University of Western Virginia where she also did her undergraduate degree. Ceili was kind enough to take time away from her studies and busy cross country schedule to answer some questions that I emailed her.

What is your most significant memory of participating in the 2024 Olympics in Paris? I really enjoyed the race and being able to feel competitive with some of the best in the world. It wasn’t the end I hoped for and a few things I’d like to change about how I approached the race but overall it has left me excited to make a final and compete better against the world’s best.

What initially sparked your interest in steeplechase?

Initially, I was introduced to the steeplechase from my club coach who was a former steeplechaser for the Albanian National team. He felt that with my background in soccer and basketball, I might be able to adapt well to the event and fortunately I was able to take to it fairly quickly.

Can you pinpoint a defining moment in your athletic career?

In terms of track and field, I think a big turning moment was my first All-American honour in track during my sophomore year. I felt like I had really adapted to my training as a runner and I

felt like I could confidently compete with some of the best in the NCAA. This was also a time that the Olympic standard for the Tokyo Olympics began to come into range, which was also exciting.

How do you prepare yourself before an important competition?

I enjoy routine and so I try to keep a similar daily one before races as I would do throughout a normal weekend. I find this generally keeps me calm and allows me to be as rested physically as possible. At times, I have difficulty during the tapering period with less activity so I have tried to get into a good race week routine that can be replicated and be reassuring rather than stressful when my training is dipping.

The night before is when my nerves are generally the most intense and something that calms me down is calling one of my first running teammates. One thing I like doing before big competitions, when I might be feeling nervous, is something my LFA coach taught me which is the night before to really visualize the race and feel all the nerves for a few moments and then try and let it go. I think this really helps me embrace the nervousness and then try and let it go and really key into executing as best as I can. I think recognizing that these nerves are natural but that you can perform well without letting them overwhelm you is really important.

Is there something or someone who motivates you during your training or during a race?

My teammates and coach are both extremely motivating. Having people to pursue a goal with and then having a coach who has a lot of belief in me is motivating because it makes my goals seem attainable and the process very purposeful. On days that I don’t feel so well, I feel supported and cared for and this helps to fuel my determination to succeed and push through hard times.

How do you recover after an important competition?

This is something I try to work on improving but it definitely comes down to sleeping well and trying to be a little more relaxed in training when I need to, especially within a full season of racing. As well, I like to hang out with my roommates and go on some short walks in the evening to reset mentally. I love getting burgers and milkshakes after a big meet. I’ve had some good ones along the way and In-N-Out is always a stop we make when on the west coast.

How do you balance your training schedule with other aspects of your life?

I definitely dedicate much of my life to running but as a student athlete it is really important to be able to balance my educational goals. I find that I am invested in what I am learning and can really connect it to my experiences as an athlete. I've gained ways to use my time efficiently and

find that I am enjoying the process of being a student athlete that makes the schedule seem a lot less daunting.

What are some key lessons you've learned from your coach or mentors in school, club, or at university?

I’ve been really fortunate to have had great coaches and mentors across multiple sports throughout my youth, high school and college. I think something that is true amongst all of my coaches has been that they have all had a belief in my strengths and what I bring to the sport. With this belief I have been able to invest myself in what they say and fully buy into the process they put forth.

What advice would you give to aspiring athletes who want to reach the highest level?

I would say really taking value in a lot of different experiences. I didn’t always make the best teams or win every competition but really investing in the process has helped me use these experiences to push myself. It’s so important to be enjoying where you are currently while striving to always be at your best.

What, if any sacrifices, have you made to pursue your athletic career?

I think I have definitely needed to make running my priority. This was not a hard decision for me but it was difficult to have to shift the way I engaged in athletics by not being able to play

multiple different sports. In the long run, I have been able to find success but it is definitely difficult at times not being able to do everything I would like to.

What do you see yourself doing after you finish your Masters?

I am hoping to sign a pro contract at the end of my NCAA eligibility in June. I hope that I will be able to pursue a coaching role later on after my athletic career and want to be engaged in athletics to some extent as long as I can.

What lessons did LFA teach you that helped you in your athletic career?

I think a big part was really the sense of community. The teams I was on were special and I wanted to be part of the group and work hard together. It wasn’t purely based on wins and losses but having a team I would invest in and work for is eye opening in many ways and those moments have greatly influenced my athletic career.

In an interview she did with Canada Running magazine before last November's NCAA crosscountry championships, Ceili expressed her hopes that the West Virginia team achieve their highest finish. She said "All I can do is just be my best". From what she has shown so far, her best is very good and she has a promising professional athletic career in front of her.

For the first time in over a decade, our LFA Parents' Auxiliary will host an LFA Gala

www.lfabc.org/Gala

10 Years Ago

CLASS OF 40th REUNION '85

There's a party going on right here...

The grads of 1985 are a close bunch and they like proper parties. They are also true daughters to their alma mater as evidenced by their recent 40th reunion held on June 7th, 2025 at their beloved Little Flower Academy.

This alumnae class has organized several happy reunion parties over the years and celebrated many milestones together. But this is the first time that they chose to come together on the beautiful grounds and in the spiritual space of their alma mater. Connie Sabo led this crew on a nostalgic tour around the new and old classrooms, hallways, gymnasiums, and chapel. Oh my, how things have changed and yet have remained the same—the aged paper aroma in old classrooms, the neatly linedup desks, and the old gym that seemed so big—all felt comfortingly familiar.

They listened to the champagne welcome from Rachelle Beaulieu '85 who led the organizing committee and always maintained the lightness and the fun of this special occasion. Then came the speeches from the president and vice president of the graduating year, Recel Fajardo-Jardine '85 and Charlotte Mauricio '85 respectively. They reminded their sisters of the strong bonds that were made during their formative high school years as they lived and learned in this special academy. The fact that these bonds hold strong to this day is a testament to this powerful sisterhood. Everyone seemed to listen with their hearts as they wished for these longlasting friendships and connections to continue as time goes on.

A delicious buffet expertly prepared by Chef Jay Fournier followed and was accompanied with well paired and lovely wines. The reminiscing and the laughter continued throughout this wonderful evening.

This happy bunch ended by renewing their alma mater pledge: to be through life, true daughters of their alma mater: true to her principles, true to her faith, true to her love, and faithful to her trust. And then a final bid to all to go towards the light: Ad Lucem.

CLASS OF 55th REUNION '70

Malina Kordic '87 (1969 - 2022)

AUTHOR: LARA KORDIC '96

My sister, Malina and I never attended LFA at the same time. Being nearly nine years apart in age, we never attended any school together. In 1982, when she began making the long trek from the North Shore to Shaughnessy, I was still going to story time at the public library. When she was in her first year at UBC, I was struggling with fractions. By the time it was my turn to don the maroon kilt, Malina had already moved out of our house, leaving her old collection of Sweet Valley High novels. They were dog-eared, with pages permanently stiff and fanning from being dropped in bathtubs or left on the edge of beach towels at high tide. And they were stamped with the name of the library of the very school where I was just starting Grade 8.

I don’t remember choosing to go to LFA. I knew I would go there because my sister had gone there, just as I knew I would eventually go to UBC because she had. She didn’t inspire me with her academic achievements or social status, but rather fascinated me with her ability to make everything into a story and every person into a character. I knew some of my LFA teachers before they were my teachers. I knew their fashion preferences, intonations, and overused expressions because she’d described them for me years before I sat in their classrooms. With me as her rapt audience of one, Malina

would turn LFA into a richly plotted YA novel, with hilarious anecdotes about uniform violations, choreographed ribbon-waving routines to greet the pope, and hair-sprayed bangs that defied gravity. For her, high school was never a stressful, intimidating place. It was a place to eat jelly doughnuts for lunch and read the Canterbury Tales and make friends and laugh when you weren’t supposed to and get detention for wearing electric blue tights.

My sister influenced my life in ways that I cannot even fathom. (“I am a part of all that I have met.” Was that line from Ulysses Sister Jo had us write on cue cards, nine years apart?) But one very obvious way she shaped my life was through her unabashed and unpretentious love of storytelling, writing, and books. Absorbing everything from Francine Pascal to Chaucer, I followed her to LFA, to UBC, and to becoming an editor, which led me to a career in book publishing. My sister never chased ambition, but she was always chasing the next plot twist, the next character, the next scene of unexpected hilarity. Nearly three years ago, when she left this world, she left behind manuscripts, notebooks, journals, vignettes, and outlines (some of them no doubt bathwater—or tide-soaked). She was a writer in the truest sense of the word.

Lucy Borowski '21

Women's National Volleyball Team

AUTHOR: EMILY CORDONIER '01

Lucy Borowski '21 is a two-time National Volleyball Champion with the UBC Thunderbirds. This spring she was named to the Senior Women’s Canadian Volleyball team for the first-time. Lucy took the time out of her busy competition and travel schedule to talk with fellow LFA alumna and former Team Canada Volleyball Captain, Emily Cordonier '01.

This summer you made the roster for the Canadian Senior Women’s National Team and the travelling squad for Volleyball Nations League. What did it feel like when you found out you made the squad?

Making the Senior National Team has been a dream of mine since my time at LFA. I’ve been part of the youth programs since Grade 12, and this has always been the ultimate goal. When I found out I made the squad, I was in shock but filled with pride and joy that I was able to accomplish something my younger self only dreamed of. My parents have been my biggest supporters throughout my volleyball journey, so they were the first ones I shared the news with.

When did you get your start in the sport of volleyball, and how did the dream of making Team Canada start to form for you?

I started playing volleyball in Grade 5, alongside many other sports. I first fell in love with the

game because of how much fun my first LFA summer camp was, but it wasn’t until Grade 9 or 10 that I decided I wanted to pursue it seriously. I remember watching the girls on the Junior National Teams and thinking, “I want to be like them one day”. That dream carried me through my time at LFA, and club volleyball and now I have the privilege of living it out.

Tell us a little about Volleyball Nations League and what this summer has looked like for you with the National Team.

Volleyball Nations League (VNL) is one of the biggest international competitions in the sport. The top teams in the world compete across three rounds, each hosted in a different country. This year, we played in Ottawa, Istanbul, and will soon travel to Texas. We just wrapped up our second week in Istanbul, and while we didn’t get the results we wanted, we made huge strides as a team. Being such a young group, many of us got to experience senior national play for the first time which continues to be a steep learning curve. Facing powerhouse teams like Turkey and Brazil helped us see exactly what our strengths and weaknesses are as a team and where we need to be in order to qualify for the 2028 Olympics. After VNL wraps up, we’ll head to the World Championships in China followed by a NORCECA event in Mexico.

Where are you most excited to travel and compete this summer?

Playing in Ottawa in front of a home crowd was something I’ll never forget. Singing the national anthem and getting to play the sport we love with thousands of Canadians supporting us meant the world. Istanbul was another highlight as it’s one of my favourite cities and we had the opportunity to train at VakıfBank, one of the most successful clubs globally and the home club of our head coach for Canada, Giovanni Guidetti. Being in that gym learning from world-class coaches was such a privilege.

What are your biggest strengths that you bring to the team—both on and off the court?

On the court, I’d say my biggest strength is my versatility. I’ve played nearly every position at some point, so I’m adaptable and want to help the team in whatever role I’m given. I play my best when I’m having fun and tapping into my competitive edge, and I hope that steady energy helps to build my teammates' confidence. Off the court, I try my best to be a great teammate, friend, and leader to the younger players at UBC. When I first came into the program, I was incredibly inspired by the older girls’ work ethic and intensity on court and in the classroom. They would go out of their way to support us in the challenging, new environment that is

university sport, and I hope to do the same for the incoming players. My coach at UBC, Doug Reimer, talks a lot about how psychological safety is the foundation of every well-functioning team. I think the best way to foster this is learning how to best support each of your teammates’ individual needs, so they feel free to take risks and share their ideas with the group.

What are the biggest challenges of competing at this level and being on the road so much?

There’s definitely pressure, both internally and externally. Every player on the team can perform at a high level, no question. The real challenge is sustaining that level of play over long periods of time. A lot of us struggle with nerves as well. We played Turkey in front of their home crowd of over 16,000 people which was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Physically, the long travel and time zone changes are tough on the body, making it harder to stay consistent with nutrition and recovery. With athletes constantly coming and going, another challenge is learning to play and communicate effectively with teammates you may not know well. Even without close bonds, professional communication and trust on court are essential.

Do you see any parallels between the all-girls environment at LFA and being part of a highperformance team like Team Canada?

Definitely. LFA fosters an environment full of driven, hardworking young women—often perfectionists in the best (and sometimes most challenging) way. That same energy exists on every high-level team I’ve played for. When multiple strong personalities come together, you’re forced to learn how to communicate effectively, accept your role, and work toward a common goal. These are life skills that go way beyond sport and will help in any future role one may have.

What’s next after this summer and for your long-term volleyball goals?

After this summer, I’ll return to UBC for my fifth and final year. From there, my goal is to play professionally in Europe and continue developing as a player to help Canada qualify for the 2028 Olympics in LA. That’s the big dream.

You are an Academic All Canadian at UBC, no easy task when balancing a full-time sport and academic schedule. How has school shaped your career aspirations?

I’m studying Kinesiology and have really enjoyed learning about the human body, movement, and performance. I’d love to stay in the sport world whether that’s through something like strength and conditioning, physiotherapy or the sports business. I would love to pursue professional volleyball for as long as possible, so I’d like to keep my options open for the future.

What advice do you have for LFA students who want to play volleyball beyond high school?

These are the lessons that have stuck with me as I’ve grown as a player, which I think would be helpful to the current Angels. Firstly, let go of perfectionism. It's easy to get stuck in the mindset of never being good enough. You can appreciate how far you’ve come and recognize what still needs improvement at the same time. Secondly, take ownership of your own development. If you have big goals, figure out exactly what it will take to get there and ask your coach to support you in that. Thirdly, start working on your mental game now. It is the most important skill yet least practiced. Practice putting yourself in pressure situations and figure out exactly what you need to perform your best. Finally, remember that there are so many ways to contribute to a team and they do not all include being the star player. I have made rosters where my only role at first was to be a supportive teammate. It was exactly what I needed to get my foot in the door and opened up more opportunities for growth later on.

You can watch Lucy competing with the UBC Thunderbirds on their home court at War Memorial Gym when she returns for her senior year in the fall!

Cover page: Lucy competing for UBC at the 2024 National championship at McMaster.

Above: Lucy with her tournament all-star award, representing LFA at the 2019 Provincial Championships.

Below: Lucy and her UBC teammate Kacey Jost playing for Team Canada this summer.

Ana de Sequera ‘77

BC Girls Provincial Championships 1970s All-Decade Team

AUTHOR: CARLIE ERIN PAXTON '97

This year marked a major milestone in B.C. Girls' Basketball—the 75th Anniversary of the BC Girls Provincial Championships. In celebration, the tournament committee created “All Decade Teams” to recognize some of the top female players across generations. Among the elite athletes honoured was Little Flower Academy’s very own Ana de Sequera ‘77, named to the 1970–1979 All-Decade Team.

For those who knew Ana during her time at Little Flower Academy, this recognition comes as no surprise. Her skill, leadership, and commitment to the game helped define an era in LFA athletics

into sports programs and quickly made their mark. “I truly enjoyed being on the team and playing with my teammates,” Ana says. “Our out of town tournaments and road trips were some of my favorite memories. We bonded in those car rides, those friendships meant everything.” She credits coach Dan Paxton for inspiring the team. “Mr. Paxton believed in us,” Ana shares. “His passion for the game and belief in our potential pushed us to always give our best.”

"Ana was an outstanding athlete and an incredibly skilled shooter," Coach Paxton recalled fondly. "She was a great kid—very coachable, hardworking, and determined. A complete player who could play any position on the court. She was smart, a quiet leader, and a true team player. Her teammates loved her."

explored her creative side through interior design studies at the Philippine School of Interior Design.

Her life since then has been rich and full: a wife, mother, entrepreneur, served as Ambassador of the Philippines to Spain, and now a semi-retired grandmother. “A lot of life has passed,” she reflects. “My years playing LFA basketball remain a happy and meaningful chapter.”

and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

Ana was born in the Philippines in the late 1950s of Filipino-Spanish descent. Her family's journey spanned the world—from Manila to Madrid in 1967 for her father's business venture, and eventually to Vancouver, Canada, where they settled near LFA. Ana, along with her three siblings, quickly adapted to life in their new home. "Vancouver was a quiet, beautiful city," she recalls. "It was very different from Manila or Madrid, but the people were kind, and my sister Teresa and I felt immediately welcomed by the nuns, teachers, and students at LFA."

Ana’s basketball journey at LFA began in the early 1970s. Despite being new to the country and school, she and her sister, Theresa, jumped

A dedicated student-athlete, Ana managed to strike a healthy balance between academics and athletics. “It was a clean and wholesome life in Vancouver—no gadgets or phones, just school and sports,” she says with a laugh.

“The discipline of basketball helped me academically and vice versa.” Several

LFA teachers left a lasting impression, including Sister Hortentious, her homeroom teacher in Grade 7, and Sister Pat, who taught English literature.

When asked how basketball shaped her life, Ana says, “My successes on the court helped build confidence and self-esteem. Being part of a team taught me humility, resilience, and how to build meaningful relationships. You learn how to win gracefully and how to accept defeat.” She believes every teammate brought something valuable to the court. “Everyone had a piece of the action. Everyone was impactful, in some form or other.

After graduating from LFA, Ana pursued higher education at Santa Clara University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Spanish. She studied abroad in Madrid and even completed short programs in Japan. Later, she

Though no longer involved in basketball, Ana keeps active with golf, tennis, and, more recently, pickleball. “My love for sports is still in my DNA,” she says with pride. When asked what one word best describes the school’s influence on her life, Ana simply said “it was my happy place”. The one word would be “happy". And her message for today’s students. “Find what you're good at and run with it. You will surely bloom.”

Ana’s name has been forever etched in the B.C. Girls Museum display at the Provincial Championship. A nod to her game, her skill and excellence in basketball.

Josette Jorge '01 Wins Canadian Screen Award

The 13th Canadian Screen Awards were held in Toronto from May 30 to June 1, 2025. Among the esteemed attendees was LFA Alum, Josette Jorge ’01. Josette was present as a nominee for three separate awards: Best Supporting Performer, Children’s or Youth for Ruby and the Well; Best Voice Performance for Open Season: Call of Nature; and Best Writing, Animation for Galapagos X

Josette came away with a win in the Best Supporting Performer category for her incredible work on Ruby and the Well a fantastical family drama in it’s fourth season airing on the Family Channel. For those interested in watching Ruby and the Well it is available on Prime Video with a familyTV subscription as well as Apple TV.

In her acceptance speech at the event Josette thanked the cast and crew of Ruby and the Well along with the showrunners for giving her the opportunity, she also thanked her husband and children, and her parents for being her biggest supporters from day one.

We reached out to Josette to congratulate her and asked her to reflect on her achievement and what it means for her at this point in her career, she sent the following message:

“I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated for Canadian Screen Awards in three categories Acting, Voice, and Writing. Winning the CSA for Best Supporting Performer for my work on Ruby and the Well was truly a dream come true.

Portraying Leah Miranda the school guidance counselor and new love interest for Ruby's dad— was a gift. It was the kind of role I could really sink my teeth into, with scenes that were both delightfully comedic and deeply emotional. Working on the show was a career highlight, not only because I got to act, but also because I had the unique opportunity to serve as the acting coach during Season 4. I've been coaching performers for years at my school, Ivy Speech Arts Academy, but doing it on set while acting was an unforgettable experience.

I think teenage Josette would be proud. It all started at LFA, writing and performing in student council skits—and now here we are.”

Welcome Back Barbeque

Join us for an unforgettable evening as LFA’s biggest annual tradition becomes a momentous milestone—the official launch of our new campus project and the dawn of our next 100 years!

Friday Sept.5 th 5:00pm

LFA's First Rhodes Scholar: Phoebe Cheung '18

In October 2024, Phoebe Cheung '18 became LFA's first ever Rhodes Scholar, heading off to the University of Oxford to pursue her DPhil in Engineering Science.

AUTHOR: UDHAY SOKHI

Freshly graduated from UBC in 2023, with a job she loved as a Manufacturing Engineer at a local medical device company, Phoebe Cheung ’18 was in the midst of starting her engineering career. She had just spent the last five years in the labs, classrooms, and libraries of UBC, earning her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a biomedical specialization. Then, an email found its way to her inbox. It was a simple invitation from UBC in recognition of Phoebe’s high scholastic achievement to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship.

Yes, that Rhodes Scholarship. Awarded to fully fund studies at the University of Oxford, it is one of the oldest graduate scholarships in the world and is considered by many to be

the most prestigious international scholarship program. Annually, only 105 scholarships are given out to candidates spanning the globe, with 11 scholarships given to Canada, including one specifically for British Columbia. The strict regional allocation of the scholarships is a part of an effort to ensure the Rhodes Scholarship program represents a diverse crop of the most promising minds from across the world—a crop that includes former presidents and prime ministers. The selected students not only show academic excellence, but also exhibit “exceptional character, leadership, the energy to use their talents to the full and a commitment to solving humanity’s challenges”.

Phoebe was excited about what lay ahead in her role as a Manufacturing Engineer in an

industry that she was passionate about and at a company she loved. However, this was the first time pursuing graduate studies became a serious consideration, and a real possibility.

Then came another email inviting her to an info session to learn more about the Rhodes Scholarship. Not one to pass up an opportunity, she decided to attend. What Phoebe realized this time that she hadn’t before, was the fact that the Rhodes Scholarship has an age limit. Meant only for the brightest and youngest minds, Phoebe realized that this was an opportunity that wouldn’t come back in the future. It was now or never. So, she decided to put an application together, and in doing so, she was confronted with questions of purpose, drive, and passion. Meant to gauge her fit as a candidate, what the

application process ultimately did for Phoebe was make her realize just how ready and eager she was for this opportunity.

The pursuit of academia aside, she realized this opportunity was one that could expand her mind and worldview in equal measure. It was a learning opportunity that could only take place by virtue of moving her across the pond into a new world.

The evening after the final interview, she received the long-anticipated phone call. She had been chosen by the selection committee for the Rhodes Scholarship as BC’s representative. Starting October 2024, Phoebe would be working towards her DPhil (Oxford’s equivalent of a PhD) in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.

Talking with Phoebe today, she still fondly remembers her time at LFA. In particular, she reflects on her time spent taking AP Calculus, AP Physics, and Mr. Chow’s IT courses what Phoebe refers to as her “introduction to engineering and programming”. Perhaps Phoebe’s most formative memory of LFA however, is taking part in LFA’s Physics Olympics team. Just this past year, LFA’s Physics Olympics team had 4th and 6th place finishes in separate challenges, out of a total of 81 teams competing. Back in Phoebe’s day, the team was very much in its infancy, comprised of only a handful of students. “I was a part of the team in Grade 11 and 12. That was a neat opportunity for me to get my hands dirty in the STEAM Lab and to use the laser cutter for prototyping different projects. I remember we created this spinning top and also a vinegar and baking powder powered rocket. That early exposure to STEAM led me towards ultimately studying engineering in university,” Phoebe recalled.

She cited these formative experiences and opportunities as the secret to her success at university and beyond: “I was super involved at LFA, I did as much as I could. I did all the math contests, extracurriculars activities, volunteering... everything. I had the mindset of ‘do well in school but also take advantage of opportunities that present themselves to me’. It was the same thing in university. That mindset helped me excel as the captain of the UBC AeroDesign team and at my internships.”

Of course, it’s not just the breadth of opportunities at LFA that Phoebe responded to, but notably, the encouragement from her teachers and peers. “You’re presented with so many opportunities at LFA. There are so many clubs, so many courses you can take, and you’re encouraged to do everything you can. That really helped me adopt the mindset of trying everything and seizing every opportunity,” Phoebe said. “Those sorts of things were so easy, accessible, and encouraged at LFA. It felt natural

to bring those habits over to university, so balancing academics with extracurriculars was more than manageable for me.”

Now with her biggest academic endeavour ahead of her, there’s a lot Phoebe can look forward to. “Doing a PhD is so different than university or high school because you’re on your own. You make your own schedule, you come up with your own questions, you answer them yourself, and you come up with your own methodology to answer them. Everything’s on me whether I do well or poorly. So, I look forward to developing and practicing those skills,” Phoebe said. “The Rhodes Scholarship and Oxford are such international communities, so it’s been wonderful getting to meet people with such unique and diverse experiences. Putting myself in the context of the entire world, it makes me feel much smaller, it’s very humbling, so I look forward to that personal growth.”

It’s a credit to Phoebe that she always manages to find the learning opportunity in every experience she embarks on. Her work ethic, determination, and enthusiasm for learning are qualities we hope every student inherits in their time at LFA. When asked what advice she would have for other LFA alumnae or students considering grad school, Phoebe had a very simple response: “Just try. Go for the opportunity and if you don’t get it, it’s ok, there are always other opportunities out there.”

We couldn’t be prouder of Phoebe’s postsecondary success, and we’re excited to see her continue to thrive and grow at Oxford.

Cover page: Phoebe in front of Oxford's Radcliffe Camera (library). Above: Phoebe on Matriculation Day at Oxford. Below: Phoebe along the streets of Oxford.

Mylene de Guzman '87 Provincial Court Judge

AUTHOR: CECILIA DOLL '87

On March 28, 2025, Mylene de Guzman '87 was appointed a Provincial Court Judge of British Columbia. Her appointment makes her the Court's first Filipino-Canadian judge. Mylene's fellow alum, Cecilia Doll '87 sat down with her for a chat to talk all about the appointment, and what it means for Mylene.

Tell us about your reaction and feelings to being appointed to the BC Provincial Court? It was unexpected and humbling. The odds of appointment are slim, and there is never an expectation that it will happen. When it does, life changes literally from one moment to the next, as you are required to cease working as a lawyer from the time that you receive the call from the Attorney General of the province. The time after the call is a whirlwind of simultaneous things, with the training occurring at the same time as winding down a law practice that took 30 years to build.

My appointment also happened during an impossibly difficult time in my personal life, with my mother passing on the same day that my appointment was announced. It was a dream of hers which came to fruition. Every day since, has been lived to honour her, my father, and their certainty that this opportunity would be the gateway to serve others, and that this job is something that I could do, because they taught me how.

When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in Law?

I actually wanted to be teacher and a writer. Law as a career was something that developed over time, because it was one of the paths that allowed me to be immersed in words daily. It was probably around the time that I entered university that law became a more crystallized option for me, but I kept my options for graduate studies in English Literature always open, and my desire to teach was only superseded by my interest in law, when I started taking courses in political science and international relations.

When did the notion of perhaps becoming a Provincial Court Judge first crystallize for you, was it always something you had your eyes on?

The goal of becoming a judge is perhaps on every practicing lawyer’s mind in some way, even as a fleeting thought, but my efforts towards becoming a Provincial Court Judge happened in earnest, sometime in 2017, when I thought seriously about this job as a prospect for me and oriented my efforts towards this goal accordingly.

With this appointment comes a whole new set of responsibilities, how are you preparing?

As with all jobs, I have prepared for this job by thoroughly researching the elements to perform it, developing the skill set to do the job effectively

and well, and ensuring that I maintain the legal education and professional development to stay current with the challenges of the job. It is important to me, to continue to learn from and engage with more senior colleagues, who provide necessary and invaluable insight about all aspects of this role.

Throughout your career, you’ve done pro bono work, served as a mentor, and been an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion rep. Where does the passion for community service come from? Encapsulated in two words: my parents. They led by example, and taught me that it is an essential responsibility, as contributing members of society, to serve it.

I was taught from an early age to lead a life of service, and that the best way to honour my parents’ gift is to contribute meaningfully to our community. I learned to be mindful of the chances given to me by the country that sheltered my family

What are your strongest memories of being a student at LFA?

I remember the rush between classes, doing homework in the halls at the last minute, sitting in the corner with my friends and classmates, talking about matters that seemed so monumental at the time, and which I smile about now. I remember the challenge of

Ms. Karmali’s French class, the cadence and the lyricism of Sister Jo’s English Literature course, which made me fall in love with words, and developed my relationship with them.

I remember belonging to a close-knit community of women who squabbled one minute, then would immediately put aside their petty jealousies any time they perceived one of their own was under attack from anything. I remember the overnight and weekend retreats that helped us to deepen our faith and led us to find answers to difficult questions on our own. I remember leadership conferences when we could interact with other schools, and be proud of ours when we did so.

How did your time at LFA inform you as a person?

My time at LFA informs who I am today. My lifelong friendships with sisters whom I met in Grade 8 are among the most important relationships of my life. We share a common history, formed when we ourselves were just finding out who we were, and what we were meant to do. The skill set, the work ethic, the way to respond to adversity, the way to absorb challenges and then meet them, the conviction to stand for things, the way to practice the state of gratefulness, the way to be centred in our shared faith–all of these come from LFA.

For our students who may see the idea of becoming a Provincial Judge as a lofty goal, what would you tell them about your journey? There are many different paths to the judiciary, and these ways are as varied and as diverse as the people who embark on this journey, and are now my brother, sister, and colleague judges. The goal is lofty because the bar is high, but it has to be, so that the judiciary is comprised of the strengths and talents of the judicial body who are tasked with serving the community as robustly and responsibly as possible. My advice would be three steps to keep in mind:

1. Know that you really want the outcome, visualize the goal, and believe you can achieve it–that you are good enough, and that your contribution is important.

2. Work towards meeting, and exceeding the base requirements for the job, but more importantly, balance those qualifications with volunteerism and aspects about yourself that are personal and unique to you.

3. Never forget where you came from, let this perspective ground you–and pay forward whenever you can.

You are the first Filipino-Canadian appointed to the BC Provincial Court, what does that mean to you?

My identity as a Filipino-Canadian is the story of the immigrant experience. My appointment may mean different things to different members of the community who see themselves more readily in positions of leadership, authority, or influence, because of people whose journeys are similar to mine.

But for me, it means that I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to occupy this role, and the commitment to serve this community through a lens that includes my perspective as a Filipino-Canadian woman. One who has experienced an alternate path to parenthood, and has been given the grace to live the challenges associated with assisting aging parents and relatives, and who, as a family law practitioner of almost 30 years, was lucky enough to hear the stories of people from all walks of life that will now inform the way I can and will do this job.

What do you hope to accomplish in your new role?

If I can one day match the dedication, empathy, and wisdom of the colleagues who precede me, I will consider that I have done my part.

Mylene (second from left) on the day of her appointment alongside colleagues and Chief Judge Melissa Gillespie.

Distinguished Alumnae

Little Flower Academy is very excited to celebrate our 2025 Distinguished Alumnae Inductees, Romayne Gallagher ’75 and Mellissa Fung '90. Romayne and Mellissa are being inducted for their exemplary work in their respective fields and for embodying a deep strength of character that Angels everywhere can aspire to.

Romayne Gallagher '75

Distinguished Alumnae serve as a reminder and a beacon for our students of all that can be accomplished and achieved through great spirit, generosity, and character. A true pioneer and trailblazer in her field, this year’s inductee, Romayne Gallagher '75 was honoured and inducted on February 12th, 2025 in a mass and reception held at LFA.

Dr. Romayne Gallagher ’75 is a trained family physician, a clinical professor, and a consultant and pioneer in the field of palliative care. She has devoted her life to the service and care of others in the pursuit of medical advancement.

Romayne received her MD from the University of British Columbia and her certification from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Her clinical experience includes being a family physician for 12 years and a consultant in palliative care for over 17 years. She was the founding director of the Division of Palliative Care at the University of British Columbia from 1997 to 2003. She helped establish undergraduate, postgraduate and interprofessional teaching in palliative care at the university. She also established a public forum on death and dying, the first of its kind; it ran for over 5 years and has been replicated by others in North America and Europe.

Romayne served as the Head, Division of Residential Care, of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Providence Health Care. She was also the Physician Program Director for the Palliative Care and Residential Care Programs at Providence Health Care, and a Clinical Professor in the Division of Palliative Care at UBC. She has published a

number of research articles and authored chapters in palliative care and pain management publications.

Romayne was Co-Chair of the Public Information and Awareness Working Group of the National Strategy on Palliative and End-of-Life Care that ended in 2007 but continues advocacy work through the Quality End-of-Life Care Coalition. She has worked as a consultant for Pallium, a federally funded initiative to improve palliative care education and frequently speaks at continuing medical education events and conferences. Romayne worked with other healthcare professionals and colleagues in the provincial Ministry of Health Services to establish the BC Palliative Care Benefits Program that funds medications and supplies to those wishing to be at home at the end of their lives.

Romayne’s tireless efforts to make advancements in her field, her commitment to advocacy, and her astounding record of excellence make her truly distinguished.

Mellissa Fung '90

A gifted storyteller whose indelible work has helped Canadians understand the world around them better, this year’s inductee, Mellissa Fung '90 was honoured and inducted on February 12th, 2025 in a mass and reception held at LFA. Though Mellissa was abroad on assignment for CBC during the induction ceremony, she was able to send in a video for staff, alumnae, and students in attendance expressing her deepest gratitude for the honour.

Mellissa Fung ’90 is an acclaimed author, filmmaker and CBC war correspondent. In 2024, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada one of the highest civilian honours in our country for her advocacy for women and girls in war-torn countries.

Mellissa completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC in 1994, and her master’s degree at the Columbia School of Journalism in 1995. She has served as a national reporter for CBC Television since 2003. In her time as a national correspondent Mellissa has reported on many high-profile stories including the Robert Pickton trial, the 2003 SARS outbreak, and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Mellissa became a household name in Canada after she was released from being kidnapped while on assignment in Afghanistan for CBC’s “The National” in 2008. Her book “Under An Afghan Sky” details her experiences, and her 2021 documentary “Captive” recounts her own story and those of Nigerian women abducted by Boko Haram.

Throughout her journalism career, Mellissa has steadfastly held onto the belief that she is a human being first. Mellissa is not content simply parachuting into the lives of communities and families she is reporting on, but rather approaching them on their terms, with a reverence for their willingness to share their stories. For Mellissa, good journalism helps people understand each other a little better understanding that invites greater unity and empathy.

Mellissa’s illustrious career has helped Canadians make sense of the world around them. Her strength as a journalist is her incredible ability to connect with the people around her, and her passion for her work is endless. Mellissa has distinguished herself not just through accolades and achievements, but through her resilient spirit, her incredible dedication to her work, and the immense humanity she has displayed in the face of it all.

Above: Mellissa Fung sharing a moment with Afghani refugees in Pakistan (2022).

Below, left: Romayne Gallagher '75 posing alongside her newly installed Distnguished Alumnae plaque.

Below: Romayne Gallagher '75 at the 2025 Distinguished Alumnae Mass held on February 12th, 2025 at LFA.

SCHOOL SPIRIT

GRADUATION 2025

Celebrating the Class of 2025

As ever, this year’s Grad Litrugy and Ceremony were full of joy. Parents, family, and friends were gathered in celebration to watch our graduates receive their diplomas. The room was full of smiles, cheers, and an immense sense of pride in the accomplishments of the Class of 2025.

The Class of 2025 will be remembered for their grace and strength of character, which saw them serve as brilliant role models for the rest of the student body. LFA will miss their kind and infectious nature as they set forth on the next chapter of their lives.

Congratulations Class of 2025!

Valedictory Address

AUTHOR: RAINE GURTON '25

We are pleased to share Raine Gurton’s 2025 valedictory address.

Good afternoon Sisters of St. Ann, members of the Jane Rowan Society, faculty, staff, returning alumnae, friends and family, and Grads of 2025.

We are often told how big a deal it is to graduate and move on to the “next chapter of our lives,” but I don't think we fully appreciated this when we chose our Grade 12 courses, or when we wrote post-secondary applications or even when we bought our grad dresses. It is not until today that it really hits us that never again will we call to each other from down the Grade 12 hallway as we arrive at our lockers in the morning. Never again will we cram into the library and collectively review every single concept before we slide into our alphabetised seats for January exams. Never again will we line up for butter chicken at the cafeteria or sing our hearts out to karaoke at Open Mic.

All 95 of our lives were positively changed by something that happened 80 years before we were born. In 1927, the Sisters of St. Ann founded this school and I think I speak for all of us when I say, we are who we are today because of them, because of the standards of excellence and the values put into place.

Over these last 5 years, we have done a lot together. We met wearing masks. We collaborated over Zoom. We all cheered and celebrated when those one-way hallways went out of commission.

What is most amazing, though, is how we have come together. I cannot pretend to be athletic but I have witnessed through those of you who are so gifted, the way your teams have stormed to victory in decisive games, won provincial banners, but most importantly, did so together. Together, we made incredible memories on our Grade 12 retreat. Together, we supported one another. Never has any of us dropped our books without five others rushing to help.

Together, we raised money for Walkathon. As such, a few years from now, this building will look different. But LFA is not a building. LFA is a family, a community, and a home for us to come back to.

So, thank you for bringing us into this home. Thank you to the Sisters of St. Ann for establishing this school and to the members of the Jane Rowan Society for allowing us to thrive here today. Thank you to the staff and administration, who always have a kind greeting or smile. Thank you to the teachers, who taught us so much more than the curriculum, but also how to care for others, and challenge and understand ourselves. To pursue what sparks our interest, to dive deep into that inquiry question or passion project. To take a risk.

Thank you, of course, to all of the families and parents who made all this possible, so that we could truly be our best selves.

Never again will we be studying at LFA.

But we WILL always be LFA students. We WILL go into our futures as different people than the 13 year-olds we were as we began our journey, new locks, chromebooks, and ice cream sandwiches in hand. We have grown in confidence, knowledge, and understanding of our faith. Our liturgies have taught us both the beauty of mass and of coming together as a community to celebrate it and sing "Oceans."

We have also grown in our understanding of our duties in this world.

Everyday we hear about the proverbial “somebody.” Somebody needs to fix the economy. Somebody needs to cure Alzheimer's. Somebody needs to master renewable energy. Somebody needs to fix that thing your airpods do when you disconnect them and your phone starts blasting music instead. Somebody needs to tackle misinformation. Somebody needs to fix food insecurity.

Angels. We are those somebodies.

LFA inspired us to serve others, to recognize where there is a need and to act.

And I think that is our final assignment. To apply what we’ve learned. To take those experiences, our failures, our wins, our tears, our memories, our laughs, and our hopes. And bring it wherever we are going.

Ad Lucem.

Graduation 2025

WE ANSWER THE CALL TO BE WITNESSES OF THE LIGHT

GRADUATION 1985

At their recent 40th Reunion the Class of 1985 gathered at the school to reflect on their time at LFA. In honour of their 40 years and incredible school spirit, we take this trip down memory lane to celebrate the Class of 1985.

1985 Valedictory Address

AUTHOR: CHARLOTTE MAURICIO '85

We are pleased to share Charlotte Mauricio’s 1985 valedictory address.

“One great secret of success is constancy of purpose.”

Graduation is and has a purpose, not just to say goodbye, but to open the doors to what lies ahead, and to recall what we have experienced in our years at LFA.

Each one of us has her own scrapbook of memories which has a special section in the pages of her mind. As we look through this book, we see classroom escapades, teenage fantasies, and a certain yearning for the future. These memories provide a bridge between our past and our present which allows us to cross that time barrier and re-live those yesteryears in our memory and our imagination. Special among our memories of this year is that unforgettable moment in our lives when we stood in B.C. Place in almost breathless wonder and heard announced over the loudspeaker “His Holiness Pope John Paul.” The memory of that moment, the sight of him, the sound of his voice, the power of his message will make our graduation year uniquely special.

We have, however, achieved not only memories, but many other accomplishments as well: an education, awards, a sense of responsibility, growth in self-discipline, faith in God and in the Church….the list is endless.

But I think, more than anything else, we have received great love from our parents, our teachers, and our friends. They have stood right by us during our difficult moments and made us aware that there is always that light of hope in any situation. They praised us in our victories and they comforted us in our defeats. They were always there with open mind and loving heart ready to listen to what we had to say. In other words, they helped us to grow and to appreciate and to accept ourselves as we are. There is always that fear of not being accepted, but those who loved us made us look deep within ourselves and helped us to realize that everyone has a special quality, striving to show itself, and I believe that every graduate here has shown that special quality in some way.

We have also strengthened our faith and have experienced the strengthening presence of God. When everything seemed to be going wrong, it was a comfort to know that God’s love was always there.

We thank and we appreciate everyone who has given us these experiences, and we are as proud of you as you are of us. But we too are proud of ourselves because we have succeeded in making our Grade 12 class a community of faith and love. We have laughed together; we have cried together; we have dreamed together; and most importantly, we ARE together. No matter what future distances separate us, no distance can divide the community we have built. That faith and love will stay with us and they will guide us as we step into a new life. It is rather frightening to think we are now independent, but we know that we can make something of ourselves, and make you, our parents, our teachers, our friends, our pastors, even more proud of us. We see our dream coming alive, our dream of graduating. No one can take away that profound feeling we are experiencing at this moment, and with that feeling deep in our hearts, we are eager to reach our every goal.

We will keep moving forward because we all have a purpose. And although we leave LFA, every one of us will remain in spirit, in memories, and in friends, always a part of our loved Little Flower Academy.

On Thursday, May 15th, LFA's Choral Choir performed their year-end show "We Are The Music Makers" at UBC's Chan Shun Concert Hall.

The culminating choir event of the year, this year’s concert was a truly beautiful send off for all our senior choir members. They took to the stage with gusto and sang their hearts out in front of a packed crowd of family, friends, and alumnae. Led by our incredible Music Director, Marizza Mislang, all of LFA’s choirs put on a marvelous show.

The performance also featured student violinists and contemporary dance; in every meaningful way, the evening was a comprehensive display of the creativity and artistry that lies within our students.

Musical accompaniments from acclaimed pianist Miri Lee, and percussionist Bruce Henczel helped bring the whole show together. LFA's Choral Choir is a glorious example of the talent and potential each of our students possess. As our theatre and performance art space looks to greatly expand in the upcoming redevelopment, one of the greatest gifts will be a true rehearsal and performance space for our choirs right here at LFA.

If you missed supporting our choir this year, be sure to get your tickets early for next year, as it is a truly one-of-a-kind LFA event.

On Friday, May 3rd, 2024, LFA's Choral Choir performed their year-end show "Sing the World Better" at UBC's Chan Shun Concert Hall.

Little Shop of Horrors

Theatre Arts at LFA have long been a critical part of our fine and performing arts program, designed to help every student explore and discover their creativity in a safe and fun environment. For this year’s drama production, once again in collaboration with Vancouver College, our students put together a fabulous production of Little Shop of Horrors the muchloved horror comedy rock musical.

For the uninitiated, Little Shop of Horrors is definitely more dark and twisty than many of our previous productions, exploring themes such as the dangers of unchecked ambition, the corrupting influence of greed, and the consequences of one’s choices.

Performances were held at the Irene Manrell Theatre for Performing Arts at Vancouver College from April 8-12th. The actors and crew were in top form, and audiences were thoroughly entertained by top-notch acting and amazing musical numbers. Congratulations are owed to Directors Simone Bazille and Nicole Macdonald, along with Musical Directors Marizza Mislang and Ben Horodyski for their tireless efforts in putting the production together.

Special thanks are also owed to all donors who helped support this incredible creative opportunity for our students through their generous gifts. Finally, we couldn’t be more proud of the entire cast and crew of students for putting together a fantastic week of performances.

This year’s production of Little Shop of Horrors was made possible in part by LFA’s Annual Fund. For the past decade, the Annual Fund has been supporting performing arts at LFA. Gifts to the fund are a direct investment in the creativity and self-expression of our students. Such opportunities are vital in the development of self-assured and empowered young women.

Great Gatsby Party 2025

An annual tradition at LFA dating back over a decade now, The Great Gatsby Party transports the school back to the “Roaring Twenties” for one fabulous afternoon. This year students in Ms. Mills’ English class donned their glitziest and most glamorous outfits with some students opting for more dapper apparel and partied like it was 1922. Students were given a true red carpet experience as they were announced one by one to make their glorious entrance into the event. Tables were dressed with candles, flowers, and mouthwatering confections, while Mr. St. Cyr made the rounds to serve guests the finest apple juice available. Awards were handed out for best-dressed and most period-accurate, and the students took to the stage in groups to showcase elaborate dance numbers!

ATHLETICS

FIELD HOCKEY

Our Grade 8 Bantam Field Hockey team stepped up to the challenge this season, competing against teams with players ranging from Grade 8 through 12. With several athletes brand new to the sport, the team had to come together quickly. Thanks to their hard work and the guidance of Coach Julia, the team earned two well-deserved wins and a hard-fought tie. Goalies, Blake Towers ‘29 and Fenna Young ‘29, stood out with countless clutch saves, making a major impact in every game. This fun-loving team was defined by their high energy, speed, and positivity.

This season, the Junior Field Hockey team showed what it means to grow, not just as athletes, but as teammates and friends. From the first whistle to the final game, these players put in the work. They challenged themselves, supported one another, and continually pushed to improve their skills and team play. Their determination took them all the way to the final, where they held their ground with heart and resilience through a tense shootout. Though the result didn’t go their way, their effort, spirit, and sportsmanship made us all so proud.

This year marked a special milestone for our Senior Field Hockey Team, as we welcomed players from Grade 8 through 12—a true cross-grade collaboration that hasn’t happened in many years. The season started strong with a big tournament win in Oliver, BC, and continued with momentum as players called up from our Junior team helped pull off an impressive silver medal finish at a tournament in Surrey. But it was their trip to Victoria for the Bridgman Cup that will likely be remembered most by this group. Facing off against the top AAA and AA teams in the province, LFA made the tournament final for the first time in school history. It was a very special silver-medal finish—made even sweeter by yet another thrilling upset over Collingwood in the semifinal. Finishing first in their league and securing a spot at Provincials, the team returned to Victoria determined and united. They played with grit, focus, and heart, advancing all the way to the semifinals. Though they lost a hard-fought rematch to Collingwood, the team displayed the same grace in defeat as they did in victory. The team rebounded for the bronze-medal match—where LFA bested York House. Way to go Angels.

SWIMMING

The Swim Club is recognized for their outstanding commitment this past season. Each swimmer embraced the sport with enthusiasm. Whether they be high performance or recreational, swimmers developed their strength and abilities during 6am practices at Hillcrest Pool, and during the three Swim Meets: ISA Swim Meet, Zone Championships, and the BCSS Championships. Congratulations to Yasmine Farrugia ‘25, Angela Guan ‘26, Effie Li ’25, and Maya Habans ‘28 for their 3rd place finish in the highly competitive 200m Free Relay. The teamwork from the whole LFA community contributed to the success of the LFA Swim Club this year. Thank you to the graduating coaches and swimmers: Yasmine Farrugia ‘25, Effie Li ‘25, Janelle Lo ‘25, Elizabeth Roberts ’25, and Fern Buckley ‘25.

CROSS COUNTRY

This season, we had one of the largest cross country teams in recent years. Led by senior runner Janelle Lo ‘25, the team welcomed many enthusiastic new members from Grade 8 and 9. Throughout the season, our runners competed in three challenging races against various Vancouver-area independent schools. They finished strong at the Zone Finals, where the junior team placed 4th and secured a berth to provincials. Each athlete demonstrated impressive commitment, growth, and perseverance.

YEAR IN REVIEW

VOLLEYBALL

This year, Coach Ballard tried something a little unconventional with the Grade 8 Volleyball team: He took 17 players onto the roster and committed to running a rotational system that gave everyone the chance to play and grow. They tried it all—a 3-3, then a 4-2, moved into a 6-2, and finally landed on a 5-1 system. Each version came with its own learning curve, but the girls embraced every challenge with incredible focus and flexibility. The team captured the league championship and earned their spot in the invitational Provincial Tournament—where they battled hard, losing a close quarterfinal match and finishing 8th in the province. An outstanding achievement for a team that began as a bit of a science experiment.

The Junior Volleyball team had an excellent season, finishing with an impressive 10–3 record. One of the true highlights was playing in front of the amazing home crowd at LFA, whose energy helped lift them to a 4th-place finish at the BC Catholic Tournament. While the season ended earlier than they hoped—with a tightly contested, heartbreaking playoff loss in a threeset thriller—they walk away with so many great memories. One moment they're unlikely to forget is winning a tournament match set 25–0, with Keira Wong ’27 delivering an unforgettable serving streak. A huge congratulations to the entire Junior Volleyball team for a fantastic season. And a special thank you to Ms. Tran and Mr. Hernandez for their incredible coaching and support throughout the year.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Ross Stewart, the Senior Volleyball team was challenged to reach the next level of play this season—and they rose to that challenge. In the Sea to Sky Playoffs, the team delivered a dominant performance in the semifinals, defeating Sentinel, the defending Provincial Champions, in a commanding win. Then they came out firing on all cylinders against Crofton in the finals to claim the Sea to Sky Championship banner for the fourth consecutive year. At the Provincial Championships, in a tightly contested rematch with Sentinel, the Angels fell just short but still secured an impressive 6th-place finish in the province. Special congratulations to Reese Landry ‘25 and Grace Marriott ‘27, who were named 2nd Team Provincial All-Stars. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Coach Stewart for his dedication, vision, and passion throughout the season, and to Mr. Ballard, who stepped in to lead the team through the final stretch.

BASKETBALL

The Grade 8 Basketball Team finished the season winning their league and earning a well-deserved spot in the Provincial Championship Tournament. These bantam athletes brought an infectious spirit to the court. Whether it was executing the fast break or battling it out in a game of musical chairs in practice they brought joy and laughter to every moment. The Bantam Angels soared this season, and their potential for the future is bright. Congratulations to Ms. Paxton, Coach Sarah, and the entire team on a great year!

This year the Junior Basketball team had a challenging and exciting season. They maintained the second seed spot throughout their regular and playoff season, rising to the challenge and competing against strong teams throughout the year. They showed tremendous growth both technically and mentally resulting in a strong finish in the Sea to Sky tournament. Well done Junior Basketball Angels!

This year’s Senior Basketball team had an unforgettable season marked by heart, grit, and an unselfish commitment to one another. From the start, the team demonstrated a willingness to play for each other, building strong bonds on and off the court. One of the standout moments of the season was playing in front of the entire school at the LFA Invitational Tournament, where the team rose to the occasion with energy and pride. Their hard work and determination paid off with a thrilling victory over Crofton in the AAA Sea to Sky Zone Championship—bringing home the zone championship banner for the third straight year. That win secured the team a spot at Provincials, where they finished as one of the top ten teams in the province—a testament to their skill, resilience, and unity.

ATHLETICS

Our LFA Angels hockey team had its first-ever undefeated season— 6 wins, 0 losses, and a whole lot of heart. This is only the third year of our hockey program, and already they’ve achieved something truly special. What makes this even more impressive is how diverse the roster was this season. Among the 27 players, there were 11 new athletes stepping into this team for the very first time. Some were brand new to skating. Some came from ringette. Some brought years of competitive hockey experience. But once the puck dropped, it didn’t matter where they started what mattered was that they showed up for each other, every shift, every game, every early morning. The team skated with heart, played with grit, and proved themselves against some tough opponents—Brentwood College, Kitsilano, Tupper, Magee, and Point Grey. But more than just wins, this team was about growth. About leadership. About lifting each other up and building a culture where every player felt like they belonged. Congratulations to our Ice Hockey Angels!

SOCCER

With just weeks to come together, this year’s squad of 11 new players and 9 returning veterans had to find chemistry fast in one of the most competitive leagues in the province. From the very first whistle, they rose to the challenge. The season kicked off with a thrilling shootout win over West Point Grey Academy—a win that would prove decisive, securing the Angels a spot in the playoff round, and knocking West Point Grey out. At the BC Catholics, the team battled hard and earned a 5th-place finish, capping the tournament off with a solid victory over STM. In the final playoff game, they fought with everything they had, only to fall to Crofton House in the final seconds a heartbreaking finish, but one that showed just how far the team had come. The win column may not tell the whole story, but anyone who watched these players compete knows the truth: this team played with heart and resilience. A special shoutout goes to one rookie who stood tall in every match, Charlotte Clark ‘27. Her outstanding play in net helped keep the Angels alive time and again, and her poise and performance all season long did not go unnoticed. To every player who wore the Angels jersey this year, thank you. You played with passion and represented your school with pride.

TRACK AND FIELD

This year, our Track and Field team was made up of over 60 dedicated athletes who competed across three league meets and the league finals. It was an exciting season of personal bests and podium finishes. We had a very strong group of athletes who qualified for and competed at the BC Provincials including Natalie Gan ’29 in 1500m Run and 3000m Run; Mairead Owen ’27 in 100m Dash, 200m Dash, and Long Jump; Isla O’Flaherty Wills '26 in 800m Run and Pole Vault; Charlotte Clark ’27 in 1500m Race Walk; Kristina Bedford ’25 in Discus Throw 1kg; Althea Rodomar ’29 in Triple Jump; Victoria Chao ’29 in Shot Put 3kg; Blake Towers ’29 in 100m Dash, 200m Dash, and 4x100m Relay; Hazel Yip ’29 in Long Jump and 4x100m Relay; and Siena Franks '29 and Olivia Boun '29 in 4x100m Relay.

ICE HOCKEY

YEAR IN REVIEW

ULTIMATE

The Ultimate team at LFA is a group of determined, passionate, and spirited athletes who gave their all this season. As a joint team with Vancouver College, they came together to show what true collaboration looks like— blending strength, teamwork, and dedication from both schools. Although the season was marked by a series of injuries, the players never lost heart. They competed with determination, improved consistently, and upheld a high standard of sportsmanship in every game. Special thanks go out to the team managers, Angela Tran ‘25 and Leah Moffatt ‘26, whose hard work behind the scenes kept everything running smoothly. Their efforts ensured that the athletes could focus on the game and the growth that came with it. Sincere thanks also go to Mr. Sy, the team’s sponsor teacher, for his ongoing support and encouragement throughout the season. His presence played a vital role in helping the team stay organized and grounded through every high and low. Great work this season to everyone on the team!

TENNIS

The LFA tennis team had an inspiring Spring 2025 season. In every practice and game, the players brought their all. They became a team in the truest sense of the word, building each other up, and working together with each other to meet each new challenge. Our student coaches Chloe Cheng ’25 and Lara Linde ‘25 stepped up to lead and made everything possible. But everyone contributed their hard work and competitive spirit, laying a strong foundation for LFA tennis.

BADMINTON

Congratulations to our Badminton Team, who have had yet another incredible season. Our dedicated athletes who consistently showed up to practices and matches, bringing energy, commitment, and sportsmanship throughout the season. It's remarkable that our badminton players made it to provincials this year without a full-time coach. Credit is due to our team captain and national badminton champion, Thalia Se ‘25, as well as our graduating seniors: Ava MacNeil ‘25, Oafe Cheung ‘25, Shanice Yu ‘25, and Hilary Pang ‘25. Along with Carissa Chan ‘26, these senior athletes not only competed, but also took on the role of coaches, helping lead and develop the team this year. Many thanks are also owed to Team Manager Sofia Joubert ’26 whose behind-the-scenes work kept everything running smoothly. The team finished in 9th place at provincials this year in addition to receiving the Fair Play Award at the tournament, a credit to the integrity and amazing spirit of the entire team.

GRADUATING ATHLETES

HONOURING THOSE ATHLETES WHO HAVE REPRESENTED THE MAROON AND WHITE THROUGH THEIR TIME AT LFA

Team work, respect, commitment, and a healthy, balanced lifestyle are universal values reinforced in every sport at LFA. Our graduating athletes have shown that true success is built on these values. Our graduating athletes lead by example and mentor what it is to win and lose with grace and dignity.

This year, we proudly recognize their achievements with three distinguished awards, primarily reflecting the athletes' involvement across LFA's athletic teams.

The Virtus in Ludis award celebrates athletes who, through their courage, integrity, and joy in sport, exemplify what it means to compete with honour. Congratulations to Sophia Ban, Fern Buckley, Bianca Gasparetto, Arisa Nose, Hilary Pang, Tammy Tran, and Shanice Yu.

The Praestantia in Ludis award acknowledges athletes who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and long-term commitment to their sport. Honourees include Kristina Bedford, Ariana Brezai, Chloe Cheng, Oafe Cheung, Ariana Christopoulos, Paula Herrera-Trujillo, Addie Hui, Maddie Labossiere, Reese Landry, Effie Li, Georgia Liaskas, Lara Linde, Janelle Lo, Sienna Loo, Ava MacNeil, Charlotte McKee, Kate Randall, Elizabeth Roberts, Thalia Se, Amy Shumka, Esperanza Stevens, Kami Tai, Morgan ter Stege, Kaelyn Uy, Morgan Wang, and Joanna Wong.

Finally, the prestigious Victor Ludorum award recognizes the most accomplished, wellrounded athletes who have committed and excelled across multiple sports for five years. This year’s recipients are Jess Bryde, Aynslie Burns, Isabelle Clark, Sienna Fabbro, Yasmine Farrugia, Alex McIsaac, Bella Robles, and Rylie Tsui.

Opposite Page, top: Jess Bryde, Victor Ludorum.

Opposite Page, inset right: Rylie Tsui, Victor Ludorum.

Opposite Page, inset left: Alex McIsaac, Victor Ludorum.

Opposite Page, third row: Sienna Fabbro, Victor Ludorum.

Opposite Page, bottow row Left: Aynslie Burns, Victor Ludorum.

Opposite Page, bottow row right: Yasmine Farrugia, Victor Ludorum.

Above, left: Isabelle Clark, Victor Ludorum.

Above, left: Bella Robles, Victor Ludorum.

Inset, top: Field Hockey provincial bronze, led by seniors Jess Bryde, Sienna Fabbro, Paula Herrera-Trujillo, Addie Hui, Charlotte McKee, and Kaelen Uy.

Inset, left: Volleyball zone champions, led by seniors Kristina Bedford, Fern Buckley, Ariana Christopoulos, Yasmine Farrugia, Maddie Labossiere, Reese Landry, Georgia Liaskas, Alexandra McIsaac, and Bella Robles.

Inset, right: Basketball zone champions, led by seniors Aynslie Burns, Isabelle Clark, Reese Landry, Ava Lock, Kate Randall, and Esperanza Stevens.

Below: Award winners, after the Athletics Awards assembly (May, 2025).

Angels in the City of Angels

LFA Field Hockey has amazing experience against Los Angeles-area high schools.

AUTHOR: BEN FITCH

The LFA field hockey program has undertaken a few adventures over the years. Almost all of our "Senior A" alumnae will know the joy of taking part in the Thanksgiving Bridgman Tournament. We've regularly taken the team to Oliver and the Island for various tournaments. And, in special years when there's enough interest, we'll take a team for a unique field hockey experience. In 2014 and 2017, we went to the UK. Last August, we took a team of junior and senior players to Los Angeles to play some of the big US high schools. Big high schools would be an understatement: they were huge schools by comparison. Each school had the most amazing football stadium, which made for stunning venues for our games (though the turf wasn't the lovely field hockey turf we get spoiled with in BC).

We wasted no time getting into the hockey groove. Landing at LAX, we got ourselves out to La Verne in north east LA, where Bonita High School hosted us for our first game. Adapting to the football turf and at the end of a very long day of travel, the team leaned on goaltender Kaelen Uy '25 in the first half. Down only 1-0, thanks to Kaelen's great work, the Angels found their feet. Eva Fitch '29 jumped on a rebound off of a Claire Cheng 26 shot, to

pull us even. Claire got the winner late in the game to give LFA the 2-1 win before Bonita hosted our team for the most lovely pot-luck dinner in the endzone of the field. Gracious and generous, Bonita were the perfect hosts to start the tour.

After a day exploring Hollywood and Beverly Hills, the team lined up against Harvard-Westlake for our second game. Claire got us up early as we came out flying. Amy Stelling '26 found Eva for our second goal. HW were fortunate to get one past Kaelen before Eva added a late insurance goal to give LFA the 3-1 victory.

The next day, the team went and saw the World War II era Battleship Iowa before heading down the highway to San Diego, where we were very excited to match up against Canyon Hills, who were ranked #2 in the state. Amy ripped a goal from a short corner for the lead, but it was our defenders who did the toughest work, with Charlotte McKee '25, Anne Yee Scott '28, Bea Williscroft '26, and Claire putting in the hard minutes and valiant effort in a 3-1 loss.

Day four had the old back-to-back game situation that only happens on a tour. In the Los Angeles heat, games against Huntington Beach High School and Marina High School were hard work. Addie Hui '25 got our opener before Sienna Fabbro '25 deposited two more in a 3-0 win over Huntington. Sienna would get both goals in a 2-0 win over Marina. The next day, we wrapped up our sixth game in five days with a 1-1 draw with Newport Harbor High School and another goal for Amy.

Our athletes were really taken with the generous and wonderful hosts at all host schools. From after-game social time and treats to the Huntington Beach team inviting us to join them at their stadium to cheer on their football team on the Friday night. What an experience! And, if the hockey didn't tire the team out, the epic 15-hour day at Disneyland to finish off the tour surely did. A testament to their cohesion, the group stuck together nearly the whole day, enjoying one another's company and the fear of their coach on a couple of the more exhilarating rides.

Charlotte Chan '26 Wheelchair Basketball Nationals

LFA's first wheelchair athlete claims silver medal at the Canadian National Championships.

This past May, LFA's Charlotte Chan '26 competed at the Wheelchair Basketball Canada National Championships in Oshawa, Ontario. We chatted with her to learn more about her incredible experience, the sport of wheelchair basketball, and her time at LFA.

Sitting down with Charlotte to chat about her recent trip to the Wheelchair Basketball National Championships, her humility and deference do their best to mask her incredible achievement. It’s clear however that she is a young woman of incredible determination and work ethic. Charlotte found her path to wheelchair basketball only a few short years ago. “I had done several wheelchair sports before. Track and field, tennis, but I never really stuck with a sport. However, my friends and a lot of the players and coaches I played those sports with suggested I would be a good candidate for wheelchair basketball.”

That was all the inspiration Charlotte needed. She promptly joined her local wheelchair

basketball team in 2022, and shortly thereafter found herself playing in her first BC Games, a provincial tournament that sees regional teams from across BC come to compete bi-annually. This was a formative experience for Charlotte. “We were in Quesnel, and it was super snowy, and I remember we had to stay in the school and we slept in the classrooms, and we all got incredibly close after that.” She fell in love with the sport, and perhaps more importantly, she fell in love with the community it fostered.

From there it was onwards and upwards for Charlotte in the world of wheelchair basketball. With her passion for the game well established, she set her sights on a higher level of competition. This meant trying out for the BC Breakers, an all-women’s wheelchair basketball team that qualifies for and competes regularly at the National Championship level. Determined as ever, Charlotte put in the time on court to hone her skills and earned a roster spot as one of the youngest members on the team.

It's worth noting at this point that wheelchair basketball athletes run the gamut of accessibility. They are divided into 4.5 classes

based on their functional capacity, with Class 1 athletes possessing the least functional capacity and Class 4.5 the most. As Charlotte puts it, “I am a Class 1 athlete because I have very low flexibility and balance, and I’m not able to completely turn around fast without the use of my arms. It puts me at a disadvantage because I can’t do as many high-level skills.”

Despite her lack of experience and unique functional challenges, Charlotte has seized this opportunity and continues to look ahead. “Making this team is a good steppingstone because there are recruitment opportunities that can lead to playing for more senior teams.”

At the National Championships, Charlotte faced the biggest challenge in her wheelchair basketball career thus far when she had to compete against teams that featured former Paralympian athletes. “You could immediately tell how skilled they were, and we were so tired playing against them. They were so organized and played at such a fast pace. We tried not to get in our heads too much, and it was definitely a challenge, but we held our own and it turned out to be really fun.”

More than just hold their own, Charlotte and her teammates went on to a podium finish, claiming the silver medal in the tournament the gold medal going to Quebec, whose team sported five Paralympian athletes! A very commendable second place finish all things considered.

Going into her senior year this coming fall, Charlotte credits LFA for catering to her accessibility needs. “LFA has been really adaptive to all my needs. When I first entered the school in Grade 8 there were a lot of teachers that were willing to be accommodating. Particularly Ms. Bryde and Mr. Ballard who modified a lot of the gym curriculum, which I’m really grateful for. They even brought hand bike machines for me to use, and they modified certain field sports to be playable on the tennis courts so I could play with my classmates.”

Asked what she’s most looking forward to about her senior year, Charlotte simply replied “treasuring the time I have in this community, and being in the moment.” It speaks to the incredible perspective Charlotte already has at her young age and paints a clearer picture of where her incredible poise comes from. As for university and beyond, Charlotte is eyeing the University of Toronto, McGill, and UBC. She already knows she wants to pursue law in grad school and plans to study political science or criminology for her undergraduate studies.

Students like Charlotte are a huge inspiration for the staff at LFA. She is a reminder of the potential our students possess and what they’re capable of when they tap into it. We wish Charlotte the best of luck in her senior year at LFA as well as in her wheelchair basketball career going forth.

Cover photo: Charlotte and her teammates posing with their silver medals at Nationals.

Top of page: Charlotte in PE class at LFA (2022).

Above: Charlotte at practice at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Left: Charlotte on her way to the library (2025).

WALKATHON WALKATHON

Our students raised their ambitious Walkathon goal of $75,000, making Walkathon 2024, the most successful Walkathon in school history. When we set our Walkathon goal for this year our sights were aimed high, to reflect the ambition of our plans for campus redevelopment. Thanks to the extraordinary leadership of our student council, the commitment of our staff, the hard work of our parent volunteers, our brilliant students, and of course, our generous donors, this remarkable feat has been made possible.

$77,695 RAISED - THE MOST SUCCESSFUL WALKATHON IN SCHOOL HISTORY!

Welcome Back BBQ

AUTHOR: INGRID LODEWYK '90

At 5:30pm on Friday, September 6th, when the first fire-grilled, smokeinfused, deliciously juicy burger patty was placed on a bun warmed by the sun, it marked the start of 2024’s Welcome Back BBQ Event at LFA.

The return of the Welcome Back BBQ had once again attracted current and new students, their families, alumnae, teachers and LFA staff. As the close to 1500 guests feasted on an all-expenses paid barbeque meal with all the fixings, multiple salad options, desserts and drinks, the DJ kept the fun summer party vibes going.

Guests sat in the cafeteria and auditorium and broke bread together, catching up on the summer months since they had last seen each other and buzzing with excitement about the upcoming year ahead. Then, a gathering of everyone into the courtyard signaled something new and exciting. The big screen flashed, and a video projected the exciting future of LFA.

By 7:30pm, once all the guests were fed, the after party began. Fire pits and patio lights glowed in the courtyard as the sun set. A quick switch saw the sundae station transform into a funky Whiskey Bar with flight tastings for the adventurous ones. For those who shy away from whiskey and wine, a coffee bike appeared serving up both hot and cold caffeinated beverages to accompany an array of desserts and post-dinner charcuterie boards. People mingled, lounged, and laughed until long after the sun went down.

And at its core… this is truly what makes this event so incredibly special it’s the connection, the LFA community, and the occasion that creates excitement as it marks the beginning of a new school year, and new friendships that will carry us into the year ahead.

As LFA is set to break ground on a transformational new campus, events like the Welcome Back BBQ give insight into how the school has blossomed into the institution it is today. Though the school may look a lot different than it did in 1927, the enduring spirit and dedication of the LFA community has remained steadfast. LFA is so grateful for everyone who attended the 2024 Welcome Back BBQ and made it such a success, and we can’t wait to host you again for this year’s upcoming instalment.

This year’s Welcome Back BBQ will be transformed into the launch of our long-awaited campus redevelopment. As an alumna, we're particularly excited for you to join with friends old and new and enjoy this evening of community and celebration.

Please join us as we kick off this new chapter in our school's history. We can’t wait to see you there, Friday, September 5th, RSVP in advance at www.lfabc.org/bbq.

Mother Daughter Brunch

On November 16th, 2024, LFA mothers and daughters made their way to the gorgeous Pinnacle Hotel, Harbourfront Ballroom for this year’s Mother Daughter Brunch. As is the case every year, this year’s event sold out in a matter of a few hours, as moms and daughters rushed to get their place at this beloved event.

The over 400 moms and daughters were welcomed into the wonderfully festive event space, complete with Christmas decorations and a delectable gourmet brunch spread. The event provided the perfect opportunity for moms and daughters to relax and spend a delightful afternoon mingling with friends, taking pictures in the photo booth, frequenting the candy bar, and drawing their names in the hopes to win a prize. For moms, it’s also a great opportunity to meet other LFA moms and catch up with old friends.

The ballroom was full of smiles and echoes of hearty laughter. The Mother Daughter Brunch always brings moms and daughters together in a beautiful way. It is a cherished tradition at the school and we are grateful to the LFA Parents’ Auxiliary for their dedicated work in putting the event together this year and making sure it ran so smoothly.

Father Daughter Dinner Dance

The most fun night of the year!

As always, the LFA Parents' Auxiliary did a fantastic job of putting together this year's Father Daughter Dinner Dance. One of the hottest tickets of the school year, the event was sold out in mere hours.

With such buzz and excitement in the air, the event itself did not disappoint. Fathers and daughters came dressed to impress as they were greeted by a beautifully decorated auditorium, and a delicious assortment of foods prepared by Dana Hospitality.

DJ Jordan Zwicker provided the music for the evening as the entire auditorium slowly morphed into a dance floor over the course of the night. The room pulsed with energy well into the night as fathers and daughters alike had an unforgettable time.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

We want to celebrate the named endowment funds, which will serve and enrich Catholic girls’ education in Vancouver in perpetuity.

Burns MacPhail Family Endowment Fund ATHLETICS

Dana Hospitality Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Fitch & Dudek Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Hensel Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Hip-Zelaya Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Jack and Bettye Mills Family Endowment Fund CAMPUS MINISTRY

Jeanne (Gagnon) Comesotti ‘55 Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Josefina and Melecio Estoque Memorial Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Le Billon Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Lloyd and Mary Rogers Memorial Endowment Fund

FINANCIAL AID

Man Family Athletic Endowment Fund ATHLETICS

Marcelle DeFreitas Endowment Fund

FINANCIAL AID

McKee Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Mowat Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Sandra (Gougeon) Gallacher '63 Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Sr Josephine Carney SSA ‘38 Endowment Fund

FINANCIAL AID

Sully Mok Lui Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

Westbury Family Endowment Fund

AREA OF GREATEST NEED

FOUNDERS' CIRCLE RECEPTION

This year we celebrated our 17th Founders’ Circle Reception. As it is every year, it was a great opportunity to recognize community members who have made LFA a philanthropic priority by giving at a leadership level over the past year.

As we look forward to introducing a new campus, this year’s Founders’ Circle members were united by a strong belief in the vision of this generational project. The Founders' Circle includes alumnae, parents, past parents, grandparents, friends, faculty, staff, directors, and trustees.

This year’s reception took place at the gorgeous Oakridge Park Gallery, which was made possible by Tanya (Lee) Cheung ’02 and Oakridge Park. It was a wonderfully modern and stylish setting that evoked the excitement and optimism shared by everyone in attendance for the future of LFA. On the following pages you can see images of the event and some of the amazing people we had the privilege of celebrating.

Founders' Circle Reception 2025

A joyous evening of community and gratitude

LFA ENDOWMENT FUND

The LFA Foundation stewards the Little Flower Academy Endowment Fund — a permanent trust that provides financial resources to Little Flower in perpetuity.

NAMED ENDOWMENTS

A large part of the LFA endowment fund is made up from those who have committed named endowments ($25,000+). The resources generated from these funds enrich LFA students today and for years to come. Each named endowment is its own unique story of connection to the school.

BURNS MACPHAIL FAMILY ENDOWMENT

DANA HOSPITALITY ENDOWMENT

FITCH AND DUDEK FAMILY ENDOWMENT

HENSEL FAMILY ENDOWMENT

HIP-ZELAYA FAMILY ENDOWMENT

JACK AND BETTYE MILLS FAMILY ENDOWMENT

JEANNE (GAGNON) COMESOTTI '55 ENDOWMENT

JOSEFINA AND MELECIO ESTOQUE MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT

LE BILLON FAMILY ENDOWMENT

LLOYD & MARY ROGERS MEMORIAL BURSARY ENDOWMENT

MAN FAMILY ATHLETIC ENDOWMENT

MARCELLE DEFREITAS BURSARY ENDOWMENT

MCKEE FAMILY ENDOWMENT

MOWAT FAMILY ENDOWMENT

SANDRA (GOUGEON) GALLACHER '63 ENDOWMENT

SR JOSEPHINE CARNEY SSA ‘38 ENDOWMENT

SULLY MOK LUI FAMILY ENDOWMENT

WESTBURY FAMILY ENDOWMENT

SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARIES

The Foundation also administers financial aid and awards that widely benefit our community at every grade, which are not endowed but funded annually through long-term commitments to the school.

BRENDA TROUGHTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

THE CARRARESI FOUNDATION IN MEMORY OF AUGUSTO CARRARESI BURSARY

CULLEN FAMILY BURSARY

KRISTIAN DOMINGO FOUNDATION #11 FOREVER SCHOLARSHIP

MEI YING CHANG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

PENNY AND JIM ROGERS SCHOLARSHIP

SAMANTHA M. WONG '96 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

VINCENT T. WONG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

WASIELA FAMILY BURSARY

BY THE NUMBERS

A generous community sets a pathway for a uniquely accessible all-girls education into the future.

We recognize all those donors who have supported us through the year.

Special thanks to those members of our Founders’ Circle at Little Flower Academy, where we recognize leadership giving to the school.

FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE

Leadership gifts have a profound impact on the education and experience of every girl at Little Flower Academy. Leadership gifts are the foundation for balancing excellence and accessibility, which is core to our mission and vision. We gratefully acknowledge our leadership donors this past year.

*

5+

Anonymous x 12

Clayton and Anna Ablett

Ahuja Family

Arantxa Alikhani-Nunez ‘25 *

Gerald Allaye-Chan and Sau Sau Liu * Audrey Alscher '85 **

Robert Ambardar and Jane Arthurs

Claire Andruff

Philippe Arrata and Bernadette Alejandrino

Alex Au and Nicole Wong

Cherie Au '01

Joanna and Wensley Ban *

Heidi Battiston

Berretta Family

Robert Britch and Brooke Wozny

Ryan and Susan Bryde ‘92 **

Ken Burns and Lori Mathison

Chris and Shana Bystrom **

Nanshu Cai and Hui Huang

Carraresi Foundation in Memory of Augusto Carraresi ***

Pino and Karen Carteri *

Suzanne Cassinos ***

The Chak Family

The Chan and Lee Family

Andrew Chan and Helen Cheung

Leonard Chan and Keryl Leung

Patrick and Yong Yong Chan *

Peter Chan and Maggie Xu

Roger and Ming-Ming Chan *

Andy and Lily Cheng *

John Cheng and Joyce Tsang-Cheng Ryan and Tanya Cheung '02

Paul and Noeleen Chin

Jason and Michele Chiu '96

Sean Choi and Anna Lee

Jin Chong and Nellie Cheung

Cecilia Chow

Dan and Maria Chow *

Howard Chow and Cecilia Ting *

Kostas and Sylvia Christopoulos *

Glenn and Teena Chua

Jim and Kathy Clarke **

Corilee Cotter ‘70 ***

The Cullen Family ***

Dana Hospitality ***

Felicia de la Paz '05

Sean and Shannon De Vries

Stanley and Rani Dee *

Paul Dmytriw and Karen Rendek

Kristian Domingo Foundation *

Helena Dong and William Wang

Jose Dos Santos and Christine Yap *

Aaron Dunn and Gabriela Oteiza ‘97 *

Erik Eberhardt and Niki Sarshar

Oguz and Funda Erel

Jay Estoque and Corinna Kwong-Estoque '91

Andy Fan and Monica Chen *

Neil Farlette and Wendy Christie '79 **

Bret and Cat Ferguson

Ben Fitch and Angela Dudek ***

Kimberly Folkard '98

Chris Franks and Janice Meier

David and Sabine Frost *

Gallacher Family in Memory of Sandra (Gougeon) Gallacher '63

Steve Gallagher and Laura De Munain Gallagher

Heng and Carolyn Gan

Rusty and Lindy Goepel '63 *

Patrick Guan and Grace Zhu

The Guglielmin Family *

Vicky Guo and Morning Li *

Tracey Gurton *

Chris and Lisa Hallam

Brent and Angela Harvey

Alexis Hawker and Darryck Maurer

Darren and Suzie Hawrish '90

Robert Hensel and May Hoh

Ricardo and Candace Hernandez

The Hip-Zelaya Family in Memory of Fernando Hip

Mark and Jennifer Hoag

Melissa Holland and Bruce Clark *

Richard and Kate Hoos *

Chunyu Hou and Di Chen

Lawrence Hsu and Maysie Ng

Wilford Huang and Melanie Ju

Bob and Lesley Jackson ‘90 *

Adam and Stephanie James

Peter Joo and Yoona Chung

Simon Kai and Kimberly Chan

Susie Kang Algard '92

Damian and Charlene Kettlewell

John and Carmel Kettlewell

Martin Kim and Angela Lee

Damien and Vickie King '94

Morris King and Elena Chau

Garnet Klatt and Irene Hensel '88 *

Robert and Kari Kozikowski

Steve and Sophia Kozikowski

Karun and Angela Kumar

Eric Kwong and Louisa Leung

Patrick Kwong and Yulanda Tang

Sarah Kwong '06

Kenneth Lai and Bronche Cheng *

Sandy Lai and Andy Yuen

Maya Lakhanpal '27

Mick and Katie Larson

Irene and Terence Lau

Vincent Lau and Agnes Yu

The Le Billon Family *

Jung Lee '95

Theresia Lee '99

Tony Lee and Zoe Stronge

Marcus Lem and Jill Bowerman *

Leong-Chung Family *

Bethany Leung '26 *

Bosco Li and Miranda Choi

Jason Li and Maggie Yang

Teal and Jing Linde *

Eric Ling and Lorraine Lowe ‘93 *

Jon and Diane Little ‘88 ***

Guanqi Liu and Haobin Qin

Qingmin Liu and Fang Wang

Bill and Jennifer Liutkus

Dave Lodewyk and Ingrid Wang Lodewyk '90 *

Andrew Loo and Jobina Tsang ‘93 *

Siegfried and Lisa Luft **

Kevin and Geraldine Ma

Lin Ma and Cindy Tang

Vincent and Chevy Mabasa

Andrew MacNeil and Joanne Kent *

Nicholas and Claudine Maile *

The Man Family ***

Matt and Kerri Marano

Ross Marsh and Yue Shen

The Marshall-Wong Family

Dan and Jessica Mauro

Jane McCarney

Perry McDougall and Krista Cook

Ali and John McGillivray *

Michael and Monique McKee ‘91 *

Simon Min and Anita Dziekanska

Michael and Leanne Moretto ‘90 *

Amir and Gina Nasrabadi

Shannon and Brad Newman-Bennett

Angely Ng and Icarus Chau

Richard Ng and Patsy Chan

Alberto and Alma Nisperos and Family *

Amir and Marina Noorpour *

Tad and Yoko Nose

Dan Nosyk and Caroline Cannon '04

Michael Omae and Catherine Lee

Ovsenek Family | Jacqueline Ovsenek ‘17 and Julia Ovsenek ‘17 **

Carla Pachal '87

Carlie Paxton '97

Geoff Pedlow and Samantha Chang '05

Michael Penalosa and Carla Ladeira

Jacqueline Pun '05

Aaron Rallo and Andrea Majorki

Donald and Mary Renaud *

Jim and Penny Rogers *

Zoe Romero '26

Katherine Rushka '68

Connie and Greg Sabo

Paul and Preena Sahota '95

Robert and Allison Sapiecha

Derek Schick and Stephanie Von Dehn '91

Steven and Pilar Seewald

The Shumka Family

Monty and Renee Sikka '99

The Sisters of St. Ann *

Ivy So

Norman and Wai-ling So

Richard and Sally So

Somasundaram and Thamayanthy Sriskandakumar

Roland and Sandy St. Cyr **

Michael and Marina Stein *

Todd Stewardson and Jennifer Halfhide

John and Mary Street

The Sully and Mok Family

Mauvorneen Suttie ‘67 ***

Alex and Diana Sy ***

Bettina Sy ‘97 **

George and Lilani Tan *

Tom Tang and Grace Zhou

Steve and Ruth Tatone ‘92 *

Theresa Teufel and Karen Teufel ‘02 *

Tommy Tian and Wendy Wang *

Ivor Ting and Ivy Chow

Geoffrey and Karen Trotter

Sandra Truijllo and Javier Herrera

Dierk and Erika Ullrich **

Harold and Mary Jane Uy *

Vincent Uy and Grace Uy

Sergius Wai and Bertha Wong *

Hongjin Wang and Mei Li

Teresa and Joseph Wang

Nanuk Warman and Onelis Estevez *

Izabela Wasiela ‘99 | Wasiela Family Bursary Fund *

David and Catherine Williscroft '89 *

Kathi Wilson

William and Jacy Wingson ***

The Wong Family in Memory of Vincent T. Wong and in Memory of Samantha M. Wong ‘96 **

Alex Wong and Cindy Chow *

Chung Wong and Adrienne Cheng *

Donald Wong

Raymond and Vivian Wong

Vincent Wong and Joyce Lee **

Wai and Jennifer Wong

Raymond and Catherine Woo

Vivienne Wu and Nelson Wang **

Rui Xia and Lei Liu

Da Qun Xu and Jun Yang

Darren and Lisa Yanko

Vic Yao and Cathy Chen

Seongjim Yim and Junghee Ahn

Eric and Monika Young

Adrian Yu and Pamela Foo

Francis and Sara Yu

Richard Yu and Jennifer Chan *

Norman Yum and Irene Tsang

John and Agnes Yun *

Henry Yung and Eileen Lai

Edith Zhang

Tiffany Zhou

Kunpeng Zhu and Yan Liu

Gifts of every size make a difference. It is our collective effort that sustains and enriches LFA’s long history of educating young women in the Catholic tradition. We acknowledge and thank those who supported LFA this past year.

* : 5+ years giving to the Annual Fund

** : 10+ years giving to the Annual Fund

Anonymous x 4

Kathleen Adams '63 **

Ryan Akhurst and Jen Murtagh

Christina Alberghini

Rosemarie Alvaro ‘69 ***

Mark and Rose Angeles

Artuso Family | Alex Artuso '22 *

Alex and Helen Au

Karen Au Yeung '02 **

Davies and Cheryl Aw

Elizabeth Biagioni '59

Marwan Bakri and Lara Garcia Cartón

Ross Ballard ***

Theresa Belton ‘79 **

Gusviria Boedy

Theo and Carol Bohlmann

Christina Boskovich '63

Edty Boun and Mary Ann Dupet

ALUMNAE

Though included above, we wanted to specially acknowledge alumnae who continue to support the next generation of young women at the school.

* : 5+ years giving to the Annual Fund

** : 10+ years giving to the Annual Fund

***: 15+ years giving to the Annual Fund

1940s

Fay Guns ‘46 ***

1950s

Elizabeth Biagioni '59

1960s

Janice Feld ‘62 **

Kathleen Adams '63 **

Christina Boskovich '63

Lindy Goepel '63 *

Jacqueline Gresko ‘65 *

Mauvorneen Suttie ‘67 ***

Katherine Rushka '68

Rosemarie Alvaro '69 ***

LFA SUPPORTERS: FRIENDS & ALUMNAE

Ricky and Sarah Bravo *

Sr. Nancy Brown

Catherine Carr '89 **

Sheila Catambing '95

Elvis and Kathy Cepus

Francis Chan and Connie Yu *

Wen Chan

Michael Chandler

Steven Chen and Niki Liu

Gary and Rachel Cheung

Phillip Chow and Cindy Mak *

Vicki Clark

Chantal Coschizza-Clark ‘10 *

Louella Cruz ‘97 **

Cristina De Castro

Charmaine de Silva ‘00 **

Christina Dumont '07

Mariana Falbo ‘17 *

Janice Feld ‘62 **

Lynda Fellows ‘79 **

Danny and Yvonne Feng

Joanna Fitch '23

Josette Francisco

Paul and Barbara Frizell

Jacqueline Gresko ‘65 *

Sarah and Remo Guizzo

Fay Guns ‘46 ***

Emma Hatfield ‘95 **

Sean and Erin Heather '89

Chris and Jen Hermesmann

Jojo Hernandez and Leah Pangilinan

1970s

Corilee Cotter ‘70 ***

Theresa Belton '79 **

Wendy Christie '79 **

Lynda Fellows ‘79 **

1980s

Audrey Alscher '85 **

Caroline Kriekenbeek '87 *

Carla Pachal '87 *

Janet Zadra '87

Irene Hensel '88 *

Tracy Kerins '88 *

Diane Little ‘88 ***

Catherine Carr '89 **

Erin Heather '89

Catherine Williscroft '89 *

1990s

Suzie Hawrish '90

Lesley Jackson ‘90 *

Ingrid Wang Lodewyk '90 *

Leanne Moretto ‘90 *

Corinna Kwong-Estoque '91

Monique McKee ‘91 *

Stephanie Von Dehn '91

Miguel Herrera and Monika Freyman

Joe Hidayat and Juanita Trisnadi

Terri Hockin

Peter and Sanda Homenuk

John Jung and Kelly Kim

Tracy Kerins '88 *

Caroline Kriekenbeek '87 *

Carmilo and Christine Laid

Henry Leung and Frances Lam

Matthew and Jacqueline Lam | Katherine Lam '16 **

Jerry and Kathleen Landry

Sheila Leacock *

John, Yvonne and Joelle Lee '13 *

The Li and Lew Family *

Eric Li and Teresa Yang *

Artur Luebkemann **

Joel and Virginia Magcalas

Aleksandar and Flavia Mandic

Eric Mesotopitis and Jocelyne Velando

Dave and Catherine Moffatt

Joe and Liz Narodowski

James Nguyen and Jennifer Hoang

Dino Paredes and Maria Castro

Vincent Peng and Teresa Chen

Khai Phan and Lisa Tran *

Dean Pietrantonio | Francesca Pietrantonio '13 *

Uwe Rieger and Monica Torres *

Michelle Rodrigues ‘18 *

Jonathan and Juliana Roden

Susan Bryde ‘92 **

Susie Kang Algard '92

Ruth Tatone ‘92 *

Lorraine Lowe ‘93

Jobina Tsang ‘93 *

Vickie King '94

Sheila Catambing '95

Emma Hatfield ‘95 **

Jung Lee '95

Preena Sahota '95

Michele Chiu '96 **

Louella Cruz ‘97 **

Gabriela Oteiza ‘97 *

Carlie Paxton '97

Bettina Sy ‘97 **

Kimberly Folkard '98

Theresia Lee '99

Renee Sikka '99

Izabela Wasiela ‘99 **

2000s

Charmaine de Silva ‘00 **

Karen Au Yeung ‘02 **

Tanya Cheung '02

Karen Teufel ‘02 **

Stephanie Wan Min Kee '03 *

Kathryn Sabo '08

Krystal Santos

Amanda Spathis '17

Steve and Geraldine Szabo

John and Laura Tierney

Todd and Jasmine Towers

Ian Tsang

Stephanie Wan Min Kee '03 *

Nancy Yaworski

Paul and Theresa Yong *

Peter and Rosalinda Yong *

Janet Zadra '87

Demetri Zambus and Helen Taraviras Zambus

Egor Zubkov and Valentina Im

Caroline Cannon '04 **

Samantha Chang '05

Felicia de la Paz '05

Jacqueline Pun '05

Sarah Kwong '06

Christina Dumont '07

Kathryn Sabo '08

2010s

Chantal Coschizza-Clark ‘10 *

Joelle Lee '13

Francesca Pietrantonio '13 *

Katherine Lam '16 **

Mariana Falbo ‘17 *

Jacqueline Ovsenek ‘17 **

Julia Ovsenek ‘17 **

Amanda Spathis '17

Michelle Rodrigues ‘18 *

2020s

Alex Artuso '22 *

Joanna Fitch '23

Arantxa Alikhani-Nunez ‘25 *

MISTAKE? Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list (donations made between July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025). If, however, any errors or omissions have occurred, please accept our apologies, and advise the Advancement Office at 604.738.9016 ext.106 so that corrections can be made.

notes from the grotto

MOM: Christina Dumont '07

BABY: Charlotte

MOM: Danielle Kettlewell '10

BABY: Aeora

MOM: Kathryn Sabo '08

BABY: Gabriel

OH BABY!

MOM: Mel Jue '06

BABY: Nolan

TERESE MARCEY (OLMA) AITCHISON '89

Each of us should be so lucky to have a friend whose laugh cannot help but bring a smile. Marcey grew up in sunny Tsawwassen, and, in turn, raised her own family there. Along with her adoring husband, Raymond, she spent countless days supporting her children, Euan and Kathleen, as they honed their soccer skills in the pouring West-Coast rain.

Sadly, she was fated to endure a 15-year illness that brought times of terrible pain and, ultimately, her untimely death. Throughout it all, however, she exemplified bravery: she never shed a tear in her agony, and she seldom revealed the real fear she felt. And even in her last days, she never failed to smile, and blow kisses, and hold her family and friends close. Now she can rest, and join her many dogs that have gone before, and who miss her taking them down to the beach.

Edited from www.arbormemorial.ca

MAUREEN BURNS-LYONS

Maureen Lyons died peacefully on January 24, 2025, in Vancouver at the age of 79.

She was predeceased by her mother, father and brother in London England. She is survived by her husband, Paul Burns and by sisters-in-law (Julie Soden, Mary Smart, Anne Wiley) and brothers- in-law (Jim Burns, Peter Burns), numerous nieces and nephews-in-law and her pet cat, “Monster”. Maureen approached life and work with remarkable energy, robust humour and genuine empathy especially for people in difficulty. For many years Maureen worked for children in care as a Social Worker and then became a high school counselor and teacher at LFA. Her mass was celebrated on Febraury 8th, 2025, in St. Mark's Parish at UBC.

Edited from www.vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca

CATHERINE MARY JOHNSTONE '75

Catherine Mary Johnstone (Cam) passed peacefully to the Lord on July 3rd, 2024, at Crofton Manor in Vancouver. She was born on October 13, 1957, in Vancouver to Louise and Bob Johnstone. She is survived by her brothers Doug and Rob; nieces Sarah, Laura, Alexandra and Nicole; nephews Rob and Matthew; grandnephews Milo and Declan and grand-niece Elia; Lori Johnstone; and long-time friend Suzie Macvey.

After graduating she attended UBC obtaining her Education Degree in 1979. She taught Grade 2 for two years at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic School in Surrey. She loved travelling with mom and dad, especially to Hawaii. Her family greatly appreciates the care aides and nurses at Crofton Manor provided for Cathy.

Edited from www.vancouversunandprovince.remembering.ca

PEARL AILEEN MINIELLY '45

Pearl Aileen Minielly passed away June 12, 2024, at the age of 96. Pearl was born in Burnaby, B.C. on January 2, 1928. Predeceased by her husband, Robert Minielly. Pearl will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her son Rob (Ritsa); daughter Mary Jean; and her five grandchildren, Nicole, Christa, Denis, Stephanie and Nicholas.

Pearl was a friend to many, an active member of the OLPH community and leaves behind a legacy of wit and strength. She will always be remembered for her insatiable love of golf and her immeasurable love for her five grandchildren. The family would like to thank Amica Edgemont & North Shore Hospice for their kindness and care. We love you and we'll miss you Nana!

Edited from www.dignitymemorial.ca

ANN MILLER '80

Ann Elizabeth Miller (née Charpentier), 62, passed away September 23, 2024, peacefully surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 21, 1962, to Arthur and Marie Charpentier. Ann attended LFA and UBC School of Nursing. She was a Registered Nurse for Vancouver Coastal Health for over 30 years in Geriatric Rehab. She married Doug in 1987 and had a wonderful partnership for 42 years. Ann leaves behind her husband, their four children, her mother Marie, her five siblings, her mother-in-law Valerie, her twenty brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She also leaves behind her many friends including: the book club, the explorers, the walking group, the running group, the cyclers, the French ladies and the Sacred Heart moms. She was loved by all. She was kind to all. She was friends to all.

Edited from Delta Optimist

WENDELINN (WENDY) WILKINS '70

Wendelinn Wilkins of Bishop's Green, Wiveliscombe passed peacefully away at Musgrove Park Hospital on 10th November 2024, aged 72 years. She was the beloved wife of Stephen and a dearly loved Mom and Grandma.

Edited from www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk

www.lfabc.org/alumnae