Alumnae Moms Share New Perspective

LFA has gone through many obvious physical changes since you attended, but do you see any new issues or challenges that the school deals with now that were not part of your high school experience?
(AMP) LFA has grown considerably since 1984 and along with that comes the challenge of providing enough resources to support the students and their activities. The level of extra-curricular opportunities for today’s students is impressive, thanks to a hard-working staff.
(MM) None, except for the school being in such demand. I am sure it was back then as well, but it seems even more so now. LFA is such an exceptional school both physically and academically. It is often hard to hear that students are not able to attend because of the incredible competition.
(CH) I believe that all the issues and challenges that we faced as we were growing up in the early and mid-80s still exist – albeit of a different intensity. Today, there seems to be greater pressures and increased intensity for our daughters coming from so many spectrums – everything from academic pressure to social pressure. I don’t think we faced such intensity and scrutiny, and I’m continually amazed and impressed by how these girls are coping with everything.

Have you had an experience recently that brought you back to your own high school years?
(RP) When I’m at the school and I see Mr. Coady, Ms. Coady, Mrs. McGillivray, Ms. Lyons or even Sister Josephine (when she’s visiting), I feel as though I have gone back in time. I wait to hear Sister Kelly or Mrs. Hudd call me into the office. It is strange to walk through the school, go through a doorway and find myself in one of the older parts of the school, where I had my locker or where I used to hang out.
(CH) Yes, the “Walk in Your Daughter’s Footsteps” experience was like going back in time. Going up and down the hallways where I used to play jacks with my friends in grade 6. Walking into the Home Ec. kitchen and remembering the smell of my burnt pizza in grade 8. Walking past my grade 12 locker. It all brought back memories.
(MMCK) Going to the assemblies and Masses have reminded me of the weekly singing practice that we had to have every week. It was amusing. Meleah told me they still have them.

So far, what has been the best thing for you about coming back to LFA?
(AMP) The best thing for me about “coming back” to LFA is to see that the fundamental values of the school remain unchanged even though the school itself has gone through so much change.
(RP) The best thing for me has been seeing the growth at LFA. To see that my small school has grown so much and can offer such a high level of learning is amazing.
(MM) The fact that we have connected with so many great families.

Did you have any particular reservations about sending your daughter to LFA? If yes, how do you feel about those reservations now?
(CH) I was worried about the academic pressures, because LFA has become one of the most highly performing, academic schools in the province. However, I believe that these challenges and pressures will make my daughter a stronger person in life, and her future will be better for it.
(MM) Everyone is different and you always worry about a school being the right fit for any particular student (i.e. would it be too competitive, challenging etc.). The fact that my daughter truly wanted to be here put me at ease and now everything has fallen into place. The fact that it is challenging and/ or competitive has helped her want to rise to the challenge. The school experience has exceeded our expectations.
(MMCK) Not really. Since I just saw my sister Danielle go through the school recently and do really well, I knew that it was going to be a good fit for Meleah.

How do you think your experience at LFA has impacted your life, and how do you hope it will impact your daughter’s?
(AMP) Some of my closest friendships were forged at LFA. The warm, supportive atmosphere made me confident to head out into the big wide world on my own. I hope my daughter experiences the same sense of empowerment when making choices about her education and her future.
(MMCK) I felt LFA gave me a strong foundation. It taught me to complete tasks on time, be strong and gave me a good faith foundation. I am also still very good friends with many of my classmates and that has to do with the school that I went to.
(RP) At LFA, I learned how to work hard and I made some great friends that I still have today. I hope my daughter will come away with that same work ethic and with lifelong friends.

So far, have you felt any unexpected pleasures or disappointments in watching your daughter’s experience at LFA?
(RP) I was surprised at how comfortable my daughter was and within a week she seemed to be at home at LFA.
(CH) Yes, I feel all of it – both the ups and downs. However, I don’t really attribute them to her experience at LFA, more to her being a teenager.
(MM) There have been so many great moments. I love how everything is celebrated – sports, music, academics, friendships and all school activities (Walkathon, Big Sisters, Medieval Lunch, International Dinner, Voice of an Angel, Choir Fundraiser, Gala). This celebration follows through in all grades and make you (both parents and students) want to be a part of it. Demetra looks forward to going to school every day.