On Friday and Saturday, May 30 and 31, Roslyn will be hosting its Centennial Celebration — an occasion for former staff, students and friends to re-discover the school, meet up with old friends and re-connect with former teachers.

From a small, fledgling public school created just as Westmount was defining itself as its own city, to a school with a history of educational excellence and leadership, Roslyn has flourished and been a pioneer in the field of public education.

Initiated French Immersion

One of Roslyn School’s defining moments was 40 years ago, when a group of active, committed and visionary parents pioneered the French Immersion education, the first on the island of Montreal. In September 1968, the entire kindergarten year started in the French Immersion program. They then continued their studies in French until Grade 3, at which point English was gradually introduced.

“The push for French Immersion was a parent-led initiative, starting in 1965," said Joan Rothman, one of the parents involved in launching the program, who later served as the district’s school commissioner from 1970 to 2003. "Three years later, Roslyn was the first school in Quebec and Canada to teach 75 per cent of their students how to speak, read and write in French as well as English. Parent demand soon spread the program to many schools in the Protestant School Board of Greater Montreal and later across Canada.”

Noted gradutes

Well-known alumni who attended the school include Leonard Cohen (singer, songwriter and poet), Norma Shearer (silent and early sound movie star), Bill Brownstein (author and columnist), Jay Baruchel (actor), Shawn Levy (director of Night in the Museum and Pink Panther), Jed Kahane (news reporter), Marian Scott (reporter) and Karin Marks (Mayor of Westmount).

“We are excited about celebrating our 100 years, which are rich with history and memories," says Jim McMorran, current principal of Roslyn. "We look forward to welcoming many alumni and friends back to Roslyn in May and throughout the school’s centennial year."

On May 30, guests are invited to enjoy a wine and cheese reception from 5 to 9 p.m., with musical performance by current Roslyn students. On May 31, tea, coffee and baked goods will be served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., again with musical entertainment from current students.

Alumni and friends are all welcome to attend the two-day event at no charge but must register beforehand on the Roslyn School Foundation’s web site at www.roslynschoolfoundation.ca. By registering they will receive an invitation to the event. Those who do not have access to the Internet may call 514-670-8111.