St. Mary’s Teachers’ College was operated as a private educational institution by the Sisters of St. Joseph under the jurisdiction of the Quebec Department of Education for 29 years. It was closed in June, 1969, mainly because, in the future, training in the Province of Quebec was to be affiliated with universities.
The role of the Sisters was vital during the early years of the school. With the revision of courses in 1955, Chapeau Normal School became St. Mary’s Teachers’ College. The specific purpose of the college was preparing English-speaking teachers, drawing candidates not only from western Quebec, but from the north, Montreal, Quebec City, Gaspe, and the Eastern Townships as well. There were important changes over time, including the introduction of the two-year “B” Diploma Course, the admission of male students, the change to lay administration, and a tremendous expansion that more than doubled the registration of the initial 40 students envisioned when the institution was first built.
Many Sisters taught here from 1955 to 1969, enduring hardship in the first years. No bridge connected the island and Pembroke. The train came only as far as Waltam. There was no doctor; the water supply proved inadequate taking unexpected detours through ceilings and walls; holidays were few; and much physical labour was required to make ends meet on a $12.00 per month fee for board, lodging, and laundry.
During the first 15 years of its existence, Chapeau Normal School prepared about 300 teachers, French, English, or bilingual, to enter the teaching profession. In its last 14 years, some 412 English-speaking students graduated. The graduates of the institution were recognized for their superb preparation.
The reform of education in the Province of Quebec, initiated with the publication of the Parent Report, brought a complete revamping of structures and teacher education. In May, 1968, after a series of meetings, the Congregation agreed to terminate operations in Chapeau once assurance was given that a shift to Hull would create a much greater future for English language teacher education in Hull. The graduation ceremony in June, 1969, was the last held, and saw the closing of a chapter of educational history.
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada Archives