Our Vision
To provide continuity with the past, contribute to the present, and provide a lasting legacy for the future.
Our Mission
To honour, celebrate and preserve the spiritual, social, cultural and historical legacy of St. Ann’s Academy, Victoria, BC.- while collaborating in the public interest to develop it as a resource centre for the community.
History of the Society
The Society of Friends of St. Ann's Academy, Victoria, BC was formed during the redevelopment and restoration of St. Ann's Academy that was led by the British Columbia Buildings Corporation in 1995. A small group of St. Ann's Academy Alumnae met in July 1996 to discuss a general reunion and in the fall, others joined together for presentations and informative talks, the result of which demonstrated the need for involvement in the proposed restoration of St. Ann's Academy Interpretive Centre, chapel and grounds. A series of gatherings occurred in the homes of keen individuals, who traveled from Salt Spring Island, Shawnigan, Duncan and Bowser to participate. Enthusiasm grew, and at a membership meeting held in February 1997, 50 people began the sign-up of what was eventually to total over 300 members. Members, participants and supporters became known as the "Friends".
A membership fee was established and in May 1997 , and office space, a computer and a telephone were provided for the society in the Provincial Capital Commission building on Pandora St. An effective working relationship then developed with the Provincial Capital Commission Academy Site Advisory Board, stewards of the site. Updates on the restoration of St. Ann's were provided during a meeting of June 1997 and graduate research students invited participants to submit stories about the Academy for the Interpretive Centre. On July 12, 1997, members provided their assistance for the official re-opening ceremonies on the grounds of St. Ann's Academy.
At the first annual general meeting held on September 20, 1998, an executive was elected for the Society of Friends. Registered charity status was received on October 1, 1998.
Today the current executive and members of the society carry out ongoing work in support of the academy, undertaking advocacy, education and fundraising projects, while melding the values of the past to the present.