history of église & école Notre dame des victoires

Église Notre Dame des Victoires was founded with Abbé Dominique Blaive as Pastor, who served from 1856-1862. The church was established at the urging of the first San Francisco Archbishop, The Most Reverend Joseph Sadoc Alemany,O.P..     

He called for the establishment of a “true French church” to be placed under the patronage of Notre Dame des Victoires in honor of the French soldiers who fought against the Russians in the Crimean War.

Most Reverend Joseph Sadoc Alemany, O.P. The first Archbishop of San Francisco, served from 1853-1884. He called on Abbé Dominique to minister to the growing French community, most of whom immigrated to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. The church building is located in what was then referred to as the French Quarter. 

This is the earliest known illustration of Notre Dame des Victoires. The church was built by a society of Baptists, but was later purchased by the French Catholics, who remodeled and renewed. Notre Dame des Victoires began its ministry to the French Catholics in San Francisco on May 4, 1856. 

Most Reverend Patrick William Riordan (image above) was a Canadian- born clergyman of the Roman Catholic Church. He succeeded Most Reverend Most Reverend Joseph Sadoc Alemany, O.P. as Archbishop
of San Francisco.     

The Marist Fathers (Society of Mary) take charge of Notre Dame des Victoires upon the invitation of Archbishop Patrick Riordan. Fr. 

Fr. Onésime Renaudier (image above) is the first Marist Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. He later became a very successful first Provincial of the then new Marist San Francisco Province in 1889. 

Wishing to ensure the continued ministry to the French-speaking community in San Francisco, Marist Superior General Fr. Antoine Martin, S.M. and San Francisco Archbishop Patrick William Riordan recommended to Pope Leo XIII that Notre Dame des Victoires be designated as a French National church and placed it under the charge of the Marists in perpetuity. Above is a copy of the original letter, and translated version courtesy Rv. 

    Etienne L. Siffert, S.M.

Église Notre Dame des Victoires and Rectory after completion of the 1888 renovation project. This was how the church looked like before the 1906 Earthquake and Great Fire. 

The church and rectory of Notre Dame des Victoires are destroyed by the April 1906 Earthquake and Great Fire. Pastor, Fr. Joseph Guibert, S.M., under great stress, worked tirelessly to begin the difficult work of rebuilding while ministering to the devastated Parish community 

Rev. Henri Thiery, S.M. Pastor: 1911-1917. During Father Thiery's term, he works tirelessly to rebuild the church and rectory. 

In 1911, the work of rebuilding the church and rectory was finally completed. A young priest, Fr. Louis Le Bihan, S.M. is assigned as an assistant to Fr. Thiery at Notre Dame des Victoires. He would be co-builder of the school with Fr. Henri Gérard and is the longest serving Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. 

The Sisters of St. Joseph originated from Le Puy, France. In 1912, some of the sisters from the congregation in Illinois came to Eureka, California at the request of Right Rev. Thomas Grace, D.D., the Bishop of Sacramento at that time. The  first Motherhouse in California  was established by Mother Bernard Gusselin. Ten years later, they would come to Jeanne d’Arc School (sister school of École Notre Dame des Victoires) and later to École Notre Dame des Victoires at the request of the Marists of San Francisco. 

A solemn high Requiem Mass for the repose of the souls of the soldiers and sailors of France who had given their lives in war was held and San Francisco Archbishop, the Most Reverend Edward Hanna, dedicated the newly rebuilt church on September 12, 1915. 

In this same year, a parishioner, Mme. Lucas Harvey, donated a sizeable portfolio of bonds and titles to the Notre Dame des Victoires parish. With these and donations from the French Colony, Fr. Thiery was able to pay for all costs incurred in the reconstruction of the church. The amount of donations also allowed for the purchase of lots in the back of the church extending to Pine Street. 

Rev. Henri Gérard, S.M. becomes Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. Under his stewardship and with a close partnership with his assistant, Fr. Louis Le Bihan, Jeanne D’Arc School and École Notre Dame des Victoires are established in 1924.

Fathers. Gérard and Le Bihan atop the roof of the Notre Dame des Victoires church in 1925. 

On December 18, 1921, after Archbishop Edward Hanna (see image)  administered the Sacrament
of Confirmation to the children of Notre Dame des Victoires parish, he spoke to the clergy saying, “Fathers, we should have a French school here, a school where English would be taught of course, but where the children might also learn French. Let us establish here a center of French culture.” 

The Marist Provincial approves plans drawn up by the architects Cole and Brouchoud for the building of the school for the cost of $160,000. James McLaughlin was hired to do the construction.  

 Archbishop Hanna guaranteed a loan of $120,000. Funds from the French colony in Notre Dame des Victoires were raised through donations and fundraising activities. The Consul General of France in San Francisco, M. Julien Nelter, gifted École Notre Dame des Victoires with 25,000 Francs from the French government. Three additional lots were purchased along Pine Street. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires started its first classes with 14 children in the basement of the church. Sr. Isabelle Aubin, Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph, directed the school, assisted by Sr. Mary Agnes Fredette. Five to six weeks after opening, the classes were moved to the present school building amidst construction workers and their equipment. At the end of the first term, the number of students rose to 51. 

The school reopens with the Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades combined in the few finished classrooms. The first École Notre Dame des Victoires students pose on the stage in the auditorium with Fr. Le Bihan (standing on the left) and Fr. Gérard (standing on the right). 

Sister Mary Charles Lirette is appointed Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph and becomes the first Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires. She served as principal from 1924-1946. 

The first two École Notre Dame des Victoires school buses start rolling with designated school driver, Mr. Zakof. The models of the first school buses were the Pierce Arrow and the Reo Safety School Bus.     

Archbishop Hanna blesses the elementary school building and gymnasium and both the American and French flags were raised. 150 students attended the event and presented a special school pageant for the occasion. 

June, 1925-     

1st École Notre Dame des Victoires graduation: 11 students graduate from Grammar School . 

September, 1925-

    The NDV High School opens with 14 girls. Sr. Ignatia directs the High School. The second floor was finished and a chemistry and physics laboratory is added to the school building. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires is visited by the newly appointed French Ambassador to the U.S. and poet/dramatist, Paul Claudel. 

Rev. Fr. Richard Smith, S.M., the Marist Provincial of the Province of Washington, D.C. and a significant historic figure in the Society of Mary in the United States and internationally, visits École Notre Dame des Victoires for the first time. The students sing in High Mass and present a program to welcome Fr. Smith. 

The first École Notre Dame des Victoires Holy Communion is held for the school children. 

Archbishop Hanna blesses the statue of St. Joseph that is in the niche in front of the school building. St. Joseph was originally chosen as the patron and namesake of the school until Archbishop Hanna suggested to the Marist Fathers that it be changed to École Notre Dame des Victoires. At that time, many orphanages and schools were already named after St. Joseph. 

Rev. Louis Le Bihan becomes Pastor and Supervisor of Notre Dame des Victoires. A partner to Fr. Gérard in the building and founding of the school, Fr. Le Bihan is the longest serving Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires, San Francisco, serving from 1927-1957. 

January , 1928- 

    Bishop J. Darnand, Marist Bishop of the Solomon Islands visits and relays his experiences of the mission to the children. This visit is the first of many from missionaries. The students and their families provided support to the missions. This practice of supporting the good work of the missions continues today. For example, the school continues to hold the annual Mission Carnival. 

August 13th, 1928-

    The school reopens with all the classrooms finished and operational. For the first time, the high school conducts the full 4-year course. 

September 12th, 1928-

    All high school students join the French Club. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires wins its first of many athletic trophies and awards. The high school basketball team was awarded the Silver Cup for their victory against the team from the French Athletic Club. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires High School receives its University of California accreditation.    

Three students of École Notre Dame des Victoires are baptized. In the present day, École Notre Dame des Victoires conduct the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) – a program that prepares students from Grades 3-8 to receive the holy sacraments of initiation. 

November 18th, 1929-

Fr. Henri Gérard is notified that France has bestowed on him the title of Knight of the Legion of Honor. The French Consul General awards him the medal. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires awards the first of many scholarships (and financial aid) to École Notre Dame des Victoires students. Simonne Goureau is one of the first recipients. 

Elizabeth McDonagh becomes the first École Notre Dame des Victoires student to enter the novitiate at St. Joseph of Orange. 

The first Mother-Daughter social is held. 

The École Notre Dame des Victoires alumnae come together as an organization. Wayve Arnold is the first President. 

“Pagan Babies” was an accepted term at the time and referred to a program of where one supports a child by “adopting” or “ransoming” a pagan baby in order to propagate the faith. It is a fundraiser for the Holy Child Association. 

In 1931, the Right Rev. Monsignor James Sweeney of the Holy Childhood, visited École Notre Dame des Victoires and encouraged the students to join the campaign. At the end of the school year, École Notre Dame des Victoires topped all other schools in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area in the effort. 

In 1941, Fr. Sweeney was appointed the first bishop of the newly erected Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu. 

High school Class of 1931

French Consul, M. Meric de Bellefon is introduced to the school community by Father Le Bihan. 

Image (above) of school in 1932.

Father O’Sullivan, Provincial of the Marist Fathers, visits École Notre Dame des Victoires.

The École Notre Dame des Victoires school pet bird, Noël, passes away. The school mourns his death. 

The school booth at the Annual Parish Bazaar is deemed
the prettiest and topped all others in proceeds. Mrs. H. Dufils heads the school effort. The Parish Bazaar was a major annual fundraiser and is the predecessor of the Bal de Paris. 

November 4th-

The “Histories” written by the sisters of St. Joseph first mentions the “Peanut Shower.” This is an annual fun event where the Sisters shower peanuts down
from the windows at the upper level facing the yard. The assembled students (boys and girls grouped separately) would clamber to catch as many as they can. Though the date coincides with the 1924 day when Archbishop Hanna blessed the elementary school building and gymnasium, the event is actually in celebration of Sr. M. Charles’ feast day. 

Many musical recitals of École Notre Dame des Victoires students are held. This particular year, Virginia Avellar and Dorothy Gaston perform at the Church Hall. At the end of the year, Virginia enters the novitiate. In later years, Sr. Virginia becomes a 2nd, 8th grade teacher, Director of the Children’s Choir, etc. at the school. The 1984 Memory Book 

is dedicated to her with a poem written by Mrs. Roberta Renzi (kindergarten teacher) and Fr. Michael Galinada, S.M. 

October 27th, 1937-

    The École Notre Dame des Victoires Boys Choir makes its debut at High Mass during the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.  

March 3rd, 1939-

Some members of the NDV Boys Choir sing in the Monitor program over Station KSFN. 

May 31st, 1939-

    M. Rémond, Secrétaire General de L’Alliance Française visits École Notre Dame des Victoires. 

French Consul General Charles de Lessart visits the school. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires high school joins the inaugural Federation of all Catholic High Schools in the Archdiocese. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires leads all parochial and public schools in Northern California in the War Loan Drive. 

French Consul General Baeyens makes his official visit to École Notre Dame des Victoires. 

100% of the École Notre Dame des Victoires student body joins the Junior Red Cross. 

The Mothers’ Guild gifts the school with the statue of Our Lady of Grace that was placed in one of the school corridors. 

Sister Mary Charles is reassigned and leaves École Notre Dame des Victoires for Australia. Sister M. Genevieve becomes principal of the Grammar School (GS), 1946-1950 and Sister M. Agnella Thibault is principal of High School (HS), 1946-48. 

(Front row, seated) Sr. Celestine, Sr. David, Sr. Armand, Sr. Genevieve, Sr. Anita, Sr. Emmeline.(Second row, kneeling) Sr. John Birchmans, Sr. Helen of the Cross, Sr. Clarice, Sr. Anselm, Sr. Benigna, Sr. Juliette. (Standing row) Sr. Laurenten, Sr. Charles, Sr. Rita, Sr. Humila, Sr. Agnes Claire, Sr. Imelda, Sr. Evangelist, Sr. Angela, Sr. Eulalia, Sr. John of the Cross. 

April 30th-

 The first “Parents Night” is held. 

June 14th-

    Fr. (later Monsignor) Fulton Sheen of the Catholic University of Washington, D.C. surprise
the graduates and their families with a visit. Fr. Sheen at that time was already known for his preaching and especially his broadcast work. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires pays tribute to the school founder, Fr. Gérard on his Golden Jubilee. 

    Sister M. Agnella becomes Superior, Sister M. Genevieve becomes principal of both Grammar School and High School. 

Reverend Father T. Heffernan, S.M., Marist Provincial of New Zealand visits the school. 

March 16th-

   18 students selected by their peers visit the Freedom Train stationed at the Marina in San Francisco.  

École Notre Dame des Victoires celebrates 25 years. (See pictures of program.) 

January-

    The Fathers’ Club is established with M. Joseph Rock as its first President.

June-

    After being ill for some time, Father Gerard, beloved school founder and builder passes away at age 76. 

September-

    Father Le Bihan blesses and officiates in the groundbreaking of the new convent. After the ceremony, the children sang the Star Spangled Banner and the Marseillaise. This building which is adjacent to the school building housed the sisters. 

Today, the building is referred to as the Marist West and serves as residence to visiting guests and retired Marist fathers, as well as Marist brothers. 

Sister Marie Therese Gagnon, CSJ is the Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires School GS, 1950-1956 and HS, 1950-1953. 

New convent building completed. Archbishop Mitty blesses the new convent. Former sisters’ rooms are remodeled/erected into classrooms for High School students in the top floor of the school. 

On United Nations Day, the Mothers’ Guild holds the event, “Tea of all Nations” for the first time. In future years, the NDV Parents Association (NDVPA) would hold an annual event, International Night. While the event is no longer associated with UN Day, it remains a celebration of the diversity of cultures. 

Fr. Robert Hurst, S.J., the first École Notre Dame des Victoires alumnus to be ordained celebrates his first solemn High Mass at Notre Dame des Victoires Church. A banquet is served in the school auditorium. 

Principal, Sr. Marie Thérese and Mrs. H. Davis, President of the Mothers’ Guild, led and organized the first “Le Bal de Paris.” This event was previously called the “Annual Bazaar.” The event is held at the Gold Room of the Fairmont Hotel. 

June-

Mr. Raymond Vorbe who worked as a maintenance engineer for the church, installs the school’s first “Intercommunication System.” 

November 24th- 

1,500 people attend the 2nd Bal de Paris in the Fairmont Hotel and garners ~$14,000 in financial benefit. 

Sister M. Eulalia Bergeron, CSJ becomes the HS Principal, 1953- 1956. 

The first École Notre Dame des Victoires Open House is held. 2,000 parents and many principals and teachers from various San Francisco public schools attended. The event was held in observance of American Education Week. 

M. Antoine Pinay, French Minister of Foreign Affairs is honored with a reception at the auditorium. 

Sister M. Eymard, CSJ becomes Principal of GS (1956-1958) and Sister M. Jerome (image above), CSJ becomes Principal of HS (1956-1960). 

October 18th-28th-

Centennial marker is blessed and placed in the front of Notre Dame des Victoires church. 

100th Anniversary of Notre Dame des Victoires church/parish is celebrated with the École Notre Dame des Victoires students presenting “Centurama,” a reenactment of the outstanding events and activities of the school since it founding. 

October 19th- 

Under the auspices of the California Historical Society, a bronze centennial marker is blessed and placed in the front of Notre Dame des Victoires church. 

Image above-The Sisters visiting Fort Point. 

Image of the Program for Notre Dame des Victoires church celebrating their 100 year anniversary. 

Insert with images taken from the "Centurama" show performed by École Notre Dame des Victoires students, celebrating the 100 year establishment of the church.

December 7th- 

   Notre Dame des Victoires celebrates Fr. Le Bihan’s his 50th anniversary of serving the Church. 

M. le Consul Général de France, M. Robert Luc visits École Notre Dame des Victoires. 

December 6th-

Fr. Le Bihan (image above) passes away. École Notre Dame des Victoires, the French community, and San Francisco mourns his death and pays tribute. 

Sr. Eymard moves to Gagan to be Superior of the Sisters of St. Joseph Center. Sister Angela (image above) becomes Principal of the Grammar School (1958-to early 1960s). 

Fr. Julian Marquis, S.M., who has been an assistant to Fr. Le Bihan since 1953, takes over as Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. He serves until his death in 1964. 

The Fathers’ Club sponsors and organizes the building of the school cafeteria. It is called the “Father Le Bihan Memorial Cafeteria.” 

Sister Mary Agnes Fredette, CSJ receives the rank of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur from the French government. Sister Mary Agnes served École Notre Dame des Victoires as a superior and a long-time teacher. She was Sister Isabelle’s assistant on the first days of the school in 1924. Since those first days and throughout her years in École Notre Dame des Victoires, she taught French to the school children. 

The completed Father Le Bihan Memorial Cafeteria is blessed by the Very Reverend John T. Foudy, Superintendent of Schools of the archdiocese. 

 French President Charles de Gaulle made his first U.S. State Visit as head of the Fifth Republic in April 1960. De Gaulle’s trip aimed to improve relations between the two countries after diverging policy objectives in the 1950s strained the relationship. The trip
was also notable as the first time that a French head of state paid
a formal visit to San Francisco, where an estimated 250,000 San Franciscans lined the streets of de Gaulle’s motorcade route from the San Francisco International Airport to City Hall. The San Francisco police estimated the welcome to be “the biggest ever given here to the head of a foreign state.” 

École Notre Dame des Victoires was the only French school in San Francisco invited to the welcome ceremony at the City Hall. 

Sister Mary Georgina, CSJ becomes the Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires High School (1960-1964). 

Sister Rosemary Carufel, CSJ becomes Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires High School (1964-1968) 

After the passing of Fr. Julian Marquis in 1964, Fr. James Marchant, S.M., becomes Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires.

The 1966 high school yearbook, Victorienne, is dedicated to the soldiers of the war in VIetnam. 

Mr. Armand Jasmin, long-time École Notre Dame des Victoires Mechanical Maintenance Engineer retires.  

Pictured above-Sister Henriette Lirette (Sister Alphonsine), becomes Principal of the High School (1968-1970). She is the last Principal of the High School.   

Rev. Emile Neyron, S.M., becomes Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. 

École Notre Dame des Victoires Grammar School and High School holds an Art Show. 

In December 1969, Fr. Bernard Cummins, who was
then Superintendent of Schools in the San Francisco Archdiocese, announced to the Parent Guilds of École Notre Dame des Victoires that the Notre Dame des Victoires High School will be closed in 1970. 

Mayor George Moscone was an École Notre Dame des Victoires parent. The Moscone Award is given annually at Graduation to an 8th grade graduating girl & boy in recognition for their contributions to Sports/Athletics. 

Famous French actor, singer, and entertainer, Maurice Chevalier visited San Francisco and welcomed by the French community. École Notre Dame des Victoires students, Sophie Grauss and Robert Iriartborte present Mr. Chevalier with bouquets of roses. 

Paul Francis Bergez becomes the Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires. He is the first Principal to come from outside the Sisters of St. Joseph, the first who is also an alumnus of the school, and the only male to take on the role to date. He is seated on the floor, bottom left. 

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of school is kicked off during the Bal de Paris on November 10, 

1973. 

Rev. Leonard Ferringo, S.M., becomes the Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. Rev. Etienne L. Siffert, S.M. arrives. 

1977

A new public address (PA) system is installed in the school. 

Parent Participation was officially introduced to the school community. 

1978

    The first golf tournament was held.

Sister Patricia Haley, CSJ becomes Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires (1979-1981) . She graduated from the high school in 1958.

Mme. Roberta Renzi joins as the Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Renzi was the recipient of the Herbst Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching. Roberta is far left in photograph. Virginia Avellar (2nd grade teacher), Therese Devine, and Leo Delucchi (1st grade teacher) are shown from left to right. Image taken in 1982

Mme. Diane Guay becomes the Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires (1981-1987).  Photograph taken in 1982

 Mary Mosbacher joins the École Notre Dame des Victoires Faculty as the 6th Grade teacher. After marriage, she changes her name to Mary Ghisolfo and will later become Principal of the school. From left to right: Luke Cottrill (7th grade teacher), Mary Mosbacher (6th grade teacher, Maryanne Roger (8th grade teacher). 

The first Memory Book (SY 1981- 1982) is put together and printed. Roberta Renzi and Leo Delucchi (K and 1st Grade teachers) are the staff members. 

The École Notre Dame des Victoires 2nd Graders meet Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. 

Rev. Etienne L. Siffert, S.M. becomes the Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. He starts his first term (1983-1991). 

Parish Council is now made up of non-school parishioners and school parents. 

Proceeds of the Bal de Paris divided equally between the school and church. 

Mme. Judith Shilstone (pictured above) joins the school faculty staff as the 8th grade and Physical Education teacher. 

Mrs. Shilstone was the recipient of the Herbst Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1998. 

Dimitrios Tsokas joins the École Notre Dame des Victoires staff as the 8th grade and Physical Education teacher.
 

 Jeanne Mazeris joins the faculty of École Notre Dame des Victoires as the French K-4 teacher. She left in 1997, and returned in 2006. Mme. Mazeris is an alumna of the school GS (1958) and HS (1962). The former Jeanne Esperben was the President of the French Club in High School. 

Family and Class Masses are designated/celebrated on a monthly basis. 

Église Notre Dame des Victoires is designated as a historical landmark. 

Computer classes start at the school. Pamela Redmond is the first Computer Teacher. 

   The 8th grade class presents the musical, Oklahoma. The school has a long history of the musical and performing arts, and this performances was the first of the current 8th grade annual tradition. 

100th Anniversary of the Marist Fathers at Notre Dame des Victoires; Fr. Siffert publishes historical book on the Notre Dame des Victoires Fathers to mark the occasion. 

In 1986, Julia Villasenor, Music Teachers Mme. Lynn Oakley and M. Tom Hansen joined École Notre Dame des Victoires. Photograph above, Lynn Oakley with violin student. 

 Mary Ghisolfo becomes Principal of École Notre Dame des Victoires. She is the longest serving Principal in the history of École Notre Dame des Victoires, serving until 2017.

In 1987, the Extension Program is launched. Seen above are directors Virginia Valdelli and Barbara Dzwonek.

8th grade student and member of the École Notre Dame des Victoires Safety Patrol, Giovanni Ruffini with the Chief Frank Jordan and Mayor Art Agnos.  

Gigi Gulinao joins École Notre Dame des Victoires as a Music Teacher. 

October 17th-

The 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake rattles San Francisco and the greater Bay Area. 

The 1990s started off with the San Francisco Archdiocese assessing the damage done by the 1989 earthquake to various churches and schools. Father Siffert started an earthquake fund 2 months after the earthquake to pay for the costs of reinforcements and retrofitting. Father James Pratt, S.M. became Pastor in 1991 until 1993. Father Siffert again became the Pastor until 2004. 

The retrofit project started in May 1996. During the church retrofit, Masses were held at the École Notre Dame des Victoires Auditorium and at the chapel of the Marist Center (the former convent building) until the church once again opened its doors in November 1996. 

In 1999, École Notre Dame des Victoires turned 75. Plans were underway for an anniversary celebration that was held the following year. 

Melissa Golden joins École Notre Dame des Victoires as an NDVEP Teacher. She later becomes the NDVEP Director. 

 Charles Cecilia joins École Notre Dame des Victoires as Mrs. Renzi’s aide in Kindergarten. In 1993,
he becomes the 2nd grade teacher. Mr. Charles was a recipient of the Herbst Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2011. 

Spring-

The premiere issue of the Alumni Newsletter, Salut (pictured above), is published. Alumni Parent, Rose Heller is the first editor, with alumnus, Nathan Heller (then current student) served as the Layout Designer. Mme. Linda Mixsell (‘70) was the Alumni Director.  

The school newspaper, The Dragon’s Tale, won first place with special merit in a national competition sponsored by the American Scholastic Press Association. It was the only elementary school of its size to win this award in the country. 

Meridith Pantaleoni, or Mrs. P., joins École Notre Dame des Victoires as the 3rd grade teacher.

In the summer of 1998 the school gained access to the internet for the first time. At that time, all classrooms, computer lab, and library systems accessed the Internet via an ISDN phone system. Photograph above  taken in the early 2000s.

Valerie Phillips Meehan (HS ‘42) joins the Alumni/Development Office of École Notre Dame des Victoires.

The whole Notre Dame des Victoires community gathered to celebrate the 75th year of the founding of the school. The event included a historical exhibit and school tours. An anniversary icon was blessed by Archbishop (later Cardinal) William Levada who presided over the Thanksgiving Mass. The children’s French choir sang with the adult French choir with Sister Geraldine conducting. In the evening, a banquet was served in the Church Hall. 

November 18th-    

    École Notre Dame des Victoires celebrates the 50th Bal de Paris at the Mark Hopkins Hotel. 

The gymnasium floor is fully upgraded. The renovation was made possible courtesy of the fundraising efforts of the École Notre Dame des Victoires Parents Association. 

The first Les Amis de NDV is launched. This is an annual fundraiser to benefit the school. The campaign has multiple phases: The church phase (proceeds from this phase are allocated to scholarships only), and the parent, staff, alumni, business, grandparent and alumni parent phases support improvement projects. Image above is from 2003-2004 campaign. 

The École Notre Dame des Victoires team wins the 6th Annual Academic Decathlon 

Lemony Snicket (pen name of novelist Daniel Handler), author of 

A Series of Unfortunate Events visits the school. Pictured above with student Rachel Cusing (‘03). 

Sister Virginia Avellar, CSJ passes away. Sister Virginia was an alumna of the school (GS ‘32). She worked at the school in various roles through the years. Among these roles were: administrative assistant, teachers’ aide, 2nd grade teacher, and Co-Directress of the Children’s French Choir. She, Sr. Joann Caroll, CSJ, and
Sr. Geraldine Ruiz were the last of the Sisters of St. Joseph to work as members of the Faculty/Staff of École Notre Dame des Victoires. 

A Thanksgiving Mass and community reception is held in honor of Fr. Etienne Siffert’s 19 years of service as the Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. 

Rev. René Iturbe, S.M., becomes the Pastor of Notre Dame des Victoires. 

    Among the pastors of Notre Dame des Victoires, Fr. René has the deepest roots with the parish. His parents’ marriage was officiated by Fr. Le Bihan and he was baptized by the school’s founder, Fr. Gérard. 

150th anniversary of the establishment of Église Notre Dame des Victoires is celebrated with a Thanksgiving Mass, historical exhibit, church stain glass exhibit/tour/book, historical video, historical book by Fr. Etienne Siffert, and a classical piano performance. . 

San Francisco Mayor and former École Notre Dame des Victoires student, Gavin Newsom, signs the document designating École Notre Dame des Victoires as a Historic Landmark. 

The newly built school Chapel is dedicated and named after the Marist saint, St. Peter Chanel.