NDV Centennial press release

École Notre Dame des Victoires (NDV), a TK-8th grade French Catholic school, is proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.  Located in the heart of downtown San Francisco, NDV remains dedicated to its mission of providing an academically rigorous Catholic education while fostering a deep appreciation of French language and culture, and also inspiring service to the local community. 

At a time when San Francisco is launching a revitalization of the downtown neighborhood, NDV is poised to support the efforts of our great city. At the NDV Centennial celebration in January at City Hall, Mayor London Breed remarked, “École Notre Dame des Victoires has been a vital part of our City's history and continues to play a crucial role in our community. Its ability to bring people together through educational excellence and community events is remarkable. We are working to make San Francisco a fun and welcoming  24/7 destination and I’m excited that NDV is part of these efforts. I look forward to seeing how NDV will continue to enrich the lives of San Franciscans and draw people back to Downtown for the vibrant events it is spearheading this year.”

As the school embarks on its next century, it invites everyone to join in the celebrations and be part of its enduring legacy.  Among those celebrating NDV’s success is former student and current California Governor Gavin Newsom, who reflects fondly on his formative years at the school. Governor Newsom remarked, “Attending École Notre Dame des Victoires was a transformative experience. It was here that I learned not only how to conjugate verbs in French, but also about the rich tapestry of French Catholic history. This foundation has stayed with me throughout my life, and I am grateful for the lifelong connections and values instilled in me during my time at NDV.”

This year’s celebrations are highlighted by "Le Bal du Centenaire" (The Ball of the Century) on Saturday, November 9, at the iconic Fairmont Hotel. This grand soiree promises to be a night to remember, celebrating the legacy and future of NDV, themed to 100 years ago, dressed to impress in 1920s style.

This year’s annual gala will include new and exciting programs to celebrate the anniversary. NDV is thrilled to announce a collaboration with distinguished local Bay Area artists who will work alongside our talented students to create original artworks that will be auctioned off at "Le Bal du Centenaire." This initiative aims to highlight the students' artistic talents and raise funds to support the school's efforts to continue its tradition of providing an outstanding education to Bay Area students.

Continuing the Centennial celebration, we invite the San Francisco (Bay Area) community to attend our popular "Le Grand Marché", a festive Christmas market, which will take place on Friday, December 6, 2024, and Sunday, December 8, 2024. This market features a curated selection of both amateur and professional craftspeople, whose work is inspired by the rich aesthetics of French and San Francisco cultures. Attendees can look forward to a diverse array of holiday gifts, food, art, jewelry, decor, and entertaining essentials, making it a perfect event for holiday shopping and community gathering. 

“Through these events, we continue to strengthen our Catholic school community, and we remain true to the vision that the Marist Fathers, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, and the French immigrants who founded NDV a century ago envisioned while growing and innovating to meet the needs of the families we serve today,” says current NDV principal Sarah Currier. “It is a testament to our Catholic faith and the relationship NDV has with the San Francisco community that, after 100 years, the school continues to thrive despite such changing times. Thank you all for helping us celebrate this momentous occasion.”

ABOUT ÉCOLE NOTRE DAME DES VICTOIRES

 Founded in 1924, École Notre Dame des Victoires is a French Catholic school located in downtown San Francisco. With a rich history of academic excellence and community involvement, NDV offers a unique educational experience that combines rigorous academics with a deep appreciation for French culture and Catholic values.

For more information about the centennial celebrations and upcoming events, please visit NDV100.COM or contact Centennial Committee Chair Jessica Shriber. All press inquiries should be directed to Centennial Committee Communications lead Ali Hughes.