FROM MONKLANDS… The origins of our school date back to 1795, when James Monk, Chief Justice of Lower Canada, bought the land from the Décarie family. The classically inspired stone colonial residence he built on the land in 1803 was named “Monklands.” It served as the official residence of three Governors General of Canada: Sir Charles Metcalfe (1844-1845), Lord Cathcart (1845-1846), and Lord Elgin (1847-1849). Because of its excellent state of conservation and the historic importance of its various occupants, it was declared an historic monument in 1951 by the Canadian government. … TO VILLA MARIA In 1854, the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame purchased Monklands to open a boarding school for girls. They called it Villa Maria. The first class of forty-five girls was a mixture of francophone and anglophone students from Canada and the United States. For many years, classes were taught in French in the morning and in English in the afternoon. In the early 1900s Villa Maria graduates were accepted into Canadian and American universities. To learn more about Marguerite Bourgeoys and the work of the CND, visit the virtual archives "Faith in Action". NOTABLE GUESTS Many distinguished guests have visited the school over the years, always welcomed with music by the students, many of whom loved to play the harp. The guest list includes King Edward VII (1860), the Duke and Duchess of York (King George V and Queen Mary, 1901), and many Governors General, notably Viscount Monck (who was accompanied by Sir John A. Macdonald, Sir George-Etienne Cartier, and Thomas D’Arcy McGee) and the Right Honourable Georges Vanier in 1964. VILLA MARIA TODAY Over the years, Villa Maria has adapted to keep pace with cultural and societal change. The school, which now accepts both girls and boys, is dedicated to helping students succeed by offering them an innovative, well-rounded, top-quality education. Providing personalized guidance and the latest teaching technology, the college offers a stimulating environment where students can flourish. Recognized to be of a public interest by the Quebec Ministry of Education, Villa Maria currently provides a high school education to almost 1,400 students divided into two educational sectors: one French, the other English.