Notre Dame Day is a multi-day fundraising event held annually by the University of Notre Dame, where alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends come together to support the university and raise funds for various initiatives.
Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, situated in Leeds, England, is a school steeped in history and tradition. Established in 1898 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the school opened its doors with just seven teachers and 75 pupils, setting the stage for a rich educational legacy.
The school's origins are shrouded in a charming tale. Upon their arrival at No.7 St Marks Avenue, the Sisters found a neglected residence with no one to welcome them. A local cab driver, with a wooden leg, is said to have helped them by banging a door down, allowing them entry. This act of kindness set the tone for the school's ethos of compassion and community spirit.
Fast forward to the present day, and Notre Dame Day is a much-anticipated celebration that takes place annually on 4th February. This day is dedicated to honouring the order of Notre Dame de Namur, which was founded by St Julie Billiart and two companions in 1804. The day serves as a reminder of the school's roots and its commitment to education as a basic human right, a belief firmly held by St Julie Billiart.
During Notre Dame Day, staff and students are encouraged to wear blue, the colour of Notre Dame, as a show of unity and school pride. The day is filled with various activities, including special masses in the Chapel, a Treasure Hunt competition, and the offering of free porridge for all.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Notre Dame Day is the focus on charitable giving. This year, students and staff will be raising funds for three worthy causes: St George's Crypt, Leeds Children's Hospital, and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). By participating in these charitable activities, the Notre Dame community continues to embody the spirit of St Julie Billiart, who dedicated her life to the education of poor children.
While specific historical details about the establishment of Notre Dame Day at this college are not readily available, it is clear that this day holds significant importance in the life of Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College. It serves as a time to celebrate the school's founding, reflect on its values and heritage, foster community spirit, and affirm its identity within the Catholic tradition.
For those interested in learning more about the origins of Notre Dame Day at Notre Dame Catholic Sixth Form College, it is recommended to contact the college directly or consult their official archives or publications.
The school's ethos of compassion and community spirit extends beyond its historical origins, as demonstrated by the annual Notre Dame Day celebration. This day, a reminder of the school's roots, emphasizes education as a basic human right and encourages charitable giving to worthy causes, aligning with St Julie Billiart's belief and continued in Notre Dame's modern lifestyle. Education-and-self-development are integral aspects of cultivating this compassionate, charitable lifestyle, further emphasizing the significance of Notre Dame Day.
