Over 50 members of the Carmelite family participated in the nursery’s “celebration of life” dinner on July 29 as caregivers from over the years reminisced on the centre's longstanding history in the Trinity-Bellwoods community. Also present were Sr. Veronica and Sr. Bernadette of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus, with the rest of the Sisters sending their well-wishes from St. Catharines, Ont.
Mixed emotions filled the banquet hall as staff arrived, with groups of women laughing, embracing one another and catching up while others solemnly reflected on each other's contributions to Carmelite Day Nursery over its century-long gift of Christ-centric childcare service.
“For 18 years, I was the executive director and supervisor of my own child care centre and I thought I did a good job in my role as centre supervisor," said Donna Spreitzer, an advisor for the nursery as well as the executive director of the Toronto Community for Better Child Care. "When I heard a staff member refer to Carmelite as the best place on Earth, I realized that there is something very special and unique about Carmelite, its people and its community.
“Looking around the room tonight, I see smiles and hopefulness, I see sadness and anxiety and I’m sure many of you are nervous about what’s next,” she continued. “Whether you have plans or are still uncertain about your next steps, I ask that you set aside your apprehensions and for this one night, please allow yourself to celebrate here with everyone as a family.”
Following Sr. Veronica’s blessing, staff members took to their seats with teary eyes to enjoy a final meal together with memories being shared among each other as a slideshow with various photos of staff and children throughout the years played at the front of the room.
As live music from P.E.I. native fiddler Roy Johnstone and local artist Mike Kerr filled the hall, the reality of 100+ years of service and its enduring impact on the community slowly began to set in on those in attendance.
“I have been the centre manager for close to 30 years and so I have been able to see things in the community change over time,” said Evelina Bettencourt. “The biggest and most noticeable thing is that we became more of a community and more of a family as time went on.”
“It is just something that has been really hard to see,” added Eduarda Ferreira, a senior staff member and former centre manager. “I started working here after high school almost 40 years ago and I just never left.”
It was announced in early February that the nursery would wind down its operations into late July. Support systems have been implemented to assist current clients as the daycare reaches its final day.
“Since the initial announcement, Sr. Veronica and I worked on the idea of the placement of families and in September Little Prints Daycare, which I also operate, will be opening at Pope Francis Catholic School as North York Little Prints-Pope Francis,” said Irene Udo, the operations manager of Carmelite Day Nursery.
Two kindergarten and three school-age rooms will be licensed at nearby Pope Francis School, giving 26 kindergarteners and 45 school-aged children a contingent daycare offering for the new school year.
Although some staff members will be forced to move on and look for work elsewhere, the board of directors has promised it has done all it can in making sure the current staff are looked after.
“I can not understate the amount of effort that Irene and others are putting into helping the staff. Support was brought in, workshops took place and several of them will be accommodated at Pope Francis site right across the street,” Spreitzer confirmed.
“The majority of staff are still here, they stayed right to the very end — that is the kind of family that we have here,” Udo added.
Near the end of the evening, the current staff received a resounding round of applause from all in attendance for their continued support of the nursery and each individual's commitment to their role as childcare workers.
Apart from the applause, the staff were left with advice, blessings and messages of support from their elders. Even as Carmelite's time draws to a close, the sentiment that its legacy will last forever was felt by all those in attendance.
“This was a celebration of life but Carmelite is not really dead. It is a part of every single one of you and the children and families you served. It will always be a part of you. Take what you have learned and all that you have created at Carmelite and use it as a foundation for your future,” Spreitzer said.
“Take these memories, moments and feelings of happiness with you and move forward,” Udo said. “Find a moment to sit down and reminisce about your time at Carmelite, you’ll be amazed at the joy it brings you.”
“May God bless each and every one of you, we will never forget you,” Sr. Veronica said.