Activities include a silent and live auction, historic decade rooms, slide show presentation, opening ceremonies with ribbon cutting, a 1950s café and more.

Fessenden is named for Clementina Trenholm Fessenden, the founder of Empire Day. Mrs. Fessenden came to Ancaster with her husband, who served as rector of St. John’s Anglican Church. A memorial bronze statue was erected in 1928, 10 years after her death.

Fessenden first opened its doors on October 27, 1959. The new school had 18 classrooms and was divided into four houses named after influential Canadian women. Names included Secord, Hoodless, Johnson and Montgomery. The motto chosen for the school’s crest outlined the ideals of integrity, industry and intellect. Although there were no official uniforms, students were encouraged to wear gray skirts or pants, white blouses or shirts and green sweaters or blazers to reflect the school colours.

One of Canada’s most renowned ballerinas, Karen Kain once attended Fessenden.

The Fessenden 50th anniversary organizing committee is now seeking historic memorabilia to display at the school for Oct. 2 weekend. All items will be returned following the anniversary. Items in demand include photos, yearbooks, sports trophies and uniforms and news clippings.

Fessenden alumni and their families are invited to join the anniversary page on Facebook. If you’re a first, second or third generation almnus, visit the Facebook site to share your memories. Over the years, many former students have returned to the school as teachers.

Whether you’re a former student, a teacher or member of Fessenden’s extended family, the school would like to hear from you. To inquire about loaning memorabilia 4115 or e-mail Jodi Milner at for the decade rooms, contact the school during the last week of June or in late August at 905-648- jodi.milner@hwdsb.on.ca