Upcoming Events
Don’t miss these important school events.
Open House (February 6, 2026)
February 6, 2026
Open House – Explore classrooms, meet teachers, discover our academic & faith environment.
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Open House (May 1, 2026)
May 1, 2026
Open House – Meet staff, review academic formation & community life.
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Theater Evenings 2026 (3 Performances)
June 4–6, 2026
Three nightly school theater performances (tickets coming soon).
View detailsÉcole Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu
École Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu is a private French-language Catholic school whose aim is to instruct students in Christian doctrine and morals through the continuity of advanced general knowledge. Its educational goal is for students to be able to one day explain their faith, namely the certainty of their belief in God and His most holy Mother, to whoever wishes to hear.
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History
Sainte-Marie Mère de Dieu School came into existence in July 2022 as a result of the joint efforts of Mr. Ubertelli, a group of teachers, parents, and benefactors. Its purpose is to advance Catholic education with a traditional mindset in a rigorous, welcoming, and respectful environment, and to meet the needs of families seeking to educate their children through a thoughtful and conscientious approach. The school has assembled qualified and dedicated teachers who are recognized and experienced, each specialized in their respective fields of expertise. These teachers provide a classical and faithful education. The school has extensive premises in the Saint-François d'Assise church in the Hintonburg area of Ottawa.
MANAGEMENT and ADMINISTRATION
Francis P. Ubertelli, B.A., B.Ed., M.A., D.M.A.
Principal / CEO
History, Catholic Culture, Philosophy, Grades 9-12
Writer and composer by profession, Professor Ubertelli has taught for over twenty years in Ontario and Europe at the secondary and conservatory levels, and has significant experience teaching music, French, history, and philosophy. His studies and expertise include a Master’s degree in Music (Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, 1996), a Bachelor of Education (Laurentian University, 2009), and a Doctorate in Philosophy of Music (University of Toronto, 2020). A published author, he founded Sainte-Marie School in 2022, partly for his three children. He continues to write and compose alongside managing the school and teaching. For Professor Ubertelli, reason must necessarily be illuminated by faith—a faith informed by history.
Sarah S. Pion, TTS
Secretary
A graduate in Social Work Technology from La Cité College, Mrs. Pion worked for several years in security, then as an administrative assistant for a provincial member of parliament until her first child. A stay-at-home mother, she joined the Sainte-Marie School team in 2025 with joy and enthusiasm.
SECONDARY LEVEL
Gary Knight, Ph.D.
Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, Computer Science, Grades 9-12
A physicist by profession, Professor Knight has extensive experience teaching science at both secondary and college levels. He holds advanced degrees in Biophysics (Toronto), Nanostructure Photonics (Ottawa), and completed postdoctoral research (McMaster) in advanced photovoltaic materials. He has lectured at the University of Ottawa and at Seneca and Algonquin Colleges. He also taught high school mathematics for several years. He is a long-time catechist for the Catholic RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation) where he lectures on Catholic apologetics in a scientific context as opposed to deceptive environmental “scientism.” For Professor Knight, faith and reason are intimately linked to the true spirit of discipleship.
Michael Trolly, M.A., M.Div.
Music, English
Mr. Trolly’s native language is piano. He also learned English over the years and is actively working to improve his French. Mr. Trolly studied piano and organ at Redeemer University (Hamilton), then voice and theology at Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg). Holding multiple theology degrees from Saint Paul University (Ottawa), he serves as organist at the Church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and has been teaching with great finesse at École Sainte-Marie since 2024.
Maximilien Vachon, B.Sc., B.Ed. (cand.)
Latin, Corrections and Guidance, Grades 7-12
Trained as an engineer, Mr. Vachon left his profession to follow the Lord, first at Saint Peter Seminary and then at the Abbey of Lagrasse. Returning to Canada in 2021, he has dedicated himself to teaching Latin, mathematics, and French. He has been teaching at École Sainte-Marie since 2022 while continuing his education studies.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Denise Émond-Visser, B.A., Sc., N.M.
Lead Teacher, Grades 7-8
Mrs. Émond-Visser holds a Bachelor's degree in Applied Sciences (Guelph) and has completed graduate courses in Nutrition and College Teaching (Syracuse). A food services manager in the medical field for 42 years, her love for children led her back to her passion for teaching in 2024 with Sainte-Marie School. Mrs. Émond-Visser also mentors her students at La Cité College in Ottawa in the field of nutrition. She is a member of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management and serves on the Accreditation Committee for Nutrition Management Programs in Canadian colleges.
PRIMARY LEVEL
Émilie Tissot
Lead Teacher, Grades 5-6
Ms. Tissot is the eldest of 12 siblings. She grew up caring for the younger ones, which helped her develop great patience and a strong interest in youth development. Passionate about creating a naturally caring and stimulating learning environment, especially in French and mathematics where she excels, Ms. Tissot fully invests herself in her students’ daily lives and welcomes every new challenge with enthusiasm.
Fabien Goyette,
Lead Teacher, Grades 3-4
Mr. Goyette was a missionary in the Dominican Republic and then a novice at the Abbey of Fontgombault until 2022, when he returned to Canada to teach at the primary level for a year. His many talents as a teacher and painter captivate the children entrusted to him, reflecting his love for the teaching profession.
Appolonie Nibona, B.A.
Lead Teacher, Grades 1–2
Mrs. Nibona was Head of Administrative Services at the Institute of Business Management in Burundi, then Director of the Finance Department at the Ministry of East African Community Affairs. She arrived in Canada in 2023 for an administrative assistant position at Le Carrefour School, and enthusiastically joined Sainte-Marie School in 2025.
André-Javier Finol, D.E.C. Communications, Hockey Canada Coach
Physical Education Teacher, Grades 1-12
Mr. Finol holds a background in broadcasting and coaches goalkeepers for the Juvenile A Mariniers of Aylmer. A skilled teacher, he shares his extensive expertise in sports and training at Sainte-Marie School to the great delight of the students.
KINDERGARTEN
Liliane Mariza, B.A.
Lead Teacher, Kindergarten
Ms. Mariza has several years of experience at various primary levels within different school boards in Ontario. Holding a bachelor's degree from Glendon College (York University), she also dedicated herself to social work in Ontario and Africa. Her career reflects a deep commitment to education and supporting family communities.
Cathy Fontaine, B.A.
Resource teacher, early childhood educator, theatre.
Mrs. Fontaine studied languages, literature, and philosophy. Drawing on the rigorous tradition of France’s leading literary institutions, she brings depth and an enriched perspective to her teaching—cultivating knowledge, discipline, and a love of truth through theatre and the French language for all her students.
Liturgical Calendar
Friday, February 6 - St Titus, bishop and confessorEpistle
Book of Sirach 44,16-17.22-23.45,3.7.15.44,16Henoch pleased God, and was translated into paradise, that he may give repentance to the nations.
44,17Noe was found perfect, just, and in the time of wrath he was made a reconciliation.
44,22Therefore by an oath he gave him glory in his posterity, that he should increase as the dust of the earth,
44,23And that he would exalt his seed as the stars, and they should inherit from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth.
45,3He glorified him in the sight of kings, and gave him commandments in the sight of his people, and shewed him his glory.
45,7He exalted Aaron his brother, and like to himself of the tribe of Levi:
45,15Before him there were none so beautiful, even from the beginning.
Gospel
Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke 10,1-9.10,1And after these things, the Lord appointed also other seventy-two. And he sent them two and two before his face into every city and place whither he himself was to come.
10,2And he said to them: The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he send labourers into his harvest.
10,3Go: Behold I send you as lambs among wolves.
10,4Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
10,5Into whatever house you enter, first say: Peace be to this house.
10,6And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you.
10,7And in the same house, remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house.
10,8And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.
10,9And heal the sick that are therein and say to them: The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
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