The Foundation
Founder of St. Paul’s Toronto School of Irish Music
Norita Fleming
Calling to this Project, 9th of February 2003
The School opened 20th September 2003, and gained its Charitable Status notification 9th February 2005.
First Secetary /Treasurer
Breda MacLeod
St. Paul’s very first sub committee, formed in 2003 for the express purpose of Fundraising: Sheila O’Leary, Heather Walker, Sean Tracey, Karen D’Aoust, Breda Mac Leod, Norita Fleming.
St. Paul’s Board of Directors Committee. Formed in January 2004:
Mary Ann McCloskey, Maureen Connolly(secretary). Norita Fleming (Chair), Mary A. Heraghty-Disley, Breda MacLeod (treasurer),SheilaLake.
All Board members were invited on to the Board by Norita Fleming, all had worked with each other on various committees over the years: Catholic Women’s League, Comhaltas Celtoiri Eireann, Parent Teacher Guild, Irish Choral Society of Canada.
Breda MacLeod resigned from the Board of Directors and the committee in 2005.
Mary Disley resigned from the committee and the Board of Directors in 2007 due to re-locating in Calgary.
Jo Carroll and Mary Lou Leslie (treasurer) came on to the committee and on to the Board of Directors in 2005.
In 2007 Sue Croteau came on to the St. Paul’s Toronto School of Irish Music Committee (as treasurer) at the invitation of Norita.
It was in Norita's 2nd year as chair of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann when the “Inner Voice” called me to this project. She had been involved for about 10 years in fundraising for St. Paul’s Breakfast Club and so valued the musical traditions of Ireland and though how wonderful it would be to give the children food for the “soul” as well as the body.
Norita was Chair for 3 years. The members of Comhaltas, the first sub-committee was drawn from them,supported every fundraiser they put on; 9 in all in the first year.
However, the same small voice suggested her to approach Debbie Quigley to teach Tin Whisle and become an Anchor for the school. Although Norita did not know Debbie very well at the time and was very much in awe of her music skills on the pipes, she was hesitant to ask her. When approached, she was thrilled. Debbie said she had been wanting to teach and now the rest is history. Every step along the way has been affirmed. As in the case of each of the musicians, everyone has said yes. They bring with them such a spirit of generosity. Norita feels privileged to count each of them as her friends.
At the School level the project was welcomed with open arms by the school principles.
Barry Callaghan was principal for the first year.
Barry White has been on board ever since he became principle in the 2nd year. Cara Dwyre has been a tremendous support and contact for us at St. Paul’s.
It takes so many “hands” to bring a project as this forward.
Noritas truly believe “our Ancestors” who were first interred under the now existing school yard are “blessing” this project and everyone involved.