Remi Poliquin
Counsel
Happy Birthday 70ᵗʰ Birthday, John Rennie High School!
by Julie Liebman
While students at John Rennie High School (JRHS) returned for the 2026-2027 school year, the school celebrated its 70th birthday with celebrations and an alumni reunion last September 19th.
From the school’s humble beginnings as a high school on a dead-end street, to becoming the heart of its community today, JRHS has become a centre of excellence with its Sports Études program, exceptional academic programs and outstanding extracurricular opportunities. Notable alumni include Dave Stubbs, columnist and historian for the National Hockey League, Felicia Parrillo, journalist at Global TV, Jonas, rock musician, Mike Matheson, Alternate Captain of the Montreal Canadiens, Nathan Zsombor-Murray, Canadian diver and Olympian, and several other professional athletes and Olympians who completed their secondary school at the Pointe-Claire high-school.
Guests were welcomed by current students and invited to explore “their decade” with stations of old uniforms, memorabilia, historical architectural plans, and yearbooks dating back to the 1950s.
The day include guided school tours by current leadership students, friendly alumni volley-ball and soccer games, and a festive dinner at Le Manoir in Pointe-Claire. The celebrations ended with a 60s-style high-school dance in the Terry Fox Gym.
“The 70th anniversary of John Rennie High School is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on its distinguished history and celebrate the incredible students, staff and families who have shaped this community. From the initial vision of Mr. John Rennie to the perseverance and accomplishments of our students today, the spirit of excellence that defines this school community continues to shine through. As we celebrate 70 years, we also look ahead with excitement to what the next generations will bring. Happy 70th anniversary, JRHS, and here’s to many more wonderful years!” says Cindy Finn, Director General of the Lester B. Pearson School Board.
“Following JRHS history has been a way for me to connect with the father I never knew,” says Margaret Blank, John Rennie’s daughter. “I am sure he is looking on this 70th anniversary celebration with pride and pleasure, seeing how his efforts produced a school in which students, faculty, and staff alike can learn, grow, and develop those same character strengths in an environment that provides something for everyone. It seems what Dad valued most was character: Being honest, serving others, being kind, enjoying one’s work, family, and one’s friends. He lived that way as a teacher, as a school principal, as a businessman, as an officer in charge of three Displaced Persons camps in post-war Germany, and later, as an MNA working with others in the Quebec Provincial government to finally get that high school built on the West Island,” says Margaret.
To honour its rich historical roots, a special JRHS timeline called Happy Birthday JRHS was created. It includes several milestones and a trip down memory lane, dating as far back as 1953 when architects Barott, Marshall, Montgomery and Merrett unveiled the first renderings.
In 2022, Montreal filmmaker and JRHS alumni, Jason Bolanis alumni produced a historical video called The Story of a Very Special High School: JRHS, which chronicles the founding of the school, its conception, construction, and official opening in 1956.
“For 70 years, John Rennie has been a school of excellence, built on long-standing traditions that embrace new ideas, innovation, and opportunities. I was fortunate enough to experience John Rennie first as a student in the 1990s, and later when my children attended. I have had the privilege of calling it home as a teacher for the past 25 years. We are proud to celebrate a school that not only offers students outstanding academic opportunities, but also a wide variety of specialty programs that allow every student to discover their interests and passions. John Rennie is a very special place!” says JRHS alumna and Leadership teacher Raquel Lobaton.
