François de Laval, was born in Montigny-sur-Avre (France) on April 30, 1623. He was the first Vicar Apostolic in New France from 1658 to 1674, and then the first Bishop of Quebec from 1674 to 1688. In 1669, while not very much in favour of the multiplication of religious orders in his diocese, Laval approved of the work done by the community founded by Marguerite Bourgeoys and granted them permission to teach everywhere in New France. At first, he would have liked to join together the Sisters of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame with the Ursulines but finally acknowledged the separate existence of each. He retired in 1688 and died on May 6, 1708.

Many social and religious student associations were organized at the end of the 19th century. Les Enfants de Marie or the Children of Mary, an association started in France, enabled young women to experience community life in their school environment. They became involved, organized meetings, performed good deeds and learned how to live more deeply the presence of God.

This document by Intendent Jean Bochart de Champigny authorized the representative of Louis de Lubert, Treasurer General of the Navy, to pay one thousand pounds to the Sisters of the Congregation “to teach the daughters of the savages.” France financially sustained the religious communities who provided European education to young Amerindians. This method of assimilation failed. Rather, it was the fur trade that allowed some miscegenation. Indeed, it was during these commercial exchanges that certain settlers became familiar with Native languages and adopted certain Native ways of life.

While the Governor was the King’s representative in New-France, it was, in fact, the Intendent who ran the colony. He was responsible for finances, internal administration and the judicial system. In accordance with his functions, Intendent Gilles Hocquart forbade the inhabitants of Neuville, under penalty of fine, to cut trees on the lands of the Congrégation de Notre-Dame. The order was posted on the door of Saint-Charles Church so that the residents could not feign ignorance.

The Jambes de bois team or Wooden Legs (Sisters) against the Étoiles filantes or Shooting Stars (students) playing a game of broomball as part of the Quebec Carnival at Notre-Dame-de-Québec Normal School.

Sisters Jacqueline Boudreau (Sainte-Jacqueline-de-l'Assomption) and Réjane Thibault (Sainte-Jeanne-Maria) accompanying students to the sugar shack of Mr. Gérard Plante in l'Île d'Orléans.