November 2025
This September marks 80 years since 44 Grade 10 and 11 students, one teacher, and a part time Principal, gathered in two rented classrooms to begin a journey of Christ-centered education within an Anabaptist and Mennonite Brethren context.
On September 27 we welcomed almost 600 guests to MBCI Homecoming in celebration of this journey! The day was a powerful reminder that MBCI’s story is about so much more than any one moment or memory in the history of our school. Our story is cumulative and ongoing; a community shaped by its past, engaged with its present, and committed to embracing the future.
The day was designed for connection, with activities chosen to appeal to guests of all ages and interests, while revisiting some favourite MBCI traditions.
We began the day in Jubilee Place for our opening program, with a chance to hear from our Executive Director and Principal Andrea Buller about how we live out the vision and mission of MBCI today. The program updated guests on the exciting Red Gym project currently underway and our plans for investing in this space to prepare it for future generations.
It was a privilege to open the day by recognizing three MBCI Distinguished Alumni. With Patricia Kumbakisaka and Dr. Jerry M. Maniate able to join us in person, while Dr. Henry G. Friesen’s award was given posthumously, we were honoured to reflect upon the example these individuals provide of lives invested in service to God and others, while engaged in ground-breaking medical research, diplomacy, and the work of addressing inequities in healthcare.
As we moved through the middle part of the day, which turned out to be gloriously sunny and warm, guests enjoyed a complimentary lunch and snacks from a variety of food trucks, while taking in the petting zoo and family carnival in the greenspace. Indoors, our spaces were buzzing with conversation and catching up: the Red Gym produced much excitement for both current students and alumni with the basketball skills competition and volleyball tournament; guests got a taste of what daily school life looks like in the library by doing some crafting with MakerSpace; we had a chance to walk down memory lane in the newly unveiled legacy walkway and by looking through memorabilia and old yearbooks; and guided campus tours highlighted how MBCI is designed for collaboration and engagement while guests also revisited some familiar corners and spaces.
The day finished off in Jubilee Place with the extended stage filled by musicians of all ages. The massed choir and band demonstrated that the passing of years has not dimmed the talent of our alumni nor our enjoyment in creating beautiful music together.
Thank you to everyone that joined us! We’re already looking forward to 2030 and our 85th Anniversary Homecoming Celebration!
You can find an image gallery below, with thanks to @austinkyliephotography and Wes Koslowsky for capturing these memories for us! You will also find below a video of the alumni sing and play along events. Please enjoy the wonderful music created by MBCI students and alumni!
