In September 1968, Laval opened its welcoming doors to the students of Placentia and the surrounding communities. The school, which was co-institutional at the time, was named after Blessed Bishop Laval, who was the first Bishop of New France, now Quebec. The first principals of the school were Brother J. Batterton of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and Sister C. Brennan of the Congregation of Presentation Sisters. When renovation work was carried out some years later, the two cafeterias, which, were built in the area of the centre block, were named in honour of these founding principals.

When the school first opened, and for several years afterwards, students of the opposite sex were divided by the two main wings of the school - boys on one side and girls on the other. The Brothers were in charge of the boys' side while the Sisters took care of the girls' side. This changed in 1977 when the whole school came under the leadership of the Christian Brothers. As well, there were two staff rooms, one for staff members of the boys and one for staff members of the girls. This also changed as did the trend of dividing the males and females .

In 1978 a new all-grade school, St. Anne's Academy, was built in Dunville allowing students attending Laval from Ship Harbour, Fox Harbour and Dunville to move closer to home for their high school education. However, over the years things changed again, enrollments declined and it was decided that beginning in September, 1996, high school students attending St. Anne's Academy would come to Laval for grades 10-12.

Today the community of Laval High School is changing and evolving. Laval is moving forward into a new era as the diverse skills and talents of students combine to create a remarkable school with overwhelming school spirit.

 Other historical information is included in the links below.

Principals of Laval
Christian Brothers who Served at Laval
Presentation Sisters who Served at Laval
History of the Library
Leadership Conference 1996
Significant School Symbols
School Song

Some "Firsts" in Laval's History

• First Graduation
• First Student Council
• First Editoral
• First Reach for the Top
• First Competitive Hockey Game
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