Two schools are celebrating major milestones this year. École Assiniboine is recognizing 100 years in the Bruce Park area of St. James while Stevenson-Britannia School looks back on 50 years in the King Edward community. Both schools are holding events and encouraging current students, former students and their families, alumni, and the wider community to pop in, reminisce, reconnect, and revisit past stomping grounds.
École Assiniboine 100 Year Celebration
École Assiniboine was built in 1922 and still boasts beautiful woodwork at the entrance of the character building. The anniversary centennial was delayed due to COVID-19 but organizers are thrilled to recognize the milestone this year.
Community volunteer and former SJASD teacher (Linwood and Athlone) Karen Burgoyne jumped at the chance to chair the anniversary committee when Principal Jean Burnett gave her a call this past winter.
“It's been energizing," says Karen, referring to brainstorming anniversary ideas with staff and students. “It's been a wonderful experience."
The 70-something Assiniboine alumni first attended the school in grade 1 in 1954 (Kindergarten didn't exist at the time). She still remembers wearing her school uniform throughout grade school – a black tunic that has long since vanished from school practice.
Later, Karen would return to the school as a parent, serving on the Parent Council as her sons attended French Immersion (at the time, the school was dual track English and French Immersion). Principal Jean Burnett taught Karen's sons.
“It just makes you recognize how fortunate we are to have the school and the continuation of that sense of community. I just feel grateful for that," says Karen. “I love history and its so interesting to revisit the past to honour it."
Principal Burnett is thankful for all the volunteer hours that have gone into preparing for the anniversary celebration, which includes decades rooms, school tours, student performances and food and refreshments. A mosaic piece of artwork will also be revealed celebrating the theme of École Assiniboine's past, present and future. The Manitoba Historical Society will present the school with a plaque commemorating the building's 100th year at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.
She strongly encourages the community to attend Anniversary Celebration events taking place on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3.
“It's a chance to revisit the past, to revisit some familiar faces, some current or past teachers, some current and former students, and members of the community too. It's also an opportunity to see the building," she says.
Event Details: École Assiniboine 100 Year Celebration
Friday, June 2
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the school
Decade rooms, school tours, light refreshments in the gym.
Saturday, June 3
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the school
Decade rooms, school tours, grade 3 to 5 performances in the gym at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., plaque commemoration event from the Manitoba Historical Society at 1:30 p.m., food trucks and games for the kids to play outside. Bring a lawn chair and come enjoy the fun.
Stevenson-Britannia School 50-Year Celebration
What is now Stevenson-Britannia School was constructed in 1970 as Stevenson Junior High School to accommodate Middle Years students. It was named after aviation pioneer and distinguished World War I pilot Frederick J. Stevenson.
After nearby elementary school Britannia School (constructed in 1912) burnt down in 1980, combined with declining Middle Years enrolment at Stevenson Junior High, Stevenson became Stevenson-Britannia and transitioned into an Early Years school.
Principal Jane Couch says while the school has undergone many changes over the years, their commitment to students and their families remains unchanged. She's excited to celebrate 50 years with the wider community and notes their anniversary was also delayed by the pandemic.
Principal Couch invites all alumni, current and former staff, parents and well-wishers to help celebrate Stevenson-Britannia's 50th anniversary on Wednesday, June 7th, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school.
Activities include performances, photos and displays honouring the past, school tours, a special presentation by students, along with an outdoor barbecue and face painting.
Principal Jane Couch says it's a great community event. “It will be an excellent opportunity for everyone to reconnect with old friends, reminisce about the good old days, and witness the progress we have made over the years."
Event Details: Stevenson-Britannia School 50th Anniversary
Wednesday, June 7
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the school
Performances, photos and displays, school tours, presentation, BBQ and facepainting.
Photo credits (from top): Picture of Assiniboine School, taken from across the river. Archives of Manitoba, Peter McAdam fonds, 339 Assiniboine School, August 1923, C40. Principal Jean Burnett (left) and volunteer Karen Burgoyne outside École Assiniboine. Picture of Britannia School taken in 1945. Archives of Manitoba, George Harris Fonds, Acc. 1979-141, P7451, Album 14, Page 31. Picture of Stevenson Junior High, taken ~1972. Supplied by Stevenson-Britannia School.
