Terrace, BC

Diary

1962

September 4^th - Temporarily lodged in Riverside Elementary School.Mrs. B.E.V. Harper, Gr. 1 &2 in the staffroom of Bldg. 2.Mrs. M.O. Froese, Gr. 2 & 3 in the spare classroom of Bldg. 3.Mrs. H.J. Mudge, Gr. 4 & 5 in the E. half of the activity room in Bldg. 3Mr. J.D. Wilson, Gr. 6 & 7 in the W. half of the activity room of Bldg. 3.Miss Dorothy Philips was our Public Health Nurse.Mrs. A. Wilson assigned as the relief teacher for Mr. J.D. Wilson, principal.

October 19^th - P.M., Children and teachers moved their personal supplies to the new Thornhill School.

October 22^nd – Regular classes and instruction began at 9 A.M.

Mr. D. Collison was our first janitor.

Riverside staff arrived in the afternoon as a housewarming party and presented us with a teapot, cream and sugar and a silver service tray.They also brought a lovely decorated cake.

November 3^rd – Terrace Brownie Pack under the leadership of Mrs. Scotton begin regular weekly meetings in our gym.

November 22^nd – 3 to 5 P.M. and 7 to 9 P.M. we held open house for the parents to get report cards, see the school and visit with the teachers.P.T.A. Hospitality Committee served refreshments – original committee was Mrs. K. English and Mrs. Ivan Kamp.

November 19^th – Mrs. Ed. Hulks takes over the janitorial duties from Mr. D. Collison who was relieved of his position.

November 27^th – 9”31 A.M. – Elmer Safety flag is flown by this school as the FIRST active participant of the safety programme in the Province of B.C.

November 28^th – 10:30 A.M. – Ceremonies commence at which time His Hon. Major Gen. Lt. Governor G.R. Pearkes officially opens Thornhill Elementary School.His Hon. Gave the children the afternoon off.Classes put on a short program for the event.The P.T.A. Hospitality Committee served refreshments.

Pictures of the Above Event

December 7^th – First official stenographic help assignedto this school.Mrs. Audrey Dubeau filled the position.

December 13^th – First Christmas concert began and played to a full standing room only house in the gym.

- Miss Froese broke her left leg early in December and clomped around on alarge walking cast.

1963 –

January 16^th – a very successful Art Inservice Workshop was held here after school.P.T.A. Hospitality served refreshments.

February 21^st – 3 to 5 P.M AND 7:30 – 9:30 P.M. – we held open house for parents to come and get report cards and visit with teachers.P.T.A. Hospitality Committee served refreshments.Not as good a turn out as last November.

March 15^th – Took part in the P.T.A. Carnival with a coin toss, shoe shine booth and T.V. room.Raised $20.71.

April 4^th – Mary Van Keulen did not return home after school.Police finally notified and search headquarters were set up here – 40 searchers were led by 6 members of the R.C.M.P. Terrace Detachment – search took part during the late evening and early morning assisted by constant radio and T.V. pleas.Child finally found by Guy Brulotte in the wooded area to the south of the school.Child most unconcerned and apparently fearless – no tears.Discovery made at approximately 1:30 A.M.Child said she had gone to look for leaves and flowers and had taken a nap.She had heard the searchers call for her but was afraid to answer in case she got into trouble.

Easter Break – Prior, during, and after the holiday the grounds were beautifully landscaped with levelling at the back, fences, grass, shrubs, trees, parking lot and sidewalks at the front.

May 2^nd – P.T.A. Annual meeting held here.Election of officers and then a panel discussing Community Standards was headed by Dr. Elliot of Prince Rupert.

May 3^rd – Fri. evening – 1^st vandalism at the school – drag races in the parking lot, beer bottles broken on the steps, sidewalks and lawns and new lawn area damaged in various places.

May 7^th – Mary Van Keulen bumped slightly by car on her way home from school.She just darted across the road with her sister without watching where they were going.Elmer Flag to come down tomorrow Wed., May 8^th.

June – First track meet held on the grounds – enjoyed by all.

September – Mrs. Elaine Johnson added as 5^th teacher.However, tremendous increase of enrolment so 6^th teacher needed.Mrs. Anita Sitter joined staff.Enrolment increased over 70 % in one year.

November – First colorized pictures of students taken by roving photographer – good results.

December 1^st – Usk pupils transferred to this school from Riverside.

December 12^th – Christmas concert held.Excellent turnout and well received by audience.Copy of Letter to Editor attached regarding this event attached hereto.

December 20^th – No parties or gifts.Classes saw Walt Disney film in gym, each had brought 25 cents – surplus to go to the curtain fund.Mrs. Sitter left staff due to pregnancy.

1964

January 6^th – Mrs. Mary Little joined the staff replacing Mrs. Sitter.

January 23^rd – “Do” held for Dorothy Philips (our nurse) who was leaving the following week.We played badminton, volleyball, put on skits and there were presentations.This school, Riverside and Gov’t Office took part.Refreshments were served to cap off the event.