Walter Fehr was one of the first students to attend John Henderson Junior High School when it first opened in 1962. Now the East Kildonan resident is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary next month.

The anniversary will be celebrated during a Thurs., April 26 open house from 5 to 8 p.m. at the East Kildonan school at 930 Brazier St.

Fehr said he has made contact with a number of his former classmates via Facebook, and is looking forward to sharing stories with them at the celebration.

"I’m looking forward to it. I’ve tracked down quite a few old students," Fehr said.

"It’s a chance to renew old acquaintances and see how people made out in their lives."

Fehr said that while he’s excited about getting to spend time with old friends, he’s also looking forward to reconnecting with one of his former teachers.

Roger Starr was one of the original teachers at the new school after moving there from Melrose Junior High with a number of students.

Fehr, who had Starr as a home room teacher at both schools, said he made a difference in the lives of numerous students.

"He was an articulate teacher, a real teacher’s teacher," Fehr said.

"He was a fantastic teacher, all the students loved him. That’s why I have this memory of him."

Starr said he didn’t realize the impact he had on the students while he was teaching, but is glad he was able to make a difference in their lives.

"It will be nice to see a lot of the old students," said Starr, an East Kildonan resident who retired in 1991 but continued to coach volleyball and basketball at the school for another 12 years.

"I certainly feel quite proud, I’m glad that the students think I did a good job. It’s certainly pleasing for me."

John Muller, the current principal of John Henderson, said former students can expect an informal atmosphere at the open house, which will feature a performance by members of the school’s jazz band and vocal group.

"We really want to have it as an open house so people can get a feel for what the school is and was," said Muller, who started his career in education as a teacher at the school before becoming its principal.

"For me it’s very exciting, you get to meet people with strong connections to the community. It develops a lot of positive memories."

For more information call the school at 661-2503, or visit schools.retsd.mb.ca/jh.

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adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com