Isaac Newton School celebrates centennial

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 30/10/2020 (1802 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We all have people, places, and communities who helped shape who we are today.

One formative experience for me was my time in junior high at Isaac Newton School, which is celebrating 100 years in the community this year, a monumental milestone.

The building itself is a municipally-designated historic site but more importantly it has been a home for thousands of students over the years, myself included.

Many notable Manitobans have walked the halls of 730 Aberdeen St., including former Winnipeg police Chief Devon Clunis and my friend Kevin Chief, former MLA for Point Douglas. Even the current principal, Mohammed Rezai, is a graduate of Isaac Newton, where he was welcomed with open arms when he immigrated from Iran 30 years ago.

Teachers and students are struggling right now, but the community at Isaac Newton School has continued to find innovative opportunities to safely bring people together in ways that positively impact the community.

On Oct. 15, the school commemorated its upcoming 100th anniversary with a tree planting, thanks to a grant from Trees Canada, and a performance by the school’s guitar students. The school’s goal is to develop a garden with prairie grasses and local medicines that everyone can enjoy.

No matter where life takes us, it is so important to take the time to look back and appreciate the people who supported us along the way.

The people I met at Isaac Newton School were my inspiration to become a teacher and shaped the course of my life. I would like to personally thank Greg Bouchard for never giving up on me and helping me to see the potential I had; Gloria Milroy for instilling the love of learning, your unconditional love and your beautiful humour; finally, Brian O’Leary, the principal at the time, for helping me to see my leadership qualities, showing compassion and for always empowering me to make better decisions.

I didn’t always make the best decisions nor saw how education at the time would help me today, but as I reflect back I am so thankful to the many others who impacted my life. Thank you to all of the educators who continue to nurture our children and for your sacrifices during this global pandemic.

Congratulations Isaac Newton School on 100 years and thank you for continuing a legacy of inspiring our youngest community members to follow their dreams.

Please contact my office anytime at 204-414-1477 or by email me at bernadette.smith@yourmanitoba.ca