What do you remember about Grade 6?

Riverbend

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/09/2023 (803 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

On a pleasant afternoon in August, I attended a reunion of my Grade 6 class. A reunion is defined as “a social gathering of two or more people coming together again after a period of separation.” Fifty-six years ago, I had moved from Lord Nelson School to Faraday School to attend the ‘major work’ program.

Major work was a program designed for gifted kids. It began in Winnipeg in 1954 and ran until 1972.

Students were chosen based on IQ test results and teacher observations. These children were removed from the mainstream program, grouped together with their peers, and provided with enriched educational experiences.

Many of the students from my Grade 6 class at Faraday School continued to the junior high program at Sisler High School. The major work program ended at Sisler for our group at the end of Grade 8.

I am very glad that I attended major work. I had always enjoyed school and I think that the program instilled in me a desire for lifelong learning. I remember studying French and Latin and I believe that my love of languages was born in this program.

The kids in my class became my new social group and the ties between us were strong. I honestly remember more of the children from my Grade 6 class than from my high school years.

The reunion was a blast. It was amazing to see people after 56 years. I am still very close to one girlfriend from that Grade 6 class, and we attended together.

About 30 people were present. In some cases, I could recognize the awkward preteen within the adult immediately. It took a while to identify others.

Many of my fellow students went on to become very accomplished adults. Many became teachers or administrators. Some became doctors, researchers, and nurses. One fellow obtained a doctorate in geology. One became a gifted musician and mathematician. Another student became a computer scientist and still another a truck driver.

Time and memory can play tricks on us. Some of my vivid memories from Grade 6 were solidified in discussions with others. For example, I remember painting giant buffalo for an event at the auditorium that Canadian centennial year. There were other stories I did not recall at all.

The afternoon was filled with stories, memories, laughter, friendship, food, and drink.

I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in the major work program. I’m also happy that I had the opportunity after 56 years to reconnect with the kids who helped shape my life.