Centennial a learning opportunity for Glenwood students

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/04/2011 (5506 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Twenty-five years ago, when Jamie Bettens was in Grade 6 at Glenwood School, the St. Vital institute celebrated its 75th anniversary.

Bettens said the celebrations that took place were a chance for students to learn about their school’s history.

“We found out a lot,” he recalled. “Certain things that you would take for granted would take on more significance,” he said, citing a commemorative stone embedded in the school to mark the start of construction in 1910 as an example.

The original Glenwood building, which is still standing, has had two extensions added to it over the years.

Now, with the school set to celebrate its centennial this May — exactly 100 years, to the month that Glenwood opened its doors — current students are once again having their eyes opened to the history all around them.

Grade 8 student Conner Fraser said he’s learned “lots of cool stuff” as the school prepares for festivities.
“The school’s pretty old, and it used to be built out of wood,” he said, before adding he’s also discovered the building was damaged by a fire years ago.

Fraser added he’s been attending Glenwood since kindergarten, and never really thought about the school’s age until recently.

“I always like being in old places, because I like walking down the halls that older people did,” he said.

Sam Kenny, a Grade 3 student, said she was surprised to learn how old parts of the school really are.  

“Sometimes when you look at it, it kind of looks like it hasn’t been there for 100 years,” she said.

Like Fraser, Kenny said she likes knowing her school has a long history.

“Probably more than a thousand people have been in this room,” she said. “I know that I’m not the only person who might be messing up.”

The centennial anniversary won’t be a celebration just for the youngest generation. The organizing committee is hoping alumni of all ages will come out to mark the milestone.

Greg Mortimer, who attended Glenwood from 1958-66, said the school was more than a place to learn — it was the glue that kept the community close.

“(It’s) where I grew up, and where many people grew up, and learned about life,” he said.

Bettens said he believes the close-knit nature of the small school is the reason he’s still friends with many of the people in his class photo from kindergarten.

“Glenwood will always hold a soft spot in my heart,” he said.

The centennial celebrations kick off on May 19 with an open house at the school between 2:45 and 4 p.m., and again between 5 and 7 p.m.

The later time slot will coincide with the school’s annual spring BARBEQUE which is open to all alumni and current Glenwood families.

There will also be an alumni social May 20 at Glenwood Community Club, starting with a reception at 6 p.m. — during which there will be an opportunity to tour the school —followed by a dance and cocktails at 8 p.m.

Tickets for this 18+ event are $15 and can be purchased at Glenwood School.

arielle.godbout@canstarnews.com