Section 8

Our Own School

In 1902 there were several children of school age in our community, and it was decided by the settlers to build a school of their own. I don’t recall what assistance, if any, was received from the government. I do remember my father and Mr. Slyziuk having me accompany them, as interpreter, when they went among the English-speaking farmers to look for a school teacher. We finally found a bachelor, Mr. Charles Heath, who agreed to take charge of our school for $30.00 a month. I don’t know from what source the money came but that was the salary he received. Since we had no school building we used Mr. Slyziuk’s house. When we got there we would take all the furniture outside and turn the house into a classroom. Before leaving for home after the lessons, we would carry the furniture back into the house. This was a daily routine. At that time there were about twelve pupils but the number was growing as new settlers came into the district.