From horse and buggies to automobiles, blackboards to smartboards, Duclos School has lived through all the changes that happen over 100 years.
This year, the Bonnyville elementary school is having its centennial celebration and, in honour of the milestone, is looking back at the school's history.
In 1916, Reverend J.E. Duclos came to Bonnyville to assist in the formation of a French Presbyterian Church, answering a call from some of the local French Canadian families. Originally from Montreal, Duclos came up from Edmonton and, after deciding to stay in Bonnyville, set out to create a mission in the area. He divided the project into three departments: a church, hospital and school.
That same year the school started in it first form with classes being offered out of anywhere they could find space, such as the reverend's residence or hospital. To try and better educate the children in a more formal setting, from 1920 to 1928 two houses were rented in Edmonton and it was arranged for the children to live there during the school year. It wasn't until 12 years after the start of Duclos School, in 1928, that the first building was built on the site of the Duclos mission, located south of where the Neighbourhood Inn is currently located.
Two residences were built, one for boys and one for girls, with classes being taught on the first floor of the girls' building. With the creation of the boarding school also came the need to hire another teacher to assist Duclos and his wife. H.E. Bourgoin was hired as the first teacher for Duclos School, where he would keep his position for 20 years.
“Most of the kids that went to the school lived too far out in the country to travel back and forth, so they'd come and stay for the week while they were going to school so it was a residential school,” explained Richard Cameron, principal of Duclos School, adding that as the area grew, the Duclos School Division merged with the Bonnyville School Division.
“That (residential school) existed up until they built the new school in town, which was in 1952/'53 and it opened in 1954. It was a Grade 1 to 12 school, it was really small with just a couple classrooms and eventually they added more and added a gym.”
After the completion of Bonnyville Centralized High School in the early 1970s, Duclos became a Kindergarten to Grade 9 school. As the population continued to grow, there was a need for more space. Keeping it at the same location as the previous school on 52 Ave., the newest Duclos School was completed in 1993 and attached to the east end of the old school. Two years later, in 1995, Duclos became solely an elementary school serving Kindergarten to Grade 4.
“A big renovation occurred in 2002; we added five classrooms to the east end of the building as the school was growing in population. Then they tore down the old building in 2011. Part of the old building still exists because they rebuilt and renovated one wing of the old building to become part of the school,” said Cameron.
It was more than just the building and class range that changed over Duclos School's 100 years. As technology advanced, the way children learned did so as well. From slates to notepads to iPads, Cameron noted that they are now moving in the direction of ChromeBooks and getting students to utilize online tools such as sharing documents through google. However, there are some things that never change, as the school still puts an emphasis on literacy and numeracy.
“The focus of schools has also changed, it's not just how can we get kids to read, it's how can we develop good character, good citizenship and living in a safe, caring environment where your school is seen as a kind and open place.”
From one teacher, no building and around 20 students, to almost 60 staff and over 500 students, Duclos School has grown substantially over the years. To celebrate all that the school has gone through in a centennial and the people that helped get it to this point, the school's centennial committee is preparing for a celebration.
On July 30 and 31, the school will be hosting a dinner and dance on the Saturday evening, followed by a breakfast and open house Sunday morning. Chair of the committee Byron Johnson, who attended Duclos School himself and has children at the school, said it's a chance for anyone with a connection to Duclos School to reminisce.
“We're trying to get as many people from as many years to come back and just to celebrate, share stories and reconnect,” said Johnson. “It's important to remember where we come from and the big thing is to reconnect. Our lives have gotten so busy, and the days where we used to get together every once in a while seems to be evaporating, so it'll be nice to see everyone come together.”
To ensure the memories live on, the school is also in the midst of a legacy project. They will be constructing a wall in the hallway next to the library, which will feature commemorative items on the front and bookshelves on the back.
Prior to the community centennial events, the students and staff will be having a celebration of their own on Feb. 19 to look back at what school was like when Duclos first opened.
With 100 years in the history books, Duclos School is looking ahead at what the future will bring. Cameron, who has been a principal at the school for six years and was a teacher for eight, has no doubt that the school will remain a cornerstone in the community.
“I'm always proud of Duclos School. I think we have a tremendously strong staff, a wonderfully supportive community and parent community. I'm very proud of the school, very proud of its 100 years in the community and very happy to be apart of it.”
Anyone hoping to attend the centennial celebration can follow along with the details on the Duclos School centennial Facebook page. The centennial committee is also looking for help with fundraising for the legacy project. Anyone wishing to donate or who can offer suggestions of where they should go for funds can contact Byron Johnson at 780-???-????.
