HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-06-21, Page 13THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21,2000. PAGE 13.
Principal celebrates the milestones, accomplishments
From current Walton Public
School Principal Alice McDowell as
she addressed students past and
present at the closing ceremonies
June 25, 2000.
Remember the first time you heard
the words, “Welcome to Walton?”
For most of you, it was “a brave,
new world” in which the security of
your home had vanished. For the
first time, you were in the starting
lineup of yet another new venture;
however, you soon realized that you
were not alone.
Following your survival of the first
day, you soon came to recognize the
other students and staff as your
friends. These people wanted your
first days of school to be as exciting
and memorable as possible.
Before long, you too began to par
ticipate from the other side in this
long standing, annual tradition. Your
involvement on the first day of
school always served to uphold and
strengthen the fair, generous and lov
ing spirit of Walton.
The true school spirit of Walton
attains a particular “high” every
year, during the month of December.
It is during this most festive, and
busy month that the Walton School
Community Christmas Dinner and
Concert are held. Walton has distin
guished itself admirably throughout
our district and events such as these
attest to our magnificent and unflag
ging school spirit.
The pioneering spirit of Walton
flickered into life in the winter of
1962 when a brand-new school wel
comed its first students. The flame
never faltered but continued to glow,
ever more brightly, as Walton Public
School gradually established its own
identity, including respectable recog
nition in academic, athletic, and
community involvement.
Thirty-eight years have elapsed
and our school confidently prepares
for closure. We continue our positive
strides in a spirit of optimism as we
move forward on the road which lies
ahead. As we blossom and grow, we
remember from whence we came.
Walton considers itself fortunate to
have had the quality staff and stu
dents over these years. Collectively
these people have been the Duracell
Copper Top batteries - the Energizer
Bunnies who have kept the spirit of
our school alive and healthy.
IT’S BEEN A BANNER YEAR
What do you get when you com
bine 79 students, five teachers, one
secretary, one resource educational
assistant, one principal, one custodi
an and 40 plus volunteers - an
incredible school. Walton Public
School truly is the small school with
a big heart and throughout the 1999-
2000 school year has continued to
provide an excellent primary educa
tion in the face of adversity and con
troversy surrounding the issue of
school closure. Indeed our students’
best interests have always and con
tinue to be our first priority.
Unique to Walton has been the
Reflections of a former trustee
By Graeme Craig
The staff, parents and the students
of Walton Public School were part of
that special opportunity of a small
school learning environment. The
students of a K-4 school receive the
foundation necessary to build a solid
educational structure.
The primary years are so very
important and as was mentioned dur
ing the consultation process this past
winter many Walton Public School
graduates have gone on to achieve
academic excellence at the higher
levels of education.
community support for all we do. We
call McGavins, the church or our
volunteers whenever we need some
thing.
SAC is extraordinary. They do it
all. The social events of the school
calendar have served to bring stu
dents, staff and families together in
an atmosphere of fun and creativity.
If laughter and enjoyment build
school spirit, the Walton community
is to be commended for its respect,
dedication and commitment to the
The Walton Public School is a true
community school with strong fami
ly interest. Many times the school
and other community buildings such
as the church and the hall were
shared for special activities.
The students, their parents, staff
and volunteers have worked together
for years to raise funds for school
playground equipment, computers
and many other special projects.
Both of our children attended
Walton Public School. The kinder
garten graduation ceremonies are an
event to remember for sure, as it is
staff and students in their school.
The highlights of these special '
school events certainly attest to the
unmistakable caliber of the staff and
students at Walton who work togeth
er with our parents and community
to keep our proud spirit front and
center. In doing so, these people
ensure that our flame of spirit has
become a torch to be carried forth to
grow and develop as have the indi
viduals who began their education
within our walls.
the first of many graduations to
come.
As one of the trustees that repre
sented the Walton Public School, I
very seldom had a serious concern
expressed by anyone about the qual
ity of education at WPS. It is an
excellent facility and it is essential
that the future education of the stu
dents in the Walton Public School
catchment area is as successful as it
was and is in Walton.
Congratulations for a job well
done in all the years of Walton Public
School 1962 - 2000.
Saying goodbye
It was 1995 when principal Louise Wilson decided the year was here to retire. Students gathered outside to plant a tree in her honour.
Thanks for the
memories!
WINTHROP GENERAL STORE
Doug & Gail Shroeder
Winthrop
A
“Children are our greatest assets”
Walton Inn wishes
students, parents, staff & volunteers
cherished memories of Walton Public School
Walton Inn
& Staff
Ztfte &taff <£ AtudentA of
‘Ulalt&n ffahtic S^cliddl utoutd
tike t& thank the cantmunity, fc* theii
Aupfiad wei the pa&t 39 peat&
1961 - 2000
to- a o/
dill hi&to-iy,
Township of Grey
Council, Staff & Ratepayers