Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2000-06-21, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2000. Recalling connection between community and school By Dianne van Vliet, Parent It is June already and school will be soon out for the summer holidays once again. The only difference this year is that the children attending Walton Public School will not be returning to their classrooms at Walton this County participation Staff and students were proud to perform Old MacDonald Had a Farm during the International Plowing Match held in Dashwood in the fall of 1999. Lending a hand Community involvement has always been a strong component of the success of Walton Public School whether through “principal for a day” swaps or buddy reading programs. Former school board trustee and Walton-area resident Graeme Craig, who took his turn as temporary princi­ pal this past year, read with Principal Alice McDowell and Grade 2 student Derick Bachert. fall, but will be heading off in new directions. Unfortunately at the end of June 2000, Walton Public School will close its doors forever. It is sad to see it close. Many peo­ ple in the area have fond memories of their friends and the activities at the school over the years. I am glad that my child has had the opportunity to attend Walton Public School. The children in our area received a quality education with caring teachers and staff. It is close to our home so it is easy to take part in the many activities that are planned there. The school is small and that was part of its attrac­ tion to so many people over the years. Children receive a wonderful start in a small, rural school setting. The number of children in each class is small so every child has a unique opportunity to receive personal attention from the teacher. Our school offers a caring environment which enriches and develops our children to their fullest potential. Last year there were 35 volunteers who helped out at the school. Since we have this many caring volunteers, it is a real sense of community creat­ ed within our school. The children get the extra help they need which is very important in the primary years. We have had an active school parent council, as well, that has worked Recounting the beginning By Neil McGavin Jack Bryans headed up a group wanting to start a Walton school. It was near the end of the big area school building spree. William Davis the minister of agriculture put a freeze on buildings unless they already had the land purchased for them. Jack Bryans approached my Dad (Gordon) about loaning them the money ($2,000) to buy some land from Ernie Stevenson. As we had outgrown our lot at the southeast comer of Walton, Dad suggested (maybe prompted by Jack) that they just trade the schools for the land. I think the deal was done in about two days and the rest is history. Jack and his committee worked Getting a gym Former principal Helen Crocker, second from left, trustee Pauline Seimon, left, and school council members Barb Durrell and Rita Bowers cut the ribbon for the opening of the new gym in September, 1996. The page 11 photo of Walton school children was taken by Florence Dyck. Also many thanks to the writers for their contributions to this special section hard to provide activities that will benefit the school and our children. I have always felt that our school has made a significant contribution in our community. I am proud to say that our children have been taught to the highest standards of education, and to be socially responsible citi­ zens. Whether our children are tak­ ing part in our school Terry Fox Run to raise money for cancer research, the Heart Healthy Challenge or a farm safety day, they are learning how to be healthy, active participants in our community. So even though the building will close at the end of June 2000, the spirit of our “small school with the big heart” will live on in our hearts forever. very, very hard. Doug Lawless, a former teacher (in the old school) was now Wm. Davis’ assistant. Doug is married to the former Dorothy Turnbull of RR2, Brussels and used to live in Walton so there was some good contact on how to get things done. The school was known as “the school Jack built.” When the kids moved out we moved in. One excuse the old school needed replaced was every spring the bricks opened up in one spot. Someday we hope to make a museum of old things pertaining to the business over the past years in the school. We are proud to call Walton home and especially to have helped get this great school. “Take pride in today's accomplishments for they lead to tomorrow's success." Best Wishes to all the staff, students & teachers of Walton Public School TOWNSHIP OF McKILLOP May today be just the beginning of many wonderful days to come... the beginning of the fulfillment of your greatest hopes & dreams DAUPHIN FEED & SUPPLY LTD. Walton Dungannon Ron McCallum Paul McCallum ULMJ* Farm Drainage Let It Rain... We’II Drain R.R. #1 Phone Walton, Ont. (519) 887-6428 N0K 1Z0 (519) 527-1633 We clean to suit your needs! Wishing you all the best now and your whole life through. Anne & Dianne