As a James Bay resident, Julie (Goodwin) Lawson walks by The Blue Room & Gallery Salon every day. She had read in the Vic High Alumni Newsletter that David (Mourant) Blue (VHS 1976) is the owner of the establishment and works with Vic High students who want hairdressing work experience. She decided to drop in to say hello and ended up becoming a customer.
Born and raised in Victoria, B.C., Julie wrote stories as a child and took part in plays in elementary school. At Vic High, she participated in plays, the symphony orchestra, and choirs, chiefly as the accompanist.
She is an award-winning author of more than 30 books. They are set in historical periods and inspired by actual events, such as the 1910 avalanche at Rogers Pass that killed 58 men clearing snow from the CPR tracks, the 1912 sinking of the Titanic, and the 1917 Halifax explosion caused by the collision of a French cargo ship and Norwegian vessel. Her writing has garnered awards, nominations and critical acclaim. She recalls the encouraging words of two Vic High English teachers with respect to her talent.
“You show the beginnings of style!” said Mr. Fell. “You’ll be a writer one day,” said Gordon Hartley.
At the time, she had tucked away these compliments because she wanted to be a teacher. She graduated from the University of Victoria with a teaching certificate and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French. Julie taught elementary school for nearly two decades in Saanich and Sooke and spent one year teaching in France. She became a full-time author in 1991.
In 1989, she took half a year off to write and travel to China. While there, Julie was fascinated by the prevalence of dragon imagery as a symbol of power, prosperity and good luck. Upon her return home, she assigned her students at John Muir Elementary School in Sooke some homework delving into the mythology of dragons, which included a field trip to Chinatown. A scavenger hunt on this trip led to an epiphany, planting the seed of an idea that would bloom into one of her best-selling books, White Jade Tiger. Published in 1993, the book won the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize in 1994.
On her writing process, she said, “I thought that one day, I’d get inspiration and write the beginning, middle and ending of a story. That never happens! The stories develop gradually. I usually get an idea of the character. Oftentimes, it is a situation or event that triggers things off. My books are mostly historical fiction. I like taking time periods and disasters and examining how people deal with their trauma.”
Julie plans to donate a collection of her belongings to the VHS Alumni Archives. They include her school essays, compositions, newspaper clippings, dance cards, and programs she saved from various choir and theatre productions where she performed. She is also donating her late mother’s 1939 VHS pin as well as her own Honour Roll pin. Julie was Vic High’s top academic student for 1965, earning her spot on the school’s legendary academic boards that hang in the 2nd floor Heritage Hallway entry way.
Julie will soon be part of a collaborative heritage initiative between students, staff and the Alumni, that will see 2’ x 2’ heritage panels installed around Vic High, each one celebrating a past student who embodies Vic High values.
The former head of Canada’s space agency landed in a Victoria High School classroom recently. Dr. David Kendall, who retired as Director General of the Canadian Space Agency in 2015, accepted an invitation to speak to Jon Geehan’s Astronomy 11 class. The appearance was arranged through Keith McCallion, former Vic High principal and current Alumni volunteer. “It’s up to you,” he said after cracking the ice by asking where students thought outer space started. He acknowledged space has no known end, and that various ‘levels’ above the earth each include different craft and structures put there by man.
He said “space tourists” now go about 102 kilometers above the earth and that American Elon Musk is putting up satellites that are cutting down the brief delays when TV news anchors and guests in other countries interact. David said that right now, there are approximately 11,000 space satellites and Musk plans to put up 5,000 more. Musk currently has the only technology in the world that allows rocket boosters to be recovered, then refueled and re-used to launch more satellites. It cuts costs down significantly and is why he can put so many satellites into space at his own expense. In addition, two Chinese groups hope to put up 10,000 each. “It’s going to be a mess up there,” said David, “and right now there are no rules governing what goes on.”
Students in the class, ranging from Grade 10 – 12, were intrigued, and asked very smart questions, said David. One question, though, he deferred to Physics teacher Jon Geehan, who holds a PhD in Astronomy.
Vic High is the only high school in Greater Victoria with an Astronomy program, developed by Geehan and retired Vic High Physics teacher Clayton Uyeda. Several significant donations by Stew Smith, VHS 1955, a renowned particle physicist at Princeton who regularly visits Victoria, made the program possible by funding equipment like high-powered telescopes. The recent upgrades to Vic High made it possible to create an astronomy viewing deck off the NE corner of the third floor, the only such amenity of its kind in the Victoria region, which also doubles as an outdoor classroom.
David earned his PhD degree in atmospheric physics from the University of Calgary but is uncomfortable with being addressed as doctor. During his career, he was a research scientist with the Space Division of the National Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Space Agency, which was created in 1989. He rose to the top job in the CSA before his retirement and now splits his time between Quebec and Victoria. He and his wife, Toni, have four children and nine grandchildren, six of whom live here. David said Victoria also works for him because of his involvement in the Canadian astrophysics program which is centred here at the Canadian Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich.
If you think David has put up his feet and lounges around, you would be sadly mistaken. After retiring, he accepted an appointment as Chair of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space based in Vienna, Austria, and served for two years, 2016 and 2017. His scientific interests include the earth’s upper atmosphere, space weather phenomena and international space policy issues.
David is a faculty member, emeritus, at the International Space University based in Strasbourg, France. He helped establish the Outer Space Institute in Vancouver and has held various positions in the International Astronomical Federation, Committee on Space Research, Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee, European Space Agency, Group on Earth Observations and Natural Sciences on Engineering Research Council of Canada.
Among his awards are the CASI 2017 C.D. Howe Award, Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement from the University of Calgary in 2019 and the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal for significant contributions and achievement to Canada.
David told the attentive Vic High students that space station currently above the earth descends about two kilometres a month and has the capability to boost itself back up every couple of months. Otherwise it would slowly fall towards the earth, speeding up and eventually crashing to earth. He said there are about 40,000 pieces of space junk the size of a tennis ball or less floating around above the earth, and well over a million bigger than that. Currently there are no laws requiring cleanup but that the issue is starting to be addressed.
David passed a hat-like item around the classroom, asking them to guess what it might be. Their questions, and a few clues from David, finally revealed it was designed to adhere to the optically pure window in a spacecraft in order to block out light from inside the spacecraft. Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau inserted a camera lens inside the hole in the top, then tightly velcro’d the fabric band around the lens, to take photos of a reddish cloud near the spacecraft so the CSA could study it.
David said 624 people have flown into space since man first travelled to space, of which only 80, or 13 percent were women. “That’s ridiculous,” he added. “We need more women to get excited about space.”
David said that a mission to Mars would take a minimum of three years to complete.
When he and the class visited the outdoor area where the telescope was located, David was asked whether outer space would ever be used for a non-peaceful purpose. He said it would be a long answer but boiled it down to the fact that there will always be a military component to the subject. “Let’s concentrate on (the) peaceful (use),” he said hopefully.
With David spending winters in Victoria, and thanks to Keith McCallion making the introductions, Jon Geehan and the Vic High Astronomy program look forward to more opportunities to have him share his knowledge and experiences with students.
Victoria Times Colonist staffers Jeff Bell and photographer Darren Stone were on hand to share David’s visit with TC readers, and both were fascinated with the information and stories David shared. Click here for their article.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Space-Team-CAnada.jpeg13071309Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2025-04-13 01:35:392025-04-16 06:47:20Retired Canadian Space Expert Lands At Vic High
Vic High’s new, improved Lawrie Wallace Auditorium was home – finally – to the school’s Musical Theatre, Band and AV students March 4-8, 2025 as students presented six performances of City of Angels to some very enthusiastic audiences. The Vic High Pit Band under Music Department Head Denver Rawson was pitch-perfect, AV students led by Broadcast Media teacher Mike Martin hit every cue, and Kimberley Sholinder’s Musical Theatre students – actors and crew alike – presented this challenging musical with the enthusiasm, diligence, and some pretty impressive talent.
The audience gathers…
Our new AV booth in action…
Vic High Pit Band tunes up…
Showtime!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Showtime-18.jpeg12521536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2025-03-12 09:54:242025-03-12 09:54:24Showtime! Vic High’s City of Angels A Big Success
Alumni 50th Anniversary, Volunteer & Donor Thank You
February 19, 1975, the Centennial Celebrations Committee was formalized and produced an extraordinary celebration May 1976 honouring the founding of Vic High. It eventually changed its name to the Victoria High School Alumni Association. February 19, 2025, the Association invited volunteers, reunion organizers, donors to a 50th Anniversary celebration, to thank them for their dedication to building the Association and supporting Vic High.
It was a magical event! Vic High students greeted guests with enthusiasm, and with tokens of appreciation from the Alumni Store – a Vic High pen, a sticker of the old logo in the Roper Gym – and a program listing all the evening’s activities. Leadership students positioned themselves around the school to guide guests, answer questions, meet and chat with alumni.
CHEK Upside Guys Sport the Black & Gold
Not only did guests and students and staff have a lot of fun, CHEK-TV News Hour viewers got a peek inside the celebration as the Upside Guys broadcast their live segments from the Heritage Hallway. Watch them here!
The last half-hour featured a program in the auditorium. First up was Board Chair Helen Edwards, VHS 1964, announcing she was doubling the Alumni’s Heritage Projects fund with a personal donation, and the entire $30k would go to Vic High to complete its featured heritage projects in the school. Thank you, Helen!
Ian McKinnon, VHS 1966, Board Director, shared insights into the role the Alumni played in saving Vic High and supporting the renewal of the stadium and field area.
Over the past 15 years, the alumni association was involved in two of its biggest endeavours – working towards a renewal of the very building in which we are today, and rebuilding the outdoor recreational facilities which had fallen into sad disrepair. For both of these projects the association always worked with the school, its students and staff, the district and the neighbourhood to ensure that their needs were paramount.
While we all look with pride at this building and its importance to the built heritage of this city and the Fernwood neighbourhood, we also knew that the changes to education and students’ needs meant that a building from a century earlier needed to be re-imagined. By 2018, when decisions had to be made on the future of Vic High, we had researched a range of approaches that had been taken to these sorts of challenges at places like St. Ann’s Academy here in Victoria, and to schools in Vancouver and Ontario. The most remarkable find though was a school building that had housed the original Portland/Lincoln high school in Portland Oregon which bore a startling resemblance to Vic High. It had recently been substantially renewed into a performing arts hub, and demonstrated the possibilities of this building.
When this was presented to our local MLA’s and cabinet ministers, Carole James and Rob Fleming, and to the district, they became supporters and decided to proceed with the work to create the wonderful building we have today. We owe an enormous debt to Rob and Carole who are with us here today. Renewing the school’s outdoor athletic facilities also began with experts volunteering their skills to design a state-of-the-art stadium. With the conceptual plans, we consulted with and surveyed students, staff, potential users and the neighbourhood. Once again, listening to the students in particular was very instructive as they told us that many of them see Vic High’s specialty as the performing arts and special things like an astronomy deck. Very important.
Through fund raising led by Roger Skillings and agreements with the city and sporting groups, over a million dollars was raised and presented to the district. Over the past months though, perhaps the greatest reward has been what anyone walking by the schools sees every evening now – a lit field that is in constant use by the neighbourhood.
Thanking Principal Parker
Keith McCallion, former Vic High Principal, shared alumni sentiments and presented Aaron Parker with an auditorium seat plaque.
Aaron Parker has provided outstanding leadership for the past 9 years, bringing Vic High through a world pandemic, taking students and staff from classroom learning to online learning. He has provided invaluable input into planning of the seismic upgrade and renovation to this hundred year old building, overseen the move Vic High from the Fernwood Campus to the SJ Willis campus and back again, and navigated the challenges of being part of a large school district. On top of all that, and being principal of a school with 1,040 students in grades 9-12 with 85 teachers and supporting staff, he has supported the Alumni Association with ideas, advice, information and guidance equalling thousands of hours, this on top of his other 2 full time day jobs of principal and construction manager. Vic High kids love him, we love him, and every one of us involved with the Alumni Association is in his debt for everything he has done for us and for Vic High.
Principal Parker Thanks the Alumni
His comments on camera made us blush – as did his words in the auditorium:
I was appointed the Principal of Victoria High School in January of 2017. So for just over 8 years I have had the great honour of serving as the Principal of Victoria High School. And what an 8 years it has been. I admit that the weight of stewarding the students in my care through uncertain times, the responsibility of protecting and promoting the legacy of of the oldest and possibly most prominent public high school in our province along with an opportunity to contribute to a vision of education for our future graduates, has at times felt heavy.
There are three groups that I need to acknowledge. The first is our vibrant and diverse student body. Vic High students may look very different today than they did when we were winning provincial championships, leading the province in academics, arts and public service. But they embrace and exemplify Vic High’s values of inclusion, creativity and service exactly as Vic High students have for almost 150 years.
The second are the staff who have done all the heavy lifting. I will never be able to adequately thank our teachers and support staff for their dedication, loyalty and professionalism.
Finally, I need to thank our alumni association and alumni at large. Regardless of the pressures of a very public and sometimes controversial project your alumni association has tirelessly supported our school. When we talk about alumni we often speak of archives and heritage but there is no doubt in my mind that the work the Vic High Alumni Association has done with your collective support has secured and enhanced the futures of Vic High students for years to come. I wish to sincerely thank you for your support. Through student scholarships, specialty equipment for programs like robotics, astronomy, and broadcast media and enhancements of our school facilities. I have no doubt our students will continue your legacy of service and leadership.
A Vic High Student Speaks
Sereia Felipe-Alves is a Grade 11 student who, along with Sam Lilas, has volunteered since Vic High moved back home in the alumni-run Archives and Museum. They’ve now been joined by Aldous Valour, another keen Vic High student who we featured in our Summer 2024 newsletter. Sereia shared her thoughts about what having Alumni support means to students at Vic High. Note the Vic High ‘letterman’ jacket she’s wearing. For months she’s been coveting one, just like one hanging in the Vic High Archives. Boxing Day, after dim sum in Chinatown, she and her family went to Valu Village and there on a rack was a Vic High jacket. You never know how or when the universe will deliver!
And Here’s A Little Alumni History
Denis Johnston, VHS 1967, former Staff, sent us this brief summary to share while he continues work on the Alumni’s history:
The Vic High Alumni Association has its roots in the Vic High Centennial of 1976. Led by Lawrie Wallace and Duncan Lorimer, a Centennial Celebrations Committee was incorporated under the Society Act on February 19, 1975 — fifty years ago today! The Vic High Centennial succeeded beyond the highest hopes of its organizers. It attracted some 10,000 attendees and raised almost $50,000. With this money, the Committee established two annual scholarships and purchased a 15-passenger bus to be used by sports teams and other school groups. After ’76, a smaller committee met each year to decide how to make best use of the remaining funds.
As interest rates declined in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Committee members realized they needed more fundraising to keep their financial promises to the school. Thanks to the vision of long-time teacher Fred Packford and principal Keith McCallion, an Alumni Association was formed for this goal. The two organizations merged in 1993; and by the official renaming of the Centennial Committee, the Vic High Alumni Association acquired legal standing as both a registered Society and a charitable organization. In a campaign led by Lawrie Wallace, the Association raised enough money to create a $160,000 endowment fund with the Vancouver Foundation.
The Association continues to serve as a crucial communications link among grads and grad classes, especially through its monthly newsletters and a website redesigned in 2020. Through bequests and other donations, Alumni-funded scholarships and bursaries have grown from $1000 in 1995 to over $30,000 last year. The award-winning Vic High Archives and Museum, run entirely by volunteers, now provides the Association with a daily presence in the school.
Nina Holden was crowned Miss Victoria in 1961, a month before she graduated from Vic High and just two years after Vivi Pettersen won the title in 1959. She, like Vivi, was chosen as the runner-up to the 1962 Miss Canada. However she was later called up to replace the original winner and served for two years when a change in pageant ownership meant there was no 1963 pageant.
Nina was an active, popular student at Vic High. She had been Grade 11 Class Rep in both Grade 11 and Grade 12. She was a valued member of the Cheerleading Squad and belonged to the Future Teachers Club, the Grad Choir, and the Badminton team. She was also one of the school Prefects, students who exercised leadership in the school and often acted as mentors to other students.
Here’s her grad write-up in the 1961 Camosun yearbook:
Our sweet and sassy, pert class rep is one of those Prefects who offers her talents to cheerleaders, OOKs, Social Committee, Badminton, Future Teachers, and Grad Choir. Nina plans to be an airline stenographer.
And in a typical quirky Vic High connection, current Vic High alumna Linda Baker, VHS 1969, was volunteered by her dad, a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce that produced the annual Jaycee Fair, to be one of the two flower girls that year. They rode with Nina to the Legislature for her official crowning, and on Victoria Day, rode on the Miss Victoria float in the Victoria Day Parade.
Nina was featured in a full-page spread in the Victoria Daily Times, May 19, 1962, surrounded by past Miss Victoria winners, including the 1959 winner, Vic High’s Vivi Pettersen, shown on the left, third photo from the top.
In 2017, four Miss Canada winners, including Nina, reunited in Qualicum Beach. Here’s the story.
PARKSVILLE – QUALICUM BEACH NEWS July 5, 2017
Former Miss Canada winners grace Shady Rest with their presence
Mini reunion of the four ex-beauty queens had heads turning.
Former Miss Canada winners (left to right) Julie Maloney (1969), Barbara Kelly (1967), Nina (Holden) Ritchie (1962) and Gillian Regehr (1973) held their mini reunion at the Shady Rest Pub in Qualicum Beach on Canada Day. — Michael Briones photo
Four former Miss Canada winners had heads turning at the Shady Rest Pub in Qualicum Beach on Canada Day. Miss Canada 1962 Nina Ritchie, Miss Canada ’67 Barbara Kelly, Miss Canada ’70 Julie Maloney and Miss Canada ’73 Gillian Regehr held a mini-reunion at the popular restaurant and they certainly drew a lot of attention. Of course, they were hard to miss with their original sashes draped over their shoulders.
The occasion was a simple get-together, just to have lunch. There was no grand preparation nor the usual pomp and circumstance that one would expect for a group of former Miss Canada winners. “It’s just a gathering of friends,” said Ritchie, a former Miss Victoria who now lives in Qualicum Beach. “We are a rare sisterhood.”
Although each one won in a different year, they have met each other in past Miss Canada reunions and through their involvement with the pageant. They forged a special friendship and have kept in touch throughout the years. They have always wanted to have their own small reunion, said Kelly, and decided to make it happen on July 1, on Canada’s 150th anniversary. It wasn’t easy because Maloney had to fly from Ottawa to be in Qualicum Beach. Regehr resides in Victoria while Kelly is from Vancouver.
“We are all excited to be here together,” said Kelly. “We are going to share stories and also look at photographs.” And they had a lot of stories to tell. Kelly related the time when she was to meet the Queen mother during her reign. She was handed a crash course on royal etiquette that include learning how to curtsy properly and also answer with “yes, your majesty.”
Ritchie, a former Miss Victoria ’61, revealed she did not actually win Miss Canada in 1962. She was the runner-up, but landed the crown when the winner gave up her title. She reigned for almost two years.
All four elegant ladies competed in the prestigious Miss Canada pageant for one reason only. They were enticed by the scholarship prize. The coupe de grace of the lunch was when they took out their headgears or crowns to show one another. They didn’t have the same kind of lustre and glitter when they won them, but they are sentimental treasures. Maloney was bit embarrassed by the shape of her crown. “Mine is so banged up,” Maloney quipped. “My grandchildren played with it and I had to crazy glue it back together.”
The group plans to get together again next year. They plan to get in touch with other former Miss Canada winners.
Nina lives in Qualicum Beach and recently visited the Vic High Archives & Museum, posing with her official portrait which resides permanently in the Archives.
Grad write-up
PS We can’t figure out what “OOK” in her grad write-up stands for…if you know, please email us and we’ll update this story. Thanks!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Nina-crop.png386471Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2025-01-26 11:24:392025-01-26 12:12:54Nina Holden, VHS 1961 Miss Victoria 1961
A highlight of Victoria’s former Jaycee Fair, held in the old Memorial Arena and adjacent area on the May long weekend, was the Miss Victoria pageant. We can only imagine the excitement around the Vic High halls when one of our own was announced at the big Saturday night show as Miss Victoria. Sunday Miss Victoria was crowned on the steps of the BC Legislature alongside her two princesses, and Monday hers was always the first float in the popular Victoria Day Parade.
Archives Club Grade 11 students Sam Lilas and Sereia Felipe-Alves were inspired by the beautiful dress worn by Miss Victoria 1959, Vivi Petersen, while helping unpack the Vic High Archives collections when Vic High re-opened. They suggested it as the focal point of a Miss Victoria display, and helped set it up. It remains in place until February 10, when Sam and Sereia will create a Vic High Sweethearts display, also their idea!
The Jaycee Fair was produced annually by the Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce, a local community service group that also produced the Santa Ship event and created the Welcome to Victoria sign on the Inner Harbour Causeway. The Fair began in 1949 and ran until the 1980s, featuring amusement rides, midway attractions, big-name entertainers, and was the highlight of many a young Victoria resident’s life. It was held in the Arena, the Curling Club, and the parking lot of the old Memorial Arena over the long week-end in May. The Arena has since been replaced by the Save-On Memorial Centre and the Victoria Police Department now occupies part of that city block.
Contestants for Miss Victoria were encouraged to enter the competition, some by their friends, some who attended a local charm school, and some via UVic’s Martlet newspaper.
Jaycees Search for Ideal Girl
The Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce is now engaged in its annual pursuit of the typical Canadian girl. This girl symbolizes the youth of our nation – their dreams, ambitions and ideals. She is a Canadian citizen and a Victoria resident. She has never been married. She has good character, and possesses poise, personality, charm, and beauty of face and figure. And she is talented.
Vic High Student Voted May Queen
Basic information found online would indicate that the Miss Victoria pageant may have replaced the annual choosing and crowning of a May Queen in the city. In 1946, Vic High student Rosemary Hurst, was chosen as May Queen, sponsored by the local Majorette Coffee Shop and elected by the local community. Here’s her 1946 Camosun write-up:
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-Miss-Victoria-display.jpeg14191892Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2025-01-26 11:23:402025-01-26 11:44:32Archives Features Vic High Royalty
Vivi’s family immigrated to Victoria in 1955 from Denmark. Her Grade 11 year at Vic High she was Class President and a member of the Vic High Cheerleaders. “She always said she really enjoyed being a cheerleader,” said her husband, Mike Heppell. In May 1959, still in Grade 11, she was invited by the Victoria Junior Chamber of Commerce to enter the Miss Victoria pageant. The Jaycees, as they were called, sponsored the annual BC Products Fair at the original Memorial Arena. Saturday, May 16, 1959, she was crowned Miss Victoria after performing “I Whistle A Happy Tune” from the musical The King and I as her talent. Her princesses were Patricia Pye, aged 18, and Valerie Parker, aged 20.
“She went on to win the Miss PNE pageant held annually at the Vancouver exhibition,” says Mike, “which qualified her for the Miss Canada Pageant in Toronto where she was first runner-up.” Vivi returned to Victoria with considerable fanfare, and a few weeks later was called by the Miss Canada Committee and requested to fill in for an ill Miss Canada at the Miss USA Pageant in Atlantic City. While Vivi was rehearsing in Atlantic City the reigning Miss Canada recovered and claimed her right to compete. Vivi was invited to remain for the Pageant and assisted Miss Canada in preparing for the competition. During this time a Danish seaman suffered serious burns from a fire aboard a ship near the US coast and was transported to an Atlantic City burn unit for treatment. He didn’t speak English and the hospital was unable to find anyone who spoke Danish. A public appeal was broadcast and Vivi was asked to attend and assist the injured man communicate with his caregivers.
Vivi married Vic High grad, Tom Wyatt, a star member of the 1959 BC Championship Vic High Totems basketball team, wearing her stunning Miss Victoria gown. They had two children, Pia and Peter. Pia works in drama production in Louisiana. She and Tom divorced after 20 years together, and Vivi married Mike Heppell, Victoria Fire Chief for 17 years, who also served in the Canadian Armed Forces and with organizations like the Red Cross. Her family donated her Miss Victoria gown to the Vic High Archives and Museum and when not on display, it is preserved in a special acid-free box to protect it.
Vivi became a Stewardess (now called Flight Attendant) with Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada), when she returned from the Miss Canada pageant. She had had quite the adventure for a 19 year old girl who had only been in Canada four years at the time.
Joan Huddleston, VHS 1964, remembers Vivi very well. She and Vivi’s sister Lone were good friends. “We used to dress up in Vivi’s clothes,” said Joan. “It was great fun.” Joan didn’t love school. Actually she said she hated it! But she had a group of friends there and they remain friends still.
Vivi passed in 2015. Tom Wyatt passed recently. Mike Heppell is alive and well and helped greatly with information and photos for this story, and for the Miss Victoria display at Vic High. It remains in place until February 10, in the southwest corner of the Main (1st) floor of Vic High.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vivi-Petersen-Crop.png455530Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2025-01-26 11:20:242025-01-26 11:38:28Vivi Petersen, Miss Victoria 1959
Synnove Pettersen and her family immigrated to Canada from Norway in 1956, and she learned English here in Canada. Despite being quite shy and still in Grade 11 at Vic High, she entered the Miss Victoria pageant. “Somebody pushed me to enter,” she said. “Others saw more in me than I saw in myself.” Many girls like Synnove went to charm school back then, learning poise and etiquette, posture, how to be present and mindful. And those girls were often approached to enter the pageant.
For her talent in the pageant, Synnove told the story of her family immigrating to Canada and sang a Norwegian song in her native language. “Becoming Miss Victoria really boosted my confidence, “ she said. “My Miss Victoria dress was beautiful, and I remember there were two crowns, a big one for photos and parades, and a smaller one.” She was living with her sister at the time as her family had moved to Los Angeles and she’d chosen to stay in Victoria to finish her education at Vic High. “I didn’t have adults around me at the time,” she said, “so winning the pageant in those circumstances really meant a lot.”
Synnove’s 1963 grad write-up: Synnove is a member of the Grad and Mixed Choirs, but most of her time at school is spent in the Art Room. Most of her time outside school has been taken up by her Miss Victoria activities. After a trip to Europe Synnove plans to live in Los Angeles where she will become a Commercial Artist.
Synnove still raves about Vic High art teacher, Mrs. Cameron. “She was terrific. She would enter our art into competitions which definitely boosted our confidence.” After Vic High, Synnove won a scholarship to an art school in Los Angeles, where her family lived. “It was a very male environment and they wanted me to study automobile design. But I was more interested in fashion illustration.”
Synnove has created art all her life – portraiture, landscapes, nudes, wildlife. She lives in Washington on the Olympic Peninsula, and her art is sold worldwide from her website. She’s a board member at her local 800-member seniors’ centre, took up the ukulele, and recently started an ambitious portrait exhibit project. “I’ve filled one wall of our centre so far, with 30-40, 8 x 10 portraits of local people and there’s many more to go. I take a head shot photo to use as reference. I expect this is my last painting project.”
Synnove has stayed in touch since the pageant with both her princesses, Della Irvine and Muriel Bertrand. She also remains friends with some of her Vic High classmates and has attended Class of 1963 reunions. Some years ago, her old friends in Norway found her online. “They all meet for lunch every month,” said Synnove, “and I can join them online.”
Vic High sweaters used to be popular, usually a V-necked cardigan with gold bands on the arm. Students displayed their hard-earned Vic High ‘V’ patch on them, often along with team patches and school pins. October 2025 newsletter we asked for your memories: We found some team badges in the Archives. Who remembers these? Did you have any? Do you still have them? Here’s the responses we received.
Derek Reimer, VHS 1965
The Tsasquatches played volleyball. They wanted to keep the “T” tradition going: Totems, Titans, Tigers, etc. I loved seeing the Block Vs. I had a Big Block 6 (for interschool sports) and a Small Block 2 or 3. I played everything except basketball. I’m not claiming to be the best athlete who ever attended Vic High (far from it), but I was told at the time that I was the first to earn a “6” to add to my Big Block. Don’t know if that’s true but that’s what I was told. As I recall, you needed 50 points to earn a big block. Thirty were awarded for being on an interschool rep team (maybe 20 for being on a “B” team?). You gained 10 additional points if your team won the city championship and a further 10 points if you were on BC Championship team. Fun days.
Ron Dworski, VHS 1969
The Tsasquatches were the Senior Boys Volleyball team. At least in ’68 and ’69, and previous years. In 1969 the team made it to the BC Provincial Championships at Simon Fraser University. On a very limited budget, the entire team fit in coach Judy Bourne’s husband’s old pickup truck for transportation to the mainland. Tom rigged a canvas cover over the box where we sat on our duffle bags, practice balls, and uniforms. All crammed in tight and cozy. No seat belts back then! Oh ….. how times have changed! I’m glad to see the (volleyball) team resurrected and certainly will contribute to the cause with a Purdy’s purchase (to support team fundraising)! (Ron was a 1969 Tsasquatch and Totem)
Rod Edwards, VHS 1974
The Tsasquatches badge was for the boys volleyball team. I played on the team in 1973 and 1974. We went to the BC championships both years. We didn’t do too well but had a great time going with the team and our teacher, coach Peter Gammon. In ’73 we went to Dawson Creek and in ’74 it was Maple Ridge.
Coral (Melder) Kaliciak , VHS 1972
I love the white sleeved jacket. It would be great to make them again, ahead of so many commemorations coming soon. I had a VHS ring from a jewellery store on Douglas. It was next to Miss Friths, which was the place for grad dresses if you didn’t make your own, LOL
Dan Soberg, 1964
My small V was awarded for playing on the junior Teepees basketball team in grade 10 in 1962, coached by Mr. Price. The large V represented the Totems with coach Mr. Andrews in 1963 and 1964. He was a quiet, disciplined teacher. In 1964 we won the city and island championships. At the BC’s at UBC I think that we placed 5th. We had fabulous battles with Oak Bay in full, noisy gyms. Not that I am competitive, but in 1964 Oak Bay never left the island. 🙂 Courtenay and Esquimalt joined us at UBC. Oak Bay won the provincials in 1965 and Vic High in 1966.
My name ‘Dan’ and my jersey #45 are on each arm. The G and triangle represented the Gamma Y club. There is a pin that goes with that. Two other pins represent class president and golf club president.
I would be happy to donate the sweater to the archives if you would like. It is a little discoloured but has many stories to tell. Many sweaters walked the halls in the 1964. I loved my high school years.
Bill Williams, VHS 1958
I have 3 block “V” letters. The 1956 and 1957 ones are the plain flannel type, plus one 1958 chenille type. I was a member of the cross-country team 1956,1957 & 1958. All are damaged from a flood I had in my basement. Is it possible to have them replaced? (we’ll look into that, Bill. Maybe current students would like to see the ‘V’ come back?)
Aristotle Azad, 1971
FYI Tsasquatches was the name of our boys field hockey team. (We found a boys’ field hockey team in the 1970 Camosun, just identified as Boys’ Field Hockey. Maybe the ‘T’ name was left out.
Leslie Van Mil, VHS 1991
I remember the Tsasquatches was a boys volleyball team when I was at Vic High… coaches were Judy Bourne and Donna Blackstock. Raymond Ng, Sean Granger, Wade Schlatter were player names I remember. I didn’t know about the Takus, but looked them up – found in the 1977 Camosun (p101-104 of digital copy on the Alumni website).
A few years ago, a volunteer made these lovely quilted banners for the Archives, to display various Vic High pins, and of course, the iconic ‘V’.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Team-Name-Patches.jpeg15012048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-12-15 10:55:342024-12-19 16:56:08Remembering the Vic High ‘V’
There was a time in Victoria High School’s history when things were more black than gold. Keith McCallion, former Vic High Principal, 1989 to 1994, and current Alumni activist, remembers that the enrolment had sunk to 407 Grade 11 and 12 students the year he started at Vic High. School District 61 had an open boundaries policy at the time, allowing students to transfer if their desired courses weren’t available in their catchment area “Mt. Douglas and Oak Bay were the benefactors of Vic High’s hemorrhaging enrolment,” says Keith. If it wasn’t for many who believed in Vic High, like Physical Education teacher and former student Donna Blackstock, who knows if Vic High would exist today. “She gave a thousand per cent to everything she did,” says Keith, “and really helped turn things around.”
Donna’s grad year at Vic High was a busy one. The Tikis (girls’ volleyball), the Tigers (girls’ basketball), and the Badminton Club (coached by 1968 alumnus Roger Skillings), all benefitted from Donna’s talent and dedication. She even made the All-Star Basketball Team at the BC Provincials in 1972. She likely had no idea her career trajectory would include ongoing dedication to these sports she loved.
Donna was born in Victoria to John Blackstock and Phyllis Waters and attended Quadra elementary, S. J. Willis junior high and Vic High before graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Education degree. During her UVic days, Donna was asked to coach the Vic High and S.J. Willis girls’ volleyball teams, all while continuing her studies. Despite the challenges, this proved to be excellent training as she would later coach Spectrum girls to two provincial basketball championships. It also helped prepare her for her future job in P.E. “Saying yes to these opportunities was an excellent decision,” says Donna, “but I honestly don’t know how I pulled it off.”
Donna put her UVic degree to work, and began her teaching and coaching careers at Spectrum Secondary School in 1977. On her first day at Spectrum, teacher Dennis Swonnell asked her if she was interested in helping with the volleyball program. “I was up to my ears right from Day 1,” she said. In May of 1985, two P.E. teachers had to be dropped from Spectrum. Donna was shocked to learn that she was “excess to needs” and out of a job in July. Thankfully she was recruited by Vic High Principal Dave Watkins, to join the staff there. (Dave’s grandfather, Charles Elwood Watkins, was the architect of the original 1914 Vic High building. In 1912 he’d been appointed school architect for the Victoria Board of Education and designed what some described as the ‘crown jewel of Victoria schools’ at 1349 [now 1260] Grant Street.)
P.E. had become an elective program at Vic High and extra-curricular sports were about to become extinct. Vic High’s student numbers didn’t warrant hiring an additional PE teacher, but Watkins had convinced the District that numbers would be up by September, partly by converting to a semester schedule for the first time. Donna was hired. She taught Social Studies as well as P.E. at a school with a shrinking student population and a sports program that was all but cancelled. But in a bold move, Principal Watkins and Donna decided to ignore the plan to step away from district league play at least temporarily. “I had walked into a school with no (sports) programs.” Donna recalls, “so we were always working to build them back up.”
Keith McCallion says Donna coached “everything that moved” and was tireless. He remembers taking his two daughters to a volleyball tournament to watch Vic High girls play. He saw the six girls playing, and an empty bench. Between games, Keith asked Donna where the rest of the team was and was shocked at the answer. “This is it,” she replied. Gus McTavish, who taught at Vic High from 1970 until he became the vice principal in 1982, agreed with Keith’s assessment of Donna. “She was a superstar,” Gus said. “She was prepared, she was ready to roll.” Gus, who went from Vic High to Cedar Hill Junior High and finally to the School District 61 administrative offices in 1990, said the open boundaries policy was to blame for Vic High’s situation, but added, “Whatever we were given, we helped make good kids out of them.”
In Donna’s second year coaching Vic High volleyball, a student died from an aneurism during practice. The student’s parents contributed the Linda Scott Memorial Trophy for the most improved player in memory of their daughter. It was a traumatic event for both Donna and the team, but that team qualified for the BC Provincials Tournament and was rewarded with the most sportsmanlike team award. Everyone was aware of everything they had been through just a few weeks earlier.
During her 21 years as a Vic High teacher, Donna coached volleyball, basketball and track as well as supervising the school’s soccer program in the early years. Another principal, Denis Harrigan, wanted to start a career preparation program at Vic High. So Donna created one for coaching based on the model of offering elementary volleyball clinics and tournaments in the spring of each year. She also became a certified Level One Coaching Facilitator. That meant students could receive both the technical and the practical side of sport which also included being a referee. “In theory, the Career Prep in Coaching was brilliant,” she said. “In practice, it didn’t do as much as it should have.”
In the late ‘80s, Judy Bourne, a former staff member and coach who was working with Vic High and Ma’kola Housing, came back to Vic High to coach the boys’ volleyball team. Together she and Donna built the elementary volleyball program which included clinics at most Greater Victoria elementary schools in the 18 years that it ran. “We charged $30 for the clinics,” says Donna, “but they drew as many as 60 kids on some occasions.” They charged the same fee for the girls and boys’ elementary tournaments held each year at Vic High. That money went into the Vic High volleyball account to help with expenses such as travel and tournament entry fees. “The Vic High (volleyball) kids were outstanding with the elementary kids,” Donna remembers. Donna, who was by then Vic High’s Athletic Director, continued to run the volleyball program alone after Judy passed away in 1989.
Well-known Vic High teacher and athletics coach, George “Porky” Andrews, had retired from Vic High before Donna joined the staff in 1985. So they never worked together. In 1969 he’d stopped coaching Vic High teams, but had made an exception to coach the girl’s basketball team in 1971/72 that included Donna. “Somehow we qualified for the BC Championship in Terrace that year,” she says. “I think it was the “aura” of Porky Andrews!” Donna said the legendary coach with a reputation for intensity dealt with the players on that team in a much milder manner. He grew into that role and soon after in 1975, the Vic High Tigers won the B.C. championship. It was a remarkable achievement by Porky to have coached provincial champions in both the girls’ and boys’ divisions in his illustrious career. Donna fondly remembered that Andrews had written a letter for her application for a Premier’s Athletic Award. That $500 paid her first-year UVic tuition.
In recalling her teaching career, Donna emphasized that she gave as much to her Social Studies lessons as she did to P.E. “I even did one year as Vice-Principal when someone assigned to the school went on medical leave right at the end of August,” she says.
Donna definitely remembers driving the Vic High bus for many years, particularly one trip when the engine blew up near Mt. Vernon, Washington while taking youth to a workshop in Portland, Oregon. A monumental rescue operation ensued. Washington State Troopers attended (smoke was pouring out of the bus), and assisted by connecting with the rest of the travelling convoy and arranging for the bus to be towed to a GMC dealer. Members of the convoy returned with a rental car for Donna, and Vic High students squeezed into other cars for the remainder of the trip. Principal Watkins and Vice-Principal McTavish went to Mt. Vernon the following week to drive the repaired bus home.
Donna has great memories of working with Vic High principals Dave Watkins, Denis Harrigan, Keith McCallion and Keith Forshaw. “They were always aware of the load on my plate,” says Donna, “and always came down to the gym to welcome the elementary school volleyball players at the tournaments in the hopes that many would return one day as students and athletes.”
After Donna retired, the Vic High Female Athlete Award became the Donna Blackstock Award. It remains to this day one of the highly coveted awards given out at Vic High.
“I can’t say that my Vic High career wasn’t challenging,” says Donna, “but it certainly was rewarding.”
Donna Blackstock was a critical part of Vic High’s history, and we are all grateful for her wisdom, her persistence, and her determination in supporting Vic High students over the years.
Doing the Right Thing, Nhan Pham’s Designs for Vic High
By Linda Baker, VHS 1969
“I knew from the very start,” says the calm, centered woman seated before me in the James Bay coffee shop, “that this was a very important job, and I needed to do the right thing.” So begins our conversation, as Nhan Pham, interior designer on the massive seismic upgrade of Vic High, shares stories about her work helping keep Vic High’s historic character.
The architectural firm hires the designer, and so it was that Jim Mann, HDR, the lead architect on the project, brought in someone he’d worked with on previous projects. “I was hired to design all sorts of things,” Nhan explains, “ceilings, lockers, flooring patterning, millwork, colour schemes. And of course, finding homes for items the Heritage Architect on the project had tagged for possible repurposing.”
The upgrade to Vic High was not formally designated as a ‘heritage restoration’. The design brief for the project, however, did define the theme as ‘historical’. So the goal was to salvage as many architectural items as possible and repurpose them into the updated school. The interior was completely stripped down to the studs. Once the seismic work was done, and recreating the interior spaces began, the second floor Grant Street entrance foyer and adjoining south hallway were re-created to match the original build, yet maintain modern conveniences. (See our earlier story on the team that recreated the original egg-and-dart moulding in this Heritage Hallway.)
Anyone who has toured Vic High since last April, or seen photos the Alumni has shared, will agree that the school has definitely retained its historical feeling while creating the contemporary, functional spaces that support today’s learning styles. Much credit for that overall feeling goes to lead architect Jim Mann, who also designed the 2011 Fairey Tech addition on the school’s north side, and to Project Architect Diana Studer.
However, it was Nhan’s work that brought the school’s history into clear focus around the school. The skillful marriage of old and new called on her 17 years as a designer and her deepening respect for the iconic school and the communities that held it so close. “The project was complicated from the start,” she continues. “Often as I started to work on designs for an area, we’d discover that specific items were simply not available, like customized ceiling trims and historical lighting. I’d often get ‘They don’t make that anymore’ when I tried to source products we wanted.”
In one instance, a local business, Water Glass Studio, stepped up to help provide the glass for 2nd floor heritage hallway lighting. “Custom glass blowers in BC had retired,” says Nhan, “so the owner helped us commission the work in the US and ship items back here for completion.”
Nhan focussed a fair bit of time on the design and finishes for the school’s General Office. “We saved the old vault door and it now provides entry to a large supplies storage room,” says Nhan. “The old accounting window was re-used to give access to the Accounts Clerk’s office from the main hallway.” Administrative staff love their new space with its high windows and beautiful woodwork that reflects the building’s age. In some cases, doors were salvaged and re-finished, and door frames and handles were added new. In some areas, like many of the wooden rail caps on the original stairwells, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ meant the old patina was kept, scratches and all.
“We drew inspiration for the colour schemes from the Fernwood neighbourhood,” says Nhan. “There are many heritage homes in more sombre colours. But Fernwood’s vibrant and artistic culture includes bright colours, too, on the homes, the art on the telephone poles.” Nhan proposed a range of bright accent colours in the school, one for each floor, to create intuitive wayfinding and help everyone navigate the vast school more easily, set against the backdrop of bright, warm white.
Nhan’s design for the 2nd floor Girls’ and Boys’ entry floors. Gold was the accent colour for the 2nd floor.
And just so you know, choosing a shade of white for any space, commercial or residential, is a designer’s challenge. How we see a colour on a wall is influenced by many things: exterior light from windows, interior light from fixtures, the walls and other features in the space, reflections from glazing or shiny lockers. The end result at Vic High, though, has made a big difference to the overall feel in the school. Many alumni on their tours of the school noted how bright it now feels.
Third floor collab space, once the center of the former Harry Smith Library, with its original Rhodesian Mahogany flooring and inset salvaged tiles at the outer edge.
Many other features familiar to alumni are still found in the school as well. Earlier renovations to the school almost resulted in the original Rhodesian Mahogany flooring in the 3rd floor library being ripped up and discarded. Thankfully wiser heads prevailed and the 1914 flooring brought to Victoria around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope was refinished and retained. Many alumni asked whether it survived the latest upgrades. “Definitely,” says Nhan. “We fought to keep the center portion and designed an open collaboration space around it, adjacent to two new classrooms.” And when demolition in the area revealed a gap between the edge of the wooden flooring and the outer wall, white hexagonal tiles salvaged from the original washroom floors installed.
The new Spanish classroom, in the southeast corner of the 2nd floor Heritage Hallway, is now showcased as a heritage classroom. The wood flooring was salvaged and repurposed, the hutch was saved and is now a hand wash sink/storage unit with counter made from the marble partitions in the old washrooms. The new pendant lighting matches the era when the school was built, and the only chalkboard in the school – saved, of course – now lines the back (east) wall of the classroom.
Second floor ‘heritage classroom’, now the Spanish room in the southeast corner.
Authenticity, not perfection, is prevalent in many areas, including the tiled floor in the former cafeteria on the 1st floor. The Textiles classroom now occupies most of this space, and the large hexagonal tiles were left in place, with gaps and cracks filled in with concrete and the whole floor sealed. In fact, the majority of the original washroom floor tiles were repurposed, many in the counselling offices adjacent to the textiles room.
The list of items tagged by HDR Heritage Architect Krystal Stevenot was extensive. Nhan and Krystal worked diligently, until Krystal moved on to her current work with the City of Victoria, to find new homes for as many elements as possible. For example, the wooden bleacher seats seating from the Andrews Gym were repurposed and installed atop the tiered concrete seating in the new Multi Purpose Room.
Some features, though, were specifically designed to honour the school’s history. “I spent hours creating the design for the mosaic on the Main floor,” says Nhan, “painstakingly working out the exact placement of each small tile on my computer.”
The 1-8-7-6 seen on the new bleachers in the Andrews Gym were also Nhan’s handiwork. Even when the bleachers are opened up, the gold numbers are visible against the black background.
The renewal of Vic High presented endless challenges. But from the hundreds of alumni who have so far toured the school, there’s been nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the end result. We are grateful for the talents and experience of Nhan and Jim and Diana and so many others. It is the Vic High many alumni remember, just brighter and well organized for today’s learning, a place where students of today and tomorrow are already creating memories and setting their sights on their futures.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/1876-Mosaic.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-12-11 11:47:112024-12-11 11:47:11Doing the Right Thing. Nhan PHam’s Designs for Vic High
It was standing room only in the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium November 8 as Vic High students and staff honoured those who serve in a moving student-led ceremony. They’d filed past two Remembrance Day displays to fill the Auditorium, a colourful poppy-framed display created by Leadership students, and a collection of items from the Vic High Archives and Museum created by Archives Club members, Grade 11 students Sereia Felipe-Alves and Sam Lilas, and Alumni volunteer Linda Baker.
It was wonderful to see the Auditorium filled with students and staff.
Student cadets walk up the new access ramp to the Vic High stage to place and salute the commemorative wreath. Warrant Officer Max Rysiew leads Warrant Officer Sam Lilas and Sergeant Cody Huntley up the ramp.
Thoughtful speeches were given by Indigenous student, Sergeant Cody Huntley of the 2483 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry, and Warrant Officer Sam Lilas of the 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment Army Cadet Corps based at Victoria’s Bay Street Armoury, and by Vic High Principal Aaron Parker.
Warrant Officer Lilas, 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment
Good morning Vic high students and staff. I’m Warrant Officer Lilas in uniform, but most of you know me as Samuella Lilas. As the CSM I’m here representing 2136 Canadian Scottish Regiment, Princess Mary Army Cadet Corps. I acknowledge the Lekwungen-speaking people of Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, on whose traditional lands we gather, with respect and gratitude.
Today, we gather to remember the sacrifices made by those who came before us—the men and women who gave everything for their country. Remembrance Day is our chance to honor the courage and selflessness of those who defended the freedoms we cherish and the peace we enjoy. At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the guns of the First World War fell silent, marking the end of a devastating conflict. This war was meant to be the one to end all wars, but, unfortunately, that didn’t happen. In the years since, other conflicts have called for more bravery, resilience, and sacrifice.
Today, we honor not just those who fell in the two World Wars, but all who served in every conflict—whether on distant battlefields or in peacekeeping missions around the world. These brave souls stood strong in the face of unimaginable challenges. But Remembrance Day isn’t only about the past. It’s a time to reflect on our present and the responsibility we share to uphold the values of peace, freedom, and justice. The legacy of those who served calls us to build a better world—one where conflict is not the answer.
For those of us who wear the uniform— whether as cadets or service members—we carry a legacy of pride and respect. Many Victoria High graduates before us wore this same uniform in times of war. Though our challenges are different, the spirit of service remains. To the veterans here with us, we offer our deepest thanks. Your bravery and dedication inspire us. To the families of the fallen, we honor your loss and promise to remember their sacrifice.
As we stand in silence today, let’s remember not only the past but the future we must protect. Let’s commit to peace, knowing that freedom has a high price—and we must never take it for granted. So, today, we say thank you to all who served and continue to serve. We honor them with our words, actions, and our commitment to a more peaceful world.
Lest we forget.
Sergeant Cody Huntley, 2483 Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry
Today I am here to pay tribute to the contributions of the Indigenous soldiers in the two World Wars. Though the actual number of Indigenous soldiers in the two wars is unknown, it is now estimated that there were more than 12,000 soldiers, including First Nations, Metis, and Inuit men and women. Even though it was not mandatory for Indigenous to enlist in the war efforts, they volunteered their services in incredible numbers. Many reserves were emptied of nearly all their young men. At this time in Canadian history, Indigenous people were not even recognized as Canadian citizens. They did not have the right to vote, their children were forced to attend residential schools, and the practising of Indigenous culture and traditions was illegal. First Nations recruits were often required to become enfranchised or to give up their Indian status, in order to be considered a citizen and thus able to enlist in the wars. This meant a loss of both cultural identity and Indigenous rights.
Why then did so many Indigenous soldiers volunteer to fight in the World Wars? Most of these soldiers fought due to a deep sense of pride and in support of the values of freedom and peace and community. Some of the soldiers were also following in the footsteps of family members who had fought. Indigenous soldiers participated in every major battle, including the Dieppe landings and the Normandy invasion. During the wars, Indigenous soldiers were treated as equals, and several rose to some of the highest ranking military positions. Indigenous soldiers often drew up on their traditional hunting and military skills, making them valuable as snipers and reconnaissance scouts. The Cree soldiers used their traditional languages to serve as “code talkers”, sending out military messages in Cree to the European battlefields. Medals of Valour were awarded to hundreds of Indigenous soldiers.
It wasn’t until November 8, 1992, that our Aboriginal veterans were allowed to place a wreath at the National Monument in Ottawa. But a small group of veterans from BC and Manitoba set things right. They fought to be recognized for their sacrifice, commitment and service to this country and the U.S. This day is set aside to honour the contributions of our First Nations, Metis and Inuit veterans, serving members, and RCMP officers. Today is National Aboriginal Veterans Day.
Sailor First Class David Eaglestick, who works at the Dockyard in Victoria, BC, is from my community of Sagkeeng First Nation. He went through the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program and then he decided to join the navy after he finished this three week program. It’s been a great choice for him but not without difficulties. It’s tough being away far from family and friends. The homesickness becomes apparent but he’s worked through these difficulties. And 17 years later he continues to service for this country. Today and on November 8 and November 11, if you have a chance, don’t be shy and go shake a veteran’s hand and thank them for their service. These are our warriors.
It is estimated that at least 500 Indigenous soldiers lost their lives while serving in the two World Wars. We must acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions made by Indigenous men and women in the war efforts. They displayed immense intelligence, courage and honour. We should all be proud of the thousands of Indigenous soldiers who volunteered their lives to uphold the values of this country.
Emilia Clarke, VHS 2025, played a perfect performance of The Last Post, and not a sound was heard during the Two Minutes of Silence. Eman Alkahwaji was a co-MC for the ceremony.
Sam’s friends gather after the ceremony to congratulate her on her heartfelt speech.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-Nov8-Huntley-Lilas.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-11-21 21:05:292024-11-28 13:35:162024 Vic High Remembrance Day Ceremony
Grade 11 student and co-founder of the Vic High Archives Club, Sereia Alves, admires the Great War Banner. “It’s beautiful,” she said, as she saw the banner hung for the first time.
2024 The Great War Banner On Display Again
Vic High staff and students who served in World War 1 were honoured again this year as Vic High’s Great War Banner was hung on the school’s Fernwood Street side for the first time since 2019. The banner was presented to Vic High in 1920. White maple leaves denote nursing sisters, larger maple leaves near the top are for staff, and smaller maple leaves are for students. Blue leaves denote a Vic High alumni who came home, and red leaves are for those who gave their lives. Read more here.
Vic High Vice-Principal Dani Mercer and Biology teacher David Young led the process to feed the banner out David’s biology class windows and secure it to cleats installed on inside window frames, with help from Vic High Archives Club members Sereia Felips-Alves, Sam Lilas, and Tallulah McLeod, and students in David’s biology class.
Once the banner was hung, VP Mercer emailed all staff with information about the banner and a slide presentation was launched on all the school’s hallway television monitors. Archives Club members made an announcement about the banner, encouraging students and staff to visit the banner.
The banner was found in Vic High’s basement in 2004 and has hung most years since then, except the years Vic High was temporarily in session at the old S.J. Willis school. It lives year-round carefully folded between layers of acid-free tissue, in the largest acid-free archival box the Vic High Alumni could buy. The Alumni funds all archival supplies for the Vic High Archives and Museum, and Alumni volunteers manage the school’s growing collections of historical artifacts and information.
PS Vic High made the news! Victoria Times Colonist November 8.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-War-Banner-1.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-11-07 15:53:372024-11-21 09:01:002024 The Great War Banner On Display Again
Rolf Gjelsten, VHS 1972, Vic High’s Doctor of Music
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Rolf Gjelsten came from a very musical Vic High family. He started playing the accordion at age 10, became interested in the cello at age 13, and played the trumpet in the Victoria High School band in Grade 11.
“There was no orchestra (at Vic High),” Rolf recalled. “So I just practiced (my music) in a free period and played the trumpet in the band.” During his Vic High years, Rolf was a member of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra under conductor Laszlo Gati.
Rolf’s parents raised their three children, Eleanor, Freida, and Rolf in their Hollywood Crescent home across from the Ross Bay cemetery. It was so unique in its floral elegance that it became a stop on tourist bus routes.
The Gilsteins (Rolf changed the spelling to better reflect his family’s Norwegian heritage) were known for their folk dancing and were part of the establishment of the Norway House still standing on Hillside Avenue. Their dance group was also part of iconic Vic High teacher Tommy Mayne’s 1959 Song of Norway production. Eleanor was in Grade 10 at Vic High at the time.
Before beginning at age 15 to study the cello with James Hunter and Janos Starker of Victoria, Rolf had won two consecutive US northwest accordion championships. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1976, a year before he became the youngest member of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra. He had also been awarded the silver medal at the Canadian National Music Festival at 22.
Rolf earned his Masters degree in Cincinnati under Zara Nelsova and his Doctorate of Music from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey under the tutelage of Bernard Greenhouse. He also taught cello at Sarah Lawrence College in New York.
On May 10, 1994, Rolf joined the New Zealand String Quartet, about three months after his wife, Helene Pohl, joined the Wellington-based group as a violinist. He also joined the staff of the New Zealand School of Music as an assistant professor of cello and coordinator of Chamber Music. He and Helene remained as celebrated musicians with the Quartet for thirty years. He also performed in venues around the world, and his very valuable cello has a seat of its own on flights when he travels.
Rolf and Helene
In 1977, Rolf became a New Zealand citizen and in 2014 he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music. He credits some of his musical grounding to two winters and many summers at the Banff School of Fine Arts where he was able to play with many fine artists.
But he fondly remembers his Victoria roots. “I loved my time at all my schools (Margaret Jenkins elementary, Central Junior, Victoria High and University of Victoria), especially at Vic High,” he said. “I had fantastic teachers and a group of great friends.”
Rolf, a straight “A” Vic High student, said he loved science, math, and numerous sports: swimming, tennis, badminton, track and field and volleyball. “I cherish all those memories!” However, music is his life’s passion, and he thanks those who influenced him at a young age. His active days at Vic High saw him recognized at graduation with a Commerce First Year Typing award, the Alex Fairbairn award in Science, and a Vic High Service Activity pin.
“I’ve been so lucky with inspirational musicians in my career, with so many mentors and colleagues guiding me to the fulfilling life I have now.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Rolf-and-cello.jpg234153Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-10-18 17:17:182024-10-21 14:52:10Rolf Gjelsten, VHS 1972 Vic High’s Doctor of Music
George Cummings, VHS 1954 Always Room For the Unexpected
By Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Age is a state of mind, and George Cummings is as creative and adventurous as ever. This past summer he went skydiving for the first time and loved it. “It was great fun!” says George, “I’d do it again.” A lifetime of hiking and mountaineering may have helped keep his physical body in good shape, but it’s his authenticity and curiosity that has inspired and motivated him, a willingness to try new things and as George says, ‘always leave room for the unexpected.”
George attended Vic High from Grade 9 – 12. His classmates named him ‘Most Likely To Blow Up the World’ in the 1954 Camosun yearbook, back when chemistry was his passion and his life goal. He even had a small chemistry lab at home, the source of a very small corked vial containing a little yellow ammonium sulphide that he brought to school one day. At lunchtime he chose a seat in the cafeteria with his friends, with his back to the entry to take advantage of the draft when the doors opened. After eating, he surreptitiously uncorked his vial under the table just long enough for the sulphide’s stench to waft to nearby downwind students, who grumbled ‘Who blew?’ as they moved from the area. His friend, Doug, was so delighted with the prank that he bought the vial from George for 25 cents. Then unbeknownst to George who was out on a walk, Doug uncorked the vial for far too long in Math teacher, Bob Hunter’s classroom in the school’s west wing. When George returned from his walk, he immediately knew what had happened. The windows of all three classrooms in the area were open and most students had not returned to them. He went into Mr. Hunter’s room and found him pressing Doug to tell him where he got the chemical. But Doug wouldn’t tell. So George did. The vial was not returned.
Another Vic High memory that comes up for George is about rugby. “[Teacher and coach] Porky Anderson’s brother, Joe, taught science,” says George. “He would keep the boys after school until enough of us joined his Bantam Rugby team, which I did in Grade 10 before I took on after-school jobs. At 125 pounds I was the heaviest team member and so played tail in the scrum. No one ever tossed the ball my way, though, because they knew I couldn’t catch it. I just ran around the field and pushed in the scrum.”
George’s grad write-up also listed ‘Art, Grad Choir, and Y’s Club’ [current affairs discussions], and ‘our Capulet’ to describe him. George had been active in art classes throughout school, even taking weekend classes while still in elementary school, and speaks highly of Vic High art teacher Frances Cameron. “My time at Vic High was quite pleasant,” says George, “but I didn’t participate much. I had two jobs. I delivered the Vancouver Sun and worked after school at different jobs.” One of his after-school activities, though, was joining fellow students to act out a scene from Romeo and Juliet playing Capulet, Juliet’s father, as he discovered her love for Romeo.
After his 1954 graduation, he did two years of sciences at Victoria College,* but switched to the arts and graduated from UBC with a degree in Philosophy. A random trip to Portland with UBC friends landed him in love, so he stayed, and has lived there ever since. “I never wanted to come out in Victoria,” he says. “I’m sure students at school suspected I was gay but nobody every bothered me or bullied me.”
Honan Type Vase, c. 1970 George Cummings
In Portland he worked in the University of Oregon’s Medical School, and one year took an evening class in ceramics. He ended up quitting his lab job and working at Pacific Stoneware for his ceramics instructor, subsequently travelling in Europe and worked in two different ceramics studios there. Eventually he returned to Portland and taught ceramics for many years while also becoming a very prolific potter himself. During that time, he was one of the first three ceramics artists to have his work exhibited at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, and several of his pieces are in the Gallery’s collections.
His Artist Statement on the AGGV website reads: “Victoria is my home town, and I have a long connection with the AGGV going back to about 1950 when it was on Broughton Street next to the Royal Theatre. I was in a show of works by John Lidstone’s Saturday Morning Art Class. My piece was a painting of dinosaur on large sheet of construction paper. As I recall, Colin Graham was the Gallery’s founding director. In 1967, Colin curated the Gallery’s first exhibition of contemporary ceramics featuring work by the Groves and myself, and it was he who suggested that Mrs. Pollard purchase the pieces you have. And then there was the Back to the Land exhibition, which I had the pleasure of attending.”
Without the means to set up his own studio, he eventually left his pottery work behind and did IT work in the life insurance industry for 15 years. Not long before COVID changed everyone’s life, he unpacked some bowls and vases he’d made years earlier and decided it was time to get back into his art. His style evolved, and his knowledge of chemistry led him to develop his own palette of glazes. His colour preferences had evolved too, from earlier muted tones to vibrant, clear colours which suited his new whimsical designs as his handbuilding skills improved using pinch, coil and slab techniques.
George calls what he does ‘Playing with Clay’. He often starts handling some clay — pinching, coiling or rolling out a slab — without a clear idea of where he’s going to go with it. “Soon a direction develops,” he says, “but I might not stick to it, because I’ve noticed another possibility, and then perhaps another and another, so that I end up with something completely unexpected.” George’s thoughts perfectly describe the creative process, and perhaps an approach to life we all might embrace. “Every moment has an opportunity to be creative.” He believes this is really significant in his life and work, even though there’s times when he forgets it or doesn’t feel that it’s true. “It may be just another way of saying that there is always room for the unexpected,” he goes on, “but I think it goes deeper. The unexpected provides the opportunity, and when it occurs I have a choice. I can say ‘Oh, that’s interesting. What can I make of it?’ or I can say ‘Damn!’ or ignore it.” How wonderful might it be if we all approached life like George.
Monkey Face rappel
George had always loved hiking, and it was two co-workers at his medical school job that introduced him back then to the Mazamas, a 130-year old mountaineering organization in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Europe. His years of climbing mountains in the area with Mazamas made him the perfect participant in a 2023 rappel down 473 feet of Portland’s 536 foot skyscraper, the Bancorp Tower, known locally as ‘the Big Pink’ because of its copper-coloured glass. He and 50 other thrillseekers raised funds in the ‘Rappel for Purpose’, with his proceeds going to the Mazamas to support their ongoing work in climbing education, outdoor leadership, and conservation. But his most impressive feat was climbing Monkey Face at age 80. The 350′ tower is an icon of Smith Rock State Park in Oregon, a challenging climb and descent which few will tackle.
George’s brother John, VHS 1955, graduated from UBC with a degree in Forestry, Yale University with a Masters in Forestry, and from the University of California at Berkeley with a PhD in Genetics. He died in 2009. George donated to the Alumni so he and John each have a plaque in the Vic High Auditorium.
*Victoria College was founded at Vic High in 1903. Vic High’s Principal, Samuel J. Willis, ran the school and the college, which occupied the fourth floor of the 1914 building. When it outgrew that space it moved to Craigdarroch Castle. From there it moved to Richmond and Lansdowne where Camosun College Lansdowne Campus is located, and eventually relocated and became the University of Victoria.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Skydive-scaled.jpg16142560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-09-15 15:05:552024-09-23 17:19:43George Cummings, VHS 1954 Always Room For the Unexpected
The Vic High auditorium was the only place I really felt at home.
How fitting it is, then, that Peter McKinnon would go on to spend his life in the theatre world in one way or another, and come home to help shape the new Vic High Auditorium we see today.
Stage Crew. Peter, standing 2nd from left
Peter was a busy guy at Vic High. Future Teachers Club, Stage Crew, Reach For the Top team, Calamity Players, Drama teacher Bert Farr’s plays. He was Captain Fisby in the school’s production of Teahouse of the August Moon, which ran at both Vic High and McPherson Playhouse. Encouraging school spirit was a natural for Peter, too.
Peter as Captain Fisby in Teahouse of the August Moon
“My parents weren’t keen on me continuing in theater,” says Peter. “ ‘You need a vocation!’, they said, so I went to UVic and got a BA in English.” But the theatre was in his blood, so he enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Directing, History and Design, with a particular interest in Lighting Design. He would come home to Victoria during the summers, working at a well-paid job in the Naval Reserve. “I finished my degree and came back to Victoria,” says Peter, “and soon realized I’d exhausted all lighting design possibilities in BC in about half an hour!” So he moved to Toronto.
Peter 3rd from right, raising school spirit at the stadium
He had no specific plans or goal, only wondering if it would be possible to make a living for a season in live theatre. But he did it. In spades. He ended up over the years designing lighting for some 450 productions, mainly in dance and opera across Canada and around the world. Every summer he taught at the Banff School of Fine Arts, and created the Stagecraft Program there. In 1985 he started at York University in Toronto teaching lighting design and stagecraft, then took over the Theatre Management program. With two friends he launched a production company that performed on Broadway in New York, then launched another one on his own and premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Reach for the Top was a TV show where high school teams competed by answering tough questions. So you know these four were top students!
Writing and editing books was also a natural fit for Professor McKinnon: New Theatre Words, a dictionary of theatre terminology is translated into over 28 languages, Designer Shorts, A Brief Look at Contemporary Canadian Scenographers and Their Work, and the 2007 publication One Show, One Audience, One Single Space by Jean-Guy Lecat that he edited. In 2007 he helped organize a huge Canadian exhibit at the Prague Quadrennial. “At the time,” says Peter, “there was no international catalogue of stage design.” So Peter ended up co-editing two volumes of World Scenography, 1975 – 1990 and 1990 – 2005, working with over 165 contributors around the world to create what became a key resource in every serious theatre school in the world. His last book, Sailors and Stagehands, was the culmination of eight years of research into when, where, and under what circumstances backstage terminology became so nautical. These books now all reside in the Vic High Library Alumni collection and can be borrowed by alumni. Over the years, he also stepped up to support various organizations related to his work, sitting on or leading executive boards.
When planning of the massive Vic High upgrade was underway, he lent his expertise to help School District 61 and Vic High Principal Aaron Parker assess the auditorium and where the opportunities lie to make improvements. During the last stages of the upgrade he was often called upon by SD 61 Capital Projects Manager Mora Cunningham for information or advice.
The day we met, in March 2024, he’d just toured the auditorium work in progress, and he was very impressed by what he saw. “I’ve been in a lot of theatres and public buildings around the world,” he said, “and I have to say, the woodworking craftsmanship I saw on my tour of Vic High today is the finest I’ve seen in Canada outside the parliamentary precinct in Ottawa.” He still lives in Toronto but comes home frequently, to attend Black and Gold Dinners hosted by the Alumni, to see friends and family. His brother, Ian McKinnon, VHS 1966, is a Director of the Vic High Alumni.
New stage drapes and Vic High logo’d panel in the proscenium arch. (Excuse the scaffolding. Speakers and sound levels were being set as photo was taken.)
“Vic High really shaped me,” he said. “Most lunchtimes you’d find me in the auditorium, about a third of the way down the center aisle, sitting quietly and eating my lunch. Sometimes Cedric Zala or Gunnar Cordsen would be in there playing the grand piano beside the stage. It was magical. Yes, I really enjoyed my time at Vic High.”
PS And yes, Peter assured me, there is a smile behind that famous moustache and beard. LOL
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Teahouse-August-Moon.jpeg20081510Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-09-14 16:55:202024-09-18 15:56:27Peter McKinnon, VHS 1968 Vic High Is Home
Part 1 (June 2020 – Vic High Archives, preparing to close)
Practical Chemistry.Fundamental Facts and Applications to Modern Life. Seemingly just another in the pile of old textbooks and novels awaiting examination, numbering, and adding to the Archives and Museum of our extraordinary Vic High. A yellowing sheet of paper tucked inside its pages. A name, a division, a school’s initials stamped inside its cover. And curious things written in pencil beside them. I turn a few pages. Published in 1930 in Toronto. Penned by two Harvard Associate Professors, it was ‘Adapted for Use in the High Schools of British Columbia’. Well that’s impressive.
The yellowing sheet is precious, scribbled calculations on the outside undecipherable, at least by me. Careful, the edges are brittle with small tears in places. One more unfolding and a hand-written poem reveals itself.
Five years have passed, five summers with the length
Of five long winters! and again I hear
Those waters, rolling from their mountain springs
With a soft inland murmur. Once again
Do I behold those steep and lofty cliffs.
There’s more lines to read. This is good! But for the moment, I am distracted by that name and those curious pencilled notes. And what other secrets this greyish linen-bound book might reveal.
Who is this Frank Crocker, Division 6, V H S? He’s stamped those words into this book. Permanent. Non-transferrable to another student. Did they own their school books back then? Or was this textbook returned and the next student that used it got to add their name, got to read Frank’s poems, too. In my day textbooks were borrowed by a new student each year, returned, stored, and lent out again until the life ran out of them. Each year a new student received them in anticipation (or dread!), read what was required, gleaned what they could from their pages, and returned them at year’s end. (Do students even use textbooks nowadays?)
Apparently this first little stanza is just the beginning in a series of clues, a scavenger hunt of sorts, inside a chemistry textbook. (Was Frank bored in chemistry class? Was he yearning to be in English class penning more rhymes?) It starts…
If this Book Should
Happen to Rome
Box its Ears
And send it home.
And on the adjacent page, under a number – H30 – and a price – 1.50 –
If my name you wish to see
Turn to page 103
More pencilled lines, right above “HOW TO WRITE EQUATIONS”
Now you’ve come so far to look
Turn again to the back of the book.
Someone’s got a sense of humour, leading us on a merry chase. And there inside the back cover:
Oh you fool you couldn’t find it
So close the book and never mind it.
And pencilled in underneath: Frank Crocker
Well, I have to find this chap. A few steps away, pale yellow acid-free boxes march down the shelves. Old Class Registers, organized by year and division. But wait. 65+ years worth. And I have no idea where to start looking. The task looms large. And there’s so many more items to be accessioned into the Vic High Collections before Vic High closes for its upgrade. I can’t take the time to search now.
I number the book, document it and its condition, take a photo of the cover, and set it aside for now. With so much to do, I musn’t be distracted. This magnificent school, built in 1914 and standing today as proud and strong as ever, is being torn apart on the inside, about to be brought into current times. And all the old treasures in these Archives must be sorted and listed and protected, and in a few months, packed in cartage boxes for careful storage during the upheaval.
I set Frank’s book aside for another day.
Part 2 (June 2024 – Vic High Archives is now open again)
I find the story I’d started four years ago about Frank Crocker and his chemistry book, and I go searching for the book. So many questions. Who is Frank Crocker, Division 6, VHS? Was this his book, or did he just add his thoughts to one loaned to him that he failed to return? Do you think he’s still alive? How long ago did he donate these books to the Vic High Archives? I’d noticed his name in other books as we first sorted the big pile of old books in the , choosing which ones to keep and which ones to pass along to the school district’s archives. Of course we kept Frank’s books, clearly identified with Frank’s stamp as ‘V.H.S’.
Or maybe it was his descendants who brought them in, a daughter or son going through their dad’s things and finding all these books stamped with his name, stopping and wondering if they might be valuable somewhere? And taking the time to bring these precious memories here.
Ah, Chemistry. I remember that Grade 12 science requirement well. Ron Blasner, teacher extraordinaire. Paul Wyle. Smartest kid in the class. Thankfully he and I were partnered up or who knows what kind of a mark I’d have gotten. (Chemistry was not my choice. I couldn’t imagine cutting up frogs or who-knows-what in Biology. And Physics just seemed too hard. So there you go. Chemistry.) I’m glad Practical Chemistry hadn’t been my textbook. Way too many words! And such small type. Oh my.
But Chemistry class was the source of one of my most vivid high school memories: Chemistry class without a second spent on Chemistry! Ron was one of the most positive, engaging people you could ever meet. The fact that he landed in teaching was a huge gift to so many of us over the years. One day, as we all settled onto our stools, he greeted us with ‘Did you hear about……’ And the next thing you know, we were busy feeding him questions about the current affair he found fascinating that day, anything to keep him talking and us not doing chemistry. No, I don’t recall what that current affair was, but clearly some students knew a lot about it, and the rest of us paid attention and learned a lot, right up until the bell went to end the class. I didn’t learn any chemistry that day, but Ron Blasner’s respect for students, his approach to engaging us, and our clear ability to understand and debate the issues of the day, has stuck with me all these years.
But I digress. Frank Crocker. I found him! (Remember those handwritten cards we had to fill out every September, with contact information on the front and our class schedule on the back? The Archives has them all – from 1916 through to the mid-1980s. They’re an invaluable resource.) So Frank Herbert Crocker started at Vic High in 1929, grade 9. He lived on Clare Street, and registered for Grade 11 on September 14, 1931, Div. 6. So Practical Chemistry was his textbook in Grade 11. There’s a note on the card that says he left Vic High in April 1932. Maybe the muse was just too strong and he left for a life writing poetry. Or more likely, he got a decent paying job and left school to make his fortune. Thanks, Frank. I hope you had a great life!
PS I wonder what Mr. Blasner would have thought of Frank Crocker in his Chemistry class? In Frank’s day, I’m sure his sense of humour would have been brought strictly into line! But Mr. Blasner? He’d have found Frank’s quirky humour engaging.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_4490.jpeg20131349Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-09-01 17:26:502024-09-03 19:09:58Frank Crocker, Chemistry, and Mr. Blasner
Victoria High School was my home away from home. Mum worked long days in her gift shop on View Street and my stepdad ran a sawmill in Lytton, BC, so home life was negligible. I found my family in friends and teachers at school, and joined all kinds of clubs so my social circle was wide.
The school environment encouraged learning and participation in a plethora of extracurricular activities within a structure of high expectations. This could be attributed to the excellent teachers, to name a few:
Colin Glover, who encouraged me to earn a big V by joining inter-house sports and to audition for cheerleading,
Beatrice Sutton, whose stern demeanour demanded a “secretarial/professional” attitude from us, yet on one of my last days at school, she snuck three of us out of class for ice cream. Many years later, I ran into her at a Business Educator conference and she greeted me with, “You’re one of us, aren’t you?”,
Cary Goulson, who let you retake a test if you thought you could get a better mark, and who always addressed us as “people”,
Courageous Miss Cox, a former member of the French Resistance, who imbued in me the love of speaking French as she supervised the library. She came into our gift shop a few years later and told me she had married a commercial fisherman,
Doug Smith, who let us put our heads down after lunch during English Lit while he read Chaucer and other heavy tomes, but somehow got analytical essays out of us,
Charlie Trotter, who handed me a leaflet from Victoria College and encouraged me to become a Business Education teacher like him. He got me a summer job at General Business School on Broughton Street and every day I would phone him saying: “I can’t do this.” But somehow he convinced me to persevere.
I remember shivering in the early morning Physical Education (PE) class as Roberta West and I (always the first), jogged around the 1/4-mile cinder track, sometimes waving to the “Tech boys” who loitered across the way. Few of us had spike track shoes so it was difficult to gain traction as we huffed and puffed along with the effort and cold, blowing puffs of breath clouds. My one triumphant remembrance was running in the girls’ relay with Carol Cranston, our school track star, as the last runner, making us first in the Inter-house track meet.
Every lunch hour, I ate with my Chinese girl friends, stopping at the washroom to refresh our lipsticks. The mirrors were so high, I could never use them and to this day, I can apply lipstick without looking. Just before the bell rang for afternoon class, we would walk by the smokers (usually boys) lined up in the main hallway. They had been “captured” smoking at the nearby convenience store by the Vice Principal, Victor Thompson, whose commanding voice could be heard saying “Pay attention!”. He later became Superintendent of Schools and hired me to teach alongside my former Grade Five teacher, Alan Jones, in the Business Department of Mount Douglas Secondary in 1968.
I joined Y-Teens and took my first trip away from home on my own to New Westminster with my sidekick, Jean Barker, and other members. Under the guidance of Mr. Hunter, my inspiring Math teacher, and my Shorthand teacher, Mr. Glover, we ran the Students’ Council. During our graduation year of 1957/58, an intellectual student, Howard Lim, was voted in as president, (a successful campaign launched by his cohorts, Gordon Eekman, Winston Roberts and Martin Bergbusch), winning over the athlete, David Skillings. I became Secretary by acclamation and Walter Creed was treasurer, which foretold his future as an Accountant. Later, one of my secretarial students did her work experience in his company in 1969. Wendy Love, Ed Pomeroy, Harold Ridgeway, Skip McBratney, Gudrun Marquardt and Bruce Atkinson were also on Council.
As a cheerleader, in Grade 12, I attended all the Totem basketball games. Larry Ballard would lift me up high and I’d land in the splits. The half-time entertainment were the majorettes in their black sweaters and white pleated skirts. Were we ever proud the next year, when the Totems, coached by “Porky” Andrews, won the 1959 BC High School Basketball Championship. I rode my bike from my Vancouver Street home down to the wharf on Government Street to welcome them home from Vancouver.
The only gang activity I recollect is when five of us who belonged to the Girls’ Auxiliary to Christ Church Cathedral, decided we needed a ride home in Gerald Quan’s light blue Studebaker. There were no seatbelt laws in those days and we all bundled in. I was dropped off at my Mum’s gift shop and asked that “everyone come in and buy something,” which was just wishful thinking. Most of the others lived in the Rockland area and it was many miles and hours before Gerald got back to his home in Lansdowne.
I had taken dance classes since I was five, and Norma Douglas, the Vic High music teacher, acknowledged my talent by giving me opportunities to perform at school functions. I danced a tap number to an Irish Jig on St. Patrick’s Day, and performed a toe tap on stairs at the School Fair many, many times. My accompanist, Peter Wilkinson, told me he was VERY tired of playing “Louise” so many of those times.
Those who could afford it, dressed in the latest styles: zoot suit pants, white poplin jackets, white suede shoes known as “Boone boots” (after Pat Boone), saddle oxfords, and the chemise (a loose-fitting dress). Off-the-rack clothes were too large for me and children’s clothes did not replicate adult styles, so I was out of luck. However, chemises I could easily whip up, mainly just two seams on the sewing machine.
Graduation followed tradition and Grade 11 students decorated the gym. One could join the Grad choir and sing the Joe & Noel Sherman song popularized by the Four Freshman, “Graduation Day”. One could join the Grad Dance team, which twice as many girls as boys joined. Henry Pluym and Bea Sutton planned two dances and one group of girls would sit on upholstered stools in a circle waiting their turn.
Names were drawn by the Commercial girls on the third floor for escort and banquet seating in the cafeteria on the hard wooden benches. Someone thought it would be amusing to pair the shortest boy, King Lee, with the tallest girl, Barbara Keung. They were good sports. On grad day, I attended a breakfast party at Bev Fletcher’s. We all got dropped off at school afterwards and had excitedly streamed across the front lawn. Once inside, we were beckoned into the office by Mr. Dee, the principal, and chastised for “inappropriate, rowdy” behaviour. After the grad dance, (having fallen off my first spike heels twirling in a jive, flat on my tush), I attended a party by the beach hosted by Pat Horne. I was not welcome in any Chinese households as my Grandfather had passed away in May and there was a cultural belief that I would bring his “ghost” into their homes.
During those formative high school years, I learned to take leadership roles, pursue anything that interested me and “rose to my potential” as educators are prone to say. It was a protective environment and at that time, I was oblivious of any kind of discrimination – my race, my size, my gender or economic background. It was only when I went into “real” society did these discriminations become apparent, which motivated me to work for the Program Against Racism for the BC Teachers Federation (BCTF) and to represent Surrey teachers on the District Multicultural Committee.
From these humble beginnings, I became a Business Educator modelling after my former teachers, served on the Program Against Racism for the BCTF, and pursuing my passion. I spent a year in Japan as a ballerina, and volunteered on the Board of the Auxiliary to Children’s Hospital. In my retirement, I live in Greater Vancouver, run a dance school in my home, perform in community musical theatre, (learning to sing at 62), and occasionally work as a commercial actor.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Knowledge-Network-Item.jpg1334750Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-09-01 13:16:402024-09-02 17:07:15Lynda Shioya, VHS 1958 Vic High Experiences Shaped Her Life
From her Alert Bay village on Vancouver Island’s east coast, to Rideau Hall in Ottawa where she received the Order of Canada from Governor General Julie Payette in 2017, Gloria Cranmer Webster lived a life full of advocacy, dedication, and action.
She was born July 4, 1933, in Alert Bay, one of nine children born to Kwakwaka’wakw chief Dan Cranmer and his wife Agnes. She attended what was then called the Indian Day School and at age 11, lied about her age to get a job at the local cannery.
Chief Dan and his wife realized early in Gloria’s life that she was destined for greatness and allowed her to move away to attend high school. That meant they had to surrender her custody to the state.
At 14, she travelled by steamship to Victoria and enrolled in Grade 9 at Vic High. She described her initial impression of Vic High: “Going to the school for the first time was truly scary, as the social worker and I arrived when classes were changing. There were 1,100 students, and I was coming from a dinky little school where I was in one of two classrooms with maybe, 30 kids. I was the only native student at Vic High and became best friends with the only black girl. Her name was Bernice and we became known as “Bern and Glow.”
She described her first Vic High year as “pretty rough” and looked forward to Christmases and summers back home in Alert Bay each year. Gloria’s parents celebrated her graduation from Vic High in 1949 with a huge feast in Alert Bay.
Gloria became the first Indigenous person to enroll at the University of British Columbia and the first to graduate in 1956 with a degree in anthropology. She earned her way through university by working as a deckhand and at a hospital, but it was working at the UBC Museum, later renamed the Museum of Anthropology, that inspired Gloria’s path in life. She also worked at the Oakalla Penitentiary in New Westminster for two years and at the John Howard Society for two years. It was at the JHS that she met her future husband, John Webster.
Gloria and John moved back to Vancouver from Regina, where John had been posted for 18 months by the JHS, and she worked as a counsellor at the YMCA at what was then known as the Vancouver Indian Centre.
In 1971, she joined UBC’s Department of Anthropology to teach, and to support the development of museum studies and the museum’s assistant curator.
In 1921 at an Alert Bay potlatch ceremony hosted by her father, the federal government had confiscated masks, regalia and other treasures. Gloria was asked to help in efforts to repatriate what became known as the Potlatch Collection.
Gloria returned to her Alert Bay roots in 1975 and continued her commitment to her Kwakwaka’wakw people and the repatriation of the Potlatch Collection. Her efforts drew worldwide attention and she was credited with inspiring an international movement.
Gloria’s battle for the return of treasured pieces came to a successful end in 1979 when the federal government began to return items on the condition that a proper museum facility was available to house the artifacts. She is a founding curator of the U’mista Cultural Society in Alert Bay, which was incorporated under the B.C. Societies Act, on March 22, 1974. In November of 1980, the U’mista Cultural Society Museum was opened in Alert Bay with artifacts from the 1921 Potlatch Collection on display.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, invested 10 Officers and 34 Members into the Order of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, on November 17, 2017. Above is Gloria Cranmer Webster, O.C. Credit: Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall, OSGG
Pieces of that collection are still being sought and brought home. Some have gone as far as the Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian.
Myrna Cranmer, who has been collecting information about Gloria, called her aunt an “amazing person.” Not only did Gloria repatriate her people’s history, but she also collaborated with Jay Powell to reclaim the Kwakwaka’wakw alphabet, language and audio recordings.
Her fierce advocacy was said to be so bright that it lit up Alert Bay.
Gloria died on April 19, 2023, at Port Hardy Hospital.
It has been 60 years since my graduation from Victoria High School in 1964. A recent Alumni tour of the new school triggered many fond memories. I’d like to share a graduation and an ‘after-grad’ memory, and a story of the one time I visited the Principal’s office.
The graduation ceremony for our large class of about 375 students took place in the school’s auditorium, followed by a light dinner in the New (Andrews) Gym and a dance in the Old (Roper) Gym, which was festooned with paper streamers. I think the grade 11 class was responsible for the decorations. The only photo I have from the occasion shows me and friends looking up at someone with a camera on the balcony that surrounded the Old Gym: Corol Smith, Dale Ingram, Phil Humber and Carol Bishop.
I recall the dance at the school ended before midnight, but the party was not yet over; there was an After-Grad party to attend. The A.G. Dance was organized by myself, Dale Ingram and a couple others (wish I could remember who) helped organize the after party. It was held at the White Eagles Hall, 90 Dock Street, in James Bay from 1:00am to 5:ooam. My parents, John and Darline Smith, graciously volunteered to stay up all night to act as chaperones. The hall management required at least two adult chaperones. Imagine the risk renting the facility to a small group of teenaged girls for the purpose of celebrating the end of school in the wee hours of the morning.
We charged $2.50 per ticket and entry was restricted to ticket holders. At some time during the dance a group of party goers from the Oak Bay High School after-grad festivities attempted, unsuccessfully, to crash our party. I remember my parents were so impressed with the responsible behaviour of all our guests.
My parents managed the small concession we set up to sell snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. No doubt there were ‘under the table’ beverages brought to the party by some of the guests. I wonder if anyone recalls the music to which we danced in the first hours of escape from the school years. I believe we had someone playing records. At our ticket prices, it is doubtful we hired a band, but the faded memory eludes.
The After Grad Dance was a great success. We, the organizers, had enough money left from the ticket and concession sales to buy a thank you gift for my parents’ generous contribution of their support and time. They were thrilled with their first barbeque, a bright green bowl shaped vessel with a rack propped on three spindly legs. We did not have enough money to purchase coals to go with it, but the barbeque gift was most appreciated. Dad went out immediately to buy coals and we had hot dogs for dinner that night. I still have a small exercise book used as a guest book and I plan to contact the Vic High Archives to donate the guest book, ticket and photo of the grads in the Old Gym.
I was never called the principal’s office during my time at Vic High. Mr. Gav Thompson was at the helm in those years. However, some 5 years later, in early 1969, I did visit the principal’s office. There was a significant snowfall in Victoria just after Christmas Day 1968. The snow remained for quite some time. It was early January and the snow continued to clog the streets when school re-opened after the December vacation. I lived nearby on Balmoral Avenue at the time, and worked in my first teaching job at Prospect Lake School. The commute home that day went very smoothly until I made a brief stop at the small store on Camosun Street, which happened to be closed. My small Anglia car got stuck in the very deep snow bank.
I decided to walk to the school to use the telephone for help, and walked up the front steps at the Grant Street entrance. I did so with some trepidation as students in my time at the school were never permitted to the main entrances. It was always Girls at the Fernwood Entrance and Boys at the entrance adjacent to the track. The principal, Mr. Lorimer, was still at the school. He remembered me from my time years earlier at Lansdowne Junior High when he was the vice-principal. He chuckled when I told him of my problem and then called for help from the custodian and a couple of students who were shooting hoops at the gym. The four heroes followed me to my car, lifted the wee thing off the snowbank and positioned the wheels in the rutted tracks on the uncleared road. I cautiously drove two blocks to my apartment and called the school, at Mr. Lorimer’s request, to let him know I had made it safely home. I am grateful to this day for help from the principal.
Sweethearts After Vic High
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Corol married Rupee Pallan, VHS 1961, but it wasn’t until their overlapping years at UVic that they met. He’d left Vic High the June before Corol started at Vic High. Both were teachers in the Sooke School District, with Rupee spending most of his time as a school Vice-Principal or Principal and Corol teaching at the elementary level before and after their sons were born. They now have five grandchildren, all living in Victoria, who keep them very busy.
Corol continues: I have many hobbies, which keep me very busy. One is genealogy. Once retired, I started to research our family history. My great grandparents and / or grandparents were all pioneers of one sort or another. Rupee’s grandfather was among the first East Indian immigrants to come to Victoria in 1906, so also of pioneering ilk. I spent 10 years documenting our family history into a book named “Footsteps To Dreams”. I self-published it to share with my children, grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews. On the suggestion from my publisher, First Choice Books of Victoria, I submitted a copy to the BC Genealogical Society. Much to my surprise, it was awarded the society’s “Family History Book Award” in 2015. I have attached a picture taken at the by book launch event and another taken on a recent Mediterranean cruise.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/After-Grad-Ticket.jpg559901Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-06-20 17:47:482024-06-21 10:54:45After-Grad 1964 in James Bay
13 Games, Sightseeing Galore, Disco Nights, and The Who
By King Lee, VHS 1958 and Linda Baker, VHS 1969
When one of the highlights of your 1980 Vic High field hockey trip to Great Britain is the flight home, it might not auger well for the tour itself. But 13 Vic High students on that three-week adventure emphatically state that the Air Canada flight home from London was simply the icing on the cake. The genesis of the tour was PE teacher and field hockey coach Barrie Hanslip’s idea, and once player Carol Jones’ mother Donna agreed to join as manager and chaperone, the trip was on.
The genesis of the trip was PE teacher and field hockey coach Barrie Hanslip’s idea. Fundraising began in earnest, player Carol Jones’ mother Donna agreed to help chaperone the team, and games were arranged with UK teams. Vic High players Alana Armstrong (now Martin), Sharon Cumberbatch, Teresa Fanning, Brigid Flynn, Gina Henley, Jey Hills, Kerry Hodgkinson, Carol Jones, Rose Maguire, Violet McDougall, Linda Shiplack, Jane Underwood, and Marilyn Wilson all signed up to go, and Janet Ruest from Parkland Secondary in Saanich was persuaded to join the trip in case of injuries.
“Our team was very competitive on the Island at the time,” says Marilyn, “and this epic 3 week playing tour in the U.K. was a highlight of our school years for sure.” The team played games in England and Scotland, and spent a beautiful Easter weekend playing in a tournament in Penzance, Cornwall. “Miss Hanslip was our tour leader and van driver,” continues Marilyn, “learning left-side drive and right-side steering wheel quickly, with navigator Donna Jones on her left.” Donna, herself a Vic High 1957 grad, also kept a daily log of the tour. (See below.)
They played thirteen games, with four wins, eight losses, and a tie. And of course no tour of young girls happens without a little shopping and maybe a little disco time. Sights were seen, side trips were taken, one memorable one by boat to St. Michael’s Mount in Cornwall to visit a historical chapel. See Donna Jones trip log summary below. April 12, 15 Victoria-bound travellers headed home, little realizing those three weeks might inspire some serious field hockey over the years, some very supportive friendships, and some laughter-filled group chats via the ‘Classy Ladies of the ‘80s’.
Note: A few years after their epic trip, two members of the team, Linda (Shiplack) Zilkie and Alanna (Armstrong) Martin, went on to play on the UVIC team that won the Canadian Nationals. Alanna is still playing with the Canadian National Women’s ‘over 60’ team, representing Field Hockey Canada Masters at the International level. She is one of the team’s goalkeepers and will play New Zealand in November.
Some members of the team got together recently and joined one of the Alumni Tours of Vic High. Alanna wore the 1980 Vic High field hockey jacket she sported on the British tour (it fits!), and brought along her field hockey sweater.
But back to that teaser in the headline: The Who. Yes, the one and only ‘Who’ of rock band fame.
When the Vic High team boarded their flight home, they quickly learned, (the grapevine is lightening-fast on a plane!), that the famous rock band was on board and had the first-class section to themselves and their entourage.
(In case you have been asleep for the last sixty years, (LOL), the British band was a powerhouse from 1964 – 1978 with Roger Daltrey on lead vocals, Pete Townshend on guitar, John Entwistle on bass, and Keith Moon on drums. They’re considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century, with hits like My Generation, I Can See for Miles, and Pinball Wizard.)
Apparently the band was headed for a Pacific Coliseum concert in Vancouver on April 14. “We chatted up the nice flight attendant of the entrance to First Class,” Marilyn recalls, “and peeked through the curtain to spy Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.” The girls then sweet-talked the male flight attendant to take in some of their books and got autographs from Roger and Pete.
“Later in the Vancouver airport,” Marily continues, “they were next to us in the immigration hall line-up, so we were pretty excited teenagers. I think Roger was nice enough to allow a quick picture with some of us girls.”
Pages from the 1980 Camosun
Donna Jones’ Diary
A condensed version of Donna Jones’ log of the Victoria High School Tomahawks girls field hockey tour of Great Britain from March 22 to April 12, 1980.
March 22/23 – Victoria to London, stayed at International Hall, affiliated with University of London. No sleep for 30 hours.
March 24 – Tour of London. B.C. House for lunch, Westminster Abbey (passed Houses of Parliament).
March 25 – Free day, National Art Gallery, pub lunch, walked past Buckingham Palace.
March 26 – Ormskirk (Liverpool area), Cricket Club to meet billets.
March 27 – Ormskirk. Lost two games, both by 3-0 scores.
March 28 – Liverpool. Open market, shopping, Disappointing Beatles monument. Tied 1-1. Back to Ormskirk.
March 29 – Went to Southport. Won 8-0. Back to Ormskirk.
March 30 – To Edinburgh. Castle tour, National Art Gallery.
April 1 – To Penicuik for game. Won 8-0.
April 2 – To Stratford.
April 3 – To Penzance.
April 4 – To Camford. Lost 3-1, then won 1-0. Disco dance.
April 5 – Lost two games, both by 3-0 scores.
April 6 – Easter Sunday, to St. Michael’s Mount, lost 3-1. Off to disco again.
April 7 – Won 3-2, lost 2-0.
April 8 – Penzance to Wiltshire (Swindon). Met hosts. Girls distributed around countryside.
April 9 – Grittleton. Lost 3-2. Off to Longleat, home of Marquis of Bath, wildlife preserve with camel rides.
April 10 – Tour of Castle Coomb (where Dr. Doolittle was filmed), Grittleton school for “Disco Supper.”
April 11 – Prep Day for trip home.
April 12 – Trip home, autographs from The Who’s Peter Townshend and Roger Daltrey.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1980-Tomahawks-On-Tour.jpeg395588Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-06-16 15:32:032024-06-23 16:57:00Vic High 1980 Tomahawks Tour Great Britain
As a part of Career Life Connections 12, which is a graduation requirement, students develop Capstone Projects to showcase how they have demonstrated engagement and growth in the three core competencies: communication, critical thinking, personal and social development. They do done this in one of two ways: developing and executing apassion project, or presenting artifacts that represent experiences/achievements/ interests.
Vic High’s new Multi-Purpose Room was the hub of this year’s Capstone Project presentations, with student displays spreading into the adjacent Community Center and the Vining Street Entrance. Each student’s project was assessed by staff as family, alumni, friends visited displays and chatted with students.
Annika (shown above) began riding almost nine years ago and loves it. She developed empathy with her horse, and ended up nursing Quinn through rehabilitation therapy as she herself was recovering from stomach surgery. She also learned to surrender to events, and developed understanding and patience. She’s also an accomplished artist, expressing her experiences through her art which garnered her an exhibit at Saanich Recreation Centre.
Anhuan ended up missing almost his entire Grade 10 year. His family travelled to Mexico when his grandfather became ill, and ended up staying when his grandfather died and the global pandemic kept them there. He continued studies online, learned to play the guitar, wrote lyrics, and now uses music software to express his connections with others. Anhuan was an active member of the Vic High Leadership Team and credits the Leadership teachers with invaluable mentoring as he learned self-discipline, teamwork, and the joy of helping others.
Arlo follows in his dad’s footsteps as an avid drummer and percussionist. But then, when your dad has performed at Rifflandia, your brothers play drums and guitar, and your dad soundproofed a room in your house, expressing feelings and releasing physical energy through drumming is pretty much second nature.
Aviva has danced for 10 years, four of them at Vic High as part of Platform 61. She loves the movement, the expression of herself, the creativity, and the friendships she’s developed. She’s also an active sportswoman, playing volleyball, basketball and soccer at Vic High. All these experiences increased her confidence, and she says that while Vic High isn’t the most athletic school, its culture of inclusivity is invaluable. She values her friendships with many international students and looks forward to attending McGill in the fall. Its unique Bachelor of Arts and Sciences program will provide the flexibility to narrow her path as she develops critical thinking and writing skills. (She’s also signed up to volunteer with the Vic High Alumni whenever she’s back in Victoria.)
Rayan has been in Canada just two years and loves Vic High. Her family arrived here from Syria not long after she learned about her diabetes, a condition she says makes her special. She wants to become a doctor, and help others manage their diabetes. Right now, as she completes Vic High’s Hairdressing Program, she also works as a cashier at Thrifty’s Broadmead, and at a hair salon. We know Rayan will achieve whatever goals she sets for herself. She has already adapted to live in five different cultures – and languages. Her native language is Arabic and she spoke it and Kurdish in her youth. When she was nine, her family moved to Turkey and she learned Turkish. Their next home was in Germany – a stop en route to Canada – where she learned German. And she began learning the perfect English she speaks only on arriving in Canada. A most extraordinary young woman.
Lucinda Booth and Principal Parker share a moment at grad.
It was a privilege to capture these moments as 151 Vic High Grads, of the 168 Class of 2024, were presented and honoured June 4 at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium. Students entered the stage two at a time, one from each side, and took their places on either side of the Vic High logo. After opening remarks, each walked across the stage to shake Principal Parker’s hand and in some cases, add a unique ‘greeting’ to mark the occasion. Teachers took turns reading what each had written about their time at Vic High as they met Principal Parker and returned to their seats.
Local dignitaries brought congratulations: Victoria – Beacon Hill MLA Grace Lore and Victoria Councillor Matt Dell. Keynote speaker, Vic High 2020-24 Renewal project architect Diana Studer, shared a little of the ingenuity and resiliency that it took, as in life, to complete the recent upgrades. Principal Parker’s speech was heartfelt and at times hilarious, as he shared that no matter where he goes next, he’ll always be Vic High. (We know he’s ours for at least one more year.) The ceremony ends, as it does each year,with the grads – and audience – singing a rousing version of Come Give A Cheer.
Be sure to read Principal Parker’s address to the grads…(and keep your tissues handy). But first –
Diana Studer, Vic High Renewal Architect, Grace Lore, Victoria-Beacon Hill MLA, Aaron Parker, Vic High Principal
Principal Aaron Parker’s Address
Seeing this remarkable group of young people behind me and contemplating the last four years I think to myself…What the hell was that? Honestly. What just happened?
Tobin’s first performance at our school took place in a cage? That’s correct. Our first musical theatre performance at Topaz was performed and broadcast from the fenced utility lock-up at the back of the parking lot. Prison style. I had no idea what any of these kids even looked like for two years. In fact, seeing someone’s nose in 2020 was our most common office referral. We painstakingly reorganized everyone’s schedules into isolated cohorts just to watch 800 students passing their vapes around in the parking lot. And I haven’t even started on our 2… I mean 3.. 3 and a half… 3 and 3/4 year renovation. This was not a typical high school experience. And I’m still making sense of it. For eight years I have had the honour of sharing a part of the story for the graduating class at Victoria High School. This year more than any other I have struggled to identify a unifying story of our 147th graduating class. For me it started in February of 2020.
This is one of our smallest grad classes. There was considerable hesitancy as we prepared for our temporary relocation to the Topaz campus. In fact, one third of the students that would normally come to Vic High requested transfer to other schools in the spring of 2020. With schools full across the district most of those requests were denied. As we know now, the worry about an inconvenient commute or learning in a dated facility was quickly overshadowed by a worldwide shut down followed by two years of health protocols that changed every aspect of these students’ high school experience. So maybe this is a story of resilience? We have 168 grads and there are 168 very different stories of resilience and strength.
If you know graduating students Raiker, Charlotte, Micheal and Sierra and consider what they have faced and how they have shown up for their families and the courage in which they live their lives, then resilience as a theme would make a lot of sense. I would also consider students like Sawyer, Reyona or Logan who go out of their way everyday to support others. Positivity and generosity would be a fitting theme. I could also argue that it is a story of justice and voice. Elizabeth Rose is our second consecutive Loran finalist – a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and social justice. Charlize’s campaign for youth health and Aviva’s organization of the environmental club will be legacies that will positively impact students in our school for years to come.
I think of our students who inspire through creativity. Hazel’s brilliance in creating works of art in our shops, or our rock stars Shane and Marlowe who make up 2/3rds of the popular alt rock band Sharon. These are artists that create with intent, their work has something to say, something poignant, something important. Fair play has also been a story for our grads. Our athletes have left a legacy that transcends their success on the field. Fred, Lucinda, Aliyah, Andre, Mustafa, Van and Devar are examples of students who have excelled in their sports and have set a new standard for fairness and integrity. Not only did our male volleyball team have the single most successful season for a Vic High team in 25 years, our program, including all our volleyball athletes, was awarded the prestigious Fair Play award by BC School Sports for their unrelenting positivity and virtue.
For me one of the big storylines has been fun. The annual pancake breakfast picture with Rory and Aviva that got increasingly ridiculous each year. Lucinda’s list of her favourite bald staff members. Thomas’s daily report of the school deficiencies. Or my many chats with Musa and Tamer in the parking lot. At one point I started to wonder if they skipped class for my benefit. What else was going to drag me out of the office for some daily banter and sunshine. “ Mr. Parker, you look stressed. Relax.” No wonder I have so much grey hair.
It was shared with me that Naomi Gladman recently said that the renovated Fernwood building in which this group has only spent 2 months, feels like this grad class’s real high school. A testament to the passion and dedication of Ms Studer and her team. Thank you again for your remarks today. As the first graduating class from the renovated Grant St. building I believe this group will most likely be associated with the new building and represent a transition into a new chapter for Vic High. I believe the next chapter in the 148 year story of Vic High will be one of renewal and significantly increased public interest and attention. This graduating class will always be connected to that chapter. But that is not the story for me.
When people find out what I do, they almost always want to share their connection to the school. Everyone is related to, or knows someone who attended Victoria High School. Of late, more and more I also get another response. People ask, “Did you apply for that job?” Like many of the students in the 2024 grad class, I did not apply for Vic High. I only knew Vic High from its reputation as a bit of a misfit school. A rundown Hogwarts full of artsy Fernwood youth. I too had my hesitations about joining the school. Eight years later I am giving what will likely be one of my last addresses to a graduating class at Victoria High School. Maybe it is because I see so much of my daughter in this group, she also graduates this year. Or maybe it is because of the threat that has loomed over them through their high school years that I feel protective of them. I feel like the back-up dad for 168 17 to 18 year olds.
While this group will undoubtedly be linked to the school’s homecoming and to our beautifully renovated building, my time at Vic High, and maybe my career, will be tied to this group. Each and every one of us had to make sense of a situation that no one had faced before.
To the grad class: Each of you created your own unique, personal, genuine stories. The small role I played keeping you safe when your story went off the script is something I am proud and thankful for. I am thankful for every irreverent A-A-Ron you have greeted me with. For every teary conversation we have had behind closed doors. For every chance I got to sit in your audience. Including when it was in a dingy cage at the back parking lot. I am proud to have been a part of your story. Mostly I am proud of you. Congratulations grads of 2024.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-Grad-1.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-06-16 10:59:492024-06-23 16:42:062024 Grads Celebrate With Vic High Song
Vic High Archives and Museum created its first display at Vic High recently, a Back To the 60s display of grad and prom dresses. Grade 9 student Frida Jack and Grad 11 student Tallulah McLean contributed design ideas, Textiles teacher Darlene Adamschek loaned dress forms and ideas, and Archives volunteers Lori Ann Locken, VHS 1974, Adele Fraser, VHS 1978, and Linda Baker, VHS 1969, put it all together.
Longtime Alumni activist Jill Wallace, VHS 1966, was gorgeous in a later-in-life photo of her in her cream brocade grad dress. Anne Boldt, VHS 1967, hand-threaded the gathered bodice trim on the gown she made for the 1966 Y-Teen Prom at the Empress Hotel. And Linda Baker’s Textiles 12 Dress Designing project – her simple white grad dress with surprise lined floating back panel – was also featured in the display.
Anne Boldt and date Brian Dance on the right. Jill Wallace Jill Wallace Linda Baker
Apparently fashions from the 1960s and ’70s are all quite in vogue these days. Guess we all should have kept those ruffled bell bottoms and A-line dresses from our long-ago days!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Grad-Dress-Display.jpeg14101929Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-06-12 09:25:092024-06-16 08:52:20The ’60s are Back!
An Attic For Vic High’s Future: The Tradition Continues
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
They came, they drew, they signed, as Vic High’s recent and future grads continue the legacy of leaving their mark in the Vic High attic. The recent seismic upgrade may have reduced the number of signatures once found in the attic, but all is not lost. Class of 1968 alumnus Fergie Andison, captured everything the attic had to offer before Vic High succumbed to the vagaries of updating its infrastructure. Many of those photos can be seen here
The attic can no longer be visited by groups, (Victoria Building Code restrictions), but Principal Aaron Parker was generous with his time recently, and allowed me to tour and photograph it. Here’s what I found.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_4801.jpeg15362048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-06-01 12:42:292024-06-01 12:42:29An Attic For Vic High’s Future: The Tradition Continues
It was nothing but surprise mini-reunions and awe and appreciation as over 300 Vic High Alumni members toured the ‘new and old, black and gold’ Vic High for the first time recently. Knowledgeable Vic High Leadership students were posted all around the school pointing out highlights as guests found familiar landmarks and inspected new additions and colour schemes.
“Stunning!” , “Gorgeous!”, and “They did an excellent job.” were comments heard often throughout the halls, with guests gladly donating $10 apiece for the tour and raising over $3000 for Vic High Arts and Athletics programs.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-May9-Alumni-Tours-1969-Alumni.jpeg14321876Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-05-14 20:26:052024-05-17 08:36:50A Huge Monetary Cheer for Vic High
We alumni may embrace our Vic High past, but it’s a wonderful revelation to have so many current Vic High students visit the new Archives and Museum at Vic High. Some alumni credit the school’s administration and staff for keeping the Vic High spirit and culture alive during a 3 1/2 year absence from home. Principal Aaron Parker, for example, never hesitated to don the original teaching robes of Samuel J. Willis on loan from the Vic High Archives, helping create a strong visual link to Vic High’s past. The temporary Vic High digs were the old S.J. Willis school, named after the man who was the first Vic High principal at the 1914 Grant Street campus, now newly upgraded and finally home to some very happy staff and students.
The new Archives and Museum is located in Room 123 on the Main floor (formerly known as the 1st floor) of the original 1914 building. The office area is as much a museum display space as working area, and leads to the Faith Reimer Collections Room where precious items are stored in acid-free boxes or displayed on shelves. Architects left original exterior walls in this room intact, walls that were originally enclosed by the 1950s addition of the Andrews Gym and Arts wing above it. In addition, storage space in the basement houses larger items, surplus items, and records stored by the Vic High Alumni Association.
Volunteers from the Association look after the Archives, overseen by Annie Boldt, VHS 1967 and Linda Baker, VHS 1969. All archival supplies and some furnishings are funded by donations from caring Vic High alumni who are keen to see the school’s history preserved. But since Vic High re-opened, it’s the daily visits by various Vic High students that’s making the donations and volunteer hours so worthwhile.
“We have an archives?” is a common response to the open 1914 replica entry door and sign on the adjacent wall. “Cool. Can we come in?” And of course, they are welcomed, introductions are made, and a volunteer shows them around. Many are in awe of the 1892 Visitor Logs with their beautiful cursive writing, and 1924 hand-written records of Staff Meetings. Others are keen to find their parents, grandparents, neighbours in one of the Research Camosuns available on the shelves, or to search for a hand-completed Registration Card in the old boxes taking up one complete section of shelving. Remember those? From 1917 to the mid 1980s students each completed a card with family contact information on one side and their class schedule on the back. In some ways, it may have been faster to find a student by going to their Registration Card than to click through computer records nowadays.
Aldous will soon start to research Vic High students killed during World War 1 for his francophone Night of Notables presentation in late June, with Archives volunteers pointing out collections to check and loaning him Barry Gough’s From Classroom To Battlefield as a good place to start. Tallulah and Aya have begun examining the Archives’ Textiles Collections, hastily accessioned and packed away in large acid-free boxes between layers of acid-free tissue before the big pack-up and move to storage in 2020. Already items are identified for repairs, some for disposal as faint traces of mold have turned up. Tallulah, a Grade 11 student, is something of a textiles expert already. She created all the costumes for the musical theater’s current production of RENT, works weekends at a bridal shop, and has direct connections to textile experts at the Royal BC Museum. Volunteers are learning a lot from her! And Frida began volunteering recently and is helping create the Archives’ first in-school display, a Grad Flashback featuring a designed-and-made-at-Vic High 1969 grad dress, a 1966 grad dress made of fine silk brocade brought back from China, and various photos and memorabilia.
Rosemarie Felsing, VHS 1972, helps out regularly in the Archives. Janice Mercer, VHS 1962, Adele Fraser, VHS 1978, Edeana Malcolm, VHS 1969, are all helping, Tony Poniedzielnik, VHS 1978, Rod Edwards, VHS 1974 , and Christy Bowen, VHS 2000, helped get the Archives unpacked and set up and we hope will continue as their time permits.
The Vic High Archives and Museum is open schooldays, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays till 4:00 PM, or by appointment. It’s best to phone us first. Vic High, 250-388-5456. (We have been known to make grandkids a priority, or make spontaneous get-away trips just because we can!)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Archives-Plaques-Hat.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-05-14 19:39:372024-05-17 18:13:11Vic High Archives & Museum A Popular Destination
It all starts with eyes on the prize. The project? To draw your partner’s portrait in one continuous line…without looking at what you’re drawing. This allows the student’s pencil to follow the line of their eyes through observation instead of being caught up in one’s critical mind. It’s a playful practice to help artists hone their observational skills without overanalyzing outcome. The results draw surprise, excitement, and lots of laughter as students examine each other’s drawings. But the real fun comes when each chooses the best of what they’ve created, and is given one meter of wire to recreate that portrait of their partner.
The purpose is to explore the concept of line in art, led by Miss A., herself a 2006 Vic High grad and now a virtual full-time TOC (Teacher On Call) at Vic High. Anna did her practicum at Vic High three years ago, after degrees in Art, Psychology and Education at UVic and UBC. She also lives in Fernwood, so her connections to Vic High run deep.
(This writer wishes she was back in class at Vic High…specially in this one!)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-May14-Metal-Art-1.jpeg13641849Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-05-14 13:45:242024-05-15 15:30:47Wire Portraits More Than Meets the Eye
The party was a year late, but still full of smiles, laughter, and gratitude as the Class of 1963 celebrated their time together at Vic High. Seventy guests gathered in person at Victoria’s Cedar Hill Golf Club April 27, 2024, and a few memories were shared from alumni in far-off cities. Alumni pored over several copies of their Camosun, inspected memorabilia from the Vic High Archives and Museum, and purchased Vic High-branded ball caps, mugs, clothing, and other items at the Alumni’s pop-up store. The food was wonderful, prizes were given out, and of course, Come Give A Cheer was sung with great enthusiasm. An anonymous donor covered the event costs, so attendees made donations to the Vic High Alumni totalling almost $2000 in lieu of an event fee. Special thanks to organizers Doug Cliff, JoEllen Morrison, Gillian Thomas, and Leigh Large assisted by Nancy Ring. The Reunion Team will decide how the funds collected will support the Alumni and Vic High.
Memories from Afar
Wendy (Maxwell) Michener wrote: Hello from the east coast (Nova Scotia) and a ’63 Grad. Greetings to all who were so lucky to have attended Vic High. I still feel like cheering when I read Alumni newsletters. I returned to the school in ’63 to complete high school…one class only. [I was] actually in the Class of ’62 but family headed off to Ontario for supposedly my grad year. [I] miss the west coast but Nova Scotia is amazing. [I] retired here from Alberta in ’02.
And Robin Jeffrey sent greetings from Australia: After Grade 12, like a lot of us, I went to UVic in that first intake in the autumn of 1963 after it had become a full-fledged university. After graduation in 1967, I went to India with CUSO and taught English for two years in a government high school in the new city of Chandigarh. India and I have been trying to understand each other ever since.
I went from Chandigarh to Brighton in the UK and did a doctorate in Indian History at Sussex University, which included another year in India. I got to know some admirable Australian academics and got a three-year fellowship (working on India) to the Australian National University in Canberra in 1973. I married an Australian (we met at the National Archives of India in New Delhi), and I’m still in Australia, and still entangled with India fifty-one years later. In that time I’ve also worked at La Trobe University in Melbourne and the National University of Singapore.
I remain a wannabe jock – an addicted viewer of any activity where a puck is dropped or a ball (large or small, round or oval) is kicked, thrown, bounced, bowled or batted. My wife and I live in the old (1889) terrace we bought when I got a job in Melbourne in 1979. We have no kids, but do have visiting rights with five toddlers who are very good for maintaining flexibility. Better ‘n’ 5BX and they give me an excuse to go into the excellent toy store in our local shopping street. (But you can’t beat, I find, an egg carton and a dozen ping pong balls. Keeps me entertained for hours…the kids like it too!)
My wife and I come to Canada every year or two, especially BC. The friends that we see go back to Vic High and CUSO days. It’s surprisingly easy to pick up with such people and find plenty to talk about, going back to the days when Victoria had a professional baseball team, the Royal Athletic Park caught fire, and the Totems won the BC high school basketball championship. The starting line-up, as I remember it, had Ash Valdal and Neil Worboys at guard, John Lauvaas and Rick Barnswell at forward, and Ken Gregory at Centre. Those names provide lots to talk about – you can forget Greek gods and the siege of Troy.
I hope the reunion goes well. If there are any photos or links you could tip me off where to find them. Meanwhile, do stay in touch.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IMG_9672-Crop-scaled.jpg25602148Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-04-28 15:47:292024-04-28 17:14:42Class of 1963 60th Reunion
Vic High was 39 years old when Esquimalt High School was founded in 1915 in a classroom at Lampson Street Elementary School, with the Esquimalt School Board announcing students would follow the same curriculum as Vic High. It wasn’t long before the school was racking up firsts, notably the appointment in 1926 of Gwendolyn Nora Hewlings as the first woman principal of a B.C. high school. Students in her Latin class chose the school’s motto: Esse Quam Videri (It is better to be, rather than to seem.) In 1946, the school joined the Victoria School Board.
The Esquimalt Alumni was founded in 2006 by a dedicated team of grads, who were helped by friends active in the Vic High Alumni. “We decided to generally mirror the Vic High Alumni’s operational structure,” says Dave Allen, a Director-at-Large and former principal of Esquimalt High School. “And we’ve grown a lot in the last 18 years.” The Alumni began providing scholarships to deserving Esquimalt students in 2006, and now gives out three, $1000 scholarships, drawing from funds they’ve raised and invested to yield annual awards.
Rod (VHS 1968) and Marilyn McCrimmon (EHS 1971)
The Alumni charges a one-time $10 membership fee, and currently has 620 members. EHS 1971 grad and Alumni Secretary Marilyn McCrimmon, wife of Vic High alumni Rod McCrimmon, VHS 1968, publishes the Alumni’s newsletter. Events, meetings, reunions, and more – there’s plenty of information on the Alumni page of the Esquimalt High School website. Alumni – Esquimalt High School (sd61.bc.ca). In 2015 the school celebrated its centennial, and Marilyn wrote a special piece for the Times Colonist about the school. Esquimalt High School looks back at 100 years – Victoria Times Colonist
The Alumni also set up a Foundation with the sole purpose of raising funds for the school, and does so every year at Esquimalt’s hugely popular Ribfest at Bullen Park. “We partner with the Rainbow Kitchen and the Esquimalt High School Leadership students to run a food booth selling langos and drinks,” says Dave, “and we split the profit three ways.” Rib Fest itself also raises funds, and is leading the charge for a turf upgrade at Esquimalt High School.
The school posts a great newsletter on its website for students full of info about what’s going on that week. Esquimalt_High_School_Docker_Newsletter_Apr-8-12-2024.pdf (sd61.bc.ca) Mark your calendars for their upcoming production of Mean Girls, April 26-28 and May 3-5. And in case you’re wondering where former Vic High Vice-Principal Chris Koutougos went, he’s at Esquimalt High, contributing, we’re sure, his great ideas and his enthusiasm to the culture there.
So if you know someone who went to Esquimalt High School, now École Secondaire Esquimalt High School offering French Immersion, encourage them to join the Esquimalt High School Alumni Association. And definitely tell them about those crowd-pleasing langos every year at RibFest.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Esq-Alumni-Langos-Booth.jpg563563Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-04-11 12:08:012024-04-12 16:55:30Esquimalt High Alumni Loves Ribfest
In April of 1963, five Vic High buddies turned Black and Gold into black and blue. In the spring of that year, United States President John F. Kennedy felt that Americans were not in good shape physically and he challenged his citizens, particularly American youth, to get fit. A 50-mile walk in a maximum time of 20 hours, dubbed the JFK Challenge, then sprang up across the U.S. and spilled over into Canada. Thousands of teen-agers took up the challenge, including several groups from Vic High and other schools. The most popular route on Vancouver Island was from Chemainus to Victoria.
Bruce Barrick
Vic High friends Dave McFarlane, Dave Macmillan, Peter Bolli, Bruce Barrick and Doug St. Arnault, all Vic High Class of 1964, joined the walk. “I don’t know which one (of us) mentioned it,” said Dave McFarlane, who now resides in Nanaimo. They had been friends for years and had all landed at Vic High from Central Junior High School. The 50-mile walk was calculated to finish outside the old Daily Colonist and Victoria Times building in the 2600-block of Douglas Street. (The papers were separate morning and afternoon daily newspapers then, merging in 1980 to become the current Times Colonist.) It was also convenient if the newspapers wanted to interview and photograph the participants, they thought. Dave McFarlane recalls thinking, “We can do this, nothing to it!” This despite the fact they were smokers.
Fellow classmate, Marian Sieradzan drove them to Chemainus at 3 AM that April morning and they began walking. “Starting out, says Dave McFarlane, “ and believing we were physically up to accomplishing this walk, perhaps in record time, we covered the first five miles in about an hour.” Forty-five miles to go, they thought, a piece of cake, so they took a smoke break. They proceeded at a more leisurely pace, smoking the occasional cigarette and making a few jokes along the way. Then, at the northern tip of the Malahat, the pain hit.
Doug St. Arnault
“Our group was getting pretty strung out,” says Dave, “and forgetting our initial ‘all for one and one for all’ spirit, It was really everyone for themselves.” Dave McFarlane, muscles screaming for him to stop, stuck out his thumb and quickly got a ride back to Victoria and crashed on his bed. When he woke, he called a couple of his friends and found out they had done the same thing.
However, Dave Macmillan and Bruce Barrick, who was probably in the best physical shape of all of them, had stayed together and made it to Victoria in under 20 hours, then had their picture taken for the next day’s newspaper. Unbelievably, Dave Macmillan had worn Hush Puppies (soft shoes of the day made for ordinary everyday wear) for the trek. He recalled that the director of the YMCA was at the Malahat when they were going through and gave them a bowl of soup. It was there that Dave felt the most pain.
When he arrived at the newspaper building, Dave remembers that his parents were not able to pick him up because they were working, so he had to take a bus back to his Fairfield home. He said he almost crawled home from the bus stop. “I was so stiff,” he remembers. Bruce actually went ice skating at the Memorial Arena that evening (now the Save-On Memorial Centre), but Dave definitely needed a few days for his blisters to heal.
Marian Sieradzan
“As I think back on their accomplishment,” says Dave McFarlane, “I’m reminded of that terrific movie, The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Alec Guiness leading his men and whistling the Colonel Bogey March as they entered the prisoner of war camp. Perhaps if we have another reunion for the class of 1964 and Bruce and Dave attend we can whistle that tune as they enter.”
Dave McFarlane remembers that that fateful morning of Nov. 22, 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated while in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. Pretty much everyone remembers where they were when they heard the news. “We were given the news,” says Dave, “and school was dismissed that day at lunchtime.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/McFarlane-Dave-and-others.png187500Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-04-10 22:08:432024-04-20 09:10:001963 Black and Gold Turned Black and Blue
Happy Vic High Leadership Students help lead classmate tours.
Finally! Vic High students inside the real Vic High. Teachers and staff had spent two hectic days getting classrooms organized, and were very excited to introduce their students to this stunning ‘new’ school. Bright hallways shone, new collaboration spaces beckoned, and many heritage touches did not go unnoticed by eager students.
860 students had gathered early in the Memorial Stadium, waiting for teachers to gather them up and lead them inside where Vic High Alumni members were on hand to greet them as they made their way to homeroom classrooms. Principal Aaron Parker’s voice rang throughout the school, welcoming students and directing them to their first Tour Station. Teachers and alumni co-presented information at each station, as Leadership Students led the groups throughout the school to each station. By 12:30 it was time for Fernwood Pizza slices and Jones sodas in the Multi-Purpose room.
Principal Parker and former Vic High Principal and active Alumni member Keith McCallion shared heartfelt stories in the Auditorium about the spirit of Vic High, the alumni whose names appear on plaques where students were seated, and the unique culture of our school. Alumni members were thrilled to co-present and share a bit of their history at Vic High: Randi Falls and Keith Forshaw, former Principals, Alumni Board members Helen Edwards, 1964, Roger Skillings, 1968, Ian McKinnon, 1966, Nita Loudon, 1966, Linda Baker, 1969, and active volunteers Mary Anne Skill, 1975, King Lee, 1958, and Pam Madoff, 1972.
Students were very happy, there were smiles everywhere, and were very impressed with their new digs. Many dropped into the new Archives and Museum, where volunteers are already welcoming opportunities to share Vic High’s World War 1 history with Grade 10 students, and to work with students who have already volunteered for Archives projects. Alumni Association members were thrilled to be participating. “It was a wonderful experience,” says Board Chair Helen Edwards, VHS 1964. “I got to speak with so many students who were very interested in the Alumni, in what we do, and who want to be on the email list to receive our newsletter.”
It was an extraordinary, amazing day. Just 15 days short of a full 110 years after Vic High students walked on April 20, 1914 to their new Vic High from their old school on the grounds of Central School. April 8 classes resume at Vic High Fernwood and it will be hectic at first. This school is so much bigger and better equipped than temporary S.J. Willis (Vic High Topaz Campus) had been, and none of the current students had ever set foot inside this Vic High. But so many wonderful new opportunities for students abound here: robotics programs, broadcast media lab, astronomy viewing deck/outdoor classroom, two gyms and an auditorium, an expanded Learning Commons (library), genderless washrooms, a new turf field with numerous volleyball courts adjacent, an attached community centre, and so much more. And yes, Virginia, there will be tours. But first, we let Vic High staff and students catch their breath and get on with their learning priorities. Stay tuned!
Auditorium presentation
VP Sara Reside & students, Leadership students, Some happy Grade 12 students
Astronomy viewing deck/outdoor classroom
Drama room, Pam (drama teacher) and Keith Forshaw, alumnus & former Vic High Principal
Students, and alumnus Ian McKinnon, 1966, in the Learning Commons (library)
Presentations in the Multi-Purpose Room – also attached to the new Community Centre
Welcome Room, Sam Spetter, Careers, and Inclusive Ed. teacher Christine Trumpy, and Freida.
Former Princpal Randi Falls, Admin staff Nicky Reid and Brigitte Ackinclose
Heritage Classroom, some happy students, the Girls’ Entrance (east side of bldg)
Fairey Tech Concourse, ramp. Fernwood entrance with indigenous-inspired artwork.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Leadership-Students.jpeg15362048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-04-07 11:40:042024-04-10 20:18:55Students’ First Tours of Vic High April 5, 2024
Meaningful and creative artwork has been a part of many Camosun yearbooks over the years, encouraged and developed by students and staff. Numerous cover designs and interior artwork starting with the first Camosun in 1905 and continuing to the 2000s, included constructive, imaginative, and thoughtful artwork. Many art illustrations and sketches helped the staff and students to visually appreciate more fully their many special curricular and extra curricular school moments at Vic High.
For example, the 1968 Camosun cover was designed so the numbers 68 stood out from the cover. It was a very creative way to highlight the school year and a very interesting departure from a cover with a flat surface. And inside the Camosun, the Fine Arts department described itself this way:
“Education through visual experience, and painting in the basic concepts of visual communication, are general aims of the art department under the direction of Mr. Hemming. Transmission and reception of ideas through all media relying on visual senses will result in greater clarity of expression and will eventually become a truly international language.”
The 2002 Camosun cover shows a very colourful illustration of a drop of water about to fall into the bluish and yellow water swirling below. It sends a meaningful message which relates to our school motto, also shown on the cover, and was created by student Caitlin Quigley. The new drop of water seems to represent our effort, which will affect the current ripples in the water as powerfully as the impact of our personal, educational, spiritual, and social perspectives on the world around us. We are confident that our perspectives will have a constructive impact on our personal world, and this is our reward. The cover of this Camosun is a very meaningful one where Caitlin’s art reinforced the significance of our Vic High motto: Palma Non Sine Pulvere / No Reward Without Effort.
I’ve chosen just two Camosun covers to highlight above, but I encourage you to peruse any and all of our Vic High Camosuns, available here on this website. The heart and creativity of Vic High students shines through on every cover, an assurance that art will continue to be an essential part of the Vic High experience and of each year’s very memorable Camosun yearbook.
And from the Archives & Museum Volunteers
The Camosuns are the most important items in the Vic High Archives and Museum. From 1905 until 1927, Camosuns were published every month throughout the year. The Vic High Archives collection includes as many of these as have been donated or are available. The University of Victoria Archives has a collection of these as well, and scanned copies of their collection are included on this website. UVic was founded in 1903 within the Victoria High School’s third building at Yates and Fernwood, then occupied the fourth floor of the 1914 Grant Street Building. UVic is the oldest post-secondary institution in BC.
Starting in 1928, the Vic High Camosuns became an annual publication. They chronicle the life of Vic High and our students, and become each year’s definitive record of Vic High life that year. Two Preservation Camosuns representing every available month and year are stored in acid-free archival boxes in the Vic High Archives and Museum, and are never touched. In addition, two Research Camosuns are available on the Archives shelves, and surplus copies, where available, can be obtained from the Archives.
The Vic High Archives and Museum and its 10,000-item collections are located on the Main Floor, east side, in Room 123. The collections were first gathered up and accessioned starting in 1975 by Vic High 1942 alumna and Vic High teacher, Faith Reimer, after whom the rooms were named. Her son, Derek Reimer, is a 1965 Vic High alumnus, and he and his mother are featured in a story on this website. Derek Reimer, VHS 1965 A Family Legacy in Education and History – Victoria High School Alumni Association (vichigh.com)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Cover-2002-Camosun.png940711Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-03-31 12:00:142024-03-31 12:52:52The Art of Our Camosuns
Throughout high school we make dozens of acquaintances. Some are temporal friends and others come and go with little notice. Then comes the question, “Where are they now?” For most it is a passing interest. That has certainly not been the experience of Geoffrey Arundell and Gordon Eekman, both from the Class of 1958.
Geoffrey and Gordon met at Victoria High School in 1956. For 67 years they never asked that question, “Where is he now?” because they maintained close contact for nearly seven decades sharing significant life experiences throughout.
Geoffrey Arundell died September 14, 2023 at the age of 83. He and Gordon both attended Victoria College and the University of British Columbia between 1958 and 1976. Geoffrey became a medical doctor and Gordon a teacher, scientist and researcher. Both made significant contributions to society at large.
During his life Geoffrey trained, studied and practised at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, in general practice in Terrace, B.C., at Toronto Western Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital Vancouver, BC Children’s Hospital, and Lion’s Gate Hospital. Beyond general practice he was qualified in 1975 as anaesthesiologist. He retired from medical practice in 2013.
Describing their lifelong friendship, Gordon Eekman states, “After I married, Geoff became a friend of my family. We continued to meet from time to time for meals and events. For a time, my family and I moved to Ottawa where I worked at the Defence Research Board. About the same time Geoff moved to Toronto where he worked at the Toronto Western Hospital. We would meet occasionally in Ottawa and Toronto.”
Eventually Geoff and Gordon’s family moved back to Vancouver. Geoff studied Anaesthesiology at St. Paul’s Hospital and Vancouver General Hospital and worked at Lion’s Gate Hospital until his retirement in 2013.
Over the years Geoff and Gordon met for meals, attended lectures together at the Vancouver Planetarium, TRIUMF, the UBC nuclear research facility, and the Life Sciences Centre. “Every August,” says Gordon, “Geoff, my wife Saranya, and I would attend musical events at the Harmony Arts Festival.” Gordon had met his second wife in Thailand where they married in December 2002. “I was particularly pleased that Geoff was present at Saranya’s Canadian citizenship ceremony in 2013,” says Gordon.
“Every Christmas, we would gather to help Geoff decorate his Christmas tree in West Vancouver,” Gordon continues. “Geoff was a gentleman, a gentle soul. It was always easy to talk with him about anything. There was a genuine dialogue of speaking and listening in all our conversations. What we would say to each other had content, had substance and was never frivolous.” Geoff and Gordon last met on September 8, 2020 for a farewell dinner at Ambleside, West Vancouver, a few days before Geoff moved to Victoria where he died on September 14, 2023 at Douglas Care. Geoffrey’s obituary.
In addition to his lifelong friendship with Geoff, Gordon recalls his time at Vic High as having prepared him well for university. He was driven by the challenge of a particular teacher who advised him that he did not have the ability to attend university, even though he was listed on the Honour Role in his Grade 11 year. Gordon also participated in the United Nations Club, Glee Club and the Future Teachers Club.
He went on to achieve four university degrees from the University of British Columbia (BSc, BA, MSc and MA). That led him to a career in science, research, and post secondary education and a life that included a world of travel throughout Canada, Europe, the Middle East and particularly Asia.
He retired from Thompson Rivers University in 2000. He now spends much of his time creating personal illustrated study packages about various topics which he makes available on the internet. He maintains his own YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@GordonEekman/videos where he produced a memorial to his friend Geoffrey Arundell.
His advice to current students is, “Study diligently, do your best. What you do now will make a huge difference in your future. With consistent, good marks many options will open up for you. Become involved and participate in clubs and school activities. Club activities round out the high school experience and contribute to how one perceives the world, one’s community and people in general.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/geoff-arundell-6-crop-2.jpg388304Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-03-31 09:33:232024-04-15 14:41:06Geoff Arundell & Gordon Eekman, A Lifelong Vic High Friendship
Don Smyth, VHS 1947 Vic High Teacher, Coach, Mentor
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Don Smyth features in one of my favourite memories of Victoria High School.
Near the end of my first month at Vic High in 1955, I remember entering Mr. Smyth’s classroom (for science, I think) and sitting down, expecting to strain my ears for a lesson because he was so soft-spoken. Instead, he asked if anyone in the room had a transistor radio. In 1955, cell phones and iPads weren’t even a distant possibility. They came about half a century later, and television was in its first year of colour. One boy put up his hand, leading Mr. Smyth to declare that the period would consist of listening to the World Series game between his team, the National League Brooklyn Dodgers, and the American League New York Yankees, which took place between September 28 and October 4 that year.
The radio play-by-play announcers were Vin Scully for the Walter Alston-managed Dodgers and Mel Allen for the Casey Stengel-led Yankees. It would come down to the seventh game of the best-of-seven series before the Dodgers captured their inaugural World Series, the first in seven attempts against the Yankees. Three years later – in 1958, my graduating year – the Dodgers moved from Ebbets Field to Los Angeles and the New York Giants left the Polo Grounds for San Francisco.
It was the most unique experience in my Vic High life and it never occurred again.
Don Smyth was born on March 26, 1929 in Forestburg, Alberta, a twin with sister Aileen, he graduated from Vic High in 1947, and died on May 29, 2022 at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. His wife, Lorraine, predeceased him. His yearbook entry included this write-up: Jovial Don makes school life much easier. Flying “Y” swimming member. Council Rep. Rep Rugby; Rep Soccer; House Captain; Hi-Y.
Don and Lorraine raised seven children and lived close to Patricia Bay on the Saanich Peninsula. Son Kevin followed in his father’s and earlier generations’ footsteps and taught in Greater Victoria for 37 years. He still steps into a classroom occasionally as a Teacher on Call (TOC), and described his dad as “tough, firm but fair”, adding that his parents were a good parenting team.
Lorraine and Don and their seven kids. L to R Kevin, Drew, Clint, Karen, Greg, Christine, Brett
Don is described by many as a man of few words, soft- and well-spoken with a voice that was seldom raised. Son Brett said his father had a very dry, playful sense of humour and a slow burn. “I remember a family fishing trip in September of 1972 east of Terrace,” Brett says, “where Dad had just taken a job at a BC school district up north. On our way home, the first Canada-Russia hockey series game was on CBC radio and the Canadians were getting shellacked by the Ruskies.” The Russians walloped the Canadian NHL all-star team, 7-3 in the first game in Montreal. The eight-game series was eventually won by the Canadians (on Paul Henderson’s late goal in Game 8 in Moscow), four wins to three with one tied game. “Dad was driving the car faster and faster as he got more incensed by the (first game) score, not being much of a fan of the Russians,” says Brett. “If that car is still in one piece, I’ll bet one could still see the hand indentations on the steering wheel. Dad was a master of the slow burn!”
Fishing trips were memorable family experiences, though few fish were ever caught. One particular trip out near Port Renfrew, Kevin’s sister Karen fell into the water. “Dad hollered at her,” says Kevin, “in a louder-than-usual voice. ‘Get out of there, you’re scaring the fish!’ He was always entertaining.” Kevin says his dad was a very good swimmer and was the head lifeguard at Beaver, Elk and Thetis lakes near Victoria, and would take the family to the Chemainus River to swim. While training lifeguards, Don implemented the use of surfboards for speed and ease. Don would also take the family back to Alberta to visit the old homestead on a river lot along Battle Creek near Duhamel. Other relatives owned dairy and cattle farms in central Alberta and they visited those as well.
It was as a student at the University of British Columbia, where he was the swim team’s captain in his final year, that Don was introduced to volleyball. He fell in love with the sport. He coached volleyball and mentored players for a good portion of his adult life, stressing sportsmanship and fair play above all else. Kevin remembers one volleyball tournament where Don was coaching a University of Victoria team that was not playing well. His dad left the bench and sat in the stands. Kevin said the message was received by the team.
Don started coaching Vic High volleyball teams in 1958 and led them to three provincial championships. “Mr. Smyth was such a positive influence,” recalls Anne McKeachie, VHS 1968 and a member of one of Don’s provincial high school championship teams. “He had such a joyful presence…we all wanted to be the best team for him. He was simply an all-round great person, teacher, and vice principal.” Teammate Pat (Bourne) Nalleweg, VHS 1968, wholeheartedly agrees. “I would describe him as patient, encouraging, with a calm demeanour. He brought out the best in his players.”
As a coach, Don was credited with introducing the 4-2 positioning system as well as ballet and trampoline training to help jumping skills. Kevin says it was his mother, Lorraine, who gave Don the idea of using ballet for volleyball training.
Kevin says his father coached the B.C. men’s team to a gold medal in the inaugural Canada Games in Quebec City. But his contribution to the sport went well past coaching. He was the first elected president of the Canadian Volleyball Association (now Volleyball Canada), and in 2021 was inducted into the Volleyball BC Hall of Fame.
But volleyball wasn’t the only sport where Don excelled as a coach and mentor. He also coached the Vic High rugby team, and at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Don was appointed the Aquatics chair. At the Games, Don was introduced to Queen Elizabeth and as her official host, sat beside the reigning monarch at an event for about an hour or so. (The entire 1994 Commonwealth Games Sports Committee was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.)
Don’s life touched countless Vic High students in many ways. One of son Kevin’s lasting memories of his dad were these words:
“If you are truly thankful, what do you do? You share.”
From Don’s 2021 Volleyball BC Hall of Fame Induction
Don began his coaching career at Victoria High in 1958 where he led the Boys and Girls teams to three provincial titles. He would later move on to become head coach of the University of Victoria Vikes and Vikettes. Don guided Team BC to a gold medal at the 1967 Canada Games in Quebec City as the team did not drop a single set the entire tournament. Don would make history by becoming the first head coach of the national women’s team at the 1967 Pan American Games. He also coached them at the inaugural 1969 NORCECA championships in Mexico. He was instrumental in organizing a world class Canada-wide volleyball tour between Russia and the United States. Don would go on to become the first elected President of the Canadian Volleyball Association (now Volleyball Canada).
Mar 8 – Digital event program feature – Click HERE to view
Alumni volunteers are busy sorting and setting up the Archives & Museum at Vic High, as District staff install systems and furnishings and teachers start packing up for the spring break move into the school. April 4 the current Leadership Students will tour the school in preparation for leading their classmates on tours on April 5. Monday April 8, Vic High officially welcomes students and classes begin.
First floor hallway, east side (Girls’ side), with a beautiful mosaic honouring the school’s founding as you cross the threshold into the original 1914 building.
Center portion of the old 3rd floor Harry Smith Library, where the original Rhodesian Mahogany flooring was retained. This is now a collaboration/gathering space, and looks through to the original exterior railings facing Grant Street. Classrooms are on either side of this space.
East (Girls’) and West (Boys’) entrances’ new flooring. Stairs off these entrances go down to the Main (1st) floor and up to the 2nd floor south hallway – the Heritage Hallway. It features new egg-and-dart ceiling moulding, a heritage classroom in the southeast corner, and dark wood trim. Accent colours denote the floor you’re on. The 2nd floor accent colour is gold, 1st floor is medium purple, 3rd floor is dark blue, and 4th floor is light/turquoise blue.
Contrasting dark wood trim defines spaces in the Heritage Hallway. The School Office is where it always was, the World War 1 bronze memorial has been cleaned, and display cases for trophies and student and archival displays are back in position adjacent to the entrance to the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium.
The old Safe with its heavy double doors has been moved to a new location inside the new Staff Workroom, down the office-lined hallway from the School Office.
The Lawrie Wallace Auditorium would do its namesake proud, and features new lighting in the ceiling and under the balcony, gold-highlighted detailing in the moulding on the balcony face, and a new AV booth at the back of the balcony.
How cool is this! New moveable bleachers sport decorative accents, and when seen from above or closed up, honour the year Vic High was founded.
Colourful, inspiring art panels adorn the new Vining Street entrance (the Grant Street entrance remains), where you enter the (newly-renamed) Main floor of the school.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_4023.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-03-11 16:24:102024-03-15 07:12:41Vic High Details Honour Its History
It was the fall of 1968 and the Vic High Tyees [senior boys soccer] were in the Colonist Cup Final against the Mount View Hornets. After an undefeated season the Tyees were hoping for a win to progress to the Island Championship, as only the winner of the Colonist Cup would advance. The cup final was being played at Topaz Park as the Athletic Park field was unplayable due to a recent fire. It was a memorable game as both schools transported hundreds of students by charter buses which gave the game a championship feel. With hundreds of Vic High fans cheering on the Tyees and singing along with the school song it was a great event. However a memorable highlight was the Beta Boy’s cheerleaders.
The Beta Boy’s were a service club but specialized in building school spirit. Wearing skirts and sporting the black and gold, the Beta Boys led the crowd in singing the school fight song and cheering on the team Despite this support the Tyees were defeated by a sudden death penalty shot. But the memory of the Beta Boys Cheerleaders will last forever in the pages of Vic High history.
And from the newsletter team…and Eric Earl, VHS 1969 for help identifying a couple of these guys
Here’s what we know about this famous cheer squad, Left to Right:
Jamie Scott, VHS 1969
Mike Chornoby, VHS 1969 Owner of AFE Automotive Finishes and Equipment since 1974
Dave Osborn, VHS 1970
Brian Dunn, VHS 1970 Owner of Smugglers Cove Pub in Victoria
Ron Dworski, VHS 1969 Teacher (Retired) in Campbell River, now living back in Victoria
Gerry Vanderjagt, VHS 1969 Teacher (Retired) in Campbell River
Dave Mulcahy, VHS 1969 Renovated homes, building a home in Montana
Bruce Gower, VHS 1970
We thought you might want to see who was on the Tyees that year. They look like a pretty happy bunch, despite the last-ditch goal by Mount View that snatched the Colonist Cup from their grasp.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Beta-Boys-at-1968-Colonist-Cup-Tyees-Game.png345450Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-03-08 05:51:072024-04-15 06:56:10New Cheer Squad At Vic High?
Sports, scholastics, the arts, practical job-ready skills…Vic High has it all. Priorities in education and extracurricular activities come and go as students’ interests and the world changes, but Vic High has always offered diverse opportunities for students. It’s that diversity that really impacted one 1996 grad, particularly the range of good opportunities in both scholastics and sports. “I have earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from universities,” says Tomas Ernst from his home in Brussels, “but they have nothing on the culture and greatness of Vic High. It was the first school I attended that I really liked.”
Tomas was at Vic High 1994 – 1996, and his main sport of choice was soccer, the Vic High Tyees.
Tomas’ love of rock and roll inspired a new Vic High tradition at the time. “I ran a weekly music competition,” says Tomas. “Borrowing from local radio station the 100.3 The Q, I’d prepare a selection of music, (always rock), and students in their home room would be invited to guess the music and the artist. The Principal, [Dennis Harrigan], played the music over the PA system inside and outside the school, and would buy the winning home room a pizza lunch. Very cool of him!”
Besides the weekly music competition, Tomas has lots of great Vic High memories: hanging out with his buddy, Sam Ramsden, any class with his favourite teacher, Ms. Jillian Zaruk, soccer and hacky sack at lunchtime, and the day the principal let the students have a massive water fight outside on the lawn. Tomas took Grade 12 Drama with teacher Jackie MacDonald, and he and 20 classmates performed on stage in the Vic High Auditorium. It wasn’t a classic play, but a 15-minute interlude. “We had each made our own creative papier mâché masks and were asked to perform as a group doing improv on stage.” Soccer and hacky sack were favourite lunchtime activities.
But Tomas figures it was the grad prank he and a few friends pulled that has to rank up there with classic Vic High grad pranks. “At the risk of self-incrimination,” laughs Ernst, “our prank took place at the Grant Street entrance to Vic High and involved over 100 feet of polypropylene rope, an enormous Budweiser beer flag, and an ‘outdoor school sign’ from a certain private school in Victoria. I’ll let readers use their imagination for the rest!”
Something in Tomas’ early life must have sparked his wanderlust, though. “For the longest time I needed to get out and see life beyond Vancouver Island,” Tomas goes on, “so life has taken me to some very cool places in East Africa, Asia, and Australia where I’ve lived and worked.” Europe is definitely on that list, too. Tomas met his wife Sophie in Marseille when they were both working for the World Bank. “My French teachers would be proud that I finally learned to speak French, says Tomas, “although it only happened when I moved to Marseille and married a French woman.” Tomas and Sophie now have two little boys, Lucas (5) and Gabriel (9).
Tomas now lives with his family in Brussels, the heart of Europe, and enjoys travelling, fishing, jogging, directing short films, and is passionate about Liverpool Football Club. He works for the UN Migration Agency, helping fragile countries and people who have been forcibly displaced by war, violence, or disasters. “My latest assignment took me to Ukraine in February 2024,” says Tomas, “to help displaced Ukrainians two years to the day after Russia invaded Ukraine.” He shared his experiences there in a February 22, 2024 article in the Victoria Times Colonist. Power of the people: Continuing to stand with Ukraine – Victoria Times Colonist
Tomas has a younger brother, Carl Ernst, VHS 1998, who is a professor at McGill University, and an older brother, Neil Ernst (a Spectrum grad), a professor at UVic. “My boys aren’t old enough for high school,” says Tomas. “But I’d recommend Vic High, especially as it’s now blessed to have French Immersion, a great development that wasn’t possible back in 1996.”
Tomas on assignment in Ethiopia
We like to ask alumni what advice they’d give to current students. “VHS students don’t need advice from former students like me,” says Tomas. “but if I was to drop some wisdom, I would have liked to have heard this in 1996.”
“Remember that your life is NOT over if you graduate from Vic High and still don’t know what you want to do after high school,” says Tomas. ”You have LOTS of time to figure this out.” Tomas didn’t know what to do next and so he let his mother pick his UVic courses. “I went to UVic as a 17-year old boy in his first semester and I hated every minute of my lectures in human anatomy and sports medicine,” he shares. “In hindsight I probably was not ready for university, but at least that experience showed me what I definitely did not want to do as a career. So relax, parents. And kids? Do something productive, but don’t stress if it’s not clear just yet where you’re headed.”
Rod McCrimmon, VHS 1968 “I’ve Got the Music In Me”
by Gerald Pash, VHS 1962
Kiki Dee’s 1974 hit must have been written for Rod McCrimmon. It’s been 60 years now, and he hasn’t stopped rocking yet.
Rod began his love affair with music at the age of 13 at Central Junior High School, playing clarinet and saxophone in the school concert band. But the guitar was a big draw so he learned that instrument as well, found a group of like-minded friends, and they formed a band. “It was the 60’s”, says Rod, “Everyone wanted to form a band! I’ve been playing in various bands ever since.”
Rod was at Vic High for grades 11 and 12, and fondly recalls his favourite teachers, Mr. Jamieson for Economics and Law and Tommy Mayne for History. After-school employment in a variety of jobs led to purchasing guitars, and cars, and a career selling display advertising for the Times-Colonist newspaper. At the age of 30 he became involved in marathon running, participating in marathons and ultra-marathons. He continues to run today to maintain his fitness.
Ten years ago, he and two other Vic High grads came together to provide music for the Class of 68 40th reunion. They called their group “The Attic Boys” named after Vic High’s iconic attic. That band evolved into Undertow, a trio that can be found entertaining at Christie’s Carriage Pub, The Oaks, Mary’s Bleue Moon and other Victoria locales.
Rob Lifton, Dave Hill, Rod McCrimmon of Undertow.
UVic students reap the benefit of his love of music and years of experience via his weekly program on the university’s radio station, CFUV-FM. And now future Vic High students will benefit from his legacy via the Rod McCrimmon Music Bursary the Alumni has established for aspiring musicians with his recent $25k donation.
“Music wasn’t my full-time career,” says Rod, “but it’s always been a large part of my life. If the bursary encourages budding musicians to continue playing past high school, full or part-time, it will be a great success. And maybe other alumni will be inspired to support future students, too.”
Meanwhile, you really should check out Undertow, where the 60’s groove lives on with Dave Hill, VHS 1968, on drums; Rob Lifton, VHS 1967 on guitar, bass and vocals, and Rod on guitar and vocals. LiveVictoria is the best place to keep up with the local music scene, and is associated with the Royal City Music Project, a website founded by Vic High’s own Glenn Parfitt, VHS 1972, to celebrate the history of music in Victoria and beyond.
Rock on, guys! And thanks, Rod, on behalf of all those students who will benefit from your bursary and from your lifelong love of music.
If, like Rod, you’re interested in establishing a scholarship or bursary for a Vic High student, just send us an email and we’ll help you make it happen, too. The Alumni deposits the funds with the Victoria Foundation to invest in our Alumni accounts and generate interest every year for awards.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Rod-McCrimmon.jpg450377Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-02-12 17:00:082024-02-19 08:27:38Rod McCrimmon, VHS 1968 “I’ve Got the Music In Me”
What fun it was recently, to visit some pretty amazing students and their displays at Vic High’s Francophone Night of Notables. (A separate English Night of Notables is also held annually.) Students choose someone notable to research and present with displays, and then dress in costume to emulate their chosen notable. They interact with visiting family and friends in French (or English if necessary), sharing their enthusiasm for their chosen notable. My 11 year old granddaughter, in French Immersion at Quadra Elementary, thought it was very interesting, a taste of her eventual four years at Vic High. Here’s just a few students we had time to visit – and loved!
October, Grade 11, presented Senegalese film director and actor, Djibril Diop Mambéty.
Jenny, Grade 12, (L) chose Vic High’s francophone teacher, Jean Morrison, (R) to research and emulate. Jean heads Vic High’s language department, and co-ordinated the event.
McCarthy presented Jacques Chirac for his project, France’s President 1995 – 2007.
Madigan had a great display about her chosen notable, Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger.
Jacques Cousteau’s environmental priorities captured Brian’s interest.
I loved chatting with Sebastian about his interest in Napoleon and his travels in France.
Grade 10 student, Avner, looks a lot like Charlie Chaplin.
Maya, Grade 10, likes Adam Sandler’s humour.
Annie, Grade 10, thinks more people should know about Roberta Bondar’s accomplishments in space.
Princess Diana remains an important and very interesting person to Kara.
Loukas, Grade 10, loves jazz, plays in the Vic High Jazz Band. So Sonny Rollins was an easy choice for his notable person.
Matisse, Grade 9, chose a 17th C female Asian pirate as her notable person project.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IMG_3928.jpeg15362048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-01-25 13:20:062024-01-25 14:18:08Vic High’s Francophone Night of Notables
Past Totem Champs Honoured at Vic High Basketball Tournament
by King Lee, VHS 1958
(photos and videos courtesy of Anne McKeachie, 1969, Carolyn Hammond, 1969, Mary Anne Skill, 1975, Linda Baker, 1969, Vic High students and staff)
Ian McLean, VHS 1969, tosses the 1969 Championship game ball for the ceremonial tip-off.
Thirteen former Victoria High Totems’ players visited the school’s Topaz campus January 19, to be honoured at a Vic High/Parkland game, part of the Vic High-hosted Senior Boys Basketball Hardwood Tournament. Vic High staff and students rolled out the red carpet with reserved courtside seating and snacks, and current Totems welcomed alumni players as they arrived before the game. Totems players then formed an honour guard that each Totem alumni passed through as they were individually introduced to thunderous applause by Athletics Director Matt Phillips. The 1969 BC Champs game ball featured in the ceremonial tip-off, thrown high by team member Ian McLean.
Ian McLean, 1969, Ron Dworski, 1969, and Roger Skillings, 1968, are greeted ahead of the game by members of the 2023/24 Vic High Totems.
Neil Worboys, VHS 1962
Eric Walker, VHS 1966
Neil Worboys, VHS 1962, drove down from Qualicum Beach for the game, proudly wearing his championship Totems jacket. Drew Schroeder, Al Glover, Rodney Fields, Eric Walker and Len Roueche represented the 1966 championship team, and Roger Skillings represented the 1968 team. Eric Walker and Len Roueche wore their black Championship sports jackets embroidered with a gold totem and the words ‘BC Champions Totems Basketball 1966’. The 1969 BC Championship Totems present were Barrie Moen, Mike Chornoby, Eric Earl, Ron Dworski, Ian McLean and Dave Mulcahy.
Anne McKeachie, VHS 1968, Carolyn Hammond, VHS 1969, Mary Anne Skill, VHS 1975, and Linda Baker, VHS 1969, all attended the game as well to support their classmates and cheer on the current team.
“It was cool,” said Neil, laughing as he recalled that he was part of a Canadian junior men’s basketball championship team in 1964 with former Vancouver College Fighting Irish players who had been mortal enemies just two years earlier. Drew, a retired lawyer, agreed with Neil. “I think it’s pretty neat,” he said of the invitation and honour.
Vic High Principal Aaron Parker (Left back corner) and Athletics Director Matt Phillips (Left front corner) join Totems alumni and current players before the game.
Asked what he thought of the basketball he was watching from courtside, Drew said it was a different game from his playing days at Vic High. He said the addition of the shot clock (30 seconds to hit the rim or score) has made it a “one-and-done” type of game.
The Vic High Beginning Dance class performed at quarter time, complete with branded Vic High clothing and black, gold and white pom poms. The Creative Dance team was also cheered on by students in attendance at half-time.
“The school has done such a wonderful job bringing back the memories and nostalgia,” said Barrie. And it was clear these former Totems were impressed by the appreciation and respect shown them by current Totems, students and staff.
Current Totems headed straight for the Totems’ alumni after the game, thanking them for coming to support them, as alumni congratulated team members on a great game.
Front row, L to R: Ian McLean, 1969, Len Roueche, 1966, Al Glover, 1966, Neil Worboys, 1962, Roger Skillings, 1968, Barrie Moen, 1969 Back row, L to R: Neil Walker, 1966, Rodney Fields, 1966, Drew Schroeder, 1966, Eric Earl, 1969, Ron Dworski, 1969, Mike Chornoby, 1969, Dave Mulcahy, 1969
And to top it all off, the current Vic High Totems team beat Parkland in a gritty 55-46 victory, finishing in the middle of the pack when the tournament concluded January 20. What a game! And what a welcome for Vic High alumni by current students and staff.
Some of Our Totems Alumni Running the Gauntlet
Drew Schroeder, 1966
Al Glover, 1966
Roger Skillings, 1968
Barrie Moen, 1969
Ron Dworski, 1969
Mike Chornoby, 1969
Eric Earl, 1969
Dave Mulcahy, 1969
Ian McLean, 1969
1969 alumni, L to R: Dave Mulcahy, Linda Baker, Mike Chornoby, Eric Earl, Ron Dworski, Ian McLean, Carolyn Hammond, Barrie Moen
Peter Hing, VHS 1906 First Chinese-Canadian Grad in BC
John Adams
by John Adams, VHS 1967
(Excerpt from John’s new book, Chinese Victoria: A Long and Difficult Journey)
Peter Hing (伍籍磐)
Peter Hing was born in Guantian (官田), Taishan County, China, in 1884 and moved to Victoria in May 1897 where his father, Reverend Ng Mon Hing (Wu Wenqing 伍文慶),[1] was a Presbyterian missionary. On arrival, the thirteen-year-old was registered as Ng Tuk Pun (Wu Jipan伍籍磐)[2], but adopted Peter as his Christian name and Hing as his surname. Hing was an Anglicized version of his family name (Ng in Cantonese, sometimes written Eng in English), and coincidentally his father’s first name.[3]
He attended Boys’ Central School where he was recognized for his proficiency in essay writing in 1901 and then Victoria High School where he contributed three essays to the first issues of The Camosun, the high school’s magazine.[4] He graduated in 1906, the first Chinese to complete high school in the city. At that time Vic High was located on Fernwood Road between Fort and Yates Streets, now the site of Central Middle School.
Peter Hing, from John Adams’ collection, drawn by Ainslie Heinrich, Vintage Karma
Peter then went to McGill University in Montreal. As the first Chinese student there, he later admitted that he felt he was looked upon “as a kind of curiosity” and even as “a sort of inferior being.” However, his classmates soon discovered otherwise, and treated him with “affection, respect and esteem.”[5]
During the summer of 1908 he worked for the Chinese Daily Newspaper Publishing Co. in Vancouver and served as secretary of the Anti-Opium League.[6] He returned to McGill and took part in many university activities, playing quarterback on the Law ’09 football team, and placing second in his class when he graduated in 1909, the first Chinese to graduate from McGill.[7]
On completing his studies at McGill, he returned for a visit to British Columbia and was present at the opening of the Chinese Public School in Victoria in August 1909. [See images below.) In September he went to New York City where he enrolled in graduate studies in law and political science at Columbia University.
Following graduation from Columbia in June 1910, he returned briefly to Victoria before going to San Francisco in the fall to take passage back to China.
In November 1911, immediately after the Xinhai Revolution, Peter Hing and a group of other young men who had received university educations in North America or Europe were appointed to positions in the Guangdong Military Government. Hing became the deputy minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and then the chief judge of the Superior Court of Guangdong, a position he held until he ran afoul of President Yuan Shi Kai after the Second Revolution broke out in 1913.
He then went into business, serving as president of several mining companies, as a director of insurance and real estate companies and a large department store. In 1918 when Sun Yat-sen formed his government in Guangzhou, Peter Hing became head of the Department of Justice. At the same time, he was the managing director of the English-language Canton Times and assisted Vancouver entrepreneur Thomas MacInnes in obtaining the franchise for the Kwongtung Tramway Company to build and operate a tramway system in Guangzhou. Members of the Provincial Assembly of Guangdong criticized him for managing private commercial ventures while serving as a civil servant, which was contrary to government regulations.[8] In 1920 he travelled to North America, including a visit to Victoria, to purchase equipment for the tramway company.[9]
In 1915 Peter married Hawaii-born Jiang Fuzhen (a.k.a. Lillian Kong), a graduate of Honolulu High School and the University of California, who was described as “one of the ardent workers for the reform of South China.”[10] In 1920 Peter’s father, Rev. Ng Mon Hing, returned to stay in China and was living in Guangzhou with his son when he died in 1921.[11]
During the 1920s Peter Hing remained active in the Chinese Nationalist Party (Kuomintang) and took part in reunions of the Returned Students’ Club in Guangzhou. As late as 1938 he also owned a hotel in the city. His date and place of death are subjects of further research but it is believed Peter Hing moved to Hong Kong in his later years.[12]
[2] Cantonese (from Head Tax): Ng Tuk Pun; Cantonese (Jyutping): Ng Zik Pun; Pinyin: Wu Jipan; traditional and simplified: 伍籍磐. Thanks to Lily Chow for advice on Peter Hing’s Chinese name. Verification of Chinese characters from Yeung Wing Yu, “Guangzhou, 1800–1925: The Urban Evolution of a Chinese Provincial Capital” PhD diss., University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1999, pp. 241 and 378.
[3] Chinese Head Tax Register, serial number 24285. He arrived in May 1897, but was not registered until July 9. As a student and the son of a Christian clergyman, Peter Hing was exempt from paying the $50 head tax.
[6] Peter Hing to W. L. Mackenzie King, May 29, 1908, cited in William Lyon Mackenzie King, Report on the Need for the Suppression of the Opium Traffic in Canada, Ottawa: King’s Printer, 1908.
[7]Colonist, May 2, 1909, p. 7; May 13, 1909, p. 15; May 30, 1909, p. 11. Thanks to the staff at McGill University Archives for confirming that Peter Hing attended McGill from 1906 to 1909 and graduated in law.
[8] Yeung Wing Yu, “Guangzhou, 1800–1925: The Urban Evolution of a Chinese Provincial Capital” PhD diss., University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1999, p. 247.
[9] Peter Hing arrived in Victoria on Feb. 9, 1920 aboard SS Empress of Asia.
[11] Mona-Margaret Pon, “Ng Mon Hing”, Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. XV.
[12]McGill News, vol. 1, no. 2 (March 1920), p. 27; Colonist, Feb. 10, 1920, p. 17.
From the Vic High Archives and Museum
We’re thrilled to have John’s article on the website. His long-awaited book, Chinese Victoria: A Long and Difficult Journey, is considered a definitive work and is available at Victoria bookstores and from his website – Discover the Past Walking Tours | Ghostly Walks & History Tours in Victoria. Peter Hing’s essays are the lead articles in the February 1906 Camosun, and the May 1906 Camosun – available on the Camosuns page of this website. John’s research is extremely thorough, and though there were other Chinese-Canadian students in the province, John believes Peter was the first to graduate from a BC high school. We also extend a big thank you to John for making a donation for a commemorative plaque in Peter’s name in the Vic High Auditorium.
1909 Opening of Victoria’s Chinese Public School
Image M06930 courtesy of City of Victoria Archives
Chinese Public School today, 636 Fisgard Street, Victoria
Peter did not attend the school but was present at the opening and gave a speech. John believes, though not 100% certain, that Peter Hing is the young man in the middle of the second row wearing the top hat. At any rate, he was definitely in attendance that day.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peter-Hing-newspaper-photo-grainy.jpg21592Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2024-01-14 11:37:192024-01-15 11:08:42Peter Hing, VHS 1906 First Chinese-Canadian Grad in BC
Senior Boys’ Volleyball: After Five Years, Their Last Spike Together
By King Lee, VHS 1958
From Grade 7 through to their 2024 graduation, five Vic High volleyball players have now driven their last spike together. Van Dazo, Eighan Entac, André Moneda, Mark Menor and Beaver Luchina have finished in style, helping the Vic High Senior Boys’ team capture the Victoria City Championship and Vancouver Island Championship before finishing eighth overall in the recent B.C. tournament. Grade 12 students Leo Looi, Ranier Gomez and Lebronne Peralta, and Grade 11 student Andrew Janz rounded out Vic High’s team. The volunteer coach was Bethany Murphy with assistance from Gerard Mu and Nick Baker-Bell and team manager Gordon Sleen.
But two extraordinary accomplishments set this team apart. First, it’s been 48 years since a Vic High Senior Boys’ Volleyball team last won the Island Championships. With student interest in volleyball on the rise for a number of years now, clearly Vic High’s passion and skill development over that time are paying off. Second, and some might think this the most important award of all, the Vic High Senior Boy’s and Girls’ Volleyball teams won the local Fair Play award. Refs give out green cards during regular games for fairness and sportsmanship. The number of cards earned by each school are added up, and this year Vic High came out on top. There can’t be any better endorsement of the Vic High culture than an award like this.
The nine-member Senior Boys’ Volleyball team also called up Grade 10 students Myles Morisseau, Haroun Zahra and Cole Niedjalski for early competitions and provincials this year. “They gave us some insurance against injuries,” said coach Bethany, “and were highly valued team members when we won the Spectrum [Community School-hosted] Spikes and Aces Tournament in September.”
The team had achieved success in 2021, winning both the City and Island junior championships. And last season finished second in the City and Island championships, and 12th at the BC Provincials. Clearly their enthusiasm, their skill, and their team spirit far outweighed their height. Most players are five feet seven or eight inches tall. Only Coach Bethany’s son Andrew at six feet, two inches, matches the height of players on many other teams.
Vic High and Esquimalt were the only Island representatives at the 16-team provincial championship (Nov. 29 to Dec. 2) and, ironically, they met in the opening playoff round. Vic High defeated Esquimalt, 25-18, 25-21 and 25-19, but bowed out to host Langley Christian School, 25-20, 25-19, 25-17, in the second round. In the game to determine seventh and eighth places, Vic High lost to Surrey Christian 31-29 (in a marathon), 25-19. Esquimalt beat W. L. Seaton of Smithers in the consolation round. The provincial title went to South Kamloops, winners over Abbotsford Christian in the championship game. But it’s clear the entire school was rooting for the boys, watching them play via live streaming from the tournament. Talk about school spirit!
With athletics not funded by the Ministry of Education or school district, it falls to teams and their coaches and parents to raise the funds to cover the cost of tournaments and travel. Several alumni responded to the call in the Alumni’s November newsletter, and the Alumni Board also contributed $1,000 towards the costs. “The team would like to thank the Vic High Alumni Association for their support!” said Bethany, “and Vic High Athletic Director Matt Phillips and Vic High Accounts Clerk Carol Jessa for all of their help and support this season.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/407290835_830720525516493_8394970413918014267_n.jpg885800Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-12-13 14:33:432023-12-13 14:33:43Senior Boys’ Volleyball: After Five Years, Their Last Spike Together
It has been 45 years since Alan Lowe had balloons raining down into the Vic High Auditorium from the venerable school attic in his campaign for Prime Minister of the Vic High Parliament [student council] for the 1978-79 school year. “Mr. [Principal Duncan] Lorimer wasn’t too happy,” Alan laughs, “but I won.”
Alan played field hockey at Vic High and was a member of the chess club. He remembers popular science teacher Mr. Blasner as one of his favourites. “Vic High, I think, was very valuable to me,” says Alan, a sentiment that continues to this day. Since graduation he’s been an avid supporter of the Vic High Alumni, heading up the 2008 Vic High Homecoming week-end, helping organize Class of 1979 reunions, and always cheering for Vic High.
In the 1979 Vic High Camosun yearbook, his write-up stated: “Alan was our Prime Minister this year and was bothered by school apathy and the number of stairs VHS has. He hopes to retire at 30 and says, ‘Life cannot be any easier than now, so make the most of it.’ (Like Heck!!)”
Surprising as it was to learn that Alan even knew the word “apathy,” he did fail miserably at his goal of retiring at 30. (like most of us do!) He obtained his Masters degree in Architecture in 1985, and continues in the field to this day. In 1990 he was elected to Victoria City Council, and in 1999 became the city’s first mayor of Chinese descent. He held the position until 2008.
Boys’ Field Hockey Team Because the yearbook was sent in at the end of March, we were unable to tell how the boys did in the league. However, with an enthusiastic group of players under the coaching of Miss Hanslip, we hope for a good season. Standing L-R: Steve Ashwell, Shawn Coates, Jack Leung, Mike Bourne, Harjit Nandhra, Gordon Wilson, Wayne Russell, Paul Sapsford, Marc Gaudet, Mark Haliday, Albert Low. Kneeling L-R: Miss Hanslip (coach), William So, Doug Crouch, Alan Lowe, Don Descoteau.
Along the way, Alan was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service in 2003 and was listed in the Top 100 Most Influential Chinese Canadians of 2006. He was also named an honorary Citizen of Victoria in 2018 and honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Canadian Scottish Regiment in 2020.
Alan’s life of activism and advocacy, started with his Vic High experiences, continues still, as he shows off the Victoria Chinatown Museum in Fan Tan Alley he helped launch in early 2020. He is past chair of the society which runs the museum that’s drawn many visitors since opening.
In early 2020, Alan was asked by the provincial government to be part of a working group which included John Adams, VHS Thomas Chan and Winnie Lee, to explore the feasibility of a provincial Chinese museum. All four are founding directors of the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society. Its Board of Directors includes Dr. Grace Wong Sneddon, Robert Fung, Kyman Chan, Ronald Greene, Kevin Sing, Dana Hutchings and Michelle Urquhart.
On July 16, 2020, Premier John Horgan announced a $10 million grant to establish a Chinese Canadian museum, a first in Canada. Alan said it made sense to have it based in Vancouver, but proposed Victoria should have a satellite location because it is the home of the oldest Chinatown in Canada which has national heritage status.
The Chinese Canadian Museum Society was formed, based in Vancouver, and Alan and John (Adams) from the Victoria board were also appointed to the provincial board. “We’ve had some differences,” he acknowledged, “and it’s been a tight-rope act to serve on the two boards.” But it’s all working out.
The Vancouver-based board of the Chinese Canadian Museum has hired former Victoria councillor Charlayne Thornton-Joe to work part-time at the Fan Tan Alley Museum. The Victoria group has about 30 volunteers, Alan said.
He was most excited about the Victoria Chinatown Museum Society receiving charitable status in November, which he says should help with fund-raising efforts.
A curatorial committee decides what to display at the museum, located at 10-14 Fan Tan Alley, and some changes are forthcoming. One of the new displays features the late Tony Eng, a well-known Victoria magician. Tony’s daughter, Julie, who is also a magician, travelled to Victoria from her Toronto home, to attend the official unveiling of the display on December 7.
The Victoria Chinatown Museum in Fan Tan Alley is open Thursdays to Sundays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entry is presently by donation. Inquiries can be made to 250-382-9883.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/IMG_3762-Crop.jpeg734546Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-12-13 10:36:332023-12-13 10:36:33Alan Lowe, VHS 1979 Activism Is His Passion
Neil Worboys, VHS 1962 Lifelong Education Advocate
By Gerald W. Pash, VHS 1962
Neil Worboys, VHS 1962 has been an advocate for British Columbia’s education system throughout his entire life. Initially as the President of the Victoria High School Student Council 1961-62 and later as President of the British Columbia Teachers’ Federation, Neil has profoundly influenced education in B.C.
NEIL WORBOYS—Our amiable Council President, Neil is an active member of the Alpha Hi-Y, and one of Div. 3’s melodious Grad Choir types. He was an outstanding player on both the victorious Totems and the Senior Soccer Teams. After graduation Neil plans to team up with that redhead in Pharmacy. [Neil was also a Prefect.]
At Vic High, Neil was a member of the BC Championship Totems Basketball team, the Colonist Cup-winning Tyees Senior Boys’ Soccer team, and a member of the Senior Boys’ Rugby team that won the Howard Russell Cup. Apparently he was also a Prefect, in Alpha Hi-Y, and in the Grad Choir. Busy guy!
He attended Victoria College and then transferred to the University of BC School of Pharmacy and later the Faculty of Science, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1968. During his studies, he played basketball with the Vancouver CYO Saints that won the Junior Men’s Canadian championship in 1964. Like many students of the day, Neil then took a gap year after graduating from UBC. He worked at Alcan in Kitimat and hitchhiked around Europe with Doug Cashin,VHS 1962. After a year of teacher training, he was hired to teach science and biology at Mount Elizabeth Secondary School in Kitimat where he coached basketball, soccer and wrestling and in 1975 was appointed head of the science department.
In the late 1970’s he took an active role in the BC Teacher’s Federation as chair of the Provincial Collective Bargaining Committee. With a four-year leave of absence from teaching in 1986 he took employment at the BCTF head office in Vancouver to implement the BC Government’s legislation that allowed teachers to unionize and establish a collective bargaining procedure. He returned to teaching in Kitimat in 1990. In 1996 he pursued the political side of the BCTF when he was elected to the Executive Committee as a member at large. In 2000 he was elected to First Vice President and became President in 2002, a position he held for two years.
A change in government in 2001 heralded a tumultuous time in British Columbia Schools. The Provincial Government nullified portions of the teachers’ collective agreement related to class size, composition, and specialty teachers and simultaneously moved to take control of the BC College of Teachers thereby removing teachers’ role as self-governing professionals.
During his time with the BCTF, Neil led the teachers’ opposition to legislation changing working conditions. He challenged the government’s imposition of a contract that included a three-year wage freeze benefit improvement or professional development. He advocated for the restoration of local bargaining; arguing that the provincial system was not working for teachers or students. He supported the teachers’ right to strike and defended teachers’ civil disobedience and refusal to pay the fines imposed by the Labour Relations Board. Primarily, he promoted the importance of public education and the role of teachers in society and spoke out against government policies that favoured privatization and standardization. Moreover, he fostered a collaborative and democratic culture within the BCTF and encouraged the involvement of members in decision-making and advocacy. He also maintained good relations with other unions and education stakeholders. He was a sought-after participant in national and international forums on education issues.
Retiring in 2004, Neil lives in Qualicum Beach with Jackie whom he met in Kitimat and married 52 years ago. In retirement, he has enjoyed playing basketball at the World Masters level earning silver medals in Australia (2009) and Italy (2013), last playing in New Zealand (2017). He also plays competitive soccer at the 55+ level and last year traveled to Denmark to play in an over 75 World Tournament. For the past decade, he has participated with three other seniors in an annual wilderness adventure where they are flown into an area by helicopter and spend a week with wildlife. He serves the community as a director of the Qualicum Beach Stream Keepers, and the Qualicum Beach Community Garden Society.
Derek Reimer, VHS 1965 A Family Legacy in Education and History
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Even on vacation in Ireland, Derek proudly sports his Vic High cap.
“Vic High did all of us a powerful lot of good.”
These simple but compelling words are a testament to Derek Reimer’s long-standing family connection to Vic High, and part of the reason he continues to support the Vic High Alumni with his time and his donations. “Vic High is part of my family history,” says Derek. “Our family has been at Vic High since the nineteen-teens.”
But that’s not the only reason Derek is so committed to Vic High. “Public education is so important for the economy, for our democracy, for our social values,” he goes on, “and is a much better education model than private schools. Supporting public education helps level the playing field.”
Derek may have preferred summer and winter school breaks to actually being in class at Vic High, but still he liked school. “I was a happy student,” says Derek. “I had no negative experiences. Most of the teachers were great and the rest were tolerable,” he laughs. He took advantage of almost all the sports offered, and was on every team except basketball. That included soccer, rugby, track and field, and volleyball. “We won the Senior Boys Volleyball BC Championship that year,” says Derek, “and I was given the MVP and Outstanding Setter awards.” Not to limit his options, Derek also sang in the choir and played percussion in the Vic High Band. “I had a starring role in one performance,” he remembers, “playing the hot water bottle like a cymbal.” We’re not quite sure where he found the time to also represent Vic High as a member of its Reach for the Top team, the CBC-broadcast academic quiz show for high school students.
VicHigh Volleyball 1965 BC Champions
After graduation, Derek earned a B.Sc. in Geography at UVic, then a M.A. in Historical Geography at Queen’s University. “That’s where I met my wife, Maxine,” says Derek, “standing in line to register for our Masters degrees. A year later we were married, and had survived a whirlwind year where both of us earned our Masters’ degrees in very short order.” Maxine’s degrees were all in Psychology, and part of her work career was spent as a school psychologist in School District 61 Victoria.
“One of my summer jobs had been at the BC Archives,” explains Derek, “in their Oral History department. A job came up there so I applied and got it, and spent 20 years at BC Archives. I loved it…a dream job, because I got paid to pursue my natural interest in history and all things local.” He became head of the Sound and Moving Image division at BC Archives, then head of Policy and Planning, and eventually developed an interest in Government Records Management. “I know it’s probably quite dry to most people,” says Derek. But that experience took him to various government ministries, and the last five years of his working career were in the Ministry of Health overseeing Records Management, the My Health Library, and the ministry’s internal Web Services.
Retirement, though, seems to be another ‘dream job’ for Derek. He and Maxine have travelled extensively, completing 35 home exchanges in eight countries on three continents. Back home, once or twice a week he helps ensure Vic High alumni are remembered by watching the obituaries, searching the Alumni’s digitized Camosuns, and passing information along to his 1965 classmate, Dawn Eby Quast, who updates the website from her home in Prince Rupert.
And who are all those family members who went to Vic High? “The first was Max Maynard,” says Derek. “He was my great-uncle, a Canadian painter and English Literature professor, and the Camosun Editor at Vic High when he graduated, in 1920.” The next generation to attend Vic High included Derek’s mother Faith, VHS 1942, and her siblings Frank, VHS 1945, Connie, VHS 1945, and Felicity, VHS 1947, as well as several cousins. Then came Connie’s kids, two of Faith’s kids (Derek, VHS 1965, and Catherine, VHS 1967), and then Derek’s son, David, now a high school teacher in Grand Forks.
Derek is particularly proud of his mother’s legacy at Vic High, the Victoria High School Archives and Museum. “She was a homemaker with a BA in History,” says Derek, “who decided to go back to school. She did her student teaching at Vic High while earning a Teaching Certificate and returned to Vic High in September 1967 to teach Social Studies, History and English.” But it was her dedication to setting up the Vic High Archives that made her famous. In 1975, Vic High was gearing up for the 1976 Centennial Celebrations. Principal Duncan Lorimer asked Faith to set up the now award-winning Vic High Archives. “Stuff was spread around the whole school,” says Derek, “and she meticulously accessioned everything brought to her and set up the Archives on shelving built in the Fairey Tech Woodworking shop.” Peter Smith, VHS 1949, and former UVic Classics Professor, was writing Vic High’s history, Come Give A Cheer, so records had to be organized and researched for the book. Faith died in 2010, but not before attending a tea given by the Archives in her honour where the Archives room was officially named the Faith Reimer Room. “That brought her great pleasure in the last weeks of her life and she was very proud of that,” says Derek.
Derek can’t wait to visit the new Victoria High Archives & Museum, Faith Reimer Room, and to get back into that impressive Vic High lobby. Climbing those granite stairs from Grant Street to the new second-floor Heritage Hallway and main lobby will no doubt continue to reinforce his happy Vic High memories. From Maynard on down, educators figure prominently in Derek’s family, including his father, Dave Reimer, a long-time teacher at Oak Bay High and other schools. It’s no wonder he has such respect for public education, and particularly Vic High.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Derek-Reimer-VHS-ballcap.jpg938894Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-11-08 08:52:062023-11-08 08:53:02Derek Reimer, VHS 1965 A Family Legacy in Education and History
Douglas Jung, VHS 1941 Enlisted in WWII Despite Discrimination
Photo courtesy of Chinese Canadian Military Museum
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Lest we forget, a former Victoria High School student enlisted in the Second World War despite the fact he was not recognized as a Canadian citizen. Douglas Jung, born in Victoria on Feb. 25, 1924, was named after Victoria’s main thoroughfare. He beat racism, beat discrimination and beat a sitting Minister of Defence to become Canada’s first Chinese-Canadian Member of Parliament in 1957.
Operation Oblivion soldiers. Photo courtesy of Chinese Canadian Military Museum
Jung joined the Canadian Army and volunteered for Operation Oblivion, a group of 13 soldiers of Chinese descent that was to go to China and train 300,000 soldiers to fight the Japanese. It was originally a plan of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s wartime Special Operations Executive, and training took place near Lake Okanagan in the B.C. Interior and in Australia. Jung was an intelligence instructor. However, the plan was abruptly abandoned.
Jung is on the left. Photo courtesy of Chinese Canadian Military Museum
“Before we got into the actual operation,” Jung recalled, “a decision was made by the (Supreme) Allied Command that anything north of New Guinea would be a sphere of operation under (American) General (Douglas) McArthur. It then became a U.S.-only military operation.” Jung said the group was given two alternatives, return to Canada or remain. “We chose to remain behind because we were already there now and didn’t want to waste our training. So we were sent to New Guinea and Borneo.”
“We were people who, even denied the most fundamental rights of citizenship, acted as honourable citizens to serve our country in its hour of need,” Jung told a military reunion. “And no one can take that honour away from us.”
Full text below of Jung’s speech to military reunion.
Jung Addresses 40th Anniversary of Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans
Pacific Command, Unit 280.
The following is an abridged text of Douglas Jung`s address September 6, 1987, at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Vancouver, B.C. Canada. This transcript was made possible with the kind permission of Sid Chow Tan who recorded the event for Roger`s Cable show, “Chinatown Today.”
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and dear friends.
Seven years ago in Victoria, I had the honour of welcoming those who attended the reunion of the Chinese – Canadian veterans who served Canada. Tonight, in Vancouver, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our veterans reunion.
I take pride in the knowledge that we belong to an exclusive and special club. We paid the “no admission” fee to join this club and in fact for most of us, we even had to fight to be allowed into the Armed Forces. From a military point of view, there were not enough of us to form our battalion. Our contribution to the social and economic progress of our Chinese community was a far greater victory then any battle. The success of us veterans was entirely out of proportion to our actual numbers because after the war, we were able to demand and receive, for the first time, equality of treatment as Canadian citizens.
Unfortunately, after some 40 years, there are many among us, particularly the younger generation and new arrivals in Canada, who are not aware that, if it had not been for our efforts to demand recognition of our status as Canadian citizens, the Chinese Community would not be as dynamic, as affluent and as welcomed as it is today. They take for granted that we have always had the right to practice any of the professions, to receive recognition for our distinction in the arts, sports, business and academic achievement. These people know nothing about the very restrictions as to where we could live and know even less that we were denied the vote and to be recognized as a political voice, and they cannot and do not understand the discrimination which the Chinese community once suffered. For those members of the younger generation, it is almost inconceivable that these social, electoral and economic values existed.
Why should it be this way? Those of us who served during the Second World War were, on the whole, less educated, certainly less affluent or sophisticated than the present generation because we never had the opportunity or privilege that Canadians now have. And yet we took up arms and made it possible for others to follow in our footsteps. Is it too late for us to teach our children or educate our fellow citizens as to the value of what we did? I can tell you, we veterans, individually or as a group, have nothing to be ashamed of. We can hold our heads high because what we did accomplish could never been accomplished or bought with any amount of money.
We who, even denied the most fundamental rights of citizenship, acted as honourable citizens to serve our country in its hour of need. And no one can take that honour away from us. We are now in the September of our years. Our time and resources are limited and common to all veterans in every land. Some of us have paid terrible emotional, physical and mental price for what we did. But the price we paid was and remains a symbol of our loyalty and dedication to our country and we can be proud of our accomplishment.
I say this to you. We did something for the Chinese community no other group could ever have done. We should be proud and take satisfaction in the knowledge that without our contribution to Canada as members of the armed forces during the Second World War, none of the rights that exist in the Chinese community today would be possible. And to your loved ones and to members of your family, I say this, take pride in our accomplishments. Give to us the privilege to indulge a little bit in our comradeship and also give to us now, your support and understanding because what we did, we did for you.
Be proud of us, as we are with you. Be happy with us and take some time to spread the word and record of us among your friends so that someone will once more be inspired to take up the challenge to be a voice for our community in elected assembly. Do not, I beg of you, let our efforts go to waste simply because no one cares. Our efforts, instead of being recorded as a mere footnote in pages of Canadian history should, at least, be a blazing and inspiring chapter of the Chinese people in the history of Canada.
And finally, to my comrades-in-arms I sent you my warmest and most affectionate greetings wherever you may be. I am proud to be one of you and to all I say, “Well done.” Thank you for the honour and privilege of speaking to you. I wish you all continuing good health and success. I look forward to our next reunion. Until then. God bless.
Student Council Becomes Vic High Leadership Course
2023/24 Leadership students with teachers Niki Lukat, L, and Sara Reside, R
By King Lee, VHS 1958
What used to be the Student Council has essentially morphed into an accredited course at Vic High. There is no criteria for those who want to take the course, and it happens outside the students’ regular timetable. “It typically attracts students who are ‘go-getters’,” says Vic High’s Acting Vice-Principal, Sara Reside, “and it’s quite time-consuming but very rewarding.” She and two other teachers have taken on teaching roles for this course, which has attracted 110 students this school year. It is designed and authorized by the school district, and started in the early 2000s.
During COVID, leadership student activities were reduced, but with school life back to normal and excitement building about the move back to Vic High February 1, 2024, interest in more leadership projects has increased.
The course is built around the subjects of goal-setting, time management, public speaking, school and community service, public relations, team building and leadership style. With so many students and a three-teacher approach, the current Topaz Campus library is the only venue big enough for the class. When the students get home to Vic High on Fernwood, they will likely need to meet in the Wallace Auditorium.
Students with their We Are Vic High Leadership t-shirts serving at the annual Pancake Breakfast
Leadership students have four major assignments in the school year and also perform volunteer work at Greater Victoria marathons, The Cridge Centre for the Family, and the Victoria Foundation as part of their work assignments. In addition, they take on roles at Vic High assemblies, talent shows, the Remembrance Day program, and even student pancake breakfasts.
“The course is very time-consuming,” said Sara, “because of the classroom and volunteer aspects, and it really stresses accountability and time flexibility.”
Sara began her teaching career in 2004 in the Sooke school district (SD 62). She taught grades 9 to 12 for two years before receiving Teachers On Call temporary contracts in the Greater Victoria school district (SD 61) at Mount Douglas, Reynolds, Esquimalt and Oak Bay. She came to Vic High in 2015, the same year as Principal Aaron Parker, and taught English and Social Studies.
In June of this year, Principal Parker put out a call for a teacher to temporarily fill the vice principal’s position until the new appointee, currently on a school district leave of absence, arrives at Vic High. Sara applied and was selected to fill the position, joining the principal and Vice Principal Danielle Mercer on the management team.
Sara’s love of kids and teaching, and of Vic High itself, plus her enthusiasm and creativity, are a big part of why this course is so successful. Kids learn valuable life skills, and bring joy and celebration to the school population. The Alumni looks forward to working with Sara to develop some collaborative projects involving Alumni volunteers and leadership students.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ldrshp-2023-crop-scaled.jpg16642560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-10-13 16:55:472023-10-13 16:56:17Student Council Becomes Vic High Leadership Course
Susan Butt, VHS 1955 Tennis, Psychology, and The Psychology of Sport
By King Lee, VHS 1958
One would think that being ranked No. 1 tennis player in Canada three years in the ‘60s, playing Wimbledon twice, (once on centre court), and being named captain of Canada’s Federation Cup team would shine a singular spotlight on Susan Butt of the Victoria High School graduating class of 1955. But this was the spectacular Vic High Class of ’55 and Susan shares that spotlight with numerous other accomplished classmates.** (Read below about just a few 1955 alumni.)
Susan’s interest in the sport goes back to when she was nine years old. She saw Maureen Connelly, a top United States player, practicing at the Victoria Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club’s grass courts. Located at the time near Fort Street and Foul Bay Road, Susan’s father was an avid tennis player and a member at the Club.
Maureen, nicknamed “Little Mo,” went on to become the first woman to win four Grand Slam titles in the same year (1953) at the Australian, French and U.S. opens as well as Wimbledon. She was the American Female Athlete of the Year for three consecutive years starting in 1953.
Susan began to take the sport seriously as she was becoming a teenager. “My father was my coach,” said Susan, during a recent visit at her North Saanich home. With Little Mo as inspiration and her father’s coaching and encouragement, Susan learned quickly and went on to win the Victoria singles and doubles titles at just 17.
Susan was initially enrolled at St. Margaret’s School, a girls’ private school founded in Victoria in 1908. But she left after one year because the school wouldn’t allow her to miss their mandatory after-school games program for her one-hour daily tennis practice. St. Margaret’s loss was Vic High’s gain, as Susan quickly immersed herself in many aspects of school life there. Field hockey, badminton, table tennis, and of course, tennis, under the watchful eye of teacher Gordon Hartley, himself an accomplished tennis player.
“I think it was an excellent education,” Susan said of Vic High. She particularly remembered English literature teacher (and principal after Harry Smith’s retirement) Harry Dee, biology teacher (and another future Victoria High School principal) Duncan Lorimer, and her homeroom and social studies teacher Miss Sargent.
Asked who her best friend was at Vic High, she simply replied, “My best friend was tennis.”
Along the way to Wimbledon, Susan racked up seven Stanley Park singles and doubles titles in Vancouver. About age 19, she even found time to work during the summers as a junior columnist for the Victoria Daily Times under women’s editor Bessie Forbes. Susan wrote about her tennis adventures while at the paper.
Susan played against tennis greats Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Althea Gibson and Marie Bueno of Brazil. But her pinnacle came in 1961 when she played at Wimbledon’s centre court in the third round of Wimbledon, but was defeated by No. 1 seed Sandra Reynolds of South Africa. Sandra had lost the final the year before to Brazilian Bueno.
In 1967, Susan regained her No. 1 status in Canadian women’s tennis and played at Wimbledon again. “It was a privilege to get to play Wimbledon again,” Susan said.
Susan is in the Canadian Tennis Hall of Fame, B.C. Sports Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame of the Pacific Northwest, and is soon-to-be-inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame. She was ranked No. 1 in Canada in 1960, 1961 and 1967.
UBC Faculty of Psychology
But tennis was just the beginning for Susan. She obtained her PhD in Psychology in Chicago (also winning two city tennis titles in the process), and went on to teach psychology at UBC for 36 years, specializing – of course – in sports psychology. Her theory, that aggressive training procedures don’t necessarily produce the superior results obtained through a co-operative training atmosphere, are outlined in her 1976 book, The Psychology of Sport. Cuba has the highest per capita winning percentage for gold medals partially , Susan maintains, because their training methods jive with the philosophy outlined in her book.
Tennis is off the table now. She’s almost recovered from one knee operation and is awaiting another. She’s vital, witty, and very accomplished with definite opinions about women’s role in society, she’s a grateful Vic High grad, and she can look back on her outstanding tennis and teaching careers with great pride.
** Just a few of the very accomplished VHS 1955 alumni:
David Anderson won gold and silver in the men’s four rowing at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne and silver in the men’s eights in 1960 in Rome. He eventually held four separate federal cabinet positions as a Member of Parliament. Black & Gold Roll of Honour Inductee video.
Stew Smith, renowned physicist and Dean of Physics at Princeton University from 1990 to 1998, won the Mann Cup, emblematic of the senior men’s Canadian lacrosse championship in 1961 playing with the Vancouver Carlings team. In his graduating year at Vic High, Stew received the Governor General’s medal for being the province’s top student. Black & Gold Roll of Honour Inductee video.
Jim Taylor, a Canadian sports humorist and columnist for 30 years with both Vancouver daily newspapers, where he wrote about 7,500 columns, and was nationally syndicated for six years with a Calgary-based sports publication. He was inducted into the Canadian Football and Greater Victoria sports halls of fame as a writer before he died in 2019. Black & Gold Roll of Honour Inductee video.
And last, but not least, Fenwick Lansdowne, a self-taught, accomplished bird painter despite contracting polio at a young age and whose work has been displayed across Canada and beyond.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Susan-Tennis-Shot-Crop.jpg17012014Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-10-13 06:45:522023-10-13 17:51:38Susan Butt, VHS 1955 Tennis, Psychology and The Psychology of Sport
He has roamed the world as a Reuters news photographer capturing some of the world’s most historic events. As Reuters senior photo editor he has been central to the selection and distribution of journalistic images for the world. Yet, it is Greg’s full-colour coffee table book Trails of the West, Images of the North American Cowboy, that reveals his lifelong passion with the simple, rugged life of the cowboy.
Greg was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1957 to Dutch parents, the eldest of four children. His dad became fed up with the cold winters in Winnipeg, so the family moved to the west coast in 1964. He attended Central Junior High School from 1970-73, then went on to Victoria High School. Greg says high school was a challenge. He struggled with homework, partially due to working late nights as bus boy at the Keg & Cleaver on Fort Street, and partially due to problems at home. His parents divorced a few years later.
“The net result was lower grades than I would have liked,” says Greg. “However, I did enjoy homeroom and hanging out in the cafeteria. I became a minor celebrity as a cast member of two major stage drama productions, including the award-winning Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations in 1974, and the Greek comedy Lysistrata the following year. I was a keen supporter of Vic High sports teams, especially the Tyees and the Totems, and followed the senior girls basketball team all the way to their BC title winning game in 1975.”
Given his Reuters career, “it is bizarre,” says Greg, “to think that I was never a member of the photography club at Vic High.” He finished off his senior year as a member of the graduation committee. “I do remember going with Vice-Principal Reg Reid and his daughter Linda,” says Greg, “to select a rhododendron for the small planting area at the base of the main entrance front steps. We had a planting ceremony and unveiled a brass plaque.” On grad night, Greg was one of three people to stand up and introduce a student performance for gathered students, staff and family. Time In A Bottle by Jim Croce was the selection he announced. “That was actually more nerve-wracking than performing on stage.” says Greg.
From Greg’s book Trails of the West
After graduation he became an apprentice glazier at Pacific Glass on Pandora Avenue. In early 1977, however, Greg said goodbye to Victoria and ventured off to Europe. In London, he landed a job as a cinema usher in Leicester Square and eventually mapped out a journey across Europe with long stops in the Netherlands, his parents’ homeland. The photography seed was planted while in Europe when an acquaintance in Amsterdam encouraged him to use black and white film rather than the Kodachrome that his father had advised for his photo-taking.
Greg returned to Canada in 1978 and decided Edmonton was the place to be. To augment his high school diploma, he applied for a two-year diploma-granting course at Grant MacEwan Community College (GMCC), now MacEwan University. Because the Audio-Visual course was oversubscribed, he opted for the Advertising & Public Relations program. He joined the student council, and was the editor of the 1980 Scimitar yearbook, his first book, he claims, and graduated with the third highest marks of the 21 students. Through the course, his interest in photography was reignited and he decided to become a news photographer. With a part-time job in a camera store, he ended up spending nearly every cent he earned on film for his Pentax camera. At one point he started talking his way into NASL Edmonton Drillers’ soccer games pretending to be a freelance sports photographer. There he met Canadian Press staff photographer Dave Buston, who shared a variety of tips and processes of the press photography trade.
To make ends meet, he managed to land a full-time job selling yearbooks for Inter-Collegiate Press, and in 1982 was transferred to Vancouver where he linked up with Nick Didlick of United Press Canada. “Nick really helped me finesse my darkroom skills,” says Greg. He worked as a freelancer with Didlick and built up a portfolio of press images covering transit strikes and floods and NHL hockey in Vancouver. Subsequently, he was offered a job as a staff photographer for the Kamloops News in 1984.
From Greg’s book Trails of the West
Four years later, at 30 years of age and with a Dutch passport, he joined Nick Didlick at the Reuters News Pictures Service in Brussels. His first major story was the Zeebrugge ferry disaster in Belgium. After a year in Brussels, he was transferred to London. “Seeing my pictures published with a byline in big British daily newspapers was a real ego boost. I absolutely loved it,” says Greg. In 1988 he was sent up to Scotland to cover the Lockerbie Disaster where a Pan American 747 jet crashed following an explosion. It was one of the biggest news stories of the latter half of the 20th century. Three months later he was promoted to run the news pictures operation in Reuters’ Amsterdam bureau.
Greg now lives in Plymouth in the southwest of England with his wife Fiona and daughter Zoe. During 24 years at Reuters, he covered some of the major news stories of the late 20th century, including the Pan-Am Lockerbie Disaster, Fall of the Berlin Wall, the first Gulf War, and Princess Diana’s Funeral. In the latter part of his Reuters career, as the Global Sports Photo Editor, he planned and implemented photographic coverage of major sporting events such as the Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the UEFA European Football Championships in Austria/Switzerland 2008, and the FIFA Men’s World Cups in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.
After 40 years, Greg declares that photography is more of a hobby these days. His last assignment was a photo exhibition in 2018 at the Barbican Library in London, which neatly coincided with the release of his ‘second’ book, Trails of the West: Images of the North American Cowboy. It was while working in Kamloops that the idea of a book of cowboy photographs became hard-wired into Greg’s psyche. “I was always the first photographer to put my hand up if there was a rodeo photo assignment in the area,” says Greg. “And in 1984 I discovered the Douglas Lake Ranch while on assignment for the paper.” Since that time, Greg has visited many ranches in the US and Canada, shooting the photos he wanted, and meeting interesting characters. “It was a lot of fun,” says Greg, “I could take my time, on my own time, and shoot pictures that weren’t always newsworthy but that I really liked.”
Greg’s book definitely has a Vic High hallmark. When it came time to put it all together, Greg’s good friend, fellow VHS 1975 alumnus Doug Callbeck, pointed Greg towards book designer Linda Gustafson in Toronto. Linda is also a fellow VHS 197575 grad, and is Principal of Counterpunch Inc. in Toronto, a book design and packaging company.
Signed copies of Greg’s book are available to purchase from the VHS Alumni Association. Email Communications.
You might not know his name, but you know his voice
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Many Vic High voices have been heard in the hallways of the school and on Victoria radio airwaves. Some are familiar: Hugh Curtis at CJVI and C-FAX, Alan Perry at C-FAX, Ray Orchard, former Vic High principal Keith McCallion at C-FAX, Gordie Tupper at CKDA and CHEK-TV, Brian Dance at CBC Radio, John McKeachie at CKDA, Gerald Pash at CKDA, and myself King Lee at CKDA. But none will have a less recognizable name and more recognizable voice than John Ashbridge from the Vic High Class of 1964.
If you’ve attended a Vancouver Canucks NHL game or listened to a Canucks television or radio broadcast, John’s distinctive and booming voice was heard over the arena public-address system for more than three decades before his death due to cancer on June 5, 2018 in New Westminster, BC, three days short of his 72nd birthday.
John was born June 8, 1946 in Hastings, Sussex, England, but immigrated to Victoria at age five with his family. Believe it or not, his career in broadcasting began as he started attending Central Junior High School. He’d become interested in radio, and began hanging around AM radio station CJVI on Fort Street as a bit of a ‘gofer’, doing whatever he could to help and to learn, and actually worked there 1960-1961. The station, which operated from April 1, 1923 until 5:05 p.m., Sept. 2, 2000, was eventually sold to Canadian broadcasting giant Rogers Communications Inc. It became CHTT, or better known as JACK-FM (103.1).
Eventually his persistence and willingness to help and learn landed him an ‘on air’ gig at C-FAX while still attending Vic High. He was allowed to announce the time and weather during breaks in the elevator-music format of the day. Meanwhile, back at Vic High, his grad write-up said: John is a member of the grad choir, as well as one of Mr. P’s “labourers” in the equipment room. He also served as manager of the Totems this year. Outside of school, John works for C-Fax radio, and his future lies in the field of radio and TV production.”
Helen Edwards, chair of the Victoria High School Alumni Association and a Grade 12 classmate of John, admits she did not know him at Vic High, but got to know him when she was writing a book about Victoria’s hockey history. “He helped me quite a bit,” Helen said.
Sandra Barge Lauder, who lives in Alberta, remembered John as a great biology lab partner in Grade 12 because he loved cutting up specimens. “He had a great sense of humour and he always had me laughing,” Sandra said. She also recalled his amazing ‘radio voice.’ Sandra lost touch with John until around 1989. She was on a ladder painting the interior of their new house and listening to the Canucks playing her beloved Montreal Canadiens, when she heard a familiar voice, got down off the ladder, and walked towards the TV. It was John Ashbridge, introduced as the Voice of the Canucks. “I couldn’t believe it!”, said Sandra. They reconnected until his passing in 2018.
Dan Soberg, VHS 1964, also remembered John from Vic High. They both lived on Moss Street in Fairfield, and Dan often gave John a ride to Vic High in his $75, 1951 Austin, which occasionally needed a push. And Gerald Pash, VHS 1962, remembers John as a fellow student interested in radio. “I worked at CKDA 1962-64,” he says, “and would visit John occasionally on the week-ends when he was operating the control board at C-FAX.”
John worked at C-FAX until he graduated from Vic High, and from there his career took off. At 17, he started reading the news at Vancouver radio station CJOR (600 AM), and spent a year there before moving on to CKNW (980 AM). His long career there was interrupted several times: three years in Prince George, a year in Australia, and three months as news director at the ill-fated C-FUN Radio, which had adopted an all-news format after its rock-music glory days. In 1997 and 1998, John flew to Japan with the Canucks to perform announcing duties in Tokyo.
John had become the Canucks’ in-house announcer in 1987 at the Pacific Coliseum, and also did announcing stints with the Vancouver Giants junior Western Hockey League franchise as well as the occasional Vancouver Canadians’ baseball game. His two favourite broadcasting memories were announcing the late Queen Elizabeth’s ceremonial puck-drop at a game against the San Jose Sharks in 2002, and announcing the gold-medal hockey game between Canada and the United States at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
Photo courtesy of NHL website. www.nhl.com
In his later years, John returned to Victoria as a guest at some of the annual Association of Former MLAs of British Columbia dinners held at Government House. He must have had some great stories to share there. And he was kind enough some years back to speak at the memorial service of a woman who had worked in radio for many years. We’re told the woman’s grandson was blown away when the ‘Voice of the Canucks’ gave a wonderful testimonial to his grandmother at the service. He’ll have that memory all his life.
In Tom Hawthorn’s Globe and Mail obituary on John, Tom recalled an interview with the Nanaimo Daily News in which John was asked what he liked about the being the Canucks’ announcer. “I have a front-row seat, I have an unobstructed view, I’ve had a pre-game meal, they’ve provided me with parking. Does it get any better than this?”
Courtesy Gord Lansdell’s Vancouver Broadcasters website, here is John’s radio itinerary:
John Ashbridge – Operator at age 13 CJVI Victoria 1960-61; on air C-FAX Victoria 1962-64; CJOR Vancouver 1964; general announcer CKNW New Westminster 1965-67; C-FUN Vancouver 1967; CKNW 1967-70; News Director CJCI Prince George 1970-73; CKNW 1973-80; television news Australia 1980-81; news then senior newsman and Manager Network Operations CKNW 1981-2005; retired from radio; public address announcer Vancouver Canucks 1987-current; PA announcer Vancouver Giants 2004-current. RTNDA Lifetime Achievement Award 2005.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/John-Ashbridge-Image.png270226Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-09-13 09:55:402023-09-30 12:30:11John Ashbridge, VHS 1964 The Voice of the Canucks
Vic High Alumni Annual Report, by Helen Edwards, Board Chair
First, thank you to the donors who ensure the Vic High Alumni can support the school and its activities. I would also like to thank our extraordinary team of volunteers. You all definitely embody the Vic High spirit.
Administration
We adopted a new Vic High Alumni bylaws and constitution in April. This ensures that we operate within the Societies Act and in the digital world. Thanks to Rick Crosby, 1976, Brian Day, 1968, and Roger Skillings, 1968 for their leadership on this important issue. We can’t thank them enough. As we move our operations to a more digital format, members beyond Victoria are able to attend meetings and we can draw volunteers to perform tasks that can be done online. Board meetings are open to all members, and all voices are welcome to be heard. However only elected directors can vote. We have been experimenting with hybrid meetings – in-person and via Zoom, and once the new board establishes a meeting schedule, we will post it on the website. You can also email General Inquiries and ask to be included on the email list for pre-meeting agenda and information.
Archives & Museum
We finished adding 7,416 individual records to a database to make it easier to search for things in the Archives, and look forward to creating a more orderly way to store digital archival records. We went on several tours of the seismic jobsite to take photos and document progress for the Archives, and share information and photos via the website and newsletter. An alumni-owned business – Vintage Woodworks – will build new custom shelving for the Archives. Owner Ken Coley-Donahue, VHS 1987, won the contract to provide all the replica windows for Vic High and was keen to help with Archives shelving. We’re very pleased that the Department of Veterans Affairs has created individual online pages of each war memorial element at Vic High: our Great War Banner, the two war memorials, cornerstones and plaques, memorial trees, the stained-glass windows, and more. The pages are being translated and we’ll announce in the newsletter when they’re live.
We continue to receive donations for the Archives’ collections. Two major ones:
1915 Diary of Ernest Fairey (brother of Frank T. Fairey after whom Fairey Tech is named), was found by a DurWest labourer in the ceiling of the auditorium
1959 Totems Championship jacket in pristine condition, the last one in existence, was donated by a member of the team – David Nelson
Stories and contacts are being collected on the website to help with research for the next Vic High history book, to be published for Vic High’s 150th anniversary in 2026. Please share your memories of your Vic High days with us.
Communications
Eleven newsletters were emailed last year, and our engagement with our 4,000 recipients is high. Our MailChimp email program allows us to target sub-groups, so we’ve sent emails to various grad classes at the request of reunion organizers or fundraising leads. Website traffic is up 60% over this time last year. Our new merchandise program was launched online, and Vic High yearbooks – easily the most-visited area of the website – are now easier to download. Our donor lists are posted annually (names, grad years, and In Memory Of – no amounts are posted), and we are tracking traffic to the website and suggested improvements. By monitoring key performance metrics, we can improve our service to you.
In addition to publishing the monthly e-newsletter and annual print newsletters sent to donors without email addresses, the Communications team updates the website with stories and posts. We prepared promotional materials to raise the profile of the Association and expand awareness of what we do. For the Vic High Awards Night, we provided descriptions and photos for each Alumni award for a slide show for attendees, and info cards to give to each Alumni award winner. We also designed items for the Black & Gold Dinner, the Merchandise Program, items to send with donor thank-you notes, and more.
2023 Black and Gold Honour Roll Inductees Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961, Mohammed Elewonibi, VHS 1983, Pamela Madoff, VHS 1972
Events
The 2020 Black & Gold Dinner was finally held May 2023, with eight alumni celebrated and inducted into the Black & Gold Honour Roll. Numerous students attended the dinner, each a leader in the school in some way, and one of them was surprised to see so much enthusiasm by alumni for Vic High, remarking, “We really are all one Vic High family.” Videos about all 24 Honour Roll inductees are linked from the Honour Roll. 2025 is the Alumni’s 50th anniversary, and the school year 2025-26 is Vic High’s 150th anniversary. We will be developing celebratory events and activities to recognize these milestones.
Fundraising
The role of the Task Force is to develop new fundraising initiatives to support numerous projects: refurbish war memorials, create the first-ever donor recognition wall, ensure various heritage elements can be incorporated into Vic High, and refurbish grad class photos. We are also looking to help equip the new broadcast media lab, robotics engineering lab, a Vic High marching band, new art gallery area, the theatre with a new stage curtain, the new astronomy viewing deck with light-filtering screens, and more. Some of these are budgeted for by the school over time, but the sooner we can raise funds to help, the sooner our students can benefit from these items.
We met with some very successful fundraisers who graciously shared best practices information, and we are developing some options best suited to the target projects and those most likely to donate. A benefactor has offered to fund professional fundraising assistance in order to help us achieve these ambitious goals.
We sold 24 auditorium seat plaques in 2022 fiscal year. An anonymous donor has secured individual seat plaques for all members of the 1959 Vic High BC Championship Totems. Approximately 250 seats out of 960 total are still available on the main floor. There will likely be seats available in the balcony at some point. Seat Plaques can be ordered here. A new Vic High merchandise program was launched this year and everything is available here. The merchandise team attends all reunions with a pop-up store and generated significant sales at the recent Black & Gold Dinner.
Reunions
Reunions are resuming, some are 1-2 days of events and others a single event. We continue to support reunion organizers and update the extensive information on the website to provide ideas and guidance.
Scholarships & Bursaries
In June 2022, the total value of all scholarships and bursaries awarded to Vic High students by the Alumni was approximately $22,000. This spring, the Board was able to increase the value of the awards to over $30,000. This represents an increase of approximately 300% in the total value of awards since the Alumni began providing them in 2006. We are discussing with staff where additional scholarships or bursaries might be helpful to support the students.
Volunteers
The seismic upgrade of Vic High and the expansion of Alumni activities over the past few years have created numerous opportunities to get involved, help alumni stay connected, and give back to Vic High. Most of these tasks are or can be done online from anywhere.
Bookkeeping/financial management
Event organizing & fundraising
Donor relations
Supporting reunion organizers
Website updating (we use a very common and user-friendly platform: WordPress)
Maintaining our email list and website-based directory of 14,000 alumni
Interviewing alumni and writing up their stories for the website, newsletter & archives.
Working in the Vic High Archives, creating in-school displays, maintaining digital collections.
It’s been a busy year and we know, with Vic High re-opening in January, there are lots of opportunities for us all to continue supporting this great school. Needless to say, we – along with all the staff and students – cannot WAIT to see our school again.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-06-09 11:21:462025-01-23 18:02:552022-2023 It’s Been Quite the Year
Portrait of me painting figures that are painting me. A Zen question for Islay Ferguson: Who started painting first?
Jerry Bone, VHS 1952 Asking the Zen Questions
by Jerry Bone, VHS 1952
I’m just turning 89, and remember back to the friends, the bungling incompetence with the opposite sex, and other growing up groans and giggles at Vic High. It was more than just a school; it was my home.
My story begins in Sydney, Nova Scotia, when my mother and father split in 1946. Wanting to get as far away from him as she could and still live in Canada, she took my older brother and I on a train trip that after 7 days delivered us to Victoria. There I was registered in Central Junior High. While the music teacher was testing students to find those suitable to form a choir, the band master dropped into the room, focused on me, and made me an offer I couldn’t refuse: to blow a shiny instrument. So I wound up playing a tuba and a sousaphone (I did realize the latter would leave me with my left shoulder an inch and a half lower than the right). The following year a new band master, Mr. Grant, took over the baton, and I became the ‘base’ which supported the band. While in junior high, I also had occasions to take part in plays. All of this made me comfortable on stage, a condition which became useful later in life. Having no income other than that which covered absolute necessities, I would mow lawns in summer to get pocket money.
When the time came, I was slated to go to a high school close to home. But my friends were going to Vic High and I wanted to go with them. Luckily Mr. Grant didn’t want to lose me in the band so persuaded Vic High Principal Smith to make it possible for me to attend there. Although it took me two busses to get to school, I settled into my new routine. I had trouble studying during study hall periods, so having had a taste of theatre, I used the spare periods to take drama with Mr. Wayne. He not only taught me drama, but found occasional (non-paying) roles for me in legitimate theater.
Mr. Wayne seemed to understand my financial situation, for one day he offered me a part-time job playing records for a couple who were ice dancers. Things went well for four or five weeks until I witnessed the man’s feet fly up and his head hit the ice. After he was taken away on a stretcher, I was informed my services were no longer required. Mr. Wayne also taught me how to run the movie projector and I became the school’s projectionist. I also took care of setting up and dismantling the PA system, which led me to becoming a timekeeper at basketball games. I remember timekeeping when the Harlem Globe Trotters ran circles around home team.
Before spring break, Mr. Wayne asked me if I would like a job in the cafeteria during the teachers’ Summer School. So while my mates were playing tennis, I washed dishes in a little room next to the serving station in the cafeteria and would amuse myself by singing. One day a head popped in the door and asked me if I would like to take singing lessons. The choir teacher, Miss Hopgood, had heard me through the wall. She swept aside my statement that l couldn’t afford them and offered her services for free. Thinking, “why not?”, I began studying under her during the new school year and soon found myself singing solo on stage at assemblies.
The next year, my summer job was changed to stockroom attendant where I doled out art supplies, took care of supplying, tracking and retrieving maps and other paraphernalia for history class, science lab, sports equipment, etc. I was also projectionist for lectures, set up and controlled the PA setups, moved and set up tables and chairs when needed, and acted as a general gofer. That fall Miss Hopgood had me singing on local radio. With the band, drama and singing, my belief that “All the world’s a stage” culminated at Vic High’s 75th anniversary where I began on stage with the band, then left it to show a short film. I changed into gym gear and joined a gymnastic presentation, changed back into uniform to play with the band again, changed again to play in a short skit, changed into kilt, tam and sporran to sing a solo Scottish song while dancing a variation of the sword dance, then went back to the band for the finale.
In the summer before my final year my summer workload increased and I was given two assistants. In my final year, I was a member of the band that took first in the band competition, was part of a brass quintet that also took first (I was complemented on my tuba solo) and I came first in folk song category. Then came graduation. In the fall, despite the fact I was no longer at Vic High, Miss Hopgood asked me to return to sing once more at the first school assembly. So in a final farewell, I sang to those teachers who gave me confidence to stand on a stage, a love for history, science and reading, but particularly those who directed me towards the joys of music, from Bach to Brubeck.
If anyone has the slightest interest, here is an outline of the rest of my life…the truncated version.
Using money saved from summer jobs, I went to Vic. College. 2 years of Arts & Science, went broke. Navigator R.C.A.F., Korean war over. Civi-street in Winnipeg, accounting clerk, night courses CPA, tedious, bored to tears, quit. Worked batching, trucking concrete in bush camp in what became Thompson, Man. Used money to take Architecture at U. of Manitoba. First year there, met Marj who was taking double honours math. In second year, she dropped into single honours so she could take a course in Abnormal Psychology. She later married me, so she must have found I wasn’t dangerous. To continue, went broke, went to Teachers College, Teaching Certificate, teaching Art, married Marj. As I was teaching Art, thought IMasters. With Canada Council Grant, guaranteed a student bursary, we turned our assets into cash and headed to U. California, San Jose. One and a half years later, with M.A (Art) in hand and baby in tow we returned to Manitoba to find the teaching job market for Art teachers had closed up. Because of a couple of courses I took in Architecture, I got a job teaching shops in Shilo, Man. But because it was a military base under the Federal Government, I was paid top scale. I made it!!
Later, two daughters entering school and a wife with an honour’s degree in math climbing the walls, considered situation, decided she should get a job, took a 25% cut in salary so she could work in Winnipeg for Great West Life. I took care of the kids and used the rest of the day to make art. As I was breaking the norm for men staying at home while wives worked, she was working her way up the scale to become head of the Computer Systems Section. When she insisted on being recognized as a manager, she broke the barrier against women progressing beyond secretary. In doing so, she paved the way for other women to become managers and company directors.
While this was happening, my art work was spreading from Victoria to Halifax and from the Cortez-Alleman collection in Mexico to a log cabin north of The Pas, Man. I retired in 2004 and took up painting as one of my hobbies. Presently I am completing the last painting, called“Santa”, in a series called: My Life in a Calendar on My Mother’s Kitchen Wall.
Above, I am posed in front of May. If you are interested in what else I have done, Google jerryboneartist, select Facebook reference.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/300370404_187317540353243_5128025645528880822_n.jpg206206Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-06-02 16:56:092023-06-04 12:30:37Jerry Bone, VHS 1952 Asking the Zen Questions
Gloria (Mobey) Parker, VHS 1959 Always Making A Difference
By Linda Baker, VHS 1969
You never know what will inspire a lifelong passion or career. For little Gloria Mobey, the seeds of her future were sown when she and younger sister Sylvia (Hosie, VHS 1961) attended their cousins’ graduations from nursing school. They began playing ‘nurse’, with Gloria always the nurse and Sylvia always the patient, and to this day treasure the photo taken of them in tiny copycat nursing uniforms.
As early as Grade 10, Gloria applied to the Royal Jubilee School of Nursing wait list and was accepted, pending her achieving the necessary prerequisite courses and marks at school. “In those days,” says Gloria, “girls could be secretaries, nurses, or teachers. I chose nursing, but also ended up teaching a lot of nurses throughout my career.”
Gloria was slated to attend Mt. View High School. However her mother taught at George Jay Elementary and she could get a ride to Vic High every day instead of getting herself to Mt. View. So she applied to Vic High citing her desire to learn German, (Mt. View didn’t offer it), and was accepted. She was active in the Future Nurses’ and Future Teachers’ clubs. “They had the best field trips,” says Gloria. And along with sister Sylvia, she was in the Modern Dance Club. “Going to Vic High turned out to be a smart move,” says Gloria. “and I did learn German.” Some of her SJ friends had gone to Mt. View, and one of them told her she’d gotten a much better overall education at Vic High. “It was definitely the best high school in Victoria,” says Gloria. “I think the standards were higher, and you were just expected to do your best.”
By 1965, Gloria’s sister Sylvia was a teacher in Victoria, and says school principals competed to get the best teachers on their staff. “Vic High was expected to get the best teachers,” says Sylvia. “People wanted to teach there, it would be a feather in your cap to get a position there.”
Gloria was a bit of a rebel at Vic High, but did well and earned enough credits that she ended up being able to forego one subject. She and three other girls were in a high-achiever math class of mostly boys. The teacher started the first class of the year by saying to the girls, ‘You go sit at the back of the class. My job is to prep these boys for engineering. I don’t care about you as you are the weak sisters.’ Gloria was incensed and asked the administration, but the school wouldn’t move her to another class. So she spent math class at the back, doing homework for other subjects.
Gloria and Old Vic
In 1973 Sylvia was recruited by Vic High Vice-Principal Reg Reid to create the big Memorial (now Save-On) Arena Come Give A Cheer show for Vic High’s centennial celebrations in 1976. Naturally Sylvia recruited Gloria, who ended up helping with costumes for the show. At the eleventh hour, the current Home Ec/Sewing teacher was unable to help, so Gloria quickly designed the costume for the show’s main character, Old Vic, played by popular Vic High teacher Tommy Mayne. “It was basically a long black and gold nightshirt,” says Gloria, “with Old Vic on the front, and Mr. Mayne loved it. He told me years later that it went with him every time he moved and I know he wore it in some Victoria parades.” Tommy eventually donated his beloved costume to the Vic High Archives and Museum, where it lives quietly between sheets of acid-free tissue and is brought out for occasional display. (What stories that costume could tell!)
A Career in Nursing
Needless to say, Gloria did well at nursing school, eventually earning a Masters of Science in Administration. In the meantime, though, working at Glengarry Private Hospital and Tillicum Lodge she became very interested in geriatrics. As a result she became the co-ordinator who opened the Geriatric Assessment and Treatment Center at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Then it was back to the ailing Tillicum Lodge where she helped design a groundbreaking approach to supporting Alzheimers’ patients at the replacement facility, The Lodge at Broadmead, and became the Director of Nursing there.
It was while working full-time at Broadmead that she did online and in-person work to earn her Masters of Science from the University of Colorado. “U.S. physicians attending those courses loved having us Canadians in the program,” says Gloria. “We brought a lot of knowledge and experience about the Canadian system of health care, and they were keen to learn about it.”
During her career, Gloria was involved in numerous organizations and boards in the nursing and health care fields, like the RNABC (including 2 terms as president), on the board of the Canadian Nurses Association, and the Canadian Medical Association (Care to the Elderly Committee). She also chaired the blue ribbon Ethics Committee created by then provincial Minister of Health Peter Dueck, where euthanasia (assisted dying) was a contentious issue.
With her Masters in Science, and as an accreditor, she also taught nursing in China for several months, and did contract work for Nigel House, a long term care facility in Victoria for adults 19 – 55 with complex physical and mental health care needs.
The Blizzard of 1996
Most people in Victoria remember the catastrophic snowfall of Christmas 1996, but for folks like Gloria as the Director of Nursing at Broadmead Care, it was literally a life and death situation because many patients couldn’t feed or dress themselves. “I was on vacation when the nursing supervisor called,” says Gloria, to tell me we had no staff. “My husband and I shovelled through snow piled to the top of our back door and out to the road, where a passing BC Hydro truck drove us to the Royal Oak Mall, and from there we were able to walk to Broadmead.” They were there for three days before regular staffing resumed, with Gloria’s husband helping out in the kitchen. “I put the more capable patients (mostly veterans) to help out wherever possible, and put out a call through (radio station) CFAX for care workers and volunteers to go to the nearest facility to help. I was so touched by the people that showed up at Broadmead, leaving their homes and families and trudging through snow to volunteer. We did have one veteran die, and the Army Reserves had to come to move the body to a local funeral home. “His family said he’d have loved that his final journey was in the capable hands of the Army Reserves.”
“I loved every minute of my nursing career,” says Gloria. Her compassion and enthusiasm still shine through, for nursing to patients in need, for innovating better ways to help the elderly, and for inspiring others through her administrative work. In the end, that’s what matters the most, the human connection, the compassionate, and the difference we can make. Thank you, Gloria.
It definitely looks like it was worth the wait as the Class of 1970 finally held its 50th reunion. So many smiles and hugs and laughter and stories, it was a treat to be at the May 31 Meet & Greet at the Strathcona Hotel. Our enthusiastic Vic High Alumni merch team was there too – Mary Anne Skill and Shannon Edgar, VHS 1975 – representing the Alumni and selling branded items to attendees. And as all these folks were at Vic High when I was there, it was such fun to see so many (yes, still) familiar faces. (And how about that cake! Thrifty’s outdid themselves recreating the Vic High logo.)
Robin Farquhar, VHS 1956, Vic High A Magical Place
By Linda Baker, VHS 1969
“Vic High was where I learned to be adventurous,” says Robin Farquhar, VHS 1956, “where I learned anything was possible. None of us thought we might fail at anything. We just wondered what we’d succeed at.”
It was the 1950s. World War II was well and truly over, there was great optimism, innovation, and expansion in the world, and travel was more feasible. “Vic High was a wonderful place to be,” says Robin, “very accepting of everyone and really at the top of its game. Our valedictorian, John Gilliland, graduated with the highest grade point average in BC that year.”
Robin attended Margaret Jenkins up to grade eight, then went straight to Vic High for grades nine to twelve. “We lived near Foul Bay and Fairfield roads right at the catchment border,” says Robin. “My two brothers went to Oak Bay, but our parents had the good sense to send me to Vic High!”
After graduation, Robin earned a BA and MA in English Literature at UBC and taught high school in Sooke for two years, but discovered his true passion lay in educational administration. He was offered a full scholarship at the top school in North America for that discipline, The University of Chicago. His first position after earning his PhD was on the faculty at Ohio State University in Columbus. He then accepted the Chair of Educational Administration at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Five years later, he became the Dean of Education at the University of Saskatchewan, and after that, President of The University of Winnipeg. Eight years later he was appointed as President of Carleton University in Ottawa, and retired from there at age 65.
Over the next 15 years he consulted internationally, assisting university leaders around the world, while continuing to live in Ottawa until one icy winter he began to question why he was struggling with such a cold climate. Luckily his Calgary-born wife Fran agreed and they moved home to Victoria in 2018. “It had changed a lot while I was gone,” says Robin, “mostly for the good.”
Maybe it was Robin’s father, Hugh Farquhar, president of the University of Victoria in the early ‘seventies, who inspired him. The UVic Farquhar Auditorium was named after his father in recognition of his efforts to plan and develop the University Centre and Auditorium. Or maybe it really was his four years at Vic High.
“I was into everything at school,” says Robin. “I actually won the Activities Award with John Lancaster that year. Being involved in so many things really taught me to say, when opportunities arose throughout my life, ‘I can do that!’ ” A search of his name in the 1956 Camosun (available digitally on the Vic High Alumni website), reveals twelve entries, and his grad write-up says it all.
“This popular guy’s activities speak for themselves. Class Rep., Students’ Council Exec., Head Prefect, Sports’ Editor Camosunet, Camosun Editor, President Future Teachers’ Club. Badminton Club, Exec. French Club, Alpha Hi-Y, Grad Dance Team, Senior Rep. Rugby and Soccer, House Sports, Honour Student.”
“I was friends with Jim Taylor,” says Robin. “I’d taken (teacher) Stan Murphy’s Journalism class, and actually followed Jim into the high school sports stringer role at the Times newspaper when Jim started full-time with the paper.”
(Note: Jim Taylor went on to become a high-profile award-winning sports writer and author, and was inducted into the Vic High Black and Gold Honour Roll. Click here for more about Jim.)
Robin’s poem appeared in the 1956 Camosun.
Did you ever visit the attic, we ask? “We didn’t even know there was one,” says Robin. “We were just so focused on enjoying our school and maximizing all the opportunities it offered. It really was a magical place to be. It set the course for my life, one I made sure always included interesting things besides my professional work.”
Then there was the time he met BC’s Premier W.A.C. Bennett. He was best friends with Waldo Skillings, VHS 1956, son of Bennett’s Minister of Industry Waldo Skillings, VHS 1925. “Bennett would always come and talk with us kids when he came to meet with Waldo’s father,” says Robin. “One day – we were about 16 or 17 – he asked me if I was coming to the Leaders’ Debate. He then wrote out a question for me to ask. I waited at the mic after each candidate had spoken, then asked the question. ‘I’m glad you asked me that, young man!’ boomed Bennett, and away he went with his ready answer. I don’t remember now what the question was, but it was probably my first introduction to politics.”
Vic High owes its culture of acceptance, excellence and opportunity to countless people throughout its history. It’s reassuring to know those values have influenced so many who have in turn embodied them and influenced others. Robin’s many roles in Higher Education Policy and Management put him in a unique position as an influencer, and one can only imagine how many thousands of administrators and teachers and students have been touched by the spirit and values of Vic High that so profoundly inspired Robin throughout his life.
Thank you, Robin. You have made a difference, and continue to do so. (And just so you know, Vic High still is, and always will be, a magical place.)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Robin-Farquhar-Crop.jpeg1362998Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-06-01 13:56:532023-06-02 17:04:11Robin Farquhar, VHS 1956 Vic High A Magical Place
Postponed for three years due to the COVID pandemic, it was a great relief to organizers, inductees and guests to finally gather for the 4th Black and Gold Dinner May 13 at the Naden Wardroom, as eight Vic High alumni were inducted into the Black and Gold Honour Roll. 140 guests, including some who travelled from as far away as Ontario and Oregon, reconnected, reminisced, and shared stories and laughs and the views from the beautiful Signal Hill venue at the entrance to Esquimalt Harbour.
Some extraordinary Vic High students, leaders in their fields, helped alumni present each honouree to the assembled guests and other students also attended, all as guests of various alumni who donated their tickets. Nyla Sproule, VHS 2023, was surprised at how much enthusiasm attendees still have for Vic High saying, “I guess this proves that we really are all a Vic High family”. And of course, the evening ended with a rousing singing of the school song, Come Give A Cheer.
Three inductees attended in person. Pamela Madoff, VHS 1972, said later, “I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the video presentations were absolutely fascinating. Thanks again to everyone for honouring me in this way and bringing back some wonderful memories.” Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961, was thrilled that her presentation video and display board contained wonderful photos of her late husband, Bill Hosie, and his late sister, Dorothy Hosie, as all three had met at Vic High and performed together throughout their lives. Mohammed Elewonibi spoke from the heart about his football experiences and about how Vic High teachers made him feel so welcome when he transferred there from St. Michael’s University School.
Two alumni were inducted posthumously – Lawrie and Jill Wallace, two were unable to travel – Ian McDougall and Ann Kipling, and Timothy Vernon was sidelined by health issues but sent a warm message to guests and organizers. Distinguished guests included past inductees Stew Smith, VHS 1955, David Day, VHS 1966, and Carole Sabiston, VHS 1957, Rob Fleming, MLA for Victoria-Hillside, and School District 61 Superintendent Deb Whitten and Board Chair Nicole Duncan.
Rod Quin, VHS 1970 Artist, Innovator, Inspiring Imagineer
By Linda Baker, VHS 1969 May 2023
Vic High’s art teacher 1966 – 1988, Michael Hemming, would be thrilled that yet another of his students, Rod Quin, VHS 1970, has made their way in the world of art, though perhaps in a way that Michael might never have imagined. Rod’s groundbreaking Ombrae, an extraordinary fusion of art and technology, has produced innovative sculptural images on over 90 commercial buildings around the world. As a scalable technology it has applications on fabric, watches, cars, and so much more. Earlier this year Rod was finally able to bring his technology home to a Vancouver Island building, the new Amazon Distribution Centre in Sidney, (dubbed Cascadia Junction).
3D pixels or Optical Tiles are precision-cut into a base material to create Sculptural Images. His initial application uses anodized aluminum panels as the base material for large-scale architectural art. Each Optical Tile is set at a precise angle according to the image to be displayed, and catches and reflects the changing light and viewing angle so images are constantly shifting and appear to come alive. Rod’s technology has almost limitless potential to reduce our energy use as the panels create a cushioning envelope that buffers environmental effects and insulates a building, thus reducing costs to manage interior air and temperature by upwards of 40%. In addition, of course, applying aesthetically pleasing art to large building surfaces definitely enhances our environments, and inspires the imagination to expand the boundaries of what’s possible in the world. Read more in this March 12, 2023 Times Colonist article: Panels create natural scenes on bare Amazon warehouse walls – Victoria Times Colonist
Rod wasn’t that interested in school, and at S. J. Willis Junior Secondary he was mostly into sports. His father was an engineer, artist, and photographer so Rod learned photography at an early age and he and his father worked on many art projects together. He could draw but likely took the skill for granted, until an astute teacher at SJ Willis suggested he enrol in Michael Hemming’s new Art Specialty program when he got to Vic High.
“Michael’s program rescued me,” says Rod. “He took me under his wing and mentored me, encouraging me to explore my ideas and a lot of different mediums. He let me use his darkroom to develop and experiment with my own images, and helped create a very safe space for my experimentation. I ended up winning the Arts Specialty scholarship that year and enrolled in the Vancouver School of Art in 1970.” After a couple of years, Rod and future wife Nonie James, VHS 1970, spent a year travelling in Europe, then married in 1974 and moved to Comox. He designed and hand-built them a beautiful home where Nonie still lives. “We were married for about ten years,” says Rod, “but we’re still the best of friends.” Rod learned various skills like masonry and carpentry by doing them, an approach that often contributes to innovation as you better appreciate how things are constructed.
In 1980 Rod enrolled at Emily Carr University in Vancouver as a third-year student, and opportunities there also opened his eyes to various mediums and provided opportunities to explore. With the movie industry really taking off after Expo 86, Rod ended up spending 18 years designing and constructing sets, as an art director, sculptor, props builder, and special effects technician for major movie and TV productions like I, Robot, Seven Years In Tibet, Legends of the Fall, and the X-Files, X Men. More info here – www.rodquin.com.
In 1993 he spent several months as Artist-In-Residence at the Computer Science Lab at the University of British Columbia, experimenting with various ways to integrate art and computer technology. His Optical Tile idea had great potential, but it would be 10 years before technologies like 3D modelling and manufacturing machinery could turn his ideas into actual prototypes.
While working in the film industry, he also ran his own studio in downtown Vancouver creating architectural sculptures and continuing to bring together his skills and experience in (now) digital photography, science, math, and art. By 2003, his work in film special effects had shown him a way to finally put his Optical Tile idea into practice, and in 2005 he set up Quin Media Arts and Sciences to develop this innovative new technology, initially for architectural installations. Ninety buildings later, he’s also developing applications for his technology such as watch faces for Rolex and Cartier, swimsuit material for Speedo to create more hydrodynamic performances in the water, and vehicle applications for the likes of Lamborghini, Ferrari, and McLaren. The Ombrae surface in the McLaren Speedtail seats can be programmed in the design phase to allow the driver and passengers to ‘slip’ into the seating position, but once there they are held by the ‘grip’ direction of the Ombrae 3D pixels.
Rod has manufacturing partners around the world – United States/Canada, Turkey, Italy, New Zealand/Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico,and is excited about the potential for his technology to really change life on this planet. Landscape architects are contacting him about applications for sun and privacy screens, and the potential for residential applications awaits, not to mention the potential for this technology to change the course of energy use on the planet.
Michael Hemming was an extraordinary person who saw potential in students, who encouraged and supported them to experiment and learn, to stretch their imaginations and creativity and open up to possibilities. His influence is incalculable, but if ever we wanted proof of it, we need only look to Vic High alumni like Rod Quin and his creative, innovative, and very functional art, and be grateful for teachers like Michael Hemming and their dedication to empowering students to be the best they can be.
There’s a reason why Doug Clement’s brilliant, self-taught photography is mostly done at night. For about four decades, he has worked nightshifts (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) in the Empress Hotel’s maintenance department, so a lot of his opportunities occur as he travels back and forth to the Metchosin home he shares with wife Mitoki. “It’s my life,” said Doug, who has become one of the most recognized local photographers on Facebook or Instagram. He says he mostly walks around and if he sees something, he takes his always-handy camera out and shoots the photos.
If you’re on Facebook, do yourself a favour and follow (4) Doug Clement Photography | Metchosin BC | Facebook His page has 30k followers, and 22k Likes. His photos are inspiring, each one a work of art, and can be purchased in various formats.
Doug, 49, was born in Victoria to Pat and Andy Clement. He attended Margaret Jenkins Elementary School, Central Middle School (where he joined the photography club), and Vic High, graduating in 1978. He was 10 or 11 years old when he first became interested in photography and videography.
As a youngster, Doug was also interested in painting and working with clay but that became impossible after he developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a common condition that causes numbness, tingling and pain in the hand and forearm. Up until then, he had enjoyed art at Vic High with teacher Michael Hemmings. “He knew I had the talent,” Doug recalled. But said his choice of subjects (usually science fiction) wasn’t necessarily the teacher’s favourite. Doug’s school interests shifted to carpentry, boat-building, and metal work at Fairey Tech.
He remembers “almost” going to the graduation dance at Vic High but never quite getting there because of what could almost be called a riot. Doug said that as they were about to go into Vic High for the dance, someone threw a beer bottle at a passing police car and the “riot squad” showed up and prevented anyone from entering.
His first big photographic break came while he was at Vic High, August 8,1977, when he watched and filmed as Ogden Point docks burned to the ground. The dock area was filled with newsprint and lumber, and the blaze could be seen as far as Port Angeles in Washington state across the then-Strait of Juan de Fuca. Thousands of onlookers gathered to watch the spectacle. The next year, at age 18, Doug was the photographer for Victoria punk/metal band Day Glo Abortions.
His climb to online notoriety came about 10 years ago when, very early one morning, Doug noticed fog creeping up a nearby hill. He wondered if it could be photographed and the next day, he bought a $500 camera and experimented. The shots came out so well that people on social media began to take notice of his photography.
Three months later, he took shots of a lightning storm which appeared on Shaw Cable, CHEK-TV, CTV and Global. “My camera was always around,” said Doug. He loved the fact that, with digital cameras, trial and error was easily available to him.
He has stopped photographing weddings and is concentrating on producing calendar photos which are sold across Canada and locally at Munro’s Books. Doug estimates he has taken 500,000 to a million photographs so far. “It’s a love,” says Doug, “it’s something in your heart.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/312233910_661988985292079_438048934378480612_n.jpg20482048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-04-13 11:51:382023-04-13 11:51:38Doug Clement, VHS 1980 Night Photographer
Rob Lawson, DurWest labourer, found a 1915 Diary belonging to Ernest Fairey in the Vic High Auditorium ceiling during the big seismic upgrade 2020-2023. We posted the story and linked it from our March 2023 e-newsletter. Full story here.
Barb Voth
Well it turns out our little newsletter travels a lot! Barb Wheatley-Voth, VHS 1961, forwarded it to her long-time friend Karen Farr, Oak Bay HS 1961, in Australia. (Thanks, Barb!) They were schoolmates at Lansdowne Junior High. Karen sent it on to her cousin Randall Fairey in Kelowna, grandson of Frank Fairey (after whom Fairey Tech is named) and great-nephew of Ernest Fairey, whose 1915 Diary was found recently in the Vic High Auditorium ceiling. (Did you get all that?) Randall sent us a photo and more info about Ernest, shared a bio of his grandfather for the Vic High Archives & Museum, and told us a bit about himself.
Ernest Fairey, Vic High Joiner/Carpenter
Ernest Fairey came to Canada in 1906 on the Empress of Britain with his brother William from their home near Liverpool, U.K. Their father, a Joiner/Carpenter had been killed on the job, leaving 12 children and a pregnant wife Elizabeth. She took her husband’s employer to Old Bailey, filing a lawsuit for non-payment of workers’ compensation benefits in place at the time, and she won! Nonetheless, many of her offpsring set off for a new life in North America, some to B.C. and some to California, and she eventually followed.
Ernest, a Joiner like his father, and brother William, a Bricklayer, came to Victoria in 1906 and began working for the Department of Education at various schools in the city. His 1915 Diary, the one Rob found in the Auditorium ceiling, records him working at Central School and South Park School. In fact, we believe it’s quite likely Ernest was on the crew that built the current Vic High. When their brother, 18 year old Frank arrived in Victoria in 1907, having earned a Teaching Certificate in England, Ernest took him to his boss and said, ‘You should hire him.” So they did.
Ernest married, had two children, worked at numerous schools in Victoria doing carpentry work, lost his 1915 Diary in the Auditorium ceiling at Vic High, and in 1922 emigrated to California. His last career was in San Francisco as Superintendent of the Pacific Telephone and Telegraph Company. He died in 1952, age 72.
Who Is Frank T. Fairey and Why is Fairey Tech Named After Him?
Meanwhile, in 1907 Frank was sent to teach in Quesnel, thus beginning a long career in education, primarily in Technical Education, with a break to fight in World War I. In 1917 he enlisted with the Canadian Expeditionary Forces and served overseas, continuing his military training at the war’s end as a Reservist. In 1933 he left the Irish Fusiliers, stepping down as Commanding Officer of the Regiment. He returned to teaching, particularly in Technical Education, and eventually left to become the Director of Technical Education for the Province of BC.
During World War II, not only did Francis Fairey lead Industrial and Technical Education, but he was named by the Federal Government to be the Regional Director of the Dominion-Provincial War Emergency Training Program (it became known as the Canadian Vocational Training Program). Technical education shops were first opened at Vic High in 1943 as part of the training effort for the Second World War. The facilities were built to the west of the playfield by trainee soldiers with assistance from Vic High students. Trades such as carpentry, bricklaying, and metalwork were taught.
Frank recalled: “We had classes going night and day for welders and electricians, men for the army, the navy and the air force in numerous trades. We trained 40,000 people in simple skills in British Columbia during those years to man industry. I had something I have never had before or since, unlimited authority. I could say, “I want that building.” I had authority from the Government to take it, and equip it, so that we could turn out young people with simple skills. That’s where you learn the tremendous potential there is in the young people. Girls as well as boys.”
In 1945, Col. Fairey succeeded Samuel J. Willis (Vic High Principal 1908 – 1916) as Deputy Minister of Education.
In September 1949 classes began in new Industrial Arts facilities which had been added onto the south end of the wartime building at Vic High, to provide shops for electrical, automotive, sheet metal, welding and woodwork plus classrooms and drafting rooms. The enlarged facility was named the F.T. Fairey Technical Unit and immediately became a focal point for technical education in Victoria and beyond, both for daytime and evening adult education classes. Additions were made to the facility In the 1950s, including a much larger auto-shop complex and an electronics shop and classroom. Later renamed the Fairey Technical Centre, in addition to previous disciplines it also housed classes for industrial design, art metal and jewelry, and even dance. The facility was closed in 2011 and replaced with Fairey Tech, a new 57,000 square foot addition to the north side of Vic High.
Frank Fairey had many passions in his life. He had a brief political career and was the Dean’s Warden of Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria. He also worked for UNESCO and spent a long time in Burma. But the main love of his life was Technical Education. While BCIT grounds include a Fairey Lane, particularly poignant as Frank Fairey’s great-granddaughter (Randall’s daughter) is a Professor of Nursing there, we at Vic High will always be proud to be the home of the inaugural and still leading Technical Education program in BC. We will ensure Frank Fairey’s dedication to technical education is honoured in perpetuity, the only facility to bear the name of such an extraordinary man.
Randall’s career has been a distinguished one, notably to start, he was the first Radiation Oncologist to graduate from UBC Medical School (1969). He thought he’d go into Plastic Surgery, however his training program included a rotation into the (then) BC Cancer Institute and he discovered he’d rather apply his skills to those whose need was greatest. 1994 – 1997 he worked at the Vancouver Cancer Centre, and in 1998 was sent to Kelowna to open the new Cancer Center of the Southern Interior as head of the Radiation Oncology Department. He’s an amateur historian and genealogist, and like his grandfather, served the Anglican Church, as Executive Officer to the Bishop of the Kootenay Diocese.
Thank you, Randall. We thank you for helping us expand our knowledge of your uncle Ern and his lost 1915 Diary, for your thorough biography of your grandfather, Frank T. Fairey, and for donating numerous of his certificates, documents and photos to the Vic High Archives and Museum.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Ernest-Fairey-closeup.jpg262177Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-04-05 06:29:492023-04-16 17:39:41We Found Ernest!
BETA: a development stage of near completion, but not yet ready for release.
BETA: the second letter of the Greek alphabet, (not the first)
Some of those 1960s Vic High Beta Boys might agree they weren’t ready for release into the world quite yet, but we’re sure they saw themselves as second to none. Raising school spirit, serving the community, and generally having themselves a heck of a good time, all seemed to be hallmarks of Beta Boys’ days at Vic High in the 1960s and ’70s. Camosuns from 1967 to 1972 reveal various service clubs each year, some separate for boys or girls, and one in 1974 for boys and girls. The first Vic High service club was founded in 1877 to focus on raising school spirit and developing debating skills. In 1911 it became the Beta/Delta Club. We’re not sure when the club disappeared, but 1966-67 it was resurrected as the Beta Club. No formal debating was on the agenda, although it’s safe to assume lively discussions likely ensued over what activities to pursue, (and perhaps who would do the jar store run? LOL)
We spoke to a few of the Beta members from the 1960s for this article, and memories on a few details were a bit hazy. It has been over 50 years, after all. Some weren’t sure how they’d gotten started each year, how they were initiated as members, or even where they met. But they definitely remember the friendships, the laughs, and the lessons they learned from their community service.
Left to right: Doug Puritch, 1969, Jan Bentley, 1969, Ken Gower, 1968, Bob Hissink, 1968, Tony Cable, 1968
Doug Puritch, VHS 1969, described the Beta Boys that year as ‘unorthodox’. Yes, they wore old cheerleader skirts to cheer on the rugby and basketball teams, but they were really a service club. “You had to be invited to join,” says Doug, and once a member, were seen by some as the “cool guys” of the day. Whether that was true or not, Doug has great memories of his years at Vic High. “I was really proud of Vic High,” Doug said, and he continues to stay connected with his buddies, specially those crazy 1969 BC Basketball Championship Totems. Of course, there was the time the Beta Boys outdid themselves at the 1968/69 Vic High Circus. Does anyone remember the standing-ovation performance by the Beta Belly Dancers? Just sayin’…
Jan Bentley from the Class of ’69 remembered their role as a cheerleading squad for Vic High teams. He wouldn’t call Beta Boys a fraternity but did recall they “tissue-papered” Oak Bay High. “We were all really good friends”, says Jan.
Ken Gower, VHS 1968, former Victoria High School Alumni Association chair, thought the Beta Boys were more of a social club, modelled after university fraternities, although they were involved in service to and raising money for the Greater Victoria community. He and Tony Cable, VHS 1968, remembered both raising funds through “penny drives” (when pennies had some value) and competing with another boys club, Gamma, and the girls’ Y-Teens. Ken and Tony both remembered weekly lunch-hour trips to nearby Victor School, which enrolled disabled students, and bouncing balls, playing catch and pushing wheelchairs on school grounds there. Tony described Beta Boys as friends of like minds learning how to be part of a group, and developing leadership qualities. He said many members went on to become future leaders in their communities, including Bob Hissink, VHS 1968, who became a vice-president of the mammoth McDonald’s fast-food restaurant chain.
1968-69 Beta Boys.
Barrie Moen, VHS 1969, Remembers Beta Boys
The Beta Boys was a group created to foster good will at the school and in the neighbourhood. One particular activity I remember well was our volunteer time at Victor Street School in the Fernwood area. At the time, 1966-67, the school was for children and young adults who had severe learning and behaviour issues. We would walk down to the school once a week to help with the school’s lunch time activities. Certainly an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience for teen-aged boys.
Personally, the experience led to more volunteer time at the old Glendale Hospital once located where Camosun’s Interurban Campus is now, and at the Victoria Boys’ Club as it was known then. Victor Street School morphed into an alternative school and the need for the Beta Boys volunteer time faded away. But we stayed active helping organize pep rallies, ad-hoc bottle drives, and a few other money raising comedies.
Of course there was always the odd game of nickel-and-dime-poker played behind open text books propped up on the tables of the venerable old cafeteria. Watch man always present. Those teacher monitors could be sneaky.
Yes, it’s true and for some reason, not questioned in today’s culture, we occasionally wore skirts and led the cheers at soccer matches. (Mercifully, I was playing in those matches.) Those brave Beta Boys were definitely a special sports moment in the 1967-68 year at Vic High.
Tore Valdal, VHS 1970
Thanks, Tore, for giving us names of some of the boys in this crazy photo.
There were a few Totems in this picture. Far left is Jan Bentley. Maybe Dave Mulcahy and Mike Chornoby. Yes, it was James Scott in the skirt. There is another picture of the guys in the ’69 Camosun. From the grad photos info other members are Dan Wallis, Barrie Moen, Ian MacLean Doug Puritch, Ron Dworski, Steve Carroll, Ken Lomas, Terry Jordan, Gerry Vanderjagt, Brian Henry. (grade 11 members: Mel Sangha, Bob Hope, Don Wilson).
The ’70 Camosun grads info include Mel Sangha, Bruce Gower, Dave Osborne, Rod Quin, Keith James, Mike Waberski, George Biggs, Brian Dunn, Wayne O’Malley, Mike Turner, John Hamilton, Doug Cunliffe, Roger La Salle, Hans De Goede, Greg Hall and Paul Scott.
Gamma Hi-Y – Some Serious Fundraising
While the Beta boys seem quite connected to sports at Vic High, Gamma Hi-Y – at least in 1968-69 – took a different approach. “Membership in Beta was limited to boys,” says Peter George, VHS 1969, “so some of us joined Gamma Hi-Y. ” Despite the yearbook photo showing only boys, Peter was adamant the previously girls-only club included girls too. “We put on this incredible art auction at the Empress Hotel,” Peter says, “with works from artists like Fenwick Lansdowne and Tony Hunt. We raised a lot of money for World Service.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/1968-BETA-Club-Crop.jpg11891301Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-04-04 14:04:482023-04-07 06:59:41Beta Boys, School Spirit in Spades
Sawyer Tolson was just a toddler when their mom began showing them the fine art of pancake-making, naturally with lots of chocolate chips! By age seven they were baking all the time, and now this Grade 11 Vic High student can’t get enough of it. They even have their own cupboards at home, one for baking equipment and one for ingredients.
They competed recently in a Skills Canada competition at Camosun’s Interurban campus against two people with restaurant experience, and five international students, and got some great feedback from the judges. As well as getting that early baking start, Sawyer says Vic High’s great Food Studies courses and fantastic teachers are the reason she took the plunge to compete. “I definitely made some mistakes,” they say, “and it was a little intimidating, but I learned so much, like ‘check your ingredients’ and ‘just keep breathing!’, and I’m glad I competed.”
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Lemon Meringue Tarts, and dinner rolls were the three items Sawyer had to complete, each by a specific deadline. “I’d never done meringue before,” they say, “and you definitely have to schedule your tasks to get things done on time. I watch a lot of baking shows, but luckily this competition wasn’t quite as stressful as those seem to be.”
Their own bakery is definitely in their future, and with some luck and good connections, they’re bound to find a great bakery Work Experience while still at Vic High. Next summer they plan to get involved with Seed the City, a summer program where youth gain work experience in gardening and farming and earn school credits.
Sawyer was very keen to attend Vic High and loves it. They began Grade 9 at the current Topaz Campus, and while they’ve been inside the ‘real’ Vic High when their father coached badminton there, finally getting to go back as a Grade 12 student and graduate from there is very exciting. “I hope I get to sign my name in the attic,” they say, “and I want to check out the new Foods classroom. “
Sawyer’s enthusiasm is contagious. Clearly baking is their passion, one that grew from those wonderful early experiences with their mom. It’s clear to see that passion is being encouraged at Vic High where acceptance and inclusivity and individualizing each student’s learning are such highly-treasured values. We can’t wait to sample some of Sawyer’s baking!
PS We’re loving the Vic High logo’d Chef Jacket!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/333937707_155017184029725_2376799529058717453_n-3.jpg454346Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-03-11 15:36:582023-03-11 15:36:58Celebrity Baker In the Making
Rob Lawson is a DurWest labourer currently working at Vic High. March 8, 2023 he was on scaffolding removing plaster in the auditorium ceiling to make way for backing for new sound system speakers. One hole dead center in the ceiling coffers gave him a little trouble so he pulled away more plaster. To his surprise, he saw a small burgundy booklet with the word Diary on the cover. “I couldn’t believe what I saw!” says Rob. Thankfully as a bit of a historian, he knew it could be very precious so removed it carefully and turned it in to Gord Wallace, School District 61’s Site Manager for the seismic upgrade. Gord emailed us and it was turned over to the Vic High Archives & Museum.
The 1915 Canadian Pocket Diary belonged to Ernest Fairey, older brother of Frank T. Fairey, after whom Fairey Tech was originally named. We found Ernest’s marriage certificate online, matched his birthdate with information found online about Frank, and learned that his trade was Joiner. Numerous entries in the Diary – materials lists, etc. – definitely bear that out. Inserted in the diary were some used Canadian stamps (worth pennies only) and a BC Electric Railway ticket.
Ernest lived at 239 Johnson Street at the time of his marriage. The Identification information in the diary shows in 1915 he lived at 1555 Pembroke Street. Various entries suggest he also did work at Boys Central School, and possibly even at South Park Elementary. We also learned that Ernest belonged to the I.O.O.F. Masonic Temple, Victoria, Camosun Lodge No.60 and paid dues of $6.00 a year.
DurWest Project Foreman Phil Aurora says it’s location underneath a very thick (original) steel beam suggests it was dropped when Ernest was doing something in the attic and he couldn’t get it out. The whole area had recently had new insulation blown in so the beams are completely covered now. How curious that Rob needed a hole in the ceiling right where Ernest’s diary sat.
“We are so appreciative of workers at the jobsite,” says Archives & Museum Manager Annie Boldt, VHS 1967, “when they find these kinds of things and realize the importance of them. We have little or no information like this about the original build in 1912-1914, so we’re very grateful to Rob for his find.”
Archives & Museum volunteers hope to be able to meet with various workers from the jobsite to capture their stories about the job, as well as with the architects, designers, and school district staff who are part of the project team. Phil will shortly turn over to the Archives & Museum, a folder of newspaper clippings found during demolition.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/20250309_170815_0004-2.jpg14181636Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-03-11 08:40:242023-04-04 14:56:38You’ll Never Believe This!
May 13, 2023 at the 4th Black & Gold Dinner, we celebrate each of these extraordinary Vic High alumni. They will join sixteen current members of the Black & Gold Honour Roll, from Emily Carr, VHS 1888 to Sam Dunn, VHS 1992. A video about each past inductee is linked from the full list here.
Lawrie Wallace, VHS 1930 (1913 – 2006)
Lawrie Wallace, 1913-2006, was a student at Vic High (VHS 1930), returning as a teacher for several years before joining the BC Public Service. His influence as Deputy Provincial Secretary and Deputy Premier was legendary. He was a key figure in Vic High’s 1976 Centennial Celebration, along with Sylvia Hosie and popular teacher and drama coach Tommy Mayne, a 2018 Black and Gold Honouree. Wallace was the driving force behind the 1948-49 fundraising for the Memorial Stadium, and was instrumental in helping create the Victoria High School Alumni Association. In recent years the beautiful Vic High Auditorium was renamed in his honour.
Jill Wallace, VHS 1966 (1948 – 2011)
Jill Wallace, 1948-2011, was the school’s top student in 1966, and also spent her life championing Vic High. She followed in her father’s footsteps in public service, eventually becoming BC’s Deputy Attorney General. She was a tireless and valued member of the Alumni Association, and spent countless hours helping organize and promote the school’s valuable archives and museum collections until her untimely death in 2011.
Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961
Sylvia Hosie, VHS 1961, is one half of “The Hosies”, Victoria’s legendary entertainment couple whose love story began on the Vic High auditorium stage about 60 years ago. Sylvia has carved a name for herself as an actor, choreographer, director and writer while husband Bill, VHS 1960, had CBC starring roles as a singer and comedic and serious actor. Sylvia went on to a teaching career at George Jay Elementary and was instrumental in developing the performing arts department at Claremont Senior Secondary school.
Timothy Vernon, VHS 1963
Victoria High School’s musical gift to Canada, Maestro Timothy Vernon, a grad of 1963, wraps up a 43-year gig with Pacific Opera Victoria next June. But he’s not leaving POV empty. The founding director of POV in 1980, Timothy has programmed the company’s next two season, adding “I’ve got 10 years of energy and ideas and plans left.” His many awards include the Order of Canada, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Award and Opera Canada’s Ruby Award. Timothy has been the guest conductor at every Canadian professional opera company: Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal and Nova Scotia. In recognition of his highly acclaimed work, the maestro has received honourary degrees from the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University.
Mohammed Elewonibi, VHS 1983
The Super Bowl ring belongs to Mohammed “Mo” Elewonibi, a member of the Washington Redskins when they won the 1992 NFL championship. Nigerian-born Elewonibi, VHS 1983, played rugby, soccer and basketball at Vic High and began playing football seriously in Utah. In 1989 he won the prestigious Outland Trophy, awarded to the best lineman in U.S. football. 1997-2005 he played for the BC Lions, then the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Pamela Madoff, VHS 1972
Pamela Madoff is her name and Victoria’s heritage is her passion. A 1972 Victoria High School graduate, Pam served a quarter of a century on Victoria City Council. One of her biggest, most successful projects was working to keep Victoria’s Old Town district intact. Her passion for heritage preservation also included advocating to keep Vic High’s 1914 Grant Street building, currently under major renovation and seismic upgrading. Vic High was founded in 1876 on the grounds of what is now Central Middle School, and 2026 will mark its sesquicentennial. The Grant Street building was finished and occupied in 1914, added on to in 1956 and 2011, and will re-open January 2024, 110 years ‘new’. Pam’s work has gained her many honours, including Heritage B.C.’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her tireless efforts to keep historic sites from disappearing. She chaired the Victoria Heritage Advisory Committee, was a B.C. governor of the Heritage Canada Foundation and served on the Advisory Design Board and Civic Trust.
Ian McDougall, VHS 1956
The Grammy belongs to Ian McDougall of the Canadian group The Boss Brass, which won the 1983 Grammy Award for best jazz instrumental album. McDougall, VHS 1956, grew up in Victoria where at age 11, he joined the Victoria Boys Band hoping to play drums. But there wasn’t a full drum kit there, so he looked at the trumpet. “Play the trombone, son,” his father said. “Because a good trombone player is never out of work.” And play the trombone he did. At age 13, he began playing venues around Victoria and became so good that by 1960, he was touring Great Britain with the John Dankworth band. He returned to B.C. two years later and played with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra before earning Bachelors and Masters degrees in music at UBC. He then taught music at UVic from 1988 until he retired as Professor Emeritus in 2003.
Ann Kipling, VHS 1951
Ann Kipling, VHS 1951, is an impressionistic artist who has received national recognition for her work. She attended the Vancouver School of Arts in the 1950s, long before it changed its name in 1978 to Emily Carr University of Art and Design, after another former Vic High student and worldrenowned artist. In 2004 she was awarded the inaugural Audain Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Visual Arts, one of Canada’s most prestigious honours. She’s also received an honorary doctorate from Emily Carr University of Art and Design, and the Canada Council Victor Martyn LynchStaunton Award.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/VHSLogo..png28372380Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-02-10 09:06:212023-02-10 09:07:482023 Black & Gold Inductees
The 1958-1959 Victoria High School Totems, the first Vancouver Island team to win the B.C. high school boys basketball championship, will be enshrined in the Vic High auditorium, thanks to an anonymous doner. When the seismic upgrading at the Grant Street building is completed (hopefully sometime late fall), the 12 team members will each have their plaques mounted on the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium seats in back-to-back rows of six each. Plaques will be mounted for players Darrell Lorimer, David Nelson, David Black, Tom Wyatt, Barry Sadler, Robin Barnes, Tom Collett, Keith Hart, Bill Hobbis and John Balloch, team manager Norm Isherwood and coach George (Porky) Andrews. “They’re obviously out of their mind,” laughed David Nelson, referring to the anonymous doner. In a more serious vein, David added, “As we get older, you start thinking about legacies. Getting a bit of recognition is good.”
Five of the players have since died, Robin, Darrell, Tom Collett, and in the last year, Bill and Tom Wyatt. Porky, who was recruited in the late 1930’s by the University of Oregon Ducks and became that team’s captain, also played for the Victoria Blue Ribbons and was a player/coach for the Victoria Dominoes. He came to Vic High to teach, and earned a reputation as a tough basketball coach, but brought the Vic High Totems to provincial titles in 1959, 1962, and 1969. (Bill Garner coached the Totems to their 1966 BC Provincials win.) The ‘new gym’ at Vic High, part of the 1950s addition to the school, is officially named the Andrews Gym. He passed away on May 26, 1999.
This pix includes captain Tom Wyatt. Mr. Hartley kept him after school on team photo day and he was missed! The team made sure he was front and center for this photo, the morning the team arrived back from the Provincials on the overnight boat from Vancouver.
The recent loss of Tom Wyatt was particularly hard for David, who kept in touch and had spoken to him via Zoom just weeks before Tom succumbed to prostate cancer. “He was such a fit guy, physically.” David described Tom as a bit of a vagabond who graduated with a doctorate in psychology and was a professor, mainly in Asia. He taught in Papua, New Guinea, Singapore, Brunei and was teaching in Macau when he died. “My kids loved him,” David said, adding that Tom also had a terrific sense of humour.
The two Davids, both already accomplished players and athletes, had transferred to Vic High in 1958, David Nelson from Esquimalt and David Black from Mount View (now Spectrum), in order to ‘play with the best’. Officially, though, (wink, wink),their transfer was based on gaining access to Vic High’s unique law course. Ironically David Black did go on to become a highly-respected lawyer.
After a 1958-59 season-opening loss to the Esquimalt Dockers, the Totems marched to the city and Island titles before capturing the 14th annual provincial tournament. A crowd of close to 5,000 witnessed the game at the UBC War Memorial gymnasium. David’s most memorable recollection was the game against powerhouse Vancouver College Fighting Irish. The Totems fell behind in the first half and instead of heading into the locker room at halftime, Coach Porky directed them under the stands where he dressed them down. The team clawed back to win the game and went on to beat Courtenay Towhees, 49-26, in the title game. The two Davids both went on to play for the UBC Thunderbirds basketball squad and became involved in the UBC Alumni, helping to raise about $4 million in scholarships for the university.
1960 alumnus Ray Pauwels says he’ll take his memories of the championship win to his grave!
As I recall, one of the Vancouver radio stations (CKNW?) broadcast the game on Saturday night and I was glued to the radio. The Totems had already beaten Courtney in the Island final so they had their number and the result was never in doubt as indicated by the final score. First thing, on Monday morning back at school, the student body welcomed the team back in the auditorium and when Mr Grant fired up the school band to “Come Give a Cheer” we almost blew the roof off the place. The standing ovation lasted forever! I was sad to hear that Bill Hobbis and Tom Wyatt have both passed recently. They were both incredible athletes.
Totems Team members began reunions every five years but are now getting together every two years at the Union Club in Victoria. They last met there for Bill Hobbis’ Celebration of Life. David Nelson has kindly agreed to donate his 1959 Totems Championship jacket to the Vic High Archives and Museum, the last of the 10 original jackets in existence. Thanks, David!
Note: Interest in Auditorium Seat Plaques is high. 43 were ordered in 2022 alone. If you’ve been meaning to order one, now’s the time while seats are still available.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/1959-Totems-jacket-crop.jpg901762Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-01-11 14:45:152023-01-18 13:00:25’59 Totems to be Enshrined at Vic High
Colin Bonneau, VHS 1965, Combines Music, Teaching and Weightlifting
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Friday January 13, 2023 will be a very lucky day for VHS alumnus Colin Bonneau, aka ‘The Organist With Pipes’ when Strathcona County, Alberta honours him with his photo on the Millennium Place Sports Wall of Recognition for outstanding achievement in sport. The honours happen only every five years, and we’re pretty sure Colin is the only church organist/powerlifter to receive the honour. Colin began training with a friend from his choir in 1998, “I was always pretty strong,” he says. He soon found his strength and discipline led to him eventually setting and breaking over 90 powerlifting records worldwide. His best bench press lift was at age 60 – 535 pounds! “I initially thought, ‘let’s see where this goes’, and ended up succeeding beyond my wildest dreams!” Not bad for a guy who considers powerlifting ‘just a hobby’.
Powerlifting was not a thing when he attended Vic High, though he did participate in the broad (long) jump and the 100 and 200 yard relays, and played wing with the Titans Rugby team, proudly wearing his block V. But music was and to this day remains his passion. “I played trumpet at Central Junior High under Mr. Grant, and I have fond memories of playing euphonium at Vic High under Mr. Sample, says Colin. He also played viola in the orchestra and the Greater Victoria Junior Symphony under Violet DeLong, and wrote some incidental music for a small string ensemble for the school play The Neighbours under Mr. Dulmage.
“I enjoyed almost all my teachers,” Colin goes on, “Mr. Wing throwing chalk at daydreamers, Mr. Evans, Mrs. Snead, Mr. Price, and of course Tommy Mayne. I blame my addiction to puns on him! I also learned the value of working with and as a team. I enjoyed our class reunions, the 100th anniversary [of the building] in 2014, and look forward to our 60th class reunion…I hope!”
Luxembourg, 2001, International Powerlifting Federation, Colin’s first World’s Master’s Bench Press competition (trying – and failing, says Colin – to sing along with O Canada). Germany is in second place, Finland is in third place.
After graduating from UVic in 1973, Colin taught school in Ladysmith, Port McNeil, and Victoria, before moving in 1982 to Sherwood Park, Alberta where he met and married his second wife. “32 years of wedded bliss! He worked until retirement in 2011 as a band teacher in Edmonton Separate and Edmonton Public schools. From 1983 to the present, he’s been pianist, organist and music director at various churches, currently St. David’s United Church in Leduc, Alberta. “I took piano lessons in Victoria from Eric Edwards, father of Vaughn Edwards, and from well-known jazz pianist George Essihos,” says Colin, “and I recall playing in Victoria at Fairfield United Church and St. Luke’s Anglican Church, in Langford at Gordon United Church, and at Brechin United Church in Nanaimo.” He also plays tuba in the Mission Hill Brass Band and in his own brass quintet- the Beaverhill Brass Quintet – and is on call to play The Last Post on the bugle.
A man of many, many talents. We salute you, Colin Bonneau (yes, he’s the older brother of Marv Bonneau, VHS 1968), and congratulate you on all your successes.
Flexibility the Key to Learning, Says Vic High’s Top Academic Student for 2021-22
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Maia Looi was back at Vic High recently, accepting her Governor General’s award from Principal Aaron Parker as the top academic student at Vic High for 2021-22. As such, she also received the Vic High Alumni-funded Peter Smith Centennial Award of $1000 and her name will be added to the list of top academic students on permanent display at the school.
Maia’s main interest while at Vic High was computer science, so it’s perhaps no surprise she’s enrolled in a five-year Computer Engineering program at Waterloo University. “I’d like to end up in network security,” says Maia, “because it’s a chance to really affect how the world works.”
Waterloo’s Co-op program, the largest of its kind in North America, involves students alternating every four months between studies and paid work experiences. “It’s a key reason I was interested in Waterloo,” says Maia. “Students get the chance to help pay off their tuition, plus 90% of students in the program get offers to return to one of the places they did work experience.”
Vic High Principal Aaron Parker presents 2022 VHS grad Maia Looi with Governor General’s Award.
Over half Maia’s time at Vic High coincided with the COVID pandemic which dramatically altered how students gathered and learned. But it seems Vic High was able to pivot, maybe better than most, and continue to deliver its flexible, individualized approach to learning. At least that’s how Maia sees it. “The teaching staff at Vic High are really understanding,” says Maia. “They really support students’ different learning styles, and taught us how to learn, not just facts. It allowed me to grow as a person.”
Maia starts her first Co-op stint January 9 in Vancouver in a full-time software engineering position. “Waterloo has a huge network of partners,” says Maia, “and you apply and are screened and interviewed and hopefully hired, just like any other job. We don’t take summers off in the Co-op program, and have to do six paid Co-op work terms, so it extends the program by a year. But it’s definitely worth it.”
The Peter Smith Centennial Award is funded annually through a Vancouver Foundation investment made by the Vic High Alumni with funds generated at the 1976 Vic High Centennial Celebrations. 2026 marks the school’s 150th anniversary, and the Alumni is already planning a second Vic High history book and celebrations to mark the occasion.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IMG_2213-crop.jpeg520355Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2023-01-07 15:18:022023-01-14 16:09:42Maia Looi, VHS 2022, Flexibility the Key to Learning
Barry Gough, VHS 1956, Receives Prestigious Admirals Medal
by Mary Anne Skill, VHS 1975
May 26 2022, Dr. Barry Gough, former Victoria High School teacher and Vic High Alumni Board Chair, local historian and author, and distinguished alumni of the University of Victoria was presented with The Admirals’ Medal at a Naval Association of Canada luncheon at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club. The award honours Barry’s contribution to maritime studies and his lifetime achievement as a global maritime and naval historian. Gough is considered one of Canada’s premier historians and biographers, and his insightful research and lucid writing spanning five decades have earned him high distinction and many awards.
Established in 1985 in conjunction with the 75th anniversary of the Naval Service of Canada, the Admirals’ Medal is bestowed upon individual Canadians in recognition of their outstanding achievements in the advancement of maritime affairs in Canada. Named for two Rear-Admirals, George Stephens and Victor Brodeur, and Vice-Admiral Rollo Mainguy, the silver medal is awarded annually for outstanding achievement in the areas of maritime-related science, technology and academic studies or for the application of practical maritime skills warranting special recognition. Barry Gough is the 35th recipient.
Former Chief of the Defence Staff and Commander of the RCN, retired admiral John Anderson made the presentation along with Jan Dent of the Admirals’ Medal Foundation, with the citation:
“Dr Barry M. Gough is Professor Emeritus of History at Wilfrid Laurier University and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, with additional affiliations including Past President of the Canadian Nautical Research Society and of the British Columbia Historical Federation, founding member of the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States, and Archives By-Fellow Churchill College Cambridge UK. He is recognized for his lifetime achievement as a global maritime and naval historian, beginning with a pioneering study of The Royal Navy and the Northwest Coast of North America, 1810-1914(1971), through some thirty major volumes and numerous articles, culminating with the magisterial Pax Britannica: Ruling the Waves and Keeping the Peace Before Armageddon (2014) and Churchill and Fisher: Titans at the Admiralty (2017), a body of work which has earned him international acclaim as a Canadian scholar of the highest order”.
One of Gough’s books, From Classroom to Battlefield, Victoria High School and the First World War, was published in 2014 and is available at local bookstores, online at amazon.ca, or available through the Vic High Archives & Museum once Vic High reopens in early 2024.
See other posts on this website about or by Barry Gough.
Photographer Kent Wong, VHS 1971, Clicks With Vic High Teacher
by King Lee, VHS 1958
Kent Wong, who achieved the title of Master of Photographic Arts in 2008, credits former Victoria High School teacher Bruce Chan with pointing him in the right career direction. Now 14 years later, Kent has received a rare honour from the Professional Photographers of Canada, BC Region. In November this year, Kent joined five others in an exclusive group in the organization’s 77-year history, bestowed with the prestigious title of Associateship. The award is given for service in an executive capacity and recognizes exemplary service to the organization.
Kent’s introduction to photography began at a young age with a fold-out camera owned by his parents, who still live in their home on Chambers Street near Vic High. Kent lives in Kamloops but travels to Victoria often, six times so far this year. He attended George Jay Elementary, Central Junior High and Vic High, where he joined the Photography Club sponsored by teacher Bruce Chan. Despite their 14-year age gap they became friends, and “we ended up spending time together,” Kent said. Bruce eventually left teaching and became a well-known Victoria landscaper.
“(The photo darkroom is) where I spent most of my time,” Kent admitted. The club had eight members, Kent remembered, and one of them was neighbour Kelvin Chan (no relation to the teacher), who shared with Kent the darkroom work needed before digital photography was even invented. Kent, Photography Club president in Grade 12, and Kelvin ended up doing most of the photographic work in their class’s 1971 Camosun yearbook. Despite that, he still managed to maintain an A-minus or B-plus grade average.
Photography Club L to R: Rob Salmon, Aristotle Azad, teacher Bruce Chan, Lyle Gustafson, Joe Wong, Kent Wong, Kelvin Chan
Kent totally enjoyed his formative years at Vic High, recalling teacher Lawrence Owen’s piano music and Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” echoing through the Vic High hallways from the auditorium. Kent is also pretty good on his feet, forming the Kamloops Dance Club and teaching ballroom dancing over the years. In fact, his first girlfriend at Vic High was his square dance partner Donna Pollard. He also enjoyed camping on Saltspring Island with the Outdoor Club and biology teacher Barry Camp. Kent also remembers seeing Chilliwack perform in the gym, and being allowed to write exams even though he hadn’t had much class time due to all his photography work at school.
During Kent’s first year at the University of Victoria, former teacher Bruce gave Kent a tip about a wedding photo job – he thinks he charged $90 for the shoot – and it was his introduction to photography as a career. Because he had to declare his income for tax purposes, Kent formed Kent Wong Photography.
Kent was also a member of the Outdoor Club. Looks like he was the only guy in the club!
After leaving Vic High in 1971, Kent graduated from UVic with a Bachelor of Science degree in neuropsychology and vertebrate physiology, but not before failing twice to get into medical school.
In 1979, he went to work in Victoria as a data clerk at the provincial Ministry of Environment, pollution control branch and continued his photography. After applying for and getting the position of Pollution Control Technician, he was posted to Kamloops in 1980, eventually leaving the provincial government to devote his full time to photography. Kent Wong Photography has grown to the point where Kent was voted Kamloops’ best photographer 16 times and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.
In 2012, Kent travelled to Metchosin from Kamloops for a photo session with Vic High teacher and friend, Bruce Chan and wife Darlene and their family, a beautiful thank you from student to teacher for showing him the way.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Photo-Club.png334499Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-12-11 10:12:252023-01-08 10:40:35Photographer Kent Wong, VHS 1971, Clicks With Vic High Teacher
Feb. 2023: Well it’s definite. Memories haven’t faded yet! Here’s some Class of 1975 stalwarts singing, you guessed it, Come Give A Cheer!
It’s always lots of laughter, storytelling and shared memories when the Class of 1975 gets together between reunions. Their December 3rd lunch at the Six Mile Pub in Colwood was no exception.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022-Class-of-75-Lunch-4-scaled.jpg19202560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-12-11 09:54:412023-02-14 13:58:52Class of ’75 Reunion Lunch
Layanna Robinson, VHS 2020, was still at Vic High when she won her first pageant, Miss Vancouver Island 2020, and she speaks highly of how accommodating the school was when it came to her eight hour a day ballet training regimen. Accepted into the Victoria Academy of Ballet Professional Training Program at age 11, Layanna says there were six or seven other VAB students also attending Vic High because of its flexibility and willingness to accommodate students’ other studies. “I would attend classes at Vic High until lunchtime,” says Layanna, “and complete my schooling with online courses. I was part of the last class to graduate from Vic High before the seismic upgrades.”
Vic High dance teacher Kerry Krich was also an important part of Layanna’s time at Vic High. “She has great energy,” says Layanna. “And she taught us all a lot more than dance. Our physical, mental and emotional health were very important, and I really appreciated the opportunities to showcase my ongoing dance training in various shows and performances.”
Enrolled in Vic High’s French Immersion program, Layanna found other aspects of life at Vic High very motivating. “(Immersion program teacher) Jean Campbell was so professional and approachable, and I was inspired by how students at Vic High give back to the community. I actually learned a valuable life skill in Home Ec, too – how to cook! – though I didn’t realize at the time how valuable it would become.”
While she admits she doesn’t know a lot about Vic High’s history, Layanna says she appreciated displays and information around the school of a historical nature. “There was one spooky story we heard,” she continues, “that the photo of the very first Vic High grad class included one student who was actually dead and her body propped up in the photo! But I’m sure that’s not true.” She speaks highly of being in the building now being upgraded, adding that the auditorium is beautiful, and she loved the lists of past top (academic and leadership) students in the foyer and the grad class photos on the third floor. “Now I’m on the wall too,” she says.
Vic High Graduation 2022 was definitely a whole different experience, the COVID-19 protocols having been implemented earlier that spring. Principal Aaron Parker and staff went above and beyond to ensure students could participate in the Vic High tradition of signing their names in the attic. “We hadn’t seen our friends in-person since March,” explains Layanna, “so when we came at pre-arranged times to pick up our diplomas and go up into the attic, we were very excited to see each other.”
“There were so many options at Vic High,” she continues, “music, sport, personal expression. Out of all the high schools – Mt. Doug, Reynolds, Oak Bay, etc – Vic High is definitely known for its inclusivity and its acceptance of students’ unique interests and strengths.”
Despite years of dance training and performances, Layanna says her lack of self-confidence was what motivated her to start entering pageants. Her initial pageant platform advocacy for eliminating domestic violence arose from personal experiences, and her pageant experiences were so valuable she began presenting workshops online to educate youth about the early signs of domestic violence and what healthy relationships should look like.
Following her 2020 Miss Vancouver Island title win, she won the Miss Teen Western Provinces title (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba), and then competed in Florida in 2021 against 50-60 contestants to become Miss Teen North America. November 2022, she competed in Toronto at the ‘Miss’ pageant level, recognized along with the Miss World and Miss Universe pageants as the top three international beauty pageants. She presented a classical ballet performance of the Princess Florine variation from the sleeping Beauty ballet, and was, like all contestants, assessed for her physical fitness and during evening wear and swimsuit competitions. She beat 49 other contestants and now holds the Miss Earth Canada 2023 title and will represent Canada at the Miss Earth 2023 contest in Vietnam.
Layanna no longer dances, and while she still offers her online workshops, she says her role now is to advocate for environmental awareness and social responsibility, and how Canadians can take action on climate change. She is also completing the last course for her Dental Hygiene diploma and may pursue a career in dentistry. Despite all the demands on her time, she believes passionately in giving back and has helped with BC Wildfires fundraising at Whitecaps games, with support for Victoria’s Rainbow Kitchen and Women in Transition, and helped take Easter goody baskets to seniors’ homes.
Congratulations, Layanna, on your commitment and discipline, and on turning the challenges of your life into such generous support and advocacy for others. It’s clear you embody many of the traditions of Vic High as you pursue your dreams and goals.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Layanna-image-2-crop-3.jpg12091171Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-12-10 16:43:272022-12-14 14:18:43Vic High Grad Miss Earth Canada 2023
Vic High Students Collaborate On Emily Carr Tribute
by King Lee, VHS 1958
Fairfield-artist Tanya Bub, best known for her work with driftwood and wire, has her paper mache piece, Emily, A Work in Progress, on display in Vic High’s library at the Topaz Campus. “It’s by far my most conceptual piece,” she said of the three figures at a lectern. “It is a momentary glimpse” Tanya said of Emily Carr, who attended Victoria High School for two school years in 1888 and 1889 and has been honoured by the Victoria High School Alumni Association as an Illustrious Alumni.
Tanya, who moved to Victoria 19 years ago from the Washington, D.C. area to be near her mother, said her sculpture looks at how we commemorate historical figures and reflects the politics and culture of the time. “It represents a huge body of work by the (Vic High) students.,” says Tanya. The project, the brainchild of teacher/librarian Wendy Burleson and Tanya, was co-sponsored by the non-profit Vining Street Party Association. She said Laurie Rubins of the VSPA helped her apply for and receive a $3,000 “ideas” grant from the Capital Regional District. Tanya said Wendy’s original idea was to hold a students’ workshop on Emily Carr but COVID-19 wiped out that plan.
The artwork began when Wendy asked students to write about Emily Carr from different perspectives and share it all with Tanya to assimilate before beginning on her paper mache piece. Ironically, Tanya attended what was then Emily Carr School of Fine Arts (now Emily Carr University of Art & Design) in Vancouver from 1989 to 1992. She graduated from McGill University in Montreal with a philosophy degree but had been working with a partner in a computer programming business for about 20 year. However her involvement in the business has declined to about five per cent so that she can devote more time to her art.
She and Wendy want to hold an “Emily Carr Night” in Vic High’s library at the Topaz Campus (former S.J. Willis Junior High School near Hillside Avenue and Blanshard Street), also featuring the work of current Vic High students. Stay tuned!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_2104.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-12-09 12:06:032022-12-15 07:31:51Vic High Students Collaborate On Emily Carr Tribute
Eva Young graduated from Vic High in 1927 or 1928. Her niece, Shelagh Armour-Godbolt, wrote us about items she found while closing her aunt’s estate. I have found a number of autograph books, some clearly from her years at Vic High. Some of the 1927 messages suggest they are from students at Sir James Douglas School, others at Victoria High. The three books contain a mix of drawings, verse, jokes, quotes, and Biblical references. Some pages reflect dates later than 1928. After graduating, Eva attended Sprott Shaw Business College and was then employed in Victoria. She subsequently went to England to train as a nurse before returning to Victoria. I would be happy to provide anyone connected with the names below with a copy of their relative’s entry in Eva Young’s autograph books.
Work is progressing at Vic High, and while rooms and spaces are now clearly defined inside, changes to the facade are now taking shape. November 3, on-site Project Manager Gord Wallace led three Alumni volunteers on a tour: Board Chair Helen Edwards, Archives and Museum Co-ordinator Annie Boldt, and Communications Co-ordinator/Archives volunteer Linda Baker.
West facade with new heritage windows installed. What a difference!
Replacement terra cotta tiles cover the original brick walls.
East facade awaits its new heritage windows.
Looking towards Fernwood Road from the new student entrance. The Grant Street entrance will remain in use.
Hallway on left leads to Fairey Tech, and steps in middle lead to new multi-purpose space.
Looking down on multi-purpose room. Tiered steps provide seating for presentations, performances.
Student entry area window into pre-robotics lab.
Balustrade over Grant Street entrance viewed from previous third floor library, now a collaboration space with rooms on either side, original Rhodesian Mahogany flooring remains intact here.
Entering new Learning Commons (library) – this area faces north.
Moving into Learning Commons, windows in center face east.
Southeast corner of Learning Commons.
Entering Outdoor Classroom/Astronomy Deck from NE corner of third floor.
New Archives & Museum, first floor. Front office (part of previous Archives room), looking through to Collections Room.
New Archives & Museum Collections Room. Note original exterior walls, enclosed during 1950s addition of Andrews Gym and classrooms above.
Project Manager Gord Wallace examines new heritage windows, supplied by Victoria-based, alumni-owned Vintage Woodworks.
Original millwork storage with glass-fronted doors. Six of these (most painted white) were carefully removed, to be re-installed in the Archives & Museum, the Heritage Classroom (former Rm. 205), and elsewhere in the school.
Repairing brick walls.
Work continues on the track & field area on the west side.
Stadium seating will be replaced and the area refurbished.
Plaque adjacent to south end of bleachers remains in place. “This track presented by Gyro Club of Victoria, June 2, 1951.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/IMG_1977.jpeg15362048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-12-04 13:23:512022-12-15 15:58:19Seismic Upgrade November 2022
Andy Maguire brought his family to Canada 13 years ago for a better life. And thankfully for Vic High and for us, he brought his 35 years’ experience restoring plaster work with him. We met him one Saturday as he and apprentice plasterer son Declan were leaving the Vic High seismic upgrade jobsite for the day. A friendly request from us, ‘Take good care of our school, won’t you?’, turned into an invitation from him to see his work and learn how it’s done.
Andy’s company, Get Plastered, has four people working on the Vic High project. He and his son concentrate on the moulding and baseboard restoration, while two other crew members work on walls. All exterior brick walls must be plastered on the insides, providing superior insulation over framing, insulation and drywall. In many areas, existing plaster in good condition was left in place and new plaster fills in the gaps.
Plaster baseboards to be restored in 2nd floor heritage hallway.
A few brick interior walls will also be plastered, each area getting three coats of sand cement and lime. Annie Boldt, Vic High Archives and Museum manager could hardly believe the soft, smooth feel of the finish coat. Although Andy adds, “We always leave a few imperfections here and there, to remind people it’s hand done.” Plaster baseboards will be restored in some areas as well.
“So far, we’ve completed about 600 square meters of plaster walls,” explains Andy, “and used about 700 bags of a plaster of paris with fibreglass additive for strength. Originally it would have had horsehair in it.
Andy’s love of historical buildings and plaster restoration began at age 15. “I left school,” says Andy, “and began an apprenticeship with my future wife’s father, a plaster restoration specialist in East London. Eventually I was working on my own, doing restoration of plaster work at many London locations, like Canada House, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci buildings.” Andy works on residences as well, and as you might imagine, he’s definitely a history buff and loves restoring old things.
“My wife is a nurse,” he goes on, “so she got us qualified to immigrate here. We absolutely love it in Canada and we’ve all become Canadian citizens. Once we got settled, I started getting my name out there and have been working on numerous restoration projects since, mainly in Victoria.” The list includes Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria City Hall, and South Park School, the latter a three-week project restoring all the exterior moulding. “I’m the only plaster restoration specialist on Vancouver Island,” says Andy. And he’s very proud his middle son, Declan, is following in his footsteps, the third-generation plaster restoration specialist in the family.
But Vic High has definitely captured his heart, and his pride in making the old new again and leaving his mark on such an iconic building is very evident. “Everything is hand done,” says Andy, “so you really put your heart and soul into your work and leave a little of yourself behind when you’re done.”
Original (green) moulding uncovered during demolition.
The most complex plaster work at Vic High is the replication of ceiling moulding in the south hallway – to be known as the ‘heritage hallway’ – on the second floor. Removal of false ceilings during the demolition revealed original egg-and-dart moulding which Andy and Declan are replicating.
“We start with a piece of the existing moulding,” says Andy, “and create a template of the exact shape of it. Then use that template to run along a freshly-poured piece of plaster to leave the profile of the moulding. Then we make a blue rubber mould of that shape and use that to create the finished moulding.”
The finished moulding has a piece of wood lath embedded along the back, and burlap layered into the poured plaster to give it strength. “Mouldings like this used to have horsehair embedded in them,” says Andy, “but today we use strips of burlap. These mouldings will last hundreds of years.” The moulding is installed three ways: wired to the wall framing, glued, and screwed in place.
“We make the moulds of rubber,” says Andy, “because it will stretch a little and ensure we get an egg in each corner.”
“This is an incredible building,” says Andy. “The original workmanship here was such a high quality – everything level and straight. It’s hard to find that kind of workmanship today.”
Andy and his crew started work at Vic High in March 2022 and will likely be on site till the end of the project. “This building has a really good vibe,” says Andy. “There’s no bad energy anywhere, which is unique in a building this old. And I”ve never met so many nice people on a job. Everyone helps each other, it’s a really good jobsite vibe. You don’t always get that on a jobsite.”
We love that Andy and Declan have come to love Vic High the way we all do. And we’re already looking forward to those tours once Vic High reopens, and the huge smiles on their faces as they show off their handiwork. You’ll always be a part of Vic High, you two. And always welcome anytime.
Update: Some mysteries solved! Thanks to all who emailed with names and information.
Kathleen (Couch) Oliver, VHS 1962: In the photo of two track athletes, #25 is my brother, Richard Couch. He participated in and enjoyed many sports at school. Rick’s career was as a Victoria firefighter and he retired as Chief of the Victoria Fire Department. He passed away in 2018. It was nice to see a picture of him from his younger days.
Don Ross, VHS 1967: The teacher sitting on the grass with the two students is Mr. Kirby our grade 12 (1967) biology teacher.
Maureen (Chan) English, VHS 1967: I’m in the photo with Mr. Lorimer. I was Mo Chan in those days. I had just won the female track aggregate trophy. Beside me was Dave Close. We were both in House 1. As you can see it was a cold and blustery day. Scroll down to the table where staff were compiling results. They were all bundled up too.
Ted Friend, VHS 1967:The male trophy winner in the Track picture with Mr. Lorimer is my best friend David Close.
Derek Reimer, VHS 1965: You asked for photo identification for the 1967 track meet photos. The officials desk seems to mostly teachers. Marg Seens is the woman in sunglasses. To her left is Tommy Mayne and at the extreme left of the photo is Don Smyth. Derek Reimer, VHS 1965
Bill Chapman, VHS 1968:I don’t know who is in any of the pictures but I bet I know who the photographer was. It was Gordon Tilley who spent a lot of time in 1967 with the school’s Pentax SLR at VH sporting events, activities, and in the darkroom next to Mr. St Clair’s classroom. Also I was proud to do the same in 1968 and learned a lot about photography from Mr. Sinclair, many thanks to him. It was great seeing my photos used in the Camosun.
Don Ross, VHS 1967: In the photo of three people on the grass, the one in the middle is Mr. Kirby, the Grade 12 (in 1967) Biology teacher.
It looks like a chilly day for a track meet! If you were at Vic High in 1967, maybe you remember the day? Or someone in these photos? We recognize Principal Duncan Lorimer, that’s certain. Who else can you name for us? Email us. Choose General Inquiries or Communications from the drop-down menu. Thanks!
Anna Banana’s answer to the first question for this interview confirmed her right away as a free spirit. Asked about her education and how she got to Vic High, she replied, “I mostly walked from my home on Cambridge Street.” Despite a lengthy career in visual and performing art and many exhibits of her work, including at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, this free-spirited Vic High alumna delights in never taking her art too seriously.
Anna Frankham attended Sir James Douglas Elementary, Central Junior High, then Vic High for grades 10 to 12, graduating in 1957. She was a Vic High majorette and took part in track and field before working in Eaton’s advertising for a year. She then married David Long, a Vic High alumnus four years her senior who she described as an ‘art star’, before earning her teaching degree at the University of British Columbia. She taught in elementary schools in Vancouver for five years.
Anna says she had excellent art teachers at school, Bill West at Central and Mrs. Cameron at Vic High. Among her school friends were Carole Sabiston, a world-renowned, award-winning Victoria textile artist, and Donna (Cranton) Jones, another accomplished artist (and former Director of the Vic High Alumni).
In 1971, living back in Victoria, she began a career as a fabric artist. But unhappy with the marketing of her work, she declared herself the Town Fool of Victoria, making public appearances in a rainbow suit, her first one at Bastion Square. Prior to that, Anna had been performing and introducing students at various elementary schools to various art practices. South Park students were the most receptive, she remembers. She also gave art classes at seniors’ centers and shopping malls, always introducing herself as Victoria’s Town Fool, and launched the Banana Rag newsletter to reach a larger audience.
“That’s how it all started,” Anna said. “I changed my name legally [to Anna Banana] and continued to “fool around” in creative ways and settings, the objective ALWAYS being to engage the public in some creative activity besides shopping!”
Anna’s long and varied career of performance art, writing, and small press publishing has included many unique events and initiatives. For example, she launched the Banana Olympics in San Francisco, published VILE magazine and its wide range of art mediums, and promoted international mail art through her Artistamp News and eventual local and international exhibits.
One of Anna’s unique exhibits was mounted in 2015 at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, a coming-home, full-circle moment steps away from the three schools she attended. Anna Banana: 45 Years of Fooling Around with A. Banana was a collaboration between the AGGV and Open Space and included work from her accomplished career. Due to popular demand the exhibit was extended by four months, perhaps proving Anna’s belief that art should be fun and engaging.
“I think many artists take themselves and their ‘craft’ a little too seriously,” says Anna, “while I believe creative work is valuable for itself.” She said the effort, concentration and time invested is therapeutic, fun, and stimulating for those who participate in her banana fun. “The thing I emphasize most about my work is that it’s a way of engaging the public in some creative/artistic activity which, left to their own devices, many people never exercise. I see my work as part performance, part teaching to engage participants in an art practice.”
We’ve barely scratched the surface of Anna Banana’s extraordinary life. For more information, here are some links:
School photographer Terry Gilbert Morris was…and he’s kindly donated these photos to the Vic High Archives & Museum. Terry also worked on the Camosun in Writing 11A Class, and developed all these photos in his home darkroom. Do you recognize anyone? Let us know and we’ll add their names to the Archives’ files. Thanks, Terry!
Vic High September 1975 – June 1977
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/VH-1-005.jpg11361707Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-10-10 14:33:192022-10-10 14:47:43VHS 1975 – 1977 Were You There?
Sarah Atkinson, VHS 2005, speaks well of her time at Vic High. So her dad, Ken, thought it only fitting that he donate to the Vic High Astronomy program, a telescope he rarely uses.
Retired Vic High physics teacher, Clayton Uyeda, had made a presentation to the local chapter of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada sharing news of the new Astronomy Viewing Deck/Outdoor Classroom taking shape at the school. His passion for the project stems from his love of astronomy, and his experiences putting the Astronomy program and course together. VHS 1955 grad and world-renowned particle physicist Stew Smith made an initial $13k donation to start the program.
Ken’s donation includes a Skywatcher 127 mm Maksutov-Cassegrain Optical Telescope with 1500 mm focal length, a GoTo mount, and four eyepieces. “It’s a beautiful telescope,” says Clayton. “I’m really impressed. Everything is basically brand new and will be great for the Astronomy students’ viewing on the new outdoor deck.”
Vic High is so fortunate to benefit from Clayton’s dedication to seeing students expand their knowledge of astronomy. “Victoria has a unique concentration of astronomy experts,” says Clayton, “professional and amateur. The Plaskett telescope at the Dominion Astrophysical Observatory in Saanich was the second-largest telescope in the world when it was installed. Now we’re getting amazing images from space itself. The Hubble telescope was launched in 1990 and is still in orbit, and the Webb was launched in 2021.”
The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared observatory orbiting the Sun about 1 million miles from Earth to find the first galaxies that formed in the early universe and to see stars forming planetary systems. It is an international collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Thanks, Clayton, for all you have done and continue to do to support Vic High, and thank you, Ken Atkinson, for this generous donation.
More news coming of another major telescope donation by a Vic High alumna.
And if you remember Sarah Atkinson, her dad tells us she completed her midwifery education at UBC in 2012 and has done several tours in Africa and one in Syria with MSF (Doctors Without Borders). She has completed a Masters degree in Public Health at the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, and now practices as a Registered Midwife in Victoria.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Skywatcher-Telescope.jpg410308Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-10-07 13:30:592022-12-15 07:33:41Vic High Astronomy Program Gets A Boost
Glenn Parfitt, VHS 1972 Music Impresario and Historian
Glenn proudly showing off his new Vic High Alumni golf shirt and mug.
by King Lee, VHS 1958
Glenn Parfitt followed in the footsteps of his father, Norman, and older brothers, Dewayne and Daryl, coming to Victoria High School for Grades 11 and 12. But he had come from a bit of a ‘dark place’.
If the Parfitt name has a ring of familiarity to it, it was Grandfather Albert, with his siblings, who started Parfitt Brothers Construction in 1908. As a matter of fact, the Cornerstone building at the southeast corner of Fernwood and Gladstone across from Vic High was constructed by the Parfitt firm and originally named the Parfitt building.
Glenn, who turned 68 in September, was born in Victoria and attended Oaklands school (which his family built, although he didn’t find that out until later) from kindergarten to Grade 7 and then went to that ‘dark place’, Oak Bay Junior High, for grades 8 to 10. He finally saw the light and attended Vic High for his final two years from 1970 to 1972. It was within walking distance from the family home in the Denman Street/Richmond Road area.
“I loved the cafeteria,” Glenn laughed, particularly the foot-long hot dogs. He also fondly remembers teachers Tommy Mayne (who he loved) and Terry Tobacco, (PE), a track star from Cumberland who was on the Canadian Olympic teams in 1956 (Melbourne, Australia) and 1960 (Rome, Italy). Terry also won bronze in the 440-yard event in the then-called British Empire and Commonwealth Games in 1958 in Cardiff, Wales, and was inducted into the Greater Victoria Sports Hall of Fame in 2007. Glenn also remembers Principal Duncan Lorimer, who was dubbed “Unky Dunky” after volunteering to be a target in the dunk tank of a school fundraiser. Another fond memory was a lunchtime concert on the Vic High grass by the band Sugar Cane.
As a youth, Glenn recalled his involvement with his church youth group and delivering youth sermons, cruising for girls on Douglas Street in his Vic High days, watching a young but eventual world-champion pool shark Cliff Thorburn at a local pool hall, and leaving Vic High to work at the White Spot restaurant at Douglas and Caledonia. But music and marketing had become his passions after his experience during Grade 8 when he stood in the front row of an audience staring at the guitarist of the local band Blues Union.
After working at the White Spot, Goodwill Bottling in James Bay, and in construction as a bricklayer’s helper, Glenn’s career in the music business began in 1977 with a phone call from another Vic High alumnus, Ken Sherwood. Ken asked him to manage a local band called Telstarr, and Glenn started booking dances. “People started hiring me to produce shows,” Glenn said. He vividly remembers one Victoria Firebird Club show at the Quadra Recreation Centre when a riot broke out and spilled outside. Glenn also recalls taking large-denomination bills from the bartenders on an hourly basis during dances, putting them in a paper bag, and handing them through the car window to his parents, who did a drive-by-scooping every hour to pick up the money.
In 1979, Glenn formed a partnership with Ron Wright, Vancouver Island Promotions, and moved to their office in Calgary while Ron took care of things in Victoria. Glenn moved back to Victoria the following year and one of the bands they were booking, Uncle Wiggly’s Hot Shoes Blues Band, eventually recorded a vinyl album (back in the day, before tapes, CDs and memory sticks) on the RCA label. In the ‘80s, Glenn split with Ron and formed Sounds Good Entertainment.
Glenn’s father died in 1990 and having built up a load of business connections by that time, he began a successful career as an ad salesman, starting at the “Q” radio station. When the internet exploded onto the scene and became a powerful business tool, Glenn became vice-president of VicNet. He also worked at Paradon Computers as a re-seller of Shaw Hi-Speed Internet, at radio station CJVI, and was involved in the launch of Hot 103 (now JACK FM).
In 2002, Glenn thought to himself, “I’ve got to leave a legacy,” and launched a website the following year outlining the history of Victoria music from the 1950s to 1980.
Glenn suffered major health issues starting in 2018, when he had a stroke and lost his sight in one eye. The following year, he had triple bypass surgery and in 2020, he received his third pacemaker. His health improved and he expanded the website to include popular music from the entire B.C. west coast, from the 1800s up to 1999. “That’s what helped bring me back my health,” said Glenn.
The original name for the website was Purple City Music Project but he eventually changed it to Royal City Music Project. (No, the RCMP did not come with guns drawn). It now contains approximately 85,000 images, audio, and video files, and draws tens of thousands of visitors daily. A memorable walk down memory lane, his website is availably anytime at www.rcmusicproject.com or www.rcmusicproject.ca.
Glenn and Barbara were married in 1988, and he has two daughters and a son.
All images courtesy of Glenn Parfitt and the Royal City Music Project website.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/4627294.jpg300187Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-10-04 10:53:582022-12-15 07:34:22Glenn Parfitt, VHS 1972 Music Impresario and Historian
It wasn’t hard to tell this room was full of Vic High alumni! Smiles, hugs, storytelling, reminiscing, and this was just the first night of the reunion! The Meet & Greet went off without a hitch, and the dinner/dance at the PO & Officers’ Mess at Naden was even more fun. (Click here for those photos, and the ones below.) Alumni came from England, Greece, Australia, New York, Washington state, as well as all the ‘usual suspects’ from Victoria and BC. And there might have been one ‘come from away’, but for a certain hurricane making travel impossible. (Ah, but they were there in spirit, surely.) Oh, and in case you’re wondering, that Class of 1969 interloper in the fuschia hair is Linda Baker, volunteer with the Vic High Alumni, who came to meet everyone, AND to join Mary Anne Skill, VHS 1975, in showing off the Alumni’s new Vic High merchandise (also available in this website’s Alumni Store).
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_1822.jpeg15362048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-09-24 16:28:132022-10-22 15:44:50Class of 1972 50th Reunion
Smiles and hugs and sunshine all around. It was a wonderful reunion for the Class of 1962, September 22, 2022 at UVic’s SUB. Surprise – one alumnus and his wife were there all the way from England. Now that’s Vic High spirit!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IMG_1789-rotated.jpeg15362048Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-09-24 15:48:312022-09-24 15:48:31Class of 1962 60th Reunion
When Timothy Vernon graduated from Victoria High School in 1963, music wasn’t even in his top two career preferences. “I had a grand time,” Timothy said of Vic High, where his father, Ken, taught history and geography. “There was a good spirit in the place.” He participated in many after-school activities; Calamity Players, drama club, choir and orchestra (piano). And he had high praise for all the teachers who volunteered their time running extra-curricular activities. “These people did it because they loved it.” Timothy remembered Tommy Mayne fondly from the Calamity Players. “Like my father, he was given to terrible puns.”
Timothy’s love of music had come early in life. “My family said I sang before I spoke.” But other interests had also captured his attention at school. “I really didn’t do a lot with the orchestra.” His Vic High friends included Bob McMaster, Robin Skelton, Jennifer South and Gail Wall, who he described as a “wonderful musician” who went on to be a cellist with the Victoria Symphony Orchestra. As for career choices, Timothy was thinking more along the lines of theatre or writing. Luckily for the music world, though, Timothy met one of the world’s most respected teachers of orchestra conducting in Victoria.
German-born Otto Werner Mueller happened to be in Victoria, where he was the founding-director of the Victoria School (now Conservatory) of Music in 1963 and the conductor of the Victoria Symphony Orchestra from 1963 to 1967. He died in 2016. Timothy became Otto’s first student at the Victoria School of Music and it eventually led to Timothy moving to Vienna and studying at the Vienna Academy of Music from 1965 to 1972 and graduating with honours. He did graduate studies from 1973 to 1975 in Vienna, where he accepted his first engagement as a conductor. Then he returned to Canada in 1975 to be the Conductor and Music Director of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, until a phone call from opera-lover George Heffelfinger lured Timothy back to Victoria.
In 1979, Timothy and George became founding members of Pacific Opera Victoria, Timothy taking on the role of Artistic Director which he performs to this day. Pacific Opera Victoria has become one of the most influential professional opera companies in Canada. Timothy also has great memories of being Artistic Director for the Courtenay Youth Music Centre for many years. Now the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, students from around the world come to BC to study with an international faculty and to perform in orchestra, chamber music, opera, music theatre and jazz. In 1986, Timothy became a full-time professor in the Faculty of Music at McGill University in Montreal
Along the way, Timothy has picked up a few trinkets and robes, including Opera Canada’s Rubies Award in 2005 for Opera Building, the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring the 60 year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, and honorary degrees from Royal Roads University, 2013, and the University of Victoria, 2017. In 2008 he was invested into the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest honours, in recognition of his work expanding opera in Canada and his commitment to young musicians. He joins many well-known Canadians invested into the Order for their outstanding merit and distinguished service to Canada, such as writers Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje, signer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan, and in 2017 then Prince Charles, now King Charles III.
As a guest conductor, Timothy has appeared with every Canadian professional opera company and orchestra in Canada. He leaves his position as Artistic Director of Pacific Opera of Victoria at the end of the 2022-23 season, after conducting Bizet’s Carmen’, Braunfel’s The Birds, and Mozart’s Così fan tutti. www.pacificopera.ca
Be sure to read classmate Nancy (Johnston) Hunter’s memories of Tim’s days at Vic High, and of her experience ‘guest conducting’ in Vienna!
Reprinted with permission from A Fairfield History, by Ken Roueche, VHS 1963
W.H. (Herb) Warren was the Superintendent of Parks for the City [of Victoria] from 1930 to 1970. Born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1905, Herb attended Sir James Douglas School and then Vic High, where he got his first introduction to what would become his lifelong passion: “In the 1920s there was a course in agriculture taught by H.E. Hallwright. He operated a Victoria High School garden about an acre in size on Stanley Avenue. This started me off on horticulture.” said Herb. He went on to attend the Agriculture College at Guelph, Ontario. Upon graduation in 1929 he immediately went to work for the City of Victoria Parks Department and the next year was appointed Superintendent.
Sometime in the 1930s he first saw a collection of flowering cherry trees in Volunteer Park in Seattle. He immediately began to test and plant the trees in Victoria, keeping detailed records on the performance of each variety. His published research papers were the first studies of boulevard planting in North America. He was always looking for new ways to beautify the city. In 1937 he introduced the hanging flower baskets, developing a formulation that is still used to this day.
After his retirement he worked as a consultant for Butchart Gardens, published “Historic Trees of Victoria”, and continued as an active member of many horticultural clubs. In 1984, at age seventy-nine, Herb was on a small commuter plane that crashed on Saturna Island. He quickly assisted with the evacuation of passengers before the plane blew up and then guided everyone to safety with the aid of his pocket compass. Herb is remembered for beautiful gardens and trees and Warren Island in the centre of Goodacre Lake in Beacon Hill Park.
Note: And of course, Herb is also famous for being the father of Arthur Warren, VHS 1967 (read about him here) and John Warren, VHS 1966 (read about him here). Another great Vic High family.
A Fairfield History is available in Victoria at Books & Shenanigans, Fairfield Village, Hart Pharmacy, Fairfield Plaza, Sorenson Books, View St.
About Ken Roueche, VHS 1963
Ken worked as an economist in the private and public sectors. And despite being a self-proclaimed ‘horrible English student’ at Vic High, his 25 years preparing briefing notes persuaded him he could write snapshot histories of people and places in Fairfield. These he eventually gathered into ‘A History of Fairfield’, which he published in 2005 and which I highly recommend. Having grown up in Fairfield, as many Vic High students did, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about people and places I recognized and I learned a lot. I even found out who built the house I grew up in at Linden and Faithful! Linda Baker, VHS 1969
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Hanging-Baskets-Victoria-BC.jpg393500Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-09-10 16:43:432022-09-21 17:26:15Herb Warren, Father of Victoria’s Hanging Baskets
We’ve got the team that’s on the beam, we’ve got the hep to do the jive. Come on Vic High, skin ’em alive!
Who remembers that cheer at Vic High games? Back before cheerleading became high-level gymnastics, there were Cheerleaders leading the crowd, and at one time, Majorettes performing routines. Here’s some photos we found in the Archives. Email us if you know the year of any of these. And here’s a cheer sheet from the 1959 cheerleaders. Of course, if anybody knew the school song, it was the cheerleaders!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CHEERLEADERS-1972-scaled.jpg20322560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-09-10 16:37:512022-09-10 16:37:51We’ve Got the T-E-A-M
Between 1995 and 2010, Victoria High students with infants could access free day care on school grounds. Sharron Higgins was the driving force behind this program with major assistance from then-Principal Keith McCallion and counsellor Wendy Neumann. “I always thought education and health could work more closely,” said Sharron, a school nurse at Vic High at the time. “I felt it was my mission to work with educators.”
With financial and administrative help from the Cridge Centre for the Family (established in 1873), the provincial ministries of Social Services, Women’s Equality and Education, the Greater Victoria School District (#61) and Capital Regional District Health, the 10-crib day care facility was up and running in 1995 in joined portables in the area where Fairey Tech now stands. Quilts were donated by the Quilters Guild of Victoria. The Vic High daycare facility was named Higgins House to honour Sharron’s visionary leadership and work in developing the program.
Sharron, who retired in 2000 after 20 years as a school nurse (the last seven at Vic High), said ground-breaking ceremonies were held on June 22, 1994 and the official opening ceremonies were held Feb. 1, 1995. She recalled discussions started in June of 1992 when students confirmed that there was a need for day care at the school.
It was not the first school day care program in Greater Victoria, Sharron said. Belmont High School had a successful program up and running and served as a model for Sharron and her Vic High health committee. With no day care in the Fernwood area near Vic High, Sharron, Keith and Wendy began discussing solutions.
“We had a number of girls who were dropping out (of Vic High) because of pregnancy,” said Keith. “This led to them not graduating.” The three decided that an on-site daycare was the best solution for mother-students to attend class and care for their infants and toddlers at the same time.
Denis Harrigan, who followed Keith in the principal’s office, remembers that he loved to visit the infants and toddlers as a soon-to-be-grandfather practise. “As the program became successful in the late ‘90s, it also expanded and we accepted additional students and (their) infants from across the district,” Denis said. “Then the number of pregnancies decreased {I guess our Family Life program was working!).” Denis said the Cridge Centre for the Family eventually took over the service and accepted students’ infants and toddlers from any educational program, including University of Victoria and Camosun College.
Donna Jones of the Victoria High School Alumni Association and Vic High Class of 1957 , was a School District 61 trustee on the school board when the Vic High day care was evolving. She said it was common ground that there was a need. “People thought it was necessary to give the girls a hands-up,” she said.
In Higgins House’s admission policy, students wishing to use the holistic-approach day care service were required to attend a minimum of four hours of class each school day and “account for” at least 80 per cent school attendance.
Although Sharron did not attend Vic High, her late husband, Glendon, and eight others in her family are Vic High alumni. Her mother, Lauretta Holdridge, was one of the first female principals in Greater Victoria when she was appointed to the position at Braefoot Elementary.
Sharron has been a loyal supporter of the Vic High Alumni, particularly the Vic High Archives & Museum where the original Higgins House Daycare sign now lives.
Dallas Road was great today, walking along that section on Ross Bay between Clover Point and the ‘bone orchard’. That’s what we called Ross Bay Cemetery back in my day. Blue sky, perfect ocean breeze, freighters in the distance, the Olympic Mountains on full display. It doesn’t get much better. Getting back into my little 25 year old roadster, a young guy two spots over in a grey Mustang asks me about my car. Half an hour later we were car buddies, ex-Lower Mainland buddies, and Vic High buddies.
I love it when a conversation starts like that. A question, a friendly smile, and the next thing you know you’re just chattering away. I learned a lot from him. For starters, he’s a red seal mechanic in town and had some good advice about where to take my car for servicing. Various members of my family are car nuts, including my husband and son. So when he told me his Mustang had a Shelby-designed engine, the name actually meant something to me. And we had cars in common.
It turns out we’d both lived on the BC mainland, and we both agreed it was great to be back living in Victoria. Another experience in common.
I told him I’d grown up nearby, just a few blocks away. ‘I grew up in Fernwood,’ he replied. Aha! “Fernwood?” says I, wondering if he’d gone to Vic High, too. “So did you go to Vic High?” “Sure did,” he says. “I lived on Vining Street. It definitely didn’t take me long to get to school.” Bingo. Even more in common.
His interest in cars started in the shops at Central Middle School. Then it was on to Fairey Tech at Vic High. “Auto mechanics, autobody, woodworking, gym – all my favourite subjects,” he says. “Vic High is a great school. There’s just something about it.”
And so it went. Memories and laughs with another member of the Vic High tribe. I was probably old enough to be his grandmother, but our Vic High connection made short work of our age difference. I’d love to meet him again. He did tell me where he works. Maybe one day I’ll drop in, see if he’s there, just tell him how great it was to meet him, tell him I wrote this little story about meeting him. Will that be weird? I hope so. In a good way.
Thanks, Antonio, Vic High Class of 2018. You are the welcoming, accepting spirit of Vic High, and you totally made my day!
PS I found his Grade 11 photo in the 2017 Camosun.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-07-18 11:13:492022-07-18 11:13:49Vic High Alumni are Everywhere
Finally, Vic High grads were able to share their special ceremony with friends, family, teachers and staff in person. June 2, the UVic Farquhar Auditorium was once again the scene of joy, pride, and excitement as 161 Vic High grads crossed the stage and were honoured for their hard work a goals achieved. Recently retired after 20 years teaching English and Creative Writing, much-loved Vic High teacher and Metis elder Jan Picard was the evening’s guest speaker. Opening comments and the singing of O Canada were shared in French and English (Vic High is a French Immersion school), and graduating music students delivered a Vic High grad tradition, accompanying all students singing Bob Dylan’s, “Forever Young.”
Teacher Sara Reside was there: It was so comforting to move back to UVic and a traditional graduation ceremony. We incorporated a few things that we’ve learned from these past two years and were able to celebrate our grads in Vic High style. Our valedictorians really well represented the diversity, heart, and resiliency of this grad class. And Mr. Parker’s speech spoke to the uniqueness of this group and made us all emotional. I stood backstage as the students prepared to cross the stage and had a close-up view of the anticipation, excitement, and joy of these grads. It was an emotional night for sure.
Valedictorians Nadine Gomez and Ahmad Abousaleh address their classmates, and the audience of family, friends and teachers at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium.
Principal’s Speech Inspires Students, Staff, Grad Audience, and Alumni
Vic High students over the years have been blessed with some inspiring principals, none perhaps more so than Aaron Parker, current Vic High Principal. Teenage-hood can be daunting enough without a make-do school and a pandemic shifting your world on a moment’s notice. Wise, empathetic leadership may set a tone. But Mr. Parker is the first to credit the team he leads, and to credit all the students who motivate him daily and perhaps lead him in many ways. We’re proud to share his speech to the Vic High Graduating Class of 2022 at their June 2 ceremony.
I remember that May day in 2018 when I first met this class on the front lawn of our iconic Fernwood building. While many were shy and reserved, the group as a whole was …energetic. I likely would not have predicted that students like Wes and Lucas would turn that energy into honour rolls, championships and general school leadership. Turns out most of my predictions turned out to be wrong. I would love to go back to that afternoon to say “For those of you who are really worried about the next four year – think bigger.”
When I recall that day I wonder what those young versions of the fine people you see behind me thought as they entered high school. I can imagine Owen going home about two feet shorter back then – “Mom, the shop classes are on the other side of the school – somewhat notable as his English class is currently two city buses from the Autobody class.
I can imagine kids coming home in grade 9 complaining that some of the projects are confusing– two years later they are still trying to figure out where to find 700 paperclips and a hair straightener to do their online art metal project. And do you remember when you thought 74 minutes was a really long time for one class. Those problems were so cute.
Let’s face it: the last four years have changed our expectations. During that time these young people have changed buildings, and changed instruction delivery methods and health protocols multiple times. They have lost out on academic, athletic, artistic, cultural and social activities. No one could have predicted in May of 2018 that those energetic grade 9 students would graduate knowing what their favorite hand sanitizer brand is and which face covering is the best on a cold day.
We have all been impacted by Covid. As someone whose livelihood, health and social connections were never seriously threatened, even I have felt the weight of living in these unnerving and uncertain times.
I share with you that outside of my family the individuals that have kept me buoyed through the pandemic sit behind me today.
The Sr Boys basketball team proved that you don’t have to win the championship to be champions. Every opponent and observer that spoke with us commented on their relentless, never -give-up attitude. I saw that first hand. Even before we knew if there would even be a season, Cam had the team lined up at 7 am any time they were allowed gym access. His leadership along with grads Karl, Lucas, Lambert, Rainer and Linial took the Sr boys basketball team to our best showing in over 30 years.
Performers like Tamsyn, Silas, Calla, Matisse, Ben, Leah, Cian, Olivia and more, dazzled in those precious opportunities in which they were permitted access to a stage.
Ayan, Ahmed and Madison were recently recognized as some of Vic High’s most accomplished scholars despite the many disruptions they endured throughout their most important academic years.
Our front step philosophers amused and entertained. Fynn, Malcolm, and Callum doubled as Vic High’s unofficial band. Only Vic High could feature impromptu guitar, flute and didgeridoo performances – depending on the day.
But for me the most important gift this group has provided is that of perspective.
Sometime after the 2019 announcement that these students would spend grade 11 and 12 at some old school called SJ Willis, but before the 2020 spring break that transformed every aspect of their school experience, we had a very serious life and death situation.
2022 grad Al Baraa and two of his friends, came across a young man in need of immediate medical assistance. Due to their fast action our staff was able to administer the medical intervention that stabilized the youth and saved his life. I will never forget two things from that day. The young man’s face devoid of all life as he lay on the washroom tile floor. And the conversation I had with Al Baraa after the incident. I congratulated the boys on their fast action and let them know that I needed to contact their parents. Al Baraa,do you remember what you said that day – I do.
You said “Mr Parker you don’t need to contact our parents. In Syria death is not new to us.” Later when Vic PD were looking to recognize the boys for their heroism, they were completely confused. In their eyes there was nothing to recognize “Someone needed help so they found help.” Simple as that.
I have no idea where they get it from. Something about this generation, the resilience of youth or the magic that is Vic High, but these young people are the example that I wish the rest of the world would follow. Someone needs help – you do what you can to help. Simple as that.
From my observations, being charitable and tolerant in the face of adversity is not that simple for most. We have seen our share of defensiveness and divisiveness. Masks, vaccinations, quarter system. Let’s not deny it now – I kept the emails – adults haven’t always coped as well as this group.
The group behind me is politically knowledgeable and active. Students like Talia and Pita could teach me about our world’s environmental and political conditions. And despite the wide variety of opinions and strongly held beliefs of the fine young people behind me – when they were told that some people in the school feel safer when we all wear masks – they all wore masks.
I’m proud of this group. And I am delighted that they are being celebrated today. I would like to thank them for their grace in the face of adversity and ask their help one last time. Mikey, would you come down here? I would like you to help me lead your fellow 2022 graduates in the singing of the Vic High song – Come Give A Cheer.
Can You Hear All the Clapping?
Some of our Alumni volunteers were very touched by Aaron’s speech. Send us your reaction and we’ll add it here. (Click here and choose Communications from the drop-down menu.)
Wow what a truly uplifting speech. Thank you Aaron. Thank you to all staff for the tremendous job you do each and every day. Ruth Ferne, VHS 1966
Incredible speech, incredible Principal, incredible leader. Linda Reid, VHS 1977
Wow…what an incredible speech!!! Kudos to Aaron and all those who participated! Come give a cheer❤️ JoAnne Botten, VHS 1968
Aaron is an outstanding principal. Keith McCallion, former Vic High Principal
I’m in tears after reading that. What a great principal he is. Helen Edwards, VHS 1964
KUDOS👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. True spirit of Vic High. Ed Kozicki, VHS 1969
So nice to have a down to earth speech. Dawn Quast, VHS 1965
No wonder Vic High is so fabulous! Aaron and staff do so much to make it so – even through Covid and transition to temporary school. Thank you all and congrats to all the grads! Anne McKeachie, VHS 1968
Wonderful, inspirational speech by Principal Aaron. So glad to hear that the students still know the words to COME GIVE A CHEER! I kind of thought that may have faded over the years but apparently NOT! Annie Boldt, VHS 1967
Loved the speech, specially as the Class of 1974 graduated 48 years ago today. Aaron is great. Students are so lucky to have him. Lori Ann Locken, VHS 1974
Aaron is simply an amazing man. We are all so fortunate to have him leading Vic High. Amazing, inspirational speech. Roger Skillings, VHS 1968
Just a great speech. Truly a great teacher who cares! I am sure that we all remember a teacher from our years in school that inspired us and made us the people we are today. Another incidence of the special times that happen at Vic High no matter where it resides temporarily. A most memorable grad ceremony for the class of 2022. Nita Loudon, VHS 1966
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/2022-Grad-Group.jpg480640Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-06-09 09:19:132022-06-09 10:34:382022 Vic High Graduation Honouring Resilience
Vic High Hairdressing Classroom, pre-seismic updating from Vic High 2020 photobook.
Vic High Hairdressing Program Began On A Napkin
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Victoria High School’s 15-year-old hairdressing program began on a napkin, teacher Pam Murray recalls. It was during lunch with then-Principal Stephen Bennett that the rough plans for the course were mapped out. Pam was a substitute teacher in Victoria when she decided to apply for the job teaching a hairdressing program at Vic High.
Before the course began in September of 2007, Stephen reached out to the Vancouver school district for hairdressing course information and was rewarded with a curriculum already being used in Lower Mainland schools. Pam also liaised with the Industry Training Authority of British Columbia. The ITABC’s mandate is to work with trades training programs to better understand, communicate and respond to provincial industry needs. Its Sectory Advisory Groups provide advice to advance and improve the trades training system, including strategies to help increase apprenticeship opportunities for youth, women, Indigenous persons and other equity-seeking groups.
So what began as a part-time teaching position turned out to be a full-time job for Pam, with three Grade 11 and four Grade 12 courses at the 20-station classroom. The course includes theory, salon ecology, trichology (study of hair), design, hair colouring, chemical texture, cutting and styling, hair products and the salon business. The practical side also includes the cutting of men’s and women’s hair, colouring, perming and styling techniques.
The apprenticeship course includes 300 hours of work experience as well as in-house Client Days at Vic High. Most clients learn about the opportunity by word of mouth and they are charged only for products used. It is the out-of-classroom experience where students learn the ancillary skills of the job, such as creativity, hands-on learning, friendly demeanour and an out-going personality. Pam knows of two other similar courses in the Greater Victoria area, Sooke school district’s Belmont Senior Secondary School and Saanich school district’s Individual Learning Centre.
“It gives the kids so much confidence,” Pam said of her students’ experience. “What I love is when it changes somebody’s life.” She still remains in contact with many of her graduates working in the city, and those like 2012 grad Jadah Dale who is now working in London.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/hairdressing-page-crop.jpg18292101Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-06-05 11:16:042022-06-05 11:16:04Vic High Hairdressing Program Began On A Napkin
When Gail Archibald was attending Vic High between 1957 and 1959, she probably could have thrown a softball – underhanded – from her Denman Street home to the school. At Vic High, she participated in track (the 220 was her specialty), basketball and grass (now field) hockey. Of course, sports-minded Gail’s favourite subject was P.E. But the eventual B.C. (2019) and Greater Victoria (2011) Sports Hall of Fame inductee decided softball was her sport, thanks to one of her regular Saturday morning visits to the YMCA, then located on the east side of Blanshard Street between Yates and View streets. The activity was softball and, as she wrote in Pat Harrison’s book, “North American Girls of Summer,” she was “hooked.”
Born Dec. 5, 1941, in Craik, Saskatchewan, the family moved to Victoria when Gail was four or five. Her father, George William “Billy” Archibald worked at Sooke Forest Products and Manning Timber Products and they had homes in Langford and James Bay. Gail’s introduction to a softball came when she found one and began throwing it around the woodshed at their Young Street house near Beacon Hill Park. She joined her first softball team, the Polyettes, when she was in her mid-teens. Gail was a power hitter and speedy centrefielder.
In 1960, manager Walter “Wally” Yeamans recruited Gail to play for the Senior A women’s Victoria Vikettes. “My overhand throw wasn’t much, so I started throwing the ball into the infield using a windmill (underhanded) motion,” she wrote in Harrison’s book. “It was fast and right on target.” She added, “I couldn’t throw overhand worth a damn.” Wally noticed this and enlisted the help of Senior A ballplayer Terry Moody, who died earlier this year, to convert Gail into a hall-of-fame pitcher.
“Walter Yeamans was the big key for me,” Gail said. She said Wally was encouraging and paid for most of the expenses of travelling to tournaments and championships. She also remembered Wally’s wife, Charlotte, was always at the ballpark cheering the team on.
In 1966, Gail decided that there wasn’t enough tough competition on Vancouver Island and moved to the Lower Mainland to play in the senior women’s league at South Hill Memorial Park. Gail’s last two teams were the Vancouver Texaco and Eldorado. She returned to Victoria to mentor young pitchers and work on her golf game.
But her career highlights include playing in Canadian and provincial championships, pitching three complete games in one day (more than once), striking out 17 batters in a seven-inning game, pitching for a B.C. all-star team against world-champion Raybestos Brakettes in 1964 and being picked up by a Port Angeles team to play in a tournament in Portland.
“North American Girls of Summer, Stories/Memories submitted by players from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s” ($32 including postage) is available through the author by emailing her at path70@telus.net or by phone at 1-250-752-0543 in Qualicum Beach, BC.
Disclaimer: For entertainment, not instructional purposes!
It may be a bit of a stretch to equate Arthur Warren’s 1966 noisy and smoky motorbike ride around the main hallway of Victoria High School to the 1969 movie Easy Rider. Firstly, Arthur rode an 80cc Yamaha trail bike while co-stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper were on a Harley Davidson. And secondly, Arthur did not receive Academy Award nominations for best original screen play and best supporting actor (Jack Nicholson).
As a matter of fact, there doesn’t seem to be any recorded history of the event. It was long before cell phone cameras became de rigueur. Nor does Arthur have a vivid recollection of the incident. He remembers “lugging the thing up the stairs” to the second floor with the help of two or three friends (it weighed about 68-90 kg or 150-200 pounds).
“Not much to tell,” said the 1967 Vic High grad modestly. But he does confirm it happened. The “urban legend” that Arthur rode his bike up and down the school stairwells is not true, he added. “It was before 8 a.m., so not too many people (or) teachers around,” Arthur recalled. “I did one circuit around the main floor. No one stopped (or) confronted me. I remember being a little bit shocked (at) how much noise and smelly smoke I was making.” Arthur said he was never confronted by Principal Duncan Lorimer, staff or students about the incident. “No one ever said anything.” When asked how much thinking went into the caper, Arthur replied, “Not much!”
(1966 alumnus Craig Strickland remembers it differently, or perhaps there has been more than one motorcycle ride around the halls of Vic High? Click here to read what Craig remembers.)
Arthur’s family had a long association with Vic High. His parents and siblings all attended. He said he and his brother, John, were sometimes called the crazy Warren brothers.“I have good memories of Vic High. I really enjoyed it.”
Arthur said he admired the egalitarianism (the doctrine that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities) he saw at Vic High. He was involved in many Vic High activities, band (trombone), philosophy club, United Nations club and Calamity Players.
Arthur, who was a bright student, attended Sir James Douglas elementary and Central Junior High schools before arriving at Vic High, and went on to obtain a teaching degree at the University of Victoria and a masters degree in theological studies from the University of Toronto.
He did some substitute teaching but didn’t like it. In between, he was a logger, commercial fisherman, teacher of transcendental meditation, lumberyard worker (with classmate David Ashton at Victoria Plywood), realtor (for 25 years) and marriage officiant.
In 1997, Arthur and former wife, Sylvie Rochette, founded Epicure.
Note: Arthur’s dad, Herb Warren, also a Vic High alumnus, was Victoria’s Parks Superintendent and the father of Victoria’s famous hanging baskets. Read about him here.
The Epicure Success Story
It started with spice mixes, jams and jellies in the kitchen of Arthur Warren, VHS 1967, and (then) wife Sylvie Rochette in the mid 1970s, with Sylvie’s desire to create healthy eating solutions for her family. In 1997, after selling products at the Saanichton Fair, it was formally founded to sell healthy, gluten-free, peanut-free food products and promote healthy eating all over North America.
With a mission to “take back our health and change the course of our next generation’s wellness and relationship with food”, Saanich-based Epicure is now run by Chief Executive Officer Amelia Warren, daughter of 1967 Vic High grad Arthur. It sells its locally-manufactured products through a network of consultants who also offer cooking classes, recipes, and kitchen tools and cookware.
Vic High alumna Lori Ann Locken, VHS 1974, was so taken with Epicure’s gluten-free products she could tolerate, she became a consultant. “I love how Epicure’s products are also low salt, lower sugar, and no preservatives.” (You can reach Lori Ann on Facebook – Lori Ann’s Epicure Kitchen.
Epicure’s headquarters is in Saanich, and its U.S. base is in Salt Lake City, Utah. www.epicure.com.
When Victoria High School classes brag during reunions about who became the shining stars of their graduation year, 1955 grads can muscle into the conversation with ease and pride. No less than four grads, Jim Taylor, Dr. Stew Smith, David Anderson and Fenwick Lansdowne, achieved national recognition in their fields of endeavour, two of them internationally.
Jim, who died in 2019, became a full-time sportswriter while in Grade 12 at Vic High. After learning his craft and honing his skills at writing with humour, Jim became a sports columnist at the Vancouver Sun staying for 13 years, and at the Vancouver Province for 17 years. His widely-read columns were eventually syndicated and he was inducted into the Canadian, British Columbia and Greater Victoria sports halls of fame as well as receiving two lifetime achievement awards.
Stew, who won the Governor-General’s award for top Grade 12 student in B.C., became a noted particle physicist and spent five decades on the Princeton physics faculty in New Jersey. He later became chair of the physics department and Dean of Research. Not only that, he was a member of the Mann Cup-winning Vancouver Carlings senior lacrosse team in 1961 and eventually became known as an accomplished gardener. Stew has made major donations to help launch Vic High’s Astronomy program, and continues to take an active interest in its growth.
David was also a multi-faceted achiever, winning silver on the Canadian Olympic rowing team and a federal cabinet minister in four ministries. An early environmentalist, David was a Member of Parliament for Esquimalt-Saanich before becoming Leader of the B.C. Liberal Party. He returned to federal politics and was appointed to four portfolios, National Revenue, Transport, Fisheries and Oceans and Environment. He was also the President of the World Fisheries organization.
Fenwick (known as Fen by his classmates) contracted polio before his first birthday and, despite only being able to paint with his left hand, became an internationally-recognized water colour artist specializing in birds. His paintings were compared with those of James Audubon. Fenwick died in 2008.
HOW DOES YOUR YEAR STACK LUP?
Reading the story about the Class of ’55, how does your grad year stack up?
Tell us the story about your grad year and who became the accomplished stars!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Anderson-D.jpg640480Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-05-12 11:27:322023-04-11 09:29:11A Few Shining Stars, Class of ’55
L to R: Stew Smith, Norma Smith, Irene Harrison, Keith Yow, King Lee, David Anderson, Keith McCallion, Wendy Simson
In his mid-80s, Stew Smith still regularly flies to Italy, Switzerland and Sudbury, Ontario, from his Princeton, New Jersey home to chair scientific group meetings. But his favourite flight is from Newark Liberty International Airport to his beloved Victoria and Victoria High School.
The Vic High Grad of 1955 and particle physicist who has spent half a century of learning, teaching and researching at Princeton University was finally able to return to his hometown in April this year after a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID virus. He was so happy to be back that he hosted a lunch which included three Vic High grads from 1955, David Anderson, Irene Harrison and himself, one from 1956, Wendy Simson and the “rookie” from 1958, King Lee. Also invited to the Fireside Grill lunch was former Vic High principal, Keith McCallion.
Stew also got in a visit to Vic High, albeit at the school’s temporary Topaz Campus at the old S. J. Willis Junior High School near Hillside Avenue and Blanshard Street while major seismic upgrading and renovations are going on at the Grant Street building. Physics teacher Jonathan Geehan sent current and former Astronomy students to the Vic High Alumni’s recorded interview with Stew, Grade 12 students Madison Levagood, Kieran Slade and Ayan Araleh, and Grade 11 students Aina Saitoh and George Sleen. Having benefitted from Stew’s $13,000 donation that launched Vic High’s Astronomy program, students were keen to hear more about their field of interest and clearly grateful for the opportunities it’s given them.
Stew, a big supporter of the Victoria High School Alumni Association, was obviously pleased to talk to the students and spent the better part of an hour sharing his thoughts and answering questions. Stew also met with Jonathan to discuss ways Stew, who was the top student in the province the year he graduated from Vic High, could assist with classroom needs in the ‘new’ Vic High set to reopen September 2023.
Stew has found a residence in Bend, Oregon, where he has family and is currently in discussions with his wife, Norma, about moving permanently to the West Coast. He said one reason why it is a difficult decision is that it would be much easier for him to fly directly to his meetings from New Jersey’s international airport than to find connecting flights from Seattle or San Francisco.
Then again, the Vic High Alumni and perhaps Physics teacher Jonathan Geehan would be more than happy to have Stew closer to Victoria, particularly if more students could benefit from his inspirational sharing of his knowledge and experiences.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/20220426_143047-2.jpg18102512Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-05-12 11:10:062022-05-12 11:14:44Stew Smith, VHS 1955, Returns to Vic High
Ken Coley-Donohue, VHS 1987 35 Years Later, A Full-Circle Moment
By Linda Baker, VHS 1969
May 2022
Thank heavens young Ken Coley-Donohue stepped up when shop teacher Fred Packford told him he was smart enough to apply for that School District scholarship. Ken had natural talents, but his lack of confidence stalled the recognition and rewards he deserved.
Vic High. 1987. Ken is in Grade 12. School in general had been challenging, his dyslexia getting in the way of learning the way the system taught. But nothing got in the way when it came to using his hands, or developing his skills in the woodworking, drafting, or boatbuilding classes taught by Fred Packford. There he excelled.
When Fred said apply for that scholarship and Ken said he didn’t have the smarts, Fred’s booming teacher voice filled the room: “Never say that! You are smart and you can do anything you put your mind to!” So Ken worked hard, and he applied for and won that District scholarship. He also won the Vic High Technology award for 1987.
“Mr. Packford’s words were a life-defining moment for me,” says Ken.
Victoria. 1990. Ken joined Vintage Woodworks Inc, bringing his exceptional joinery and woodworking skills, his knowledge of modern technology, and his business resourcefulness with him. He eventually bought the business and now has 20 employees, a 14,000 square foot shop in Central Saanich, and an award-winning reputation for quality craftsmanship.
Vintage Woodworks specializes in heritage restoration, and in replicating energy efficient custom wood windows, doors and storefronts. They rely on centuries-old mortise and tenon joinery to achieve their high standards, adding state of the art technology to ensure consistent preparation of the elements to be joined. Customers across Canada and in the U.S., particularly many with restoration projects in Vancouver, have worked with Ken and his team to restore and replicate the old to blend with the new in hundreds of heritage restoration projects.
“We source most of our kiln-dried Douglas fir from Vancouver Island,” says Ken, “and our glazing is all inserted by hand. We also make our own counterbalance weights here in our shop.”
Over the years Ken has employed and helped train many skilled workers, the low staff turnover a testament to the positive work environment Ken has helped foster. Numerous staff have been helped to achieve their Joinery Red Seal tickets. Vintage Woodworks has been part of the restoration of thousands of buildings in BC and North America, but Ken’s proudest achievement might be a recent one: winning the contract to restore and replicate the windows at Vic High, currently undergoing the most significant upgrades since it was built in 1914.
Here’s the east (Girls’ Entrance) side of Vic High with windows removed for restoration. Replica Vic High windows are shown framed and painted. The last photo shows a Vic High 3-over-3 window as glazing is installed.
“It was very important to me to win that contract,” says Ken. “It feels like a full-circle moment and reminds me what a difference Fred Packford made in my life, and what a difference so many teachers make in the life of their students.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-May4-Windows-Crop.jpg23752520Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-05-12 10:54:502022-05-14 06:34:09Ken Coley-Donohue, VHS 1975 35 Years Later, A Full-Circle Moment
A Vic High student and valedictorian, then a Vic High teacher, then a Vic High Vice-Principal. Son, brother and nephew of Vic High alumni, married to a Vic High alumna, brother-in-law of a Vic High alumna, father of two Vic High alumni, uncle to yet another Vic High alumnus. Reg Reid. Where does one begin.
I met him when he was Vice-Principal at Central Junior High School (1963 – 1967), and I got to work with him on the student council 1966-67. My grandmother, Mrs. Baker, was school secretary then and had great respect for him. In 1967 Reg and I both headed to Vic High where he and Principal Duncan Lorimer were a compassionate, respectful and supportive team. Years later, I was thrilled when Reg and his equally extraordinary wife, Iris, came to my grandmother’s memorial service, bringing their heartfelt hugs and happy memories with them.
2014. My dad (Roy Baker, VHS 1945) and I went to the big open house at Vic High and there in their wheelchairs, beaming broadly, arms outstretched with hugs, were Reg and Iris. As long as there was life in them and someone to drive the van, Reg and Iris would simply never miss a Vic High gathering. It was always ever thus.
1957 – 1963 Reg taught at Vic High, English, History, and Physical Education, and he loved connecting with students. Did he miss that connection when he became Vice-Principal? Maybe. But it’s a good bet his instinct to connect with students led to his tireless support of anything and everything involving Vic High students – sports meets, arts performances, school clubs, even just friendly smiles in the hallways. And it became what defined him: his ability and his willingness to reach out and connect.
Grub Day 1967-68
While Vice-Principal at Vic High, 1967-1977, he was offered the position of Principal at Lansdowne Junior High School. But with his kids about to attend there, (and his heart clearly at Vic High), he turned down the offer. “He also didn’t want to leave his family during the summers to get the Masters in Education principals were supposed to have,” says daughter Linda Reid (VHS 1977). “As soon as his work was done every summer, he and mom packed up the family and we went camping.”
Linda and her sister Janet (VHS 1975) were at Vic High while Reg was Vice-Principal, although few at the time made the connection. “One day a friend from the basketball team and I went to the office for something,” says Linda. “I headed over to go into Dad’s office and my friend was horrified! ‘You can’t do that!’, she said, ‘he’s the Vice-Principal!’ She was pretty surprised to learn that he was also my dad.”
Janet remembers many things about her dad. “He was always quick to compliment the staff, the custodial staff, the grounds staff, on how good Vic High always looked,” she says. “And he was so proud of the students, of the diversity of the student population, of kids from so many different cultures working and playing together.”
Reg was a very skilled public speaker from an early age, so good, in fact, that having dropped his valedictory speech en route to the grad stage in 1943, he gave the entire very inspiring speech from memory. Reg was also a good listener and genuinely interested in people, particularly students. He never forgot a student’s name, or the names of their siblings, even years later. “He really wanted students to have good memories of Vic High,” says Linda.
Reg at the 1977 Grad Ceremony
1977. Reg was drafted to Mt. Douglas High School as Vice-Principal. Tributes poured in. Then there was the Report to Counsellor on Student Reg Reid from teacher ‘Al Stabrice’. (Curiously no such teacher appears in the Camosun that year?) Here’s a quote from the Report: Distracted by extracurricular activities – goes to them all and stays to the bitter end – may lack sleep. But read the whole thing (here). It’s hilarious.
That dog in the report? April 22, 2022 Guy Lafleur died. Five years to the day after Reg Reid died. Reg loved him – Guy Lafleur the hockey legend, and his namesake – Guy Lafleur the family’s Brittany Spaniel. Reg – and Iris – took Guy Lafleur to many Vic High events, despite him peeing on one occasion on the opposing team’s First Aid kit. Guy LaFleur, not Reg.
The 1977 Camosun supplement was dedicated to “our Vice-principal, Mr. Reg Reid, who is being “drafted” to Mt. Doug this fall. We give him our thanks for ten years of enthusiastic service and wish him much good luck.’ One student had their poem printed in the supplement.
To Mr. Reid:
The knowledge that you’re leaving us is flowing down the halls.
“Oh but he’ll be back”, is quietly whispered by the walls.
The time you’ve spent, it seems so dear.
It’s been a long time that you’ve been here.
A stranger perhaps, and yet you’re a friend.
Strong willed and yet, like the trees you can bend.
A smile you gave me in the halls as we passed.
A small but friendly smile all through the year did last.
For each time that I saw you, a new one took its place.
It seemed to pick me up while in the year long race.
As down the hall you’re walking, “He’s leaving us”, but then;
“He’ll be back again!”
a student
But Reg Reid was, and is, Vic High to the very core. His name lives on in the Vic High Alumni’s Reg Reid Leadership Cup & Award, reminding everyone of one man whose Vic High spirit will always be felt and remembered.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Reg-Reid-1968-69.jpg824553Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-05-10 12:08:222022-05-12 14:02:01Vic High Icon, Reg Reid Always There With A Smile
We asked newsletter readers to tell us about their favourite Vic High teacher. It’s simple and yet so extraordinary, the impact just one teacher can have on a student. Life-changing! Read on. (Some names are linked to obituaries or other info on the website.)
Ken Coley-Donohue, VHS 1987 Favourite Teacher – Fred Packford
Mr. Packford
…my woodworking, drafting and boat building instructor 1986-87. I learned a lot of great skills from him which I still use to this day. The most important thing was to have confidence in myself. After Drafting class one afternoon he told me I should apply for a district scholarship. Sure, I was straight A’s in Industrial Arts but my reply was, “I am not smart enough to get one”. This lack of confidence stemmed from the fact I struggled academically with dyslexia. I’ll never forget his voice, the one that a teacher uses to wake up a class. “Never say that, you are smart and you can do anything you put your mind to!” This was for me a life defining moment. I worked hard and did get the scholarship as well as the Vic High Technology award for 1987.
Thirty-five years later I own Vintage Woodworks Inc. Over the years I have employed many people, been part of the restoration of thousands of buildings in BC and North America and also helped numerous people achieve Joinery Red Seal tickets. I am proud to say that my company is currently involved in the restoration of the windows at Vic High.
A huge thank you to Fred Packford and all the teachers at Vic High that make a difference in people’s lives.
John Britt, VHS 1960 Favourite Teacher – Tommy Mayne
Mr. Mayne
I renewed our connection after high school at Langham Court Theatre. He and his wife Betty were friends for many years. I always valued their friendship and mentoring!
It is hard to choose. There are so many. Tommy Mayne is one.
Bob Pellow, VHS 1955 Favourite Teacher – Tommy Mayne
…with a tip of the hat to Miss Roberts, Mrs. Cameron and Mr. Murphy. Loved Mrs. Cameron’s 1955 Packard!
Linda Baker, VHS 1969 Favourite Teacher – Mrs. Muriel Fraser
Mrs. Fraser taught Sewing 11 and 12, and Clothes Designing 12. I’d taken all three courses and designed my grad dress ( modeled it in the year-end fashion show). Mrs. Fraser’s standards were high, but she was always supportive and encouraging. I remember her son was an actor, which seemed very grand. She was a very classy lady, and it was her beautiful clothes, beautifully-coiffed hair, and her ultra-cool red sportscar that really impressed me. I can still see her getting in her red top-down Austin Healey (I think that’s what it was?) parked under the memorial trees that used to line the little stretch of Vining Street from the school down to Fernwood. She had a scarf over her bouffant hair-do tied around her neck like in the movies, and away she drove. Coolest teacher I’d ever seen, and probably part of what inspired me to buy my first roadster, a 1972 MG Midget, at age 21. Although I’m sure I’ll never be as cool as Mrs. Fraser.
Bert Weiss, VHS 1964 Favourite Teacher – Mr. Francis
Mr. Hansen
Mr. Francis
Without a doubt it had to be Mr. Francis for Math 11 in 1963.
Dan Dodge, VHS 1973 Favourite Teacher – Mr. Hansen
…was my favourite teacher in 1972 & 1973. He taught Machine Shop and Power Mechanics over at Fairey Tech. He was very patient and had a wonderful personality. All round great teacher. He was very supportive, gentle spirit (cannot recall him ever raising his voice). I graduated in 1973, spent a lot of my last year over at Fairey Tech doing various projects/assignments under his guidance & teaching.
Robert Darnell, VHS 1954 Favourite Teacher – Gordon Hartley
Mr. Hartley
I first had him in 1946 (just back from WWII) as our gym teacher at North Ward. Then again at Vic High 1951 – 1954, best English teacher I ever had. You never fooled around in his class, he made you work hard, but enjoy the studies.
Donna (Cranton) Jones, VHS 1957 Favourite Teachers – Mrs. Cameron, Miss Roberts, Mrs. Hodson
Because old Central School was being torn down and replaced, half of the grade nines were sent to Vic High in 1954 while the other half stayed in one of the two old buildings for another year. The decision was based on our future education plans, and since I had no university plans the powers-that-be determined that I should be set on a path to office work. Vic High had the Commercial classes. Not an unusual push for girls in those days who weren’t planning on nursing or teaching.
Bad move. Within a month or two I had managed to be assigned to Art classes instead of Home Ec., as well as a great English class. ( I credit Mrs. Hodson, who taught French but doubled as a counsellor.) I remember my mother saying that she could teach me to cook if I was interested, but couldn’t teach art. Mothers didn’t get very involved with schools in those days so I made my own case. I managed to spend time and learn a great deal with Mrs. Frances Cameron in the fourth floor Art room for four years. She accepted my interests and allowed me some deviation from the rest of the class occasionally. I have often said that I learned more history in her classes, based on the stories she presented in paintings, than anywhere else in school.
Miss Roberts Mrs. Hodson Mrs. Cameron
School was a really formative time for me in Miss J. Roberts’ English class. It was easy to see that she loved her subject, from literature to proper grammar. I was always a reader, but learned to appreciate writing in new ways, expanding my vocabulary along the way. Neither of these teachers could be described as warm and fuzzy, but they certainly knew how to teach, and I’ve been grateful for that many times. As it turned out for me, I had a rather hybrid education for the day. I learned to type, had business English courses as well as those marked for university prep, and I managed to have double art classes in my grade 12 year. To top it off I was recommended for two jobs directly after graduation…one in a bank, the other as an artist for the new CHEK-TV. I took the art job…and that’s another story.
My story is an example of the flexibility that I think Vic High has always shown for students.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Mr.-Mayne.png148132Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-05-05 16:57:392022-09-15 15:40:27Who Was Your Favourite Teacher?
We loved this story from a very famous Vic High grad, now an accomplished author of fiction for young people. (check out her website)
My Mom (VHS 1939) loved her years at Vic High and passed that love onto me. I couldn’t wait to be a student there and wanted to take part in everything (except Sports). Cheerleading? Yes! Made up a cheer as required, performed it for the team, got accepted, and spent a weekend sewing the pleated skirt. (Not easy!) Next on my list was Calamity Players. Wrote a skit as required (along with Stein Gudmundseth and Wilf Neinaber), performed it on stage for the CPs and director Tommy Mayne, and got accepted. For part of Grade 10 and Grade 11, I played percussion in the Greater Victoria Schools Symphony Orchestra. (I’d talked Dorothy Evans, conductor, into letting me play so I could go on the trips.) I was in the Girls’ Choir, Mixed Choir, and in Grade 12, the Grad Choir. My “dance card” was full. It turned out I liked playing the piano more than singing and, in Grade 11, I asked Norma Douglas, music teacher and choir director, if I could accompany the school choirs. She said “yes!” and I was over the moon. My “dance card” was now too full and I reluctantly gave up Cheerleaders and Calamity Players. And then came Vic High’s production of The Mouse that Roared in the Fall of 1964.
It’s fascinating to me what classmates remember about each other long after the fact. When friend and fellow grad Wendy (Smith) Sullivan and I reconnected in 2001, she told me she’d never forgotten my role in The Mouse that Roared. Really?! I’d completely forgotten! But her recollection brought it all back. I had auditioned and landed the role of Molly Mulligan, Air Raid Warden. It was a perfect role, a “bit” part which required a panic-stricken Molly to burst through the door on the right side of the auditorium, run up the stairs to centre stage, deliver a message about invaders via walkie-talkie while anxiously looking over her shoulder, ending with a terrified scream, “They’re after me!” and running off to exit through the door on the left—to thunderous applause and laughter. Nothing like making good use of adrenaline! A “bit” part for sure, but worthy of a special mention in the Daily Colonist. I recently came across the review and the program while going through boxes of scrapbooks.
As for what I remember about Wendy? She often wore a lovely blue suit that her aunt had bought her at Harrod’s during a visit to London. Very classy! (I wonder what happened to my Cheerleading skirt…?)
The Vic High ‘V’
We had so many great responses to our October questions about the Vic High ‘V’ and various team names and patches, we created a separate post. Find it here.
Irene (Foot) Harrison, VHSG 1955
My first year at Vic High was 1952. I was attending S.J. Willis Jr. High in grade 9 and so excited about going to Vic High starting in Grade 10. The move to the BIG school! During the winter of grade 9 I was playing basketball (my favorite sport), and when I bent over, I could not straighten up due to pain in my back. After more problems, I had x-rays and it was determined that my 5th lumbar vertebrae had slipped out of place. The only way to fix the problem was with a spinal fusion which had never been done in Victoria before that time.
Surgery was scheduled for August 6th, the day before my 15th birthday. It was not that easy to find a surgeon as the ones in Victoria had never done this type of surgery before. Dr. Andy Reid agreed to do it. I went into hospital three weeks in advance and had a sling around my body to raise it off the mattress, then had 10 lb weights attached to my legs to try and stretch my spine. There was a 50/50 chance of being paralyzed. A bone was taken out of the bottom part of my right leg to use as the graft bone along with adding some screws.
After 2 months in the hospital, I was finally released just after school had started in 1952. I had a full body plaster cast and one on my right leg up to my knee. Finally in early October, I was able to go to Vic High. I had the casts on as well as using crutches in the beginning. What a sight I must have been when I entered the school. I was greeted by the principal, Harry Smith. It was not an easy task getting into the school or changing classrooms as there were no elevators in those days. I was released from each class five minutes early so I could beat the crowd to my next class.
My basketball days were over, and I was not able to do a full bend due to my solid spine from the waist down. But when I finally had my casts off and could walk normally again, I decided to try out for the cheerleader team. I loved all sports so this was perfect for me. I was just so happy to finally be at Vic High and I enjoyed every minute I was there. I joined many clubs and made many friends. Other than having my children, I feel my time at Vic High were the best years of my life.
Christy Bowen, VHS 2000
I was nervous the first fall I went to Vic High until I walked in the doors. After that I couldn’t wait to get to school the following year. I loved the atmosphere of Vic High so much, the way it relaxed me and made me feel safe.
Cathy (Dent) Blondahl, VHS 1966
I don’t know if you would want to add this one to the Memories post, because we were in trouble for it! Anyway, here it is. In 1965 or 1966, some of us went over to Oak Bay High and, in the dark, wrapped black and gold crepe paper around one of their goal posts. A day or two later, a lot of green and white paint was mysteriously applied to our outdoor bleachers by some unknown persons! This was not well received, and to this day I believe no one knows the names of the individuals who started it. (uh, oh, maybe you know one name now!)
Another memory is of our journalism class being told we were not allowed to have a certain article printed in our school paper because it was controversial! Unfortunately I no longer remember the subject that was rejected by the principal.
I loved being a Vic High student!
Corol Pallan, VHS 1964
Corol (Smith) married Rupee Pallan, VHS 1961, although they never met at Vic High. UVic’s McPherson Library, 1964, was where it all began, and they married in 1969. Corol shared some wonderful memories and photos, so we’ve created a separate post for them. Click here.
John McWilliam, VHS 1973
I attended VHS in Sept. 1971 to June 1973 – I have always said it was like a cross cultural experience in many ways.
Like a number of people I struggled to understand the many math concepts being taught then – until I was in Math 11 with one of the best instructors Mr Joe Chell. He was great in that he could see that a number of us were all groaning our way through different names for things like “polynomials, etc” He came up the idea of just using words we were all familiar with like “billybops and hooperdoopers”. It was hilarious – but it worked.
Also spending 3 periods a day in Metal Shop with Mr Hanson – aka “Happy Hanson” – was life changing. He ran that shop like a true working shop and taught us many things like foundry work-making and casting parts for our projects. At the end of every class he would blow the train whistle – which I think he put together with the biggest smile on his face. A real life changing experience for sure for all who were there.
Finally, nothing exceeded the experience of Cafeteria down in the basement. We could all go down there and get a full meal – just like Mom made – for $3. It was awesome, and entering the room and seeing how students and staff were intermingling was great. Various people were in cultural groups off in the corners and then right down the middle was a long row of the balance of the group all eating, laughing and smiling.
The penultimate experience of all was a noon hour concert in the winter of 1972 when Valdy came and performed – YES indeed !! It was classic experience – the gym was filled and he performed to a huge standing ovation!! It had snowed the week before and in true Victoria fashion, it then rained for days to get rid of it all!!
Valdy broke into a round of “Rain, Rain Go Away” and everyone joined in. It was incredible until Mr. Reid, then Vice-Principal, walked into the gym to let Valdy know he had gone way overtime and classes needed to resume. Everyone boo-ed and I think we did 2 or 3 more verses.
Attending VHS was truly transformative for me. I was supposed to be at Mt View, but I really needed a change. My parents agreed, so I got an exemption to attend based on the need to get into Fairey Tech to do some pre-apprentice training. It was the best decision ever !! I am so glad the legacy of VHS continues to this day.
One day I hope to bring some of my grandchildren in for a tour.
Derek Reimer, VHS 1965
Derek Reimer
So many memories from your story about the five Vic High guys in the Class of 1964 who answered the 50-mile-walk challenge in 1963. And so many parallels with the experience of several members of the Class of 1965. We were a group of five Grade 10 knuckleheads: John Phillips, Tom McNie, Martin Hagerty, Bob Iverson and me. We also thought that walking 50 miles would be a piece of cake. In fact, we were pretty sure that we could challenge for a record time. We were comfortable with the idea of our pictures in the paper, interviews, and the admiration of our classmates on Monday morning.
We jaw-boned my dad into driving us to Chemainus late on a Friday evening and began with a flurry of power walking, knocking off the first five miles at record pace. What’s all the fuss about, anyway? By the time we strode through Duncan our miles per hour had slowed but we were still on schedule for a quick finish, perhaps not a record but an effort that would be noted and admired.
First to regain his sanity and recognize the futility of the task was John Phillips. It was borderline madness that he even attempted a 50 mile route march as he had recently suffered a nasty rugby injury that left him with a broken jaw and his teeth wired shut. He has been subsisting on a juice-only diet for several weeks and was not his usual vigorous self. Somewhere near Cobble Hill he relented and hitchhiked home.
The rest of us struggled up the Malahat in survival mode with dreams of high-speed fame long gone. At the summit, Martin Hagerty and I decided we had had enough. We lay down on the gravel with our feet up on a mile marker. There we waited for Martin’s mother who had previously agreed to do an early morning sweep for fallen heroes.
But full credit to Tom McNie and Bob Iverson (one wearing old Hush Puppies and the other with worn out gym sneakers) who struggled on and eventually completed the route in a creditable but fairly ordinary time. No fame ensued.
Tom McNie
Martin Hagarty
John Philips
Bob Iverson
Irene Harrison, VHS 1955
The Class of ’55 decided to do something special for their 50th year reunion so we planned a cruise to Alaska. We made sure our week away included June 10th as that was the day we graduated in 1955. We had been holding dinners on June 10th since 1965. We were all very excited as we boarded a bus to get the ferry to Vancouver and board our cruise ship. There were 27 grads and their partners that made up a total of 50 people altogether.
We were in Alaskan waters on June 10th and gathered in the Crows Nest lounge to celebrate our special day. Pianist extraordinaire, Joe Moore, sat down at the piano and we all gathered around to sing “Come Give a Cheer”. Many of the excited alumni had tingles of joy as we sang our alma matter song. We actually enjoyed singing it so much, we did it twice and of course added, “Rah, Rah, Rah” at the end. A great memory.
Rita Gutemar, VHS 1967
I was sent to the principals office one spring morning after I arrived at school with the new dress I just designed and sewn the night before. The problem was my shoulders were exposed, and I was subsequently sent home to change. How times have changed.
Dave McFarlane, VHS 1964
In 1963 when I was in grade 11, I was called to Vice-Principal Lorimer’s office ( along with my two partners in crime, Bruce Barrick and Marion Sieradzan) to answer questions about why we were late arriving at school that morning. That particular morning Sieradzan had the family car and had picked us up to play hooky spending the day at Goldstream Park. We were at Dave Macmillan’s house as he was joining us. The phone rang and he answered. It was Lorimer calling to do an attendance check. Dave of course was able to explain that he was at home with a cold but the rest of us were in trouble. So we quickly hustled off to school and at the office explained we were late because our car had a flat tire. When we got together at lunch we decided to go over our story fearing that we would be called back to the office and interviewed by Lorimer for the details on our “suspicious” excuse. So the three of us decided to stick to our story. However as we were sitting outside the office waiting to be called in individually, we agreed that if any of us during the interview “copped” to the truth, they were to cough on leaving the office. I missed the cough, and while Marion and Bruce had owned up, I, despite being called back to the office a couple of times, proceeded to continue the lie. Finally Lorimer called the three of us in for our punishments. Marion and Bruce received 2 detentions for playing hooky and I received 2 detentions for the hooky prank and a further 5 detentions for lying. As we left the office Lorimer called me back and said with a smile ” McFarlane, if it’s any consolation, you held out the longest.” Unfortunately Marion ( Sez ) is no longer with us as he passed away from cancer in 2015 and Bruce is now in a care home.
Ruth (Hamill) Marshall, VHS 1961
I have very few memories of the specifics starting out at Vic High, but I do remember feeling ‘at home’ as I began grade 10. It is amazing that I did feel at home because I was a fairly shy young lady and fairly new to Victoria. Therefore I didn’t know everyone, like so many of you did, who began school together in elementary school. My family had only been in Victoria for one year after my dad’s invitation to become Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church which stood near Vic High on the corner of Fernwood and Gladstone. The feeling of being ‘at home’ was due to us living in the area and having good friends from the church introducing me to others. Nobody is alone if you have a good friend!
Ray Pauwels, VHS 1960
Betti Flitton
Ray Pauwels
I was a wall flower at Vic High and the only dance that I attended was at my graduation ceremony. It was memorable because “back in the day” names were drawn out of a hat to establish partners for the official grad dance. To my astonishment I drew Betti Flitton. I was the envy of every guy because Betti was one of the most popular girls in our grad class and also – extremely attractive. I was very nervous but managed to pull it off as I recall.
And About That Fire…
It seems many alumni remember the Attic Fire of 1967.
Pat Nalleweg
Pat (Bourne) Nalleweg, VHS 1968
Laurie Hurlburt
The morning of the fire Kathy Newell and I arrived at school early as was our routine to practice in the gym. We smelled smoke and went up to the main floor to see if we could determine where the smoke was coming. Another student came down the stairs, telling us that there was smoke on the 4th floor. We called to him to pull the fire alarm. We hurried downstairs to the gym to let everyone know that the alarm was real and everyone needed to evacuate the building.
Once outside and waiting for the fire trucks to arrive we observed Mr. Kirby on the roof of the school addition. He had to climb out a window to escape the smoke. The firefighters extended a ladder to get him down. I think there was also a student with him. Needless to say school was cancelled for the day.
We regularly used the attic space to create posters and dance decorations. There were lots of paints and rags. It was thought that perhaps the rags caught fire and it rapidly expanded in the attic. The attic was closed to student use after the fire.
Laurie Hurlburt, VHS 1967
I just remember that our French teacher held our oral exams out on the front lawn, all while firefighters were running around trying to put out the fire! I also remember that Mr. Andrews was standing looking out the window with fire all around him.
Bill Chapman, VHS 1968
I remember the fire and getting a “no school” day. But even more, I remember that after the fire, the attic was out of bounds for everybody. Except somehow the Calamity Players got special one-time permission to have their club picture taken up there. Not sure exactly when that was but it would have been the following school year when I was taking pictures for the Camosun/Camosunet. I remember heading up the stairs with an exuberant group of costumed calamity players. They were pretty adept at striking a group pose. I took three pictures but something did not feel right with the camera. Just as we were leaving, Mr St Clair, sponsor for the photography club, arrived to take more pictures.
When I developed the film later I discovered that the film did not advance in the camera and all of the three pictures I took ended up overlapping. An interesting picture but not very useful and thankfully we had Mr. St Clair’s photos. One of these was used as the club picture for the Calamity Players in the 1968 Camosun.
Editor Note: As usual, we asked Bill for a photo to add to this post. He replied: I do not have a recent picture. Nor is there one of me in the 1968 Camosun for which I took many pictures. So he asked us to insert the ‘frame’ above. LOL
Gerry Lister, VHS 1967
Last month’s Memories question was ‘Who was your most memorable fellow classmate?’ Gerry writes:
That is a difficult question to answer! I had so much fun in school, and in homeroom and other classes, that I couldn’t pick just one. So “Come Give A Cheer” to all of My Classmates!
Black and Gold we were so Bold
And it continues even when we’re Old!
Kenneth Finnigan, VHS 1952
I’ve just got to pass on to the Alumni. My long time very close friend Sid Bell. My gosh, he did it all. Finished Vic High in the University program with outstanding marks and right on to UBC to achieve a degree in Electrical Engineering. Sid went through the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Here he achieved the top rank of a Canadian fighter jet pilot. as well as other ranks unknown to me. He was employed by an American company that manufactured armaments. It would take a book to complete his life achievements.
Sid wherever you are, just keep flying high. I’ll watch for you.
Your long time pal Ken Finnigan.
Jack Trueman, VHS 1962 and Pamela (Crawford) Trueman, VHS 1961
Well yes, I was in Calamity Players. That was way back in 1961. I don’t know why I joined but I must admit it was a hoot! Can you imagine a member of the rugby team playing the part of “the fairy of the wood” complete with wand and tutu? Perhaps it was a gift from the gods as it threw me amongst a group of people, some of whom eventually became my closest friends. The girl I married was among them, although at the time we didn’t even know each other existed. We often laugh at the fact that we didn’t know we were both in the Calamity Players at the same time nor in this picture together. We really had nothing to do with each other at school. I was busy with the curling team, the rugby team. Pamela was a cheerleader and in the drama club and school choir.
I’m the funny-looking guy in the circle and my now wife of 59 years is the beautiful young girl in the other circle, Pamela Crawford. We met a few months after this picture was taken while working together in the Jerry Gosley Smile Show with Sylvia (nee Mobey) and Bill Hosie. But even then we hardly noticed each other. A year later I offered to take her to performance in town and one thing led to another. We actually only discovered this picture about twenty years after we got married. In 1976, our good friend Sylvia Hosie, asked for Pamela’s help with the production of the big Vic High Centennial show at the Arena, Come Give A Cheer. (Pamela came up with the name.) Naturally I got involved, and did all the sets and lighting for the show.
Jack’s story was so interesting, we got in touch and asked him to share more information.
I did work on a couple of local productions while still in school but none were connected with Vic High. The summer following my grade 10 year at Vic High I attended the UBC summer school of theatre on a scholarship as a result of the lighting I did on a local drama festival production my mother was directing. I was the first person ever to receive a scholarship to study technical theatre at the UBC summer school.
In 1963 I set up Victoria Central Productions (a division of Trueman Industries Ltd.) to design and build scenery and lighting and supply lighting equipment for local productions and nightclubs, etc. Some of the productions we were involved with at the old Arena included Roy Orbison, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Louis Armstrong and The Birds along with some ice shows and military tattoos throughout the province. Ironically, having been told that such a company would never succeed in Victoria we grew to became one of the largest suppliers of theatre and television rigging installations in western Canada while in addition to several Bastion Theatre and other local productions my designing career took me across the country to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa.
Pamela went on to have a theatre career of her own performing in the Smile Show, several productions with Bastion Theatre and the Victoria Operatic Society, as well as a nightclub act with lifelong friend Dorothy Hosie. As time went on, children became her focus. Later in life she was the Director of Ceremonies for the 1988 BC Summer Games and the Director of Medal Ceremonies at the 1992 Commonwealth Games.
Dorothy Jean Warren, VHS 1958
What grads do not have high school memories? Besides recalling various teachers and certainly our little gang of friends, other more personal memories remain, too. While attending Vic High, my grandparents, who lived on Vining Street, kindly had me visit for lunch over those years. My grandfather, once a prosperous plumber, owned a Model T Ford and sometimes he would offer to drive me back up the hill to the high school. Unfortunately, my reaction was to ask him to drop me off on the slope of the hill instead of at the top because stupidly, I didn’t want any friends to see the car. Stupidly, because besides insulting my grandfather’s kindness, the car in fact was a treasure at the time and certainly was of interest to anyone who saw it.
Jacquee Wright
Another memory is linked to the end of grade 12, probably in June, when I decided to run around the track against Jacquee Wright, the girl who was the fastest runner in the high school. This was insanity as I had never joined any athletic endeavours while at Vic High. Impossibly, perhaps because it was an off day for her or perhaps because she decided to let me, I actually won the race. INSANE! Some students were hanging around outside in the stadium and Dave Skillings, on whom I had had a crush maybe since grade 1, came out, picked me up, and carried me back to the gym. He was as astonished as I was, and that was the end of my contact with Dave as later, he and other boys I knew went over to UBC to join the Faculty of Law. But I have always wondered how I won the race and was never able to speak to Jaquee and find out!
Dave Skillings
I remember attending “Sock Hops” on some Friday nights, where classmate Garry Howard and his combo sometimes played for us. His well-rehearsed band brought lots of fun and entertainment to these dances and was enjoyed by all. My grandparents asked me to stay overnight with them after these dances.
My one and only drama attempt with the Calamity Players evolved after being away for a few days with a bad cold. As a result I missed the last practice of the Drama Club presentation – I’ve forgotten the theme. Over the days leading up to the big performance I really studied my lines and was all ready to go. However the person who was speaking just before it was my turn forgot some of their lines and all of a sudden I had to whirl the learned script quickly in my head to come in again with my learned lines. Unfortunately, as you can imagine, there was silence on the stage until I spoke so that afterwards the audience may have not understood the link up. I was so embarrassed, especially when another boy who was in the audience came up to me afterwards and made a comment about me not knowing my lines! As a result of this I have a HUGE amount of praise for anyone who is in a play / tv program / movie that has a script that has to be learned and ends up before an audience.
My two career choices were being a stewardess or a teacher. [Not unusual for girls back then.] One day in grade 12, class forgotten, or maybe it was homeroom on the top south side floor of the school, Alayne Waller, who sat in front of me, said, ” The mountains are beautiful today.” I exclaimed, “Where are they?” She passed me back her glasses and the Olympics were indeed looking wonderful. However, in an instant, I realized that because I needed glasses for distance, that was the end of my hope to be a stewardess because at that time any woman needing glasses was not hired.
Meanwhile the school teamed up grads with professional groups so they would have a day at that particular work focus. As teaching was also an option, I ended up at the annex of Sir James Douglas School and was captivated by the creative work of the Grade 2 teacher. That day made me decide that teaching was my career choice.
Other Memories
Gerald Quan borrowing his father’s car that had automatic roll-up windows – something new and exciting – and taking a group of us to eat at a drive-in restaurant. There the boys always ordered fried oyster burgers – wonder why?? (!)
Billy Wakeham skipping classes to go golfing. It sure paid off for him when later he became the Junior Canadian Golf Champion.
Other Thoughts
As grads got older, we sadly found out at reunions about many who died or who committed suicide. These revelations were upsetting for all who knew these students. As a past teacher, I now wonder how many of my classmates may have been sexually abused and none of us knew. I also wonder about those who were secretly gay – something that wasn’t even considered in the 1950s. I also wonder about many who never returned for a reunion. What happened to them? What did they do? Where did they end up? I miss them, and I miss hearing their life stories.
A Final Outstanding Memory
During my years at Vic High, I’ll never forget Don Kirkby playing “The Last Post” on his trumpet in the main hall to commemorate November 11, Remembrance Day. All the halls of the school echoed with the flawless notes of this tribute, creating a truly bone-chilling experience. Don was asked to play every year. Thankfully during one of our final reunions it was a happy moment to be able to tell him how much the echoes of his tribute meant to me. I hope this tradition continues.
A Final Tribute
THANKS to all of you who, over the past few years, have put together this OUTSTANDING website full of everything that commemorates our high school days.
Thank you, Jean. We appreciate your stories, your kind thoughts, and your Vic High spirit. Jean’s mother Mildred (Margison) Warren and her aunt Dorothy Margison attended Vic High, as well as her father, Herb Warren (read about him here). All her siblings are Vic High alumni as well: Louise, VHS 1953, John, VHS 1966, and Arthur, VHS 1967.
Carol (Yakimovich) Jones, VHS 1961
Carol loved Vic High even before she was a student there!
My first memory was before I actually attended Vic High. My boyfriend, Ken Jones, who many years later became my husband, attended Vic High and he wanted to invite me as his date to the dance. At that time only Vic High students could attend, but he was determined. He first had to get permission from the principal who asked that both his parents and my parents sign a permission slip. It was granted! Oh how excited I was! I was at SJ Willis at the time and to go to a dance at the ‘big’ school was thrilling. I got a new dress, and gussied up as best as I could and eagerly awaited for him to come calling. He borrowed his parents’ car and came to the front door with a corsage. When we entered the dance each girl was given a dance card. Ken filled in the first dance and last dance with his name and said to feel free to dance with others. There was a spot dance and dancing with Ken we were in the right spot and won! I was so excited. That was an evening I’ll always remember, although there were many wonderful memories once I attended Vic High.
Ken graduated in 1962, but I don’t think he had his photo taken. (Ed note: We couldn’t find him in the Camosun.) We got married a month before my graduation in 1964 (no, I wasn’t pregnant!) By this time Ken was in the armed forces and was going overseas and we needed time for paperwork and our shots. I did graduate through Camosun a couple of years later. My dear Ken passed away 10 years ago, so this is about the most recent photo I have of the two of us together.
Wayne Chew, VHS 1954
I graduated in 1954 and was an honour student. My greatest memory is being a table tennis champion during my years at Vic High. I have 14 trophies! Mr. Smith was the principal and I really liked him, but my fondest memory was my homeroom teacher, Mr. Drummond, who always called me ‘Mr. Chew’. My sister, Ann, 8 years younger, also attended Vic High.
(Many thanks, Carol Jones, for reaching out to Wayne and getting his memories and permission to share them.)
Judy Gill, VHS 1960
The story of ten of us Vic High friends and our amazing 67 year friendship is on the Alumni website (here). We believe it was the spirit of Vic High that has kept us together all these years.
Robin Farquhar, VHS 1956
I would describe my Vic High experience (1952-56) as four years of golden times, each one characterized by brightness and beauty, immediate value promising eventual prosperity, with pleasure in its worth and gratitude for its being — the gold standard for secondary education at the time, deserving of the gold medal for a wise investment of our time, and gilded with the good luck of being there at that time. One of our official colours is well chosen, indeed.
It was so eloquent we interviewed him and posted his story here.
The Old Ice Cream Parlour
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Maralyn Becker, VHS 1951, asked in the May 2023 newsletter about an ice cream parlour near Vic High. Denis Johnston, VHS 1967 and staff, Alan Mallett, VHS 1966, and Rick Foster, VHS 1967, all wondered if Maralyn was thinking about the Northwestern Creamery location on Yates near Cook, (where I remember you could get the best milkshakes!) But Ruth Ferne, VHS 1966 and Jack Inkpen, VHS 1951, both think Maralyn is remembering the Fernwood Pharmacy’s ice cream counter.
Ruth says:It wasn’t an ice cream parlour, it was a pharmacy. The Fernwood Pharmacy. It had an ice cream counter in the drugstore. It was across from Vic High and down about half a block. I’m sure many alumni will remember this.
Photo courtesy of Victoria Archives
Jack says: There was a drugstore across the street from the school on Fernwood St. that had a small soda fountain, but the meeting place that I remember was Johnny’s Cafe around the corner from there (on Gladstone St.). It was always packed with us kids during noon hour and after school. One could hardly see through the cigarette smoke as we listened to our favourite songs on the jukebox and played Bill Smith’s pinball machine for free games. Joe Andrews, our Phys Ed teacher, would sometimes drop in to give detentions to those he caught smoking. I saw him coming one day and ran in before him yelling, “Jiggers, Joe” He found no one smoking but gave me a detention which consisted of transferring me to his all-girl health class and assigning me to read the embarrassing lesson when he had to leave the room. What a detention! I loved it!
Sally (Whitehouse) Miller, VHS 1966
I graduated in 1966. I have been back a couple of times over the years to the school and once to the big centennial celebration in 1976. One experience that has stayed with me is my year with math teacher Mr. Francis. I struggled with math in grade 10 so I had the joy of repeating the course. I was very lucky to get Mr. Francis. I passed the course that year, but more than that I learned from him to persevere, and that if explaining things one way doesn’t work, try another one. His kindness always stayed with me. He would bring a record player to class and put on a record, nothing 60’s, more classical, but things like that weren’t done back then. He was a great teacher.
Jerry Bone, VHS 1952
When an alumnus sends you a story that starts with this image, and the caption: Portrait of me painting figures that are painting me. A Zen question for Islay Ferguson: Who started painting first? , you know the story will be a good one. Jerry’s work, and memories, were so interesting, we wrote a whole story about him! Check it out here.
Carolyn (Lesyk) McLaughlin, VHS 1974
I can’t believe I can still have this special feeling about this high school and friends and all we were to each other. My favourite place was the Art Room with Mr. Hemming, Volunteering in the kitchen was fun but doing my Art in the Art room was the best place ever. Art is a way of life for me. I sketch and paint in watercolour, acrylic and oil. My family home was in Fairfield. I was disappointed I missed our reunion last year, just couldn’t swing it. I enjoy the newsletter.
Gloria Rocha-Taylor, VHS 1988
My favorite hangout spot was the bleachers in the back of the school facing the running track (weather permitting)…we were smokers back then & that was the only spot where we could go to smoke lol….I quit smoking in 2002…other than that, my other favorite hangout spot was my locker & having fries & gravy at the Fernwood Inn.
Margaret Goodwin, VHS 1964
My favourite hang-out place at Vic High was the attic, where the Social Committee met, planned, yakked & made decorations and posters for various events. We kind of felt like we were a secret society, and I remember the curious looks of other students watching us climb all those stairs. This would have been between 1961 & 1963.
Good friends from 1964 meet regularly for lunch. L to R: June (Martin) Perry, Margaret Goodwin, Dorothy (Dutton) Chuhran, Elizabeth Hanan, Helen (Kelley) Edwards, Marlene (Farmer) Purdy.
Dawn Quast, VHS 1965
I was (and still am) a band geek, so the band room was my favourite spot to hang out. I took band class with teacher Rod Sample, which by grade 12 was daily, 45 minutes, first thing in the day, plus rehearsals Monday evening, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings. In addition to the band, the Greater Victoria Schools Orchestra, under teacher Dorothy Evans, practiced in the same space, so I found a way to get involved there too, for the three years I was at Vic High. The brass and wind players were only allowed one year since the few spots were so coveted. I managed to get the 2nd Oboe seat in grade 10, then in grade 11 I talked my way into a percussion spot, and then back to 2nd oboe in grade 12. I loved being in the band room, and every time I’ve been back in the school since I graduated in 1965 I’ve found my way back to my favourite hangout spot.
Suzanne (Baker) James, VHS 1971
Suzanne and her family were in a terrible car crash in 1965, and Suzanne spent much of the next few years coping with mobility issues and brain damage. Her faith and her love of music kept her going. But when Norfolk House wasn’t a good fit for her, she turned to family friend Duncan Lorimer who immediately welcomed her into Vic High. Her book, Another Sound of Music, chronicles how she overcame the challenges arising from that terrible crash. It’s available to borrow from the Vic High Library – Alumni Collection, or from Suzanne at 250-474-6506.
“At Victoria High School, my personality changed overnight! No more was I awash in pity and self-degradation…After filling out my (Vic High) registration form, Mr. Lorimer introduced me to the school’s music teacher – and my joy was complete! Except for one lunch break, my recollection of the next two and a half months was having an enormous smile on my face. To my utter amazement, boys even approached my locker to ask me for my home phone number! The highest point in my life has to be my graduation from Vic High. My leg was in a cast but receiving my diploma from Mr. Lorimer was one of the happiest and proudest days of my life. I’d graduated despite my difficulties, and knew my parents were very proud of me.
PS Suzanne’s sister JoMarie, is married to well-known plastic surgeon Dr. David Naysmith, VHS 1967, a long-time supporter of Vic High and the Alumni who also teaches an elective Hand Anatomy course for Vic High students which is open to alumni as well.
Beta Boys
Tore Valdal, VHS 1970 gave us names of some of the boys in this crazy photo.
There were a few Totems in this picture. Far left is Jan Bentley. Maybe Dave Mulcahy and Mike Chornoby. Yes, it was James Scott in the skirt. There is another picture of the guys in the ’69 Camosun. From the grad photos info other members are Dan Wallis, Barrie Moen, Ian MacLean Doug Puritch, Ron Dworski, Steve Carroll, Ken Lomas, Terry Jordan, Gerry Vanderjagt, Brian Henry. (grade 11 members: Mel Sangha, Bob Hope, Don Wilson).
The ’70 Camosun grads info include Mel Sangha, Bruce Gower, Dave Osborne, Rod Quin, Keith James, Mike Waberski, George Biggs, Brian Dunn, Wayne O’Malley, Mike Turner, John Hamilton, Doug Cunliffe, Roger La Salle, Hans De Goede, Greg Hall and Paul Scott.
Patti (Sunderland) Hubble, VHS 1959
Patti sent us this great memory…
High school is tough! Especially if you are shy and insecure. I transferred to Vic High from the East coast, a year ahead and in grade 10 at age 14. I was scared to death, and got lost in hallways, and couldn’t find my locker! I didn’t come up through the ranks of junior high like so many others who were giddy to meet old friends on first day. I was miserable.
However, I made friends and joined groups, even had a boyfriend, did okay academically, and after three years managed to graduate…in 1959. That’s when I really appreciated Victoria High, and was proud to be part of the school, as I am today to be a Vic High Alumni.
It was at my 30 year reunion that I really felt a part of the school. Greeting so many friends from way-back-when, some of whom I discovered felt as I had in those years. The hunks from high school didn’t seem so hunky anymore, and the divas less diva-ish….we were all just former students. I was surprised that anyone remembered me, and it was so empowering, and uplifting, and fulfilling to reconnect.
So there you go! Three years in a teenager’s life…the good, the bad, and the wonderfully formative! Now I look back on those Vic High days with such affection, and I’m grateful that I was a small part of such an iconic institution!
Cheerleaders – Black & Gold Tartan
It’s confirmed. The 1969-70 cheerleaders were the first to wear the black and gold tartan skirts. The 1968-69 and 1967-68 cheerleaders had to make their own uniforms. The 1969-70 cheerleaders were known as the Tom-Toms, because they definitely had the best pom pom shakers! We heard from Marita Kuehn and Paula Smith, VHS 1971. Here’s Paula’s memories:
I’m pretty sure we started wearing the tartan skirts 1969-70, the year after the Totems had beaten their arch rival, Oak Bay Bays, in basketball and won the BC Championship. School spirit was high. We felt pretty cool in our cheerleading uniforms… we had the best pom-poms too! I have vivid memories of the electric excitement in the gym on Friday game nights with the Pep Band playing as the basketball team ran in from the “old gym”. We cheerleaders and the fans, packing the bleachers, all belting out Come Give a Cheer. Such happy memories.
I also remember that in 70-71 the boys soccer team was very successful as was the rugby team. Such a fun time to be a cheerleader! I look back so fondly on my years at Vic High- the school that both my mother (Ida Clarkson) and older sister (Cathy Clarkson) attended. I love that I am part of the history of such a wonderful Victoria icon.
1975 Cheerleaders
We know the photo in the newsletter wasn’t super clear. The one in the 1975 Camosun we scanned wasn’t great either, and no names were listed. However – Rick Griffin, VHS 1975 says the photo was taken at a soccer game at Royal Athletic Park in 1974. Tammy Slater says she’s the cheerleader on the far left and Mary Anne Skill is next to her. And Michelle Amyotte Smith thinks Karen, Grade 11, is at the far end. So far, so good! If you can identify anyone else, let us know.
1966 Majorettes
‘Back in the day’, Majorettes and their batons performed routines to drum beats and Cheerleaders led the crowd in cheers for the team. Thanks to Pat Clark, VHS 1965, Brenda Stephen, Lee Langton, and Phyllis Kersey, VHS 1966, and JoAnne Botten, VHS 1968 for help with Majorette names. The 1966 Camosun named 14 of the 15 in the photo but not in order. We think the missing name is Carol Crowther? Digitized Camosuns are on our website. Here’s the link to the 1966 Camosun.
Top row L to R: Carol Hillyer, Vicky Eastwood, Marlene Dahl, Donna Hanowski, ———–,Gail Farrar. Front row L to R: Linda Brock, Pat Batters, Cheryl Cook, Theresa Meikle, Lee Hunt, Joy Van Buskirk, Donna Ball, Christine Kidson. Kneeling is Val Hays.
PS Phyllis also pointed out that the Class of 1966 has never had a grad class photo on the wall. Well that’s being corrected. When Vic High reopens and grad class photos are rehung, there will be a large collage of head shots of every grad in the 1966 Camosun. Thanks, Eric Earl, Class of 1969, for putting that together.
Gwen L’Hirondelle, VHS 1967
One of my favourite memories of Duncan Lorimer is his piping in the main hallway. I think it was on the last school day before Remembrance Day. All teachers would open the classroom doors and Mr. Lorimer would walk the hallway that ran perpendicular to the main entrance, piping a lament as he walked. He of course was in kilts for the occasion.
Maggie has lived in Langley for many years, and particularly remembers Duncan Lorimer, the Vic High Vice-Principal when she was a student, and Principal when she taught there. It was a great privilege to work with him when I taught there.
January 2023 newsletter we asked:
When you think of Vic High, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Brian Hodgson, VHS 1965
In response to our question Brian writes: Very simply – School Spirit!
Michaele (Prior) Freeman, VHS 1961
Michaele’s response to our question:
…Dorothy Evans, Greater Victoria School’s Orchestra
…Mr. Mayne, Socials teacher
…Eating lunch on the lawn
…Happy days
…The stairs when I had a cast on my leg
…Bill Hoyt having a cast on his leg at the same time so teachers gave us a five minute headstart between classes
…Missing Vic High so much when my father was posted to Ottawa for my last year of school
Alix (Esselmont) Sutton, VHS 1960
We definitely appreciate your appreciation, Alix. It’s not hard to tell Alix was a Majorette at Vic High. Such enthusiasm!
Congratulations on a fabulous January newsletter! I just spent an hour reading every word. It’s so full of interesting stories, and each issue gets fuller and fuller. I like how I can choose which stories to read and just click through. The Memories page was very interesting, and the Donor List with so many people contributing. People realize how special and unique Vic High is. Maybe it’s the classic building, and maybe it’s all those people who went on to become successful in their chosen field. Opportunity was and is there and top-notch administrations and teachers encouraged their students to think beyond the box, grab the torch! In my era, economic growth caused expansion. The youth wave, the music and fashion were a-changing. It was exciting and there were opportunities for everyone to grab! Opportunities are always there, no matter what. It takes a team. Vic High always had and still has a strong, supportive, visionary team to encourage the students. Come give a cheer!
Bud Squair, VHS 1950
Bud has a lot of memories of his days at Vic High. Thanks, Bud, for sharing them with us.
I remember that my closest friend at Vic High was Norman Alexander, apparently the only black kid there. We made strange noises to each other when we passed in the hall. We were in Scouts together and one time we were both doing something downtown, in our Scout uniforms. A mom came by with her small son – he looked at me and then looked at Norm – then he said “mommy – is that a cowboy?” Norm sent me a facial expression that clearly told me he was unhappy with the comment.
I also recall one day when our teacher was away, [Principal) H. L. [Smith] came to the room and started to entertain us with his memory collection of classical poetry. We stumped him with “Casey at the Bat”.
Another recollection – Winsome Smith taught Grade 10 biography. I recalled a reference entitled “contagious abortion in cows”. I stuck up my hand and asked her about the topic. She replied “why don’t you do some research and come back and tell us?”
One time Norm and I were out in the “bush” and I jumped into a pool of water, only to find that it was deeper than I had expected. Norm saw my flailing and immediately jumped into the water to calm me down.
After graduation, I worked in Alberta and Norm worked in B.C. One time Betty and I drove out to visit one of her several relatives on the mainland. When we got home, there was a message from a woman on the phone. Norm had passed away and wanted me at his funeral. I read that Norm’s great-grandparents had come up to Saanich and built a church – now it is part of the United Church of Canada.
I was thinking of one more story – I did not “date” in the normal sense – because I delivered the Victoria Daily Times and I delivered groceries for a little grocery store near where we lived at 906 Empress and 2405 Quadra (same building). But sometimes there would be a school function – and I once took Shirley Heinrichs ( now Shirley Tripp) to the school. Much later at a reunion, she was there with her husband and she said “do you remember I was your first date and do you remember that you walked around the block before you had nerve enough to ring the doorbell? I said “yes”.
right after the “Japanese” submarine surfaced off the west coast of Vancouver Island and fired 25 shots with its deck gun, our teacher was commenting. I stuck up my hand and explained that our family friend had been in charge of the landing party that went ashore to check on the damage. He told us that there was no damage at all – and the unexploded shells were American. He concluded that the two governments had cooperated on this event to generate more war bond sales. Our teacher did not reply, just looked over everyone.
Dennis Tupman, VHS 1954, Ruth Sones, VHS 1953
Cheering for Vic High Until the End
Dennis Tupman died recently, the year after his wife Ruth (Sones) Tupman died. Married 65 years, Dennis and Ruth met when cast opposite each other as the leads in the Vic High musical ‘Rose of the Danube’ and loved singing together all their lives. A lifelong music educator and arts advocate, Dennis was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by UVic and the Governor Generals Award for Lifetime Arts Leadership. Dennis’ love for Ruth shone through as he shared with us that the last song he and Ruth sang together before she died was Vic High’s Come Give A Cheer, bringing them full circle to the Vic High start of it all. We hope they’re together now, still singing their hearts out.
Here’s the family’s video of Ruth and Dennis singing Come Give A Cheer,. Dennis is there, just in the background.
Mary Ashworth, VHS 1970 Remembers Greg Hall, Someone Who Left Too Soon
I read every word of every Alumni newsletter, they bring back memories. Greg Hall is someone I remember. He was killed while at a racetrack in Ontario while on vacation there, at least that’s what I heard from our student ‘jungle drums’ around the time. Apparently he was enjoying drag car races and never made it back to his Vic High desk again!. Greg Hall – blonde-y hair, blue eyes, a Beta Boy.But he’s in the Camosun (which goes to press several months before the end of the school year). So that’s good. He was a great guy with a lot of big dreams and lots of potential. Greg’s Camosun entry reads: Greg’s interests include athletics, dancing, and travelling. He belongs to Rugby, Beta, and Parliament. His ambition is to be happy. Greg’s pet peeves are dandelions and apathetic people, Parliament and our P.M. What makes Greg different is that he likes to smile.
1971 Photography Club
Thanks very much to these alert alumni for identifying members of the 1970-71 Photography Club: Adrienne Chan, VHS 1968, David Harris, VHS 1971, Rob Salmon, VHS 1971, Kent Wong, VHS 1971. Click here for the story, with photo caption now included.
Penny Devlin, VHS 1959 Remembers Enacting The 12 Days of Christmas
We couldn’t quite gather the 78 people the song needed, but a group of us performed The 12 Days of Christmas. In costume, of course, depicting the various animals and people. Miss Douglas thought it was very respectable even though we were a few people short for some of the days. Nobody was counting! We just didn’t have enough people to get the right amount for each category. But the audience loved it so that was all that really mattered. So many memories.
Dawn Quast, VHS 1965 and the Santa Claus Band
Christmas 1963, the Santa Claus band, entertaining at the Hudson Bay’s Pancake Breakfast. We were from the Vic High Band. Lots of fun and great pay – $5 per Saturday morning, per person!
Left to Right: Peter Wharton, Karline Wymore, Santa, B. Dawn Eby Quast, Colin Bonneau, Helen Williams, and Doris Miller (seated in front).
Barbara (Walton) and Bob Carrie, VHS 1963 and 1962
My husband and I both graduated from Vic high. He graduated in 1962 and I graduated in 1963. Not only did we not meet at Vic High we do not remember ever seeing each other at school. I was into sports and the band. I’m not sure what interested him. We met at UVic in 1963 and have been happily married , living in Campbell River for 55 years.
Michaele (Prior) Freeman, VHS 1961
Michaele was in the music programme with Dorothy Evans and the Greater Victoria Schools Orchestra. She played the violin at Margaret Jenkins Elementary starting in Grade 4, then at Oak Bay Junior High, then Vic High for grades 10 and 11.
My dad was posted to Ottawa so I finished high school there, switching to vocal as they only had a band and it was the worst I’d ever heard! However, the band leader was a wonderful choral leader and I had a solo in the School Musical that year… I Dream of Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair!
I didn’t play the violin for fifty years, but took it up again and “fiddled” with Daniel Lapp’s Folkestra for a number of years here in Victoria. I’ve taught myself to play the harmonica (not that great, but I can play a few tunes), and have a great interest in music. The years at school in the Music Programme were invaluable to my life! The value of Music as part of the Arts is a no brainer! It’s good for the brain, it’s good for the soul. You meet wonderful people and, as I have shown, you can pick it up again in later years for great enjoyment. I support Music in the school system BIG TIME!!! And here’s an extra note…four generations of my family attended Victoria High School.
My father (who served with the Navy in World War II) — Stanley Robert William Prior
Our daughter – Shannon Elizabeth Freeman, VHS 1995
Our son’s two sons (our grandsons) – Vincent Forest Freeman, VHS 2013, Huxley River Freeman, VHS 2013
Rah Rah for Vic High!
Michaele’s dad was born in the upstairs bedroom of Prior’s Grocery and Confectionary Store at James Bay, Menzies and Superior, run by his parents. Later and for many years it was the James Bay Tearoom, and now it’s Floyd’s Diner. Michaele is a traditional rug hooker and recently created a rug from an old circa 1925 photo of the building, with her dad, and her Nanna and Grandad in the image.
Erin (Darling) Hallett, VHS 1994
Thank you for your e-newsletter, which I look forward to every month. I now have a career in alumni relations as Director of Alumni and External Engagement at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge (UK). I have so many wonderful memories of the two years I spent at Vic High. The school helped me develop my confidence and feel positive about myself. Jackie, our much-loved theatre teacher, was the main reason behind this and I spent so many happy hours in her company and in her classes. I had the privilege of stage managing one of her shows and taking it to the Island drama festival. I will never forget Jackie’s kindness or support. Thank you, and all my best to everyone in the Vic High community.
Nancy (Bates) Laughy, VHS 1981
My favourite class was Woodworking. We learned to make furniture from our own drawings. I made an end table which is still used today. A friend and I both made baby cradles from the plans we drew. My cradle was slept in by both my children and my nieces and nephews. I still have it and maybe one day a grandchild will too. I found this breadboard while cleaning out my mom’s kitchen. It was broken and my brother was going to toss t but I recognized it as the one I made her in Grade 11 for Mother’s Day. This is maybe why she kept it, even though it was in two pieces. I took it home and glued it together like we were taught by Mr. Somers, and now it’s as good as new and I’m able to use it.
Jean (Tulk) Roberts, VHS 1965
I really liked Social Studies at Vic High. I had Mr Vernon and used to talk to him after class a lot. Since school, I have continued art and sewing and am an artist now. I have also continued my dancing as a hobby doing Hawaiian and tap, and I practise yoga and Tai Chi as well. I am involved in the United church and support art groups and the Senior Centre. I was also a big sister for a year and a member of a women’s group and 15 years as a Block Parent. (Busy lady! Good for you, Jean.)
Penny (Tisdall) Devlin, VHS 1959
Although I was involved in many, many activities, this event has stayed in my mind for all these years.
In 1959, we had a very small but select choir [at Vic High] and were preparing to sing in the school music festival. We were required to sing two pieces – one of the festival’s choice and one of our own choice. The festival choice was “Where ere you Walk” and our choice was the Adoramus Te Christi” in Latin and unaccompanied. No small feat but Miss Douglas never did anything in a small way.
When we were settled, standing on the risers, Miss Douglas looked over at the piano accompanist nodded gently and off we went. We sang well, probably better than ever before, but the real test was to come. Having finished the first piece, we waited for the starting notes for the Adoramus. The four notes came, Miss Douglas raised her arms and we started. When we finished, there was a moment of absolute silence followed by a burst of very satisfying applause. We left the riser, went to our seats in the auditorium, and waited for the adjudicator. When he came up there was a small smile on his face and he said, and I quote: “When I saw you were going to sing the Adoramus I was a bit frightened, and when I realized you were going to sing it with no accompaniment I was terrified, but I have only this to say: ‘You may sing in my church any time you like.’ “. We realized we had won and all burst into tears, at least the girls did. It was such a wonderful moment and we had all worked so hard for it. I was 17 years old at the time and am now 80. It’s like it all happened yesterday. For those of you out there who remember this, I hope you remember it as happily as I do. Much love to you all, Penny.
Nancy (Johnston) Hunter, VHS 1963
Nancy sent us a wonderful memory of classmate Timothy Vernon, and we were so inspired we contacted Timothy and wrote a profile about him. (Click here.) Here’s Nancy’s story:
After three miserable years at a local Jr High I was thrilled to enter Vic High in Grade 10. What a refreshing change it was and I was more than ready to make new friends. My parents, Maurie Johnston and Doris Anderson, were also Vic High grads and my brother, Denis Johnston, [VHS 1967] taught at Vic High in the 80’s, I believe. (Denis taught 1974 – 1980)
Tim Vernon sat behind me in Grade 10 homeroom and even asked me out on a date that year. He knew that I loved to skate so his father drove us to the Memorial Arena for the Ice Capades show. Tim was too young to drive at the time. Mozart was Tim’s favourite composer, and on the anniversary of his death every year Tim would wear a white turtleneck and a black armband symbolizing mourning. He tried very hard to look serious and sad all day, and we all tried hard to make him laugh. He always had a keen interest in conducting and would stand outside the bandroom where the GVSSO rehearsed under the very skilled baton of Dorothy Evans. [I was fortunate to play french horn in that orchestra.] He would ask if he could conduct the orchestra but the answer was always No. Later, Tim spent several years studying conducting in Vienna, and when he returned to Victoria he started the Pacific Opera Company in Victoria. He was later awarded The Order of Canada for his valuable contribution to The Arts.
I remember my mother used to say, “That Tim Vernon, he’s either a nut or a genius.” I think he proved to be the latter. I remember he used to be guest conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and I used to love watching him perform (here in Vancouver where I live), both as a conductor and also as a warm and fascinating communicator with the audience. He’d regale us with stories about the composer and the piece he was about to conduct.
A few years ago my husband and I were in Vienna (on a river cruise of the Danube) and he thought it was a good idea to sign me up to conduct an orchestra in Vienna. The last time I did any conducting (which I loved) was in Jr High as I had been appointed student conductor for outdoor concerts in my Grade 9 year (1959). I was a little apprehensive since it cost a fortune and I didn’t know if I had the nerve to do it. Well it turned out to be such a good experience that the conductor asked me to conduct a piece that evening in that same concert hall in front of a real audience! I was scared to death. But it went off well after all and my husband took videos. When we got home I couldn’t resist sending these videos to Tim. He sent a lovely reply saying that I got to conduct more in Vienna than he did! True story.
PS … I even remember Tim’s full name which I made my brother, Denis Johnston, memorize when he was a child. Here it is: Timothy James Arthur Kenneth Douglas Bowden Vernon. Now that sounds like a VIP!
Christy (Wilkie) Bowen, VHS 2000
The feeling of history and achievement when going through the doors of Vic High. Looking at all the past grads on the walls. Those are what I miss about being at Vic High.
Bob Darnell, VHS 1954
Bob and his wife Penny (Carlow) Darnell, VHS 1954
A group of myself & friends (Court Haddock, Harvey Gillis, Art Moysychyn, Kent Allen, Reg Simon, Monty Exton & Paul Simpson & a few others) created the “Worm Stomp”. (Definition: a gang of testosterone charged youths, formed in a rotating circle, arms interlocked, stomping feet in unison after a good rain causing worms to rise to the surface.) The only thing raised were the frowning eyebrows of several teachers looking at us from the windows, gravely shaking their heads, thinking “are we witnessing our future generation?”
Another memory was when the same “Testosterone charged group” painted the front steps of Oak Bay High School Gold & Black (VHS colors). This was in retaliation to an OBH gang painting our Goal posts in their color one weekend just prior to a game. I can still hear the loud footsteps stomping down the hall to our classroom, flinging the door open and there, glaring was Principal H.L. Smith (the Bear) calling out our names, front & center and marching us to his Office. We were ordered to go and scrub clean the Oak Bay stairs, removing all traces of our paint and to do this during school hours under the threating glares of OB students. (We got more than just glares, but it was worth it). How “the Bear” knew it was us remains a mystery to this day.
Ahh, 1954 was a great year. Out of our “Gang of 8” there is only myself, Art & Kent still with us.
Gerry Lister, VHS 1967
Gerry loved Vic High Principal Aaron Parker’s speech to the 2022 grads: Fantastic! Heartwarming, and there is reincarnation! Fellow Alumni and Students, you just witnessed Duncan Lorimer! [much-loved Vic High Principal 1966 – 1979]. Wow, I actually sang the School song and had a tear of Joy in my eye and a heart full of what could only be “Vic High and it’s Fabulous Memories!’
When I returned from playing Pro Baseball back East, I was notified by the Victoria Fire Department that my application was accepted ! June 1970 ! I retired as Battalion Fire Chief in 2004 ! That’s the only photo I have in uniform! Hahaha!
Whitey Severson (in photo with Gerry) was a Lacrosse Legend with the Shamrocks. He’d come to Victoria in the 1950s to play lacrosse. He was Deputy Fire Chief in the Victoria Fire Department, my best friend, and godfather to my daughter and son. He also served terms in Saanich and City of Victoria as a municipal Councillor.
Cheers and God Bless! Come Give A Cheer! You’ll never regret it! Nor forget it!
PS Gerry married Vic High alumna Stephanie Trim, VHS 1969. They had two children and many grandchildren. Stephanie passed in 2016 from Alzheimer’s.
Pierce Graham, VHS 1953
I attended VHS in grades ten, eleven and twelve, September 1950 to June 1953. I played first trumpet in the VHS Band under Roland F. Grant when we defeated the world famous Kitsilano Boys Band in open competition in Vancouver. The Kits band had been successful in national and European venues, had enormous community funding, and members up to twenty one years of age. VHS by contrast, had to conduct a series of fundraisers to afford the chartered bus and ferry costs from Victoria to Vancouver, and billeting for all members. When we won, Kitsilano’s famous director, Arthur Delamont, refused to shake the hand of our director, who was probably one of the most humble of gentlemen. Some of the Kits band members actually threatened us after the competition, and we were escorted to our bus. They and their leader had a huge sense of entitlement. They had never before lost. But we won. In fact, we never failed to win a competition from grade eight at Central Junior through Vic High graduation in 1953. I remember being elected to represent the Band in the planning process and present our case for travel ALL THE WAY FROM VICTORIA TO VANCOUVER. School Superintendent JFK English, who was popularly known as the Silver Fox, eventually Provincial Minister of Education, expressed his confidence in our commitment and ability, as well as in our director, Roland Grant. He, by the way, had played cornet in her Majesty’s Coldstream Guards…good credentials. Other Band members included Denny Tupman, Jane Scott from California, Jon McKinnon…
Other great Vic High memories included ”Porky” Andrews and his science experiment and basketball coaching, Harry Smith’s phenomenal memory as he recited Romeo and Juliet in English 91 and remembered my brother from three years earlier, Stan Murphy as my English and French teacher, Mrs Cameron and her love of Emily Carr with whom she had had a personal friendship…all wonderful teachers.
One year I swam for the swim team at the Crystal Gardens. I had wanted to run on the track team and actually had a four and a half minute mile timing, four thirty five, I think. But Don Burgess passed me at the last curve and beat me. I think he set a new local record around 4:20 or so. This was the year before the famous four minute mile, so it was not a trivial accomplishment.
Thanks, and WOW… I was at Central Junior for grades 8 and 9, then VHS….
I also remember I was sent to the office once in three years, and sat while I waited for [Vic High Principal] Mr. Smith to question me about an alleged act of spitting in class. He simply stood in front of me and asked, ”Pierce did you do that?” When I answered, “No, Sir,” he was silent for a moment, then said, “I believe you. You may return to class.” I have often thought of the incident as the power of moral authority. Wonderful stuff, wonderful memories.
Thanks, Vic High. You shaped my career, my life, and my values. Cheers.
Pierce Graham, (retired 1996), Kamloops teacher of English and vice principal. (after a number of formative – or curative – years in the credit industry)
Edna Barrieau, VHS 1959
What I remember very fondly was being in the same graduation ceremony as my two older brothers – Jack and Toby Wilson. Toby and I were in grades 1 – 12 at the same time and Jack returned to Vic High in April of 1959 to complete the necessary courses required to obtain his diploma, graduate and continue on to get a BA degree at Denver University. Like most high school graduates I have many happy memories of my 3 years at Vic High but it was special to be in the company of my two older brothers and I am happy to share this special memory.
Roye Lovgren, VHS 1966
Thank you alumni newsletter staff for one more visit to the Class of 66. I enjoyed the tale of Art Warren’s mc venture and of Craig Strickland’s article – in particular the group of remembered names on the Camosun cover.
Diane Wood, VHS 1964
Diane’s special memory was her grad: As my father was a School Trustee, both my Mom and Dad attended my 1964 graduation ceremony. My father Edward (Ted) Wood served several terms from 1960, School District 61.
Diane (Wilson) Hutchison, VHS 1967
Ha, ha, ha! I sure enjoyed chuckling over Art’s “legendary ride” story. If CSI were on the case, I can easily imagine who the fingerprints of the “two or three others” might reveal as co-conspirators!
Vic High Tigers 1975, Win BC Championships
We found this on the Class of 1975 Facebook page, posted by Patti (Pesklevits) Buna. More great Vic High memories, specially as 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. Thanks, Patti!
Here’s the caption: Devastating all opposition during the Championship series, the Vic High Tigers stormed to the B.C. girls high-school basketball championship Saturday night with a 64-28 win over Port Moody Blues in the final game of the 26th annual tournament. Shown during a respite at a recent practice, the Tigers include – Standing: Marg Barber, Barry Hanslip (Coach), Cathy Flynn, Doreen Fitzpatrick, and Leslie Godfrey. Sitting – Mary Jane Mackereth, Karen Sauter, Lois Hennekes, Patti Pesklevits, and Shelley Godfrey. Missing is manager Kathy Weich.
Patti says: Some of you may have been there, some of you may not have cared. But for me, it was a major event in my life. You may have experienced another event at Vic High that meant as much to you as this one did for me. Perhaps it was the drama group, band or orchestra, another sports team, student parliament, the library or chess club or other clubs and/or a particular social group. There was a place for everyone at VHS. As a parent, coach and teacher, I was always reminded about how important these kinds of events and groups were to my students and players (including my own children), and how life-changing it could be to someone who felt very much like a small fish in a really big pond. These basketball friendships I experienced in my school years (Richmond Elementary, Lansdowne Junior High, and our beloved Vic High), have continued on to this very day. I count myself so fortunate to have many of these amazing women still in my life. So in the Year of the Tiger 2022, I am remembering 1975 and our own Year of the Tiger! Come Give A Cheer for Victoria High! (Well said, Patti!)
Vic High Ring Meant Going Steady, Dawn (Eby) Quast, VHS 1965
I still have my Vic High ring. It was given to me by my boyfriend when he asked me to go steady. We started dating in 1964 when he was completing grade 12, half days, and I was in grade 11. I wore it for at least a year with adhesive tape wrapped around the back because it was too big. I remember how gross the tape used to get before I would take it off and wrap it again. The ring is in rough shape, likely from being in fights before it was given to me. My boyfriend, and many guys at that time, liked to show how tough they were by getting into fist fights.
My comment in the annual talks about the UGA group. We were the Unavailable Girls Anonymous – 5 of us with boyfriends already graduated from high school, so we hung out together at Vic High during grade 12. Grace Hunter, Janie Potts, Nancy Rigby, Linda Temple and me. I had a 52 Austin and we would pile into it at lunch time and head over to the Oak Bay A&W, all the girls pitching in to pay for the gas.
I eventually had the ring resized for my finger. We were together for 4 years and then split up, but I never gave the ring back. Does that mean I’m still going steady? LOL
Cliff Moffat, VHS 1957
Here’s a great memory: watching the Totems play their arch-rivals, the Alberni Athletics, on a Friday night, viewing everything from the old indoor track above the Roper (Old) Gym floor. I also remember watching [Principal] Harry L. Smith (The Bear) out on the field refereeing and officiating, just like one of the boys. A truly great man and principal👍👍
Cliff currently lives at Shawnigan Lake with his wife Joyce (62 years married), and regularly slalom skis with the Victoria Aqua Ski Club. Thanks, Cliff!
Ray Pauwels, VHS 1960
Doc and the Doo Wops performed at our grad reunion in 1988 which was the best Vic High reunion ever! It was a fabulous reunion and as a result Doc and the Doo Wops are permanently etched on the blackboard of my mind. I graduated in 1960 so if you care to do the math, it was the 28th year post graduation. Why 28th you ask? Check with Russ Leech for an explanation!
Teachers come into our lives in many ways. Some have formal degrees and we meet them at school. Some come into our lives and seeing the potential in us, find ways to mirror that back so we might see it too. And some pose challenges that show us places within ourselves that present opportunities for growth. Michael Hemming was all of those and more. Vic High students from 1966 to 1988 were fortunate to benefit from his unique approach to teaching art history and art classes, from his determination to empower students to recognize their own innate talent, and from his willingness to support and encourage them to develop it.
Orphaned at an early age, he attended a Catholic school in England, and at 15 made parts for the World War 2 Spitfire plane at a secret factory in Southampton. He became such a valued machinest he was irreplaceable and this prevented him from being sent to fight. After the war he was in the Merchant Navy, then went to art school where he studied under very well-known arts and crafts artists of the time and learned a craft he later taught – the art of calligraphy. Painting and photography were his first passions and he worked doing portraits in both media for many years before deciding to teach. A teaching post in Terrace, BC caught his eye and he was hired, then moved to Trail where he met his Victoria-based wife doing a teaching practicum. They travelled a lot, their first daughter was born in France, and pregnant with their second daughter Michael, the family settled back in Victoria and Michael began teaching art at Vic High. Here are just a few of his students and their stories.
David (Mourant) Blue, VHS 1976
First off, I have to say Mr. Hemming was one of the main reasons I went to Vic High. I lived about half way between Oak Bay and Mount Doug schools. It was the art specialty program at Vic High that drew me to the school. Besides the standard art class and art history, we had special studio time. This allowed us to learn and grow under Mr. Hemming’s watchful eye. He taught me so much about art theory and pushed me to find my own style. His encouragement was wonderful.
Three of David’s pieces: My Fairy Godmother Giles Lady Penelope
I have many memories of Mr. Hemming, but my favourites were of his more silly moments. He had quite the sense of humour. Something you rarely saw in teachers. One of his favourite tricks was with the stereo. There was always music playing in his class. He had a stereo at the front of class. There was also a long mirror behind the stereo. He seemed to wait until we were all concentrating and diligently working. Music would be softly playing. He would slowly move to the stereo and then WHAM, he would turn the music up full blast. Of course we would all jump. You could see him smirk as he quickly turned the volume down again.
Mr. Hemming always said, the purest art is that of a child, before they’re told rules about what they can and cannot do.
Doreen Dufresne, VHS 1969
I came to Vic High around October of 1968 after I had started private school but decided to quit. I had lost my family and was attending school and being boarded at Strathcona Lodge. It was filled with endless rules, religions, and an art teacher that was stuck on doing landscapes. Everything was scary to me at the big school…Vic High… but when I set foot in the art room I felt like the room was my new friend. I loved the mess, the splashed paint, the black walls filled with crazy art and the inspiration to be our own creative selves. Mr. Hemming had a very strict and serious presence. He emanated a devotion to art and creativity. It seemed like an odd contrast but all the pieces of this man were special. He was just born to turn people onto art.
When I started I had a little test like everyone else as they started. I had to pick a drawing and do variations on it… one in cool colors, warm colors, pattern, texture etc. I remember having picked a little wizard which seemed a fitting match to Mr. Hemming. He had the 3 circles in his remarkable eyes that suggested he was a warlock! (Oh the vagaries of our high school minds!!) He took one look at my work and asked me what I wanted to do. I started painting and just flew with it. I could paint to my heart’s content. I was given all that I needed. It was the best gift anyone could give me. I got feedback and new friends. At one point Mr. Hemming asked me to design a poster for a dance. I did this and was given assistants to help me in the music room when it was empty. This gave me so much confidence and a feeling of being so capable. Eventually the school was asked to show in the museum. This was the first year of this and my paintings were very present. This was such a boost to me. I will always remember it.
Mr. Hemming said that he just gave the students what they needed to utilize their talents. He did not seem to take much credit for this. He was just devoted to his students. When a new canvas was needed off went Michael to auctions to buy old paintings and turn them around so we could use them. This was so much work.
In my thirties I decided to go into teaching because I remembered what a difference a teacher could make in a kid’s life. I took art teacher’s training but ended up teaching a very creative version of Home-Ec. I had students design their own sewing projects by sketching it out first. In my foods class I would let them decide what flavors they wanted, how to taste as you go and learning to be one with your stove. I am sure that this all never really fit the system but …..
I feel so privileged to have been one of Mr. Hemming’s students. He was an amazing and talented person. He created lovely sketches of female nudes, such sensitive use of line. We were taught all the eras, styles, and names of about 12 basic artists. I wish they still did this. It had been a huge advantage to my recognition of styles and inspirations. I remember that Manet is different than Monet because Manet has an “a” from black and he uses black in his work but Monet does not. I have been to the school so many times as a substitute teacher or a visitor and the art room is all white. My heart feels a little broken because Mr. Hemming is not there and all the black and white seems so clean and empty.
Thank you, Michael, for your inspiration, support and great memories. You never knew my loss or my background but you were there for me and for others in a way for which I am forever grateful.
Gail O’Donnell, VHS 1975
I am a Vic High graduate from 1975. I had Mr. Hemming as an art teacher for 2 years and I loved the art classes as Mr. Hemming really challenged me. To this day, I have a framed original portrait of a young girl in red charcoal in my living room that I love and that I drew in his class. I still have the poem drafted in calligraphy that we learned over 3 months of focused concentration in Mr. Hemming’s class.
We used to have drawers in Mr. Hemming’s art room that we kept our work in. I remember walking into his class one day and he was waving around a small piece that I had doodled that mimicked some Inuit artwork. He wanted to know if I had done that. I thought I was in big trouble so I quietly mumbled yes. He was all happy and announced that it was going to be used as the Vic High Christmas card that year. He certainly could be intimidating!
How did Mr. Hemming shape my future? I did my first year of Fine Arts at UVic before eventually getting my Bachelor degree in Interior Design through Mount Royal College in Calgary and at Ryerson Polytechical Institute in Toronto. I practised interior design in both Victoria and in Toronto but in 1987, I abruptly changed careers working in non-profit & co-operative housing development. I worked with talented architects and contractors and then moved on to co-op housing management. With all of that under my belt, I was asked to take on a new role at the City of Toronto developing new child care centres for the City which I have been doing for the last 22 years. I am privileged to work with Canada’s best architects including some from international destinations. I have had an amazing career where my creativity has helped to transform child care here in Canada’s largest city. Mr. Hemming taught me focus, that detail does matter, and that classical music in the background helps the creative juices flow. I thank him very much!
At the last reunion for Class of ‘75 that I attended – perhaps the 30th, – Mr. Hemming was standing at the front door greeting the students coming in. He chatted with both Linda Gustafson and I and we were blessed with a laminated bookmark of a nude that he had sketched. I still have that bookmark, even more special since I had no idea that he had passed away. It makes me happy to hear that he made his own choices.
Lawrie Dignan, VHS 1970
Michael Hemming had a great influence on my art life and I truly enjoyed the Art Specialty program for the three years I got to be part of it. I was fortunate enough to meet him several times after I retired, and he attended art shows that I had in 2007 and 2009. I also reconnected with (artist) Keith Hiscock, [VHS 1968] who was also in Michael’s Art class at the same time as myself. Barry Tate [VHS 1967], is another of Michael’s students I met up with again. We both sold our artwork at Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal for many years and spoke often and highly of Michael’s influence on us.
In recent years, I have been reunited with my high school art teacher. He’s a dashing, eloquent and pragmatic 91 year old. His name is Michael Hemming.
I took double blocks of art from him during my high school years and couldn’t get enough of his art history classes. They often included lengthy slide shows with accompanying narratives full of details about the artists’ lives that not only helped me to understand their art more fully, but had me certain that he knew each artist personally. The anecdotes and personal insights into their work were so engaging that as a teenager, even when dealing with all the teenage narcissistic obsessiveness that is teenage life at times, I could not wait for his art history lessons each week.
Listening to Mr. Hemming’s lectures I felt passion, respect, and admiration beyond words. He saw each artist as valuable to art history in some way and that’s how he presented them…..each one having shown us an idea and way of painting that would inspire those who came after. We started with the early cave paintings in Lascaux, France and ended with Abstract Expressionism, I believe. After all it was the mid-70s and Post Modernism was in full swing.
Truth is it made me want to be an artist even more deeply than I already did. I wanted to have what I did mean something and to tap into some deeper understanding and truth.
I believed then, and still do now, that artists are plugged in differently. And, through that difference comes an awareness of how much more there is to know about the world in which we live. This makes us walk through the world with an eye to see the unseen and the unnoticed. It’s like a role we must play not only because we are so surprised that others don’t always see this, but because it aligns naturally with the act of art making and creating. Observation, interpretation, absorption and re-interpretation….all this because our artistic mind wants this as its fuel….its need.
So recently I spent an evening with Mr. Hemming at a holiday gathering where he was introduced to a few other artists and an avid art collector. He was quickly recognized for his natural wit and profound understanding of art history and soon gathered a number of individuals around him to talk about art. As I observed him, as artists do, I noticed a sense of deep gratitude rising within myself. And although I had realized this before, I felt fully just how privileged I was to have this man as my art teacher in my youth. He took me, the artist, so seriously and had such a commitment to enhancing the natural talent that he saw in his students, including me, that I flourished under his tutelage and really owned my desire to be an artist.
Although I didn’t actually assume my artistic life fully until much later, I believe that Mr. Hemming’s art classes changed my life and opened a place within myself that had not yet been accessed. Because of that I knew definitively that I was an artist. I just hadn’t realized the depth of that moment until, sitting at that party, I watched my beloved teacher offering up his opinion of a young artist’s work. To the young man, who was asking Mr. Hemming to look at a recent painting he’d captured on his cell phone, Mr. Hemming simply replied “Symmetry is your enemy”.
In that one short sentence he had given a critique, a suggestion, an opportunity, a conundrum to this young artist. This is what I loved about him. He could offer his opinion, his critique, while giving you the task of having to dig further within yourself and your work to fully get it. And when you did, you knew that you had just been seen, supported and made stronger through the process. He is a teacher that knows it is most important to guide the student to their own understanding of what their work needs. That’s how they’ll actually learn. And when his guidance is peppered with an anecdotal narrative from the work of a great master, like Cezanne for example, his favourite artist, you really feel that connection to all of art history…and that you are a part of it as well.
Still makes me tingle to this day….thank you, from the depth of my being, Mr. Hemming.
Thomas Anderson, VHS 1970
Michael Hemming had such an impact on all of us as we dreamed of a future in art. He inspired us to bring our artistic passion forward. He taught us so much about art history. We had a great class. I remember Richard Hunt and Keith Hiscock among others as fellow students. Mr. Hemming had an old Quad stereo and turntable in class and occasionally played records while we worked on our projects and even let me bring some of mine to play! I remember bringing a Blodwyn Pig album and he played it! He was a great teacher who will always be fondly remembered by all us! He drove an old 1950’s Porsche sports car and wore turtleneck sweaters with cord pants and desert boots…..we all thought he was so cool and artisy!
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Michael-Hemming.png159146Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-03-20 15:42:332024-06-26 07:03:19Michael Hemming, Much More Than A Teacher of Art
Something about Vic High drew him in on his daily walks with his dog, and inspired him to take up his mechanical 2 mm drafting pencil and draw her. Forty to fifty hours later, Karl Gruenewald had completed this extraordinary drawing. He shared it on his Instagram account, and the Vic High Seismic Project’s Heritage Architect Kristal Stevenot saw it and told us about him.
“My wife is from Victoria,” says Karl, “we got married here, and last summer moved here from Ottawa. Something about Vic High reminded me of my high school in Moncton. I think it’s important to document these kinds of buildings and share the images.” Karl is an Intern Architect, and his wife just finished her architectural studies.
Karl attended art school as well, working in pencil and charcoal. This drafting pencil drawing is his first, and he’s started working on a drawing of the Northern Junk building in downtown Victoria. He draws on good archival quality cotton rag paper, using no fixatives which might distort the drawing. He drew Vic High from memory, from photos he took, and photos found on this website.
More of Karl’s work is available https://www.instagram.com/pencilarchitect/ . Prints of his Vic High drawing are available on his website www.pencilarchitect.com The original image, measuring 20″ x 15″, is also available to purchase. And you can view a timelapse video of Karl drawing Vic High by searching YouTube for pencilarchitect.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/KG_Vic-High-Detail.jpeg20481536Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-03-20 11:23:202022-03-20 11:23:20Vic High Inspires ‘Pencil Architect’
Yoga and Mindfulness, Key to Coping with Life March 2022
by Mary Anne Skill, VHS 1975
Matt Phillips dims the lights, puts on soft music and begins softly reading. On the floor, 28 students relax on their yoga mats, listening to the guided meditation that offers them ways to connect with their emotions and how these emotions affect the body. You can feel the tension leaving the students and the room. This is the Yoga and Mindfulness class, and over 80 students take it to help them cope with the pressures of school and life.
Yoga and Mindfulness was started six years ago by Grace Lee, now on maternity leave, and is currently taught by Matt Phillips. Grace is a Yoga teacher and taught a gentler yoga class. Matt is an athlete, and his yoga concentrates on core strength and balance. Guest yoga teachers are regularly invited to lead the class so the students get to experience all the different types of yoga techniques available and find something that works for them. Following the meditation, the students all bring out their journals and start writing in response to today’s prompt: Who are your three favourite people and why? Matt says this question encourages the students to acknowledge and appreciate the support in their lives. While the students write, Matt answers questions about the course and his involvement.
“The class was started as a way of teaching students about coping mechanisms to get them through the day and to deal with emotions. It’s about being in the ‘now’. With technology and social media, it’s so easy to dwell in the past or worry about the future. The class teaches skills to cope with feelings and emotion, learning to recognize stressors in your life and learning to manage your reactions to them. We teach breathing techniques for energy, sleep, relaxing. Yoga and Mindfulness helps the students to balance the mind and body, so they can be the best they can be. This class offers a safe, welcoming place to sort yourself out when you’re stressed out. It offers structured and guided coping skills, and the yoga helps to release tension. The class teaches you to control your day, rather than your day controlling you.”
Matt points out some of the life-long skills that the class promotes, of strength, flexibility both in body and mind, learning to be still and focused within yourself, working towards inner peace and healthy channelling of emotions.
Scarlett is in grade 12 and is taking the class for a second time. “I took the class in grade 10 and now again in grade 12. The class helps me with difficult times, it breaks up the day and helps me to focus on myself. I always leave in a good mood, with a clear mind and thoughts, and physically refreshed.” Coral is in grade 9 and this is her first time taking the class. “I’m new to Victoria, and Vic High, plus I’m in the Honours program. The class helps me to relax and focus. It helps with the anxiety and stress of being new to everything. It keeps me in the moment.”
During the recent pandemic, Vic High kept the class going as much as possible with online meetings and classes, handouts and offering any help needed. “It wasn’t ideal, but it was what was available when in-person classes were cancelled. But the students kept connected with us, they stayed with the class and participated from home.” Matt notes that the class helps him to connect with the students and allows him to help them more. And he freely admits that he does the class and finds his own mental health is better. He actively encourages teachers and staff to join in when possible as the lessons taught can benefit everyone.
The class is held every day from 9-11:45am. Students can come and go depending on their commitments, but most are there for the whole class. All grades from 9 – 12 are mixed in a class as the content is individually focused. “You’re not competing with anyone. Each person is on their own individual journey, dealing with their own issues. This class teaches them to help themselves, and to deal with their issues in positive ways.” The students can take the class more than once, and many do as they find it helps them in their schoolwork and social life. “It’s given me such positive ways of dealing with stress and life, and I’m taking it again to help me focus in my final year” says Scarlett. “I’ll definitely keep doing this after I graduate, but I’ll miss the class, and the peace that’s here.”
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Tree.jpg900682Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-03-18 15:50:042022-04-28 09:14:48Yoga and Mindfulness, Key to Coping with Life
Vic High Stands Strong as Renewal Goes On Around Her March 2022
Architect’s rendering of east student entry facade of the updated Vic High.
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Vic High Alumni volunteers manage the Vic High Archives & Museum and are keen to document the upgrade process for posterity. Gord Wallace, the School District’s on-site Project Manager, toured Archives volunteers through the site, Annie Boldt, Archives Manager, and volunteers Fergie Andison and Linda Baker. Our beloved school may look torn up and broken on the inside, but the 1914 structure is strong and resilient and it’s almost as if the old girl is thrilled all the broken and weak bits can now be fixed.
110 people – men and women – were on-site, and it was reassuring how many take this project so personally. One worker says his grandmother went there, another was excited to help recreate the original moulding detail in the 2nd floor front ‘heritage hallway’, and Wallace himself takes great pride in the different elements they’ll be able to restore. We thanked them all for taking such good care of our school.
Have no fear. The new Vic High will resemble the old in many ways, while creating the welcoming inclusive spaces and culture for which she’s known.
Click here for School District video tour of March 2022 status of project.
The hope is this one Roper Gym wall will be restored using salvaged bricks still intact.
The Roper Gym, still ready for a game despite the chaos.
The tour starts and ends at the Site Office, steel-toed boots and hard hats in place, signing in and out. Strict safety and health protocols in place.
The Andrews Gym, where old unsafe bleachers came out and new ones will be installed.
Hallway leading off the Roper Gym towards boys’ change rooms.
Tools of the trade. Up and down and up and down and up and down the stairs. No wonder those workers are so fit! (Two elevators when she re-opens, one already there on the west side, another going in on the east side.)
Supports in place – this was most recently the Weight Room – while work goes on everywhere.
Fourth floor classroom area, most recently the Biology Room off the south hallway.
Love to see the old brick. Too bad it gets covered, but good to know those walls are as strong as ever.
Paint peels from uncovered ceilings everywhere. Imagine. 108 years old, that paint.
Interior view of the exterior – looking up. Taken from the new east side (unfinished) stairwell column.
Interior view of the exterior – looking down. Taken from the new east side (unfinished) stairwell column.
Skilled plasterers fill in the huge gaps left when old crumbling plaster was removed from various walls.
Thanks! For taking such pride in your work and such good care of our school.
First floor hallway facing east. So much bigger since the old fire suppressions walls around stairwells are finally gone. Fun to imagine those 1914 students entering these glorious spaces for the first time.
One more floor to go on the new NE stairwell.
All our gorgeous stained glass windows in those stairwells are well protected.
Third floor classroom facing east – more areas where old crumbling plaster had to be removed. Skilled plasterers will fill in the gaps.
Architectural details stored for re-use or re-purposing are safe and sound in huge covered piles in the Roper Gym.
The auditorium won’t look that different when Vic High re-opens. But everything’s covered up as work goes on around it.
The project’s Heritage Architect is assessing and tagging every auditorium seat to determine any level of repair required, and workers examine how best to complete the work. Seat plaques are intact. ( a $250 donation to the Alumni gets you a plaque on an available seat. Go to the Auditorium Seat Plaques image on our Home page.)
Removal of dropped ceilings revealed original moulding. Wonderful detail. And see how they managed to get a perfect ‘egg’ in the corner – in every corner, actually. Such incredible 1914 workmanship. It’s too costly to recreate everywhere, but check out the photo of the mock-up replacement work.
A plaster mock-up to recreate original moulding detail in the 2nd floor front (south) hallway, the area to become the school’s ‘heritage hallway’. Installing this everywhere is cost-prohibitive, but this hallway will be a special place indeed.
More exposed brick walls, this on the south wall of the Roper Gym Balcony. Just know that though eventually covered up, this tough resilient wall is still there, as it was in 1914.
Vic High Archives & Museum Manager Annie Boldt (VHS 1967) thanks contractor DCM Durwest partner Rhys Beasley, Site Superintendent on the Vic High project.
Some things have survived so far (can you see the cut-outs left on the window by the last class?), at least until windows are replaced. The 9-over-1 configuration remains, with fewer windows able to open. But it will be more than enough.
A sample of the finish for new terra cotta tiles replacing old unstable ones on the exterior, great pains taken to blend the new with the old.
Some of the 5,000 cut-outs needed to install drag struts, which transmit lateral loads on the building (like earthquakes) to vertical shear load-bearing walls. (the seismic update part of the Vic High project)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Fergie-Rendering-Pix-scaled.jpg11722560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-03-18 15:15:392022-03-20 19:21:39Vic High Stands Strong as Renewal Goes On Around Her
Maple Melder-Crozier, VHS 1976 Vic High Spirit Personified
by Mary Anne Skill, VHS 1975
Dr. Maple Melder-Crozier, VHS 1976, identified so strongly as a Vic High grad that she even decorated her first apartment bedroom in black and gold. “I felt so loved and wanted at Vic High and had so much fun! It provided me with a strong educational foundation that served me in my university years. It encouraged me to value education so much that I have never left it!”
Maple was part of Vic High’s Centennial Year grad class and very active in the social side of Vic High. She was a part of Calamity Players, The ABC (Activities Booster Club), and the Modern Dance Club, which she was instrumental in starting. She also served as a chair of the Graduation Committee and was part of the Centennial Show dance troupe. Maple choreographed the disco finale of the show and was the featured dancer in the number ‘That’s the Way I Like It.’ “Being part of the Centennial Grad Year, with all the hype and events, was a phenomenal experience, particularly the show at Memorial Arena.”
Following graduation, Maple married Mike Crozier (VHS ’74). They had met while Maple was at S.J. Willis, and she’d attended all his Vic High events with him. They moved to California a couple of years after getting married. There she spent another 12 years in school, earning a Bachelors in Biological Sciences, a Masters in educational psychology and a Counselling License, and a Doctorate in Education. She was given the opportunity to do research in Cloning, Gifted Education, and Math attainment in school children. She worked in a Youth Recreation Centre as an administrator and counsellor with inner city kids. Since moving back to Canada, Maple has been a professor at University of the Fraser Valley, from which she will retire this summer! Along the way there were 3 kids and now 4 grandkids ranging from 2 to 19.
When asked ‘what did you love about attending Vic High?’, Maple said she has lots of loves.
I loved the historic building. I loved the lives and memories it represented. I loved the admin and teachers, and made great, life-long friends. I was given the chance to do unique courses like Architectural Drafting. Where else can you write on the school walls (in the attic, of course)? I wrote my name on the wall and even declared my love for Mike in paint there, whom I later married.” Maple has since replicated that ‘heart of love’ for Mike on the walls of their son’s shop, a lasting tribute to Mike who passed three years ago.
Maple also remembers standing up for students’ issues while at Vic High, and has continued in that work for justice by being a part of the BLM movement. Vic High remains firmly in Maple’s heart, and has influenced her life up to the present. She’s an active member of her Reunion group and will be contributing memories to the upcoming 150 Year Vic High Book.
Update: Maple’s just-published book is now available on amazon.ca. Congratulations, Maple!
VHS 150th Book Challenges High Bar Set by Peter Smith, VHS 1949
by King Lee, VHS 1958 March 2022
As Helen Edwards, VHS 1964, begins organizing and writing Vic High’s 150th anniversary book to be published in 2026, she faces a high bar set in Peter Smith’s “Come Give a Cheer, One Hundred Years of Victoria High School, 1876-1976.” She is up against a superb book by a 1949 Vic High grad whose father, Henry Lawson (Harry) Smith, is a legendary Vic High teacher (starting in 1914) and principal (1934 to 1955). Helen is 1st Vice-Chair of the Vic High Alumni board, a well-known Victoria historian and heritage advocate, and author of two books so far. (www.helenedwards.ca)
Peter Smith died on August 29, 2006, at the age of 73 but his widow, Mary Jean Smith, still remembers the pleasure with which her husband worked on the research and writing of Come Give A Cheer, the definitive history of Vic High’s first 100 years. He spent his nights and weekends poring through Vic High Archives collections and writing while doing his “day job” as a professor of classics at the University of Victoria. “It was definitely a labour of love,” Mary Jean said. “He wrote it with a lot of pleasure.”
She can’t recall how Peter became involved but suspects it was the supreme arm-twisting skills of Lawrie Wallace, who was a passionate Vic High supporter and a family friend. Peter, who became Dean of Fine Arts at UVic, dedicated Come Give a Cheer to Mary Jean, who said it was written to honour his father. “I do remember he was extremely happy writing that book,” she said, adding that Peter was very pleased with the results of his work.
Peter’s father Harry Smith was a dedicated and popular Vic High principal who knew the name of every single student at the school each year. Peter told Mary Jean that the only time he saw his father cry was in the spring of 1942, after the final morning assembly attended by the school’s Japanese students before they were taken to internment camps during the Second World War. The event was an emotional one for all Vic High students. Mystified by the federal government’s actions, many of them in tears as their Japanese friends filed out of the assembly. The event is described on Page 103 of Come Give A Cheer.
Mary Jean, who is 84, remembers well the 1976 Vic High Centennial celebrations, particularly the elaborate show presented by Vic High students at the then-Memorial Arena. Peter, who loved to dance, got to do the Charleston on stage in his Yale University graduating robe.
While Come Give a Cheer concentrates slightly more on the structural history of Vic High, Helen is leaning more towards also highlighting the people at Vic High, particularly focusing attention on the years after 1976. She welcomes everyone’s memories, photos, artifacts and says stories of the 1976 Centennial are sure to figure prominently in the book.
Email to share memories, or your willingness to be interviewed or share photos or memorabilia. Helen has assembled a team of volunteers to work on the book and welcomes anyone who would like to help.
Helen Edwards, VHS 1964
Peter Smith, Part of An Iconic Vic High Family
(from the dustcover of Come Give A Cheer, published in 1976 by the Victoria High School Centennial Celebrations Committee)
The author of Victoria High School’s centennial history is Dr. Peter Lawson Smith, who was born in Victoria’s Foul Bay district on March 31, 1933. His mother, the former Alice Corry, was a Vic High graduate who came back to teach at the school; his father, the late Henry Lawson (“Harry”) Smith, was on the VHS staff from 1914 – 1955, and was a popular principal for 21 years from 1934 – 1955.
A student at Vic High from 1945 – 1949, Peter Smith was the editor of the Camosun during his graduating year and was the leading student in British Columbia for 1949. After two years at Victoria College [forerunner to the University of Victoria], he completed a B.A. degree at UBC, and then went on to Yale for doctoral studies in classics. He taught at Yale and Carleton University in Ottawa, before responding to the Victorian’s innate homing instinct. He is now Dean of Fine Arts and Professor of Classics at the University of Victoria, an institution whose early history is interwoven with that of Victoria High School.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Peter-Smith-Flyleaf-Photo.jpg958622Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-03-05 08:51:202022-03-11 11:45:52VHS 150th Book Challenges High Bar
Electric Vehicles No Problem for Vic High Automotive Students
by King Lee, VHS 1958 March 1, 2022
Victoria High School’s automotive teacher says the trend toward electric engines is not affecting the program in any major way. While Stew Wheeler admits the systems are a lot more elaborate, he says the course teaches the basics, including engines, steering, brakes and tires. “We teach them to work with their heads and their hands,” he said.
The courses teach inspection, maintenance, diagnosis, repairs of various systems such as engines, braking, steering, cooling and electrical. “You’re more than just a mechanic,” said Stew. He estimates that about 10 per cent of automotive students are female. “That [boys-only] stereotype is gone. It’s society that’s changing that thought.” The 20 or 21 students who take the course at Fairey Tech, which is still operating full-time at Vic High’s Fernwood Campus, learn the theory of the vehicle’s power system, which continues to evolve.
Stu also uses the internet to learn about the developments in recent technology, such as electric motors: “I’m always looking for what’s new out there.” He said the Greater Victoria School District is continuing to invest in diagnostic and other equipment to help automotive programs at Vic High, as well as at Oak Bay, Mt. Douglas and Esquimalt.
The automotive program has existed at Vic High since 1946, when the school district decided on new industrial arts facilities at the school. Plans were developed for a two-storey building across the athletic field from the Grant Street building at a cost of $270,000. In 1949, the new building was officially opened and named after Frances (Frank) Thrower Fairey, a long-time teacher, B.C.’s Director of Technical Education, Regional Director of the Canadian Vocational Training Program and eventually the province’s Deputy Minister of Education. Fairey Tech housed the electrical, automotive, sheet metal, welding and two woodworking shops as well as three classrooms on the upper floor. A larger automotive workshop was added in the mid-1950s.
In 2010, a new Fairey Tech facility was attached to the north side of the main Vic High building and the iconic “rabbit hutch” across the track and field was demolished. Stew said he had input into the layout and access of the new facility, the opening of which was delayed from September to mid-October of 2010. Hoists, tools and mobile equipment were dismantled where necessary and moved across the field in 16 shipping containers. Although the hoists were relatively new at the time of the move, they were eventually replaced.
Four Vic High students have been chosen to take the Level 1 automotive course at Esquimalt which leads to Camosun College. That course was originally at Fairey Tech but was moved when the Vic High teacher left to go to another school. Through his connections, Stew was also able to send students for work experience at four Victoria businesses; BMW, Simoes Auto, Napa AutoPro and Galaxy Motors. He said students who miss a class can catch up on “Google Classroom.”
Gus McTavish, who took apprenticeship night school courses, taught at Fairey Tech in the mid-to-late 1950s and became a Vic High Vice-Principal, said Fairey Tech was considered state-of-the-art for “a long time.” But in the 1970s, Gus said Vic High was in a declining mode and the Fairey Tech staff, which reached a high of 13 teachers, dwindled down to one in each discipline except for automotive, which had two.
Overall, Gus, who also volunteers with the Vic High Alumni, feels Fairey Tech has served Vic High and the community extremely well.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/IMG_0725_AutoRepair_Garage-scaled.jpg17072560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-03-02 11:58:412022-03-02 11:58:41Electric Vehicles No Problem for Vic High Automotive Students
Ron Lou-Poy, VHS 1952, Gracious Vic High Supporter
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Ronald Lou-Poy, lawyer, volunteer, charity fundraiser, chancellor and strong but silent Victoria High School supporter, has died at the age of 88. Ron’s post-graduate connection to Vic High was mainly in the Lawrie Wallace era of Victoria High School Alumni Association’s rejuvenation. He was made an Honorary Member of the Association almost 30 years ago.
“He was always incredibly kind,” VHSAA Chair Roger Skillings recalled. Roger, whose connections to Ron were from the Alumni Association and through tennis, also used the words “thoughtful” and “generous” in describing Ron. Roger said that Ron offered legal advice to the Alumni Association which aided in the drafting of important documents in the Wallace era. Ron apparently helped Lawrie, who he revered, as a debt of gratitude for what the former teacher and provincial secretary did for Ron during his time at Vic High.
After Grade 12, Ron was destined to go to secretarial school and work at his family’s wholesale fruits and vegetables business. But Lawrie, who was Ron’s mentor and counsellor, saw the potential and paid one or two visits to the Lou-Poy family to urge Ron’s father, Harry, to send him to college or university. Ron attended Victoria College (forerunner of University of Victoria) and University of British Columbia, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1957 and a law degree in 1960. He articled at the Victoria law firm of Crease Harman & Company and rose to senior managing partner before retiring after 52 years.
Besides VHSAA, his volunteering included United Way of Greater Victoria, Kiwanis Club, Chinese Benevolent Association, Crime Stoppers, Victoria Police Board and McPherson Foundation, to name a few.
Photo courtesy of UVic Photo Services
Ron was UVic’s ninth chancellor, serving two terms, and was awarded the Order of Canada for volunteerism in 2003. UVic President Kevin Hall said of his passing:
“Ronald Lou-Poy’s contributions to the university – in nurturing community connections and cultural bridges, always aligned with the values of service, justice and philanthropy – helped shape what UVic has become today. His passing is a great loss to us. And it’s also a reminder of the great impact that individuals can have on the world when they commit themselves to making the world a brighter place. Ronald Lou-Poy was a shining example of that spirit.”
“He was such an asset to Vic High,” said Keith McCallion, former principal and VHSAA chair. “He was always there when we were fundraising,” said friend Alan Lowe, former Victoria mayor and Vic High grad of 1979. Ron and his wife, May, were Alan’s guests at the inaugural VSHAA Black and Gold Dinner at the CFB Esquimalt Wardroom in 2014. Alan described his dinner guests as a “power couple” and said Ron was well-respected, very funny in his own way but he could also be very serious.
Anne McKeachie, the Black-and-Gold-dinner coordinator, described Ron as a sweet man, gentle and humble. “He totally supported us,” said Anne, whose other memory of Ron was at the 2006 renaming of the Vic High auditorium to the Lawrie Wallace Auditorium.
How does one child in a family of four end up as an Oak Bay High School grad when the rest were Vic High grads?
As the eldest child in the family I had happily followed my mother’s footsteps to Vic High, although I had been very disappointed in 1959 to leave Margaret Jenkins Elementary to go to Central Junior High when just about all my friends went to Oak Bay Junior. We lived west of Richmond Road, the strictly enforced school catchment border. Year two at Central we were given our little typewritten registration cards from the office to update any information. Sure enough, written right beside our address of 1744 Gonzales was a note saying it was west of Richmond! One block of Gonzales sent students to Central and then Vic High and the other two blocks sent them to Oak Bay.
I quickly got comfortable with Central and Vic High and never gave Oak Bay another thought until my brother Art Eby reached the end of grade six. It was the year the Department of Education changed the school grade configuration and left all grade sevens in elementary school. Margaret Jenkins Elementary didn’t have room so they sent all their grade seven students to Oak Bay Junior High, including those who should have gone on to Central and Vic High. Mother definitely wasn’t happy Art was going to Oak Bay!
At the end of Art’s grade seven year, the administration informed all those west of Richmond Road that they now had to go to Central Junior High for grade 8. Of course the kids were settled in at Oak Bay and didn’t want to move. But Art was lucky.
His best friend was Raymond Peterson, whose father just happened to be Leslie Peterson, an MLA and the BC Minister of Education! I don’t know about the other students, and maybe some were happy to move to Central, but those two got to stay at Oak Bay. That’s probably where Art got introduced to the power of politics. Art remained at Oak Bay until graduation.
Our younger brother Ted, two years behind Art in school, wasn’t affected by this strange turn of events. He headed to Central and Vic High as did our younger sister.
The rivalry between Oak Bay and Vic High was very intense, no more so than for those at Margaret Jenkins who were split between the two schools when they finsihed elementary school. I still have that ‘fighting feeling’ when a reminder of the rivalry shows up. I wasn’t a jock and didn’t play any team sports except curling when I was at Vic High, but I did play in the band. The Music Festival competitions were key and it was most important to be sure to do better than the Oak Bay band. Now that I’m back connected to Vic High uploading obituaries to the Alumni website, even in death, hints of that rivalry show up in some of the stories.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dawn-Eby.png154100Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-02-09 09:49:342022-02-09 09:49:34Vic High – Oak Bay Rivalry in the Eby Family
Brian Dance, VHS 1966, The Totem Who Covered the Sports World
by King Lee, VHS 1958
February 2022
Brian Dance’s fondest memory, even after more than a half-century in broadcasting, is of a basketball game between Victoria High and Oak Bay.
“My sports highlight at Vic High came in 1966 when, as a member of the Totems, we beat arch-rival Oak Bay to win the BC provincial high school championship,” Brian said. “The game was played before a packed [UBC] gymnasium and watched by thousands on [CBC] television around BC.” The 1966 Vic High grad still recalls the details surrounding the all-Island final: the Bays had beaten the Totems in the Island final [the Totems beat them in the Lower Island title game], and had a powerhouse team led by Bob Burrows and Brian MacKenzie (now a BC Supreme Court judge). Brian said that Vic High realized it couldn’t match the offence and had to rely on a stifling defence which resulted in a 37-33 championship game.
Brian eventually got into radio and television and, after 51 years, retired last year from CBC Radio in Vancouver.
He was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital (now Victoria General), where his mother was a nurse, close to the Wellington Avenue family home in Fairfield. As a child, Brian attended Sir James Douglas Elementary and Central Junior High before enrolling at Vic High in 1964. The family eventually moved to Oak Bay But he was allowed to go to Vic High because, in those days, open school boundaries gave students the choice. “I’d rather be with my friends,” he explained.
Brian had taken up the trombone at Central and joined (and eventually became the student president of) the Vic High Concert Band, which was led by Rod Sample, father of renowned Victoria jazz musician, Bill Sample. Brian also belonged to the Timers and Scorers Club, although was definitely on the court, not beside it, at Totems’ games.
When Brian went to the University of Victoria, he studied biology and geography, still with no idea as to a career. Around 1969, he decided he wanted to be a sports broadcaster, left UVic and enrolled in six-month broadcasting course in Toronto.
His first radio job was all-night disc jockey at CHUB in Nanaimo. He really caught a break when Calgary TV personality Ed Whalen (of Stampede Wrestling fame) was on vacation on the Gulf Islands and heard Brian on air. Mr. Whalen offered a job in the CFAC radio newsroom in Calgary with a promise to mentor him in radio and television.
At the time, Brian was entertaining an offer from a Quesnel radio station which included hosting the morning show as well as play-by-play work, all for the princely sum of $400 a month. After some negotiations, Mr. Whalen doubled the Quesnel offer to seal the deal and Brian was off to Calgary. It was all meant to be, because that’s where Brian met his wife, Marilyn, who worked in the CFAC accounts office where he picked up his paychecks. They have two sons, Ryan and Michael, and five grandchildren.
True to his word, Mr. Whalen taught Brian about television and when Mr. Whalen had a falling out with Stampede Wrestling producer Stu Hart (father of iconic wrestler Bret Hart) and quit, Brian took over as television host for a year and a half.
After six years, Brian joined CBC Radio in Calgary as a sports reporter and went to the corporation’s Toronto station as a national radio sports reporter. In 1989, he returned to B.C. to be closer to his aging parents and worked his final 21 years in sports and news at CBC Vancouver.
That’s where Brian became a listener favourite, when North by Northwest radio host Sheryl MacKay began on-air conversations with him around his newscasts. Their friendly banter engaged listeners and propelled that show to the top of the ratings.
Along the way, Brian covered nine Olympic Games, five Commonwealth Games (including 1994 in Victoria), the Stanley Cup (including the 1994 Stanley Cup final against the New York Rangers which resulted in the Vancouver riot) and the Canadian alpine ski team at a time when they were known as the “Crazy Canucks.”
In 1987, he was named the Canadian Sportscaster of the Year and presented with the Doug Gilbert Award.
Coincidentally, former CHEK-TV personality Gordie Tupper attended Sir James Douglas Elementary, Central Junior High and Vic High schools as well and also graduated in 1966. Read his story here.
And more than a coincidence, they both lived on Wellington Avenue in Fairfield at a young age.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Brian-Dance.jpg500453Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-02-09 09:46:462022-02-13 14:58:53Brian Dance, VHS 1966, The Totem Who Covered the Sports World
Fred Dobbs, VHS 1977 From Student to World-Class Sculptor
by Mary Anne Skill, VHS 1975
February 2022
Fred always wanted to be an artist. A key memory for him was when he was 5, growing up in Ireland, and his dad taking him and his family to the beach. There his dad covered him seated waist deep in the sand and built an open top sand race car around him. Fred remembers thinking ‘Wow, you can make stuff out of other stuff.’
At Vic High, Fred was supposed to graduate in 1976 but failed English, not realizing it was a core subject needed to graduate. When he returned in 1977 to complete English 12, Art teacher Michael Hemming set up a personalized schedule to enable him to attend four art classes. He studied graphic design, silk screening and basic sculpting, including the additive method (starting with an armature and adding material to it) and subtractive method (starting with a block like wood and carving away until you get your piece). Fred was also on the Volleyball team and restarted the Gymnastics program. Vic High had the equipment but not the class or team. But Fred was a serious gymnast and competed in the BC Games.
His fondest memories of Vic High were the comradery of the teams and being able to immerse himself in the Arts program. As he always wanted to be an artist, he considers the interest and ‘nudging’ of Mr. Hemming as a stepping stone to fulfilling his dream. After Vic High, Fred went to Camosun College for their Graphic Design and Commercial Artist programs as well as a signwriting course.
In the early 80’s, while listening to a radio station in Vancouver, he got wind of a sand sculpting competition in White Rock, BC. After assembling a core group of willing participants, it was off to the races with a team called Freddie and the Sandblasters which began making waves in the sand sculpting community along the Pacific coast from Parksville, BC to San Diego, California. The team scored big wins at the US Open, the Canadian Championships, and the first World Team Championships at Harrison Hot Springs.
At Harrison Hot Springs in the early 90’s, team Freddie and the Sandblasters, along with rivals Totally in Sand joined forces to create a sand sculpting world record for height in a 100 hour event, which was recognized by Guinness World Records.
For the next 20 years, Fred travelled the world as a professional sand sculptor. It was a great way to see the world, as he sculpted throughout Canada, the United States, Australia, Germany, Romania, Kuwait, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Haiti, and the Bahamas. In Kuwait, he worked with 74 other sculptors on a sand sculpture project the size of four football fields. He has also worked for major companies like Disney, Warner Brothers and Hanna-Barbera Productions.
Fred found the work extremely inspiring, especially working alongside and with sand sculptors from around the world. Many of these sculptors studied architecture and anatomy and their knowledge showed in their designs. Fred says that the talent pool and skill level for sculptors is rising sharply, especially due to Russian, Japanese and European artists. From his fellow sculptors Fred learned about different techniques, specialized tools, and the importance of knowing your subject matter. He tells the tale of trying to sand sculpt a Lipizzaner stallion, using a white Barbie doll horse as a model. He was quickly informed that the Barbie doll horse was an Arabian, not a Lipizzaner, and learned that there is indeed a difference in body structure between breeds. However, years later he was invited to Kuwait to sculpt Arabian horses, and he remembered the lines of his Barbie doll horse.
While the job of sand sculpting around the world is artistically fulfilling, it does mean a lot of travelling – over 200 days away from home some years and a lot of that in the sky flying to destinations. The pandemic drastically slowed down sand sculpting, but Fred still keeps his hand in the discipline. The past four years he has worked with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, going to their private islands in the Bahamas where their ships dock, and sculpting while on display. As he says, “I’m paid to play in the sand.”
Outdoor sand sculptures can last a few months if they are properly sealed with a sealer. Indoor sand sculptures can last longer (for a year or more) as they are free from the weather and hopefully vandalism. There’s even a sand sculpture museum in Tottori, Japan.
From sand sculpting, Fred studied with well-known Victoria sculptor Peggy Walton Packard (who sculpted the bronze bust of Queen Elizabeth that resided in Beacon Hill Park for years), and Linda Lindsay (who has two beautiful bronze sculptures in Oak Bay). Fred also worked with Renaissance Studios and ArtForm Sculpting Studios under the direction of Derek Rowe, creating concrete sculptures and architectural components and learning the skills of mold-making and casting concrete. The resulting sculptural works now adorn Victoria buildings like Shoal Point and the Aria.
Fred moved on to working with bronze alongside Nathan Scott at South Island Bronze foundry in Victoria, learning the disciplines of cire perdue, the lost wax process of bronze casting, as well as welding and finishing patinas on bronze sculptures. He notes that a piece like Ocean in Motion (shown above) consists of a total of 20+ pieces: each of the three Sea otters was cast in three sections, along with the numerous sections for the bull kelp and base, that all needed to be welded together and chased to a fine finish in preparation for the coloured patina. He took a course in patination from Patrick Kipper in Colorado – considered one of the master antique patinators in the world.
Some of Fred’s sculptures can be seen in and around Greater Victoria, notably: Camossung at the Gorge Waterway Park in Saanich, Lunar Transitions outside the Oak Bay Library, a collaborative effort with Nathan Scott called The Sleeping Giants on the lawns of the Oak Bay Municipal Hall, as well as the Pacific Sea Otter plaque in Beacon Park, Sidney, BC.
Fred recently moved from Victoria to Mayne Island and is busy setting up his studio. Mainly working in cold cast bronze, which has similar attributes of pure bronze, but without the weight and need for high heat to melt the bronze to cast. He’s busy working on new designs, which will surely pop up around Victoria soon.
Fred offers these parting words… “A friend once told me, ‘No knowledge is ever truly wasted, moreover it is compiled, layer upon layer over years of immersion in a given field.’ ” Passion for what you do and a great interest, plus someone believing in your talent, can lead to a wonderful career and life. Vic High’s art teacher Michael Hemming believed in Fred and it made a difference.
If you’d like to see more of Fred’s sculptures online, his website is www.sculptorfred.com.
Another of Michael Hemming’s art students is a world-renowned artist. Click here for the Black & Gold video about First Nations artist Richard Hunt, VHS 1971.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Dobbs.jpeg424640Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-02-09 09:45:432022-02-13 14:55:01Fred Dobbs, VHS 1977 From Student to World-Class Sculptor
The best part of going to Victoria High School was meeting my future husband Keith in grade 10. In May 1958, I put on a surprise 16th birthday for him and that helped cement our friendship. After graduating I went into nurses training at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Keith moved to North Vancouver with his family so we carried on a long distance romance and married on Aug. 28th, 1964. I worked at Vancouver General Hospital and Keith worked for a Retail Credit Co. and a Marketing Research Co. before returning to UBC. We did reports for the White Spot, so being poor, we ate there twice a week. White Spot raised their prices so I asked for a 25 cent raise for each report and they fired us.
Keith went to UBC and completed his B Ed degree majoring in Physical Education and Business. With Joanne’s support, he graduated in 1968, the year our daughter was born. Keith began his teaching career at Semiahmoo Sec. in White Rock, grades 11,12 and 13. What a dream job for a first year teacher. Keith loved teaching and coaching and was fortunate to take his 1989 basketball team to the Provincials where the team finished 8th in the province. While at Semiahmoo Keith started a Community Recreation Course, for grade 12 students, to introduce them to activities outside the gym. This was the first such program in Surrey Schools.
Our son was born in May 1970 on Keith’s birthday. We had 10 house moves in 8yrs and finally moved into our first house in 1972 in South Surrey. Four houses later we live in a gated complex in a rancher townhouse close to White Rock. We winter in our house in Mesa Arizona in sunshine and blue skies which is wonderful for Joanne who struggles with arthritis.
Keith received his Master Degree in Education Administration from Western Washington University and worked as a Vice Principal at various high schools in Surrey, for 21 years. For 25 years he was chairman of the All Star Committee at the BC Boys Basketball tournament. He served on the executive for over 30 years and was President of the Association in 2006. Keith and Joanne volunteered for many years for the Woman’s Fast Pitch Tournament in South Surrey. Keith also volunteered for the 2010 Olympics. Joanne worked part time at Peace Arch hospital, Surrey Memorial hospital and Home Nursing in Surrey. She has also volunteered for many years for Peace Arch Hospice.
After retirement Keith worked at Morgan Creek Golf Course for 18years, as a marshal and starter. Keith has been a wonderful support to Joanne through her numerous surgeries – the last in June of 2021 when she had an accident on her e bike and fractured her tibia. We have taken many wonderful trips and cruises to many different countries. We are fortunate to have six grand children
Keith’s favorite teacher was of course Mr. (Porky) Andrews. He has many fond memories of being on the Totems. Joanne’s favorite teachers were Mr. Hartley who taught English for the exams and Miss Bassett, PE teacher who was so nice to the girls.
So a love story that started in 1958 continues with wonderful memories of Vic High, family, friends and travel.
Maple Melder & Mike Crozier, VHS 1976 and 1974
Mike and I met before Vic High through my good friend, his cousin. We started dating while he was in Grade 11 at VHS and I was in Grade 9 at SJ Willis Junior High. There was a janitor’s strike that year so we got to spend a lot of time together with our mutual friends. We traipsed all over Victoria and along the wild beaches along the west coast of Vancouver Island. It was obvious to our friends and families that we were completely in love. I painted that fact on the attic wall at Vic High, and after Mike died, on the wall of my son’s shop. Though I had many scholarships offered to me, we married soon after I graduated in 1976, with Principal Lorimer doing a toast to us at our wedding. (My parents said “I chose love”.) I loved Vic High so much, I had a room in our first apartment decorated in black and gold with VHS memorabilia.
We had our first son (who also left sports scholarships for love and married his high school sweetheart) while Mike went to Camosun College and BCIT, graduating top in his class. He was recruited to a job in California and finished his education at UC Berkeley as a Civil/Structural Engineer, seismic specialist. I went to university for the next many years, becoming a biologist, then counsellor, and completing a Doctorate in Education which led to my career as a professor. In 1991 we moved back to Canada, settling in the Fraser Valley after 10 amazing years in the San Francisco Bay area of California.
Two more kids came along and later, 2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters. We travelled much, we lived well, and laughed often with our wonderful families and friends. We celebrated 41 love-filled years together and had crazy, exciting adventures. Mike was on one of his adventures in 2018, hiking the West Highland Way in Scotland, where he suffered a massive heart attack and died instantly. Victoria High School was an integral part of our lives, and I will be forever grateful for all the memories. Maple is featured in the Alumni’s March newsletter. Click here for her story.
Lyle Keewatin Richards & Alison Dobie, 1977
Lyle and Alison became ‘we’ July 25, 1976, the summer before their Grade 12 year. Lyle asked Alison if she thought they should share their story, saying, ‘It happened, kids, move, then like so many others we split, move back, c0-parent. But I don’t want to write it.’ But Alison decided it was a compelling one. She begins: Lyle’s right, it was our life, and though apart for almost 30 years now, we shared 16 years, three children, a fair amount of strife, but also lots of family, love, and fun. At our first apartment together in Victoria, we were forced out in the middle of the night as it went up in flames – a fire that made the front page of the paper then and is still talked about today, much to my surprise just recently on Old Victoria.
After moving to Red Deer in 1979, we worked for a time, became pregnant, and later, to our utter dismay, lost our eldest child Benjamin as an infant. We went on to have two more wonderful children, Rory (Logan) and Lucas. During our time together Lyle was instrumental in beginning the process of bringing to light some of the lost Indigenous children forced to attend the Red Deer Indian Industrial School, which was recently featured in McLean’s magazine. Lyle lives in Red Deer and is married to his long time love, Pat, with whom he has a daughter Mari. I returned to Victoria permanently in 1995 where I had a long career in Clinical Research. In retirement I’m indulging my artistic side. We were, indeed, Vic High Sweethearts.
Sylvia Mobey & Bill Hosie, VHS 1961
Bill & Sylvia Hosie met while acting in the 1959 Vic High production of Lust For Life directed by Tommy Mayne. Bill was playing the role of Vincent Van Gogh & Sylvia the role of his sister, Elizabeth Van Gogh. Their scenes together were filled with shouting because Elizabeth did not approve of Vincent being an artist.
Bill asked Sylvia to ‘go steady’ around Christmas 1959. They were both in the 1960 VHS production of Song of Norway, and, of course, performed in many Calamity Players’ sketches, danced in the Square Dance Club under Mr. Wallace, sang in the Choir under Norma Douglas & attended Thespians, school dances & Totems basketball games. At lunchtime, Sylvia often watched Bill playing Volleyball, and after school, Bill would watch Sylvia dancing in the VHS Modern Dance Club.
They were married June 30th,1965. Bill already had an established professional actor/singer career both on TV and live stage and that took him all over Canada, New York, Scotland, Japan, Germany & Cyprus. Sylvia graduated with distinction from UVic, taught in both primary & high school with a lengthy 2nd career as a dancer/choreographer/director/performing arts instructor. She directed, choreographed & co-wrote, with Dr. Peter Smith, ‘Come Give A Cheer’, the Victoria High School Celebration of its 100th birthday, a show that was staged at the Memorial Arena. Bill & Sylvia have three children and three grandchildren.
Donna Fleming & Ray Graham, VHS 1969
Ray and I met on Gonzales Beach the summer after grade 10. Ray had gone to Central Jr. High and I had been at Lansdowne. Starting at Vic High, we both lived in James Bay, and walked home from school together so we could save our bus fare money to buy cigarettes at the Tuck Shop near Vic High.
Teacher Mr. Jamieson caught us a number of times holding hands in the hallways and sent us to Vice Principal Reg Reid’s office. Mr. Reid would say ‘you guys again’ and send us off to our classes. In Grade 12 we were locker partners.
We got married in 1972, and have two sons and two granddaughters. We will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary this year! PS Our eldest son also married his high school sweetheart!
Amber Barrs & James Mallach, VHS 2002
It all started spring 2000, when James, who was hanging out with his buddy Vince Cox, noticed me at the end of the hallway, decked out head to toe in Adidas. James, too, was decked out in Adidas. He turned to Vince and said, “I’m going to marry that girl one day.” it was love at first sight for James. However for me, the feeling was not mutual…at first. After months of wooing – poutines from the George & Dragon, pizza slices from Thin Edge of the Wedge in Fernwood Square, and plenty of chocolate chip cookies and focaccia bread from Breadstuff Bakery – James finally made his big move. H kissed me at a rave we both attended at the beginning of summer – Summer Skool at Memorial Arena. Aaand…we’ve been together ever since. We’ll be celebrating our 22nd anniversary July 2022, and will be married 12 years December 2022.
PS We both ended up staying an extra year for ‘Grade 13’, and graduated in 2002 instead of 2001. Neither of us is in the 2001 yearbook, tho we have a copy. Neither of us have the 2002 yearbook.
Hey Amber – we found you in the 2002 Camosun, but sadly, not James. Click here to search your 2002 Camosun.
Gwen Eekman & Rick Acres, VHS 1961, 1962
Rick took me out once in high school. His claim to fame was as a drummer in the Vic High band, and he played gigs outside of school. I was into music at Vic High and belonged to various high school choirs and the Madrigal Singers, and accompanied various high school vocalists on piano. Apparently it was an unremarkable date. We went to a movie, then to Paul’s Restaurant for something to eat. And that was that.
We met again in 2001 at the Vic High 125th anniversary celebrations. I’d graduated from the Jubilee nursing school and moved to California, but came home for the gala Vic High event. Something must have clicked then, because we ended up getting married in 2003. I worked for VIHA and Rick continued as a BC land surveyor. We’ve been living in Qualicum Beach since 2003.
Victoria George & Eddie Hart, VHS 2014, 2015
Eddie and I met years before Vic High, but we reconnected in 2012 when he was in Grade 9 and I was in Grade 10. We would play footsies in Mrs. Pugh’s art class, and we’ve been together since then. 9 1/2 years and still going strong! I graduated with Honours in 2014 and he graduated in 2015. He works hard as a landscaper in Victoria and I work as an MOA. We enjoy hiking and camping, and we’re proud cat parents with two fur babies.
Fred Packford & Doreen Dalziel, VHS 1949, 1946
On April 6, 2022 Fred and Doreen Packford, celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary.
They weren’t together at Vic High but met on a blind date. Fred recalls the plans to go sailing were curtailed by a storm, so they went dancing at the Crystal Gardens. The admission was $5 a couple and there was a nine-piece band. “I thought I’d better make the best of this night,” Fred added, “as she probably wouldn’t ever go out with me again.”
Fred, who is 90, went on to apprentice in sheet metalwork before starting a 25-year teaching career at Vic High in 1957. Doreen, who is 93 and is affectionately called “Deen” by Fred, attended Victoria College (forerunner of the University of Victoria) for two years before she started working at the law firm now known as Straith and Company.
Both have worked tirelessly for the Victoria High School Alumni Association for more than three decades, and are still relied upon for their wisdom and guidance. Fred particularly remembers a 1991 annual Vic High Alumni dinner where he spearheaded the idea of a membership drive targeting 500 former students at $10 each to regenerate interest and scholarships in the Alumni Association.
“There’s something about Vic HIgh that ties everything and everyone together,” said Fred.
Jeff MacKenzie & Nicki Franke,VHS 1975, 1976
Jeff and I met on a Central Jr./Vic High joint trip to Russia, April 1973. Jeff went to Vic High, I was at Central. Vicky Raptis, Mike Irwin and I sat together on the plane, until Mike asked to switch with Jeff because Mike was interested in a girl in Jeff’s row. Seeing me, Jeff agreed to switch, so Jeff and I were seatmates all the way to Moscow. I pretty much got Jeff’s life story and all I wanted to do was sleep! Anyhow, we hit it off. Jeff pursued me madly on the trip, and by the time we got home we were an ‘item’. Despite the ups and downs we both graduated, navigated young adulthood, and married in 1982 nine years after we’d met. A couple years later we had our first child, then another, and 2022 we celebrate our 40th anniversary. 2023 we celebrate 50 years together. We still love each other to bits, put up with each other’s BS, and just like being together at home, on road trips, or vacations.
Della Jablonski & Rob Jansen, VHS 1981
I met Rob in Grade 10, and we married in Grade 12. Friday the 13th because we couldn’t find a Justice of the Peace for Valentines Day. We had our own apartment with furniture given to us by my aunt, Rob quit school to join the navy while I stayed and graduated. He bought a 1969 Roadrunner that I drove to school while he was out at sea. I never went to my grad, waiting instead for him to come home from a three-month tour. We had our first child three months after school finished. We moved a lot – good times and bad times. Still together and our 41st anniversary is February 13, 2022.
Ina Foubister & William Sluggett, VHS late 1920s
William Sluggett took the electric tram from Brentwood Bay to Vic High every day – it being the only high school at the time – and that’s where he met future wife Ina Foubister who lived in town. Both played basketball at Vic High. They were married January 22, 1937 at Central Baptist Church. William joined the RCAF during the war and was stationed in various Canadian cities, Ina always going with him. They built a home on Saanich Road, and in 1949 daughter Sandy came along. 1987 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Ina passed in 1990 and William in 1994.
Thanks, Sandy Sluggett-Engels, VHS 1967, for the photos and story about these Vic High sweethearts.
Garry Bellagente & Andrea Bell, VHS 1964
Certainly some great memories of VHS. Number one would be meeting my wife Andrea Bell. Life was a challenge for me and I missed a chunk of Grade 11. Fortunately I met Andrea late that year but never recovered my studies. Gudy Gudmundseth was the matchmaker, and later the best man at our 1967 marriage. Andrea worked at the Victoria School Board and her supervisor tutored me so I could graduate. I then worked 37 years with BC Tel and Telus. We live in Nanoose Bay and have two children and four grandsons. We have such fond memories of our Vic High years and the friends we made.
Sharon (Micks) Cipp & Nathaniel Daggett, VHS 1972
This is me and my high school sweetheart, Nathaniel Daggett, ready to leave for grad, me in my Romeo & Juliet-inspired dress (the movie was very popular at the time). Nat and I met in Grade 11, we were both Art Majors, under the inspiring art teacher Michael Hemming. He was shy to approach me but our friends encouraged him and our relationship began. We both ended up happily married to others, but around 1979/80 I ran into him at a local optometrist’s on Yates Street. We laughed, reminisced, and got caught up. In 2014 I travelled from my home in Whistler to attend the 100 year anniversary of the current building, and friends surprised me by enlisting Nat as my surprise date to the dance at the Crystal Gardens where the Vic High R & B band played.
Nat & I were never concerned with getting married…it was just that special friendship at the best of times. But Nat wants to do a remake of Grad…all dressed-up and pull-up in the Limo…for our next Class of 1972 reunion. It sure is nice to enjoy the company of old friends. More info and photos here.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/vector-golden-hearts-on-black-background-crop.jpg487649Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-02-09 09:43:562022-05-10 14:02:24Vic High Sweethearts – The List Keeps Growing
Howard Lim, VHS 1958, Deep Thinker and Wise Beyond His Years January 2022
by Gordon Eekman, VHS 1958
Howard Lim was born in November 1940. In 1952 at age 11, he worked as a page at the BC Legislature, the first Chinese-Canadian in this position.
At Victoria High School Howard was a friend of mine. In grade 12 Howard and a small group of similarly minded students would hang out together on weekends doing simple things and talking about big issues. Occasionally we would eat take-out Chinese food at his mother’s modest house.
In grade 12 during the session 1957-1958 Howard was the Victoria High School student council president and valedictorian. Here’s his year-end message in the 1958 Camosun yearbook:
Those of us graduating are soon to encounter the first great fork in the road of life and as we gaze back on our past school life we see many things.We can envisage the schools we attended, especially Victoria High for here we have spent our most happy and formative years. The long, storied history of Victoria High makes us proud to be graduating from this institution. Our teachers come to mind and in this moment of deep thought, we finally realize that all their actions were governed by one factor – the betterment of us, their students. We think of our friends and realize that friendship is one of the truly precious things in life, for their presence augments our happiness and eases our hardships. The happy moments of our school life we cherish forever and the sad ones we forget immediately.
In closing we offer thanks to all those who have assisted us this far – our parents, teachers, and friends. To Canada we say this: “Our minds and bodies are yours.”
It was during Howard’s tenure that the Vic High school sweater was chosen, namely, black with gold arm rings. Howard graduated in June 1958. Here’s what was written about him in the Camosun:
Howard, our bespectacled Students’ Council president, is the able leader of our school activities. Popular with all the students, he sets the styles for the boys. Honorary Prefect, Grad Dance, Future Teachers’ Club, French Club, Concert Troupe, Boys’ Quartet, and Honour Student.
In September 1958 Howard entered his first year at Victoria College. In his second year there, he was so advanced in his studies and comprehension that the psychology faculty invited him to give formal lectures at the college.
In 1960 Howard and several of us Victoria College students worked during the summer as uniformed customs officers on the docks of the Inner Harbour, Victoria, BC. There we would inspect cars entering Canada by ferry boat from the United States and issue permits to Americans and Customs Declarations to Canadians.
After our third year (1960-1961) at Victoria College our ways diverged. Howard continued his studies in clinical psychology at Victoria College, and I went to the University of BC in Vancouver to study biomedical sciences and mathematics.
In 1962 Howard received an honours BA in Psychology, and a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to pursue graduate studies in Psychology. During the 1960’s he studied at Stanford University and received his PhD in Psychology.
He worked in New York as a psychologist and had extensive business connections, some of which were management positions.
At age 54 he died tragically in Yonkers, New York. He was stabbed to death on April 12, 1995 by someone in his neigbourhood who had asked him for money.
In 2008, McGill-Queen’s Press published the book, Lansdowne Era: Victoria College, 1946 – 1963, edited by Edward B. Harvey. Here’s the reference in it about Howard Lim.
Howard Lim, 1940 – 1995
Victoria College ‘58
Howard Lim entered Victoria College in 1958, and four years later he received an honours degree in psychology. He was an outstanding student with personal characteristics that matched his academic capabilities. His achievements were reflected in the numerous scholarships he received over his student career, the culmination of which was his being awarded a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship in 1962 to pursue graduate studies in psychology. Howard had an easy, engaging manner that belied his driven nature. He would frequently get up at 5:00 a.m. to study, not typical behaviour in college students! He enjoyed the friendship and admiration of his peers and was active in college life. Among other things, he served as president of the Psychology Club and brought great energy and innovation to that organization. Howard decided to pursue his advanced studies in psychology at Stanford University. I suppose we all expected him to enter university professorship; certainly, he had the requisite intellectual capabilities and communication skills. Instead, he took his expertise in psychology to the private sector, working with companies such as General Foods and JCPenney. Later in life, he increasingly devoted his energies to the study of Zen Confucianism and became involved in helping underprivileged people in Yonkers, New York, the area in which he lived. As Dr. Brian Little, a close friend of Howard’s and one of his Lansdowne-era student colleagues, comments in his contribution to this book, “Howard was a luminously bright and complex man…(He ) was a model of the kind of student Vic College could turn out in the early sixties, and to say it was world-rank would not be at all a stretch.” Tragically, Howard Lim died in 1995 at the hand of one of those people he was trying to help. He was fifty-five years of age.
E.B.H.
Vic College 1962 Grad Class. Howard Lim, front row center
Howard’s brother Sam.
Additional Family Information
Howard’s mother was Alice Sho Ping Lim who died at the Aberdeen Hospital in Victoria on December 5, 2004 at age 101. See her obituary here
“Predeceased by son Howard. She will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Fred (Suzanne), Ming (Nancy), Chue (Rosalyn), Dennis (Denise), Sam (Debbie). Daughters, Madelon, Georgina (Barrie).”
Howard’s brother Sam was born July 1948 and died on Sunday, April 24, 2005. Sam was the husband of Debbie Gregg and the father of Carson and Jordan Lim. For Sam’s obituary, click here. See also here.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Howard-Lim.png345256Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-02-01 09:58:012022-02-21 17:29:31Howard Lim, Deep Thinker and Wise Beyond His Years
Gordie Tupper remembers his Vic High days this way: The higher his level of education, the longer the physical journey. The Vic High 1966 grad attended elementary school at Sir James Douglas on Fairfield Road, travelling from his family’s Wellington Avenue home in the Fairfield area.
His junior high school days were spent at Central on Yates Street. Then it was on to Vic High on Grant Street, he fondly recalled.
“It was all like a big clubhouse to me,” said the 73-year-old Central Saanich resident who retired from Victoria’s CHEK television about two years ago.
He laughed when he talked about his Grade 12 class photo session. Tupper was not the shortest person in his class and had never been selected to hold the chalkboard for class photos. He asked the photographer if he could do that and was handed the board and front-and-centre seat.
Tupper took a Grade 12 Business Machines course, mainly because it was overwhelmingly girls and went through the course without really learning how to operate any business machines or type.
English 91 was also memorable for an incident in which the teacher, who had built a photographic dark room at the front of the classroom, was locked inside it by one of the students.
As a teenager, Tupper had an interest in broadcasting at a young age, building a small radio station in the family basement, complete with turntables. He began as an “operator” at CFMS, Victoria’s first FM radio station in the basement of the Douglas Hotel (now the Hotel Rialto) on the southwest corner of Pandora Avenue and Douglas Street.
An operator was a person who ran the music tape machines and, when required, turned on the announcer’s microphone. CFMS was a radio station that mainly used huge rolls of audio tapes to deliver “elevator,” semi-classical and classical music. Somehow, Tupper convinced CFMS manager Rudy Hartman, to let him and Gil Harris (who later became popular “rock jock” Doc Holliday and Doc Harris in Ontario and Vancouver) do a “live” morning show.
Tupper eventually moved over to CFMS’s AM sister-station, CKDA, and became its morning personality. His radio career included one-year stints with C-FAX and (now defunct) CJVI.
Also in his resume is a 10-year career working at Pacific Waterbeds stores in Victoria and on the B.C. Lower Mainland. It was at a Vancouver waterbed store that a customer walked in, noticed Tupper’s
“radio voice” and said CHEK-TV in Victoria was looking for a “voice-over” person. Tupper got the job and eventually moved into to the station’s promotion department.
In a Times Colonist interview, he told reporter Katie DeRosa that the station manager, Jim Nicholl, floated the idea of CHEK Around, a program in which the personality would run around digging up fun, unusual stories and interviews. “I got CHEK Around because no one else wanted to do it,” he told DeRosa.
Tupper recalls interviews with rocker Randy Bachman (Guess Who, BachmanTurner Overdrive) during which they belted out the opening line of Taking Care of Business, Canadian actor Leslie Nielsen, who noticed Tupper was doing an interview and decided to barge in, and Canadian literary giant Pierre Burton, who talked about bow ties. However, he admitted, “I got more fun out of ordinary people.”
One that came to mind quickly was the CHEK Around segment on the theme of tattoos. Tupper and his roving mike went downtown to ask passersby to “show me your tattoos.” He said one guy and a couple of women started stripping down to their underwear to show their “tats.” “Great fun,” said Tupper.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Tupper-Head-Shot-Credit-Ted-Kazemski.jpg485640Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2022-01-15 16:45:392022-10-05 13:32:21‘CHEK Around’ Personality Was A Vic High Grad
Art lovers of every generation eventually become enamoured with Emily Carr’s art. “Every generation discovers her anew,” says Kerry Mason, who has studied and taught others about Emily Carr and her art for 45 years.
Kerry Mason, a 1967 Vic High grad, has been a professor of art history at the University of Victoria since 2001, and at the University of Colorado. In addition to numerous courses relating to Carr, Mason also teaches about the work of artists like Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo and lectures at the Victoria College of Art and the Vancouver Island School of Art. A respected art historian, author, curator and art consultant, she taught the first course on Emily Carr ever offered by UVic.
Mason is regarded as a Northwest Coast and Emily Carr expert, and ranks Carr amongst top Canadian artists along with the famed Group of Seven.
With both parents sharing an interest in the arts, Mason says her interest in art began at an early age and admits she had a very privileged and charmed childhood.
Born in Edmonton, the family moved to Calgary when she was six months old.
Music In the Trees, by Emily Carr
In March of 1964, her father attended a medical conference in Victoria and spent several days golfing. When he got home, he announced they were moving to Victoria and in the fall of 1965, they settled into a house on Rockland Avenue at St. Charles Street.
Ms. Mason, who had attended private schools in Calgary, enrolled at Vic High.
Kerry’s grad photo
“I had a happy time at Vic High,” said Ms. Mason, who attended Grades 11 and 12 at Vic High before earning a UVic scholarship in history and literature. She had skipped Grade 6 and so entered university at the age of 16.
Her history teacher at Vic High, Tommy Mayne, became a lifelong mentor and friend and even honorary grandfather to her and husband Jamie Morton’s two daughters and son.
“He was part of the family,” Ms. Mason said. She was at Mr. Mayne’s side when he died April 17, 2018.
In April 1977, Ms. Mason received a phone call from then Deputy Premier and Provincial Secretary Grace McCarthy asking her to run the Emily Carr Gallery.
Ms. Mason didn’t know how Ms. McCarthy knew about her love of Emily Carr art or how Ms. McCarthy obtained her number, but she was not about to ask. However, she did ask where the Emily Carr Gallery was and was told it did not exist yet, but was to open July 7.
Maude Island Totem by Emily Carr
Kerry curated the exhibition which was set up in the Rithet Building on Wharf Street. Originally owned by Carr’s father as a warehouse, its name was changed when Richard Carr sold it to Charles Rithet just months before Carr’s death in 1888. The Emily Carr Gallery was free to the public, and Mason was its curator for the first 11 years.
Mason also became the curator of UVic’s Maltwood Gallery and was responsible for more than 50 exhibitions there.
“The variety, originality and clarity of Carr’s work offered a wonderful window into First Nations culture,” says Mason. It drew praise from one of the original members of the Group of Seven, Lawren Harris. “She’s one of us,” Harris reportedly said of Carr.
Ms. Mason said 1927 was a turning point in Carr’s career as an artist, when her work was displayed at a National Gallery of Canada exhibition in Ottawa, alongside works by the Group of Seven.
Franklin Carmichael, Lawren Harris, A.Y. Jackson, Frank Johnston, Arthur Lismer, J.E.H. MacDonald and Frederick Varley formed the original Group of Seven. When it decided to expand in 1932, Emily Carr was the first to receive an invitation to join.
But it was earlier, when Carr returned from France in 1912, that she started painting and sketching native art.
Ms. Mason said that was when Carr’s attention turned to First Nations culture, and from unemotional, traditional and academic paint-what-you-see art to painting from her heart and soul, documenting the First Nations people of whom she was growing fond.
Cordova Drift by Emily Carr
In 1913 Carr returned to Victoria from Vancouver, where she had lived for six years and taught art, and became involved in pottery and rug-making as well as political cartooning. Her cartoons were featured mostly in a Vancouver publication, Western Women’s Weekly.
Two years earlier, her paintings had been selected to be included in an exclusive Paris art exhibit which included works by Paul Cezanne, Paul Gauguin, Henri Emile Benoit Matisse and Vincent Van Gogh.
A testament to Mason’s observation and to Carr’s appeal, three paintings by Carr, who attended Vic High in 1888, were sold at a recent Heffel Fine Art Auction House digital sale for more than $4.5 million. (See additional info below.)
A published author, Mason also edited Sunlight in the Shadows, The Landscape of Emily Carr, providing writings and a 5-page biographical sketch of Carr for this photobook of places Carr had painted. Her 2017 book, The Life and Art of Arthur Pitts, a British painter whose work focussed on the Indigenous people of the Northwest, also received favourable reviews.
Mason is an extraordinary source of knowledge about Emily Carr, and about other painters about whom she lectures as well. She is also very well-known for leading travel tours to West Coast locations where Carr painted, and to locations in New Mexico where Georgia O’Keefe painted.
When Vic High reopens in 2023, a new seat plaque will be installed in the Auditorium commemorating Emily Carr and the Vic High alumna who has become a leading expert on Carr’s life and work.
Carr Works Sold by Heffel Fine Art Auction House
The highest bidder for Carr’s paintings at the recent digital Heffel auction, held jointly from Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal, paid $3,361,250 for Carr’s seaside forest scene Cordova Drift. The pre-sale buzz was that it might fetch between $2 million and $3 million.
Carr’s Maude Island Totem went for $841,250 and Music in the Trees for $301,250 at the auction.
Three other Carr works were sold at the auction and one was not.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cordova-Drift-e1642098942802.png84100Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-01-13 11:10:382022-01-20 19:12:02From Art Lover to Art Expert
In the mid-1980s, Vic High Principal Dave Watkins wore his Victoria High School jacket to basketball games as a beacon against a false perception about the school. He was proud of that jacket with the school crest he helped to redesign, and he was very proud of Vic High.
Watkins had come from Spectrum Community School in 1984 to the 1914 Vic High building on Grant Street that his grandfather, Elwood C. Watkins, had designed. His grand-uncle, Samuel J. Willis, had been the first principal in the newly opened building and went on to become BC’s Deputy Minister of Education. S.J. Willis school, where Vic High students attend classes while that 1914 building is being seismically upgraded, is named after him. Dave Watkins was definitely home.
Watkins made a point of wearing his Vic High jacket to those games because he wanted to change the perception that Vic High students were dispirited due to declining enrolment, and due to good athletes abandoning the school during an open-boundary era.
But current Alumni member, Gus McTavish, Vic High Vice-Principal at the time, said those perceptions were false because the students still had enormous school pride.
“To Dave, it was a challenge,” Mr. McTavish recalled. Mr. Watkins, who died on Sept. 10, 2018, saw that a change in perception was badly needed and he was determined to lead that change.
Vic High Archives & Museum Manager, Annie Boldt, with the Watkins Jacket
It was true that enrolment had declined to a low of 450 after Grade 10 was dropped and the school only offered Grades 11 and 12, and that some good athletes decided to take advantage of the “open borders” and go to Mt. Douglas for its sports programs and teams.
Keith McCallion, who took over from Mr. Watkins as Vic High Principal in the fall of 1989 and who is a very active volunteer with the Vic High Alumni, was working at the School District 61 headquarters in the early 1980s. He said S.J. Willis and Harbourview Elementary had already been closed, but rumblings that Vic High should have been one of them were still being heard throughout school board offices.
McCallion said in the late 1970s, Lawrie Wallace, VHS 1930, also a former Vic High teacher, led a group which lobbied against shutting down Vic High. Wallace had led the successful Vic High Centennial in 1976, helped found the society that later became the Vic High Alumni, and went on to become BC’s deputy provincial secretary and deputy minister to two BC premiers.
Donna Jones, VHS 1957, another Vic High Alumni Association volunteer, became a School District 61 trustee in 1983. She said by 1984 the danger of Vic High closing was basically over because two schools had already been closed. But the trustees wanted to make sure a dynamic leader replaced retiring Vic High Principal Jack Lowther, and Dave Watkins was that leader.
The crest Watkins helped design. It has since been redesigned.
“Dave was a great guy,” said Mr. McTavish, who added that Mr. Watkins was genuinely enthusiastic about improving school pride and spirit.
Mr. Watkins’ rebuilding plan included recruiting young and dynamic teachers like Walt Christianson, who was a legendary coach of the Victoria Shamrocks lacrosse team and coached Vic High teams as well, and Randi Falls, who later became a Vic High principal.
He also worked hard on getting the school district to return to catchment boundaries
“He loved the (Vic High) kids,” said Mr. Watkins’ widow, Lois. “He loved Vic High.”
The 1986-87 Camosun is a testament to Watkins’ enthusiastic leadership, with its cover proclaiming, It’s Back…At Vic High, and its contents built around the theme The Spirit is Back.
Mrs. Watkins donated Dave’s jacket to the Vic High Archives & Museum, which are funded and managed by the Vic High Alumni Association volunteers.
“I knew it had to have a forever home,” she said.
Principals Jack Lowther and Dave Watkins may have borne the brunt of misperceptions about Vic High in the ‘80s dark days, but Watkins is credited with fanning the flames of Vic High school spirit and leading Vic High back towards its rightful reputation as an extraordinary school.
“I think he turned things around,” said Mrs. Watkins.
And his jacket, which will be proudly displayed once Vic High reopens in 2023, is definitely a symbol of Dave’s spirit and the turn-around he led.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Watkins-Jacket-scaled.jpg25601920Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2022-01-13 06:51:112022-01-13 11:12:17Vic High Spirit Triumphs
The Great Key Caper, John Warren, VHS 1966 December 2021
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
It was the 60s. Peace, love, and you know, that little green plant we can now grow legally.
He says Vic High was great! Very social. A very special place. He joined the Music Appreciation Club, the UN Club, Thespians, the Philosophy Club, Calamity Players, SIRC, (Student International Relations Club), and the Stage Crew.
And that’s where the Great Key Caper begins: the Stage Crew.
John Warren was in Grade 10 in 1963/64 and quickly joined the Stage Crew. “I definitely didn’t want to act,” he says, “although Calamity Players was a lot of fun.” (More about his alter ego ‘Igor’ in a minute.)
“I stayed on the Stage Crew when I got to Grade 11,” he continues, “Jim Merrill was still the Stage Manager. One day he came to me and basically said, ‘I’m gonna quit school, so you can be Stage Manager now’. I thought quitting school was weird, but I was OK with stage managing.”
Apparently Jim had ‘the key’. A pass key. A key that could open any door in the school.
Stage crew students were always busy backstage. There isn’t much room in the wings of the Vic High auditorium stage, so they were always moving stuff up and down from the attic. Having to get the key all the time from Mr. Foxgord, the Stage Crew teacher sponsor, was a big nuisance to everybody. So Mr. Foxgord would loan Jim the key for hours at a time.
“And Jim,” John continues, “had gone to Cubbons at some point (on Cook Street, now Castle Building Supplies), and had a duplicate key made.”
So now John had ‘the key’.
John’s the guy on the right, apparently leading the way.
John hated homeroom, all the formalities and prayers and such, so he came up with lots of excuses to miss it. There was always something to do backstage so being on the Stage Crew gave him the perfect excuse. But having ‘the key’ also became a convenience for this very busy guy. Stage crew members did lots of other stuff around the school, too.
“The school opened at 8 am,” says John, “but some days I wanted to come in early so I did, and used the key to let myself in. I don’t think anybody knew I had it.”
The Philosophy Club. John’s on the right side, peeking out behind the teacher.
Well one day, John – using ‘the key’ – goofed.
“I was up on the catwalk in the New Gym (Andrews Gym),” says John. “At one end there’s a short connection to the Old Gym. It was noon, and I was trying to get lights organized for the Friday night dance in the Old Gym. Mr. Price, the Gym teacher, was coaching a team in the New Gym and saw me using the key to go into the Old Gym.”
John didn’t really think about it or worry about it. Not even when one day in Mr. Hardie’s homeroom there was a PA announcement: ‘John Warren, come to the office.’ John didn’t know why, but off he went to see then Vice-Principal Mr. Lorimer.
Mr. Lorimer: Do you have a key to the school?
John: Yes.
Mr. Lorimer: Can I have it?
John: Yes. (and ‘the key’ was passed over)
Mr. Lorimer: Does anybody else have one?
John: No. I had it because I took over as Stage Manager from Jim Merrill. I wasn’t going to drop typewriters from the fourth floor or anything.
(A few years earlier, some students had gotten into the school and thrown typewriters down the stairwell form the fourth floor.)
Mr. Lorimer: You realize we’re going to have to change all the locks in the school. At considerable expense.
“And that was it,” continues John. “No detentions, no writing lines or anything. Mr. Lorimer was quite matter-of-fact about the whole thing. Although the next year, Mr. Foxgord was no longer the Stage Crew sponsor.”
In fact, a few years later, when Mr. Lorimer was Vic High Principal, he asked John if he wanted to be a teacher’s aide. “So I guess I hadn’t messed up too much,” says John.
The UN Club
Life went on at Vic High and John remained the Stage Manager in Grade 12, sharing the work with his friend Dave Tubman. John especially loved still being in Calamity Players. “It was all about improv and ad libbing,” John says. “There was always a script, reviewed by (teacher) Tommy Mayne ahead of time, but we had a lot of freedom on stage, and we all loved it, the Players and the audience. We also all loved Tommy Mayne.”
John remembers one particular time in Grade 12 when the Calamity Players were asked to promote an upcoming Tyees game at a school assembly. “I had this idea for an ‘Igor’ character,” says John. “I came on stage, took the mic, and in my best Peter Lawrie/heavy breathing/foreign accent voice, told the students about the team and why they should go to the game. ‘Igor’ was a hit, and I had fun with the character for the rest of the year.”
John lives in Montreal now, although he came home in 2016 for the Class of 1966 50th Reunion and hopes to come back for more Vic High reunions and events. He’s still a joiner, volunteer-guiding visitors at the Château Ramezay Museum in Old Montreal and very active in Prostate Cancer Support there and nationally. (www.prostatecancersupport.ca)
“Vic High was just so unique,” says John. “There were programs not available elsewhere, like Orchestra and Band and Choir which you could take for credits. There were all the Shop (Fairey Tech) courses which academic kids took, too. Students could start a club if they could find a teacher sponsor. Sometimes I think we had more freedom back then. And Vic High students were out making a huge difference in the community, like starting Cool Aid and changing the world.”
Indeed. And it’s pretty certain they still are.
P.S. If you’re interested, here’s a link to the history of Cool-Aid, the Victoria society started by Vic High students in the 1960s, that houses and supports the homeless and poor. It was written in 2009 by Vic High Alumni Board Member and local historian Helen (Kelley) Edwards, VHS 1964.
Note: John’s dad was Herb Warren, also a Vic High alumnus, who as Victoria Parks Superintendent was the father of the city’s famous hanging baskets. Read about him here.
The Man
The Legend (or is it The Myth?)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Stage-Crew.png295600Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-12-04 12:11:582022-09-21 17:35:33The Great Key Caper
Bob Grundison, VHS 1947 Teacher, Optometrist, Artist, Good Friend December 2021
by Linda Baker, VHS 1969
Bob Grundison followed his childhood friend Pete Salmon into the academic program at Vic High, as good a reason as any, you might say, for a career path choice. And he was quick a few months ago to suggest we profile his lifelong friend Salmon and Salmon’s careers and accomplishments in our monthly e-newsletter. See story here.
But Bob definitely made the most of that early decision, earning degrees in Math and Physics at UBC after graduating from Vic High. He then took a year’s Teacher Training and taught Grade 8 Science and Math in North Vancouver for a year. But something else beckoned, so he headed to Oregon for more education and certification as an Optometrist. That career stuck. In fact, it lasted 54 years, and included Bob being named Optometrist of the Year by the B.C. Association of Optometrists in 2007.
Once a teacher, always a teacher, Bob combined his educational experience with his optometric training to help children overcome reading problems through vision therapy. And as the son of a shipbuilder, he’d learned that craft and built his family a 26’ sailboat, the Owl, which he and his family sailed for many years in the waters off Victoria.
Bob retired from his Victoria practice about ten years ago, although he did have one in Colwood and Sidney years ago, and says most of his career he practised in Victoria with some great partners.
VIC HIGH’S DR. PETER SALMON: OLYMPIC SWIMMER TO SURGEON December 2021
by King Lee, VHS 1958
Dr. Peter Salmon seamlessly went from Olympic athlete to well-respected surgeon after graduating from Victoria High School in 1947.
Bob Grundison, VHS 1947, who eulogized his boyhood friend at the Victoria Golf Club after 74-year-old Dr. Salmon died on Oct. 11, 2003, remembers fondly their carefree youth living in Fairfield, Salmon also living at one time on Blanshard Street across from where the current courthouse now stands. He also remembers the two of them having Victoria Times afternoon paper routes together.
One of his recollections at the eulogy was of the two of them aboard a wagon, careening westward down the Burdett Street hill from Blanshard Street almost to the Empress Hotel.
Dr. Grundison, retired from his Colwood optometry practice, even remembers attending the basketball game at the Vic High gym in 1946 when the Victoria Dominos upset the Harlem Globetrotters.
Peter Alexander Salmon was born in Victoria on Aug. 5, 1929, and he and Dr. Grundison attended Beacon Hill Elementary School from grades 1 to 3 and South Park Elementary School from grades 4 to 8 before entering Vic High in Grade 9. Dr. Salmon was 10 years old when he began swimming competitively and his first mentor was Victoria’s legendary swimming coach – and eventual B.C. sports hall-of-famer – Archie McKinnon.
Beacon Hill Elementary, 1936. Row 3: Peter Salmon is third from right, his lifelong friend Bob Grundison is second from right.
South Park School, 1943. Back row. Peter Salmon is fourth from left, Bob Grundison is third from left.
Along the way, Dr. Salmon set 16 Canadian swimming records, was the only Canadian swimmer to win gold at the 1950 British Empire (now Commonwealth) Games in Auckland, New Zealand, was selected as a National Collegiate Athletic Association All-American swimmer in 1951 while attending the University of Washington in Seattle, and represented Canada at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London (where he garnered a bronze medal) and the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki, Finland.
Left to right: Rod Nixon, freestyle lap, Coach Archie McKinnon, Dick Bowden, Canadian Backstroke Champion, Peter Salmon, Canadian Breaststroke titleholder.
In between Olympics, Dr. Salmon set an NCAA record in 1951 for the 50-yard freestyle, a record which stood for more than four decades. He also became the first Canadian to win a U.S. national collegiate title in the 150-yard individual relay.
“He never broke any records with marks,” Dr. Grundison said with a twinkle in his eye and a wry smile. But Dr. Salmon’s academic accomplishments in the field of medicine tell a different story.
He graduated from the University of Washington with a medical degree and obtained his Masters degree in 1961. The next year, he earned his PhD. from the University of Minnesota and began teaching there as an assistant professor of surgery.
In 1966, Dr. Salmon became associate professor at the University of Alberta in Edmonton and then full professor in 1972 until 1994. From 1966 to 1990, he was also the director of surgical programs at the University of Alberta Hospital and specialized in research work into gastrointestinal transplantation and massive obesity.
After retiring from his academic and research careers, Dr. Salmon opened up a practice in Eugene, Oregon, where his widow, Janet, still resides. He operated his practice from 1995 to 1999.
And if the highest levels of competitive swimming and surgical, academic and research medicine weren’t enough, Dr. Salmon also enjoyed golf, tennis, kayaking, water skiing and body surfing.
Winning With Class, Vic High Junior Boys Volleyball Makes Its Mark December 2021
By King Lee, VHS 1958
Back row: Coach Bethany Murphy, Mateo Berkhout, André Moneda, Andrew Janz, Beaver Luchina, Shogo Mano Front row: Eighan Entac, Rainier Gomez, Van Dazo, Mark Allen Menor
Winning is one thing, but winning with class and true sportsmanship was the big accomplishment for this year’s Vic High junior boys volleyball team. The team posted a 26-1 (matches), 49-3 (sets) season record, winning in league, Lower Vancouver Island, and Island championships.
Along the way, coach Bethany Murphy said, the Vic High team drew compliments from rival coaches, referees, and parents for their display of sportsmanship and fair play. One rival parent even put it in writing, praising the coach for the behaviour shown by the Vic High team, which exemplified class, grace and what a true champion should be. The parent said the Vic High team even shagged (retrieved) balls for the opponents during warmups, something the parent had not seen before. See below for full text of the rival parent’s comments.
“I can’t take credit for that,” Ms. Murphy quickly interjected, trying to downplay the complimentary remarks by saying her players had that kind of open and helpful impulse at the start of the season. Ms. Murphy, who attended the University of Maryland on a full-ride volleyball scholarship, took over coaching duties from teacher Roger Duval, who continued coaching the senior boys team. She said she did not instill the sportsmanship, but rather inherited it from the boys’ previous coaches and the nature of the close-knit team. Six team members are good friends.
The volleyball program at Vic High is very popular, with high participation from the student body, resulting in three girls’ teams being formed this school year.
A problematic choice may be looming on the horizon for Ms. Murphy, though, who volunteers her services to Vic High’s volleyball program as a community coach. Next season, her son, Andrew Janz, moves into Grade 10 at Vic High and his sophomore year on the volleyball team. Her daughter, Hannah Janz, will be entering Grade 9 and the volleyball program at the school. But for now, she is enjoying the results of an outstanding season for her team.
Two players, André Moneda and Rainier Gomez, were called up to play as part of the starting six with the senior team. Moneda was selected Most Valuable Player at the Island Championships, and Eighan Entac was named to the Island All-Star Team. In late November, the team went to the Coastal Championships tournament in Langley, a regional alternative to the provincial tournament, which was to be held in Kelowna but cancelled due to storm damage. They came second in pool play but didn’t make it past the opening round of playoffs.
Ms. Murphy said the team even demonstrated their usual friendliness by warming up with the opposition.
The Vic High team may not have previously experienced the calibre of play at this year’s championship tournament. But Ms. Murphy knows the team is motivated to build on this year’s successes and challenges. With such extraordinary sportsmanship and so many wins, the Vic High junior boys’ volleyball team will surely set their sights high for the future, and alumni will be cheering them on.
Text of comments sent by a rival parent
I just wanted to pass on my congratulations to the jr. boys volleyball team for winning the city championships on Friday night. My son was on the opposing team in the final against them. What I was most impressed with was the class that Vic High showed in that championship game. They celebrated their points appropriately -didn’t-over celebrate or rub it in their opponent’s faces. They complimented the other team when they did a good play, and what was most impressive was during the warm-up, they shagged (retrieved) balls for the other team during their time to spike.
I had not seen any team do this and so I thought that was excellent sportsmanship. Clearly this direction came from the top. Compliments to the coaches for leading a team that exemplified class and grace and what a true champion is. Everyone in the gym knew that Vic High should win that game as the other team was the underdog the whole tournament. But because of the way they won, my son was able to go home with dignity rather than feeling like they got smoked. I also think it is fantastic that the head coach is female! Great to see this.
I wish Vic High all the best at the Islands this coming weekend.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/IMG_7139-Crop.jpg18282560Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-12-04 00:51:112022-01-15 15:20:37Jr. Boys Volleyball 2021-22
Exterior photos are all we have at the moment, but if the masses of equipment and construction trailers and protected trees and construction crew in hard hats and porta-potties is any indication, the seismic upgrade work is definitely continuing inside Vic High these days.
Jim Soles, Associate Director Facilities, Capital Projects for School District 61 has been a key player in the planning for Vic High’s massive seismic upgrade, drawing on his experience with upgrades to other heritage schools and his creativity in suggesting ways to repurpose as many heritage elements as possible.
Jim is retiring, although we’re sure he’ll be at the school’s 2023 re-opening, but not before updating us on what’s going on inside Vic High right now.
Demolition is complete and everything is cleaned up inside the building
All trades contracts have been awarded and some rough-in of mechanical and other services has begun
Framing of new walls will begin within a couple of months and services’ rough-in will speed up
Girls Entrance, East side, facing Fernwood Street
The actual seismic upgrading of the building is the priority right now, continuing to reinforce the footings with shear walls and installing thousands of complicated drag struts. These connect the floors to the walls to help stabilize the building. Soles says the school was designed for vertical gravity loads, not horizontal loads or pressure like a seismic event. Drag struts connect and reinforce the whole building so each floor doesn’t move sideways in a different direction during an earthquake.
Fascinating stuff, right? More than you thought you’d ever know about seismic upgrading. But of course, it all makes sense.
Once walls are framed in and the new classrooms and open collaboration spaces are shaping up, a few of us will tour the jobsite again so we can take photos and share them with you like we did in our April newsletter. (We just have to remember where we put our steel-toed boots!)
Thanks, Jim, for caring about Vic High as much as we do. See you in 2023.
Southwest corner, Boys Entrance under the arch, facing the track
The 2011 Fairey Tech addition included an east entrance into its concourse, now being extended to accommodate a new Vic High Library and Neighbourhood Learning Centre.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Country-Grocer-Store-2-crop.jpg166231Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-06-04 14:31:562022-01-15 17:09:52Larger Than Life, Vic High’s Large Boys Still Making Their Mark
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Maskos-Hike-Photo-E-Sooke-Pk-2-e1622841856522.jpg639500Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-06-04 14:29:312022-01-15 17:10:55Chelsea & Jazilen Maskos Award for Social Activism
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/arcade_machine-3.jpg13381483Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-05-06 13:45:042022-01-15 17:17:23Paradigm Shift for Vic High Computer Program
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/IMG_0442.jpeg434398Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-05-06 13:43:142022-01-15 17:18:21James Helmcken, Class of 1940, Victoria Royalty
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/2021-Feb-Seismic-Interior.jpg960720Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-05-06 13:41:392022-01-15 17:21:06Seismic Tour April 2021
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/93rd-Birthday-3-e1620321181624.jpg582500Linda Bakerhttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngLinda Baker2021-05-06 10:27:082022-01-15 17:22:07Laura Gardom, Class of 1940, Her Extraordinary Legacy
The Secret Sixty were a group of Vic High Tech students recruited to work on a top-secret project during World War II.
In February 1942 the Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth the largest ship in the world slipped quietly into Esquimalt Harbour. After having been converted to a troopship a year earlier, she now needed some maintenance, and the Esquimalt drydock was the only one on the Pacific coast large enough to hold her.
Sixty boys were recruited to clean the ship’s boilers, presumably because of a wartime labour shortage. For security reasons, everyone was instructed not to talk about the mammoth ship. Although the Queen Elizabeth towered above her surroundings and was visible to all Victorians, there were no reports in the media about her presence.
The Alumni Association had heard rumours of the Secret Sixty for years, but informal appeals had elicited no information. Recently, however, a conversation with Dr. Don Elder (VHS 43) brought the welcome news that a patient of his, Jack Weber, had been one of the Secret Sixty. I contacted Mr. Weber, and he provided us with a written memoir which is now housed in the Vic High archives.
 Mr. Weber rode his bicycle to the dockyard each day from his parents’ home in James Bay. Armed guards were posted along the E & N Railway lines and at Colville and Admirals roads, while Royal Canadian Navy corvettes patrolled the harbour entrance looking for Japanese submarines.
The students were paid 40 cents an hour for the grimy work. I asked Mr. Weber if they were fed too; no, he said, but the ship’s canteen did provide them with cigarettes. To get outside for their “smoke break”, he and the other boys climbed the equivalent of nine storeys of stairs inside the smokestack.
Mr. Weber’s recollections resulted in his appearing on Global TV’s back-to-school special which aired live from Vic High in September 2010. He was also featured in a Times Colonist article about the Secret Sixty, which resulted in still more archival finds: Youbou resident Allan Scott saw the article and had photographs (which were forbidden) of the ship in drydock. These photos are now also in the Vic High Archives.
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/1959_012BillWakehamblurredbigger.jpg1233852Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-04-08 21:15:402021-05-06 14:29:55Vic High A Memorable Part of Bill Wakeham’s Remarkable Life
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IMG_0330-2.jpeg14521535Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-04-08 20:58:202022-01-15 17:24:42Vic High’s Electrical Program Draws Diversity
Gord Hoshal, front row, second from left, helped the Vic High Totems win the 1969 B.C. high school championship at the Pacific Coliseum. SUBMITTED
Gord Hoshal, who was part of B.C.’s version of Hoosiers in high school basketball, died this week at 69 of cancer. He later went on to play for the University of Victoria as an all-star in Canada West and coached several teams around the capital, including the Camosun College Chargers.
The Vic High Totems were a basketball dynasty in the 1950s and 1960s but their last of four provincial championships came as a longshot underdog in 1969 in one of the biggest upsets in B.C. high school history.
Barrie Moen, Dave Mulcahy and six-foot-four forward Hoshal were the key players of the Totems’ team that edged the top-ranked Oak Bay Bays 38-37 in overtime in the all-Island 1969 provincial final with Hoshal scoring the two winning free throws. The defending 1968-champion Bays, led by centre Tom Holmes and coached by the legendary Gary Taylor, had a 32-game winning streak over two seasons going into the championship game and had beaten coach Porky Andrews’ Vic High squad handily in three previous meetings that season.
It was the first high school basketball championship game played at the Pacific Coliseum, attracting more than 8,000 fans, after decades of the B.C. tournament being held in UBC War Memorial Gym.
“Gord hit possibly the two most pressure-packed free throws in storied Vic High’s great decade of championship basketball,” said Mulcahy.
“The next day we had to take the same bus to the ferry as the Oak Bay team, us in the front holding our trophies, and them in the back. How sweet was that?”
Hoshal and fellow Totems co-captain Eric Earl rode in the Victoria Day Parade that May in the back of a convertible and holding aloft the B.C. championship trophy.
Hoshal and Mulcahy later played together with their Oak Bay rival Holmes at UVic, with Taylor on the Vikes bench coaching. Hoshal averaged 14.7 points and was named Canada West first-team all-star in 1971-72. He finished with an 11.7 points-per-game average in his three-season UVic career.
“Gord was one of the first UVic players to receive first-team Canada West honours,” noted Mulcahy.
“There was no three-point line and you weren’t even allowed to dunk. [The no three-point line] kept his scoring average down as he was a great shooter. And he invented the rub dunk, but [could use it] only in practice.”
Hoshal’s offensive prowess earned him the nickname Doc because teammates labelled him a local Julius Erving.
Hoshal went on after UVic to become a standout Senior A player with the Victoria Data Tech and Scorpions teams that won B.C. and Western Canadian championships and were Canadian runners-up, dispatching the likes of Olympian Phil Tollestrup of Lethbridge along the way, and also routinely beating former University of Washington Huskies and Washington State Cougars players in games across the border against AAU teams.
Hoshal’s coaching tenures included Camosun College twice, with co-coach and former national team player and Seattle SuperSonics draft pick Bob Burrows from 1998 to 2002, and national top-10 ranked Chargers teams with co-coach Gord Thatcher from 2003 to 2005. Hoshal took the Mount Douglas Rams to the B.C. high school tournament twice as head coach and co-coach between 1993 and 1997. Hoshal was also part of numerous hoops clinics across the Island.
“He was a players’ coach and the players loved him,” said Thatcher, who coached Camosun College from 2002 to 2008.
“As a former player, he had great insight into the game, especially the offensive end.”
Having been a student-athlete before becoming a clothier and later realtor, Hoshal knew the Camosun players had little money.
“Gord was very generous,” said Thatcher.
“We had won a Christmas break tournament in Medicine Hat and it was minus-40 with wind chill and we wanted to do something special for the players after the game on New Year’s Eve so we took them to The Keg. Gord picked up the tab. He was that kind of guy.”
Mulcahy summed up a basketball life: “We were basketball gypsies. Decades of road trips and playing games, years of coaching, Gord loved and lived the game.”
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Hoshal.jpg1428804Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-02-28 20:26:302022-01-15 17:26:31Gord Hoshal remembered as playing key part in Island basketball history
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-02-01 11:28:192021-02-01 11:30:28Class of 2011 – Do You Believe?
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2019MarineBiolStudentsWhaleFundraising.jpg-2.png761655Helen Edwardshttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngHelen Edwards2021-02-01 10:56:512022-01-15 17:45:53Vic High has its own Killer Whale Pod
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2020-11-16 17:28:322020-11-17 12:16:151986 A Day in the Life of Vic High
A Soccer Ball Rolls Through It. A century of “the beautiful game” at Vic High. by Barrie Moen and Doug Puritch (VHS 1969)
https://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.png00ideazonehttps://vichigh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/vic-high-logo.pngideazone2020-11-09 01:06:022020-11-12 10:10:53A Soccer Ball Rolls Through It
Victoria High School is the oldest public high school in western Canada. It opened on August 7, 1876, with an enrolment of 12 girls and 22 boys.
Vic High has had four successive homes. The first was a log building with two classrooms, located on the grounds of what is now Central Middle School. Only six years later, the facilities were so inadequate that a new building – a brick annex attached to the public school next door – opened in 1882. This too was soon outgrown and a new building opened in 1902 on an adjacent site. This imposing new school at Fernwood and Yates was designed by the eminent architect Francis Rattenbury, who was also responsible for such local landmarks as the Provincial Legislature, the CP Terminal Building, and the Empress Hotel.
On May 1, 1914, the fourth Victoria High School opened a few blocks north at Fernwood and Grant. This state-of the-art facility, designed by local architect C. Elwood Watkins, cost some $460,000, at that time the most expensive school ever built in British Columbia. Its principal was Samuel J. Willis, who later became BC’s first Deputy Minister of Education. With an enrolment of 478, the new school had plenty of room to also house Victoria College, whose classes were taught by Willis and other senior Vic High faculty.
The Fairey Technical-Vocational Unit officially opened in 1949, across the playing field from the main school. Major additions to the 1914 building were completed in 1956 and 2011. The 1956 addition provided a second gymnasium, classrooms, and art and music studios, while the later one replaced the obsolete Fairey Tech facility. The school’s enrolment peaked at 1540 students in 1963.
The school’s centennial celebrations in 1976, chaired by former Deputy Premier L.J. Wallace (VHS 1930), attracted some 10,000 alumni and friends. One highlight was an original historical musical presentation at the Memorial Arena, produced by staff, students, and a team of volunteer theatre professionals led by the popular teacher Tommy Mayne (VHS 1935). The proceeds from this celebration resulted in the establishment of endowment funds, now generating thousands of dollars in annual scholarships for Vic High students. Another legacy of the centennial was a lavishly illustrated history, Come Give a Cheer by Dr. Peter Smith (VHS 1949), whose father H.L. Smith had been the school’s longest-serving principal (1934-55). Still another was the creation of the school’s award-winning Archives and Museum, which are funded by the Association and managed by Alumni volunteers. The Association went on to produce major celebrations in 2001 (Vic High 125), in 2008 (a homecoming for grads of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s), and in 2014 (the 100th anniversary of the present Vic High building). More celebrations are planned for 2026, Vic High’s 150th anniversary.
In 2020, after months of public debate and a year of planning, the building closed for a major seismic upgrade budgeted at over $77 million. Classes continue at the Vic High Topaz Campus (former S.J. Willis Education Centre) and Fernwood (Fairey Tech) until the renovated building reopens in January 2024 with a capacity of 1000 students.
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It all started in 1974 when a Centennial Celebration Committee (CCC) was formed by then-principal Duncan Lorimer and chaired by Laurie Wallace (1930) to oversee the big 100-year celebration of Victoria High School, 1876-1976. The CCC was composed of many alumni members from many decades, all given very different responsibilities. For example, Dr. Peter Smith (1949) was the History rep. and his extensive research and writing produced the famous black and gold, Come Give A Cheer book. (a few copies still available to purchase from the Archives)
Between 1974 and 1976, Lorimer granted teacher Faith Reimer one spare period a day to pull together the VHS Archives. ‘Old stuff’ had been stored in cupboards, closets, under the stairs, in the attic and many other nooks and crannies around the school. The ‘old stuff’ included boxes of Camosuns, trophies, uniforms, registration cards, exam results, photographs, textbooks, attendance records, and more. It was all gathered up and stored in a spare room off the Andrews gym.
Faith Reimer taught English and Social Studies and had no experience in archive work so she enlisted her son Derek Reimer (1965) who worked in the Provincial Archives and he helped her to set up a basic system to accession (catalogue) what was in the store room. At this early stage Faith also sent a request out to past graduates and teachers to donate pertinent historical items to the collection and materials flowed in.
Archives’ Volunteers Help Produce the 1976 Centennial
The elaborate and wonderfully organized Centennial Celebration was held in May 1976 and was an ‘over the top’ success. The offspring of this celebration were the Come Give A Cheer book celebrating Vic High’s first 100 years, the creation of the Vic High Archives, and the formation of the VHS Alumni Association (VHSAA).
Faith went back to full time teaching but continued with Archive work until she retired in 1980. Little was done with the collection stored in the gym store room until John Boel (1947) attended a meeting to plan a 1994 event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the opening of the current building. Lawrie Wallace was once again chairing the organizing committee. He asked John to resurrect the Archives and John agreed to take on the job, because in his words “saying NO to Lawrie was like saying NO to God”.
The collection, still stored in the gym store room, was moved into Room 105 which became the dedicated Archives public space. John enlisted 2 dedicated volunteers, June (Short) Ferguson and Catherine (Kay) Firth, both 1946 grads. These 3 volunteers sorted and organized the materials onto shelving built by Fairey Tech students under the direction of shop teacher Fred Packford (1948).
Archives’ Official Opening
In preparation for the official opening of the Vic High Archives in 1996, these dedicated volunteers also created the photo gallery that hung on the north and south walls of the Roper Gym running track until its removal for 2020-2022 building upgrades. Packford also built the oak and plexiglass frames that enclosed the photo collection.
The official opening of the Archives also marked the 120th year of VHS (1876). The 120th year program lists several dignitaries attending the ceremony in the Auditorium – the Lieutenant Governor, the local MP, David Anderson (1955), the Mayor, the School Board Chair Donna (Cranton) Jones (1957) and others.
In a speech delivered at the opening, alumni Dr. Peter Smith recalls that after the CCC wrapped up he spoke to Willard Ireland, then the Provincial Archivist, and suggested the VHS collection be transferred to the Royal B.C.Museum. Mr. Ireland agreed that the VHS collection was important but he felt it should be housed and exhibited in the school that owned it, where it would be perpetually guarded and preserved by the Vic High Alumni Association.
Many volunteers have stepped up to help out over the years. Jim Connor (retired VHS steam engineer and custodian), Frank Taylor (1955), Peter Denby (PE, computer teacher and school librarian, 1980-1997), Gary Jones (Vice Principal, 1992-1996) and his wife Valerie Jones, Peter Smith (1949). In addition to writing the official history of Vic High’s first 100 years, Peter then volunteered in the Archives from 2002 until his untimely death in 2006.
Gary and Valerie Jones produced and dedicated 2 jumbo 3-ringed binders of students who died in WW I and WWII. The Commonwealth Graves Commission assisted with their research. These fabulous binders are accessioned into the Archives.
Family Volunteer Tradition Continues
In June 2006, Jill Wallace (1966) came to volunteer. She was a walking VHS encyclopedia with VHS in her veins, probably inherited from her father Lawrie Wallace. She was still active until she passed away in 2011. Anne Boldt (1967) started in 2009-2015 and returned in 2019 to carry on as Archives Co-ordinator. Debbie (Parkinson) Blackie (1967) came on board in 2010 and was there until her untimely death in 2019. Linda Smith(1967) joined Debbie to design and build the Archive displays and photo collages around the school and worked on displays for the 100 Anniversary for the school building in 2014.
In 2007, Ken Roueche (1963) spent many hours researching and writing the history of Fairey Tech, calling the project Fairey Tech – the Other Vic High. His work is incomplete but has been accessioned for another researcher and writer to finish.
Allan (Fergie) Andison (1968) spent four summers photographing the school ‘the way it was’ pre-seismic upgrade 2020-2022. His wonderful photographs are published in a new Vic High 2020 photo book, (available for sale on this site) and his virtual tours and photos will continue to be added to this website.
Barrie Moen (1969) has researched and written many Tales from the Attic (posted on this website), Shirley (Beecham) Kasper (1969) scanned the entire collection of Camosuns to make available digitally, and Eric Earl (1969) converted Camosun scans into easily-viewed files and contributes hundreds of hours of tech wizardry creating videos and other digital records.
More recent volunteers have also included Elise Polkinghorne, Kathleen MacDonald (1973), and Anne McKeachie (1968). Linda Baker (1969) helped with cataloguing and packing up the collections to be stored during the seismic upgrade, and she and Fergie created the Vic High 2020 photo book.
Archives on the Move Again
After the 125th Anniversary (May 2001) the Archives moved again to Room 100 just north of the Foods Lab. It remained there until 2011 when the new Fairey Tech addition was built. Once again the Archives moved around the corner to another room 100, this time across from the Foods lab. It remained there until the big pack-up in June 2020 for the seismic upgrade. All 350 boxes in the collection as well as furnishings are now stored in temporary lockers in the Fairey Tech concourse until 2022.
On June 1st, 2010, after a 36 year involvement with the VHS Archives a tea was held to honor Faith Reimer and Room 100 was named the Faith Reimer Room. Faith had personally accessioned 1837 manuscripts, photos, artifacts and books into the VHS Archive collection. In 2012, the Alumni Association and the Archives were honoured by the B.C. Historical Federation for strengthening and preserving the heritage and archives of Victoria High School, for the next and future generations. While the Archives room itself was named after Reimer, in 2020 the VHSAA voted to update the Archives’ name to the Vic High Archives & Museum to better reflect its actual collections, displays and operation. The Collections Room remains named after Faith Reimer.
During the seismic upgrade of Vic High (2020 – 2024), the collections were securely stored and volunteers used the time to create a searchable database of the records, making future searches not so dependent on a volunteer’s memory! Once Vic High re-opened in April 2024, a large team of volunteers set up the new Archives and Museum in Room 123, and organized a large storage area in the basement for the overflow. Students now regularly visit and tour the Archives and volunteer during free blocks and lunch breaks, setting up displays and organizing artifacts.
The Vic High Archives and Museum is generally open Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons 12:30 – 3:30, and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 – 3. But it’s best to call ahead if you’d like to visit. 250-940-7029. Volunteers work in the Archives and on Alumni projects and routine business, and would love to show you around.
Submitted by Anne Boldt (VHS 1967)
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Debbie Blackie, Passionate Archives Volunteer
by Barrie Moen
An unexpected shadow was cast over the Vic High Archives on August 27, 2019 with the sudden passing of Archives volunteer Debbie Blackie (nee Parkinson, VHS 1967). A passionate contributor to the growth of the Archives in the past ten years, she was always encouraging volunteers, guests, and donors alike, and visiting the Archives was always a pleasure.
Debbie loved to research any subject associated with Vic High. However, her unique skills were showcased when she and her friend Linda Smith began creating hallway displays featuring historic and contemporary photos, images and articles of clothing from school clubs and teams. Their artefact shadow-box displays, featured in a variety of areas in the school, were of museum quality, and because of a limited budget, the expense was often covered from their own pockets.
Debbie also developed the idea of a page on the Vic High Alumni website (www.vichigh.com) called “Tales from the Attic,” to publish intriguing articles offering further insight into the history of the school.
A skilled negotiator, Debbie approached me offering the opportunity to write some articles for the new website feature.
“What does it pay?” I asked.
“Nothing,” she replied.
“Well, if you can double that, I might be interested,” I countered.
“I believe I can convince the Alumni Association to find those funds,” she surmised, and an unusual literary friendship blossomed.
At her memorial service, it became obvious that Debbie was well loved by her associates during her 35 years within the Greater Victoria hospital system. As one speaker mentioned, Debbie was a private person who treated her various groups of friends with empathy and respect. However, the speaker noted, in order to avoid any conflicts she never allowed any cross-pollination of these groups, so the speaker was overjoyed at the large, diverse crowd gathered to honour Debbie’s life.
Anne Boldt (VHS 1967) and Kathleen McDonald (VHS 1973), with the assistance of Alumni Board member Anne McKeachie (VHS 1968), will now take on the duties of accessioning and organizing the VHS Archives for temporary storage during the seismic upgrading of the school. Setting up the new Vic High Archives and Museum will be much anticipated, with the school’s commitment to expanding the space for these precious articles and to ensuring easy public accessibility.
We know the new Vic High Archives and Museum area will reflect Debbie’s diligent spirit, best summed up in her usual Tuesday morning greeting in the Archives: “Oh, there you are. What have you been up to? I have something for you to do.”
Barrie Moen (VHS 1969) is also a dedicated Archives volunteer.
You can find a link to Deb’s newspaper obit under the News tab (In Memoriam – Grads and Supporters).
Finding Their Way to the Stars. A profile of two Fairfield boys who became internationally known physicists, and who inspired a new interest in astronomy at present-day Vic High. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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Happy or Helsinki? In preparation for the 1952 Olympics in Finland, the Canadian Olympic Association invited Vic High grad Norma Stewart to Montreal to train for Canada’s swim team. But for Norma, this presented an agonizing choice! by Helen Raptis (VHS 1980)
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Vic High and Ice Hockey. A review of the early history of ice-hockey in Victoria and particularly at Victoria High School. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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Mr. Smith’s Walking Stick. In 1893 a group of Vic High students presented their departing teacher with an engraved silver-handled walking stick — and now it’s come home from Alberta! A true treasure that even our Archives volunteers didn’t know existed. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969) with design by Eric Earl (VHS 1968)
Grads in the Attic. A place of history and mystery! Take a virtual tour of the attic to find your name, or to take the tour you never got to experience. Photos by Syvia Michalewicz, digitized by Eric Earl (VHS 1968)
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A Brief (Video) History of Vic High. This 5-minute video was made by Camosun College students about 1990. Digitized by Eric Earl (VHS 1968) and Kal Czotter (VHS 1972)
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Sewing Club, Pep Meetings and Noon Dances, One Girl’s Senior Matric Year in 1940-41. Ethel Rowe graduated from Vic High in 1941. Her granddaughter Stephanie Warner recently uncovered Ethel’s high-school pictures and 1940-1941 Camosun yearbook. She came to the Vic High Archives to learn more about Ethel’s Grade 12 year and about school culture at that time. by Stephanie Ann Warner.
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Cumby’s Ghost. He was perhaps the most accomplished high-school coach that no one’s ever heard of. Is that why his ghost might still walk the halls of Vic High? by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
Archive Treasure 1884. It was probably a Christmas present: a delicate hand-painted autograph book used by a Vic High girl from 1884 to 1887. Recently it was donated to our collection by her granddaughters. by the Archives team
The Block V. Have you ever wondered why you didn’t receive a Block V? This intriguing story explains what accomplishments were needed and what the associated number meant. by the Archives team
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Victoria High School in the 1950s. A Vic High grad recalls some of the influences that led to his successful career as a particle physicist, in an article originally written for “Vic High 125” in 2001. by A.J. Stewart Smith (VHS 1955)
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A Thomson Cup Comes Home The BC Boys Rugby Championship Trophy that Vic High won during the 1925-1926 school year is donated to the Archives. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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A Time for T. Why do all the Vic High team names begin with T? A simple question leads our Archives volunteer on a search through Vic High’s athletic glory of the first half of the 20th century, culminating one of the most bizarre basketball games the Vic High boys ever played! by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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The Jacket from Vic High A recent email request to our Archives uncovered this story about a boy from England whose life was changed by coming to Vic High for one year (1968-69). by Geoff Bell
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Fire at Will A true tale about the danger of hanging out in the old attic back in ’44. The adventure of “Sylvia Corbett and the Whistling Bullet.” by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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Artifacts in the Air Ducts Not all artifacts are found in grid-marked diggings by archaeologists toiling in the sun. Some can be found with a glance in the right direction at Vic High. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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The Lost Boys of ’67 “This year is sure to be the best yet,” said George “Porky” Andrews. A look back at the best BC high-school basketball team team that never was, and the only national high-school basketball championship that ever occurred in Canada. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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Remembering Lieutenant Frank Constant Hall A tale of remembrance and personal sacrifice. A reminder of the brave soldiers whose names appear on the memorial in the entrance foyer of Victoria High School. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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The Lost Key A tale of the opening day celebrations at Victoria High School and the presentation of a ceremonial key to the front entrance. by Barrie Moen (VHS 1969)
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Some current Vic High students recently interviewed grads from the 1930s to ’70s, in a project celebrating the City of Victoria’s 150th anniversary. Click Here to see the results.
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The present Vic High building opened in 1914, the same year that the Great War began, and its early years were dominated by Canada’s coming-of-age in that unprecedented conflict. Students cultivated a “victory garden” where the grass hockey field is now, and many students and teachers joined up and went overseas. The beautiful war memorials in Vic High’s main hall always impress visitors to the school.
As the 100th anniversary of the war approached, there was an upsurge of interest in Vic High’s wartime experiences. In 2012 our avenue of memorial trees, originally planted in 1917, was replanted and rededicated. That same year, we were honoured to present a graduation certificate to one of school’s Japanese-Canadian students who had been denied this opportunity in 1942. (See stories in both our newsletter and bulletin dated Spring 2012, under the News tab above.)
The Alumni Association’s “Great War Project” was launched in 2013 by Dr. Barry Gough, the Association’s chair and an eminent Canadian historian, at a national conference in Ottawa. Here is a video of his presentation.
The Great War Project culminated in book, published in November 2014, titled From Classroom to Battlefield: Victoria High School and the First World War, written by Barry Gough. Digital and print editions are now available: for further information, click on the “New Book” link at the right of this screen.
Dr. Barry Gough is a Vic High grad (VHS 1956) who returned to the school as a teacher in 1960s. Barry later established an impressive career teaching Canadian history at Wilfrid Laurier University, before retiring to Victoria in 2004. He has published many books on Canadian history, mostly in the area of maritime history. His recent books include Fortune’s a River: The Collision of Empires in Northwest America (2007) and Juan de Fuca’s Strait: Voyages in the Waterway of Forgotten Dreams (2012).
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John C. Newbury – Head of His Class
(Vic High’s and Western Canada’s First Governor General’s Medal Winner) by John Adams and Denis Johnston (both VHS 1967)
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