Faraday School, part of a rich heritage and history in the city's North End, celebrated its 100thanniversary today. The June 16 celebration, which included current students, staff and alumni, started with a special assembly on the school's front grounds. The celebration included: remarks from WSD Trustee Linda Schatkowsky and a welcome from Principal Jennifer Cox; entertainment by students in the Performing Arts program; the unveiling of a new whole-school mosaic art piece, created by a local artist; student-led tours of the school; refreshments and food trucks; and the opportunity to connect with current and former students, staff and community members.
"I'm proud of our entire school," said Principal Jennifer Cox. "Our students, staff and our valued alumni have all worked hard to celebrate Faraday's past, present and future, and our longtime connection to this community."
Alumnus Lorna Guse, who was a student (1958-63) and later came back to serve as a school nurse in the Seventies, said students took pride in serving their community. Ms. Guse was one of approximately 150 alumni who returned to the school for the centennial.
"One of the big things about elementary school was being a school patrol," she said. "We've talked to other alumni that said that was the highlight of their years of Faraday."
The school, located at the corner of Mountain Avenue and Parr Street, opened to students on Dec. 1, 1922. Five hundred students transferred from temporary arrangements at Margaret Scott School, Strathcona School, and Ralph Brown School. It was originally a school for Nursery to Grade 9. Over the years the school has expanded, adding classrooms, a large auditorium, gymnasium and performing arts studio.
Inclusion and accessibility for all has been deeply valued by the Faraday community. Principal Larry Lagrange devoted a great deal of time and effort into getting an elevator added to the building in 1988, so all students could access all areas of the school.
Today Faraday is a Nursery to Grade 6 school. It is home to a number of Inclusive Education programs and a Family Centre that has won an early child literacy award. In 2018, the Faraday Autism Center Team (established in 2016) received recognition from the Manitoba Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) for Outstanding Achievement, Teaching.
