Graysville School 1920-2010

submitted by carrol Bruce

Graysville School, in a small hamlet seven miles west of Carman, Manitoba, closed its doors June 30, 2010. The school and property were put up for sale.

A reunion committee came together in April of 2011 made up of Judie Owen, Ethel Hook and Carrol Bruce. We three had attended the Graysville School from Grade 1 to 12.

We knew it would be a big undertaking but we were determined to hold a reunion before the school was sold. Our first task was to find the names of all the students who had attended. The archives had student lists from 1920 – 1965. With the help of the Prairie Rose School Division, who had the registers, we were able to find students from 1966 – 2010. Using the telephone, email, Facebook, and word of mouth, we were able to locate most of the students, former teachers, and custodians.

Our reunion was held July 30, 2011, with more than four hundred people attending from Ontario to British Columbia and the USA. The day began with the singing of O Canada and raising the flag. Candice Hoeppner, Member of Parliament for Portage La Prairie; Blaine Pedersen, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba; and Elaine Owen, a board member of the Prairie Rose School Division were our guest speakers. Neil MacNair, a former student and a local resident who also had two sons attend the school, reminisced of how education had changed from his parents’ era to the closing of the school. Memorabilia was on display and many people had the opportunity to tour the school. A skit took place with Dorothy Hudson, teacher, trying to control her classroom.

A cold plate supper was served. George Baker, ninety eight years young, and a grade one student in 1920, cut the cake. After the supper, there were races for the children.

A book titled “Graysville School 1920-2010 and its Community” was put together by the reunion committee with the help from the community.

Many stories were told and socializing with friends, many of whom we hadn’t seen in years, was a wonderful part of the reunion. The reunion was a great success.

What a memorable day.

LIFE INSURANCE INFORMATION

numerous active teachers purchased term life insurance through the Manitoba teachers' Society. this group plan ceases for individuals once you reach age 70. the purpose of this note is to inform you that, since Sun life is the carrier, there is the potential to continue in a Sun life Plan in a more seamless manner. However, this is the responsibility of the individual by contacting a Sun life representative. Moving to another life insurance carrier is another possibility by personal choice.

URGENT: FINAL NOTICE

if you were on Parental leave while you were an active teacher, please remember, that you have until December 31, 2011, to apply to tRAF for credit on your pension. it is possible to transfer RRSP money to pay for this credit. Retirees must apply before age 71. See "Fall 2011 kit, page 26," for details.

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