4 minute read
The Goals of Retired Teachers
Greetings from the City of Winnipeg L-R: His Worship Mayor Brian Bowman, Chair Committee Theresa Antoniuk, Wally Stoyko - Public Relations
Dave Froese at the age of 94, was the first to register for the 15th Annual Reunion of the Permit Teachers
Front Row, L-R: Ralph Trombo, Lavone Lesperance-Caron, Margaret Lesperance, Theresa Antoniuk - Chairperson, Edith Alexiuk - Registrar, Karen Boughton. Back Row, L-R: Wally Stoyko - Public Relations, Melvin Bodnarus - Treasurer, Murray Coates, Bill Badiuk - Acting Secretary, Alex Alexiuk.
Permit Teachers Reunion. In a years’ time in 2004, 28 former permit teachers met informally at the Viscount Gort. The meeting was a success.
In 2005, Dr. Louisa Loeb, a retired Brandon University professor and Margaret Lesperance started the first Permit Teacher’s Reunion. Dr. Louisa Loeb took on the position as chairperson. Three former permit teachers, Karen Boughton, Lavone Lesperance-Caron and Wally Stoyko joined the committee and assisted in Program Planning. More former permit teachers joined the reunions but chose not to sign-up for any committees.
Thank you to Dr. Louisa Loeb for compiling a book called “Manitoba Permit Teachers of World War II”.
Due to health reasons, in March 2007 Dr. Louisa Loeb couldn’t continue her term so Margaret Lesperance completed the year as chair and continued as chairperson for the next two years, however in 2009 Margaret found it too difficult to continue therefore at the 5th Permit Teachers Reunion in 2009, elections were held and Theresa Antoniuk became the newly elected chairperson of the 6th Permit Teachers Reunion for 2010.
Using an old fashioned school hand bell Reunion Committee Chair, Theresa welcomed fellow permit teachers, guests and students to the 15TH annual and final reunion. Followed by opening remarks and welcomes the introduction of the past chair persons were announced; Keith Boughton (deceased), Wally Stoyko, Jack Bock and Jack Mohr. Regretfully, our Honorary Member, Dr. Louisa Loeb was unable to attend the reunion. The chairperson also introduced the 2019 committee members whose names were listed in the program and on the group photo.
Introduction of former students by their teachers were as follows:
Teacher, Nettie Yarmie; Student, Joanne Fostey, Teacher, Ralph Trombo; Student, Evelyn Schinkel
Teacher, Phyllis Lamb; Student, Donna Smith, Teacher, Doreen Richmond; Student, Donna Barling
Ralph Trombo, Permit Teacher and Committee Member introduced his student Evelyn Schinkel
Teacher, Wally Stoyko; (4) Students, Veronica Tokar, Ed Drabyk, Ernie Okrainec, Leona Okrainec.
Special Recognition was given to Dave Froese of Winnipeg, MB. 94 years old and the first to register for the 15th reunion, also a special recognition was given to Elizabeth Bayduza from Winnipegosis, MB. who travelled the farthest to attend the reunion. The two permit teachers were recognized with a monetary gift presented by the chairperson.
“In Memoriam” was presented by Karen Boughton, followed by grace prior to the delicious luncheon which was prepared and served by the courteous and pleasant staff of the Viscount Gort Hotel.
The Special Presentations Event was chaired by Wally Stoyko who introduced five dignitaries and officials who brought greetings and congratulations to the permit teachers.
His Worship, Mayor Brian Bowman brought greetings on behalf of the City of Winnipeg, followed by, Ralph Groening, President of the Manitoba School Boards Association.
Kent McPherson, on behalf of James Bedford, President of the Manitoba Teachers Society. Allan Campbell, President of the Manitoba Municipalities Association. MLA James Teitsma on behalf of Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Education. Wally Stoyko graciously thanked the dignitaries for taking the time to bring greetings. Thank you Wally for getting all the dignitaries to bring greetings. Edith Alexiuk introduced and thanked the Southglen Fiddlers who entertained the Reunion Permit Teachers and guest with wonderful music. It was a delight to see the guests enjoying themselves and dancing to the fine music. Anne Yanchyshyn, permit teacher even had a dance with her son’s former Windsor School teacher and committee member, Wally Stoyko. Edith Alexiuk presented the band with an honorarium.
Following the entertainment, three groups of photos were taken. First group was from years 1940-1949, second group was from years 19501960 and later, the third group was from the 2019 Permit Teachers Reunion Committee. Thank you to Mel Bodnarus and Bil Badiuk for looking after the collection of money for developing the photos.
Our thanks are extended to the many generous donors who donated door prizes which were presented by Wally Stoyko. It was indeed an honor and pleasure working with the past and present reunion committees. Thank you for your help and efficient expertise over the years that I was committee chairperson.
Following the Permit Teachers Reunion a committee meeting was held in a private room at the Viscount Gort Hotel with 10 members present. Absent were, Vera McCallum, Ed Arndt and Margaret Lesperance. General discussions took place regarding the recent celebration of the 15th Annual Reunion. There was geneal agreement that the reunion was very successful. Treasurer, Mel Bodnarus presented an interim report of the committee financial status. The completed report was presented on September 19, 2019 at Canad Inns-Transcona, where another meeting was held by the Reunion Committee with 12 members in attendance. The two banners related to the Permit Teachers Reunion will be taken to the MTS by Wally Stoyko. Photographs were distributed as well as the ties and socks that were received by the reunion committee from the Mayor’s Office as a token of appreciation for the committees work in preserving the history of “Permit Teachers in Manitoba”.
A Permit Teachers informal get together will be held tentatively on July 9, 2020 at Canad InnsTranscona.
