Green Literature Book

They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships

Psalm 107

“They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business on the great waters;

These men see the works of the Lord, and His wonders in the deep.

For at His word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof.

They are carried up yo the heaven, and down again to the deep; their soul melteth away because of the trouble.

They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.

So they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and He delivereth them from their distress.

For he maketh the storm to cease, so that the waves thereof are still.

Then they are glad, because they are at rest; and so He bringeth them unto the haven where they would be.

O that men would therefore praise the Lord for His goodness, and declare the wonders that He doeth

for the children of men!

That they would exalt Him also in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders!”

Term One memory work … who remembers some of the many passages from the Green Lit book that you had to memorize? Send us your story!

(Click on the title to submit your comment – click on the photo to enlarge)

Sanding Canoes

Throughout all the programs at St. John’s there was the opportunity to learn a great many life-skills. Whether it was the work program,  outdoor experiences, in the classroom, or on honey sales, skills were being learned.

Perhaps while you were immersed in the moment, you weren’t thinking … I’ll be using this skill set later in life.  In fact, the question at the time was generally … “when will we ever use this again?”

Send us your stories of lessons learned and skills retained …

Steps to School Ravine

With 265 acres to roam, the students had some wonderful places to explore on the school site. A great many adventures were had in building forts, sliding down “suicide hill”, viewing beaver dams along the creek, and just walking through the many trails on the property.

Send in your memories of your adventures on the school property.

(Click on the photo to see a larger version, or click on the title to submit your memories)

Canoeing Lake Winnipeg 1967

We came across this picture while preparing for the first chapters of the Memory Book. This  image is from the past – about 1967 SJCBS – check out the blue jeans, the duffle bags, the old running shoes and the keyhole life jackets. This was the “old school” method of canoeing.

Many of you were part of this era. Send us your memories of the old days of canoeing.

Click on the title to submit your comments. Click on the picture for a larger version.

Refuge in La Ronge

Every canoe trip had it’s special “landmarks”. For those who paddled the Churchill River system there were a few – Robertson Trading Post and Nistowiak Falls; for the Methye Trip there is of course the “great portage”, and Great Slave Lake.

What are you memorable landmarks from your canoe trips? Send us your story.

Pacific Crab Anyone?

Each year at this time the final prep for the canoe trips was over and the brigades are heading off on their river adventures. One of most difficult areas in the planning has always been food. How do you keep a group of teen aged boys well fed and happy with their meals.

Over the years their have been some truly amazing outdoor cooks on the trips. And some of the trips just lent themselves to offering some great meals. (The Pacific trip always had the seafood to keep the group happy!).

What was your best meal on a canoe trip? Send us your story.

Click on photo to see a larger version. Click on the title, then scroll to the bottom to submit your comment.

Through the years at St. John’s there have been some legendary “pranks” pulled on students and staff  alike. From kitchen raids, and dorm raids to April Fools tricks and classroom pranks. Behind these were always “partners in crime”. Who was your partner, and what were some of the best pranks that you can remember. Send us you stories.

Productions Through the Years

“All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts” William Shakespeare

Through the years at St. John’s many dramatic productions were presented. Some funny, some serious, but all were creations that required a great deal of time and energy to finally get to the stage.

"The Elevator" 1985

The staff and students poured their hearts and souls into the work. All those in attendance, for any one of the many plays, were always surprised to see the talent and dedication shown by the group.

Submit your memories of the plays put on by the school. (Click on the title and scroll to the box for your submission). We want to hear your stories.

Those Dreadful Mosquitoes

Spring is finally here, and with it comes our favourite pest – mosquitoes! Each spring the students at St. John’s began their training for canoe trips. Along with the work involved in preparing for portaging and paddling; there was the job of “making peace” with the bugs.

Share your stories of how you dealt with the onslaught of mosquitoes each spring.