Spring has Arrived

Now that spring appears to be on it’s way, all of us are thinking how best to celebrate it’s arrival. On June 9, 2012, we will be hosting our 4th Annual “Last Spring Fling” at Saint John’s.  As with the past three celebrations; we look forward to seeing old friends and sharing an evening of camaraderie and memories.

We have an additional reason to gather – to say a farewell to Blaine Thauberger who will be moving to B.C in the summer. Blaine has been on staff with us since the early 1980′s and has been invaluable to us as we continue to move through the new phase in the Saint John’s story. We will miss Blaine, and invite you to come out to share in our farewell to him. Bring your favourite “Blaine” story to share around the fire.

The evening will begin with a Compline service at 5:00pm followed by a potluck supper, hosted at the McKay’s. Other items to bring are a lawn chair and your own refreshments.

If you are able to come, please contact us at 780-701-5625 or bmckay@sjsa.ab.ca. We look forward to seeing you on June 9th. Send this email on to a friend who might not have heard about our get together.

Sample Front Cover

Check out the “sneak peek” of our history book. Click on the link on the right hand side of our home page.

Dave Leach and Michael Owen - 2012 (Grad Class 1982)

Or you can scroll to the bottom of any page on this website and click on the Picasa icon in the bottom right hand corner of the page.

Canadians at a Mexican Wedding

On November 19, 2011 Rodrigo Anaya (SJSA 92-95) wed his fiancee Alejandra in San Juan Cosala (a small town south of Guadalajara located on Lake Chapala).  The service took place in a beautiful church built in 1740.

From the church the reception moved east to Ajijic, the venue was located on a hill overlooking Lake Chapala.  True to Mexican tradition the party carried on well into the night with great food and much dancing.

There were a few Canadian SJSA alumni in attendance (Mike & Kristin Jaskiw, Keith & Barbara McKay and Jay Berg). As well, there were a few Mexican SJSA alumni (Juan Carlos Munoz (’86-’88) his wife Cintili, Juan Pablo Anaya and Diego de Anda).  It was wonderful to meet Rodrigo and Ali’s families and to share in their special day.

Nancy Wiens

In the early hours of September 13, 2011, Nancy Wiens (wife of founding father Frank Wiens) surprised us with her passing. Nancy was 87, but was still living on her own and determinedly independent to the last.  Nancy along with Frank and Ted and Virginia Byfield began the adventure of the St. John’s  Schools back in 1957. She worked as the school nurse and administrative office assistant.  Along with the school adventure; Nancy raised 10 children and in later years enjoyed her 23 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  In her retirement years she gave her time to volunteer activities in the Selkirk community; as a member of the Rotary Anns, working at the Selkirk Food Bank and the secondhand clothing shop ‘the House of Economy”.  She was predeceased by her husband Frank in May of 2010.

Funeral services will be held at St. Peter’s Parish, Dynevor, in the old stone church near East Selkirk on Monday, September 19th at 3:00pm. Interment will follow immediately in the cemetry.

A complete obituary can be seen in the Winnipeg Free Press

Methye Crew 2011

In mid-August several Manitoba alumni and their children tackled the Methye portage. They began at the bridge on highway 955 north of La Loche and traveled on the Clearwater River west to the portage. Yes, that’s right they did the portage backwards.

The weather and bugs cooperated to make it a memorable trip. Included in the crew are; Richard Bird SJCBS ’67, Jim McKay SJCBS ’67, Mike Solmundson SJCBS ’79 and his sons Kyle and Kevin, and Danny Lynes SJCBS ‘ 80.

Interschool Dog Race 1977

For those students who participated in the February 1977  Inter school dog sled race, we came across the pictures taken on the race.  Scroll to the bottom of this page and click on the icon on the far right to see the album “1977 Inter school Dog Sled Race” in our Picasa albums.  (Or click here)

Click here to see video of the Refurbished Father Sargeant