Saint John's School of Alberta » Updates

Alumni Passes Away

Barbara McKay — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:38:59 +0000

Stephen in "historical costume" circa 1980's

Quite suddenly, on Saturday January 21, 2012 alumnus Stephen Whistance-Smith (laundry # 408) passed away. Stephen was a student at St. John’s from 1973 – 1975. Notification of his passing came from his brother Douglas (1980-1983 laundry #798). We express our condolences to the family as they grieve their loss.

SJCBS Photos from the ’60′s

Barbara McKay — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:03:03 +0000

We received some great old photos from an alumni. They include pictures from the 1967 Grande Portage canoe trip; as well as the student body photos from the years 1964 through to 1969. They are posted on our Picasa page at this link:

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.

Alumni Wedding in Mexico

Barbara McKay — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:57:41 +0000

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.

Our St. John’s Community Loses Another Founding Member

Barbara McKay — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:16:37 +0000

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

Re-Living the Methye Portage

Barbara McKay — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 21:10:23 +0000

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.

New Photos Added to Picasa Gallery

Barbara McKay — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:36:53 +0000

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)

Refurbished Father Sargeant Canoe Launched!

Barbara McKay — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:03:19 +0000

After a few years of work, the Father Sargeant was re-launched! When the Alberta school closed, Rod Coates (SJCBS #175) bought some of the canoes – one being the Father Sargeant. He has been working on the canoe for a few years, and and this summer the refurbished canoe was launched. Rod’s family paddled around the lake and then took some video. Bow to stern and then port to starboard in the video are; Jason Coates (1122SJSA), D’arcy Coates, Alex Coates, Sandie Coates (sunglasses), Lorraine Coates, Elise Coates, and Rod Coates (175SJCBS).

Click here to see video of the Refurbished Father Sargeant

Alumni Wedding 2011

Barbara McKay — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 19:34:03 +0000

Mike & Kristin

On Saturday July 9, 2011 Mike Jaskiw (AG’98) wed Kristin McKenzie in Edmonton. It was a wonderful day for all involved, and a great excuse to visit with many of the “SJSA family”.

In the wedding party were Paul Jaskiw (AG’00), Jay Berg (AG’98), Dallas D Aoust (AG’98), and Heath Foster (A’85) as well as Mike’s friend Dan Robinson. Many former staff were guests; Peter and Renee Jackson, Cathy Kirby, Keith and Cheryl Marsh (Keith officiated at the ceremony), Keith and Barbara McKay, Steve Simmons and his wife Becky, as well as Chris Forrest (AG’98) and his wife Christina.

A good time was had by all. Congratulations Mike and Kristin!

Alumni News – Another Little One Arrives

Barbara McKay — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:04:09 +0000

Jeff and baby Cassidy

We just received an email from a proud grandma (Mary-Ellen Turnbull) to announce that Jeff Turnbull (SJSA Grad ’98) is a Dad! Cassidy Briar was born on July 2, 2011. Mom and Dad are both doing well.

A Long “Lost Poet”

Barbara McKay — Mon, 30 May 2011 18:08:16 +0000

One of our former staff (and alumnus of SJCBS) – Dave Parker and his wife Christine were out for our Spring Fling and brought a “special find” with them. We are told Dave is a bit of a pack-rat, and while sorting through old things, he discovered a long lost poem written by an unknown student. The following is the poem and a note written by the student. Are you that student?

“The Life of Wild”

Bold and hard are things of wild,

Never weak, shy, or mild.

Courage shown in every way,

The wild is known from day to day.

North to South; East to West,

The bold; the wild, seek no rest.

The life of wild is no disgrace,

A different breed, a type, a race.

The wild will stay for ever more,

A chance, a trial, a working chore.

The wild has never called upon the weak,

Strength and Courage, wild will seek!

Unknown

Who ever cares to read it: This poem was written by a boy from St. John’s on the night of September 24, 1976.

All of the above was found written on a piece of loose leaf paper - if you recognize this note and poem please let us know!