Sylvania Hamlet School # 4933

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In relating the history of Sylvania School # 4933 in the hamlet of Sylvania, it seems necessary to start in 1908 with the formation of Sylvania School # 1873 (later known as East Sylvania). After the building of the C.P.R. branch from Sheho to Nipawin and the town site of Sylvania in 1925 and 26, the school population swelled to the point where they decided they had to open a second classroom.

The trustees rented part of the Sylvania Hotel for $25 a month. Mr. A. J. Miller, who had been teaching in the rural Sylvania School, was the first teacher when it opened in October, 1931 . Mr. Miller remained as teacher of Sylvania Hamlet #4933 from 1931 to March, 1941, at which time he joined the R.C.A.F. Muriel Rolles finished his term.

Teachers on staff after that year were:
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Mrs. E. Fitzsimmons
F. E. Benning
John Foster

Miss E. M. Mortman
Frances Morgan
Mrs. A. McQuarrie

Ray Hodgins
Mrs. G. O'Byrne
Pauline Locke

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A. J. Miller returned for a year 1946-47. By this time an additional room had been built and two teachers were hired. In 1947-48 Mr. and Mrs. Steve and Jessie Diahow taught grades 1-6 and 7-12. During the years 1948-54, Mr. Miller and Mrs. Ellis taught those rooms.

As population continued to swell, a third room was opened. Mrs. McQuarrrie took charge of the intermediate room. In 1952 Sylvania became part of the Tisdale School Unit #53. Barrier River and Beech Grove schools closed in 1954 and these students were bussed to Sylvania. At this time a fourth room was opened in the old Red and White Store.The staff at that time included: Mr.Miller as principal teaching grades 8,10,11 and 12, Lillian Abrahamson grades 7 and 9, Mrs. McQuarrie grades 4,5 and 6, and Mrs Ellis grades 1,2 and 3.


In the year 1956-57 the extra room was closed: Mrs. Abrahamson and Mrs. McQuarrie left. L Gruending taught grades 4,5,6,7 and 8, Mr. Miller 9,10,11 and 12, Mrs. Ellis 1,2 and 3.

Mr. Miller and Mrs. Ellis continued until 1959-60 when Gordon Knuff took Mr, Miller's position for 2 years.


Several changes occurred in the years 61-65. Teachers were Mary Murphy, Lorne McCorriston, Gail McLean, Austin Laventure, Jeanette Larsen, Adele Willor, Olive Dohms, A. B. Farncombe, and Signe Bruner In 1965 Bill McGowan taught grades 7 and 8, Olive Dohms 5 and 6, Netha Parmentier 3 and 4, and Jeanette Larsen 1 and 2.


Ms. Gray and Iris Federko took Netha’s position in 1967-69. Then from 1970-79 Bill McGowan taught 7,8 and 9, Olive Dohms 4,5 and 6 and Jeanette Larson 1,2 and 3. (Kindergarten was added in 1974) Deborah Cooke came on staff in 1979-80 to teach kindergarten.


In 1981-82 Leona Cote replaced Olive Dohms in grade 4,5 and 6. In 1983-84 Carmen Roy replaced Jeanette Larson and Shirley DeMarsh taught 2, 3 and 4. (A four-room school once again). Of the previous staff, only Carmen remained.

Bill McGowan retired in 85-86 and G.W. Schweitzer joined the staff, followed by D. J. Canning and J. Fulton who remained on staff until 93-94. Other teachers during that time included Marilyn Sharpen, Frances Smith, Brenda Binky, Ron Eremko, B. Gabriel, Colette Hayward, J. Fuerstenberg, Marilyn Wallington, (nee Sharpen), Joyce Thursten.


From 1995-2000 teachers included B. Gabriel, C. Hayward, M. Wallington, Carmen Roy, Garnet Cridland, Betina Fisher, Leah Madsen, Chis Janzen, L. Hunchak, J. Jones. By 2000, the school was reduced to 2 rooms: K,1,2: and 3,4,5.


From its humble beginnings in 1931, Sylvania School # 4933 - and the teachers - has survived and served the residents of the hamlet and the surrounding areas wonderfully well; making Sylvania a proud participant in the “opening up” of the country.

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from From Forest to Farmland, and from Sylvania Recollections
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