Victoria School (Saskatoon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Victoria School |
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The first Victoria School, also known as the Little Stone Schoolhouse.
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| General information | |
| Type | One room schoolhouse |
| Location | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Coordinates | 52°7′46″N 106°38′27″W / 52.12944°N 106.64083°W |
| Construction started | 1888 |
| Completed | 1888 |
| Design and construction | |
| Main contractor | Alexander Marr |
In the city of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the name Victoria School has been used for three different public schools. One of these was the very first permanent school ever built in the city, and it has a special history.
Contents
The First Victoria Schools
A Stone Schoolhouse for a New Town
The first Victoria School is now a historic building. It was a small, one-room schoolhouse built from stone in 1888. A stonemason named Alexander Marr built it for the new temperance colony that was starting the city of Saskatoon.
In 1887, the local school board decided they needed a school. They borrowed $1,200 to build one that could hold about 40 students. This little stone school was built at a busy intersection known as "Five Corners."
Growing Pains and a New Building
As Saskatoon grew, the small schoolhouse wasn't big enough. In 1905, a new, larger school with two rooms was built right next to the original one. It was also called Victoria School. For a few years, both schools were used at the same time.
However, the city was still growing fast. By 1909, an even bigger Victoria School was built to replace them both.
Saving the Little Stone School
After the new school opened, the two-room school was torn down. But a group called the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire wanted to save the original 1888 stone schoolhouse.
In 1911, to celebrate the coronation of King George V, the group had the little school moved to the University of Saskatchewan campus. For many years, it was just used for storage. Then, in 1965, another group called the Saskatoon Council of Women fixed it up. They restored the school to look like it did in the 1880s and opened it for public tours.
École Victoria School Today
The large brick school built in 1909 is the one that still stands today. It was designed by architect Walter William LaChance. For a long time, it was known simply as Victoria School and taught classes in English.
Later, it began offering a French immersion program, where students learn in French. This became so popular that the school adopted a bilingual name: École Victoria School. Starting in the 2020-2021 school year, it became a full French immersion school. It is operated by the Saskatoon Public School Division.
See also
- Royal eponyms in Canada
