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Victoria School (Saskatoon) facts for kids

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Victoria School
Little Stone Schoolhouse.jpg
Original Victoria School
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 / 52.12944; -106.64083
Construction started 1888
Completed 1888
Design and construction
Main contractor Alexander Marr

Victoria School is a name used for three different public schools in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. One of these was the very first permanent school built in the city.

The First Victoria School: A Historic Building

The first Victoria School is a special historic building. It was a one room schoolhouse made of stone. A stonemason named Alexander (Sandy) Marr built it in 1888. This school was the first one for the early settlers who started the city of Saskatoon.

In 1887, the Saskatoon Board of Trustees decided to build this school. They were allowed to borrow $1,200 for the project. The goal was to build a school with one room that could teach up to 40 students.

Where Was the First School Located?

The original stone school was first located at a busy spot called "Five Corners." This was at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 12th Street.

In 1905, a new, larger school was built right next to it. This new school had two rooms and was also named Victoria School. Both schools were used at the same time for a few years.

Moving the Historic School

A much bigger Victoria School was built in 1909. After this, the original stone schoolhouse was moved. The Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire helped move it in 1911. They did this to celebrate the crowning of George V, who became king. The two-room school that was built in 1905 was taken down.

The old stone school was moved to the University of Saskatchewan campus. For many years, it was used just for storage. Then, in 1965, the Saskatoon Council of Women worked to fix it up. They restored the school and opened it for public tours.

École Victoria School: Today's School

The school known as École Victoria School today was built in 1909. It was first called Victoria School. For a long time, it taught students in both English and French. Because of this, it got a bilingual name, "École Victoria School." "École" is the French word for school.

In the 2020-2021 school year, all the English-only classes moved to other schools. Now, École Victoria School teaches only in French. Walter William LaChance was the architect who designed this building. The Saskatoon Public School Division owns and runs the school.

See also

  • Royal eponyms in Canada
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