Terrace Road Elementary school was built on 2.94 acres in 1952 and named after the road that ran adjacent to the property (now 46 Street). The original Terrace Road School was constructed from army buildings that originated at the Mewata Armory and later became Saint Bernard’s Elementary School (part of the Catholic School Board). This school now exists as Shouldice Manor, a seniors’ residence!
The current Terrace Road Elementary School (Terrace Road #2) has fourteen classrooms and a large creative playground built in 2002 through the efforts of parent volunteers.
Montgomery Junior High School was built in 1953 and is situated on ten acres. Originally a Senior High, Montgomery School was named after the town that it served. MacKay Road Elementary, to the south of Montgomery School, serviced students who lived in the area from 46 Street to McKay Road. Originally it had no gymnasium and former students fondly recall taking music in place of physical education. Montgomery School was later physically connected to MacKay Road Elementary School, and the name was changed to Montgomery Junior High School.
Note: Montgomery Junior High School was closed in 2011 due to declining enrolment. The school was built for 750 students, but there were only 200 enrolled when the decision was made.
School provided many fun times. Names were drawn out of a hat for the Christmas gift exchange; the cost of the present was not to exceed $1. Ron Kerns said his favourite presents were from one of the Omilusik kids, which was usually a beautiful handmade leather item made by their father, the town shoemaker.
Recess activities included tag, skipping, hopscotch, jacks, walking on stilts, throwing India-rubber balls to rhyming songs, and playing marbles. Marbles was outlawed when it was decided it resembled gambling! Each morning teachers would check hands for cleanliness, and “O Canada” and “God Save the Queen” were sung.
Barbara Hauck recalls with fondness Mrs. Smith, a teacher who also owned the Bow Theatre, who provided free movie passes to students on their birthdays. Muriel and Stanley Kaun’s children, along with many others, started their education in the Small Fry Co-op Play School. Established in 1953, the Co-op involved a great amount of parent participation, and cost $3 per month.
Excerpt from the booklet – A Hunt for History, Montgomery Memories. Copies of the booklet are available in the lobby of the Montgomery Community Centre.
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