Runnymede Public School

In The News… Since 1916

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – IN THE BEGINNING

Before for First World War, the area of West Toronto, recently annexed by the City of Toronto, was a rapidly growing suburb. On February 6, 1913, the Star reported noted that a new elementary school was badly needed:

A hundred years ago, the Toronto Star had become the city’s widest circulated newspaper and was foremost in reporting local stories of interest to ordinary working people. From the Pages Of The Past archive we can see that Runnymede has always been in the news.

By October 30, 1914, a solution had been found:

The temporary location for the new school was a portable building on the corner of Bloor and Jane Streets, as reported on January 6, 1915:

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – FIRST WORLD WAR

Then as now, the cost of education and the effectiveness of teaching methods were the cause of public debate. On November 30, 1918, the Star covered a report by the schools inspector. The cost of educating a public school pupil actually decreased since the year

When Runnymede first opened its doors, the First World War was raging and many Canadians had enlisted to support Britain. Several school teachers and principals were serving overseas, so the choice of principal for some schools was limited to retirees, experienced women teachers, and military rejects, according to an article on September 8, 1916:

before the War. In 1917, the per capita cost was $43.69, compared to $45.25 in 1916. Heating costs were compared across schools. The most expensive, Orde Street, reflected the use of open air rooms “for children who need fresh air treatment” for tuberculosis. Next was Runnymede, though it was noted that it had six classrooms and had to heat portions of the building under construction.

One inspector noted the need for educational reform:

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – AFTER THE FIRST WORLD WAR

Exactly a year later, under the heading “Enlarging School Plant”, the Star reported that “the most important works will be the large additions to Runnymede” and three other schools.

With the War over, the residential area around Runnymede grew and the school-age population exploded. The school board rushed through additions to the six-room school.

By April 23, 1921, the additional classrooms were completed, but there was a technical hitch:

As the school population grew, a Home and School Club” was established, as mentioned on June 7, 1912:

July 16, 1919

July 30, 1920

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – THE TWENTIES

Home and School Clubs were established “to assist in beautifying school grounds, encourage play and the installation of playground equipment, use school as a social centre and establish night classes and courses of lecture, establish a library, support school orchestras and choruses, help Canadian foreign born residents and encourage viewing good motion pictures and to discourage demoralizing ones” (Ontario Federation of Home and School Associations, 1920). Events organized by the Runnymede Club frequently appeared in the Star.

Some things never seem to change, like concern about speeding vehicles on Runnymede Road near the school. A local resident wrote on December 1, 1922:

Or how about this sensational story from February 9, 1924:April 13, 1922

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – THE TWENTIES

The Home and School Club organized some very wholesome and improving events. As reported on April 3, 1924:

The gym at Runnymede was being well-used but needed improvements, as these clippings from November 25 and December 9, 1925 show:

Ninety years ago, voices were raised with a concern that seems quite contemporary. From October 8, 1925:

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – THE TWENTIES

The gym and equipment were officially opened, as reported on December 29, 1925:

The grounds at Runnymede next came to the public’s attention, as these clippings from May 2 and June 19, 1928 illustrate:

And it seems that the suggestion of the letter-writer in 1922 was acted upon. The above article appeared on December 3, 1926.

Meanwhile, Runnymede celebrated the achievement of a star pupil, on June 23, 1928:

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – THE THIRTIES

In 1930, Runnymede’s Kindergarten Band created a sensation!

Five members of “probably the most remarkable band in existence”. Aged five and six, they played at Massey Hall to great acclaim on May 23, Empire Day.

With the Runnymede neighbourhood still growing, an addition to the school was required, The budget for five new rooms was $89,000; the addition was ready for students in February of 1932.

The Home and School Association hosted a celebrity speaker, none other than Nellie McClung, one of five activists who fought for the right of women to vote and hold political office.

Also eye-catching news on June 20, 1931, possibly on a slow news day – the theft of a screwdriver and its heroic recovery by the school caretaker:

RUNNYMEDE PUBLIC SCHOOL – THE THIRTIES

From the Globe and Mail newspaper archive – several unpublished photographs of Runnymede boys and girls at play on March 18, 1931 (note: some were taken at nearby Western Technical College).

Jacks Leap-frog Marbles

Before the decade closed, however, war had broken out in Europe, and Canada was once again called upon to support Great Britain and her allies.