Classes were very large, at times up to 50 students in a room. In rural schools, all the grades were taught in the same classroom. The teachers were strict and punishment with the strap was common.
Pictured here is Glengoland Public School. A one room school where elementary school was taught. Picture provided by Vi Stansfield
Helen Van Patter remembers assemblies every morning where the students sang the Canadian National Anthem and recited the Lords Prayer.
Classes in Elementary school were not divided into grades a s they are today. The grades were called:
Primer
1st class
2nd class
Junior 3rd
Senior 3rd
Junior 4th
Senior 4th.
One started Primer after turning six years of age and Vi remembers starting her Primer class after the Easter weekend in March. Each successive class started in September of that year and lasted for the full school year, as they do today. After completing Senior 4th, one would write the High School Entrance examinations. It was common for students to attempt the high school examinations even if one elected not to pursue further education. It was considered an accomplishment if one passed these examinations. Entrance examinations for High school were required until 1950.
The following is a scan of the certificate given to elementary students who passed the high school entrance examinations.
Vi remembers all the classes from Primer to Senior 4th being in the same room at Glengoland Public school. During class time, one did not talk and spoke only when spoken to. Even whispering in class could get one into trouble with the teacher. Discipline was important as there was only one teacher and many students and classes were taught in the same room. If one talked in class, one could get a crack on the knuckle with a pointer or get hit on the head with a book. One particular story that Vi Stansfield recalls is the time that she started talking to her friend in class after the teacher had stepped outside to use the outdoor facilities. When the teacher returned and before Vi could react, she was thumped on the head with a book.
The strap was used to maintain discipline. The strap was a long solid leather strap. There were no written school rules explaining when the strap could be used, rather it was used at the discretion of the teacher. The punishment with the strap was carried out right in the classroom. At times the student would cry out in pain. Helen Van Patter remembers a female teacher attempting to apply the strap to a male student who was much taller than the teacher. This resulted in an awkward situation for both teacher and student.
See the image below for a description of the picture. Pictured provided by Vi Stansfield
