Hugh John Macdonald School - Searchlight Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

Page 15 text:

By J. B. Smalley Thou art gone . . . but on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given And shall not soon depart. Wilfred Sadler 1884-1951 On July 14, 1951, Wilfred Sadler, Principal of our School from 1921-1949, passed on to his eternal rest. Regrettably, his richly deserved retirement was but a brief two years and clouded by a lingering illness. He came to Winnipeg from Scotland in 1910. Holding an M.A. degree from St. Andrews University and having had eight years’ teaching experience in Dundee and Montrose, he was appointed to the Winnipeg teaching staff. In 1921 he became Principal of the Maple Leaf Junior High School (renamed Hugh John Macdonald in 1930), where he remained until his retirement in 1949. During his thirty-nine years of service with the Winnipeg schools, he played a distinguished part in furthering the cause of education. Being a man of keen intellect, wide knowledge, and independent spirit, he had little regard for current practice simply because it was anchored in tradition. He held certain definite beliefs as to the functions of education. To him, the school was a sort of laboratory in democratic living, and he had an un¬ shakable faith in the fundamental decency of boys and girls. He believed that the school should try to develop in the pupils a sense of responsibility, a love of fair play and an honest questioning attitude of mind. During his principalship of twenty-eight years he tried to realize his beliefs. His interest in his pupils followed them into life after school. He often recalled with pride the names of his pupils who had achieved success in public life or in the professions. Among these were Mr. Justice Ralph Maybank, the Hon. Mr. Stuart Garson, now Minister of Justice, the Doctors A. and M. Hollenberg, and others. He was equally pleased to meet those who occupied positions in the ordinary walks of life and to learn that they were doing well. In his dealings with his staff, he was always mindful of their rights as well as their duties. He tried to make it possible for each teacher on his staff to do his best. His contribution to education extended far beyond the walls of his own school. He served on the Advisory Board of the Department of Education nine years, six of which as its chairman. At all times, whether the matters before the Board related to the programme of studies, examinations, or the certification of teachers, he gave freely of his time and talent. His sense of citizenship caused him to take part in many organizations outside of the teaching profession. He was a keen observer of the passing scene and did not stand aloof from the rest of community. He was for many years a member of the local branch of the League of Nations Society and later the United Nations Society, the local Scientific Club, the Family Bureau, the St. James School Board, and was Commissioner for the Western District of the Boy Scouts Association. In all these organizations which he served without ostentation and without fear, his sane judgment and broad mindedness were respected by his associates. In his personal relations he was genial, gracious and sincere. His utterances were vigorous, instructive and stimulating. Sham and pretense he abhorred. His confidence was tempered by a sincere humility. His was truly the cosmopolitan mind—ready to see the good in all without regard to race, color or creed. He will ever be remembered as a distinguished educator, a broad-minded citizen, and as a generous warm - hearted humanitarian. His example will endure, an inspiration to all whose lives he labored to enrich.