Isaac Newton High School - Newtonian Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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Newtonian MAJ. ALEX KELLER, M.M., M.C. r FO, KARL DZINKOV SKI, B.E.M LIEUT. WALTER YANKEWICZ

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Isaac Newton High School 50 PO. ANDREW MYNARSKI, V.C. A most conspicuous act of heroism which called for valor of the highest order.

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52 Isaac Newton High School WAR ACTIVITIES RED CROSS Many of the boys have said that they could not have survived the horrors and privations of the war without the aid of the Red Cross. On foreign soil, where a stranger might more easily be foe than friend, the little comforts which the Red Cross brought were of supreme importance. Here at home, we soon realized that an organization as benevolent as the Red Cross could not carry on its great work without the aid of financial and material support from individuals and communities. Thus, early in the war, plans were made whereby this cause could be furthered. The Canadian schools were asked to participate, and Isaac Newton determined that it too, would work in support of the Red Cross. In September, 1940, Miss Macbeth and Miss Hazelwood organized the Isaac Newton Senior Red Cross. The work was voluntary and the girls needed no persuasion to enter enthusiastically and zealously into the work. In the first year of its formation, they turned out nearly 400 knitted and sewn articles. These included clothing from babies’ booties to size 12 socks. No effort was spared. Besides supply¬ ing our boys with scarves, helmets, sweaters and socks, clothing was sent to the Netherlands Red Cross and the Navy League. By May, 1947, 2,479 ar¬ ticles had been furnished. Through devious ways and methods, which involved the efforts of hundreds of students, our Red Cross fund grew steadily. Concerts, sales of candy, teas and bazaars were held regularly. Pro¬ ceeds from these affairs were all do¬ nated to the Red Cross. In larger school undertakings like fairs and operettas, part of these proceeds were also given. During the seven years of its opera¬ tion, the school contributed nearly $1,000.00 in money to the organization. In 1944, through the combined efforts of the teaching staff, it became possible to send each boy overseas, a copy of the year book. That was a rather costly undertaking, but the genuine apprecia¬ tion of the boys made the effort well worthwhile. Since 1940 it had been the practice to send letters and cards to all members of the Armed Forces, but in 1943, the school also decided to send parcels to those who were overseas. These con¬ tained socks, shaving kits, chocolate bars, cigarettes and other little com¬ modities. It was rather a difficult job to send these parcels. Besides having to pack, label, and address them, the girls found it no easy task to purchase many of the articles. But, despite these obstacles, the job was done—and we knew our efforts had not been in vain. The following excerpts are typical of the many letters received in apprecia¬ tion of the Newton Red Cross: “Thanks a million for the Christmas Card and the news letter. I am sure proud of the old school. Looking at its picture brings back pleasant memories of friendships made there” . . . “Received your most welcome letter, the Year Book, the sweets and the socks. It is wonderful of the school to send us the parcels. The Year Book is a treasure to all. We read it over and over again” . . . FIRST AID First aid classes were started in 1940 under the direction and supervision of Miss Macbeth, who directed the girls, and Mr. Armstrong, who instructed the boys. First Aid was marked the same way as “readin’ writin’ and ’rithmetic” and was considered as part of the commer¬ cial or matriculation course. Mr. Hill awarded St. John Ambulance Certifi¬ cates to the first class in 1941. In 1945, when it became evident that the war would soon be over, the classes were discontinued. WAR SAVINGS STAMPS In 1940, Newton began an extensive campaign for the purchase of War Sav¬ ings Certificates. One day a week was set aside to collect the money, and soon