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

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Isaac Newton High School WAR MEMORIAL ERECTED IN 1S46-47

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Newtonian 53 the quarters began to pour in. A shield presented to the school by Mr. Jack McKenzie (former janitor of Isaac New¬ ton), instigated keen rivalry among the different classes. Gradually the con¬ test for supremacy narrowed down to Rooms 1 and 14. In 1945, when the last certificate was bought, Room 14 held the shield. The purchases of certificates throughout the war amounted to well over $5,000.00. PENNY FUND Acting on the suggestion of a former student, Walter Peterson, a Penny Fund was started at Newton early in 1940. The plan was to have students contri¬ bute pennies and odd nickels and dimes to the fund, so that the War Savings Certificates drive could be furthered. It was a very successful plan, for many who had found it difficult to buy cer¬ tificates themselves, were now quite willing to contribute to the purchase of certificates in the school’s name. After the first year the system was in operation, the fund reached the sum of $250.99. By June, 1945, it had grown to $670.00. When, in 1946, the school decided to build th e War Memorial, the Penny Fund Certificates were refunded by the Government and set aside for this pur¬ pose. At the unveiling of the Memorial. Walter Peterson, the originator and or¬ ganizer of this great success, was an honorary guest, in appreciation of the aid he had extended to his “Alma Mater.” WAR MEMORIAL The erection of the War Memorial was made possible through the Penny Fund. The Committee had decided to build a memorial in honour of those who had fallen in battle in World War II, and the memorial took this form. On the memorial is portrayed photo¬ graphs of each of the servicemen, against a background of soft colors. It includes the portrait of a member of the staff, Captain Allan Bowman, who fell at Hong Kong on December 25, 1941, and the portrait of the Victoria Cross winner, P-O Andrew Mynarski, who was killed over France. Surrounded by flags of all the allied nations, the memorial bears this simple inscription: “In memory of the Newtonians who fell in World War II.” The ceremony of the unveiling was held on Sunday, November 17, 1946, in the lower hall of the school. Relatives, friends and guests were present to pay tribute to the fine lads who had given their lives “so that others might live.” Mrs. Phillip Smith, mother of Gun¬ ner Leonard Smith (killed in Sicily), and Sgt. Kenneth Smith (killed over Germany) unveiled it, and a one-minute silence was observed. Mr. Floyd then called the Roll of the 49 students who had died on every battlefield of the world. The ceremony was simple but im¬ pressive. Representatives of the Army, Navy and Air Force were present. Other honorary guests were: Mr. W. J. Sisler Rev. Dr. John M. White Rabbi Dr. Solomon Frank Rev. Father S. Semczuk Acting Mayor C. E. Simonite Miss Olga Ewaskiw (soloist) Mr. Taraska Mr. Foreman Mr. Martin Walter Peterson The War Memorial is kept lit con¬ stantly whenever the school is in use and will ever remain a token of our gratitude to those who by their cour¬ age, spared our lives and happiness. Henry Ewacko: “Isn’t my moustache becoming?” Nick Kushak: “It may be coming but I don’t see it yet?” Jerry Bilous: “Mother sent this steak back. She says it’s so tough she could sole my boots with it.” Butcher: “Why didn’t she?” Jerry B.: “The nails wouldn’t go through.”

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Newtonian 55 A PARTING TRIBUTE i Newton has enjoyed success . . . suc¬ cess due to the combined efforts of prin¬ cipal.. teachers, and students. But with¬ out a captain a ship cannot sail and without a principal a school cannot grow. During the first half of its twenty- five years, Newton was guided by a man whose every thought was directed to its well-being and success. He gave Newton his youth and Newton gave him happiness in return. This man is Mr. Sisler. Many of our earlier New¬ tonians will remember him. He has been a friend and counsellor to many. When he retired from the principalship in June, 1938, he left behind him many sincere friends and admirers. We would like to extend to you the best wishes of Mr. Sisler and leave with you these words: Quote “I have always and still do take great pride in the Isaac Newton School. “In scholarship, sport and conduct the students have at all times ranked high. “It is a great pleasure to meet former teachers and pupils. I seldom get on a car or walk even a few blocks with¬ out meeting someone formerly con¬ nected with the school. Naturally some are not recognized at once, as boys and girls change greatly in a few years after student days are done. “The name and some incidents of the old days soon call them to mind. Just walk up and say ‘hello.’ “To all teachers and pupils, past and present, I extend my best wishes.” (signed) W. J. SISLER. Mr. Floyd came to Newton at a very critical time—it was only one year be¬ fore the start of the war. The future was uncertain and it was difficult to lay plans for the further development of the school when the clouds of war hovered so threateningly overhead. The war came—it was inevitable that it should. It was no easy task to guide the school through the next six years—for they were six years fraught with anxiety and grief for many of New¬ ton’s families. But as Bryant said: “The fiercest agonies have shortest reign, And after dreams of horror, comes again, The welcome morning with its rays of peace.” So peace eventually returned to a war-stricken world, and with the sign¬ ing of the peace also, a great burden was lifted from the shoulders of our principal as it was similarly lifted from the shoulders of peoples all over the world. He has led Newton through a difficult phase of its being and he has led it well. To Mr. Floyd, the school says “Thank you and God Bless You.”