The stories the walls inside the bricks could tell.
The community of Armstrong will be able to tell and hear many of the stories as it gathers to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Brick School – Armstrong Elementary School – on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The day will be filled with opportunities to celebrate, reminisce and enjoy some birthday cake,” said Patti Noonan, executive director of the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce.
Bring your lawn chair, blanket and stories to share with students past, present and future along with members of the community.
Honoured guest for the celebration will be Mrs. Helen Sidney, a much loved former teacher and benefactor. AES alumni Ryan Nitchie will emcee the event.
The opening remarks will include land acknowledgments, followed by remarks from local Indigenous community leaders, municipal representatives and school officials.
Entertainment will follow including AES Alumni Paul Moore, AES Maypole Club, Pleasant Valley Secondary School band and Len Wood Middle School Drumline.
Additional activities will be indoor guided classroom tours hosted by volunteer alumni staff and students, a ‘ventures treasure hunt’ led by former teacher Kim Fulton and a ‘hand-on’ artifact display curated by the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum & Art Gallery.
The community is also encouraged to view the newly installed student mural project ‘Then & Now - 100 Years of Learning’ and the newly renovated AES Library featuring improvements made possible through the Helen Sidney Legacy donation.
‘Brick School Centennial’ commemorative items will also be available for sale from the AES PAC in support of their playground renovations.
After the community event on May 14, there will be additional legacy pieces available to view including a permanent ‘Brick School’ exhibit at the Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum & Art Gallery and a digital history compiled by Rhythm Productions to capture the memories, historical significance and impact of the school as a community hub.
Plans are also in place to replace the missing school bell.
The celebration is brought together with the volunteer efforts of many school alumni, not-for-profit groups and local businesses.
Interested in participating? Volunteers still in need for parking attendants, school tours, general setup/clean-up duties. Contact the chamber if you’re interested.
The community event has been funded in part through the Government of Canada Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage - Legacy Grant. The student led learning art opportunity was funded through the ArtStart program.
Hosted in partnership by Armstrong Elementary School, AES Parent Advisory Council, City of Armstrong, Township of Spallumcheen, Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, Armstrong Spallumcheen Museum, student and staff alumni.
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