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Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School

Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School (GCI) is one of sixteen secondary schools in the Waterloo Region District School Board, located in Cambridge, Waterloo, and Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School
Address
200 Water St. N

, ,
Canada
Coordinates43°22′07″N 80°19′07″W / 43.3687°N 80.3185°W / 43.3687; -80.3185Coordinates: 43°22′07″N 80°19′07″W / 43.3687°N 80.3185°W / 43.3687; -80.3185
Information
School typeHigh school
MottoSemper Paratus
(Always Prepared)
Founded1852; 171 years ago (1852)
School boardWaterloo Region District School Board
PrincipalBryan Lozon
Grades9–12
Enrollment975 (November 2017)
LanguageEnglish
AreaDowntown / North Galt
Colour(s)Red, Blue and yellow    
MascotGhost
Websitegci.wrdsb.ca

Founded in 1852, GCI is one of the oldest continually operating secondary schools in Ontario, and has been recognized as a historical landmark by Heritage Cambridge and by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board.[1] In 2002, GCI celebrated its 150th anniversary.

GCI offers a complete academic and extra-curricular experience to a student body of about 1000 in a wide range of academic and vocational programs. GCI is also home to the French Immersion and ESL programs.

History

Beginnings

The Galt Grammar School officially opened on February 2, 1852, and classes were initially held in the upper storey room of the old township hall (located near the corner of present-day Cambridge Street and Park Hill Road in Cambridge, Ontario). Eight boys made up the first group of students, and were taught English and Classics by Michael C. Howe, a scholar from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.[2] However, Howe's term as headmaster was short-lived. Although by all accounts his scholarship in Classics was impressive, Howe's successes were offset by his eccentricities. He was not an engaging instructor, and typically spent the school day seated at his desk reading a newspaper and inhaling snuff while his students taught made the effort to teach themselves. According to his students, Howe was only energetic when it came to discipline; he frequently used the strap to enforce obedience for the slightest infraction. Rising criticisms of Howe's pedagogy led to his resignation within a year.[3]

 
William Tassie, headmaster of GCI from 1853 to 1881.

The Tassie era, 1853–1881

Howe was succeeded in 1853 by William Tassie. While Tassie was headmaster, the Galt Grammar School achieved widespread recognition as one of the finest grammar schools in North America. Enrollment at the school reached between 250 and 300 boys within a decade, and roughly 80 percent of attendees were from elsewhere in Canada, the United States, England, and the West Indies.[4] To accommodate the growing number of boys attending the school, a one-room schoolhouse was built on the present site from land donated by the Dickson family in 1853. Additions were made to the original building as required, and by 1870 the school's layout resembled a two-storey stone cross. A boarding home system was also adopted to accommodate students attending from outside of Galt.[5]

Tassie was described by his students as a gentleman "of the old school." Furthermore, he was strict, dignified, and somewhat cold towards his pupils. But Tassie was also highly respected by his students for his successes for furthering higher education in Upper Canada. He was awarded an honorary LLD from Queen's University in 1871.[6] Due largely to Tassie's contribution to the school, the Galt Grammar School became a Collegiate Institute in 1872.[7]

In his later years as headmaster, Tassie was increasingly pressured to conform to educational reforms made in Upper Canada. Provincial examinations were introduced in 1876 and emphasized practical rather than classical education. Tassie stubbornly refused to change his teaching methods, based principally on rote memorization, and consequently his students consistently failed to meet provincial standards. By 1881 the enrollment had fallen to 50 boys, and Tassie faced increased criticism that he ultimately resigned that year along with his entire staff of teachers.[8]

Galt Collegiate Institute Girls' School, 1872–1881

Sarah Crawford was the first woman to become a member of the teaching staff at the Galt Grammar School, and taught French to the boys from 1870 to 1877.[9] Girls, however, were not admitted on an equal basis to GCI until a decade later. Tassie was pressured to adopt co-education and allow girls into his school to receive the same level of education as the boys, but refused. As a compromise, he established the separate Girls' School, which officially opened on April 15, 1872, in the former Wesleyan Chapel on North Street. The school was overseen by a lady principal, and attendance rose to about 40 girls after it was organized. When Tassie resigned in April 1881, girls were admitted attendance at GCI with the boys and the building was sold to The Crown for $750.00 and became the Galt Armoury until about 1914.[10]

Bryant and Carscadden years, 1881–1914

 
Staff and students of GCI in 1892.

Tassie was succeeded by John E. Bryant, who was tasked to hire a completely new teaching staff and revive GCI's prestige while embracing educational reform. The separate girls' school was closed and co-education adopted in 1881. The boarding house system was also abolished. During Bryant's administration, a literary and musical society was formed, considered the first known student organization at the school.[11] At the time, GCI offered English, Classics, Mathematics, Modern Languages, and Science. Soon Bryant became headmaster, a Commercial Department was organized with W. G. Brown as its head, as well as an Art Department with Mrs. Henry Miller as teacher of drawing and painting.[12] Bryant encouraged sports, believing that they provided "the antidote for mischief present in the composition of every true boy," and organized the GCI Football Club. Bryant, however, resigned as headmaster in 1884 when became increasingly deaf, and was succeeded by his assistant principal, Thomas Carscadden.[13]

While Carscadden was principal, GCI grew in enrollment and required additional teaching space. Renovations on the building were conducted between 1905 and when the school re-opened in September 1906. The corners of the original cross structure were filled and a third storey added, which made up most of the midsection of the present building.[14] In addition, a school cadet corps was organized in 1899, which overtime became a significant part of the school's activities until the 1970s, and which eventually became the present-day 21 Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Army Cadets.[15]

 
George Fraser Kerr, GCI alumnus, awarded the Victoria Cross in 1918.

After thirty years as principal, Carscadden retired in the summer of 1914, but remained to teach English for another ten years. He was recognized for his excellence in teaching and as a school administrator by receiving an honorary LLD from the University of Toronto in 1925.[16]

World War I era, 1914–1918

Arthur Presland Gundry succeeded Carscadden as principal of GCI in 1914. Initially, Gundry and the local school board had plans to organize a vocational education program at GCI, but the onset of World War I brought those plans to a stop. Instead, GCI would focus much of its attention towards the war effort. Staff and students were heavily involved in fundraising activities to support Canadian soldiers fighting overseas. They also sent Christmas gift boxes to alumni in the Canadian army. Meanwhile, efforts were made to instill a devotion to Canada and the British Empire that would encourage enlistment from GCI's graduates. By the end of World War I, at least 348 former pupils and teachers of GCI had enlisted, and 48 of those had died while serving overseas. A marble memorial tablet was erected on the wall of the school's main corridor and unveiled on June 4, 1921.[17]

Among the military honours awarded to GCI's alumni who served during World War I was a Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry awarded in the British army, which was awarded to George Fraser Kerr for a daring raid conducted in broad daylight at Canal-du-Nord during the Hundred Days Offensive.[18]

 
GCI shortly after extensive additions in 1925.
 
Household Science Class at GCI, June 1926.
 
Drafting class at GCI, June 1926.

The interwar years, 1919–1939

Shortly after the end of World War I, plans to organize a vocational program at GCI were renewed. To accommodate the new program, additions were required to the building. These new additions would eventually cost about $365,000, and would double the size of the school building. The plans included an auditorium, known as Tassie Hall that would seat 800; a large gymnasium for boys and a smaller gymnasium below for girls; machine shop and woodworking shop classrooms; electrical rooms; drafting room; cookery room; commercial rooms; dress-making rooms; millinery rooms; and a model suite. The corner stone for the addition was laid by the Hon. Henry John Cody, a former student, on August 7, 1923. By August 1925, renovations were complete and equipment paid. Principal Gundry, who increasingly suffered from ill health while principal at GCI, died on September 27, 1925, leaving a legacy of vocational education at the school. In addition, the school began offering vocational evening classes.[19]

During this period, increasing attention was paid to organizing theatre productions in the newly constructed Tassie Hall. In 1925, the Galt Staff Players Club was organized and performed its first play, Bayard Veiller's The Thirteenth Chair in February 1925. The Staff Players Club would go on to compete in regional and provincial drama festivals, and would eventually become known as the Galt Little Theatre (present-day Cambridge Community Players). Students likewise produced their own plays, starting with Stop Thief in 1926.[20]

Meanwhile, more student activities and student organizations began to emerge. By this period, the school had soccer, hockey, football, rugby, and basketball teams for boys, and basketball and softball teams for girls. A student publication known as Specula Galtonia, the forerunner of the school's present-day yearbooks, began to be produced for a time until the Great Depression. A school captaincy was set up due to the generosity of Dr. Thomas Porter, a former student, and was followed by a girl captaincy shortly after.[21]

The Great Depression ushered in a period of financial strain on education in Ontario. In 1934 the Ontario Legislature decreed that municipalities of more than 1200 inhabitants should pay the full cost of secondary education rather than spread the cost over the entire county. Preston decided to pay for the education of students from their own municipality, and withdrew 175 pupils from GCI with the founding of Preston High School. Consequently, the staff at GCI was reduced and some shop classes closed for a brief period of time.[22]

 
The machine shop classroom at GCI, 1924, which was used for the training of Engine Room Artificers and Air Mechanics during World War II.

World War II era, 1939–1945

When World War II broke out in 1939, the staff and students of GCI became immediately and vigorously involved in the war effort. The school raised about between $1000 and $1400 by means of various activities, including proceeds from bake sales, plays, concerts, and cash donations from pupils, all of which was donated towards relief organizations. Not a single penny was spent elsewhere. The school also offered its machine shop classroom for the training of Engine Room Artificers by the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and for the training of air mechanics of the Galt Aircraft School. Both programs were vital to providing the Canadian Navy and Air Force with enough skilled mechanics to properly maintain engines and machines.[23]

By the end of the war, about 790 alumni from GCI had enlisted for active service. The majority served in Europe or on the Atlantic with the RCN, but some others also served in Asia. A significant proportion of GCI alumni served with the local Highland Light Infantry of Canada. Seventy-eight men from GCI ultimately lost their lives, and their names were later added to the memorial tablet in the main corridor.

Awards and scholarships

Students attending GCI are eligible to be recipients of a wide variety of awards and scholarships from generous donors from alumni and the community. In 2018, 55 awards and scholarships totaling $26,175 were awarded to graduating students, including:[24]

Award Name Description Amount (2018)
Governor General's Medal In recognition of the highest academic standing in a combination of all Grade 11 and 12 courses. Donated by the Governor General of Canada. Academic Medal
Joseph S. Stauffer Scholarship For highest academic standing. Donated by the Waterloo District School Board. $2000.00
Sunrise Rotary Award To a Cambridge high school student who demonstrates a combination of academic merit and exemplary humanitarian service. $1500.00
Chu-Chong and Shephine Wang Award for Math and Science For highest average of the top four Grade 12 university level Math and Science courses. US$1000.00
Dr. Thomas Carscadden English Award For proficiency in English and pursuing studies at college or university. Donated in memory of Dr. Thomas Carscadden. $1000.00
Dr. Thomas Carscadden History Award For proficiency in History and pursuing studies at college or university. Donated in memory of Dr. Thomas Carscadden. $1000.00
Harold W. Lee Scholarship For a deserving graduating student enrolled in a post-secondary education program. Donated by Harold Lee Family and Cello Products. $1000.00[25]
Kiwanis Club of Cambridge Scholarship Awarded to a grade 12 student accepted to university or college who is described as kind, compassionate and hardworking. Donated by the Kiwanis Club of Cambridge. $1000.00[26]
Second General Proficiency Award Second highest academic standing. Donated by The Hood Scholarship and Toyota. $750.00
150th Reunion Scholarship For a deserving student who has displayed perseverance, determination and success. Donated by G.C.I. alumni. $500.00
Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship For a high school athlete who demonstrates both athletic and academic success and leadership. Donated by Cambridge Insurance. $500.00
Canadian Association of Realtors Urban Studies Award For proficiency in Geography with an interest in urban issues or civil engineering. Donated by the Real Estate Board of Cambridge. $500.00
Duncan Engineering Award For proficiency in Mathematics, Physics and Technical Design Engineering. Donated by the estate of Kathleen Duncan. $500.00
Frank Ferguson English Award For proficiency in senior English. Donated by the Frank Ferguson Foundation. $500.00[27]
George Szczepski Mathematics Award For overall proficiency in Advanced Functions, and Calculus and Vectors. Donated by George Szczepski. $500.00
IMAX C. Gordon Clarke Memorial Science Award For proficiency and contribution in the Sciences particularly in Chemistry. Donated by IMAX Systems Corp. $500.00
IODE Bursary For a deserving student with future promise. Donated by the IODE Preston Chapter. $500.00
Lois Charlton-Hutton Award Given to a student who plans to pursue post-secondary studies, and who has been a well-rounded student at GCI. The recipient has achieved a high level of academic performance, has participated in athletics, and has made a contribution to the spirit of GCI. $500.00
Nadarajah Family Award For a deserving student who has exemplary character, excelled in academics and demonstrated leadership in school and the community. Donated by the Nadarajah Family. $500.00
Optimist Club of West Cambridge Technical Studies Award For proficiency in Technological Studies and in full-time technical employment or enrolled in a post-secondary program. Donated by the Optimist Club of West Cambridge. $500.00
OSSTF Teaching Promise Award For outstanding enthusiasm, patience, leadership and love of learning. Donated by Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (District 24). $500.00
R. L. Petersen Business Scholarship For proficiency in senior Business courses and continuing their education in a Business program. Donated as a scholarship fund within the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community. $500.00
Rotary Academic Award Awarded to a student with initiative, enthusiasm and committed to their future education. Donated by The Rotary Club of Cambridge. $500.00
Rotary Vocational Award For proficiency in Business Studies with an interest in continuing in this area. $500.00
Slater Award for English For outstanding contribution and scholastic success in English. Donated by the Slater Family in memory of Edna A. Slater. $500.00
Slater Award for History For outstanding contribution and scholastic success in senior History. Donated by the Slater Family in memory of Ernest F. Slater. $500.00
Slater Award for Mathematics For outstanding contribution and scholastic success in Mathematics. Donated by the Slater Family in memory of Dorothy L. Slater. $500.00
Third General Proficiency Award Third highest academic standing. Donated by the estate of William Bishop. $500.00
Arthur White Scholarship Awarded to one Cambridge High School student determined to be the best athlete with the highest academic standing. Donated by the Arthur White Scholarship Fund. $400.00
Anne Lawrence Language Award For achievement in Languages and shows leadership and teamwork. Donated by the estate of the Lawrence Family. $350.00
The Eleanor Wilson Award For a female student who displays a love of learning, determination and an interest in the world around her. Donated by the family of Eleanor Wilson. $300.00
GCI & VS First Hundred Years Scholarship For a deserving student in recognition of achievement and promise of future success. Donated by G.C.I. former students. $300.00
Janet W. Carter Language Award For proficiency in the study of languages and commitment to learning. Donated by the Janet W. Carter Scholarship Fund. $300.00
Cambridge Highland Lions Club Achievement Award For most improved student in the graduating year. $250.00
Cooperative Education Science Award For proficiency in Science and Cooperative Education. Donated by Frances Harrington Grand River Physiotherapy. $250.00
R. S. Hamilton Science Award For proficiency in Science and pursuing studies in this discipline. Donated by the estate of R. S. Hamilton. $250.00
Bernice Adams Memorial Scholarship For contribution to Arts, Design, Media and Culture. Donated by The Cambridge Centre for the Arts. $200.00
Canadian Federation of University Women's Award For an outstanding female student who has achieved academic excellence, has participated in extra-curricular programs and is attending university. Donated by the Canadian Federation of University Women of Cambridge. $200.00
The Catherine McIntosh English Award For proficiency at Grade 12 college level English, leadership and promise of future success. $200.00
Clarence Bickle Award For proficiency and contributions to GCI. Donated by the estate of Clarence Bickle. $200.00
Dumfries Mutual Music Award Given to a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional musical talent and made an outstanding contribution to the GCI Music Department. Donated by The Dumfries Mutual Insurance Company. $200.00
The Galt Collegiate Staff Players Award Given by the Galt Collegiate Institute teaching staff to a graduating student who is looking to pursue valuable post-secondary opportunities. The recipient of this award is well-rounded, empathetic and personable, while demonstrating exemplary work ethic—all qualities that are valued by GCI teaching staff. $200.00
George Beaumont Business Award For proficiency in Accounting. Donated by the estate of George Beaumont. $200.00
Gerry Schell Memorial Cooperative Education Award For proficiency in Cooperative Education and a spirit of contribution to school and/or community. Donated in memory of Mr. Gerry Schell. $200.00
Hilliard Wholton Award For proficiency in university level subjects. Donated by Gore Mutual Insurance Company. $200.00
Principal's Leadership Award For a student of good standing who displays promise for the future. Donated by Charles Wilson. $175.00[28]
Fred Carter Science Award For contribution in Physics and pursuing post-secondary education. Donated by Mr. Fred Carter. $150.00
James C. Buchan Art Award For proficiency in Art. Donated in memory of James C. Buchan. $150.00
Marion Hulet History Award For proficiency in senior level History courses. $150.00
Optimist Club of West Cambridge Leadership Award For proficiency and contributions to GCI. Donated by the Optimist Club of West Cambridge. $150.00
R. A. Catton Mathematics Award For achievement in Grade 11 and 12 college level Mathematics. Donated by R. A. Catton and G.C.I. Math Department. $125.00
Sharp Bus Lines Scholarship Awarded to a student to further their education and experience in the field of skilled trades. $125.00
Waterloo County School Bus Operators’ Award For academic and personal achievement. Donated by Waterloo County School Bus Operators’ Association. $125.00
Cambridge Industrial Training Committee Award For proficiency in a senior course in Technological Studies. Donated by Cambridge Industrial Committee. $100.00
East Indian Ladies Club Award For proficiency in academics and leadership in school activities. $100.00

Rhodes Scholarships

At least two GCI alumni are known to have received Rhodes Scholarships. Richard Guisso, while attending St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto for a major in history, was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for 1966.[29] More recently, a Rhodes Scholarship for 2012 was awarded to Steven Wang, a graduate from University of Toronto's Trinity College where he studied international relations followed by some time abroad studying conflict and peace-building.[30]

Notable alumni

In 2003, a Stairway of Excellence was created at GCI to recognize the accomplishments of alumni who excelled in his or her chosen field. A new inductee is introduced every year during commencement ceremonies. Since 2003, 57 former students have been inducted into the Stairway, including:

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Plaques for each organization are mounted on school grounds.
  2. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 1.; see also: Hamilton, R. S. "The History of Secondary Education in Galt". Waterloo Historical Society Reports. 4: 1938–1942: 159–160.; see also: Young, James (December 1901). "Galt Collegiate – Past and Present". The G.C.I. Record. 2 (1): 1.
  3. ^ Hamilton, R. S. "The History of Secondary Education in Galt". Waterloo Historical Society Reports. 4: 1938–1942: 160–161.
  4. ^ Wilson, J. Donald. "William Tassie". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. University of Toronto/Université Laval. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  5. ^ "The Institute Building". The G.C.I. Record. 1 (5): 1. June 1900.
  6. ^ "Dr. Tassie". The G.C.I. Record. 1 (1): 2. February 1900.; see also: Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 2.
  7. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 2.
  8. ^ Wilson, J. Donald. "William Tassie". Dictionary of Canadian Biography. University of Toronto/Université Laval. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  9. ^ Galt Collegiate Institute Semi-Centennial and Tassie Old Boys' Re-union. Galt, Ontario: Reformer Press. 1902. p. 2.
  10. ^ Taylor, Andrew W. (1958). "Some Early History of the Galt Collegiate". Waterloo Historical Society. 46: 15.
  11. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 3.
  12. ^ Carscadden, Thomas. "History of the Galt Collegiate Institute, 1881–1914". Waterloo Historical Society Reports. 3: 1923-1927: 135.
  13. ^ "John E. Bryant, M.A.". The G.C.I. Record. 1 (4): 3. May 1900.
  14. ^ Carscadden, Thomas. "History of the Galt Collegiate Institute, 1881–1914". Waterloo Historical Society Reports. 3: 1923–1927: 136.
  15. ^ Warren, Jared F. (2018). "The Galt Collegiate Institute Cadet Corps, 1899–1945". Waterloo Historical Society Journal. 106: 92–100.
  16. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. pp. 3–4.
  17. ^ Jaffray, K. F. "The Galt Collegiate Institute, 1914–1926". Waterloo Historical Society Reports. 3:1923–1927: 179–181.; see also: Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 4.
  18. ^ From a collection of newspaper clippings of GCI alumni serving overseas during World War I. Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives, Cambridge, Ontario
  19. ^ Jaffray, Kate Fleury. "The Galt Collegiate Institute, 1914–1926". Waterloo Historical Society Reports. 3:1923–1927: 181–184.
  20. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 5.
  21. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 5.
  22. ^ Wholton, T. H. (1952). One Hundred Years: An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. Galt, Ontario. p. 6.
  23. ^ GCI World War II fonds. Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives, Cambridge, Ontario; see also: Mason, John. "Wartime Era Apprentices". Retrieved June 9, 2008.
  24. ^ All names, descriptions and values for the awards and scholarships from the programme of the 166th Commencement Exercises, 2018. Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives, Cambridge.
  25. ^ Awarded to two students in 2018, who received $1000.00 each.
  26. ^ Awarded to three students in 2018, who received $1000.00 each.
  27. ^ Awarded to four students in 2018, who received $500.00 each.
  28. ^ Awarded to two students in 2018, who received $175.00 each.
  29. ^ "Brilliant Richard Guisso Adds Further to Laurels," from a scrapbook of newspaper articles from 1964 to 1966, dated December 7, 1965. Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives, Cambridge, Ontario.
  30. ^ R. Martin, "Student named Rhodes scholar," Cambridge Times, 23 December 2011, https://www.cambridgetimes.ca/community-story/3376069-student-named-rhodes-scholar/. See also: "Riding the Rhodes to success," The Varsity, 8 January 2012, https://thevarsity.ca/2012/01/08/riding-the-rhodes-to-success/.

External links

  • Cambridge City Hall of Fame
  • GCI homepage

galt, collegiate, institute, vocational, school, sixteen, secondary, schools, waterloo, region, district, school, board, located, cambridge, waterloo, kitchener, ontario, canada, address200, water, ncambridge, ontario, 6v2canadacoordinates43, 3687, 3185, 3687,. Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School GCI is one of sixteen secondary schools in the Waterloo Region District School Board located in Cambridge Waterloo and Kitchener Ontario Canada Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational SchoolAddress200 Water St NCambridge Ontario N1R 6V2CanadaCoordinates43 22 07 N 80 19 07 W 43 3687 N 80 3185 W 43 3687 80 3185 Coordinates 43 22 07 N 80 19 07 W 43 3687 N 80 3185 W 43 3687 80 3185InformationSchool typeHigh schoolMottoSemper Paratus Always Prepared Founded1852 171 years ago 1852 School boardWaterloo Region District School BoardPrincipalBryan LozonGrades9 12Enrollment975 November 2017 LanguageEnglishAreaDowntown North GaltColour s Red Blue and yellow MascotGhostWebsitegci wbr wrdsb wbr caFounded in 1852 GCI is one of the oldest continually operating secondary schools in Ontario and has been recognized as a historical landmark by Heritage Cambridge and by the Ontario Archaeological and Historic Sites Board 1 In 2002 GCI celebrated its 150th anniversary GCI offers a complete academic and extra curricular experience to a student body of about 1000 in a wide range of academic and vocational programs GCI is also home to the French Immersion and ESL programs Contents 1 History 1 1 Beginnings 1 2 The Tassie era 1853 1881 1 3 Galt Collegiate Institute Girls School 1872 1881 1 4 Bryant and Carscadden years 1881 1914 1 5 World War I era 1914 1918 1 6 The interwar years 1919 1939 1 7 World War II era 1939 1945 2 Awards and scholarships 2 1 Rhodes Scholarships 3 Notable alumni 4 See also 5 Notes 6 External linksHistory EditBeginnings Edit The Galt Grammar School officially opened on February 2 1852 and classes were initially held in the upper storey room of the old township hall located near the corner of present day Cambridge Street and Park Hill Road in Cambridge Ontario Eight boys made up the first group of students and were taught English and Classics by Michael C Howe a scholar from Trinity College in Dublin Ireland 2 However Howe s term as headmaster was short lived Although by all accounts his scholarship in Classics was impressive Howe s successes were offset by his eccentricities He was not an engaging instructor and typically spent the school day seated at his desk reading a newspaper and inhaling snuff while his students taught made the effort to teach themselves According to his students Howe was only energetic when it came to discipline he frequently used the strap to enforce obedience for the slightest infraction Rising criticisms of Howe s pedagogy led to his resignation within a year 3 William Tassie headmaster of GCI from 1853 to 1881 The Tassie era 1853 1881 Edit Howe was succeeded in 1853 by William Tassie While Tassie was headmaster the Galt Grammar School achieved widespread recognition as one of the finest grammar schools in North America Enrollment at the school reached between 250 and 300 boys within a decade and roughly 80 percent of attendees were from elsewhere in Canada the United States England and the West Indies 4 To accommodate the growing number of boys attending the school a one room schoolhouse was built on the present site from land donated by the Dickson family in 1853 Additions were made to the original building as required and by 1870 the school s layout resembled a two storey stone cross A boarding home system was also adopted to accommodate students attending from outside of Galt 5 Tassie was described by his students as a gentleman of the old school Furthermore he was strict dignified and somewhat cold towards his pupils But Tassie was also highly respected by his students for his successes for furthering higher education in Upper Canada He was awarded an honorary LLD from Queen s University in 1871 6 Due largely to Tassie s contribution to the school the Galt Grammar School became a Collegiate Institute in 1872 7 In his later years as headmaster Tassie was increasingly pressured to conform to educational reforms made in Upper Canada Provincial examinations were introduced in 1876 and emphasized practical rather than classical education Tassie stubbornly refused to change his teaching methods based principally on rote memorization and consequently his students consistently failed to meet provincial standards By 1881 the enrollment had fallen to 50 boys and Tassie faced increased criticism that he ultimately resigned that year along with his entire staff of teachers 8 Galt Collegiate Institute Girls School 1872 1881 Edit Sarah Crawford was the first woman to become a member of the teaching staff at the Galt Grammar School and taught French to the boys from 1870 to 1877 9 Girls however were not admitted on an equal basis to GCI until a decade later Tassie was pressured to adopt co education and allow girls into his school to receive the same level of education as the boys but refused As a compromise he established the separate Girls School which officially opened on April 15 1872 in the former Wesleyan Chapel on North Street The school was overseen by a lady principal and attendance rose to about 40 girls after it was organized When Tassie resigned in April 1881 girls were admitted attendance at GCI with the boys and the building was sold to The Crown for 750 00 and became the Galt Armoury until about 1914 10 Bryant and Carscadden years 1881 1914 Edit Staff and students of GCI in 1892 Tassie was succeeded by John E Bryant who was tasked to hire a completely new teaching staff and revive GCI s prestige while embracing educational reform The separate girls school was closed and co education adopted in 1881 The boarding house system was also abolished During Bryant s administration a literary and musical society was formed considered the first known student organization at the school 11 At the time GCI offered English Classics Mathematics Modern Languages and Science Soon Bryant became headmaster a Commercial Department was organized with W G Brown as its head as well as an Art Department with Mrs Henry Miller as teacher of drawing and painting 12 Bryant encouraged sports believing that they provided the antidote for mischief present in the composition of every true boy and organized the GCI Football Club Bryant however resigned as headmaster in 1884 when became increasingly deaf and was succeeded by his assistant principal Thomas Carscadden 13 While Carscadden was principal GCI grew in enrollment and required additional teaching space Renovations on the building were conducted between 1905 and when the school re opened in September 1906 The corners of the original cross structure were filled and a third storey added which made up most of the midsection of the present building 14 In addition a school cadet corps was organized in 1899 which overtime became a significant part of the school s activities until the 1970s and which eventually became the present day 21 Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Army Cadets 15 George Fraser Kerr GCI alumnus awarded the Victoria Cross in 1918 After thirty years as principal Carscadden retired in the summer of 1914 but remained to teach English for another ten years He was recognized for his excellence in teaching and as a school administrator by receiving an honorary LLD from the University of Toronto in 1925 16 World War I era 1914 1918 Edit Arthur Presland Gundry succeeded Carscadden as principal of GCI in 1914 Initially Gundry and the local school board had plans to organize a vocational education program at GCI but the onset of World War I brought those plans to a stop Instead GCI would focus much of its attention towards the war effort Staff and students were heavily involved in fundraising activities to support Canadian soldiers fighting overseas They also sent Christmas gift boxes to alumni in the Canadian army Meanwhile efforts were made to instill a devotion to Canada and the British Empire that would encourage enlistment from GCI s graduates By the end of World War I at least 348 former pupils and teachers of GCI had enlisted and 48 of those had died while serving overseas A marble memorial tablet was erected on the wall of the school s main corridor and unveiled on June 4 1921 17 Among the military honours awarded to GCI s alumni who served during World War I was a Victoria Cross the highest award for gallantry awarded in the British army which was awarded to George Fraser Kerr for a daring raid conducted in broad daylight at Canal du Nord during the Hundred Days Offensive 18 GCI shortly after extensive additions in 1925 Household Science Class at GCI June 1926 Drafting class at GCI June 1926 The interwar years 1919 1939 Edit Shortly after the end of World War I plans to organize a vocational program at GCI were renewed To accommodate the new program additions were required to the building These new additions would eventually cost about 365 000 and would double the size of the school building The plans included an auditorium known as Tassie Hall that would seat 800 a large gymnasium for boys and a smaller gymnasium below for girls machine shop and woodworking shop classrooms electrical rooms drafting room cookery room commercial rooms dress making rooms millinery rooms and a model suite The corner stone for the addition was laid by the Hon Henry John Cody a former student on August 7 1923 By August 1925 renovations were complete and equipment paid Principal Gundry who increasingly suffered from ill health while principal at GCI died on September 27 1925 leaving a legacy of vocational education at the school In addition the school began offering vocational evening classes 19 During this period increasing attention was paid to organizing theatre productions in the newly constructed Tassie Hall In 1925 the Galt Staff Players Club was organized and performed its first play Bayard Veiller s The Thirteenth Chair in February 1925 The Staff Players Club would go on to compete in regional and provincial drama festivals and would eventually become known as the Galt Little Theatre present day Cambridge Community Players Students likewise produced their own plays starting with Stop Thief in 1926 20 Meanwhile more student activities and student organizations began to emerge By this period the school had soccer hockey football rugby and basketball teams for boys and basketball and softball teams for girls A student publication known as Specula Galtonia the forerunner of the school s present day yearbooks began to be produced for a time until the Great Depression A school captaincy was set up due to the generosity of Dr Thomas Porter a former student and was followed by a girl captaincy shortly after 21 The Great Depression ushered in a period of financial strain on education in Ontario In 1934 the Ontario Legislature decreed that municipalities of more than 1200 inhabitants should pay the full cost of secondary education rather than spread the cost over the entire county Preston decided to pay for the education of students from their own municipality and withdrew 175 pupils from GCI with the founding of Preston High School Consequently the staff at GCI was reduced and some shop classes closed for a brief period of time 22 The machine shop classroom at GCI 1924 which was used for the training of Engine Room Artificers and Air Mechanics during World War II World War II era 1939 1945 Edit When World War II broke out in 1939 the staff and students of GCI became immediately and vigorously involved in the war effort The school raised about between 1000 and 1400 by means of various activities including proceeds from bake sales plays concerts and cash donations from pupils all of which was donated towards relief organizations Not a single penny was spent elsewhere The school also offered its machine shop classroom for the training of Engine Room Artificers by the Royal Canadian Navy RCN and for the training of air mechanics of the Galt Aircraft School Both programs were vital to providing the Canadian Navy and Air Force with enough skilled mechanics to properly maintain engines and machines 23 By the end of the war about 790 alumni from GCI had enlisted for active service The majority served in Europe or on the Atlantic with the RCN but some others also served in Asia A significant proportion of GCI alumni served with the local Highland Light Infantry of Canada Seventy eight men from GCI ultimately lost their lives and their names were later added to the memorial tablet in the main corridor Awards and scholarships EditStudents attending GCI are eligible to be recipients of a wide variety of awards and scholarships from generous donors from alumni and the community In 2018 55 awards and scholarships totaling 26 175 were awarded to graduating students including 24 Award Name Description Amount 2018 Governor General s Medal In recognition of the highest academic standing in a combination of all Grade 11 and 12 courses Donated by the Governor General of Canada Academic MedalJoseph S Stauffer Scholarship For highest academic standing Donated by the Waterloo District School Board 2000 00Sunrise Rotary Award To a Cambridge high school student who demonstrates a combination of academic merit and exemplary humanitarian service 1500 00Chu Chong and Shephine Wang Award for Math and Science For highest average of the top four Grade 12 university level Math and Science courses US 1000 00Dr Thomas Carscadden English Award For proficiency in English and pursuing studies at college or university Donated in memory of Dr Thomas Carscadden 1000 00Dr Thomas Carscadden History Award For proficiency in History and pursuing studies at college or university Donated in memory of Dr Thomas Carscadden 1000 00Harold W Lee Scholarship For a deserving graduating student enrolled in a post secondary education program Donated by Harold Lee Family and Cello Products 1000 00 25 Kiwanis Club of Cambridge Scholarship Awarded to a grade 12 student accepted to university or college who is described as kind compassionate and hardworking Donated by the Kiwanis Club of Cambridge 1000 00 26 Second General Proficiency Award Second highest academic standing Donated by The Hood Scholarship and Toyota 750 00150th Reunion Scholarship For a deserving student who has displayed perseverance determination and success Donated by G C I alumni 500 00Cambridge Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship For a high school athlete who demonstrates both athletic and academic success and leadership Donated by Cambridge Insurance 500 00Canadian Association of Realtors Urban Studies Award For proficiency in Geography with an interest in urban issues or civil engineering Donated by the Real Estate Board of Cambridge 500 00Duncan Engineering Award For proficiency in Mathematics Physics and Technical Design Engineering Donated by the estate of Kathleen Duncan 500 00Frank Ferguson English Award For proficiency in senior English Donated by the Frank Ferguson Foundation 500 00 27 George Szczepski Mathematics Award For overall proficiency in Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors Donated by George Szczepski 500 00IMAX C Gordon Clarke Memorial Science Award For proficiency and contribution in the Sciences particularly in Chemistry Donated by IMAX Systems Corp 500 00IODE Bursary For a deserving student with future promise Donated by the IODE Preston Chapter 500 00Lois Charlton Hutton Award Given to a student who plans to pursue post secondary studies and who has been a well rounded student at GCI The recipient has achieved a high level of academic performance has participated in athletics and has made a contribution to the spirit of GCI 500 00Nadarajah Family Award For a deserving student who has exemplary character excelled in academics and demonstrated leadership in school and the community Donated by the Nadarajah Family 500 00Optimist Club of West Cambridge Technical Studies Award For proficiency in Technological Studies and in full time technical employment or enrolled in a post secondary program Donated by the Optimist Club of West Cambridge 500 00OSSTF Teaching Promise Award For outstanding enthusiasm patience leadership and love of learning Donated by Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation District 24 500 00R L Petersen Business Scholarship For proficiency in senior Business courses and continuing their education in a Business program Donated as a scholarship fund within the Cambridge and North Dumfries Community 500 00Rotary Academic Award Awarded to a student with initiative enthusiasm and committed to their future education Donated by The Rotary Club of Cambridge 500 00Rotary Vocational Award For proficiency in Business Studies with an interest in continuing in this area 500 00Slater Award for English For outstanding contribution and scholastic success in English Donated by the Slater Family in memory of Edna A Slater 500 00Slater Award for History For outstanding contribution and scholastic success in senior History Donated by the Slater Family in memory of Ernest F Slater 500 00Slater Award for Mathematics For outstanding contribution and scholastic success in Mathematics Donated by the Slater Family in memory of Dorothy L Slater 500 00Third General Proficiency Award Third highest academic standing Donated by the estate of William Bishop 500 00Arthur White Scholarship Awarded to one Cambridge High School student determined to be the best athlete with the highest academic standing Donated by the Arthur White Scholarship Fund 400 00Anne Lawrence Language Award For achievement in Languages and shows leadership and teamwork Donated by the estate of the Lawrence Family 350 00The Eleanor Wilson Award For a female student who displays a love of learning determination and an interest in the world around her Donated by the family of Eleanor Wilson 300 00GCI amp VS First Hundred Years Scholarship For a deserving student in recognition of achievement and promise of future success Donated by G C I former students 300 00Janet W Carter Language Award For proficiency in the study of languages and commitment to learning Donated by the Janet W Carter Scholarship Fund 300 00Cambridge Highland Lions Club Achievement Award For most improved student in the graduating year 250 00Cooperative Education Science Award For proficiency in Science and Cooperative Education Donated by Frances Harrington Grand River Physiotherapy 250 00R S Hamilton Science Award For proficiency in Science and pursuing studies in this discipline Donated by the estate of R S Hamilton 250 00Bernice Adams Memorial Scholarship For contribution to Arts Design Media and Culture Donated by The Cambridge Centre for the Arts 200 00Canadian Federation of University Women s Award For an outstanding female student who has achieved academic excellence has participated in extra curricular programs and is attending university Donated by the Canadian Federation of University Women of Cambridge 200 00The Catherine McIntosh English Award For proficiency at Grade 12 college level English leadership and promise of future success 200 00Clarence Bickle Award For proficiency and contributions to GCI Donated by the estate of Clarence Bickle 200 00Dumfries Mutual Music Award Given to a graduating student who has demonstrated exceptional musical talent and made an outstanding contribution to the GCI Music Department Donated by The Dumfries Mutual Insurance Company 200 00The Galt Collegiate Staff Players Award Given by the Galt Collegiate Institute teaching staff to a graduating student who is looking to pursue valuable post secondary opportunities The recipient of this award is well rounded empathetic and personable while demonstrating exemplary work ethic all qualities that are valued by GCI teaching staff 200 00George Beaumont Business Award For proficiency in Accounting Donated by the estate of George Beaumont 200 00Gerry Schell Memorial Cooperative Education Award For proficiency in Cooperative Education and a spirit of contribution to school and or community Donated in memory of Mr Gerry Schell 200 00Hilliard Wholton Award For proficiency in university level subjects Donated by Gore Mutual Insurance Company 200 00Principal s Leadership Award For a student of good standing who displays promise for the future Donated by Charles Wilson 175 00 28 Fred Carter Science Award For contribution in Physics and pursuing post secondary education Donated by Mr Fred Carter 150 00James C Buchan Art Award For proficiency in Art Donated in memory of James C Buchan 150 00Marion Hulet History Award For proficiency in senior level History courses 150 00Optimist Club of West Cambridge Leadership Award For proficiency and contributions to GCI Donated by the Optimist Club of West Cambridge 150 00R A Catton Mathematics Award For achievement in Grade 11 and 12 college level Mathematics Donated by R A Catton and G C I Math Department 125 00Sharp Bus Lines Scholarship Awarded to a student to further their education and experience in the field of skilled trades 125 00Waterloo County School Bus Operators Award For academic and personal achievement Donated by Waterloo County School Bus Operators Association 125 00Cambridge Industrial Training Committee Award For proficiency in a senior course in Technological Studies Donated by Cambridge Industrial Committee 100 00East Indian Ladies Club Award For proficiency in academics and leadership in school activities 100 00Rhodes Scholarships Edit At least two GCI alumni are known to have received Rhodes Scholarships Richard Guisso while attending St Michael s College at the University of Toronto for a major in history was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship for 1966 29 More recently a Rhodes Scholarship for 2012 was awarded to Steven Wang a graduate from University of Toronto s Trinity College where he studied international relations followed by some time abroad studying conflict and peace building 30 Notable alumni EditIn 2003 a Stairway of Excellence was created at GCI to recognize the accomplishments of alumni who excelled in his or her chosen field A new inductee is introduced every year during commencement ceremonies Since 2003 57 former students have been inducted into the Stairway including Sir Adam Beck 2012 Alan C Cairns 2003 Derrick Campbell 2004 Graeme Ferguson 2003 Peter Gzowski 2003 Roberta Carter Harrison 2006 Norman Himes 2009 Bob Hodges 2011 George Fraser Kerr 2003 awarded the Victoria Cross the highest decoration for valour in the British army for gallantry in World War I Robert Kerr 2003 Wolf Koenig 2005 Ian Leggatt 2007 George F MacDonald 2003 Ken Jiggs McDonald 2003 Harold Oaks 2007 Frank Panabaker 2008 Jane Philpott 2008 Donald M Shaver 2003 Sylvia Spring 2003 See also EditList of high schools in OntarioNotes Edit Plaques for each organization are mounted on school grounds Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 1 see also Hamilton R S The History of Secondary Education in Galt Waterloo Historical Society Reports 4 1938 1942 159 160 see also Young James December 1901 Galt Collegiate Past and Present The G C I Record 2 1 1 Hamilton R S The History of Secondary Education in Galt Waterloo Historical Society Reports 4 1938 1942 160 161 Wilson J Donald William Tassie Dictionary of Canadian Biography University of Toronto Universite Laval Retrieved May 30 2019 The Institute Building The G C I Record 1 5 1 June 1900 Dr Tassie The G C I Record 1 1 2 February 1900 see also Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 2 Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 2 Wilson J Donald William Tassie Dictionary of Canadian Biography University of Toronto Universite Laval Retrieved May 30 2019 Galt Collegiate Institute Semi Centennial and Tassie Old Boys Re union Galt Ontario Reformer Press 1902 p 2 Taylor Andrew W 1958 Some Early History of the Galt Collegiate Waterloo Historical Society 46 15 Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 3 Carscadden Thomas History of the Galt Collegiate Institute 1881 1914 Waterloo Historical Society Reports 3 1923 1927 135 John E Bryant M A The G C I Record 1 4 3 May 1900 Carscadden Thomas History of the Galt Collegiate Institute 1881 1914 Waterloo Historical Society Reports 3 1923 1927 136 Warren Jared F 2018 The Galt Collegiate Institute Cadet Corps 1899 1945 Waterloo Historical Society Journal 106 92 100 Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario pp 3 4 Jaffray K F The Galt Collegiate Institute 1914 1926 Waterloo Historical Society Reports 3 1923 1927 179 181 see also Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 4 From a collection of newspaper clippings of GCI alumni serving overseas during World War I Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives Cambridge Ontario Jaffray Kate Fleury The Galt Collegiate Institute 1914 1926 Waterloo Historical Society Reports 3 1923 1927 181 184 Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 5 Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 5 Wholton T H 1952 One Hundred Years An Outline of the History of the Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Galt Ontario p 6 GCI World War II fonds Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives Cambridge Ontario see also Mason John Wartime Era Apprentices Retrieved June 9 2008 All names descriptions and values for the awards and scholarships from the programme of the 166th Commencement Exercises 2018 Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives Cambridge Awarded to two students in 2018 who received 1000 00 each Awarded to three students in 2018 who received 1000 00 each Awarded to four students in 2018 who received 500 00 each Awarded to two students in 2018 who received 175 00 each Brilliant Richard Guisso Adds Further to Laurels from a scrapbook of newspaper articles from 1964 to 1966 dated December 7 1965 Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School Archives Cambridge Ontario R Martin Student named Rhodes scholar Cambridge Times 23 December 2011 https www cambridgetimes ca community story 3376069 student named rhodes scholar See also Riding the Rhodes to success The Varsity 8 January 2012 https thevarsity ca 2012 01 08 riding the rhodes to success External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to Galt Collegiate Institute Cambridge City Hall of Fame GCI homepage Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Galt Collegiate Institute and Vocational School amp oldid 1110078877, wikipedia, wiki, 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