A Large Team of Engaged and Committed Teachers Made AHSS Their Home
Beginning in mid-1960s to the late 1970s, AHSS grew fivefold. By the end of the 1970s there were just over 1200 students and a full time staff of 129, including more than 80 teachers.
Innovative interviewing and hiring methods (including bringing senior students along) were used to attract the most qualified teachers from across Ontario and Canada, including many recent university graduates.
These teachers arrived filled with new ideas, energy and enthusiasm.
Many initially planned to stay only a couple of years. However, many ultimately made Almaguin their home, raising families and contributing their talents to communities. This tied the school closer to local communities.
Many early graduates of AHSS were proud to later return to teach at the school.
Beginning in mid-1960s to the late 1970s, AHSS grew fivefold. By the end of the 1970s there were just over 1200 students and a full time staff of 129, including more than 80 teachers.
Innovative interviewing and hiring methods (including bringing senior students along) were used to attract the most qualified teachers from across Ontario and Canada, including many recent university graduates.
These teachers arrived filled with new ideas, energy and enthusiasm.
Many initially planned to stay only a couple of years. However, many ultimately made Almaguin their home, raising families and contributing their talents to communities. This tied the school closer to local communities.
Many early graduates of AHSS were proud to later return to teach at the school.
Being Hired as a Teacher
by Jim MacLachlan
by Jim MacLachlan
This project began with the basic question: Was Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, in its early days, unique? I believe the answer is a definite yes, due in part to the innovative school design, the vision of the administrative team, the flexibility of the school board, the energy and skills of the staff and the spirit of the students.
The teacher hiring process began with the interview. It could take place in Toronto, London, the Sundial Restaurant in Orillia, by phone in St. Anthony’s NFLD (Mr. Key), or occasionally at Almaguin. The interview process was thorough and always positive because principals John McDermott, Don Dorst and Charlie Driscoll wanted to hire the best staff for what they believed would become one of the most innovative secondary schools, certainly in Northern Ontario. Department heads, teachers and occasionally some senior students were involved in this hiring process.
Many of the teachers hired during the early years shared a variety of experiences with East Parry Sound. Some had vacationed in the area with their parents. Some candidates were raised in North Bay, Kirkland Lake or attended Laurentian University. Some teachers were local, having attended one of the four smaller high schools that eventually became AHSS. Others knew they wanted to move to a small town in rural Ontario to teach. Most teaching staff can still remember when and how they were offered their first teaching contract.
Once hired, the candidate's life became very hectic. Immediate responsibilities included: applying to Lakehead University's summer school (many had yet to complete their teacher training and until 1972, this training was available for two summers in Thunder Bay), probably purchasing a car; finding South River (see previous paragraph); finding accommodation near South River; communicating constantly with spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend; worrying about teaching assignments, and staying sane.
Almost unanimously, the teachers hired during that time talk about how helpful and accommodating the Almaguin administration and veteran teachers were. They helped them to find apartments, billets and homes. They helped make them feel welcome.
Perhaps the best example of welcoming was John and Jean McDermott’s annual Labour Day Monday gathering for staff, spouses and partners in their recreation room on Connelly St. in South River. This was the first chance for new hires to begin to socialize and connect with other staff. It helped everyone to realize, to some small extent at least, that they were in this together and that they were part of the Almaguin Family.
The next day was Tuesday. Buses arrived. The teachers found their home room, met the students and then, ready or not, immediately began their teaching career.
The Almaguin staff was young and energetic and avidly joined John, Don and Charlie in creating a truly unique secondary school.
There, I said it.
The teacher hiring process began with the interview. It could take place in Toronto, London, the Sundial Restaurant in Orillia, by phone in St. Anthony’s NFLD (Mr. Key), or occasionally at Almaguin. The interview process was thorough and always positive because principals John McDermott, Don Dorst and Charlie Driscoll wanted to hire the best staff for what they believed would become one of the most innovative secondary schools, certainly in Northern Ontario. Department heads, teachers and occasionally some senior students were involved in this hiring process.
Many of the teachers hired during the early years shared a variety of experiences with East Parry Sound. Some had vacationed in the area with their parents. Some candidates were raised in North Bay, Kirkland Lake or attended Laurentian University. Some teachers were local, having attended one of the four smaller high schools that eventually became AHSS. Others knew they wanted to move to a small town in rural Ontario to teach. Most teaching staff can still remember when and how they were offered their first teaching contract.
Once hired, the candidate's life became very hectic. Immediate responsibilities included: applying to Lakehead University's summer school (many had yet to complete their teacher training and until 1972, this training was available for two summers in Thunder Bay), probably purchasing a car; finding South River (see previous paragraph); finding accommodation near South River; communicating constantly with spouse, girlfriend/boyfriend; worrying about teaching assignments, and staying sane.
Almost unanimously, the teachers hired during that time talk about how helpful and accommodating the Almaguin administration and veteran teachers were. They helped them to find apartments, billets and homes. They helped make them feel welcome.
Perhaps the best example of welcoming was John and Jean McDermott’s annual Labour Day Monday gathering for staff, spouses and partners in their recreation room on Connelly St. in South River. This was the first chance for new hires to begin to socialize and connect with other staff. It helped everyone to realize, to some small extent at least, that they were in this together and that they were part of the Almaguin Family.
The next day was Tuesday. Buses arrived. The teachers found their home room, met the students and then, ready or not, immediately began their teaching career.
The Almaguin staff was young and energetic and avidly joined John, Don and Charlie in creating a truly unique secondary school.
There, I said it.
Where is South River? No, really...
There are many interesting stories about teachers being hired at AHSS and where they thought they were heading and why they came.
by Jim MacLachlan
There are many interesting stories about teachers being hired at AHSS and where they thought they were heading and why they came.
by Jim MacLachlan
Warren Wanless was hired in Toronto. Immediately, he returned to his residence, and took out an atlas (you remember those) to find out where South River was.
Jim Calarco was hired at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Jim and his wife Claire believed they were moving west to the shores of Lake Superior, to White River. Finally, Jim’s Dad heard him talking about South River and redirected him. Has Jim always been ‘directionally challenged’?
John Smith was hired in London. He asked Mr. McDermott at the end of the interview what city was South River close to. John McD said, “North Bay”, but younger John heard, “Thunder Bay”. He then told friends in Windsor that he and his wife Pat were moving somewhere near TB.
Jim MacLachlan was hired in Toronto. While waiting for his first interview at Royal York another candidate arrives, sits beside him and asks if he knows where this school board is located. Specifically, he wanted to know if it was north of King City? When Jim tells him where it is, he gets up and leaves. Jim figures, that if I he kept sitting and moving Almaguin Highlands farther north, he might just get the job.
Al Sage was hired at Laurentian University after hearing an ad for AHSS interviews on a morning radio show. Even after accepting the position he thought that AHSS was in Blind River.
Linda (McNabb) Hall was raised in Kirkland Lake and graduated from Laurentian. For her Almaguin was a long way south.
Don Giroux arrived for his interview at the Sundial Restaurant in Orillia driving a Buick convertible. Were Mr. McDermott and Mr. Dorst impressed?
Shirley and Barry Greib - a math-science couple - were living in Kitchener. They were looking to move to a small northern town because one of them had fond memories of a family cottage on Lake Muskoka. Almaguin was a long way north for them.
Ishmael Miller was hired by Mr. McDermott and Mr. Arkwright following an interview at the Caswell Hotel in Sundridge. One of his earliest jobs had been selling magazines in Saskatchewan.
Mel Key was teaching in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. A fortuitous note from a friend about Ontario job offers led to a phone call from John McDermott. "South River, here I come."
Brian Edward enjoyed small town teaching in Elmira while attending Althouse in London. He arrived in Sundridge by train and stayed at Caswell Hotel until the apartments on Fitz Ave. in South River were ready.
Hazel (Hornibrook) Snow had just graduated from Waterloo Lutheran (Wilfred Laurier) when she received an emergency call from John McD to teach Latin. Living outside of Sundridge, she rode the school bus each day to Almaguin.
Lana Dale graduated from Laurentian with a major in Physical Education. Interviews at the Royal York did not go well. While waiting for a friend who was being interviewed, Charlie Driscoll wandered out and asked about qualifications. This teacher flippantly said, “auto mechanics”. Charlie said, “Too bad, we are looking for Phys. Ed.” Hired.
Al Bottomley called Oshawa home but with his scouting experiences in Haliburton and family trips north, East Parry Sound was a natural draw. Again, he remembers his interview experience as very welcoming.
Harry Huzier called St. Catharines home. Like Mr. Giroux he was a Sundial Restaurant hire and realized soon after being hired that life was going to be busy. He had to apply to Lakehead University for the summer teacher training program, find accommodation in South River and... get married in late August...a whirlwind.
Jim Calarco was hired at Laurentian University in Sudbury. Jim and his wife Claire believed they were moving west to the shores of Lake Superior, to White River. Finally, Jim’s Dad heard him talking about South River and redirected him. Has Jim always been ‘directionally challenged’?
John Smith was hired in London. He asked Mr. McDermott at the end of the interview what city was South River close to. John McD said, “North Bay”, but younger John heard, “Thunder Bay”. He then told friends in Windsor that he and his wife Pat were moving somewhere near TB.
Jim MacLachlan was hired in Toronto. While waiting for his first interview at Royal York another candidate arrives, sits beside him and asks if he knows where this school board is located. Specifically, he wanted to know if it was north of King City? When Jim tells him where it is, he gets up and leaves. Jim figures, that if I he kept sitting and moving Almaguin Highlands farther north, he might just get the job.
Al Sage was hired at Laurentian University after hearing an ad for AHSS interviews on a morning radio show. Even after accepting the position he thought that AHSS was in Blind River.
Linda (McNabb) Hall was raised in Kirkland Lake and graduated from Laurentian. For her Almaguin was a long way south.
Don Giroux arrived for his interview at the Sundial Restaurant in Orillia driving a Buick convertible. Were Mr. McDermott and Mr. Dorst impressed?
Shirley and Barry Greib - a math-science couple - were living in Kitchener. They were looking to move to a small northern town because one of them had fond memories of a family cottage on Lake Muskoka. Almaguin was a long way north for them.
Ishmael Miller was hired by Mr. McDermott and Mr. Arkwright following an interview at the Caswell Hotel in Sundridge. One of his earliest jobs had been selling magazines in Saskatchewan.
Mel Key was teaching in St. Anthony, Newfoundland. A fortuitous note from a friend about Ontario job offers led to a phone call from John McDermott. "South River, here I come."
Brian Edward enjoyed small town teaching in Elmira while attending Althouse in London. He arrived in Sundridge by train and stayed at Caswell Hotel until the apartments on Fitz Ave. in South River were ready.
Hazel (Hornibrook) Snow had just graduated from Waterloo Lutheran (Wilfred Laurier) when she received an emergency call from John McD to teach Latin. Living outside of Sundridge, she rode the school bus each day to Almaguin.
Lana Dale graduated from Laurentian with a major in Physical Education. Interviews at the Royal York did not go well. While waiting for a friend who was being interviewed, Charlie Driscoll wandered out and asked about qualifications. This teacher flippantly said, “auto mechanics”. Charlie said, “Too bad, we are looking for Phys. Ed.” Hired.
Al Bottomley called Oshawa home but with his scouting experiences in Haliburton and family trips north, East Parry Sound was a natural draw. Again, he remembers his interview experience as very welcoming.
Harry Huzier called St. Catharines home. Like Mr. Giroux he was a Sundial Restaurant hire and realized soon after being hired that life was going to be busy. He had to apply to Lakehead University for the summer teacher training program, find accommodation in South River and... get married in late August...a whirlwind.
The Teachers
Art Jim Buchan, Miss Warren, Peter Camani
Commercial Business Ross McBride, Alice May Lee, Ruth Spillar, Ralph Burgess, Linda Hall, Steve McKee, Mrs. Henning, Jim McCord. Missing: Jack Spillar
English Back row: Bill Mr. O'Hallarn, Jim Calarco, Don Giroux, Gary Percival. Front row: Pat Smith, Hazel Snow, Pam Bookham, Jane Smith, Ellen Elliott
French Henry Geisbrecht, Helge Streich, Pat Lee, Mrs. Mitchell
Geography Glen White, Wayne Wahamaa, Jane Smith, Doug McDonald, Roger Desjardins, Al Sage, Jim MacLachlan
Guidance: Earl Zurbrigg, Ruth Drummond, Jean McDermott, Ellen Elliott.
History Back row: Bill Atkinson, Jack Spillar, Warren Wanless, Mel Key, Bill O'Hallarn. Front row: Al Bottomley, Joanne Schmidt
Mathematics Back row: John Gardiner, Roger Marshall, Ken Beswitherick, Steve Finucane. Front row: Ruth Drummond, Sy Yoshida, Judy O'Neill.
Music Gerry Teahan
Physical Education Front row: Linda Piggott, Pam Bookham, Linda (McNabb) Hall, Back row: John McDermott, Bill Devries, Roger Desjardins, Bob Bisbee
Science Charles Moreau, Barry Greib, Mel Key, John Smith, Steve Ramsay, Ishmael Miller. Missing: Bill Atkinson
Technical: Front row: Jack Norman, Kay Heinonen, Gord Forrington, Irma Downey, Miss McDonald. Back row: Ken Edsell, Dave Guthrie, Roger DesJardins, Jim Turner, Albert Vandersteeg, Fred Draycott
These candid photos were submitted by Terry Mannella who purchased a lot of prints at an auction held during the closing of the original school Click on the photos for their names.
Who do you Recognize?
In 2010 the Almaguin Teaching Family Came Together to Celebrate the 85th Birthday of Principal John A. McDermott
Front row from left: Debbie Vogl, Linda Hall, Sy Yoshida, Jean McDermott (First Lady), Principal John A. McDermott, Caroline Miller, Don Giroux, Al Bottomley. Second row: Hazel Hornibrook-Sohm, Edna Coughlin, Shirley Greib, Jane Kemp, Jim MacLachlan, Gary Hammond, Barry Greib, Bill Atkinson, Jim Calarco, Erma Downey-Fay. Third row: Glen White, Bob Bisbee, Pat Smith, Walter Streich, Vice Principal Don Dorst, Helge Streich, Jack Normand, Tom Piper, Lana Dale, Al Sage, Ralph Moxley, Peter Camani. Fourth row: Claire Calarco, Dave Walpole, Harry Huizer, Joan Hale, John Smith, Bill O'Hallarn, Joanne Schmidt, Warren Wanless, Brian Edward. Fifth row: Wayne Wahama, Jane Smith, Carol McDonald, Kathy Lymburner, Doug McDonald, Linda McKenzie, Dave Minden, Willard Laurnitus. Sixth row: Doug Lamb, Carol McLaren-Fogarty, Pat Lamb, Carol Brenner Peacock, Murray Hale.
Attending, but not included in the photos: Jean Wanless (aka Marilyn Monroe Happy Birthday Soloist), Marilyn and Norm Mason, Winston Watson, Alaine Sage, Judy Giroux, Arnold Hall, Debbie O'Hallarn, Ray Haywood, Paul Fogarty, Alice May and Paul Robins, Doug Smith, Gerry May, Bob and Bea Davies, Donna McLachlan, Harold and Noreen Toswell, Donna Preston, Doreen Campbell, Lori Normand, Dianne Laurnitus, Joyce Lang, Ross and Jean MBride, Rita and Don Dorst, Paul Hanson, Darla Lacombe, Ella and Jack Spiller, John Hendery, Marilyn and Bill DeVries, Steve McKee, Roger Marshall, Linda Daniels, Earl and Jean Zurbrigg, Linda Key, Ruth and Mac Drummond, Gail Wahama, Joan Bisbee
ORGANIZERS: BARRY GREIB, TREASURER, MEL KEY, CAROLINE MILLER. MC: VICE PRINCIPAL DON DORST. TRIBUTES: BILL O'HALLARN, AL BOTTOMLEY (Near North District School Board), REEVES OF SUNDRIDGE, SOUTH RIVER, MAGNETAWAN, POWASSAN, MACHAR, STRONG, MP TONY CLEMENT, MPP NORM MILLER. POWER POINT: BILL ATKINSON. BIRTHDAY SOLOIST: JEAN MARILYN MONROE WANLESS. HIGHLAND PIPER: PAUL ROBINS
ORGANIZERS: BARRY GREIB, TREASURER, MEL KEY, CAROLINE MILLER. MC: VICE PRINCIPAL DON DORST. TRIBUTES: BILL O'HALLARN, AL BOTTOMLEY (Near North District School Board), REEVES OF SUNDRIDGE, SOUTH RIVER, MAGNETAWAN, POWASSAN, MACHAR, STRONG, MP TONY CLEMENT, MPP NORM MILLER. POWER POINT: BILL ATKINSON. BIRTHDAY SOLOIST: JEAN MARILYN MONROE WANLESS. HIGHLAND PIPER: PAUL ROBINS
There had been a celebration of Mr. McDermott's
80th birthday too!
