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Education was of paramount importance to the Icelandic settlers in the colony of New Iceland. By Christmas 1875, just two months after their arrival on the beach at Willow Point, an English school had been started. The first record of a Gimli School board comes from 1889. Classes were held in homes and later in churches until the first two room school house was built in 1900.2
First school house in Gimli built on the west side of Second Avenue.1911
Gimli, Manitoba, Second Avenue
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The two rooms of the schoolhouse were used for elementary and high school. While elementary students in the Gimli community attended a number of small schools located throughout the district, high school students came from the widespread rural areas of the community as well as from town. In 1912 a third classroom was needed to accomodate the burgeoning population. It was built in a seperate building erected next to the two room schoolhouse.4
Gimli Public School 19151915
Gimli, Manitoba, Second Avenue
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The next major school built was the Gimli Public School 1915 a six room brick building that still stands today. This building served as the main school in the community and was expanded to include two more classrooms in the 1940s. The post-war baby boom meant that the school was soon overcrowded again and classes were held in a variety of buildings in addition to the school until a new highschool was opened in 1951.6
Gimli Public School 1915 in 20052005
Gimli, Manitoba, Second Avenue
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The 1915 school house was used until 1974 when it was closed due to concern about structural stability (a facing stone fell from above the front steps). However, the building was determined to be structurally sound and still stands today. Renovations done by volunteers in the 1990s have given this heritage building new life and it is currently used as the Town Hall and Council Chambers with government offices, a heritage classroom and art gallery on the second floor and in the basement. The educational purpose of the building remains important although the process of education is less formal.8
In 2006 Gimli now has an early years school (K - to Grade 4), a middle years school (Grades 5 to 8) and a high school (S1 - S4, Grades 9 - 12).9
Sigurbjorg Stefansson School Early Years School, K to 4.2006
Gimli, Manitoba, Vesturland
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The k-4 school is the Sigurbjorg Stefansson school opened in 2003 replacing an earlier school of the same name. It is named after a long-time teacher in the community who inspired countless students to learn and to continue their education both formally and informally. Miss Stefansson taught in Gimli from 1923 until 1962.11
George Johnson Elementary School Grades 5 to 8.November, 2006
Gimli, Manitoba, Third Avenue
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The middle years school was opened in 1968. It is named after Dr. George Johnson, a local doctor, provincial politician (minister of education in the 1960s) and Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba.13
Gimli High School2006
Gimli, Manitoba
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The Gimli High School was opened in 1968 and with modifications is still used today. |
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