Memories of NWSS: A Selection of Memories of the New Westminster Secondary School from 1958 to 2020
I first attended the school now known as New Westminster Secondary School when there were actually two separate schools and buildings. Having finished elementary school (grade 6) at Richard McBride Elementary in June 1958, I began Junior High (grade 7) at Vincent Massey in September 1958 and finished grade 9 in June 1961. I then attended Lester Pearson High School (grade 10 - 12) from September 1961, graduating from High School in June 1964. I also attended grade 13 there from September 1964 to June 1965, ending my time as an NWSS student, but not my connection to the school as a member of the community.
Looking back over those years spurs many memories of the Junior and Senior High Schools. There were many classmates from those years whom I remember well – some as school chums and others that I still see and talk with as well. There were also many teachers from those years whom I remember warmly and others to whom I remain close many years later.
Both fellow students and teachers were part of school athletics such as soccer and curling, and I have remained close to several for many years. With curling there is the added memory of going down to the curling club at the foot of 16th St. near Scott Paper, if I remember correctly, after school on Thursdays.
I remember still more students and teachers connected with music at NWSS. I was band manager for the Lester Pearson Concert Band and thoroughly enjoyed my involvement with this talented group of musicians and its conductor Doug Price (yes, I still have my iconic yellow tie). I also enjoyed my time in the Concert Band chorus, our concert activities and instructors Price, Lear and Lowsborough. I remember great times and music, and even a band trip to Trail and Kimberley. And very near the top of favourite memories is the time I spent playing the bass drum for the school Pep Band, known in the school and school sports events as the “Crunchy Birds”. I was proud to be part of this fine group of musicians and we certainly made ourselves known. As a “school spirit” event, the Pep Band took part in a basketball game, not as a band, but as participants against the cheerleaders. This was great fun, highlighted by the game officials being teachers Charlotte Hess and Sam Roddan.
I have many wonderful memories of presentations and concerts at Massey Theatre, some during my school years and others after I had graduated and was part of other presentations in that great venue.
A particular event sticks in my memory as one of those “do you remember where you were when such and such happened” events. This was Friday, November 22, 1963, and the assassination of the President of the United States, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. An announcement came out on the PA system we were soon sent home from school.
Due to my job with the City of New Westminster, I remained closely tied to NWSS followed my graduation. In my position as City Curator/Archivist I provided “historical” programming, presentations, walking tours, and information to the school and came to know many teachers very well over many years.
There are so many memories to look back on, and so many areas of school life and involvement that I definitely remember. This short assortment of memories will spur on many more thoughts and I am very pleased to have this opportunity to pass them along as we mark a new school in the City and think about an older school that is closing but not leaving the educational story of this place.
- Archie Miller