I attended teacher training at Victoria Normal School in 1931 – 32, and probably very few of us ever realized what it might be like to have to cope with “life on the job” as best we could under all circumstances. In class, we were being prepared with facts and background information, mainly subject-matter, along with a few teaching methods since our job was to teach the 3 R’s.

Jobs were very hard to get, and although I sent our many applications, I didn’t get hired the first year after graduation and so I did housework. I was paid $25 per month which was good pay at that time.

My first school at Joe Rich had Grades One to Eight, but not necessarily pupils in every grade. Each year, those in Grade Eight had to write and pass government exams or they would not be allowed to attend high school. The teacher was often judged in the community by the numbers of Grade Eight students who passed this hurdle.

One factor I found most satisfying when I was teaching was the manner in which pupils helped each other. Kids can be pretty mean at times, but I remember the early days when there was such a willingness to share and respect those less able.

My first year teacher’s salary was $780, out of which I paid a small amount into the pension fund. I paid $25 a month for room and board and so I had very little money to spend. Automatic raises and any benefits such as medical or dental were nonexistent. I was rarely sick, and anyway we didn’t have any allowance for sick-leave when I started.

Probably no community activity was anticipated with as much interest and excitement as was the Christmas concert. We started practising early with songs, dances, choral speaking and plays in order to give everyone the greatest opportunity to show their best efforts.

However, the grand finale with Santa Claus and treats for all, was the crowning glory! This was a lot of work that we went to, but years later, we often hear, “Remember those Christmas concerts.”