Yarrow Elementary Junior High School
by Elmer Wiens

Teacher and Class Pictures and Names Courtesy of Art and Lila Kurz

At the mid-point of the 20th-century, Yarrow children attending public school after grade six travelled by school bus to and from Chilliwack, a trip of thirty minutes or more, with frequent side trips to pick up students in Vedder Crossing, Greendale, and Sardis. At school in Chilliwack, these mostly Mennonite children faced the daunting task of integrating with their more sophisticated, "English" classmates. At home in Yarrow, they faced the censure of their religious parents for ideas acquired and activities deemed unchristian and "worldly." Furthermore, the Yarrow farm boys, toughened by hard labour, were often older than their classmates, and acquitted themselves well in schoolyard disputes when required. Some children, particularly the boys, opted to leave school when legally possible. Other children, under parental direction, chose to attend the private school established in 1945 by the Mennonite Brethren Church. Moreover, the Elementary School in downtown Yarrow was so overcrowded that children, who were born in November or December of their grade one cohort year, started school one year late. The feeling of relief to Yarrow's parents of children aged twelve to sixteen was palpable, when proceeding by way of the recommendation of Walter Ferguson — the Yarrow Elementary School Principal — the Chilliwack School Board purchased in 1952 the building and grounds of the Sharon Mennonite Collegiate Institute on North Wilson Road, establishing the Yarrow Elementary Junior High School with classes to be from grades one to nine.

Yarrow Elementary Junior High School

The new Yarrow Elementary and Junior High School was situated on ten acres of well-drained, flat land within walking or cycling distance of all regions of the village of Yarrow. At the school's 40th anniversary celebrations in 1994, Walter Ferguson praised its construction and design. Along with a full-sized gymnasium equipped with shower facilities, stage, and spectators' gallery, the three-story structure had large, well-lit classrooms for each of the nine grades. It also contained music, art, industrial art, home economics, science, library, and nursing rooms. Moreover, its large basement provided indoor, separate play spaces for girls, boys, and first graders during inclement weather.

During his speech to the assemblage at the 1994 reunion, Ferguson emphasized the dedication and competence of the teachers, support and custodial staff he hired over his fourteen years at the school's helm. Additionally, Ferguson thanked the cooperation and backing of the members of the Parent & Teacher Association, whose help and encouragement made the school's teachers' tasks manageable. Mr Walter Ferguson, who had been the vice-principal of the Chilliwack Central Elementary School, succeeded Carl Wilson in 1950 at the Yarrow Elementary School when Wilson became the principal at the Chilliwack Central Elementary School. Interestingly, Ferguson's eldest sister taught at the Yarrow Elementary School when it was originally housed in the MB Church building.

Classes of the Yarrow Elementary Junior High School began in September of 1953, with Walter Ferguson its principal. To the complement of school teachers transferring from the Yarrow Elementary school in 1953 — Frieda Nightingale, Erma Wiebe, Agnes Allert, Mrs Sharples, and Harry MacTaggart — Ferguson recruited Arthur Kurz, Dorothy McCutcheon, Lillian Bealle, Elizabeth Lavigne, and Eleanor Wicoll.

Yarrow School Teachers, 1953-54
Harry MacTaggart, Walter Ferguson, Arthur Kurz Dorothy McCutcheon, Lillian Bealle, Erma Wiebe Elizabeth Lavigne, Frieda Nightingale, Eleanor Wicoll, Agnes Allert

Yarrow Junior High School

During its first year, the school held classes from grades one to eight. The Junior High School provided classes in Language, Spelling, Writing, Reading and Literature, Social Studies, Effective Living, Mathematics, Science, Home Economics & Industrial Arts, Art, and Music.

The large grade eight-class was split into two homerooms, with Walter Ferguson and Arthur Kurz as homeroom teachers. Ferguson taught social studies courses, while Kurz taught science and mathematics courses.

Grade Eight Class (1953-54 Combined)
Walter Ferguson, Rudy Adrian, John Fast, Ed Barkowsky, Pete Isaac, _____, Jake Epp, Arthur Kurz John Reimer, Eric Ewert, Rudy Lohrenz, Elmer Neuman, Henry Froese, Willy Barowski, John Kroeker Elfrieda Nightingale, Susan Braun, _____, Jacquie Brown, Magdalene Koehn, Irwin Dyck, George Giesbrecht, Val Janzen Anna Klassen, Veronica Barkowsky, Annie Klaassen, Alita Reimer, Martha Neufeld, Rose Dyck, Emily Guze, Erna Goertzen Susie Spenst, Marion Epp, Lena Brauer, Anna Epp, Hilda Fast, Alice Miller, Elfrieda Reimer, Mary Janzen Also: Mary Derksen, Jacqueline Braun, Helen Fehr, Gertrude Froese, Frieda Fast, Eugenie Einfeld,         Baibe Einfeld, Erna Neufeld, Reinhardt Rosinski, Hans Dau, and Metro Shermeto

Grade Eight Class (1953-54 Mr Kurz)
Back: Rudy Adrian, John Fast, Ed Barkowsky, Pete Isaac, Arthur Kurz. Eric Ewert, Elmer Neuman, Irwin Dyck, George Giesbrecht. Annie Klassen, Alita Reimer, Magdalene Koehn, Martha Neufeld, Mary Janzen. Lena Brauer, Anna Epp, Hilda Fast, Alice Miller, Elfrieda Reimer

Freda Nightingale, daughter of Yarrow's prominent MB Church leader Abram Nachtigal, was the homeroom teacher for the grade seven-class. Nightingale taught the English related, and music courses, and organized school musical productions.

Grade Seven Class (1953-54)
Frank Reimer, John Giesbrecht, Ernest "Tex" Neuman, Frank Dahl, Vic Froese, Hugo Litz, Nick Goossen Dennis Klaassen, Evelyn Reimer, Jenny Warkentin, Dorothy Derksen, Helen Bergman, Vivian Miller, Jake Pankratz Linda Kornelson, Martha Penner, Betty Derksen, Leona Derksen, Laurina Neuman, Betty Toews, Elvira Toews, Freda Nightingale Vic Peters, Bonita Menges, Elsie Rausch, Agnes Kroeker, Martha Epp, Barbara Gross, Lillian Allert, Victor Martens Also: Freda Bergen, Hildegarde Brosinski, Elsie Froese, Margaret Neufeld, Lenora Schellenberg, Manfred Franz, John Janzen, John Regehr

Student Government

Students learned about the art and practice of democratic government by establishing a Students' Association that elected a Student Council. The executive members of the Students' Council for the school's inaugural year of 1953-54 were:

Dorothy Barrett and Arthur Kurz represented the teachers at the first meeting of the Yarrow Junior High Student Council on October 5, 1953. Business transacted at that meeting included:

      1. Frank Dahl moved that students' cards be bought for the Yarrow Junior High pupils. Seconded by John Reimer. Motion carried.
      2. George Giesbrecht moved that the Treasurer inquire about the price of students' cards at the Yarrow Print Shop, and that the President assist her. Seconded by Dennis Klassen. Motion carried.
      3. It was determined that Mr Kurz would assist the Treasurer with forms for the bank. Signatures for banking purposes would be those of the Treasurer and the Student Council staff sponsor.

Other matters transacted during the school year were:

      1. October 21, 1953. George Giesbrecht gave the Red Cross report that showed an $11.36 profit from the candy sale on October 16, and moved that this amount plus collections from classes be sent as fees for Red Cross membership by all students. Seconded by Frank Dahl. Motion carried.
      2. November 3, 1953. Betty Toews moved that the Secretary write a letter to the Secretary of the P.T.A., Mrs Mary Froese, offering the services of the grade seven and eight students for ushering and serving refreshments on the P.T.A. Opening Night, December 4, 1953. Seconded by John Reimer. Motion carried.

A very respectable beginning indeed for a new school!

Yarrow Elementary Junior High School Opening Ceremonies Program and Picture Courtesy of Erma Wiebe

School Year 1954-55

Before the next school year of 1954-55, Ferguson managed to replace the popular Harry MacTaggart with two male teachers, Jim Norberg and Henry Epp. With the departures of Lillian Bealle, Elizabeth Lavigne, and Eleanor Wicoll, Ferguson hired Joy Fowlie, Sharon Ritchie, Helena Braun, and Joan Lein. These moves kept the male to female composition of teachers in the ratio of 1 : 3.

Frieda Nightingale and Dorothy McCutcheon teamed up to produce some memorable student musical theatrical productions. McCutcheon taught the players how to act; Nightingale taught them how to sing.

Yarrow School Teachers, 1954-55
Jim Norberg, Arthur Kurz, Henry Epp, Walter Ferguson Joy Fowlie, Sharon Ritchie, Helena Braun, Dorothy McCutcheon Agnes Allert, Erma Wiebe, Joan Lein, Frieda Nightingale

The large grade eight class from the previous year became this year's large grade nine class. Its members were masters of their domain. Its home room teachers were Henry Epp and Arthur Kurz.

Grade Nine Class (1954-55)
Rudy Adrian, Val Janzen, Henry Froese, Pete Isaacs, Walter Ferguson, Ed Barkowsky, Willy Barowski, Elmer Neuman John Reimer, Erna Neufeld, Eric Ewert, Martha Neufeld, Irwin Dyck, Magda Koehn, John Kroeker, _____ Jake Epp, Elfrieda Nightingale, Veronica Barkowsky, Mary Derksen, Arthru Kurz, Frieda Fast, Violeta Shermeto, Annie Klaassen, Rose Dyck Alice Miller, Lena Brauer, Anna Epp, Susie Spenst, Henry Epp, Hilda Fast, Elfrieda Reimer, Marion Epp, Mary Janzen, Alita Reimer Also: Gertrude Froese, Emily Guze, John Fast, George Giesbrecht, Erna Goetz, Martha Reimer, Helen Fehr

Grade Eight Class (1954-55)

Lillian Allert, Freda Bergen, Helen Bergman, Hildegarde Brosinski, Frank Dahl, Betty Derksen, Dorothy Derksen, Leona Derksen, Manfred Franz,
Elsie Froese, Victor Froese, John Giesbrecht, Nick Goosen, Barbara Gross, Dennis Klassen, Linda Kornelson, Agnes Kroeker, Hugo Litz, Victor Martens,
Bonita Menges, Vivian Miller, Margaret Neufeld, Ernest Neuman, Laurina Neuman, Jake Pankratz, Martha Penner, Victor Peters, Elsie Rausch,
Evelyn Reimer, Frank Reimer, Lenora Schellenberg, Betty Toews, Elvira Toews, Jenny Warkentin, Metro Sheremeto

Joining the grade eights and nines in the Junior High School were the members of the class of grade sevens, graduating from their grade six elementary class.

Grade Seven Class (1954-55)
Henry Penner, Alec Goosen, Victor Fast, Frank Spenst, Rex Neuman, Ralph Giesbrecht Alvin Goossen, Elmer Schellenberg, Jake Dyck, Corny Regher, Fred Ewert, Edwin Rausch, Bill Peters Irwin Wiens, Ed Derksen, Henry Epp, Heidi Berg, Gerda Epp, Bill Thiessen, Raymond Wiens, Alvin Johnston Dorothy McCutcheon, Lena Arendt, Hilda Teichgrab, Viola Schellenberg, Erika Froese, Lorna Froese, Betty Giesbrecht, Delores Derksen Also: Helene Epp, Henry Fast, John Janzen, Harold Siebert

Student Government

On September 17, 1954, last year's president, Lena Brauer opened the first meeting of the Students' Council, and chaired the election of officers. The executive members of the Student Council for 1954-55 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

      1. October 6, 1954. Alice Miller, president, opened the second meeting of the Students' Council. Lena Brauer read the last meeting's minutes. Betty Toews moved the minutes be adopted as read. Seconded by Irwin Dyck. Motion carried. Veronica Barkowsky, a delegate from the Drama Club, requested the Council give the club ten dollars to meet expenditures. Seconded by Gerda Epp. Motion carried.
      2. November 26, 1954. The president, Alice Miller, appointed Gerda Epp and Frank Reimer to contact Miss Nightingale and Mrs McCutcheon about putting on a school operetta, as the entire Student Assembly was in favour of such an event.
      3. January 28, 1954. Alice Miller, president, opened the first assembly of all students of the Junior High with the singing of "God Save the Queen." Dennis Klassen moved that forty dollars be advanced to pay for the operetta books for the "Pirates of Penzance." Seconded by Ernest Neuman. Motion carried. Jake Epp moved that two dozen badminton birds be bought. Seconded by John Fast. Motion Carried.
      4. February 23, 1955. Fred Ewert moved that money be allocated to buy a trophy and book prizes for the winners of the Public Speaking Contest. Frank Reimer seconded the motion. Motion carried.
      5. March 2, 1955. Alice Miller, president, opened the second assembly of all students of the Junior High with the singing of the national anthem. Alice turned the meeting over to the vice president, Irwin Epp, to be the chairman for the Public Speaking Contest. The judges were: Mrs Neufeld, Mr Kurz, and Mr Norberg.
The finalists were:
          a. Grade Seven: Viola Schellenberg — Princess Margaret
          b. Grade Eight: Vivian Miller — Uncle Louis
          c. Grade Nine: Rose Dyck — British Columbia
          d. Grade Nine: Alice Miller — Sumas Lake Reclamation
Mr Kurz announced that the winner of the Public Speaking Contest was Alice Miller.

Yarrow Junior High School Production
"The Pirates of Penzance"

In May of 1955 under the direction of Dorothy McCutcheon and Frieda Nightingale, the Yarrow High School Players produced the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera — The Pirates of Penzance — on the stage of the school's gymnasium at an assembly of parents, teachers, guests, and students. The large cast of the operetta, drawn principally from the grade nine and eight classes, performed their roles to great acclaim. The costumes of the beautiful maidens, Ruth and the Pirate King, swash-buckling pirates, Frederic and Mabel, the Major-General, and corps of police officers were superb. After the actors' curtain call, Principal Ferguson thanked McCutcheon and Nightingale for their extra-curricular work, and the actors for the hours they spent practicing their songs and rehearsing their operetta characters.

The Pirates of Penzance
Dorothy McCutcheon, Walter Ferguson, Frieda Nightingale and Cast

School Year 1955-56

During the previous year, the grade nine students were assigned to two divisions, and accommodated in two homerooms. Principal Ferguson must have breathed a sigh of relief to have this large, actively boisterous group graduate to attend Senior High School in Chilliwack. With fewer students in grade nine for the 1955-56 school year, Ferguson reduced his team of teachers from twelve to eleven, with only one homeroom for grade nine pupils. Dorothy McCutcheon, Agnes Allert, and Joan Lein's departures were met by hiring Peter Fast and Frieda Fast. The male to female composition of teachers was now in the ratio of 5 : 6.

Yarrow School Teachers, 1955-56
Jim Norberg, Peter Fast, Art Kurz, Henry Epp Joy Fowlie, Helena Braun, Sharon Ritchie, Erma Wiebe Freda Nightingale, Walter Ferguson, Frieda Fast

Grade Nine Class (1955-56)

While this year's grade nine class had a preponderance of female students, the grade eight class had many more male students with a male to female student ration of 9 : 4. These demographical irregularities can be explained by the fact that some pupils in these age cohorts chose to attend the cross-town Sharon Mennonite Collegiate instead.

Grade Eight Class (1955-56)
Bill Thiessen, Edwin Rausch, Corny Regher, Bill Peters, Elmer Schellenberg, Ed Derksen, Irwin Wiens, _____, Fred Ewert Harold Siebert, Alec Goossen, Frank Spenst, Raymond Wiens, Ralph Giesbrecht, Rex Neuman, Henry Penner, Alvin Johnston, Victor Fast Gerda Epp, Betty Giesbrecht, Melita Reimer, Lena Arendt, Heidi Berg, Helene Epp, Hilda Teichgrab, Erika Froese, Henry Epp Also: Henry Epp, Henry Fast, Melita Reimer

These demographical anomalies persisted with the grade seven class for 1955-56, with a male to female ratio of 2 : 1. Small wonder that Principal Ferguson had a busy year administering disciplinary measures to maintain semblances of order in the student body.

Grade Seven Class (1955-56)
John Neudorf, Henry Fast, Abe Koehn, Alvin Dahl, John Barkowsky, Alvin Unruh, Nick Janzen, Bill Unruh (Rodney) Bob Peters, John Wolfe, Alfred Maier, Wayne Siebert, Dave Pankratz, Harold Froese, Dennis Martens, Frieda Nightingale Frieda Arendt, Anne Reimer (Sabo), Allison Andres, Brigette Brosinski, Eileen Neuman, _____, Diane Martens

Student Government

On October 6, 1955 Mr. Kurz, taking the place of last year's president, opened the first meeting of the Students' Council. The executive members of the Student Council for 1955-56 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

      1. October 27, 1955. Victor Froese, President, opened the meeting. Vivian Miller read the minutes of the October 6, 1955 council meeting. The minutes were adopted as read. Harold Froese reported on the results of the boys' volleyball games; Hilda Teichgrab reported on the results of the girls' volleyball games. Acceptance of both reports were moved, seconded, and passed. Ed Derksen moved that two boys and two girls be elected from each class for the gym committee. Seconded by Vivian Miller. Motion carried.
      2. December 15, 1955. Vivian Miller moved we sponsor the Little Theatre Play. Hilda Teichgrab seconded the motion. Motion carried. Ricky Neuman moved that the Student Council pay any teacher or parent eight cents per mile for driving Yarrow's teams to their opponents' schools. Harold Froese seconded. Carried.
      3. March 25, 1956. Frank Reimer moved that the Student Council, on behalf of the Student Assembly, send Mr Ferguson a get-well card. Seconded by Victor Froese. Motion carried.

School Year 1956-57

The departures of Freda Nightingale and Henry Epp — two junior high teachers — the grade six teacher Jim Norberg, and elementary teachers Joy Fowlie, Helena Braun, Sharon Ritchie, and Peter Fast, left Principal Ferguson with large gaps to fill in his roster of teachers. He dealt with this problem by hiring the very capable, and versatile Harold Kost as the grade seven homeroom teacher. Along with teaching English related courses, physical education, art courses, and coaching the sports teams, Kost also taught grade six science, leaving a lasting impression on this grade six student. Ferguson hired Lila Blackwell, Dorothy Funk, Bev Hailstone, Mary Unger, and Gary Ferguson (grade six) to teach elementary classes. Mrs Bartindale, Chilliwack School District's popular musician, teacher, and choir director, took over Freda Nightingale's music classes. The male to female composition of teachers slipped to the ratio of 4 : 7.

Yarrow School Teachers, 1956-57
Art Kurz, Elsie Bergen, Erma Wiebe, Walter Ferguson Lila Blackwell, Dorothy Funk, Frieda Fast Harold Kost, Bev Hailstone, Gary Ferguson, Mary Unger

Grade Nine Class (1956-57)
Ed Derksen, Bill Peters, Helmut Schmidt, Fred Ewert, Irwin Wiens Henry Epp, Henry Penner, Ralph Giesbrecht, Edwin Rausch, Bill Thiessen Raymond Wiens, Harold Siebert, Ricky Neuman, Frank Spenst, Victor Fast Heide Berg, Helene Epp, Gerda Epp, Erika Froese, Alvin Johnston

Grade Eight Class (1956-57)
Dave Pankratz, Bill Unruh (Rodney), Abe Koehn, Nick Janzen, Harry Fast, Alvin Unruh John Barkowsky, Harold Froese, Wayne Siebert, Bob Peters, Alfred Maier, Art Kurz John Wolfe, Frieda Arendt, Brigette Brosinski, Dianne Martens, Eileen Neuman, Dennis Martens

Grade Seven Class (1956-57)

Rudy Baerg, Elsie Bergman, Regina Brosinski Caroline Derksen, Harry Derksen, Wilfred Derksen, Adolph Dettling, Abe Dyck,
Edwin Epp, Evelyn Epp, Nancy Epp, Harold Gross, Pauline Guenther, Eileen Harder, Darlene Johnstone, Gerald Klassen,
Nettie Klassen, Aneta Koehn, Katie Kroeker, Willie Langman, Lorraine Letkeman, Viola Loewen, Elizabeth Neudorf, Helmut Peters,
Diane Reimer, Joanne Schellenberg, Eugene Scheremeto, Gordon Teichgrab, John Thiessen, Gordon Wiens, Walter Wolfe

Student Government

On October 6, 1955 Mr. Kurz, taking the place of last year's president, opened the first meeting of the Students' Council. The executive members of the Student Council for 1955-56 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

1. November 16, 1956. Eileen Neuman, Treasurer, read the Treasurer's report, which indicated a balance of $101.79. Bill Thiessen moved that one-dozen badminton birds be bought. Seconded by Wilfred Derksen. Motion carried. Wilfred Derksen moved that one-dozen ping-pong balls be bought. Seconded by Gerald Klassen. Motion carried. Bill Thiessen moved that eight ping-pong bats be bought. Gerald Klassen seconded the motion. Carried.
2. February 15, 1957. The assembly of all students of the Junior High was opened with the singing of "O Canada." Bill Thiessen gave his editor's report on the student newspaper, and moved the publishing of the paper be continued. Motion seconded and passed.
      — Caroline Derksen reported on the winners for the girls' free throw:
            a. Grade Seven: 1st. Katie Kroeker, 2nd Elsie Bergman
            b. Grade Eight: 1st. Eileen Neuman , 2nd Brigette Brosinski
            c. Grade Nine: 1st. Gerda Epp, 2nd. Helen Epp
      — Gerald Klassen reported on the winners for the boys' free throw:
            a. Grade Seven: 1st. Willie Langman, 2nd. Harold Gross
            b. Grade Eight: 1st. Harry Fast, 2nd. Harold Froese
            c. Grade Nine: 1st. Henry Epp, 2nd. Harold Siebert
Rex Neuman moved that the Students' Council rent another film to raise funds. Seconded by Frank Spenst. Motion carried. Rex Neuman moved that students help with this year's operetta. Seconded by Helmut Peters. Motion carried.

School Year 1957-58

Yarrow School Teachers, 1957-58
Back: Art Kurz, Walter Ferguson, Harold Kost, Middle: Donna Bowing, Mrs. McCaw, Mrs. Bartindale, Frieda Fast Front: Betty______, Nora Wheeler, Mary Unger Photograph: Courtesy of Frieda Fast

Grade Nine Class (1957-58)

Mr. Ferguson, Lother Ediger, Bill (Unruh) Rodney, John Barkowsky, Alvin Unruh Abe Koehn, Alvin Johnstone, Dennis Martens, Wayne Siebert Harold Froese, Bob Peters, John Wolfe, Harry Fast Also: Frieda Arendt Photograph: Courtesy of Mary Froese

Grade Eight Class (1957-58)



Gordon Allen, Rudy Baerg, Elsie Bergman, Regina Brosinski, Alice Chouvert, Caroline Derksen, Abe Dyck, Edwin Epp, Evelyn Epp,
Nancy Epp, Harold Gross, Eilenn Harder, Leo Johnson, Darlene Johnstone, Nettie Klassen, Aneta Koehn, Katie Kroeker, Willy Langman,
Lorraine Letkeman, Helmut Muller, Helmut Peters, Diane Reimer, Eugene Schermeto, Gordie Teichgrab, Gordon Wiens, Walter Wolfe

Grade Seven Class (1957-58)

Robert Reimer, Robert Penny, Nettie Enns, Rita Paetkau, Lynda Hassell, Gordon Paetkau, Marten Timmerman Mr. Harold Kost, Elmer Wiens, Cary Esau, Mary Arendt, Rita Sawatsky, Walter Teichgrab, Earl Miller Victor Janzen, Robert Giesbrecht, Patricia Andres, Robert Unruh, Inge Muller, Otto Baerg, Walter Klassen Also: Adolf Dettling, Jean Lavoie, Evangeline Sawatsky, Doreen Stolz, Rebecka Thiessen

Student Government

On October 22, 1957 Mr. Kurz, taking the place of Fred Ewert, last year's president, opened the first meeting of the Students' Council. The executive members of the Student Council for 1957-58 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

1. October 22, 1957. President Eileen Harder opened the meeting. Abe Dyck moved we buy one dozen badminton birds. Seconded by Harold Froese. Carried. Wayne Siebert moved we buy one dozen ping-pong balls. Seconded by Elmer Wiens. Carried. John Wolfe, Treasurer, moved that the same rate be paid for transportation of school teams to games at other schools as last year. Seconded by Wayne Siebert. Carried. Wayne Siebert moved we pay for the books for the operetta, with the understanding that the Student's Council get any profit from its production. Seconded by Elmer Wiens. Carried.
2. February 14, 1958. Eileen Harder, President, opened the meeting. Caroline Derksen, Secretary, read the minutes of the last meeting. John Wolfe, Treasurer, gave the treasurer's report, stating that the bank balance was $46.40. Wayne Siebert moved that we again have a "Slave Day" this year, one day for the girls and one day for the boys. Harold Froese seconded the motion. Carried. Mr Kurz read the rules that were used last year on Slave Day. Caroline Derksen moved we have the same rules as last year. John Wolfe seconded the motion. Carried. Wayne Siebert moved that for this year's basketball free throw competition, we pay 50 cents for the first prize, and 25 cents for the second prize. Elmer Wiens seconded the motion. Carried.

School Year 1958-59

Yarrow School Teachers, 1958-59
Elfrieda Epp, Donna Ferguson, June Ratzlaff, Agnes Mitchell Virginia Smith, Erma Wiebe, _____ Mary Unger, Frieda Fast, Hulda Reimer Art Kurz, Ken White, Walter Ferguson Photograph: Courtesy of Erma Wiebe

Grade Nine Class (1958-59)



Gordon Allen, Rudy Baerg, Regina Brosinski, Alice Chouvert, Caroline Derksen, Harry Derksen, Abe Dyck, Edwin Epp,
Evelyn Epp, Nancy Epp, Harry Fast, Harold Gross, Eilenn Harder, Darlene Johnstone, Aneta Koehn, Katie Kroeker, Willy Langman,
Lorraine Letkeman, Helmuth Muller, Helmut Peters, Diane Reimer, Eugene Schermeto, Gordie Teichgrab, Gordon Wiens, Walter Wolfe

Grade Eight Class (1958-59)

Cary Esau, Delmar Robertstad, Marten Timmerman, Gordon Paetkau, Earl Miller Mary Arendt, Rita Paetkau, Mary Jozsa, Evangeline Sawatsky, Rita Sawatsky, Mr. Kurz Walter Klassen, Robert Giesbrecht, Elmer Wiens, Robert Unruh, Walter Teichgrab, Otto Baerg Also: Georgina Allen, Lynda Hassell, Victor Janzen, Inge Muller, Robert Reimer, Doreen Stolz

Grade Seven Class (1958-59)

Gene Roy, Stan Harder, Dave Nightengale, Arthur Neufeld, Rufus Loewen, Edward Doerfling Mr. White, John Arendt, Katie Dettling, ________, Lenora Janzen, Kathy Fajcsik, Peter Giesbrecht Abe Klassen, Helen Redekop, Evelyn Paetkau, Shirley Jantzen, Virginia Soper, Stuart Muxlow Also: Pamela Hansom, Ray Neufeldt, Mary Peters, Helen Redekop, Geza Tantosh, Stanley Wiens Photograph: Courtesy of Shirlee Jantzen Fast

Student Government

Mr. Kurz opened the first meeting of this year's Students' Council. In previous years, the representatives to the council, who were elected from each classroom, elected the executive of the Students' Council. This year, all members of the student body voted for the students who ran for the executive positions of president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer.

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1958-59 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

1. January 26, 1959. Eileen Harder, President, opened the meeting. The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting. Caroline Derksen moved that we order several of the Moody Films to show to the general public in the school auditorium for the purpose of raising funds for the Students' Council. Aneta Koehn seconded the motion. Motion carried. Mr Kurz outlined the procedures for the basketball free throw competition. Stuart Muxlow moved that the prizes for the competition be like last year: 50 cents first prize, and 25 cents second price. Helmuth Muller seconded the motion. Carried.
2. March 25, 1959. Eileen Harder, President, opened the meeting. The Secretary read the minutes of the last meeting. The Treasurer's report by Robert Giesbrecht indicted that the bank balance of $165.86 was the result of the successful Moody Films. Furthermore, the last Moody Film would be shown on April 10th. Elmer Wiens moved that we have a year-end banquet like we had two years ago. Rita Sawatsky seconded the motion. Carried. Mr. Kurz said that he would ask the ladies of the PTA to help prepare the food. He would also find out about getting the school letter awards in Vancouver, to be awarded at the school banquet. Rita Sawatsky moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Robert Giesbrecht. Motion carried.

School Year 1959-60

Yarrow School Teachers, 1959-60
Hulda Reimer, Erma Wiebe, Jo Unsworth, Mary Unger, Doris Reist Doug Newby, Walter Ferguson, Ken White, Art Kurz Photograph: Courtesy of Erma Wiebe

Grade Nine Class (1959-60)

Will Funk, Robert Reimer,   "Fergie,"   Rudy Baerg, Elmer Wiens Robert Unruh, Walter Teichgrab, Gordon Paetkau, Cary Esau, Walter Wolfe, Earl Miller Otto Baerg, Robert Giesbrecht, Margaret Kroeker, Mary Jozsa, Walter Klassen Verna Funk, Eleanore Friesen, Rita Paetkau, Mary Arendt, Rita Sawatsky, Evangeline Sawatsky Also: John Peters, Marten Timmerman

Grade Eight Class (1959-60)

Edward Doerfling, Ray Neufeld, Stan Harder, Arthur Neufeld, Dave Nightengale, Geza Tantosh Abe Klassen, Neil Friesen, Kathy Fajcsik, Gene Roy, Stuart Muxlow, Mr. Kurz Katie Dettling, Virginia Soper, Anita Penner, Shirley Jantzen, Evelyn Paetkau, Doreen Funk Also: John Arendt, Mary Peters, Helen Redekop Photograph: Courtesy of Shirlee Jantzen Fast

Grade Seven Class (1959-60)



John Arendt, Irma Bunse, Louise Doerfling, Ronald Dyck, Emma Elzer, Henry Elzer, Victor Giesbrecht,
Roy Howard, Elizabeth Josza, Rosemary Klemke, Frank Klassen, Lauri Koehn, Wesley Kornelson, Walter Loewen,
Erich Malli, Bobby Neufeld, Jacob Niessen, Irene Peters, Margaret Redekop, Werner Reimer, George Savacera,
Wolfgang Scholz, Jenny Scheremeto, Lenoara Wiens, Luetta, Wiens, Gene Williams

School Sports

Yarrow Junior High Sports Teams

Coached by Kenneth White, the Junior High School teams exerted their skill, training and muscles in inter-school competitions, competing against teams from Sardis, Chilliwack, and Agassiz Junior High Schools. In the fall on Saturday, November 28th, they won the soccer championship trophy. In the winter, they placed second in basketball, while in the spring they were second in the badminton tournament, and then Yarrow beat all competitors on their home turf to take the softball championship trophy.

Student Government

Like last year, the executive positions of president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer were determined by an election whereby all members of the student body voted for students who ran for these offices.

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1959-60 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

1. October 22, 1959. The President, Elmer Wiens, opened the first meeting of the Students' Council. The Secretary, Rita Sawatsky, read the minutes of the last meeting, and they were adopted as read. Mr Kurz pointed out that he had thanked the PTA ladies for helping with our last year's banquet. In the Treasurer's report, Robert Giesbrecht stated that our bank balances were $141.42, mostly as the result of last year's very successful Moody Films. David Nightingale, Vice-President, moved that we advance the money necessary to buy 12 pairs of soccer boots. Seconded by Anita Penner. Carried. Robert Giesbrecht moved that we leave the school teams' transportation rates at the same rate as last year. Seconded by Dave Nightingale. Carried. Anita Penner moved the meeting be adjourned.
2. January 14, 1960. The President, Elmer Wiens, opened the meeting of the Students' Council. The Secretary, Rita Sawatsky, read the minutes of the last meeting, and they were adopted as read. Anita Penner moved that the basketball free throw competition be held in the first week of February, and that the prizes remain at: 50 cents first prize, and 25 cents second prize. Victor Giesbrecht seconded the motion. Carried. Mr Kurz spoke about sponsoring the films to be shown to the general public in the school auditorium as fundraisers for the Students' Council. The details of these events would be discussed at a later date. In the Treasurer's report, Robert Giesbrecht stated that our balance was $64.90 as the result of the purchase of soccer boots as passed in the last meeting. Robert Giesbrecht moved the meeting be adjourned.

Student Evaluations and Report Cards

Students' "Scholastic Achievements" and "General Development" were evaluated three times during the school year by way of observations by teachers in the classrooms and extra-curricular activities, and through quizzes, tests, and government exams.

B.C. Secondary School Report Card

Ken White, Elmer Wiens, Art Kurz (October 2, 2008)

School Year 1960-61

Yarrow School Teachers, 1960-61
_____, Erma Wiebe, _____ Art Kurz, Doug Newby, Reid Weight, Walter Ferguson Mary Unger, _____, _____ Photograph: Courtesy of Erma Wiebe

Grade Nine Class (1960-61)

Gordon Paetkau, Edward Doerfling, Stan Harder, Dave Nightengale, Robert Smaill Abe Klassen, Arthur Friesen, Walter Klassen, Neil Friesen, Albert Friesen Verna Funk, Virginia Soper, Evelyn Paetkau, Doreen Funk, Mr. Ferguson Shirley Jantzen, Anita Penner, Mary Jozsa, Katie Dettling, Kathy Fajscik Also: Stuart Muxlow, Arthur Neufeld, Ray Neufeldt, Geza Tantosh Photograph: Courtesy of Arthur Friesen

Grade Eight Class (1960-61)



John Arendt, Irma Bunse, Carol Buskey, Ronald Dyck, Emma Elzer, Henry Elzer, Elaine Galley, Victor Giesbrecht,
Henry Heidi, Elizabeth Josza, Frank Klassen, Lauri Koehn, Bob Neufeld, Jake Niessen, Irene Peters, Werner Reimer,
George Sevecera, Wolfgang Scholz, Jenny Scheremeto, Wayne Weger, Lenoara Wiens, Luetta, Wiens, Gene Williams, Chuck Smaill

Grade Seven Class (1960-61)



Mary Bagshaw, George Bunse, Patricia Dennill, Samuel Engbrecht, Eva Ens, Bettty-Ann Friesen, Ulrike Friesen,
Alfred Funk, Ronald Goerz, Brian Galley, John Guenther, Stephen Hight, Violet Hiller, Katie Janzen, Elfrieda Klassen,
Henry Klassen, Wesley Kornelson, Henry Kroeker, Bruno Litz, Olga Loewen, David Mann, Beverly Merriman, Sharon Merriman,
Gordon Miller, Kathleen Muxlow, Florence Nightingale, Alice Penner, Henry Peters, Marie Reimer, Barbara Sapinsky,
Victor Sawatsky, Sandra Schellenberg, David Scheremeto, Gerald Smaill, Joe Soper, Wayne Strang, Alfred Wiens, Kenneth Wolfe

Student Government

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1960-61 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

School Year 1961-62

Yarrow School Teachers, 1961-62



Reid Weight, Arthur Kurz, Walter Ferguson, Victor Froese, Doug Newby
Marg White, Mary Unger, Norma McGregor

Victor Froese attended the Yarrow Elementary Junior High school, and returned to teach Grade 6 for two years.
While living in Winnipeg, his daughter Brenda Froese wrote an article as part of a high school report c. 1980:
MY FATHER’S BACKGROUND IS MENNONITE (VICTOR FROESE).

Grade Nine Class (1961-62)


If you have a better picture of this class please email it to the webmaster!

John Arendt, Irma Bunse, Carol Buskey, Ed Doerfling, Ronald Dyck, Emma Elzer, Henry Elzer, Kathy Facjsik, Elaine Galley, Victor Giesbrecht,
Stan Harder, Elizabeth Josza, Frank Klassen, Lauri Koehn, Walter Loewen, Judy McCloy, Bob Neufeld, Jake Niessen, Irene Peters, Werner Reimer,
George Sevecera, Wolfgang Scholz, Chuck Smaill, Bob Smaill, Jenny Scheremeto, Wayne Weger, Lenoara Wiens, Luetta, Wiens, Gene Williams, John Peters

Grade Eight Class (1961-62)



Mary Bagshaw, George Bunse, Dixie Coxson, Patricia Dennill, Samuel Engbrecht, Bettty-Ann Friesen, Ulrike Friesen,
Alfred Funk, Ronald Goerz, Brian Galley, John Guenther, Stephen Hight, Violet Hiller, Katie Janzen, Elfrieda Klassen,
Wesley Kornelson, Henry Kroeker, Bruno Litz, Olga Loewen, David Mann, Florence Nightingale, Alice Penner, Henry Peters, Lydia Ratzlaff,
Barbara Sapinsky, Victor Sawatsky, Sandra Schellenberg, Joe Soper, Wayne Strang, Christina Thiessen, Pat Thomasea, Sylvia Wiegand, Alfred Wiens, Kenneth Wolfe

Grade Seven Class (1961-62)



John Anderson, Cathy Banman, Eddie Dyck, Beverley Epp, Victor Epp, Tassilo Erath, Shirley Falk, Jack Friesen, Peter Froese, Howard Hiebert,
Evelyn Jantzen, Laila Janzen, Frank Jozsa, Henry Klassen, Bob Langemann, Bill McCloy, Margret Neels, Victor Peters, Kenneth Petkau, Irene Reimer,
Kathy Sabolowich, Don Schellenberg, David Scheremeto, Gerry Smaill, Charlotte Tilitsky, Wendy Weger, Ernie Wiens, Clark Williams, Brayan Woolett, Dan Wonnop

Student Government

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1961-62 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

School Year 1962-63

Yarrow School Teachers, 1962-63 _______, Victor Froese, Ken Littley Arthur Kurz, Reid Weight, Jim Murphy, Walter Ferguson Peggy Martens, Mary Unger, Norma McGregor, Brita Weight Grade Nine Class (1962-63) Mary Bagshaw, George Bunse, Dixie Coxson, Patricia Dennill, Ed Doerfling, Ulrike Friesen, Ronald Goerz, Brian Galley, John Guenther, Stephen Hight, Violet Hiller, Katie Janzen, Elfrieda Klassen, Lori Koehn, Wesley Kornelson, Bruno Litz, Olga Loewen, Bob Neufeld, Alice Penner, Henry Peters, Irene Peters, Barbara Sapinsky, Victor Sawatsky, Sandra Schellenberg, Jenny Shermeto, Joe Soper, Wayne Strang, Alfred Wiens, Kenneth Wolfe Grade Eight Class (1962-63) John Anderson, Cathy Banman, Eddie Dyck, Beverley Epp, Victor Epp, Shirley Falk, Jack Friesen, Peter Froese, Howard Hiebert, Gordon Hill, Evelyn Jantzen, Laila Janzen, Frank Jozsa, Jack Kettler, Bob Langemann, Gordon Loewen, Bill McCloy, Margret Neels, Len Neufeld, Victor Peters, Kenneth Petkau, Irene Reimer, Kathy Sabolowich, Don Schellenberg, Charlotte Tilitsky, Dan Wonnop, Wendy Weger, Ernie Wiens, Clark Williams, Brayan Woolett Grade Seven Class (1962-63) Alan Goertz; Ron Strang; unknown; Glen Dennil; Bob Galley; unknown; Walter Stief; Bernie Elias; Byrum Toews; Jim Langeman. Irma Janzen; Doris Friesen; Doris Haberla; Anna Enns (?); Susan Reimer; Elizabeth Foldesi; Sarah Thiessen; Heather Hendricks. Agnes Arendt; Susan Derksen; Tina Friesen; unknown; Annie Dettling; Ann Peters; Jeannie Guenther. Jackie McCloy; Anna Wiens; Wanda Weger; Tina Shermeto; Ruth Hiller; Hildegard Klassen; Sydna or Sandra Soper. Teachers: Mr Weight and Mr Littley Photograph Courtesy of Irma Janzen Student Government The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1962-63 were: President: Dixie Coxson Vice-President: Ronald Goerz Secretary: Sandra Schellenberg Treasurer: Clark Williams Business transacted during the school year included: 1. November 22, 1962. The first meeting of this year was opened by Dixie Coxson. The minutes were read by the secretary and moved and adopted by Dixie. The treasurer's report was read by Clark and particulars were: Balance from last year: $31.28, Student fees: $44.50, Balance on hand: $75.78. Clark moved the report be received. Seconded by Evelyn. Carried. 2. April 25, 1963. Clark Williams suggested we have a banquet, awards and a spring party as in previous years. Evy seconded it. Carried. Mr Kurz suggested we ask the ladies at the next PTA Meeting to help with the banquet.

School Year 1963-64

Yarrow School Teachers, 1963-64



Reid Weight, Arthur Kurz, Walter Ferguson, Mr. Littley, Jim Murphy

Grade Nine Class (1963-64)

(Picture not available)

John Anderson, George Bunse, Eddie Dyck, Victor Epp, John Guenther, Peter Froese, Howard Hiebert,
Gordon Hill, Frank Jozsa, Jack Kettler, Bob Langemann, Gordon Loewen, Len Neufeld, Calvin Oliver,
Victor Peters, Kenneth Petkau, Kathy Sabolowich, Don Schellenberg, Dan Wonnop, Wendy Weger, Ernie Wiens, Clark Williams

Grade Eight Class (1963-64)

Jim Langeman; Walter Stief; Alan Goertz; Ron Strang; unknown; Bob Galley; Glenn Dennil; Harry Loewen. Byrum Toews; Sarah Thiessen; Elizabeth Foldesi; Anna Enns (?); Agnes Arendt; unknown girl ; unknown boy. Lila Jensen(?); Heather Hendricks; Jeannie Guenther; Susan Derksen; Irma Janzen; Doris Haberla; Ann Peters. Wanda Weger; Tina Shermeto; Irene Falk; Jackie McCloy; Ruth Hiller; Anna Wiens; Bernie Elias. Teacher: Mr Arthur Kurz Photograph Courtesy of Irma Janzen

Grade Seven Class (1963-64)

(Picture not available)



Richard Baerg, Sylvia Bobroski, Chole Bayer, Tony Dennill, Annie Dettling, Joahnne Dupant, David Dyck,
Isaac Dyck, Danny Epp, Tom Esau, Irene Falk, Annie Friesen, Margie Friesen, Gerald Giesbrecht, Randy Giesbrecht,
Marilyn Goerz, Jacki Hall, Jacob Heidi, Eric Hiebert, Rudy Janzen, Ole Jensen, Hilda Klassen, Carol Koehn,
Betty Kroeker, Judy Laboucane, Aron Loewen, Peter Loewen, Alice MacKenzie, Arlene McGinn, Shirley Neufeld, Gordon Petkau,
Annie Reimer, Jimmy Reimer, Susan Reimer, Glen Sargeant, Karen Schellenberg, Sandra Soper, Sydna Soper, Reggie Tilitsky, Robyn Willis

Student Government

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1963-64 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

School Year 1964-65

Yarrow School Teachers, 1964-65

(Picture not available)

Arthur Kurz, Lesley Tarmar, Walter Ferguson, Reid Weight

Grade Ten Class (1964-65)



John Anderson, George Bunse, Mike Champ, Ed Dyck, Sam Einbrecht, Victor Epp, John Guenther,
Howard Hiebert, Frank Jozsa, Jack Kettler, Calvin Oliver, Victor Peters, Kenneth Petkau,
Kathy Sabolowich, Don Schellenberg, Charlotte Tilitzky, Dan Wonnop, Wendy Weger, Clark Williams

Grade Nine Class (1964-65)

unknown; Bernie Elias; Glenn Dennil; Harry Loewen; Alan Goertz; Ron Strang; Walter Stief; unknown boy; Gord Loewen. Tina Shermeto; Anna Wiens; Heather Hendricks; Doris Haberla; Jenny Shermeto; Lila Jensen (?); Shirley Falk; Wanda Weger. Ruth Hiller; Irma Janzen; Elizabeth Foldesi; Agnes Arendt; Anna(?) Enns; Sarah Thiessen; Jackie McCloy; Jeannie Guenther. Teacher: Mr Arthur Kurz Photograph Courtesy of Irma Janzen

Grade Eight Class (1964-65)



Richard Baerg, Allan Bailey, Pat Bailey, Sylvia Bobroski, Tony Dennill, Annie Dettling, David Dyck,
Isaac Dyck, Danny Epp, Tom Esau, Irene Falk, Annie Friesen, Gerald Giesbrecht, Randy Giesbrecht,
Marilyn Goerz, Jackie Hall, Jacob Heidi, Eric Hiebert, Rudy Janzen, Hilda Klassen, Carol Koehn,
Betty Kroeker, Judy Laboucane, Dale Jones, Aron Loewen, Peter Loewen, Alice MacKenzie, James Nemrava,
Shirley Neufeld, Annie Reimer, Peggy Robinson, Glen Sargeant, Karen Schellenberg, Cathy Smith,
Sandra Soper, Sydna Soper, Byrum Toews, Reg Tilitzky, Marina Wiegand, Robyn Willis

Grade Seven Class (1964-65)



Sherry Baerg, Jake Banman, Ken Bergen, Lawrence Brown, Jalene Corlan, Gisela Doerfling, Betty Enns,
Cherry Epp, Johnny Epp, Wanda Fast, Walt Friesen, Darlene Gutierreg, Connie Hendricks, Kim Kehler,
Jake Klassen, Marlene Krause, Cece Laboucane, Linda Mathes, Larry McCloy, Manna Peters, Rudy Peters,
Evelyn Petkau, Ed Reimer, Jim Reimer, Robert Simpson, April Smith, Dennis Smith, Dale Saple,
Sydna Soper, Robert Strang, Bernard Thiessen, Marvin Thompson, Warren Weger,
Wes Weger, Doreen Wiens, Helen Wiens, Bruce Williams, Gay Williams

Student Government

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1964-65 were:

Business transacted during the school year included:

School Year 1965-66

Yarrow School Teachers, 1965-66



Arthur Kurz, Jim Murphy, Walter Ferguson, Mr. Kosub
John Terleki, Miss Suderman, "unknown", then Reid Weight, "unknown"
Mrs. Worth, Miss McGregor, "unknown"
Not shown: Lesley Tarmar

Grade Nine Class (1965-66)



Richard Baerg, Allan Bailey, Pat Bailey, Dona Biro, Peter Biro, Sylvia Bobroski, Tony Dennill, Annie Dettling,
Isaac Dyck, Danny Epp, Ricky Erskine, Tom Esau, Irene Falk, Randy Giesbrecht, Marilyn Goerz, Einar Gunnarson,
Linda Hallett, Eric Hiebert, Meinhard Hoffert, Rudy Janzen, Hilda Klassen, Carol Koehn, Betty Kroeker,
Aron Loewen, Peter Loewen, Alice MacKenzie, Cliffford Mackenzie, Shirley Neufeld, Rudy Peters,
Glen Sargeant, Karen Schellenberg, Cathy Smith, Sandra Soper, Reg Tilitzky, Robyn Willis

Grade Eight Class (1965-66)



Sherry Baerg, Jake Banman, Ken Bergen, Jalene Coxson, Dianna Donaldson, Betty Enns, Cherry Epp,
John Epp, Annie Friessen, Walter Friesen, Robert Galley, Jackie Hall, Connie Hendricks,
Annegret Hoffert, Kim Kehler, Shirley Kornelson, Marlene Krause, Gary McColm, Mattie Neels,
Hollis Peever, Mona Peters, Ed Reimer, Ed Schellenberg, April Smith, Dale Soper, Sydna Soper,
Robert Strang, Bernard Thiessen, Norma Thiessen, Byrom Toews, Warren Weger, Helen Wiens

Grade Seven Class (1965-66)


If you have a better picture of this class please email it to the webmaster!

Martin Andersen, Morrey Defow, Dale Donaldson, Helen Dyck, Mary Dyck, Winnifred Erskine, Helen Friesen,
Kathy Gauthier, Wayne Giesbrecht, Wendy Giesbrecht, Christine Gunnurson, Sheila Harder, Leslie Heinrich,
Becky Hetherington, Darlene Lewis, Vicki Hallett, Monika Krambeck, Kathy Krause, Elsie Kroeker,
Ronald Ketkeman, Linda Ketkeman, Susan Loewen, Barbara Mackenzie, Ray Pike, Judy Ratzlaff,
Dan Simpson, Allan Stoner, Marvin Thompson, Frank Wiens, Jennifer Wood, Mary Zacharias

Student Government

The elected, executive members of the Student Council for 1965-66 were:

Business transacted during the school year included: