"Oh Great Spirit whose voice I hear in the winds, I come to you as one of your many children. I need your strength and your wisdom. Make me strong not to be superior to my brother, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy: "Myself"
~ Chief Dan George (1899.07.24-1981.09.23)
On Saturday May 1st we celebrated the 25th anniversary since the opening of Chief Dan George Public School. The event bought together classmates that attended CDG as early as 1983. The same year the students and faculty members had gathered letters, drawings, programs, audio tapes, and even class lists of the students and their teachers, and enclosed them all into a time capsule which was revived this weekend. Some of those very students returned more than 25yrs later to view the articles and reflect on the memories of their school years at CDG.
What was unique and special about this reunion was more than just the memories of our youth. It was recognizing that we were apart of the foundation and the tone that was set for CDG. From the beginning, marching with the school on Generation Blvd from John G Diefenbaker P.S with pride and anticipation of a new school awaiting our arrival. To seeing the recognition of students like my sister, Andrea Robinson, named the first 'Athlete of the Year' award engraved on a plaque hung proudly in the schools foyer.
What seemed even more rewarding was the conversations of the former students and their former teachers and principal. Our principal at the time, Mr. Smiley, was among the crowds of laughter and fond memories. Mr. Smiley genuinely cared for all his students, and his students cared for him. It was apparent of the magnitude, with the impression he left on his students to see this day when we all reunited. Mr. Smiley will gracefully turn 70 this year, mind you he looks the same he did when I was in grade 5...so we asked "What's the secret to keeping young?" He replied, "Keeping active, travel, and love what you do". He still plays volley-ball. He travels with his wife, we know as Ms. Sutcliffe and sees the world. He also loved his job. These were the words of wisdom coming from a man so admired and missed by so many.
The afternoon was a hit! Many people were all too happy to be there, some travelled as far as Windsor, On. Some brought their family, and their cameras to capture the moments. So cheers to another 25 years! May we all continue on our journey with a strong positive spirit and love.
Cheers to the Chief Dan George Alumni!
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