The newly published book, Inkwells to Internet: A History of Burnaby Schools, vividly shares the experiences of students and staff in everything from one-room schools in 1894 to present day. It provides a fascinating chronicle that also showcases the rich history of the District and the growth of public education.
The book includes histories of every school in Burnaby, along with many photographs and anecdotes shared by former staff, teachers, and students in its more than 350 pages. Led by retired Burnaby educators, the project has been in the works since 1987. Dave Carter is one of the writers and a retired administrator in the District:
The project took many years to complete, as the authors gathered research not only from books and documents but also from the memories and photo albums of students and educators. The result is a unique look at the history of Burnaby’s schools as it was experienced by the people who worked in and attended school in Burnaby.”
It was published by the City of Burnaby, which is gifting a copy to each of our school libraries. Funding support was also provided by the Burnaby Board of Education.
Board Chair Jen Mezei:
We’re so proud to have been a part of this beautiful book – a decades-long labour of love by educators who have meticulously documented the deep ties our schools have within the Burnaby community. We’re grateful to all of the staff and students – past and present – who made the project come to life…This will be a fascinating window for our students into the past and our shared history in Burnaby.”
Additional funding was given by the BC Retired Teachers’ Association Heritage Committee.
A portion of each book sold will be donated to the Burnaby Retired Teachers’ Association Scholarship and Bursary Fund.
Read the Book Online (Click “more detail” then “read the book online”)
Read the Press Release from the City of Burnaby and Burnaby School District
Posted March 2021