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Joseph Welsh school marks 50 years of service

One of Red Deer’s greatest educators became a lot more personal to the students of Joseph Welsh Elementary School on Thursday.
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Former secretaries Gail Erickson

One of Red Deer’s greatest educators became a lot more personal to the students of Joseph Welsh Elementary School on Thursday.

The kindergarten to Grade 5 students celebrated the 50th anniversary of the school and the man it was named after.

The 335 children took part in special ceremonies that included Joseph Welsh’s grandsons and former staff.

The Englishman joined the Red Deer Public School District in 1923 as a Grade 8 teacher and principal of the old Castle School, which burned down in 1970.

He became principal of all the elementary schools in 1926 and in 1940 was named principal of the elementary and junior high schools. In 1951, he was became superintendent of all schools except the high school.

Welsh became known for his wonderful command of English, his very strict teaching style, his tall stature, and the white handkerchief he kept in his shirt sleeve.

But most of all, he became renowned as an outstanding educator. When he retired in 1954, more than 800 people attended the farewell — a strong turnout in the city of about 6,000.

“I think this school continues to be a fitting tribute to one of the most remarkable educators that this city has ever seen,” said city historian Michael Dawe.

Isobel Huddleston, turning 96 in April, remembers her Grade 8 teacher for being stern but kind.

Welsh had beautiful handwriting ability, plus he was a great storyteller.

“I have very, very happy memories of him,” said Huddleston of Red Deer.

“To me, he was a real gentleman.”

In 1960, the new elementary school in the Hillsboro/Eastview subdivision was named after Welsh. He died in 1969. In 1963, it had its most students with 397.

Terry Welsh of Winnipeg and David Welsh of Edmonton celebrated the special day by presenting a gift to the school’s endowment fund, a photo collage of their grandfather, and an old Red Deer school practice book.

Terry Welsh read accolades of his grandfather as a student teacher and from it concluded that one must be industrious, conscientious and painstaking in attitude to succeed.

A 1986 time capsule was opened to reveal, among other things, a slideshow tape presentation from Grade 4 students.

Learning about Welsh through his grandchildren was a real treat for the kids, said principal Mike Fritz.

“To learn that he was an actual man — that’s big,” he said.

ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com