THE FIRST
BUILDING...
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For
a number of years prior to its opening, a number of educators and
interested citizens talked about one central school for this area.
It was, however, Rev. Carl Major who prompted the government to
construct Bishops' Mountain Feild. Rev. Major visited the House of
Assembly and presented a plan whereby with government grants and
local free labor, the construction of a high school in this part of
Labrador was feasible. All religious denominations were invited to
participate in the plan but only the Anglican & United Church
congregations co-operated to build the school.
Each
family was asked to contribute 200 hours of labor or $200.00 cash to
build the structure. Students of families who did not contribute had
to pay $6.00 per child up to a maximum of $18.00 per month as a
school fee to help with cost and maintenance.
THE SCHOOL'S
NAME?...CORRECT SPELLING!
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The
name Bishops' Mountain Feild was selected because Bishop Montagne
(Mountain) from Quebec and Bishop Feild from Newfoundland apparently
met at Forteau at one time in history, apparently during the mid
1800's. This was an historic occasion because it established our
Christian roots in the Labrador Straits.
Grades
seven to eleven were taught at Bishops' Mountain Feild in the early
years with students being bussed from L'Anse Au Clair, L'Anse Au
Loup, L'Anse Amour and Capstan Island. As well, students from the
Quebec North Shore and other communities north of Capstan Island
have attended on bursaries. A history of Mountain Feild graduates
has been compiled by Mr. William Horwood, former Vice-Principal and
is available for review.
A PROUD
AND ILLUSTRIOUS HISTORY...
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Bishops' Mountain Feild high school has a very proud and illustrious
history and has been instrumental in the social and economic
development of the Labrador Straits. One only has to review the
accomplishments of its graduates, over the years to realize the
significant contribution it has made to the social fabric of this
area, and as well to the province.
Our first yearbook, "The Straits", was
produced in 1968 and the Honorable J.R. Smallwood, Premier of
Newfoundland and Labrador brought greetings and congratulated the
school on this endeavor - "This is real progress". He also
commented on the great thrill it will be when some young man or
woman born and educated in Labrador becomes Premier of Newfoundland.
Our present premier, Mr. Brian Tobin, has received part of his early
education in Goose Bay, Labrador. Maybe, in the not to distant
future, a graduate of Mountain Feild will become Premier of this
great province and that will be a truly historic occasion. It is
note worthy as well that the name for subsequent yearbooks have
changed; "NASCOPI", "A MARE" and the 1996 and
1997 editions have been renamed "THE STRAITS".
THE TIMES WERE
A-CHANGIN'...
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Over the
years, the name Bishops' Mountain Feild Central High School was
changed to Mountain Feild Central High. In September, 1977 a new
school was constructed on the outskirts of Forteau to accommodate
the increasing student population and the new curriculum which was
being investigated. During 1983/84, the introduction of Grade 12
into the school curriculum caused further changes, and the variety
of course offerings improved immensely, with a greater concentration
on the Sciences and Computer Technology. The old school was
converted into a primary and elementary school for the students of
Forteau and was used until 1995.
During
the summer of 1995 an extension was built on to Mountain Feild to
accommodate the Forteau Primary and Elementary grades. During the
1995/96 school year, Forteau Elementary and Mountain Feild operated
as two separate schools with two administrations under one roof. In
Sept, 1996 they were combined with one administration and Mountain
Feild became an all-grade school from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and
with it a new name, Mountain Feild Academy.
Time has
brought many changes to Mountain Feild Academy but the tradition of
success still lingers in the hearts and minds of those graduates who
have attended Mountain Feild. It will continue to change and
constantly adjust its course for the benefit of future generations
of students from the Labrador Straits. |
