By
J. H. KENNEDY, B.A.
Inspector of Public Schools for District Division XI
The post-war period in Canada, and more specifically in Ontario, is bringing with it great changes; but none greater than those to be encountered in the educational field. During the war years people have come to a full realization of the tremendous power over the thought and actions of a nation which can be wielded by those who direct the education of a state. We have felt the full impact of a nation of people whose personalities have been deliberately warped and twisted by an unscrup-uplous foe. We can see the possibilities of such a force directed towards constructive rather than destructive pursuits.
Tremendous sums have been expended to wage a costly war. It is the will of the Canadian people that a greater portion of that money than ever before now be directed towards education -- the erection of new and finer buildings; the training of specially qualified teachers; the payment of salaries equivalent to those paid in other occupations; the offering of courses for adult education.
The educational horizon of the north is bright. In the older, well-established portions of our province, communities are restricted by, even limited by, old but sound school buildings erected several decades ago. These will continue to provide the minimum needs of the community for many years to come. In the north we are more fortunate. We are still in the stage of expansion. Our buildings are newer and more up-to-date. Our equipment is of better design. And we are attracting able and progressive teachers to staff these schools. Since our school population is growing, we find it necessary to provide additional accommodation. In so doing we are able to incorporate the latest designs resulting from most recent research.
To estimate the eventual needs of McGarry Township is to speculate. To say that it faces a period of great expansion is no exaggeration. To say that it has an educational future which is of the brightest is a certainty. The future rests in the hands of a board vitally interested in all the aspects of education, willing to give freely of time and thought as is evidenced by this publication, and anxious to carry out the wishes of the thinking public which it represents. Coupled with this is a staff of teachers eager and anxious to give of their best to the community which they serve. Truly this is a combination leaving little to be desired by a community which in itself has shown a readiness and an alacrity to provide the best possible facilities for the education of its youth.