By Madison Dapp (Grade 9 Student),

John Oliver High School

 

100 Years ago, South Vancouver High School, now John Oliver Secondary School, opened its doors to students.

Here we are, 100 years later celebrating many generations of accomplishments.

On Sept. 21st and 22nd John Oliver, located at 41st Avenue and Fraser Street in Vancouver, will open its doors for the celebration of its centennial.

Beginning at 4pm on Friday September 21st, “Decades Rooms” will showcase memorabilia and a journey through time between. An evening concert will feature the JO concert band, choir, and drumline, Bhangra Dance group, the Orpheus Male Choir, as well as Mozhdah Jamalzadah, a JO grad known as the “Oprah of Afghanistan” who has performed for US President Obama at the White House. 

Saturday September 22nd includes a pancake breakfast, multicultural lunch, Dancing through the Decades Soc Hop, recognition of Alumni Achievement, homecoming basketball game featuring a half time show with JO’s very own award winning dance squad, a participatory time capsule activity and much more.

John Oliver has many notable graduates, including businessman Jim Pattison, NHL hockey player Evander Kane, member of BC hall of fame Gordon ‘Gogie’ Stewart, first Indo-Canadian member of federal cabinet Herb Dhaliwal. Not only are there many accomplished Alumni, however, but current JO students are doing amazing things today and keeping past traditions of service and success alive. 

The welcoming and diverse current JO student population hosts an annual multicultural show for all of the community to join and celebrate shared cultures. John Oliver also hosts an annual basketball tournament called the “Jokers Classic” which fosters sportsmanship and healthy competition. JO has been the root of many fundraising and community service projects, recently tripling a fundraising goal and raising almost $15,000 over 5 days. JO has been noted for a strong and decorated wrestling team, with student representation on Canada’s National wrestling team.

Cutting edge programs such as the Digital Immersion Mini program allow students to use technology in innovative ways as part of their everyday lessons. Night school sees scores of students voluntarily putting in extra hours with dedicated staff to get help in courses. The school boasts excellent attendance and course completion rates through the support and assistance by school Administration and staff.  Every success is celebrated!

Join us in celebrating both the accomplishments and achievements of today’s John Oliver students, along with its century-long storied history and legacy of welcoming many of the city’s newest residents in what is a diverse and dynamic neighbourhood community, in the 100th Anniversary Event this weekend.

 For more information, pre-registration and tickets, please visit  JO100.ca.

 

Food fair

 

Browse student artwork, watch “JO by the Numbers” chronicling John Oliver history, or attend a book launch and signing in the learning commons while enjoying a delicious treat from the multicultural food fair featuring J.J. Trucketeria, Zaatar Hummus, Mollies Minis, Rim Food Baht.  You can also join in the time capsule activity and meander through time in the “Decades Rooms” or take in dance and choir performances throughout the day.

 

Story of South Vancouver

 

The Story of South Vancouver and John Oliver High School by Ken MacLeod is an 805-page volume giving a rich account of the history of the South Vancouver area and its first high school, chronicling the changing community and times over the last century. From the decades-long domination of high school sports to the frequently decorated choirs and high achieving students, the book is overflowing with stories of JO’s, and the neighbourhood’s, last 100 years. The book launch and signing will take place during the 100th Anniversary Event this weekend at John Oliver.