Foy Wright, Opal Simpson of Chapleau Public School staff honoured for dedicated service at retirement party in 1982

Two long-time members of the Chapleau Public School staff were honoured at an Open House in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in June 1982.

Foy Wright and Opal (Paul) Simpson were retiring after many years of "dedicated service" and "loving  care and attention" they had given to the pupils, the Chapleau Sentinel reported.

There was a large crowd in attendance at the Open House, the Sentinel reported, "which indicates the esteem in which Foy and Opal are held in Chapleau."

Peter Simpson. also a member of the public school teaching staff and Mrs. Simpson's son, was master of ceremonies and opened the proceedings by introducing Mansel Robinson, the chair of the Chapleau Board of Education.

Mr. Robinson thanked them for their service and end ended his remarks by saying "Rather than Happy Retirement, Happy Beginning!"

Gerald Boucher, also of the teaching staff gave some background on Mr. Wright's career. 

After serving in the Canadian Army during World War II from 1941 to 1946, he attended Peterborough Normal School for his teacher training. After teaching in Cordova Mines, Cloyne, and Hawkesbury, Mr. Wright moved to Chapleau in 1958. He  became teacher and principal and held those positions for 24 years.

Mr. Wright was presented with a propane barbecue from the public school staff, a plaque from the Ontario Public School Mens' Teachers Federation, a sketch of the public school by Bonnie Ivey, and a list of all students he had taught  while in Chapleau. 

As an aside, the list was compiled by my mother, Muriel Morris, who had received one when she retired in 1970 from the public school staff. 

Mr. Wright commented that he had enjoyed the experience of the 24 years in Chapleau.

Lillian Robinson gave background on Mrs. Simpson who was born in Chapleau, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Paul. She was a graduate of Chapleau Public School and Chapleau High School.

She attended North Bay Normal School and first taught at the public school from 1946 to 1954, then took time off, returning in 1958.

Mrs. Robinson pointed out Mrs. Simpson's dedication and care for her pupils over the years, ending her comments with a quote from Sir James Barrie: "Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves". 

Mrs. Simpson was presented with a propane barbeque from the staff, barbecue tools from the Ontario Women Teachers Federation, a furniture finishing tool from the Men Teachers Federation and a sketch of the school by Mrs. Ivey. She also received a list of her students again compiled by my mother.  My email is mj.morris@live.ca

Thanks to Doug Greig for his assistance. Much appreciated