Go Back to School with Surrey Archives

Surrey, BC – Surrey Archives has partnered with the Surrey Retired Teachers Association (SRTA) to present their next free online talk ‘School Memories & Mementos’ on September 8 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

During this free virtual presentation via Microsoft Teams, Surrey’s school history will be illustrated through archival photos, school registers, yearbooks and more. Members of the SRTA will also share anecdotes from their own teaching experiences.

“Participants will learn firsthand about diverse teaching experiences at Surrey’s elementary and secondary schools, and efforts to bring new programs to the district,” said Archivist Allie Querengesser, who notes changes in teaching practices and approaches will also be discussed.

The first Surrey school was established in Cloverdale in 1882, just three years after Surrey became a municipality. According to the Surrey Schools 2021/2022 Fact Sheet, Surrey is currently home to 103 elementary schools, 21 secondary schools, five student learning centres, a distributed (online) program, and a variety of satellite and inter-agency programs serving a wide range of specific student needs.

“From rural one-room schoolhouses to a vast network of educational facilities, teaching in the Surrey School District has transformed enormously over the years,” said Alice Tiles of the SRTA Heritage Committee.

As with all Surrey Archives events, audience participation is strongly encouraged.

“Audience members are invited to share their own school memories in the chat,” said Querengesser. “Whether you are a current student or attended decades ago, you are bound to learn something new!”

For more information, or to register for this talk hosted through Microsoft Teams call 604-501-5100 or surrey.ca/archives. Follow us on Facebook at @HeritageSurreyBC.