Link to:
Principals | Vice-Principals | Teachers | Photos & Coordinates | Sources
This elementary school in the River East School Division was built in 1970-1971. The two-storey school cost around $900,000 and was based on designs of the Winnipeg architectural firm of Ward, Macdonald, Cockburn, McLeod, and McFeetors. Its design received a national showcase, earning one of five Canadian Education Showplace Awards in 1972. The philosophy behind the near-windowless facility was to offset the lack of natural lighting with open spaces and a warm environment conducive to learning. The school opened for classes in February 1971 and officially opened on 13 May 1971. In June 1993, the school’s play structure was dedicated to former student Amber Vasas.
Renovations in 2023-2024 resulted in every classroom in the school having windows.
Period
Principal
1971-1978
E. George Wall
1978-1986
?
1986
Guenter Sempler
1986-1992
?
1992-1993
Art Funk
1993-2014
?
2014-?
C. Anderson
?-?
?
?-2021
Darlene Martineau
No information.
Donwood School (October 2014)
Source: Nathan KramerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.94064, W97.06698
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Amber Vasas Memorial Park (63 Callum Crescent, Winnipeg)
“Two building permits issued,” Winnipeg Free Press, 28 July 1970, page 12.
“Donwood Elementary School,” by Allen Rouse, unknown publication, July 1971. [MMC Alumni]
[Photo caption], Winnipeg Free Press Continuing Education, 9 September 1972, page 2.
“School receives design award,” Winnipeg Free Press, 12 October 1972, page 54.
“Two child abduction tries reported,” Winnipeg Free Press, 24 February 1978, page 1.
“Donwood School wins educational architectural achievement award for Canada,” Winnipeg Free Press New Leisure, 4 November 1972, pages 12 & 13.
“The English-German bilingual program [...],” Winnipeg Free Press, 1 March 1986, page 25.
“Donwood School celebrating 50th anniversary,” Winnipeg Free Press, 13 January 2021.
We thank Lorie Battershill for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Nathan Kramer.
Page revised: 1 July 2024
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