by Fred Morris
19 February 2026
The Manitoba Historical Society states that the St. James Collegiate has existed since 1917. The MHS states that the school operated out of Britannia School and Linwood School, I found 998 Winnipeg Free Press archives that verify the existence of the pre-1951 St. James Collegiate.
Amy Smith 1924, Donald S. Hamilton 1926 Elda Turner 1927, Mollie Ritchie 1936, Frederick Lane 1938 all won Governor General awards. Jean McFarlane won the 1944 Governor General Medal. Jean became an obstetrician and gynecologist. Jean had a Rogue Gallery in her office with pictures of every baby that she had delivered. During an eight-decade public service career, Mitchell Sharp held many federal positions as both a civil servant and an elected politician. Mitchell served as Finance Minister under Prime Minister Pearson and as the Foreign Affairs Minister under Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Mitchell received the Order of Canada. During the 1930s, David McHardy directed many SJCI Musical Concerts. In June 1936, the long education careers of Duncan McDougall and Theophilus Watt were remembered. Both had been Principals of SDJCI. The first SJCI Year Book was published at the end of the 1935-36 school year. The Editor of the 80 page year book was John Aveson. Other students who helped produce the year book were James Alexander, Aileen Emmett, Janet Lowe, Peggy Wilson, Geraldine O Meara, Les Cavanagh, Irene Cartwright, and Hugh Gainsford (John A. MacDonald's great grandson). In 1937, Norma McIntosh represented SJCI at the Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (who later became known as the Queen Mother).
I discovered a few star athletes. Daisy Boyd excelled in tennis and hockey. In 1924, Daisy won the Ladies Singles at the Deer Lodge Tennis Club. On 12 February 1927, Daisy scored three goals as the University of Manitoba hockey team won an 8-1 hockey victory over Saskatchewan at the Winnipeg Amphitheatre. Vera Saul was the 1938 SJCI Athlete of the Year. May King was an all around athlete who excelled in Track & Field, Basketball, and Speed Skating. May was named SJCI 1942 Athlete of the Year. In March 1942, St. James won the Suburban Hockey Championship. The team was led by goalie Harry Barefoot, brothers Gord and Neil Mc Lean, and Harry Taylor. Taylor went on to win a Memorial Cup and two Stanley Cups on his way to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame. Les Russell coached the team. The team was managed by teacher Erv Houck.
Mo Renaud is a member of the Manitoba Sports, Manitoba Lacrosse, and Manitoba Football Halls of Fames. Mo is best remembered for being the 1962-1997 PA Announcer for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the General Manager of the Red River Exhibition for over 30 years. George Chapman was the star of the 1945 Track and Field Meet at Sargent Park. George eventually became a lawyer and race car driver. George is currently a member of the Rotary Club. In 1950, SJCI Collegiate Girls Basketball team won their third straight suburban championship. The team consisted of Barb McIntosh, Marg Wade, Pat Moore, Betty Forth, Barbara Taylor, Alice Harding, Irma Harder, Dorothy Latam, Diane McIver, Ann Smith, Joyce Overton, and Doreen West. The Second World War and the 1945-46 Year Book (one of my most prized possessions).
On 14 November 1941, Mimi Dubienski organized a Patriotic SJCI Tea at St. James Collegiate. Harry Monk took care of the decorations. The Proceeds went to the Red Cross, Navy League, and IODE. In 1945, SJCI's Don Abel cut the stencil for Winnipeg's High School Junior Red Cross News.
The 1945-46 SJCI Year Book begins with a list of 54 SJCI alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Second World War. Pat Morgan wrote a very touching article called PEACE:
“We are indeed thankful to be living in Canada.”
John Hall the Principal thanked the students who created the Yearbook. Mr. Hall served as Principal from 1933-47. Mr. Hall was also a St. James Alderman between 1947 and his 1950 death. Don Comstock was the President of the Student Council. Don went on to become a journalist with the Winnipeg Tribune and the PR Officer with Manitoba Hydro. Teacher Blanche Megaffin was the Honorary Editor. In 1969, Blanche was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasurer of Japan for helping Japanese Canadians displaced from BC during Second World War find housing and employment. Allan Ireland was the Editor-in-Chief of the Yearbook. Dorothy Broughton the Yearbook's Assistant Editor was the Valedictorian. Dorothy became a nurse. Donna Randle wrote about the Girls Glee Club. Donna became a Doctor. Lorne Wallace contributed to the Yearbook. During a 30-year CBC career. Lorne cohosted Spotlight, and co-founded 24 Hours.
Henry Duckworth served as the President of the University of Winnipeg. The Spence Street Sports Facility is named for him. Henry received many hours including the Order of Canada and the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt. Gilbert Burch was one of the Inglewood Street triplets. Gilbert created both the 1955 and 1979 portraits of Queen Elizabeth II that hung in the Winnipeg Arena. Mike Schioler became an Engineer. Michael had a 43-year career with Dominion Bridge.
The 1951 St. James Track Meet took place at Sargent Park. Bruce Kidd was the stars. Gary Holland was the Editor of the SJCI newspaper called the Blast. The 1951 Grad Dance was held at the Marlborough Hotel. Lawrence Argue of Garden Road won a the St. James Legion's $100 Scholarship.
In February 1951, construction started on the site of the former Bourke Estate. The unfinished school held its first classes in September 1951.
Page revised: 3 July 2026
