"It was a delight to see the guests enjoying themselves and
dancing to the fine music. Anne Yanchyshyn, permit teacher,
even had a dance with her son’s former Windsor School teacher
and committee member, Wally Stoyko."
Ed Drabyk, Ernie Okrainec, Leona Okrainec.
Special recognition was given to Dave Froese of
Winnipeg, MB: 94 years old and the first to register
for the 15th reunion, also a special recognition was
given to Elizabeth Bayduza from Winnipegosis, MB.
who travelled the farthest to attend the reunion.
The two permit teachers were recognized with a
monetary gift presented by the chairperson.
“In Memoriam” was presented by Karen Boughton,
followed by grace prior to the delicious luncheon
which was prepared and served by the courteous
and pleasant staff of the Viscount Gort Hotel.
The Special Presentations Event was chaired by
Wally Stoyko who introduced five dignitaries and
officials who brought greetings and congratulations
to the permit teachers.
His Worship, Mayor Brian Bowman, brought
greetings on behalf of the City of Winnipeg, followed
by, Ralph Groening, President of the Manitoba
School Boards' Association.
Kent McPherson, on behalf of James Bedford,
President of the Manitoba Teachers' Society. Allan
Campbell, President of the Manitoba Municipalities
Association. MLA James Teitsma on behalf of
Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Education. Wally
Stoyko graciously thanked the dignitaries for taking
the time to bring greetings. Thank you, Wally, for
getting all the dignitaries to bring greetings. Edith
Alexiuk introduced and thanked the Southglen
Fiddlers who entertained the Reunion Permit
Teachers and guest with wonderful music. It was
a delight to see the guests enjoying themselves
and dancing to the fine music. Anne Yanchyshyn,
permit teacher, even had a dance with her son’s
former Windsor School teacher and committee
member, Wally Stoyko. Edith Alexiuk presented the
band with an honorarium.
Following the entertainment, three groups of
28 n RTAM KIT Winter 2019
photos were taken. First group was from years
1940-1949, second group was from years 1950-
1960 and later, the third group was from the 2019
Permit Teachers Reunion Committee. Thank you to
Mel Bodnarus and Bil Badiuk for looking after the
collection of money for developing the photos.
Our thanks are extended to the many generous
donors who donated door prizes which were
presented by Wally Stoyko. It was indeed an honor
and pleasure working with the past and present
reunion committees. Thank you for your help
and efficient expertise over the years that I was
committee chairperson.
Following the Permit Teachers' Reunion, a
committee meeting was held in a private room at
the Viscount Gort Hotel with 10 members present.
Absent were: Vera McCallum, Ed Arndt and
Margaret Lesperance. General discussions took
place regarding the recent celebration of the 15th
Annual Reunion. There was general agreement
that the reunion was very successful. Treasurer,
Mel Bodnarus presented an interim report of the
committee financial status. The completed report
was presented on September 19, 2019, at Canad
Inns, Transcona, where another meeting was held
by the Reunion Committee with 12 members in
attendance. The two banners related to the Permit
Teachers' Reunion will be taken to the MTS by Wally
Stoyko. Photographs were distributed as well as the
ties and socks that were received by the reunion
committee from the Mayor’s Office as a token of
appreciation for the committees work in preserving
the history of “Permit Teachers' in Manitoba.”
A Permit Teachers informal get together will
be held tentatively on July 9, 2020, at Canad Inns,
Transcona.