School type Public, high school School district South Phone +1 519-631-3770 | Founded 1926 Superintendent Scott Hughes Province Ontario | |
Motto We Seek, We Strive, We Conquer Area trustee Frank ExleyTracy Grant Address 41 Flora St, St. Thomas, ON N5P 2X5, Canada School board Thames Valley District School Board Similar St Joseph's Catholic, London District Christian, St Thomas Times Journal, YMCA of St Thomas ‑ Elgin, Elgin County Railway | ||
S ntcint arthur voaden secondary school
Arthur Voaden Secondary School (often abbreviated as AVSS) is a high school in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Voaden is part of the Thames Valley District School Board.
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History
Originally named as simply Arthur Voaden Vocational School, it was one of the first vocational schools in Ontario. It was constructed in a time where secondary school was considered a privilege, and was meant for those entering university or white-collar jobs. Arthur Voaden, M. D., a native of nearby Talbotville, was a man that wanted to give educational opportunities to all. Initiating this project to build AVS as one of few “down-graded” vocational schools around did create some friction, with debate over the Flora Street site, and the fears of costs. However, after a year of construction, the doors were opened in September 1926. It did struggle in its early years, especially due to the Great Depression, when employment was scarce, and even trained and experienced workers had difficulty. It did slowly gain acceptance, and proved invaluable during World War II. The war made for a manpower shortage to a point where even second and third year students were plucked from the school to fill the void. The school created special twelve week courses to train adults for war work, and war emergency classes were made available year round.
Dr. Voaden was principal of the school from its opening until he died in 1931. His remains were laid in state at the school.
Present day
Although it is now a secondary school that offers an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, it is still very trade-oriented. It has fully operational foods services, automotive, and manufacturing departments, and cooperative education programs with local business, including one with the Canadian Forces reserve force, 31 Combat Engineer Regiment. It also offers the newly created Ontario Technical Certificate, where students can focus on trade-related courses, and be exempt from some academic courses that are compulsorary under the OSSD.
Arthur Voaden has been highly regarded for its arts programs, including the exceptional music department. At one time, the Arthur Voaden Vikings football team was highly successful, and is currently coached by a former CFL player.