Arthur Voaden Secondary School Explained

Arthur Voaden Secondary School
Address:41 Flora Street
City:St. Thomas, Ontario
Postcode:N5P 2X5
Country:Canada
Coordinates:42.7803°N -81.1886°W
Schooltype:high school
Fundingtype:Public
Motto:We Seek, We Strive, We Conquer
Founded:1926
Schoolboard:Thames Valley District School Board
District:South
Superintendent:Paul Sydor
Number:892670
Administrator:Lisa Oldfield
Principal:Heather Jakobi
Grades Label:Grades
Grades:9–12
Enrollment:360[1]
Enrollment As Of:2020/2021
Language:English
Team Name:Vikings

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.

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.[2]

Dr. Voaden was principal of the school from its opening until he died in 1931. His remains were laid in state at the school.[2]

Present day

AVSS is a composite school that offers all graduation pathways including university, college, apprenticeships, and the workplace. It is also Elgin County's Emphasis Technology School, offering more programming in Communications Technology, Health Care, Hospitality and Tourism, Construction/Woodworking, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, and Manufacturing than any other school in the county. It also offers a number of Specialist High School Majors, where students can earn a red seal on their OSSD by participating in specific training and related courses.

Arthur Voaden has been highly regarded for its arts programs, including the exceptional visual art department. At one time, the Arthur Voaden Vikings football team was highly successful.

Notable alumni

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Arthur Voaden Secondary School (892670) . Ministry of Education . 2 December 2023.
  2. http://www.avssalumni.com/history.htm AVSS Alumni – School History