“Beattie School Opening Is Happy Occasion For Sisters”: An Analysis of a Glimpse into the History of Education in Kamloops, BC
The five Beattie Sisters have become well-known female figures in the history of education in Kamloops, BC. As all sisters taught children of the community at some point in their life, it is not surprising that their commitment, teaching abilities, and impact on people’s lives were honoured by having a school named after them. A news article from 1958 captures the special moment that occurred as three of the five sisters attend the “official opening” of the modern school dedicated to them. The article demonstrates improvements and changes in the education system in Kamloops, the framework for opportunities, and the lasting views of the importance of education that the Beattie sisters created for the community.
Initially looking at the article, there are clear, visible clues that hint towards what the article’s purpose is, who is involved, and the tone that the document reveals. At first glance, written in large, bold, black letters reads the article title, “Beattie School Opening Is Happy Occasion For Sisters”.  The word “Happy” used within the title sets the positive tone that this article intends to represent.
It is reinforced within the first sentence of the article as it quotes Miss E.C.V. Beattie, “We are honored and happy to be present at the official open-ing of this new, modern school, so kindly named for “The Five Beattie Sisters.” To help the viewer understand the event further, a photo is included above the title with the names of three of the five sisters that were in attendance of the official school opening. In the photo, the sisters are receiving a set of “symbolic keys” for the “new, modern school” that was “named” after them. Along side of Miss E.C.V. Beattie were two of her sisters and fellow teachers, “Miss Emily Beattie” and “Miss Mabel Beattie”. Although the photo is in grey scale and is not crisp and clear, the face of Miss Emily Beattie appears to show a humble smile, that contributes to the positive moment in time for the sisters that this article captures.
Improvements and changes over time within Kamloops’ education system also appear to be evident from statements made in the article. This is immediately made known as the first sentence of the article includes the words “modern school”. Through the use of this term, we can assume that the schools in Kamloops in 1958 would have been much different than those in which the Beattie sisters first started teaching in years ago. This assumption can be transformed into a fact through Miss E.C.V. Beattie’s words mentioned in the article when she says, “When I opened my school in Kamloops a little over 65 years ago, it lacked the comforts and facilities which the modern schools enjoy”.
Miss E.C.V. Beattie goes on to compare the “little” , “old-time” school to the “modern, palatial classroom”. Both of these statements support the understanding that the environments in which the community’s children learned in during the late 1800’s were less developed, less comfortable, and smaller in size than those of 1958, such as the new Beattie School. Another clue to an improved education system in 1958 in comparison to the late 1800’s is the inclusion of education system power groups such as the “School Board” , “Parent-Teacher Association” and the “Department of Education”. Knowing that these groups were present during this time shows the development in the organizational structure of the education system that was lacking when the Beattie Sisters first began teaching in Kamloops. It also suggests that the value of education had become a bigger priority for the community as more adults and parents were becoming increasingly involved.
Finally, the article reveals the lasting views around school and education for children and the value of the teaching contributions made by the Beattie Sisters. A quote from the article in the words of Mr. Vicars, one of the gentlemen in the photo and a previous student of the Beattie Sisters, personalizes the impacts that the sisters had on individuals that they taught. He states, “The value of their teaching has resulted in many from Kamloops attaining high places in life”. Vicars’ words speak to the truth that the Beattie sisters’ dedication to the children they taught played large roles in their futures as members of society.
The article also mentions that “Several of the pupils of the Misses Beattie” attended the new school’s celebratory opening, which symbolizes the value and appreciation they had of the sisters for the efforts made by them during their individual educational experiences.
The news article captures a memorable moment in history that portrays the outcomes and impacts of the five Beattie Sisters on the children and education system of Kamloops. However, even after over 65 years of change, growth, and opened opportunities, Miss E.C.V. Beattie still has one principal belief around education: “there is still no royal road to learning. Only in diligence and hard work will success be achieved.” This statement shows that although things are continuously changing around education, it will always require commitment from not only students, but from teachers as well. In conclusion, the article tells the story of a group of committed women whose dedication and teaching abilities changed the lives of many and helped pave the path for the education of future students of the wonderful community of Kamloops.
Bibliography
Unknown. “Beattie School Opening Is Happy Occasion For Sisters”. Kamloops Sentinel. October 4, 1958.