Showcasing JO’s Legacy ~ 2024
January 2024 : Honouring Mary Macdonald
In memory of an amazing woman, Mary Macdonald. Mary was not only a long-time teacher, coach, and mentor to decades of JO students, she was a superb athlete all her life. Mary supported JO events after her retirement in 1989 by attending social functions and class reunions right up until her 92nd year. She was a role model who maintained lifelong connections with students, fellow teachers, and sports organizations. Our condolences to Mary’s family and friends — she will be missed.
February 2024 : John Oliver Display Vancouver Heritage Foundation Heritage Week
On February 25, 2024, Alicia and Rob from JO Legacy Society shared the rich history of John Oliver and South Vancouver at the Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s annual Heritage Week event. King George Secondary School also maintain archives and we have connected with them to share best practices and enthusiasm for our collections. Thank you, Jesse, and for the photos.
We are looking for volunteers. If any JO graduates or alumni would like to participate in preserving John Oliver’s history, please email info@jolegacy.ca.
King George Secondary School, Jesse and Jim
Alicia and Rob
March 2024 : JO Through the Decades ~ the 2000s
In the early 2000s, JO had much to offer students. One example was JO Mini School, which held classes in “The Barn.”
Here is a recap of the Mini School – Harry Leung, Grad of 2005
School is more than just books. It is about exploring and experiencing new things. John Oliver Mini School has given me the opportunities to explore things that I may not have ever considering trying. Things from leadership, skiing, hiking, water sports and camping. As an alum, I continue to support the program as much as I can and spread the word that I am a proud graduate of John Oliver Mini School Program. January 3, 2017
May 2024 : JO Through the Decades
In the mid-fifties, John Oliver was the largest high school in Canada with over 3000 students.
South Vancouver High School, later renamed John Oliver after the BC Premier, was established in 1912 on the site of Lord Selkirk School (the building still stands), then moved to General Gordon (renamed Sir Sanford Fleming) and moved to 43rd Avenue in January 1921. For years, JO was the only school in South Vancouver. Before SVHS was opened, most young people joined the work force after grade eight.
And the JO band played on in 1932.
JT (Jake) Palmer, First Principal of John Oliver
JT Palmer was born in Ludlow England in 1881. He graduated from Cambridge University in 1904, having won scholarships to attend. Mr. Palmer, who excelled in Mathematics and was a fine athlete. became Principal of South Vancouver High School in 1912.
When the new school was built, it was renamed after the Premier; however, JT refused to use the new name for years. Under his leadership, JO excelled in sports, music, and academics. He was Principal until his death in 1945.
Sherwood Robson, a JO Grad who won numerous sports accolades, became a music teacher at his Alma Mater. Following in the footsteps of Ifor Roberts and preceding Teo Repel, he contributed to the renowned JO Music Program.
In 1921, JO girls participated in the Inter-High Sports Meet in the skipping relay at Brockton Oval.
JO Intermediate Baseball in 1949 to 50, one of many sports played at JO throughout the decades.
At one time, John Oliver had grades from Grade 7 to Grade 13 – Senior Matric Class of 1929.
September 2024: Welcome Jokers
JO History on display for new students and teachers.
November 2024: Memorial Park South
Memorial South Park has a rich history as a memorial to soldiers who died in World War I and as a gathering place for the community.
The park was designed by E. Dundas Todd, the Municipal Engineer for South Vancouver. It opened 1n 1926, originally as Wilson Park, but was renamed Memorial South Park in 1929 when the Cenotaph was relocated from the South Van Municipal Hall after South Vancouver amalgamated with Vancouver. The Cenotaph attracts hundreds of people who come to pay their respects every Remembrance Day.
The park is a gathering place for people of all ages, including sports teams, neighbours, and students from local schools. The pond is a quiet place to watch wildlife, and the track, sports fields and green spaces are popular for training, exercising, playing, watching games as well as socializing.