Homecoming 2023 started with a wine-and-cheese reception at the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum on Sunday.
The next day, groups and organizations set up booths at the Activity Centre that detailed their origins and contributions to Jasper.
That evening, there was a meal and fellowship “storytelling” at the Activity Centre.
Groups that participated in the Homecoming included the Municipality of Jasper, the Jasper Rotary Club, the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division, the Warden Alumni Association and the Seniors Society of Jasper.
Gathering of principals
The inclusive celebration brought back not only the historical society but also other groups, notably all seven living principals of École Jasper Elementary School.
These past principals included Bryn Thomas, Dale Karpluk, Jill Fenton, Steve Carlyle, Raymond Blanchette Dubé, Jodi Campbell and Eric Bouchard.
Mr. Tweedle was the school’s original principal but has since passed.
After taking a group photo together, the principals all participated in a tour of the school.
While public schools in Jasper date to 1914, when the first temporary schoolhouse was built, the current elementary school was constructed in 1963/64.
Completed in August 1963, the new two-story elementary school contained 16 classrooms and cost $460,000 to build. The school had a modernization in 1998.
Last school year, 251 students were enrolled in École Jasper Elementary School.
