School Children Bronze (Bishop Spencer schoolgirl)

Inscription

SCHOOL CHILDREN HAVE PLAYED IN THIS AREA OF ST. JOHN'S FOR MORE THAN 250 YEARS. This sculpture depicts a Bishop Spencer College girl in the uniform of the mid-1900s, counting numbers on her fingers. In her world of education and innocence, she is relaxed and secure in her environment. Standing on the threshold of life, she is enveloped by the power of knowledge. In 2002, this sculpture was dedicated to all school children by the Bishop Spencer College Class of 1959. As early as 1744, schooling was offered to children in St. John's by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. In the early-1800s religious societies took on the added responsibility of "educating the poor". Over the next 40 years some of the most familiar names in city schools were created and run by the various churches. They provided the best education in Newfoundland. In 1997-1998, after 254 years, denominational schools changed to a public school system. These three, well known, all-girl schools operated in this central area. Our Lady of Mercy School 1843-1967 In 1842, three Sisters of Mercy arrived from Dublin, at the invitation of Bishop Michael A. Fleming, and established the first Mercy Convent in North America. Educating youth was a priority and Our Lady of Mercy School opened in 1843 (later known as Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, and then as College of Our Lady of Mercy). By 1861 botany, astronomy, needlework, and music became added subjects. An addition was built by, and as a memorial to, members of Terra Nova Council who died in World War I, and named Knights of Columbus Memorial School. This school was opened in 1921 and run by the Mercy Order. In 1992, after 150 years of teaching, Mercy School closed, with most students moving to the coeducational St. Bonaventure's College. Bishop Spencer College 1845-1972 Founded in 1845 by Bishop Edward Field, and first housed in his own residence, the school was relocated several times in this area. In 1918 it moved into British Hall on Bond Street near Flavin Street. The school was modeled after British schools and over the years many teachers came from England. An impressive list of Head and Form Mistresses led the school through its 127 years. In addition to the high standard of academic curriculum, courses in physical education, the arts, and commerce were added between 1922 and 1952 as well as a debating society, The Spencerian magazine, and scholarships. The emphasis was to "prepare the girls for life". Spencer School closed in 1972 and students were moved into more modern city schools, including Bishops College. Presentation Convent School 1833-1996 In 1833, at the invitation of Bishop Fleming, four pioneering Presentation Sisters arrived from Galway, and opened the first convent and school on Pilot's Hill. They were the first English-speaking Congregation to arrive in Canada. A new school opened, to meet increasing student enrollment, on what became known as Nunnery Hill. Another school and convent were opened on Long's Hill in 1844; both were destroyed in the fire of 1846. By 1851, a replacement stone building was designed and built at Cathedral Square by James Purcell and Patrick Kough. The Presentation Sisters taught there for 145 years, until 1996, when the students were moved into St. Patrick's Hall School. ARRISCRAFT INTERNATIONAL Johnson Family Foundation GRAND CONCOURSE AUTHORITY