qathet Museum & Archives
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Wildwood School / James Thomson Elementary


In the early days Wildwood children walked to Powell River where they attended Henderson School. crossing the river in row boats before the bridge was built in 1916. Because the four-room Henderson School was filled to capacity, the Wildwood children were given a classroom in the basement. When the parents objected, the Powell River Company suggested they form a school district of their own and build a school. Mrs. Jacob Andersen called a meeting at her home and Herb Thomson, Frank Smith and George Beattie were elected the first School trustees. The one room school was ready for classes in early 1923. The first School register is dated to March 1923 and lists 24 school age children. Miss F. Lynch was the first teacher at the school and taught grades one through six. In 1924, when it was necessary to have another class room, a lean-to was added to the back of the building. 

By 1931, when the population required four rooms, the original school building was sold and a modern school was erected named the James Thomson School,  honoring one of Wildwood's grand old pioneers,  who camped on the Vancouver courthouse steps for more than a month to ensure he claimed one of the 13 pre-emptions in Wildwood offered in 1914. Classrooms were subsequently installed in the basement of the raised building and, in 1955, to alleviate overcrowding, a new modern addition to the school was built with two class rooms, a large activity room, teachers' rooms and other facilities. The addition augmented the school and was designed so that the structure could grow with the demands of the population. A two room addition was completed in 1958.


The student population reached a peak in 1990, with approximately 375 students enrolled in Grade K through 7.  The present enrolment is approximately 290 students. In 1986, with the assistance of the Tla'amin Nation, an afternoon language enrichment class was begun at Tla'amin for Kindergarten students. First Nations language instruction and culture are vital components of the programming at James Thomson and the school is unique for its inclusion of elementary Kla ah men language instruction for their students. Annual legacy projects strengthens the connection to the Tla'amin Nation.
​
In 2010, James Thomson welcomed its first French Immersion students to the school with a Kindergarten/Gr.1 class. This program grew to span Grades K through 7 in the 2016-2017 school year; offering instruction to students in either French or English throughout their years at the school. James Thomson is the only elementary school in the District that is a trilingual school.
Picture
James Thomson School, 1947-55. (ID 2019.1.14-164).
Picture
James Thomson Classroom, 1947-55. (ID 2019.1.14-164).
Wildwood School, (James Thomson School), Class 1948 - 49. (ID 1967.1.4872)
Opening of the newly expanded and raised James Thomson (Wildwood) school, 1932. (ID 1967.1.5498)
Original Wildwood School. (PR News, ID 1967.1.4657)
Wildwood (first) Original building of James Thomson. (ID ND010932) School
James Thomson School. (ID 1967.1.4747)
Picture
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday
10 am to 3 pm

Closed Statutory Holidays
Contact Us
604-485-2222
info@qathetmuseum.ca
​4790 Marine Avenue, Powell River BC

© 2023 qathet Museum & Archives
​Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of material on this website. Dates and times are subject to change. 
Territorial Acknowledgement 
The qathet Museum & Archives is located on the traditional territories of the Tla’amin Nation. The Museum is committed to collaborating with all Indigenous peoples of this province including the Tla'amin Nation. We acknowledge the harms of the past, are committed to improving relationships in the spirit of reconciliation, and we extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory. ​Emote!
  • Exhibits
    • Current Exhibits
    • Forestry Building
    • Virtual Exhibits >
      • Riveting Women
      • Symphonies of the Sunshine Coast
      • Capturing Mountains
      • Story of Cedar
      • Powell River Firsts
      • Rod LeMay Collection
  • Collections
    • Objects
    • Archives >
      • Research Requests
      • Indexes & Finding Aids
      • Archival Descriptions
      • Powell River Digester
      • Phone Books & Directories
      • Good Citizen
      • Record of Military Service
    • Local History Books
  • Programs
    • Public Programs Calendar >
      • Little Wonders
      • Spring Speaker Series
      • Fall Speaker Series
      • Mini-Curators
      • Papermaking
      • Summer Camps
      • Museum In the Park
      • Archaeology Day
    • School Programs >
      • Exhibit Visits
      • Outreach Kits
      • Portal to the Past
      • Educator's Survey
    • Virtual Programs >
      • Virtual Portal To the Past
      • A Taste of qathet's History
      • The Crafty Corner
      • Dive Into the Archives
    • Tours
    • Memoirs
  • Learn
    • Indigenous History
    • Place Names
    • Forestry History
    • Memories of the Mill
    • Community History
    • Blast from the Past
    • The Coast Memoirs
    • Heritage Stops
    • Blog
  • Support
    • Gift Shop
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
    • Careers
  • About
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Name Change
    • Our Mandate
    • News & Reports
    • Staff & Board
    • Contact Us