Into the 21st Century!

This past week the Vic High Alumni Association arranged tours for alumni to view the almost four-year, $100-million renovation that has breathed new life into the school and saved it from demolition.

I wanted to see the changes to this building that I had lived a block away from, and saw almost daily throughout my childhood. I booked a space on a tour, and explored the present and the past with my sister Edeana.

When I graduated from high school in 1976, we were the 100th graduating class. I can’t say as a 17 year old that I really appreciated the history of my school, nor my own family connection with it. My father and grandfather went to Victoria High School, along with their siblings and cousins. Two of my grandfather’s uncles, partners in the Dinsdale and Malcolm construction company, built the present imposing and beautiful building in the Fernwood area of Victoria in 1914.

I was impressed with all the renovations and how the school’s history was incorporated and respected. The students now have modern 21st century facilities. But they also have a lot of old architectural features. Like the huge windows with their views of Victoria, Mt. Baker, the Olympic Mountains and the Sooke Hills. Somehow I don’t remember these stunning vistas from my school days. Or perhaps, again, I just didn’t appreciate them in my teenage self-absorption.

It was fantastic to get a chance to see the old school again and to remember, and appreciate, things long forgotten. I am looking forward to the 150th anniversary celebration in two years!

Here is a link to the details of the upgrade from The Times-Colonist newspaper: https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/vic-highs-reopening-welcomed-by-students-neighbouring-businesses-8584231