| Originally called Colborne Street School, Mary Street Public School was built in 1877 for a cost of $4,000 each. Mary Street Public School was a little red school house out in the fields when this picture was taken at the turn of the twentieth century. The school was located on a 1.6 acre site and at the time it was not even conceived that school would eventually be smack in the middle of the city core. |
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It was built on a lot between Brock and Colborne Streets, on Mary Street. Mary Street School was often referred to as the 'North School'. Throughout its history Mary Street has faced overcrowding. This seemed apparent from the fall of 1880 onward, when, during that year, a 'half-time' system was put in effect. The time length of classes was shortened. In 1919 a four room addition was added to the existing structure and this was opened to students in September of 1920. Before the addition was complete the original building was endangered by a fire. In November 1919, sparks were noticed coming out of the chimney and lighting the roof on fire. Miss Keddie, who was working late, notified the fire department and the building was saved. |
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After much controversy and debate the school finally closed its doors for good on June 30, 1979. In January of 1988 a fire broke out at the abandoned old school just prior to its planned demolition in March. |
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Mary Street Community School is a a joint project with the City of Oshawa that has been in the planning stages from 1978 to 1983. The Durham Board decided that with the city's help it would build a school to be used by teachers and students during the day and at night for recreation programs. The City bought the land and the City and Board shared the cost of the school. It finally opened its doors to new students in September 1983. Emphasis is on the academic programs, including extracurricular activities during the day. During the weekday evenings and on weekends, the City of Oshawa offers leisure programs. |
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Some of the past principals of Mary Street Public School are:
The recent principals of Mary Street Community School, since it reopened in 1983, are:
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Mary Street Community School |
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110 Mary Street North |
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Oshawa, Ontario L1G 7S2 |
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(905) 433 - 8910 |
revised: 06/01/2001
