Soccer on the school roof!


I started Grade 1 in 1960 at the St. Chrysostome two-room school. The school building is now a house and has mostly stayed the same in appearance. But, I'm sure the house facilities have been upgraded since 1960. In my six years at the Rocky Point school, we had no running water or bathroom in the school building, and the heating system was two woodstoves -- one in each room. 


 

St. Chrysostome school building, circa 1981

 

School today (2020)


There are many school stories that I remember from those six years. Many memories are about the rough play at recess and lunchtime (e.g. tag, bulldog, boxing, etc.). In those days, there was no supervision at recess, and both teachers went home for lunch! Basically, kids could do what they wanted as long as they didn't get caught by the teachers.

For the boys, soccer was a popular outdoor sport in the schoolyard. It wasn't precisely soccer sometimes, more like rugby! One winter, the snow was so high against the school that we could easily climb on the roof. Our school roof wasn't flat, but a part of the roof wasn't too steep. I don't know who came up with the idea, but it was decided that this slanted roof section would make a good soccer pitch. It must have been frustrating; I'm sure the ball must have gone over the edge a few times! 

This game didn't last too long -- we got caught! I think it was Alfred Hache (one of our teachers) who arrived at school for the afternoon session (maybe a bit early) and put an end to our "soccer on the roof" game. It was fun while it lasted!


Denis Augustin Gallant
(Grade 1 or so)


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