Arthur Voaden Secondary School

Arthur Voaden Secondary School (often abbreviated as AVSS) is a high school in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. Voaden is part of the Thames Valley District School Board.

Arthur Voaden Secondary School
Address
41 Flora Street

,
N5P 2X5

Canada
Coordinates42°46′49″N 81°11′19″W
Information
School typePublic, high school
MottoWe Seek, We Strive, We Conquer
Founded1926
School boardThames Valley District School Board
School districtSouth
SuperintendentPaul Sydor
School number892670
AdministratorCathy McPhee
PrincipalMichael Moore
Grades9–12
Enrollment345[1] (2019/2020)
LanguageEnglish
Team nameVikings
Websitewww.tvdsb.ca/ArthurVoaden.cfm

History

The founder, Dr. Arthur Voaden

Originally named as simply Arthur Voaden Vocational School, it was one of the first vocational schools in Ontario. It was constructed in a time where secondary school was considered a privilege, and was meant for those entering university or white-collar jobs. Arthur Voaden, M. D., a native of nearby Talbotville, was a man that wanted to give educational opportunities to all. Initiating this project to build AVS as one of few "down-graded" vocational schools around did create some friction, with debate over the Flora Street site, and the fears of costs. However, after a year of construction, the doors were opened in September 1926. It did struggle in its early years, especially due to the Great Depression, when employment was scarce, and even trained and experienced workers had difficulty. It did slowly gain acceptance, and proved invaluable during World War II. The war made for a manpower shortage to a point where even second and third year students were plucked from the school to fill the void. The school created special twelve-week courses to train adults for war work, and war emergency classes were made available year-round.[2]

Dr. Voaden was principal of the school from its opening until he died in 1931. His remains were laid in state at the school.[2]

Present day

AVSS is a composite school that offers all graduation pathways including university, college, apprenticeships, and the workplace. It is also Elgin County's Emphasis Technology School, offering more programming in Communications Technology, Health Care, Hospitality and Tourism, Construction/Woodworking, Hairstyling and Aesthetics, and Manufacturing than any other school in the county. It also offers a number of Specialist High School Majors, where students can earn a red seal on their OSSD by participating in specific training and related courses.

Arthur Voaden has been highly regarded for its arts programs, including the exceptional visual art department. At one time, the Arthur Voaden Vikings football team was highly successful.

Notable alumni

See also

Footnotes

  1. "Arthur Voaden Secondary School (892670)". Ministry of Education. Retrieved 19 June 2021.
  2. AVSS Alumni – School History Archived October 9, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
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