35) Kelner (Elma) School. (S.D.#1286)
Kelner (Elma) School (S.D. #1286)
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In 1904 a petition for a school district was brought about by the local taxpayers, headed by a man named Joseph Kelner. The new district was formed in May of 1904 and a building erected just north of the present-day community center. The name was changed to Elma in 1918. In 1916 a second room was added, grades 1-6 and 7-8 being taught. The present building was built in 1953, with three rooms teaching to grade 11. The old building was sold off and removed off site. Most years saw about 80 pupils attending, with some years over 100. In April 1971, it was announced that Elma School would close at the end of the school year. Six months later, it was sold to the community to become Elma Community Club. The existing building was renovated to include a large cloakroom and commercial kitchen and an extension was added for use as a hall.
Among the Principals who worked at the school included Isaak J. Warkentin (1885-1971), John Duchominsky (1906-1977), Alfred John Patrick Moran (1903-1967), Thomas Adam “Tom” Kalichak (1927-1973), Alexander John Shewchuk (1933-2015).
Among the other teachers who worked at Elma School through the years were J. H. Barsarabowicz (1911), J. H. Golembioski (1915), A. P. Trowsdale (1920), R. Green (1920), Mabel McQuade (1920), Mrs. J. W. Sibinski (1925), John Sibinski (1925), A. Neyedli (1930), W. O. Yacula (1930, 1940), Genevieve Rudneski (1935), M. Sadoway (1935), Sam Yacula (1935), Jennie Sernyk (1940), M. R. Labay (1945), M. A. Lebit (1945), J. E. Senicie (1950), William Kachur (1950), S. Smelski (1956), Caroline Korlak (1956), E. Curtis (1960), Elsie Shewchuk (1960), Miss B. C. Griffin (1965), Dennis Herntier (1965), Miss J. Cook (1971), Mrs. Jean Borsa (1971), and Miss F. Niecarz (1971).
Additional Details
Civic Number: 59 040 PR 406 l Amenities on Site: Ball Diamonds l Building on Site: Yes: Elma Community Club
 Photo courtesy of Gordon Goldsborough |
 Photo courtesy of the Manitoba Historical Society website |
 Photo courtesy of J. H. Plewes |