living
SCAPES
Allan Watson School
C O U R T E S Y O F T H E G A LT M U S E U M & A R C H I V E S
T R I S H P U R K I S , A R C H I V E S A S S I S TA N T
T H E A L L A N WAT S O N E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L was located on the corner of Mayor Magrath
Drive and 6 Avenue South. This five-acre site was chosen as it would accommodate children living in the
southeastern portion of Lethbridge.
The eight-room school was built in 1951 and the cornerstone laid in 1952. The school was named for
Allan James Watson, a man who devoted more than 50 years to education. He had come to Alberta in 1910
and graduated from Normal School where he took his teaching certificate. His many roles in the education
system ranged from teacher, principal, superintendent, and secretary-treasurer of the school board.
In 1952, the school’s enrolment rose steadily. Discussions for an addition were held, but until a decision
was made, rooms in the basement were used. Later that year, a four-room extension was added to the
south of the original building.
The school became an upper elementary school from 1967 to 1973 due to the addition of four Grade 7
classes. This addition was to accommodate the increased student population at the junior high level.
In the 1970s Allan Watson reverted back to a Grade 1–6 school, and the 1980s saw changes to the school
and its students. Its focus changed to occupational programs.
In 2006 the Allan Watson High School for Trades was moved to the former Hamilton High School
building, and the Sixth Avenue structure became the home of École LaVérendrye.
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