23rd October 2007
Leah Lorenzo-Faulkner
Japanese students made up about one third of the school population before the 1942 evacuation. The students had a reputation for being hard-working who excelled in their studies.
The Japanese Language School opened in 1918, and was located northwest of other schools. It was halfway between No.1 and No. 5 Japanese town sites.
The original teachers in the school were Mr. and Mrs. Aoki. They originally signed a three year contract but ended up staying for 16 years until 1934. Mrs. Aoki taught the primary grades while Mr. Aoki Taught the intermediate grades. The couple lived above the building as well.
Once Mr. and Mrs. Aoki left the area, Mr. Horada taught the students in the school. The Students attended public school during the day and then came the Japanese Language School from 3:30 to 6:30 Monday to Friday and on Saturday mornings. They went to school all year except for a one month holiday in August. Subjects included Reading, Calligraphy, Grammar, Civics, Japanese History, Art, Music, Geography, and Elocution.
The Japanese Language School closed in 1942 due to government legislation and eventually, army units in Courtenay demolished the building during commando practice.