Student Classes

Scale used in Science Class

he courses offered at the opening of the school included reading, writing, arithmetic, "practical and rational", book keeping, geography, grammar, rhetoric, history, natural history, English, French, plain and ornamental needle and net work. Other courses offered over the years included art, music, choir on radio, commercial programme and religious studies.

The Commercial Class was started in 1892 by Sister Mary Matthew, as a programme to teach young women the skills needed in the business world. Sister Matthew had been a legal secretary and court reporter before entering the novitiate. There were limited options for employment for women, and aside from teaching and nursing, business skills were a popular choice. The students learned shorthand, typing, bookkeeping, office communication and other useful skills. The reputation of the programme grew, and during the 1930s, a number of the graduates were hired to work in the Provincial Legislature. A diploma was presented at the end of the programme, as an indication of the abilities of these young women. A newspaper article was written about the first student in public works, when she passed away in 1999:

First woman in public works dies at 108 Agnes Mary Finlayson, who started her career in the B.C. civil service in 1908, was buried in Ross Bay Cemetery Thursday. She died at Glengary Hospital Saturday at age 108. She was probably Victoria’s oldest resident. Born in Newfoundland in 1890, she came to Victoria as a young girl and was taught by the sisters at St. Ann’s Academy and then graduated from St. Ann’s Business College. In 1908, she became the first woman to work in the department of public works and rose through the service until her retirement in 1950 as secretary to the deputy minister of finance. Times Colonist - Friday, April 9, 1999

Activity: 1. How have career options changed for women? What types of opportunities are available today? 2. What type of career are you interested in? Visit this cool site to learn more about job options.

 

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