Sister Conrad and the boys

It looks like Sister Conrad Lauber has her hand in a big jar ready to pull out a name or something. The year is 1975. These boys look young. They must be minor-niners.

Update: A reader has left the following comment (Thank you):

The three lads in the photo are Mike Bogowicz, Kevin Williams, in the back, and Chuck? MacDonald on Sister's left

Update from another viewer: The lad in the check pants is Michael Cannon

Random Yearbook Snips II

These are random yearbook snips that I harvested from a scan that Joan Taylor sent me. Jane Landry was in my class for a couple of years. She was a guitar player and folk singer, and the first person that I ever met that played the guitar left-handed. Roland was in my older brother's class.

Cheerleaders in Action ~ 1972

OCHS cheerleaders in action at a home football game in 1972.

Mike Bukoski At the Blackboard ~1972

Mike Bukoski seemed enthralled at what he was writing down on the blackboard. The year was 1972.

Skiing in 1977

This photo depicts a class ski trip in 1977. I have no idea who the people are in this picture.

Update: Maureen Maloney supplied this info: "The two 'Sisters' were Sr. Joan (later known as Miss Peck - an excellent math teacher) and Sr. Mary Ann (McCarthy)".

Debating Club 1968

Sister Clare (Sister Mary Buckley) was the staff moderator. I recognize Greg Price on the end, .. Kathy .. somebody or other, and skip skip skip skip Pete Bathe at the other end.

Thanks to RonVanHoof for this: left to right Greg Price, Barb Mamelka (Bullet), Sister Clare (that's how I knew her), Melinda Marks, Darlene Levesque, John Bathe.

Mrs. Smegal and Maureen Thomas

Mrs. Shirley Smegal, the school secretary is seen in full flight passing Maureen Thomas who is carrying a major armload of books. Maureen Thomas went on to become a teacher at St. Gertrude's until her untimely death from cancer.

Staff vs Students Basketball Game, 1971

Sister Conrad Lauber consults with Mr. Bambrough on strategy to defeat the students at a Staff/Students basketball game in 1971. The antics were hilarious.

Blair Morris' wife who also taught at OCHS holds the basketball. Visible behind her is Marc Adams, Karen Smegal, Ted van der Laan and others.

The One and Only Pollution Club ~1972

(click for larger image)

POLLUTION CLUB "The Pollution club is a newly formed club, concerned with our environment - the filth it contains and how to clean it up - be it air, water or noise pollution that is the offender." The quote on the back of the photo! Interesting to note that was the only year that OCHS had a club by that title

I was kind of shocked to see my brother's face in this pic. Maureen Moloney asked me what the replacement club was, and I told her that it was probably the Procrastinator's Club. They don't have the pic from 1973 yet.

People that I recognize in the photo include Ed Bodnar, Ed Johansen, Cathy Dixon, Doug Zochodne, Doug Hamlyn, Vince Gedge, Paul Pulla, Pete Maringer, David Cooper, Nancy Legree, Kathy Andrews and Mary Catherine Robinson.

Cheerleaders ~ 1974

Cheerleaders from the 1973-74 school year. People that I recognize are Cheryl Hambly, Barbara Dalby, Christie Marks and Karen Mary Lou Rush.

Update by a comment left: That is actually me Mary Lou Rush not my popular and prettier sister Karen! Also Debbie Sutherland and Heather Roach. This is an amazing blast from the past thanks Ken I will pass it on to the other Rush siblings. (My comment ~ all of the Rush siblings were beautiful -- never mind pretty. Your sister Cathy was in my class ~ Ken).

Nun Applying Make-up To Boy's Face

I have no idea why Sister Marie Claire (Sister Mary Buckley) is applying make-up to this boy's face. I think that the boy may be Peter Gurney, but I am not sure. Such kinkiness was no longer practiced when I arrived at OCHS. The year of this pic is 1969.

Got Yearbooks ??????

Got yearbooks? Don't want them any more? The school formerly known as OCHS will gladly take them off your hands. Contact me. Leave a comment.

I got a request from Maureen Moloney who is the ex officio historian at Monsignor Paul Dwyer High School. She tells me that they are looking for copies of vintage yearbooks. The need for a 1972-1973 yearbook is quite dire. For many years, there were copies in the library, and students would sign them out, cut pictures out of them, draw mustaches on the nuns and take out pages.

So if you had a bad time in high school, were dumped by your high school sweetheart, were emotionally scarred by your high school experience or never got a grade higher than your shoe size and have bad memories of the school, why not donate the yearbook back to the school? Why not let posterity see how dorky your classmates were?

Maureen says that she will put a big cast iron plaque on all donated yearbooks and indelibly inscribe your name as donor (and not on the bathroom wall either).

Even if history (or your kids) will never remember you, you have a chance to have a relatively modest place in posterity. Write me: ochsblogger-at- (use the @ sign) rocketmail.com.

Shnorhagallem and merci

Ken

Note: ALL years needed. 1988 is a mess too if you have a copy that the school can have.

Kathy Seaver - Snow Queen

I fired this sequence of frames at the Winter Carnival dance where Kathy Seaver (who is a cousin to me by marriage) was crowned Snow Queen.

A tearful Kathy Seaver talks to an unidentified person. The student at the right is Cathy Rush.

Jim Lamb was the master of ceremonies. The student on the right is Liz Fitzpatrick.

The student on the extreme right is Cindy Germanis.

Kathy is congratulated by Tim McKenna (left) and John Ten Haaf. The year was 1972

Students At Outdoor Mass 1974-1975

(click for larger image)

This photo was taken during the 1974-1975 school year. it is the student body at an outdoor mass. I had already left the school at this point and the picture was provided courtesy of Maureen Moloney.

Patsy, .. I think

The negative was badly damaged. It was from a class trip on the bus to Stratford. She was in my brother's class. I think that her first name was Patsy. I think that the year was 1971.

Marty Kirkland and Joanna MacDonald At the Dance

Marty Kirkland and his date Joanna MacDonald are shown at a dance in 1972.

Suzanne Nadon On the Bus

Suzanne Nadon is pictured on the bus, on a class trip to Stratford in 1972.

New Pottery Kiln 1973

Dan Dalby and Sister Conrad Lauber are pictured with the new pottery kiln for the art classes. The year was 1973.

1972-1973 Bridge Club

Photo 1 1972 -73 BRIDGE CLUB

Back (L-R) S. Oortwyn, M. Walsh, K. Rush, C. Roache, P. Wilson, D. Elliot

Middle (L-R) Sr. Theresa, M. Meringer, P. Kasubeck, M. Orecchio, D. Ciosk, L. Byrne, Sr. Marie

Front (L-R) K. Rush, K. Buchanan, M. Novak, C. Yanch, D. Sutherland

Joanne Bond ~Macnab Award 1973

Joanne Bond, seated beside Sister Conrad Lauber is pleased to accept the Macnab Award as the outstanding female graduate.

Early Student ID Cards -- Bonnie Chisholm

Click for a larger image

Bonnie Chisholm has provided her student cards from St. Joseph High School from 1964 to 1967.

Ron Yanch

Ron Yanch is shown on the bus with Eva Stanko on a class trip to Stratford.

Catholic School Board Description of the School 1993

Click for larger picture

This is the information page from the Catholic school board in 1993 describing the school. It would be expanded from its original footprint to a larger school that would be ready for the 1995 school year.

Winter Carnival Snowball Fight 1970

During the Winter Carnival 1970, we had a school-sanctioned snowball fight. Sister Conrad walks among the students. I don't think anyone had the nerve to nail her with a snowball. Pictured left to right are : Serge Dupont, Joe Simiana, Linda Dupont (in background), Sister Conrad, Tim McKenna, Paul Power, Ed Johansen and Victor Suppan is peering around Ed Johansen.

Random Yearbook Snips

Joan sent me some yearbook clips along with another scan, and I thought that I would throw them up. John Coleman and Leo Barrett were in my class. I don't remember why they had the monikers attached to their pictures.

Joanne Bond with Sister Conrad

Joanne Bond confers with Sister Conrad Lauber the principal. The year was 1971. Joanne was the yearbook editor and one of the outstanding girls in the school

Mario was in my class -- RIP

ROMANO, Mario Gino

(July 3rd, 1955 – March 10th, 2012)

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that Susan announces the passing of her beloved Mario.

Proud and loving father to Claudia and Marco. Much loved son of Vincenzo Romano and the late Lucia. Loving big brother to Rita and very special Uncle to Wayne, Tara and Carly. Mario will be truly missed by his many family members and his close friends.

Visitation to take place at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, March 15th from 2 – 4 pm and 7 – 9 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. GREGORY THE GREAT CATHOLIC CHURCH (194 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa) on Friday, March 16 at 10:00 am, followed by interment at the Resurrection Cemetery, Taunton Road, Whitby.

1967-68 Grade 9 Girls Basketball Team

1967-68 Grade 9 Girls Basketball Team

Back row: Anne Fegan, Cathy Meringer, Pat Schoonbroodt, Miss (Lorna) Harris - Coach, Carol McLaughlin, Deirdre Fegan

Front row: Elli Hurst, Eniko Kedvessy, Cathy Coros, Joyce Kingston, Joyce Winters

The usual - Click for larger image instruction.

Nun Teaching Gym 1967-68

This photo was shot in the 1967-68 school year, and it shows a nun supervising a girls gym class. I think that they are playing basketball, but there seems to be a lot of players on the court.

The nun in the picture is nun other than Sister Anne Schenck, the future principal of the school. (thanks Joan).

Badminton in the Gym Part V

Two female members of the badminton club having a go at it in the gym. Winter 1972.

Tobogganing with the Nuns - 1968

As previously iterated in another blog posting, the spirit at the school in the early years was phenomenal. Depicted above, we have a nun tobogganing with the students in the winter. The year was 1968.

Grade 9 Girls Basketball 1973

Pictured above is Grade 9 girls basketball in 1973. The coaches are Kathy Seaver on the left and Carolyn Corrigan on the right. In between is a bunch of minor niners. I'm sure that someone will be along to fill in the names. .... please ...

Number of Graduates By Year

“Grade 12” Graduation Statistics for O.C.H.S. / Dwyer

(with many more returning for their Grade 13 ‘Honours’ diploma / O.A.C. / fifth year ‘victory lap’ )

1966 = 29

1967 = 39

1968 = 40

1969 = 49

1970 = 36

1971 = 56

1972 = 74

1973 = 75

1974 = 91

1975 = 88

1976 = 85

1977 = 95

1978 = 124

1979 = 88

1980 = 191

1981 = 80

1982 = 113

1983 = 167

1984 = 104

1985 = 107

1986 = 102

1987 = 159

1988 = 77

1989 = 169

1990 = 174

1991 = 203

1991 = 203

1992 = 232

1993 = 180

1994 = 154

1995 = 205

1996 = 166

1997 = 198

1998 = 158

1999 = 286

2000 = 211

2001 = 194

2002 = 223

* 2003 = 231

* 2003 = 161 * 2003 = Double Cohort (End of Gr.13)

2004 = 211

2005 = 257

2006 = 232

2007 = 283

2008 = 312

2009 = 279

2010 = 263

2011 = 238

2012 = 320 (est)

TOTAL = 7,529 GRADUATES

Rosemary Duignan

Blair Morris had some really innovative teaching methods. He had arranged over-flights of Oshawa to observe urban sprawl. He had us go counting cars for a day to determine traffic patterns entering the downtown. It was he that was responsible for my appreciation of what statistics can tell us.

In this photo, Rosemary Duignan is sitting in a car, warming up after counting cars on a cold winter day in downtown Oshawa.

In the Beginning ... The Entire School in 1964

(Click on photo for larger image)

In the beginning ..... This is a pic of the entire school in 1964. OCHS began as St. Joseph's High School and was co-located with St. Joseph's Primary School on Simcoe Street North in Oshawa. This photo was taken in the gym of St. Joseph's School, and represents the entire student body.

Where Are They Now - Sister Theresa Rodgers

This is a contemporary picture of Sister Theresa Rodgers who was my business and accounting teacher back in the 1970's. She also taught typing. She was one of my favourite teachers -- a kind an gentle soul who put her heart into pedagogy.

Junior Girls Basketball - 1973

Help me fill in the blanks on this one. I recognize Rita Grotenhuis, Miss Ritchie, Maureen Moloney, Karen Moloney, Marylee O'Neill ... help ..

Maureen Moloney says:

Back: Rita Grotenhuis, Josephine Bardoul, Caathy Greenaway, Cathy Nisbett, mary McDonnell, Mary VandePol, Karen Moloney Marylee O'Neill (manager) FRONT: Maureen Moloney, Anne McGeown, Joan Wehrens, Mary Fairhart, Liz Belton, Stella stanko, Donna whorms, Betty Reynan, Miss Ritchie

.....a FUN group of girls!

The Evolution of the Nun's Habit - Sister Conrad Lauber

This series of photos shows the evolution of the nun's habits through the years, with Sister Conrad Lauber, the principal as the subject.

When I first started school (at St. Joseph's Primary) on Simcoe Street North in Oshawa, all of the nuns looked like the above.


Then for a few years, (but not many), the habit was streamlined and modifed, but it was still a study in black and white.


Finally in the 1970's, the nuns went completely to street clothes.

Sister Conrad was quite young when she was appointed principal of OCHS.

1973 Bowling Club

Back Row: Rayna King, Judy Leveque, Gloria Wrobel, John Smegal, Steven Jaworiwsky, Jack Lauzon, Don Metcalfe, Steven Sombyk, Joanne Robinson, Christine Gallas, Sonya Sanders.

Front Row: Cathy Murrant, Frances Gordon, Maureen Moloney, Marion Mulgrew, Bev Smyth, Mary Jane Hambly, Bonnie Macdonald, Joanne Simmons, Christine Teresz, Mary Catherine Robinson,

Sitting: Sister Theresa Rodgers

Nuns Who Have Worked or Taught At The School

Sisters of St. Joseph who taught/worked at St. Joseph H.S. / O.C.H.S. / Msgr. Paul Dwyer C.H.S.

1962-1953, 1963-1964

St. Mary Sheila O’Neil (P.)

Sr. Constance

1964-1965

Sr. Mary Sheila O’Neil (P.)

Sr. Constance

Sr. Mary Zélie

1965-1966

Sr. Mary Sheila O’Neil (P.)

Sr. Anne Schenck (V.P.)

Sr. John Patrick (Anne Marie Marrin)

Sr. Fidelis

Sr. Constance

Sr. Redempta (choral)

1966-1967

Sr. Mary Sheila O’Neil (P.)

Sr. Anne Schenck (V.P.)

Sr. St. Ambrose (library) Jane Dwyer

Sr. Stella Marie (Jean De Luca)

Sr. John Patrick (Anne Marie Marrin)

Sr. St. Jerome

Sr. Fidelis

Sr. Constance

1967-1968

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Anne Schenck (V.P.)

Sr. Clare (Mary Buckley)

Sr. John Patrick (Anne Marie Marrin)

Sr. Michael James (Margie McGurk)

Sr. Gonzaga (library)

Sr. Angelica

Sr. St. Jerome

Sr. Adelarde

Sr. St. Christopher

Sr. Marie Christine

St. Constance

1968-1969

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Clare (Mary Buckley) (V.P.)

Sr. John Patrick (Anne Marie Marrin)

Sr. Fidelis

Sr. Gonzaga (library)

Sr. Angelica

Sr. Adelarde

Sr. Marie Christine

St. Constance

Sr. Catherine Mary

1969-1970

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Eulalie Marie (Marie Howorth)

Sr. Clare (Mary Buckley)

Sr. Jane Wilcox

Sr. Adelarde (library)

Sr. Wilfrid

Sr. Mary Agnes Bradley

St. Claudette Loftus

1970-1971

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Marie Howorth

Sr. Mary Buckley

Sr. Theresa Rodgers

Sr. Dorothy Schweitzer

Sr. Jane Wilcox

Sr. Mary Angela Bradley (library)

1971-1972

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Myra McCarthy (Catherine McCarty)

Sr. Marie Howorth

Sr. Theresa Rodgers

Sr. Dorothy Schweitzer

Sr. Jane Wilcox

Sr. Mary Angela Bradley (library)

Sr. Mary Kenneth McDonald

1972-1973

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Marie Howorth

Sr. Theresa Rodgers

Sr. Dorothy Schweitzer

Sr. Margaret Ann Hazelton

Sr. Mary Angela Bradley (Religion)

Sr. Mary Jane Trimble

1973-1974; 1974-1975

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Theresa Rodgers

Sr. Dorothy Schweitzer

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

Sr. Mary Jane Trimble

1975-1976

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy

Sr. Patricia Ronan (remedial)

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

Sr. Mary Jane Trimble

1976-1977

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

Sr. Patricia Ronan (remedial)

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

Sr. Mary Jane Trimble

1977- 1978

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

1978-1979

Sr. Conrad Lauber (P.)

Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

Sr. Agnes Clare Leddy

1979-1980; 1980-1981

Sr. Anne Schenck (P.)

Sr. Mary Anne McCarthy

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

Sr. Agnes Clare Leddy

1981-1982; 1982-1983

Sr. Anne Schenck (P.)

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

Sr. Mary Denis Ogle

Sr. Noreen Coston

1983-1984; 1984-1985; 1985-1986; 1986-1987; 1987-1988

Sr. Anne Schenck (P.)

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

1988-1991

Sr. St. Patrick (Kathleen Conway) (office)

Juxtaposition 1977 English Class and 2012 English Class

Here's an interesting juxtaposition. We have an English class from 1977:

.. and an English class (ENG4C1) from 2012.

The desks have been replaced, but they still have the same bookshelf in the corner. It looks like the clock and PA speaker is new, and there is a recycle bin. In the 1970's, re-cycle meant that you had to ride your bike twice.

I also note the water bottle on the desk. In 1977, you had to use the horse trough in hall that gave you good old hyper-chlorinated, fluoridated and outdated city water.

Also, note the wall decoration. In 1977 there was proof of Pythagorean theorem, a few paper doves and probably a couple of poems. There is a lot more visual eye-candy in the latest version. The girl to boy ratio seems to have deteriorated.