Regal Road Public School 1914

Photos by Alan L Brown - Posted May, 2008

Here at 95 Regal Road at Dufferin Street is a 96-year-old (as of 2010) public school with a 2007 Heritage Toronto attached to the wall beside the main doors. Here's what it says:

Plaque coordinates: 43.6738 -79.4402

Designed by architect Franklin E. Belfrey in Beaux-Arts style, this school was constructed for the Dovercourt community shortly after the area was annexed to the City of Toronto. The school stands at the edge of the Lake Iroquois escarpment, on land farmed by the pioneer family of Bartholomew Bull from the 1820's, and not subdivided until 1910. The portico over the main entrance was repaired in 2007 through an initiative of the Regal Heights Residents' Association and the City of Toronto.

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Posted May 10, 2012
I was a student at the school 1948-49 and 1949-50. I also had Miss KIlner in graded 3 she was a very grouchy woman. The best teacher was my grade 4 teacher Mrs. Watson she was wonderful, our class was over that white balconey in the front. I left and went to Rawlinson Public School where they had more horrible teachers, those school years were the most cruel and barbaric I have have ever seen. Bonnie Ferguson (Lacroix)

Posted April 26, 2012
I am 56 yrs old I have many fond memories of attending Regal Road Public school from GRD 2 through Grd 6 I'm wondering is it open to the public and if its still a school and what kind, as a child back then with so many others the school functioned on full capacity we were many, the school was huge in our eyes but with organization from the teachers we never felt lost. I would like to visit my fondest memories were the Xmas concerts that the school would put together every year. Cynthia Manchisi Thanks you for a happy period in my lifes memories.

Posted January 4, 2012
Wonderful to read about the school times from the fifties and onward, I have many good memories from Regal Road, andd the teacher who one person was asking about was Miss Bower - she was very petite, and wore her hair in a bun. Everyone new Mr. Davies, Mr. Pringle, Mr. Thompson, Miss Smith [my personal favorite], Mr. Jackson, I believe he taught grade 6 and 7 Does anyone remember Miss Riddle, she made me stand in front of the class for 1/2 hour with gum on the end of my nose for chewing during class. Or Miss Kilner????? She was my grade 3 teacher and everyone was afraid of her - I always joke that after having me in her class she retired. Wishing all a Happy and Healthy 2012.
Sandra Dabbs [nee McAvoy]

Posted October 25, 2011
I went to Regal Road from Jr. Kindergarden (1969), Mrs Helfand, to Grade 6 (1976), Mrs. Engles. I remember the Syptaks. Susan I can still remember you and your brothers and how fit your family was. My memories are only great of this school. Just drove by with my 5 year old daughter this weekend to show her daddy's old school. I guess that's why I Googled the school and found this website. After R.R. I went to Winona S.P.S. the Western Tech where I was enrolled in the art program. After graduating when to OCAD. Too many memories to put down. Much love!!!
Lou Ceccato

Posted September 29, 2011
Having just read OMG, I recall my teacher taking me aside one day shortly after arriving at Regal Road and asking me whether I was jewish. When I said no, she responded: "I am so glad because I don't like Jews." This happened in 1942 while we were fighting the Nazis who were systematically slaughtering the Jews. As one who had arrived in Canada as a refugee from the German takeover of Czechoslovakia I couldn't understand the inconsistency.
Hanns

Posted September 19, 2011
OMG. I saw this cite and read the comments and felt just as I did back in the 50's. sick. I remember Michael *** being hit in the face by an "occasional" teacher-Mrs. ***; and Mrs. *** taking out the black strap and strapping each student. I remember Miss ***, with her army shoes and green army outfit standing in the hall with her stern demeanor; students were not allowed to speak on any school bus trip-if a word was uttered (and she did hear every sound) the punishment was writing out a page of the school dictionary. During school choir concerts at Massey Hall she had the entire class practice,then remove two or three who had been part of the group because only a certain number of singers were allowed. She and Mr. *** would fail students or pass students based on birth dates. I remember one coloured boy (maybe Negro then; maybe African American/Canadian-you name it now), was politely commented on when discussing history- "it doesn't mean you"--. Jewish students were likewise treated: "so and so is taking too many holidays---". Such warmth. Such sensitivity.The abuse which the students of Regal Road Public School suffered at the hands and mouths of the teachers were never documented. Maybe now, fifty years later the story can be told.

Posted July 25, 2011
My name is Robert Didier but back then in the 50's I was Bob Sielinski (legally changed my name in 1966). I attended Regal Road from 1952 to 1955 (grades 4 to 7). I started in grade 4 and my teacher's name whom I had forgotten came back to me after reading the comments. She was Miss Cratchley. She was tall and thin by my standards then (my mother was 5'2"). She was blonde and fair with a rosy complexion. She was an adorable teacher and I had a crush on her. As well, the comments reminded me that the name of my grade 5 teacher was Mr. McDougall. I have the grade 5 class picture which was taken in October 1953 if anyone would like to see it. I can't remember my grade 6 teacher's name, but I can remember her physical features. She was older than most female teachers at Regal. She was a slight women with a mix of dark and grey hair tied back in a bun. She wore glasses. I think her classroom was next to Mr. Davies. Does anyone know her name? Who can forget Mr. Davies! If you didn't know him you would shudder when he passed you in the school halls. I believe his right side was paralyzed and as a result he walked with a limp and couldn't use his right hand effectively but if only to grab an unsuspecting mischevious student by the neck. All feared him! But in grade 6 getting to know him was a privilege. While attending Central Technical School and in grade 12, I was taking the Harbord streetcar which travelled along Bloor, up Dovercourt and then west along Davenport. I met Mr. Davies on this streetcar while it was on Bloor. He remembered my name and how could I forget his. He asked what I was doing and what my plans were for the future but I was to taken back to ask if he was still teaching at Regal. I think he still was. Names I remember well from that time were Jim MacArthur, Jim Crouch, Jennette Lwytwn, Joan Wilson, Jo-Ann Smale, Jack Orsi and Bob Sefton. I attended some school dances on Friday nights which were held in the kindergarten. A song that I remember being played on the phonograph was Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra. My sister also attended Regal Road but she started grade 7 while I was in 4. Her name was Alice Sielinski. I remember when Hurricane Hazel hit Toronto. I was delivering the Toronto Telegram and my route was north of St. Clair on Northcliffe Blvd. I had 106 papers on one street. All my newspapers were soaking wet. I have only fond memories of those days. Thank you all for sharing yours.

Posted July 3, 2011
Amazing John Lawson and I were friends with the same kids back then and had the same teachers!! I can't believe it after all these years...In 1978 I had a dream about Sharlene Sniderman...and I was in the last days of my pregnancy...I actually named my daughter after her 'Charlena' lol (John do you know where any of our friends are now?) So excited meeting you here...Thank you for your post!!! Heather Hopkins Surrey BC Canada (formerly of Toronto ON)

Posted June 25, 2011
I have many fine memories of my one and only year at Regal Road School. I think of my teacher Mr. Frank Pringle that commuted from Markham to the school every day. I livd with my Grandparents on Primrose Avenue and I remember the huge fire at the Dairy on Davenport Rd. I still can remember Mr. Davis that used to supervise when we were out at recess. He always had one hand inside the bell he carried. He appeare to me to be a very stern teacher but, I was very young at the time. I am now in my seventy-third year but the images of that place are still very much in my mind.
W. Jones, Bolsover, On.

Posted June 17, 2011
So great to read about students that i went to school at Regal Road with. I attended in the 50's, Miss Cratchley, Miss Warnock, Miss Hetherington, Mr Davies(always walked with a limp). Good friends with Allan Holman, Ralph Laskosky, Carl Joudry, Sharlene Sniderman. My name is John Slawson & i lived on Highview Crescent. Was there when Hurricane Hazel hit Toronto. My email address is johnslawson@rogers.com Anyone reading this can email me anytime. Hope to hear from any fellow students. If anyone knows how to get in touch with the students i mentioned dont hesitate to let me know.Hope to hear from you, regards, John Slawson

Posted March 4, 2011
I went to Regal Road from 1957to 1966. My grade 6 teacher was Mr. McDougall. I use to live on Primrose Avenue. I went to JR. Kindergarten there to grade 6. Then from there i went to Winona Drive then finally on to high school at Western Tech. Commercial School where i graduated from there in 1973. After having to repeat 2 years in my years of school. Then worked for the government for 30 years and retired from there at age 50. Those were the great years of school and i love the old building. It is hard for people who live outside of the city to see such an old school as Regal Road as a school when they are use to the modern ones.
Charlene Coombs

Posted February 9, 2011
I attended Regal Road Public School from 1955 to 1961. I didn't live too far from the school, we lived on Bristol Avenue. When I graduated from grade 6 I went on to Winona Drive Senior School. At Regal Road, I remember my kindergarten teacher was Miss Smith (she was so nice to all the students),I don't remember my teachers from grades 1, 2 and 3, but for grade 4 it was Miss Wacinda, grade 5 teacher was John Bates, and my grade 6 teacher was Mr. Davies who was very strict but we certainly learned a lot from him. I think the principal at the time was Mr. Douglas. And I seem to remember Mr. Henry as the janitor for the school who very was mean. If you wish to contact me my e-mail address is below.
Bruna Vitale bruna.vitale@fox.com

Posted February 2, 2011
I just read all your comments! I too was a student at Regal Road in late 50s I remember Ms Cratchley and Mr Pringle was my home room teacher...Miss Armstrong was our music teacher as I recall. We used to have a dance every Friday evening and my fellow students and myself socialized there...until my mother came with our American spaniel and escorted me home :-) There was a Girl Guide meeting I think of Wednesday evening...I remember some of my friends...but have not been in touch. Gr 6, 7 and 8: Sharlene Sniderman, John Jarrett, Alan Holman, Mary Zacharuk, Ralph Laskoski...that's it! Long time ago. R.R. was one of many schools I attended in Toronto...One day we counted over 30 different schools before finally enrolling in Thornhill High School. I am thankful that I attended Regal Road for as long as I did. I currently live in British Columbia...feel free to add me to Facebook or email me at sparklebc@hotmail.com.
Heather Hopkins, Surrey BC Canada

Posted December 23, 2010
I attended Regal Road School kindergarten in 1938-39. I had just had my 4th birthday but my parents lied about my age, saying that I was age 5. My older sister, Lois, also attended R.R. school.
Grace Bellamy

Posted October 13, 2010
i believe that this website was very informative, thanks for your help

Posted September 14, 2010
my name is susan and i went by the last name of syptak. my brother's peter, paul michael and LITTLE IVO and i all attendent regal road from primary to gr. 6. mr hall was the acting principal in 1969-1973 and ms, jones was the administrater. growing up in the neighbourhood just three blocks away on the corner of glenholme ave. and regal rd. this school was also our playground. fabulous times and kindness of teachers,make for the fondest of memories i could ever remember not to mention friendships made that are still with me today.

Posted June 1, 2010
I attended Regal Road School until I was eight in 1937 and we moved to England where schools and life in general were so very different. As a result I'm a Canadian at root even now - a granny, with four grandchildren. I retired from a lifetime in local journalism when I was 60. I remember one evening at Regal Road, as school was closing for the day, they sprayed (with a hose) the playground which faced Davenport Road. It was to make a temporary ice skating rink complete with fairy lights on the wire netting boundary. I often wondered how they melted that ice before school opened the following Monday morning. On reflection it seemed a very Canadian thing to do. We lived at the top of the hill in St Clemens Ave and my name then was Daisy Worth. I have been interested in all the favourable comments about life at the school these days. Then school was school - we went and came home!

Posted May 7, 2010
Hi i'm Dakota I am a student at regal road public school I am only in 1st grade and it is 2010. this is my 3rd year at regal and it is the best and I like my teacher and I have lots of friends.

Posted March 24, 2010
I was a student at Regal Rd from 1947-1956, my Mother Bessie Rudderham was a student beginning 1918 and my Aunt Ann Rudderham from 1912,and her daughter Helen Smith. I can name all my teachers and have most of my report cards and school pictures. I ran for the school at Christie Pits for a number of years. I went on to High School at T.L Kennedy in Cooksville. I am now a nurse, not yet retired. I wonder if you will have a reunion at 100 years? I thought it would be in 2012 as the school was built in 1912. I now live in Caledon, Ontario. My school years are very happy ones and I like others spent many happy hours playing baseball in the school yard.

Posted February 1, 2010
hi my name is laura i am an grade 6 student there at regal road so far we have the bast teachers the most kind parent council and the best principal and vice . To me this has been a great expirience so if u are loooking to attend this school be ready for a fantastic expirience and plus i have been here for at least 7years now it is the best go regal road runners

Posted January 17, 2010
Hello. I attended Regal Road School when I was just a joungster. I attended grades 3 to 8 during the 1950 's. I graduated in 1956 and went on to Central Technical in Toronto.Ilived below Davenport Road on Bartlett Avenue. I virtually grew up in the school yard at Regal Road playing baseball in the summer and ball hockey in the upper yard almost every evening during the winter. An absolutely great school with so many memories of my classmates and not to mention my teachers who kept me on the straight and narrow. No monkey business allowed. Nose to the grindstone and paying attention whatever the grade or whoever the teacher. My teachers if I can remember correctly were Miss Cratchley, Mr.A.C. Slater (a great ball coach also) Mr.Springle (Yikes .. I was so afraid of him) Mr.Thompson (a task manager) and others too. Irember just as though it was yesterday. Good thoughts and no regrets.

Posted January 8, 2010
i am a student at regal road right now i am in grade 4 and 9 years old,regal road is the best ever,there are the coolest recess of my life in that school it is just like the school is part of my family and it is really special to me like if it gets thorn down it will be like a furnel for the school and to me and the sudents of regal road public school!:) :(

Posted November 26, 2009
My father, mother, and grandfather all attended Regal Road PS for Grades 1 through 8. I attended for Senior Kindergarten and Grade 1 in 1957-1958, before we moved to the suburbs. The school is special to me. I am a graduate of the University of Waterloo, a Professional Engineer, and about to retire. I still live in Toronto.
Chris Thompson

Posted May 22, 2009
Regal road is like my second family it has the best in it.

Posted March 18, 2009
regal road was the greatest school ever and will always hold my most precious and fun memories that i've ever had in school, god bless regal road public school *Emmanuel* muchh love to all the founders and teachers of that school.

Posted October 14, 2008
I spent four very difficult months at RR School in 1942. I had come to Canada with my parents from Czechoslovakia in 1939. We were settled on an abandoned homestead in northern Saskatchewan and three years later moved to Toronto. I was put in grade six. My teacher was Miss Sloan who was very kind and sympathetic to my educational plight. I recall when I was introduced to my teacher she asked me whether I would rather change my name inasmuch as it was wartime and I had a German name, Hanns. I declined and never had a problem with my fellow classmates. The classroom did not have deskes but tables occupied by four students and there was much competition between the tables. I graduated from grade six and left when my parents moved to Batawa where my father had found employment with the Bata Shoe company. I remained in contact for a time with a boy by the name of Billy Pleasance. I am a graduate of Queen's University and a retired minister of the United Church of Canada and live with my wife in Ottawa.
Hanns F. Skoutajan

Posted September 4, 2008
thats my school

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