By Erin Knutson

The Cranbrook Retired Teachers’ Association (CRTA) celebrated the first day of school Tuesday (Sept. 8) with its annual “To Hell with the Bells” pancake breakfast for retired teachers.

As the school year began, the CRTA welcomed former educators and community members to say goodbye to summer and partake in this time-honoured tradition.

“We look forward to this event every year. It’s more than just a meal – it’s about reconnecting with old friends and celebrating our contributions to education,” said CRTA President Carol Johns.

Johns praised the Legacy Fund, an initiative that supports educational resources for children.

“This year, we made a significant donation through the Legacy Fund to provide high-quality children’s books to the District Resource Centre. It’s our way of giving back and ensuring that the joy of reading continues for future generations,” she stated.

The breakfast took place at the home of Barb and Lance Cuthill, offering a picturesque backdrop for the gathering.

This year’s “To Hell with the Bells” also marked the anniversary of the “Name That Teacher” campaign, set to relaunch in late September in collaboration with the Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History (CBIRH), the CRTA, the Cranbrook District Teachers Association (CDTA), and School District No. 5 (SD5).

“Name That Teacher” is a community initiative that documents and identifies archival information to honour and celebrate the region’s educational history. The program encourages individuals to share stories, photographs, and memorabilia that reflect their educational experiences, while engaging retired teacher volunteers to help enhance the CBIRH’s existing digital archive.

“Instead of just saying “To Hell with the Bells,” we want people to come down to the CBIRH and celebrate those memories. The Legacy of Learning Project and “Name That Teacher” provide an opportunity for individuals to contribute to our educational history, making it richer for future generations,” said CBIRH Board Chair Chris Johns.

Participants are encouraged to bring memorable items from their educational journey, and community members interested in history and education are invited to volunteer to help build a detailed repository of stories and artifacts that highlight teachers’ impact.

“While many of our volunteers are retired teachers, anyone who can Name That Teacher is welcome to join us,” Johns added.

Mark your calendars for September 23 and 24 when the project relaunches and consider volunteering to support this effort to preserve our educational legacy for future generations.

“This initiative celebrates past educators while fostering a sense of community among local teaching professionals,” noted CBIRH Volunteer Historian Derryll White.

Instead of saying “To Hell with the Bells,” consider joining our new archival team this September and helping ensure a rich archive for the next generation.

“We invite everyone in the community to be part of this legacy,” said White.

For more information about “Name That Teacher” or to inquire about volunteering, please email [email protected] or contact us at 1-250-489-4439.

Lead image: To Hell With The Bells – CRTA President Carol Johns (far right) with Derryll White, Frank Hasting (centre bench), Chris Johns (centre back) and fellow retired teachers (Sept. 8). Erin Knutson photos

e-KNOW

Article Share