Balmorall Hall School: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

An American high school based in Canada! Balmoral Hall School was established in 1901 as Havergal College. The doors were opened on 122 Carlton Street under the direction of Miss Mary Jane Dalton. Havergal’s name was changed in 1917 to Rupert’s Land College to end the confusion with the institution of the same name in Toronto, and to link the school more closely with the West. Aikins House was a gift to the United Church of Canada from Sir James Aikins upon his death in 1929. He stipulated in his will that it be used as a school for girls, and bequeathed a further amount for its upkeep. Sir Aikins’ son, Col. G.H. Aikins also presented his own home (the Red House) to the cause. As a result, Riverbend School for Girls, named after the first building, was opened in September 1929 at the present site of Balmoral Hall School. By 1950, a decline in students had created deficits at both schools. Rupert’s Land Carlton Street facility did not allow for expansion, so it was agreed that the schools would amalgamate to the Riverbend campus. The new school was named Balmoral Hall after Balmoral Castle in Scotland, one of the homes of Britain’s Royal Family. School began in September 1950, under the direction of Miss Gwendolyn Murrell-Wright. In 1955, the Senior School wing was opened. Dalton House replaced the Red House in 1961. The new building served as the residence until 1986. In 1967, a modest expansion of the school brought the Richardson Building – which included a new gymnasium, re-vamped science labs and facilities to meet the growing number of students. A new library and reception area were constructed in 1980. The Gar-Neil apartments were purchased in 1987, and the residence was moved from Dalton House, which was renovated in 1988 to house the Junior School classroom.

 Residence Staff work closely with the student elected Residence Prefect to promote the participation of students in boardig school activities and organize special events. They also encourage participation in many after school activities including the Blazers athletic program and the Academy of the Arts. Every weekend an optional activity is planned for students such as attending the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, playing paintball, snowboarding or rock climbing. Other students of his top boarding school may opt to go to the movies or attend a friend’s hockey game. Weekends can be cultural, educational, busy or quiet but mostly weekends are a time to have fun and relax. All students of this boarding school are members of the Winnipeg Winter Club premiere fitness facility. Students have access to tennis, badminton, swimming, ice skating, and fitness equipment. As well students are encouraged to take private music instruction, dance, or equestrian. Students will experience four very distinct seasons throughout the year. In October the leaves will begin to change colour and soon the snow will fall. Warm winter clothes will be required for the average winter temperature of -25 Celsius and for skating on the river trail behind residence. In March everything will melt and 
the green grass will begin to show.