Education
Willerton School has been home to the students of Springhill colony since the 1960’s. One hundred fourteen students have gone to Willerton School, and since 1999, fourteen have graduated. Currently, Willerton School has twenty two students, but the colony teacher, Warren, states, “The school population is rising, which is awesome to see. I think that more students helps you create a richer learning environment since students learn so much from each other.”
Mr.Wollmann, a Brandon university Grad, has been a teacher for two and a half years. “There were a couple of people who encouraged me to enter the BUHEP program. Once I started taking courses, the whole community told me to keep on working,” remembers Warren about his university years. He does not find the job as stressful as when he was student teaching or during his first year, but there are still some things that he finds stressful, such as worrying whether his students are learning enough. Also, he worries about if he is using the best practices when he teaches, and if he has the community’s intended impact on the students.
Willerton School has really changed in the last few years. First of all, the high-school program has changed from “boring” distance education (teleconference, correspondence) to face to face learning with a high-school teacher, Mr.Robert Sommers The quality of technology has also increased, and Mr.Wollmann now sees increased interest and more success from the students.
“There are a lot of positives about Willerton School like supportive parents, generally respectful students who give good effort, a bright, clean school building, and a professional staff, says Warren. Equally important to Warren ishe value that the community puts on education and the contributions and sacrifices the community makes. But of course, there are some things that would improve Willerton School, such as an arts program, a home economics program, or courses such as welding and carpentry. This would need an increase of space. “A gym would also go a long way in helping Willerton School provide a better physical education program,” dreams Warren.
High-school student, Caitlyn Wollmann, agrees. “I dislike not having a gym and that there are not a lot of high-school courses available. Something that could improve this school is a gym, an updated library, more classrooms for wood working, home economics, pottery, and stuff like that, and of course, more course options.” What Willerton School graduate Lindsey Wollmann, liked most about school is “seeing and being able to communicate with everyone every day. That’s what I miss the most. What I don’t miss however, is that we didn’t have a gym. But I dealt with it.”
“I use my education everyday, all the time, especially when cooking, using measurements, and enlarging recipes. I would want my children to go to this school. After all, we do strive for excellence in everything, and that’s what matters most.” Lindsey said.
The technology in Willerton School has really improved. We have a new digital camera, fifteen quality computers, LCD flat screens, 3 laptops, internet, wireless router and a video camera. All this technology allows students to develop skills that will help us contribute to our technical world.
Education in Springhill Colony is not only restricted to the English language instruction. We also have a German school. When children on the colony turn five, they start attending German school until they turn fifteen. Here, the children learn the German language and religious instruction. We have German School two hours a day, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m, and from 4:00p.m., to 5:00 p.m. Lindsey Wollmann and Jessica Wollmann teach the younger half and Paul Hofer teaches the older half. We have German School from October to May.
Willerton School has had an immense effect on Springhill Colony. With a steady stream of graduates leaving Willerton School since 1999, the impact of education on the future of Springhill Colony is sure to be even stronger. Education is really important to Hutterites, because it will help preserve our culture.
Alyssa Wollmann
