The school was founded in 1912 as Kelvin Technical High School. The name was later changed to Kelvin High School,[4] because of the increasingly academic focus of the school and the shift in the term "technical" in an educational sense. The school is named after the mathematical physicist and engineer William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin.
Kelvin Technical High School c. 1912A metal plate that appeared on the original Kelvin Technical High School.
Many Kelvin High School students fought in World War II. More than fifty were killed in battle. This inspired the 2005 documentary, The Boys of Kelvin High: Canadians in Bomber Command, which was produced by Clifford Chadderton, a distinguished Canadian Forcesinfantrycommander and Kelvin High School alumnus.
The original 1912 school building was replaced by the current one in 1964. The French Immersion Program was introduced to the school in 1978[5] and the International Baccalaureate Program was introduced in 1981.[6] In the 1991-92 school year, the Kelvin High School Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, which contains the rights of those who attend Kelvin, was ratified by the students.[7]
During the mid-1990s, Kelvin underwent some changes in its academic structure. Originally, the school taught only grades 10-12. Grade 9 was added at the beginning of the 1995-96 school year, which significantly increased the student population. As per Department of Education guidelines, special education students were also integrated in that year.[4] In the 1996-97 school year, Kelvin High School introduced semesters into its schedule.
An addition, which includes two art rooms, two classrooms, and a computer lab, was constructed in 2002-03.[8] Other minor construction projects were also completed in that year. A second gym for the school is listed as the Winnipeg School Division's top priority.[9]
The goal of constructing a second gym has been partially achieved with the creation of the 'Active Living Centre.'
Academics
In addition to a standard high school curriculum, Kelvin High School offers a French Immersion Program for grades 9-12,[10] as well as the IB Program for grades 10-12.[11] Kelvin offers a variety of courses which include Mathematics (Pre-Calculus, Applied, Essentials, and Introductory Calculus), English, Health, Social Studies, Geography, History, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Band, Choir, Drama, Digital Animation Studio, Graphics, Foods and Nutrition, Clothing and Design, Woodworking, and Computer Science.[12]
Athletics
Many students at Kelvin participate in or support the athletic teams. The sports that are offered are Cross Country, Football, Rowing, Ultimate, Volleyball, Waterpolo, Hockey, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Basketball, Indoor Track, Darts, Curling, Table Tennis, Badminton, Golf, Outdoor Track, Indoor Track, Rugby, Soccer, and Team Handball.[13] The school has an athletic banquet near the end of every school year to give out awards for achievement in athletics.
The school mascot is the Clipper Ship. Students are colloquially known as 'Clippers'.
The Kelvin Causes Committee has raised hundreds of dollars for War Affected Children in Uganda. S.E.E.D.S. (Students for Ethical Environmental Development and Sustainability) launched a school-wide composting program and has plans to develop a green roof, wind generator and solar panels to reduce Kelvin's carbon footprint. As well as Kelvin's annual Holiday Breakfast, hosting an inner city elementary school each year for a day filled with games, presents, yummy food while spending time with Kelvin High school students.
In addition, the school has a student group called HASTA (Hopeful Aware Students Taking Action), which organizes events and raises money and awareness for different global issues.
Notable alumni
List of notable alumni of Kelvin High School:[14][15]
Gail Asper, business and community leader, human rights advocate
