Wix-Brown Elementary School was originally named Brown-Wix, then Sunnyside School, and was later renamed Wix-Brown in 1960. Wix-Brown is placed in a country setting that provides its students with classes in nature study, as deer and Canada Geese are often seen browsing on the school grounds.
The school was named after the Wix and Brown families. Montague Wix was killed during WW I. Robert Brown was a veteran of the NW Rebellion in 1885, fighting against Louis Riel. In 1900, he owned acreage east of 240 which was named Brown Road in his honour.
Wix-Brown School opened its doors in 1960 at 23851-24 Avenue just west of 240. It consisted of two classrooms housing 48 students in grades one through six. Normal operation was interrupted in 1974 when an arsonist set fire to the school. The resulting fire destroyed one classroom and severely damaged several adjoining rooms. Classes were moved from the damaged portion of the school over to the gymnasium where students took classes for the remainder of the school year.
The school grounds were dug up and remained so for three years. The students were left without playing fields and without a gymnasium during a construction project aimed at building the school’s west wing and a full gymnasium. The school has been enlarged to eleven classrooms, plus a covered play area (1965), a full gymnasium (1973), a library (1975), and learning assistance facilities and offices (1976). In 1988, two portable classrooms were placed along the southwest fence. In 1989 one more portable was added. In 1992, there was an addition of three classrooms (including two Kindergarten rooms), a multi purpose room, a new resource room, a conference room new configuration of the library, a computer lab, office and staff room, two washrooms and a kitchen. All the portables were then removed, but another was added for the 1992-3 year. In 2004 there are 293 pupils attending Wix-Brown.
While the children display pride in the achievements of their sports teams, particularly in gymnastics and basketball, the staff are proud of the level of parent participation apparent at Wix-Brown School.
The school celebrated its 40th year in 2001.
Wix-Brown Document found in 2015
Thanks to the searching effort of Wix Brown’s staff the following material, including staff photos, was found in a closet in September 2015. Click here to download the sketch of Wix Brown made in 1961, and the history written sometime in the 70’s.
In September 1961 Wix-Brown Elementary school first opened its doors to students. The two classroom post and beam constructs building held six grades and fifty-one students. Originally named Brown-wix, then Sunnyside, the name Wix-Brown Elementary was finally settled upon by the school board trustees.This school and Peterson Road Elementary, eased the pressure of student population off Otter, Murrayville and Lochiel schools.
It was named Wix-Brown after the roads that bordered it. The Wix and Brown families were both prominent pioneer families who lost sons in WW1. Six Road (24** Avenue) was originally known as Sunnyside Road and was renamed after Montangue Wix who was killed during the war. Brown Road (240th Street) was originally known as ‘The Last Chance” because so many of the first settlers were unable to make a go of it and pulled out. The Street was renamed after C.H. Brown who was also killed during the war.
It hasn’t always been so peaceful and serene at this country school. In 1974 an arson attack left one classroom severely damaged and another unusable and students finished their classes that school year in the newly completed gymnasium.
The placing fields were dug up in the mid seventies to add drainage for the renovation and remained that way for three years. The gym was also closed during the construction of the west wing and expansion of the gymnasium. The strong Wix-Brown basketball team was able to practice at D.W. Poppy Junior Secondary during the twice weekly recreation nights that were reserved for Wix-Brown activities.
Through seven additions the school has increased from ifs original two rooms and offices to ten rooms, kindergarten room, computer lab, gym, change rooms, multi-purpose room, three special education rooms, conference room, staff rooms and kitchen, as well as numerous storage rooms.
