Happy Corner History

1971
A small group of parents felt a need for a preschool in the Falaise Park area. They were members of the Renfrew Heights Community Association and were involved with renting the Falaise Park Community Hall for other social events. The hall was empty during most days. These parents wanted to be part of their children's first school experience so they chose to be a parent participation preschool. Concerned parents in the neighbourhood raised the funds to start the preschool through fundraising and a government grant. A qualified teacher was hired and equipment borrowed. The preschool was opened as Renfrew Heights Preschool, a member of the Council of Parent Participation Preschools. Both 3 and 4 year old attended together 3 days a week.

1978
Renfrew Heights Preschool withdrew from the Council due to lack of parent involvement. Over the next two years, child care standards deteriorated substantially.

1980
New members entering the preschool identified the need to re-establish the high standards set by the Council.

1981
Happy Corner Preschool was established as a member of the Council of PPP. There were 16 families enrolled. Four year olds attended four mornings per week, with 3 year olds attending 3 of those mornings.

1984
The membership felt a need for an outside adventure playground. The Vancouver Foundation provided funding for the equipment. The parents provided the manpower to construct the playground under supervision from the Vancouver Parks Board.

1989
Happy Corner Preschool received a casino grant and the proceeds were used to replace worn out equipment and furniture.

1992
An Assistant Teacher was hired to provide additional support for the Supervising Teacher. As well, the number of working parents made fulfilling the obligations of PPP more challenging.

1997
A Junior Supervisor was hired.

1998
There were substantial improvements made to the playground with a large contribution towards the expenses coming from the Happy Corner Preschool.

1999
Renfrew Heights Community Association was dissolved. Happy Corner Preschool became an affiliated member of the Renfrew Park Community Centre Association.

2000
With the departure of one Assistant Teacher a new one was hired ( The supervising teacher has been with Happy Corner for over 10 years)

A special thank you to all parents who preceded us in the establishment of this preschool so that we too can feel the joy of participating in our children's first school experience. Further contributions to the History of Happy Corner are welcome.