Letters from 1999 discovered in Winnipeg school

Students at Winnipeg’s Isaac Brock School are looking to connect with the students who wrote time capsule letters from 1999.

A Winnipeg classroom recently made an interesting discovery in their attic.

Grade 7 students at Isaac Brock School recently got an opportunity to explore the school’s attic as part of their studies and found a bag full of letters from students.

“The envelopes were from 1999, and they were written by Grade 7 students, and they had written time capsule letters about what they thought they would be doing in 2013, which was the 100th anniversary of the school,” said teacher Sarah Ashton.

The letters contained information such as favourite bands, favourite foods and what their goals for the future were that year. It was spearheaded by retired teacher Darla Robinson.

“I couldn’t believe the letters still existed,” Robinson said.

She told the class that she would be at the 100th anniversary in 2013 to give them the letters. She said 10 students showed up, and she asked the school to keep the remaining letters in case the remaining students returned.

Ashton said the class is working to get in contact with the people who wrote the letters — now adults.

“We actually had one reach out earlier this week that wants to come in,” she said. “They were so excited to be reached out to. But what we found is just that the Internet can only get you so far, and with people’s name changes and moving, it can be tricky.”

Ashton said the letters show students how passions and interests can change over the years.

“It’s a great understanding for kids that what you choose to do in Grade 7 might not be your trajectory,” she said. “You might change and find a different passion. So, it’d be just great to talk to them and have that comparison.”

Ashton said anyone who wrote a letter and is interested in collecting it can call the school.