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Alma College was a girls' private school in St. Thomas, Ontario in Canada. Built in 1878, the school was in operation between 1881 and 1988. The college closed in 1988 in part due to a teacher's strike.〔 〕 Primary school and music classes were still taught on campus until 1994. Following its closure the school building was used as a set for several movie productions; ''Silent Hill'' (interior shots), its image is included in the 2009 film Orphan and the made for TV movie, ''Mr. Headmistress'' (1997).〔 The building was destroyed by a fire on May 28, 2008.〔 == History (1877- 1996) == With the economic boom of St. Thomas in the late 19th century, Bishop Albert Carmen proposed that a ladies' college be established. The school name derives from the late Alma Munro (Moore) (wife of then Sheriff Colin Munroe) and Mrs. Alma Munro Duffield, daughter of Colin and Alma.〔In memory of Colin Munro, Who Died Feby 1st 1884 aged 65 years / A;,a James Balfour (architect) designed the Alma Ladies College building (1878–81) and the additions (1888-89). Construction was done by Henry Lindop of St. Thomas at an estimated total cost of about $50,000.〔 Alma College's grounds featured a main building, a chapel, a hall ''cum'' gymnasium, and a unique outdoor amphitheater. In its later years the college was affiliated with the University of Western Ontario, and was the first college in Canada to organize a department of domestic science.〔 〕 Between 1918 and 1953 new athletic facilities, a chapel and the amphitheater were constructed. In 1959 a music building was constructed.〔Alma college fonds, Elgin county archives 1997〕 By 1973 the school began to experience a significant financial struggle to continue operation. In 1975 a portion of the residence was opened as a satellite seniors home for a local long term care facility.〔Alma college fonds, published 1997, Elgin county archives〕 That same year a co-ed elementary school was established on campus. In October 1976 the college was designated a provincial historic site to celebrate the school's centennial.〔Alma college fonds, published 1997, Elgin county archives〕 In 1987 Alma college teachers faced job security issues and were earning about half of what public high school teachers earned.〔 After failed negotiations with Alma's board, the Ontario Labour Relations Board (OLRB) approved the private school bargaining unit of Alma's teachers. In February 1988 the first strike by members of a private school in Ontario was called〔 and in March replacement workers were used to teach classes at the school.〔 The strike lasted just over 3 months with the OLRB ruling that the Alma Board was guilty of unfair labor practices. At the end of the academic year all teachers were told that their services were no longer needed as the school was closing. (The Alma bargaining movement would continue to be active until as late as 1998.)〔 Primary and music classes continued until 1994. In 1994 a last effort to reopen the school was unsuccessful due to low enrollment.〔 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Alma College (St. Thomas, Ontario)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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