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tomrossini
New member
Username: tomrossini
Post Number: 15
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 70.230.9.226
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 12:48 pm: | 
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We all know about the all night talk sessions, the 5 on 1 talks and the ones that bash ya down to nothing mentally and emotionally. But what other types of abuse were you subjected to.
EG: staying up until 11 pm learning to sing "Stout hearted Men" and then sing it to the ladies.
Being ridiculed infront of everyone at Sunday Service.
Being paddled by FF / corporal punishment.
Shovelling a path after a snow storm between FF house and the school.
4 am morning runs around the school.
Forced to do the set up and take down of the evening services / Compline<sp> for a year.
ANY OTHERS? |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 58
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.49.1
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 2:00 pm: |
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Seems to me that nobody got any sleep in that place... 4 am runs?? Oh my freaking GAWD... with no sleep how does one concentrate?? No wonder so many always in trouble, you were un aware of what you were doing....failing grades...lack of sleep and could not compute and concentrate...
Least they never starved us...I was actually waiting at one point for that to happen... |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 4:02 pm: |
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The whole point behind the not letting us sleep thing was to break our wills so that we could be more easily indoctrinated and controlled--it is a classic technique used by cults and a recognized form of torture.
As for what abuse I myself had or witnessed, there were quite a few things but these spring to mind:
My friend confessed to Farnsworth that she had had thoughts of suicide in the past. This was brought up during a public meeting in the dining room. This is of course a violation of his priestly vows since what she told him was technically, I think, a matter of confession but he got her to stand on a chair and say something like "I"M AN IDIOT, I'M AN IDIOT" over and over and then she was put on discipline and none of us allowed to talk to her for several days.
I remember a girl(I won't mention her name here though I do remember it. She was a very pretty girl and they decided she was "too proud" of her looks. Her family worked in the kitchen at Grenville(super nice people they were too) so therefore low on the Grenville pecking order so they punished that girl within an inch of her life for her beauty. She was forced to have her hair cut short, she was on discipline for MONTHS, not allowed to attend classes and finally they shipped her off to the "Community". When she finally returned several months later she was no longer herself at all. I'd known her fairly well and she'd a ready wit and smile about her. But now she was--blank and full of what I considered a strange reverence for Mother Kay and Mother Judy. Can anyone say "brainwashing"?
I remember a session the boys had in the dining room. My Grenville "boyfriend" told me about it and it involved FF, Don Farnsworth and Ortolani (who I hate with a passion to this day, him and Bunny, a truly dreadful couple of human beings, but I digress)telling the boys of the evils of masturbation or "pocket pool" as FF called it. The following day, several boys were stood up infront of head table and told off by Ortolani and FF. It was never mentioned what they did specifically but it was something absolutely disgraceful and beneath contempt to hear Ortolani tell it. They were made to eat standing at the back of the dining room for 1 week, I believe it was, as a mark of their shame.
I personally experienced the shunning when you were on "D", the getting woken in the middle of the night to be browbeaten about whatever bee they had in their bonnet at the time, the public humiliation sessions--those were what I feared the most...as a young teen, your ego is so fragile. |
tmw
Junior Member
Username: tmw
Post Number: 28
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 69.156.78.32
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 4:30 pm: |
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Sheila......I soooo remember all those incidents....I remember the girl standing on the chair...it was heartbreaking, I remember the staff kid, I remember hearing about the pocket pool......You are bringing back so much to my memory.
As for the boys eating at the back of the dining room I think I can answer that question. Please correct me if this is not the same incident. As I recall it was 4 boys (who shall remain nameless), and it was a week (or so) before don farnsworth and sue tingley were to be married. These 4 boys got into the freezer and ate one of the teirs of the wedding cake...they were made to eat at the back standing up so everyone could see what gluttons they were as I recall. Forgive me, but I always remembered that story and chuckled, not because of the punishment, but because can you imagine what was going through their heads when they realized exactly what they had eaten. They had eaten some of FF's sons (and soon to be daughter in law's) wedding cake. YIKES!! |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 7:34 pm: |
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OMG! I didn't know it was because they ate the wedding cake LMAO!! I actually thought it was because they were playing "pocket pool". Well, I guess they actually got off pretty easy considering |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 61
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.235
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 10:00 pm: |
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Sheilac,
Indeed, I know why they did what they did... I understand that... It is just that right now the postings very overwhelming and sometimes to the point of lunacy that all I can do is laugh and sometimes state the obvious.
The wedding cake thing is sooooo funny though and yeah those poor boys... But, man you had to be able to tell it was a wedding cake!!!
The Sue Tingly and Don Farnsworth wedding... hahaha Mr. red face! Man, I did not like that man at all. I remember when Christy Meffin was kinda in the running for that position too ... or so the rumor was.
Are these marriages arranged???
As for the pocket pool... oh man... I have no comment at this time as I am tired.... But, I reserve the right to think something up for that.
I heard Mr. O got over bearing and horrid after I left .... I liked the man and he helped me a lot academically he did his job for me... I know he was a source of terror up in the boys dorm. Bunny, indeed good old bunny...but the woman could sing...!!! Why would anyone want to be called bunny...when if memory serves she had a perfectly good name in Margaret. |
dream_truth
Junior Member
Username: dream_truth
Post Number: 27
Registered: 3-2006
Posted From: 72.45.165.10
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 10:11 pm: |
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hahaha that is tooo funny!
Lets see, just a few things I remember:
Being woken up in the middle of the night and violently dragged out of my bed down the hall by three full grown women deans, where I then spent what seemed like hours being yelled at and then being placed on D. This happened within 48 hours of my arriving at the school, so I didnt even know these women at this time...
And another later time, these same women pulling me into a room by myself and telling me with disgust what a sl*t and a whore I was. I left that room in tears and ran to my friend Jens room and after telling her what happened had to ask her what exactly a sl*t and a whore is. She just looked at me and had to explain that they were lying because I couldn't be a sl*t or a whore because I was still a virgin. I was really glad to have a friend like her around to explain that stuff to me. |
spain
New member
Username: spain
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2006
Posted From: 69.204.209.196
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 11:10 pm: |
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Shiela is so right - sleep deprivation is a tried and true method of mind control - starting with the Communist Chinese during the Korean War and well documented now in several scholarly psychological journals.
DreamTruth and Sheila - the stories you are sharing chill my soul. |
purgatory
New member
Username: purgatory
Post Number: 19
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.229.31.119
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 - 11:57 pm: |
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Does anyone remember a student named Fred--he was from I believe Hong Kong. I remember him being sent home, and the student body were led to believe it was because he was caught "enjoying himself" in the showers. We had a huge light session where we were told about the dreadful sin of self pleasure, and if anyone of us ever tried to engage in such an act God would know, and straight to hell we go.I remember feeling utterly embarrassed by this whole light session, and for years I was so afraid to commit such an act, because I trly believed God was watching, and I would be struck down by lightening. I always wondered what became of Fred, and I remember feeling so sorry tofor him thinking how the hell is he going to face his family back home.If I have any of this wrong please let me know. |
wagener84
New member
Username: wagener84
Post Number: 15
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 68.151.117.98
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 12:25 am: |
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Yeah I remember him..his name was Fred Lee. He was picked on alot by his dorm mates and nobody really stood up for him. There were some social issues there but im not sure about the masturbation allegations. I can relate to the phobias and fears re: sexuality after leaving GCC. I had them even after I was married!! I was pretty hard on myself for a long time for letting such nonsence affect me emotionally. Its all good now. |
purgatory
New member
Username: purgatory
Post Number: 20
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.229.31.119
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 12:40 am: |
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Mike, No pun intentional I am sure but did you say, and I quote "I was pretty hard on myself for a long time" Oh that is classic!!! Freudian Slip?? Still laughing, but thanks for the info on Fred-Yes I remember he had a very difficult time at school |
wagener84
New member
Username: wagener84
Post Number: 16
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 68.151.117.98
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 3:01 am: |
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omg...haha..yeah, big time Freudian slip!! Lets hope it doesn't happen again..."knock on wood". Oh....did it again!!! lol |
staff_kid_survivor
New member
Username: staff_kid_survivor
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 65.93.161.54
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 12:05 pm: |
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You wouldn't believe the disciplines that some of us staff kids endured. I was forced to have my hair cut in preparation for becoming a staff member. I was put on "D" for everything under the sun. My mail was intercepted and read before I could get it. I used to have a guy I liked send my letters to another boy staff kid - and he would pass letters to me. This was discovered too! I was sent to the CofJ in the middle grade 11 because of this relationship.
But it didn't end when I became a staff member. The intimidation and control just got worse. One year I wasn't allowed to wear makeup or wear more than two outfits for an entire year! I could go on and on....it's just so mind boggling what we had to put up with. I'm embarassed to admit I did endure it....but the alternative of leaving and being shunned and plunged into eternal damnation and hellfire seemed worse at the time. Have to say - I'm rather enjoying the "eternal damnation" of real life these days! |
lightsout
New member
Username: lightsout
Post Number: 3
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 76.100.140.96
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 12:14 pm: |
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Yes staff kid survivor - isn't eternal damnation and running from God - or whatever else GCC and CofJ wanted to call it - GREAT!!!
Normal life rocks! The life of contstant control and fear tactics is the pits.
Kudos to you for getting out! |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 17
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 12:39 pm: |
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I think I remember Fred Lee too but I'm not certain. As I said before I certainly do remember a meeting all the guys had that was about the evils of masturbation. I thought it was funny that they never spoke to the girls about it because of course girls never masturbate. I know I don't. Cough. Nope never. Ever |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 18
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 12:44 pm: |
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Anyone remember Barb Schutz? She had asthma I believe and during the Canada Fitness Test was forced to run the long distance run (can't remember the precise name of it)even though she begged not to since she had asthma for heavens' sake! Needless to say it was a bad idea since she collapsed on the field gasping for breath. |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 19
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 1:03 pm: |
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Around the same time as "the evils of masturbation" talk, we also had a talk (I think it was the girls only) about how all homosexuals, people who had premarital sex and others, can't really remember who else lol were going to burn in hell. They harangued us about it for an hour or so and at the end someone (Ortolani, I think)said "Everyone who agrees with me, stand up". That was another technique they employed--I'm sure everyone remembers it. I didn't stand up and neither did my friend Allison Davie who was sitting beside me so all hell broke loose. I was dragged by Miss James (that woman scared the •••• out of me!) to Third Floor Apartment and after being told off by her and Judy Stewart (again it appeared that my opinions on this subject rendered me morally bankrupt)and put on D for a couple of days. I remember on this occasion having to clean toilets with a toothbrush. You really shouldn't punish someone because they don't believe the same things you do. |
staff_kid_survivor
New member
Username: staff_kid_survivor
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 67.71.92.12
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 2:34 pm: |
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Miss James scared the @#$#@$ out of me too. I dream about her all the time. Imagine having to live in the same apartment with her for years. It was NOT pleasant - let me tell you. Such a shame that she made so many girls' lives hell for so many years. |
gayatgcc
Member
Username: gayatgcc
Post Number: 53
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 67.71.154.152
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 2:44 pm: |
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Miss James, after finding out from FF that I was gay, invited me to her office (along with J. McN) and informed me that it would be a good idea for me to get a girlfriend. *sigh* They were willing to bend the rules for me ... because they (god) knew that is what I needed ... a girlfriend!!!!!!
Lucikly for me (I guess) I wasn't allowed back to GCC the following year, so I didn't have to endure the joy of having a girlfriend ...
Little did they know, I already had a boyfriend at GCC.
Ahh, stupid staff! |
jes_noonan
Member
Username: jes_noonan
Post Number: 54
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 67.70.18.124
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 2:49 pm: |
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I noticed that Ms James always acted MUCH differently towards the girls as opposed to the guys.
She was actually one of the bright spots for me at that school. Another friend of mine on here and I were always in her famiy and she also let us stay in the Phys Ed office for study hall every night for at least a year and half. We'd spend half our time playing basketball, etc. or preparing for upcoming track meets. |
mike_irvine
New member
Username: mike_irvine
Post Number: 15
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.59.81.250
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 3:00 pm: |
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indeed jesse. she loooooooved us. we could get away with murder when it came to her.who am i kidding, i (for reasons i don't completely understand), got away with everything you can think of while i was at gcc.
i ALWAYS had a girlfriend, told 4 different teachers to f@*& the f@*& off and punched 3 teachers in two separate incidents and i was never even put on "D". damn i must have been pretty darn charming. |
jes_noonan
Member
Username: jes_noonan
Post Number: 57
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 67.70.18.124
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 4:14 pm: |
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that WAS weird Miketh. Even I didn't get away with sh$t even close to the way you did.
I'm just wondering, did you forget to tell your best friend at GCC that one of your girlfriends was Ms James? I won't judge you Miketh...just be honest. It makes a whole lot of sense you know, so you're pretty much outed anyways.
Call me tonight perveth. |
pootietang
New member
Username: pootietang
Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 209.190.225.254
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 4:41 pm: |
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Miss J had the most enviable entourage. Those fine boys in track and field..... I remember how she would smile at them, flirt, praise them, rub their backs when they were sore, pinch them, squeeze their arms.... She ALWAYS had a few cuties sitting at her table. Ms J was a P.I.M.P.! The six inch rule did not apply to her and I think she took pleasure in the fact that she had her boys and we couldn't have none of that. But ohhh the way she treated us girls she was hard on us. What could a girl do. I tell you running is good for the soul that was the only thing to do. |
lightsout
New member
Username: lightsout
Post Number: 5
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 76.100.140.96
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 5:53 pm: |
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Miss J - definately caused girls hell. if you weren't one of her chosen ones. the boys had it easy - because you just had to be cute to be in her favor. I wouldn't be surprised one iota if there was ever sexual abuse involving her.
gayatgcc - that is so f'ed up that they were trying to save you from being gay - gag!!
I wonder why you did get away with stuff Mike? it seemes the kids who got away with the most - had power in their family and lots of $$$ donations. Makes me wonder if there was a meeting at the beginning o fthe year where FF told his staff who was hands off so to speak? |
mike_irvine
New member
Username: mike_irvine
Post Number: 16
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.59.81.250
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 6:06 pm: |
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i am definitely not from money and my parents never donated a cent.
i really don't think judy james was ever involved in any sexual abuse. and i don't think we should be speculating on such a serious accusation. she never acted inappropriately with me and we were fairly tight.
i had some pretty bad stuff happen in my home life before and while i was at gcc so it's possible they were taking that into account with me. truth be told, and i know this is pretty much the opposite of what others experienced, i feel as though i was treated very fairly at gcc. if i ever got into trouble a 2 or 3 staff members would sit me down and we'd talk it out. after the talk was done we'd hug and i'd go on my way - including the times i punched and swore at staff!
so yeah..i had it very easy for my 5 years there. i even knew at the time that i had it easy. it baffled me then and it baffles me to this very day. |
lightsout
New member
Username: lightsout
Post Number: 6
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 76.100.140.96
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 6:14 pm: |
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Cool - Mike - wasn't insinuating anything about you with Miss. james. wasn't insuating anything about your family either - I was closer to your brother than you. I was just trying to figure out why you had it so easy - which you and jesse were pointing out.
No worries - I am glad you didn't suffer the same types of abuses that others did!!
There was speculation in other threads on here about the same issue - discussing the Dwyers and how they could get away with stuff that others did - and someone mentioned there father had some power - and they would probably not want to •••• him off. |
jes_noonan
Member
Username: jes_noonan
Post Number: 58
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 74.105.220.14
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 6:36 pm: |
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I'll give you one good reason as to why I got busted way more often than Miketh. Mike played the game WAAAYYY better than me (and a lot of us). I didn't know when to shut up. He did. I didn't want to give in and argued back, he was smart enough to have prescribed to the bullsh$t baffles brains theory from early on. I'm pretty sure that after the first year and a half, the staff just started assuming that it was my bad influence causing him to act out as we were always together. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 68
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.49.73
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 6:41 pm: |
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Don't get me started on Miss James... My GAWD, she was horrid... And, defintely the source of many of my nightmares for years... I could not stand that woman and every time she looked at me I thought I was dead meat! She is actually the one who had the task of expelling me. It was Donna Belisado who took me to the train station and walked me around the school to collect my text books. I remember it well, right in front of the juice machine in the kitchen as I had been scrubbing pots at the time, and she had a smile of her face as she told me I was going home and that my class had voted me off the island as it were...
In grade 9 gym playing baseball I slid (by accident) into second base while playing baseball and I sprainned my ankle badly in the process. I yelled oh ••••... (my bad).. again my colourful language got me into trouble. Anyway, she picked me up by my hair and freaked on my infront of the class. Another student (a friend) tried to stand up for me.
She kept me behind after gym and we had a talk. Then she forced me on a sprainned ankle to run back in to get ready for my next class and told me if I was late she was not signing a permission slip for me.
I was late to class and instead of going to the high school office for a hall pass I went to class. It was science with Miss Anderson and she recognized that I was hurt and had another student take me to the nursie. Mrs. Rawson promptly sent me to town for x-rays and crutches. So many freaking stairs to climb, after gym to the third floor of Murray Hall and then down the stairs to the main building and up the stairs to the highschool floor... it was a painful trip and back down to the dining room to the nursie... !!!
But, the physical was never as hard as the emotional and mental that we suffered. And, especially at the hands of that woman! Man, I have such a hate on for her...even today! |
certavi_et_vici
Junior Member
Username: certavi_et_vici
Post Number: 36
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 71.178.135.62
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 6:43 pm: |
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I heard the Dwyers's parents moved to the CofJ when I was still at Grenville in 1990. In any case they were tight with the CofJ. The Dwyer daughter became a sister at the CofJ. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 69
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.49.73
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 6:47 pm: |
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I remember Fred Lee too. It seems to me that waggy is right in that there were other social issues involved. He as obviously an Asian Student. I am not sure about his academic performance but, I do recall some cognitive issues with him in terms of behaviours. He was a lil larger and not really all that mature as perhaps his peers might have been. Although that is not to say that picking on him in the dorm is mature... but relatively consistant with the age we were. He was pretty happy though.... |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 20
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 7:12 pm: |
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I'd like to say I can't believe that story about your ankle and Miss James but it sounds right on the money. Grabbing you by your hair? Forcing you to go to your next class and refusing to sign a permission slip for you if you were late? What a crazy •••••! *Shudder*.
Miss Anderson-I know she was a lil' odd and a bit of an easy mark but I really loved that woman. When I graduated I sent her a bouquet of flowers because she had practically willed me to get an 80 % in Bio. She forced me to do it! She was a dedicated teacher and a kind-hearted woman. I wonder what became of her. |
sheilac
New member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 21
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 7:20 pm: |
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Staff Kid Survivor--you know my heart really goes out to the staff and their kids that had to go through all of this. At least we got to go home during breaks--you were stuck in that environment 24/7. It must take a great deal of strength of mind and will to be able to get away and realize what a load of crap most of it was. I hope you are ok now.
Actually I had a friend who was put on D and had to sleep in third floor apartment with Miss James. I remember when I heard that I swore to myself that I was bloody well going to keep my nose clean so that wouldn't happen to me! Lol, it was the most heinous punishment I could imagine! |
westcedar1
New member
Username: westcedar1
Post Number: 12
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 24.218.195.173
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 7:59 pm: |
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"I heard the Dwyers's parents moved to the CofJ when I was still at Grenville in 1990. In any case they were tight with the CofJ. The Dwyer daughter became a sister at the CofJ."
The Dwyers were really good friends with my mother. Like us, They lived in Orleans but did not live in the CofJ. They were non-Resident members. As best I can explain NRMs lived spiritualy with CofJ but not in CofJ. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 72
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.252
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 8:05 pm: |
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Oh my Gawd... sleeping with Miss James...now that is cruel and unusual punishment... !!! She had not been promoted to thrid floor apt when I was there...she was down on the first. In the big apartment that used to be the small chapel in the 70's....
Wow, rather than have to sleep there... I would have gladly begged for a pair of scissors...crap even a teaspoon to shovel snow from the walk between the pastor homes and the main building.
Your poor friend!!!!!!!!! I hope she is in therapy today! LMAO.... |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 73
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.252
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 8:09 pm: |
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Okay question... and likely best answered by former staff and or staff students.....
When you all speak of the Dwyers.... Is that the same Dwyer Family who had Kip and Meg in my day? Meg was a year ahead of me and Kip was in my grade. I heard I think it seems to me that Meg was moving to the COFJ to be a nun. |
lightsout
New member
Username: lightsout
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 76.100.140.96
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 8:28 pm: |
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Yes that is the dwyers - there were several of them.
Meg is a sister - Sister Danielle at the CofJ
David, Jed, Mike etc - all went through Grenville- I may be missing some of them - there were lots of dwyers!
They never lived at the CofJ - just near there - and would come to church often on Sundays. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 74
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.252
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 8:33 pm: |
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yeah you missed Kip...
Actually as I recall they did have a really large family.... I had 4 gotten that...
Where is Kip these days? |
happydays
New member
Username: happydays
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 65.95.232.133
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 10:26 pm: |
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I must agree with Mike Irvine....attacking Judy James character with this type of accusations is completely inappropriate. It is one thing to dislike a person, extremely unfair to accuse them of something with no proof. Maybe some should re-read the rules of the forum. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 78
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.49.240
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 10:31 pm: |
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Yes indeed Sheilac, Miss Anderson was an odd sodd, agreed she was an excellent biology teacher though and she was a smart woman... After all I learned about a brackish from her. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 79
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.49.240
| | Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2007 - 10:36 pm: |
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While the moral and ethic side of me agrees that to make accusations about somebody in that matter is wrong.... I really have to say I don't feel as though they made an accusation...rather pondered a question...which they are alllowed to do...
It is a forum where people are entittled to their opinions.. and I have re read the postings and see nothing illegeal here... |
lightsout
New member
Username: lightsout
Post Number: 8
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 76.100.140.96
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 10:08 am: |
|
Nope never accused - i said I wouldnt be surprised if that type of thing was ever that type of thing going on.
my exact words:
I wouldn't be surprised one iota if there was ever sexual abuse involving her.
I have no evidence it ever happened - i just wouldn't be surprised if it had.
Heck not much surprises me after reading some things on these boards.
I am glad there is such concern for JJ's welfare. I haven't heard any updates on her and her whereabouts - I wish her the best whereever she is and I hope she is free from GCC and any cult dealings.
I was never a target of hers - that I recall but witnessed several girls verbally abused by her several times. I guess that is where some of my bitterness comes from. |
usedtobethere
Junior Member
Username: usedtobethere
Post Number: 39
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 209.47.31.5
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 10:11 am: |
|
Just catching up on the posts.
I agree with Mike and 'happydays'. There is enough overwhelming 'fodder' here in what actually happened to 'sink a ship', why add the speculation.
Angry as you may be, we all have been and still have residue, some staff really are VERY, VERY SORRY and EXTREMELY REMORSEFUL for all that happened.
My thoughts this morning, have a good day and a good weekend everyone. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 81
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.178
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 11:19 am: |
|
Have a good day and a good weekend...to you as well... |
staff_kid_survivor
New member
Username: staff_kid_survivor
Post Number: 7
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.230.92.217
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 11:48 am: |
|
SheilaC - Thanks for your concern. I appreciate your insight. Yes - it was pretty much HELL growing up and living in that situation. Took a lot of courage to get out.
FYI - Miss Anderson is one of the few remaining staff members still at GCC. She is currently having to apply for a new teaching position elsewhere. I feel bad for her - as she is certainly at an age when most teachers are retired.
RE: JJames....It always made me so mad that she could get away with her cozy relations with whoever her "chosen" boys were each year. Nothing inappropriate happened I'm sure - but the rest of us weren't allowed to even look at guys. So hypocritical. |
usedtobethere
Junior Member
Username: usedtobethere
Post Number: 41
Registered: 6-2006
Posted From: 209.47.31.5
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 11:55 am: |
|
Thank you 'breaker_19_girl.
Having some 'after thoughts', OMG, boardering on speculation, sorry.
I believe for any that should have and need to have apologies for the behaviour of the staff, my thought is that you may very well have a measure of this at the 'closing'.
I am absolutely sure it will not come as a public apology as this would not be the venue or even be appropriate as it would be too general and appear rather 'canned', but privately, I think you may be surprised. The apology in some cases may only be in general but then there may be one or two relating to specific incidences.
There are only a very few 'hard core' staff who 'don't get it' and still think 'everything is/was beautiful' and nothing was ever wrong but somehow I don't think that will change, it is their 'lifeline' and reason for existence.
So, I am trusting that the GCC Alumni Assoc. will continue after the school closes. The school liaison person does an amazing job, has thrown everything into the cause and cares deeply for the alumni.
I would also say that I believe the GEF members have been well informed over the years, believe they understand most of what has transpired (as noted in c) of your last alumni letter re contributions "you can have very legitimate beefs with your experience at GCC and rightfully choose to ignore this).
Again my hope is that apologies (where needed) will be extended in the future. So hang in there, my sincere desire is that things will eventually be 'set right' (where possible) and we can all move on through communication with and support for each other, through therapy etc. etc. etc. whatever may be your particular way.
Take care. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 83
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.178
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:50 pm: |
|
UTBT,
You might right on that...in terms of apologies.. I have no real need for one... Sometimes in reading these posts it strikes me I got out just in time. I do feel sorry for the reign of terror that happened in the late 80's and 90's.... I find it so hard to believe.... But, hindsight does tell me things were going that way.
I have to say on a more humerous note though... I am jealous.... it seems to me that so much to make life easier was added at that time period too. Hahahaha... ie, the gym, the pool, (although I did like swimming in the river)It sounds like the track and sports programs got all the equippment that they needed as well. Although GCC always had an excellent sports program and always placed well and had excellent athletes....(if you were that minded...not I). I was proud of our teams though. It would seem to me that a school that offered so much could be a lot more stable though......
It amazes me too how many ran away year after year... and in my day it happened a lot too... Only in my day ... when you ran immediate expulsion! You would think they would have figured out a way to prevent the animals getting out of their cages! <---- humor and no disrespect intended....
The other thing I have noticed is how many posting on this site were actually expelled... That amazes me... not that expulsion happened... just that it seems so many who were ... my self included found this site.
I regret being expelled, I feel no shame or humiliation about it. I just kinda wish I would have gotten to see grad and the banquet that the gr. 11 had planned for us. I mean that was a high lite of the year...the mystry around that event. I wish I could have walked in the dining room to the hounour and the music of "pomp and circumstance" ... I had that right... I did my work academically! At the risk of sounding haughty... I am sad I missed my grad... I guess I never really thought about it till Danny mentioned something about it. I wanted to wear my white dress and have everyone be sooo proud of me on that day... I wanted a souvenier to hang on my wall.... and to be honest... I was not all that academically interested... and I worked damn hard at times to pass my exams.
My final year when I did leave the level 4 curriculum and take on the challange of level 5... it was not easy and I worked hard to stay in level 5. So, I know that academically I was made of what it took to be in a private school as I had seen other students perhaps not as able to keep up be asked to finish out the year they were in but it was suggested that they might pursue their academics in a different enviroment.
So, yeah.... I guess I am sad... I missed that day after all! Sad in a way that the pic of the graduating class of 84 is missing my mug in it. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 84
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.178
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 12:54 pm: |
|
A side note to that:
When GCC through a party like grad they knew how to throw a party.... Yeah generally "G" rated... and square dancing ... etc... But, they did throw out all the stops they could and we always had a good time.... Well, I did anyways.... |
davidthompson
New member
Username: davidthompson
Post Number: 18
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 222.230.146.213
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 1:05 pm: |
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HI Sheila! How are you doing? |
lightsout
New member
Username: lightsout
Post Number: 9
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 76.100.140.96
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 1:08 pm: |
|
devil's advocate here:
I wonder if a male staff member could have comforted a female student and rubbed her back and cottled her the way JJ was able to do with male students.... makes you think. Would he be able to only have hot girls and the athletes sit at their table? Doubt it.
Survivor made a good point - some staff members got away with things that others couldn't just like the students have noted.
The things that make you go mmm. |
breaker_19_girl
Member
Username: breaker_19_girl
Post Number: 85
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 64.187.48.178
| | Posted on Friday, August 17, 2007 - 2:13 pm: |
|
Hey lightsout,
Hahahahaha..... maybe we should start a thread with the title: The Things That Make You Go MMM.
It does though... hahahaha.... I am not sure that the males did that at all... But, some were kinder to the female population but not in a questionable way... in my day anyways. And, I mean kinder only because I know in the dorm with the boys...they were maniacs...!!!!!
Mr. O springs to mind when I think about something like that. I remember in grade 12 I got him to be my ecology teacher and at that point never really having had a lot to do with him. I told myself tow the line in that class or you are cooked! The day before an exam he was tutoring some of us at 6th period and there was a mathmatical portion to ecology... (had I known that... I would not have taken the course) anyways, I could not get it... (math is my weakest area) and out of pure exhaustion and frustration I burst into tears.... And, he looked at me... and his expression softened and he got a couple other students also male who were doing well in his class and he had them go to the dinning room and get dinner for us and them... and he spent dinner time with these two students helping me grasp tangents.... and anything else I felt weak on before the exam. I passed that exam...not with flying colours but quite well considering.
Another Male teacher I remember really fondly and I know he is a priest at COFJ now is Dave Haig. I thought that dude was the cats meow... He was really decent to me... I liked him and I learned a lot from him....where other math teachers and tried and I failed miserably... He taught me and I got great marks (for me) in all his classes. Now granted I failed 9th grade math and redid in 10th with Dave as my teacher. In 11th I was still taking 10th grade math I had failed the year before as well... But each time I got him as a teacher I passed...
We had a unique relationship formed when I was in 7th grade and he was at the kingston house. And, he was always good to me and he would smile when no one was looking or wink and make me smile. He had no problem putting his arm around me and walking me down the hall and chatting... It was not suggestive though and I knew that and it never creeped me out... he did it because he genuinely liked me... he had a fab sense of humor and an idea what life in the real world was like too. And, even when I was singing the devils music... he would just look at me and shake his head... One time late at night after a G&S practice I was singing on the way back to the dorm another supertramp song... and he even finsihed it off with me!!! I thought wild and how cool is that??? |
bettyboop
New member
Username: bettyboop
Post Number: 17
Registered: 5-2006
Posted From: 69.205.224.127
| | Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 12:53 am: |
|
I think JJames and her special relationships with students is one of the best examples of hypocrisy at gcc. I'm not talking sex abuse issues here. I think the views of many posters here regarding JJ are right on and I don't think they should feel they have to be silent about them. She really rewarded students simply on the basis that they were cute or popular. She could also be incredibly cruel to you if you were neither of those things (me, for instance). I think she contributed on a very major level to the negative way that many students viewed themselves while at gcc and after leaving. I feel ashamed saying this, but I remember thinking "If I could just get JJ to like me, If maybe I could sit at her table, or she'd at least smile at me, than perhaps the cute and popular kids might like me as well."
She may have apologized to some, but she sure never did to me. |
sheilac
Junior Member
Username: sheilac
Post Number: 27
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.97.18.17
| | Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 1:32 am: |
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I think I would have committed Hari Kari if I had to sit at Judy James' table!! Seriously though, even years later the thought of her actually gives me gooseflesh. |
bossman
Junior Member
Username: bossman
Post Number: 36
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 142.32.208.232
| | Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 3:07 am: |
|
bettyboop I can see your point with JJ and the hypocrisy of it all. I know that a lot of the ones that were her "specials" would have girlfriends at gcc during those times. They went through some rough times for us as we did for them. It wasn't always a good thing to be in her family and at the table. I'm sure you were well liked, all of had our own insecurities back then |
jes_noonan
Member
Username: jes_noonan
Post Number: 64
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 67.70.17.84
| | Posted on Monday, August 20, 2007 - 10:54 am: |
|
Betty: I've thought about your post and it makes sense in hindsight when you consider what they were doing re: JJ's fam and table from a social perspective. Here's my rationale:
I think it's safe to say that it's pretty much a uniform opinion that JJ usually took some of the more charismatic/popular students under her wing and was nothing short of scary to most others. I'm wondering if the reason may have been to have these students who've experienced more of the good than most others spread good vibes to other students as a result of their experiences with the those who layed the hammer down most often?
What do you think about this analogy for spreading the word: Pope (FF), Cardinals (JJ, various other Deans, etc), Bishops ("JJ's kids") and the clergy (balance of the student body).
Even if this analogy is correct, I don't believe for a second that it worked. I know for myself they got more than they bargained for. I was a handful for them to deal with by myself.
Anyways, as far as the hypocrisy goes it was there in spades on all levels. As far as being liked goes, all I can tell you is that I always liked you. For what it's worth, I know that there were people who didn't like me. Life's a b&tch, huh?
Btw....are you going to be at the closing? |
bettyboop
New member
Username: bettyboop
Post Number: 21
Registered: 5-2006
Posted From: 69.205.224.127
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - 1:02 am: |
|
those are some interesting thoughts re: JJ, jess. I'm not sure I completely agree, but that's ok.
glad to know as well that i wasn't viewed as a complete social outcast. life is indeed a b-tch.
won't be at the closing. i've gotta work that weekend and can't get out of it. i do wish i could see you guys. |
jes_noonan
Member
Username: jes_noonan
Post Number: 69
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 67.70.17.84
| | Posted on Tuesday, August 21, 2007 - 11:26 am: |
|
hahaha....yeah, after re-reading my last post, it does have a definite conspiracy theorist sound to it. What can I say.
Too bad you won't be at the closing. If you want, you can send me your digits through e-mail....Mike and I are planning on drunk-n-dialing a bunch of peeps later that evening |
priest_of_satan
Junior Member
Username: priest_of_satan
Post Number: 44
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.114.251.86
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 11:36 pm: |
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Geez, to think I thought it was only Jerome Fitzgerald, Dave Bethune and me on JJ's fav list....that is some seriously funny sh*t |
priest_of_satan
Junior Member
Username: priest_of_satan
Post Number: 45
Registered: 8-2007
Posted From: 74.114.251.86
| | Posted on Saturday, September 08, 2007 - 11:37 pm: |
|
Geez, to think I thought it was only Jerome Fitzgerald, Dave Bethune and me on JJ's fav list....that is some seriously funny & weird sh*t |