The Thomson Alumni Association sent the following message to the principal of David and Mary Thomson Collegiate Institute, Mr. Aatif Choudhry, in the aftermath of the shooting and murder of an 18-year-old student, Jahiem Robinson, inside the school on the afternoon of February 14, 2022.
Dear Mr. Choudhry,
On behalf of the David and Mary Thomson Alumni Association, I wish to express our shock and sorrow at the shooting death of a student at the school. Our first thought is for family members, fellow students and staff members directly affected by this tragedy. We realize how fortunate our many alumni members have been in never having had to experience such an event first-hand. We send our deepest sympathy to all those for whom this death is a personal trauma.
At the same time, as alumni members, we remain proud Thomsonites, confident that the positive memories we have of our time at the school will remain even and especially for those living through such an event. We express our confidence that you and your colleagues in the school and the Board can draw upon Thomson’s long tradition in supporting families and individuals most affected by adversity.
On Saturday January 30, 2021, our Alumni association executive committee held an informal meeting to exchange best wishes for the new year and discuss some upcoming agenda items for the Association. Zoom conferencing brought 9 of our members together very effectively, making the session both productive and fun!
ABANDONED THOMSON SCHOOL BUILDING:
Intriguing video produced by intrepid urban explorers who penetrated the security fence at the Thomson site in August 2020 and captured video of the school’s derelict interiors, only a few weeks prior to demolition of the 60-year-old building.
AERIAL VIDEO OF OLD SCHOOL UNDER DEMOLITION:
Dramatic drone video flight over the old school in September 2020 as demolition was rapidly coming to an end. The opening of the video shows the new school’s state-of-the-art new playing field with artificial turf and perimeter running track.
AERIAL VIDEO OF OLD AND NEW SCHOOLS:
Drone video flight over the old Thomson school in June 2019, 5 months prior to closure, and also showing the new school building under construction.
