Origin of Sir George Simpson School On June 17th, 1961, the Honourable A.O. Aalborg laid the cornerstone that established the second school in the young St. Albert School District. During the many years since it's founding, that little, six-classroom school has evolved into a three-level, multi-faceted educational facility. Changes in programmes, technology, facilities, and physical plant have dramatically altered the original "little yellow schoolhouse" that stood on this site. The choice of school names in those early days of the District honoured those people who were instrumental in the exploration and promotion of Western Canada. Our school is named after Sir George Simpson, a colourful and powerful nineteenth century explorer. Arriving in British North America from Scotland, George Simpson quickly rose in the ranks of the Hudson Bay Company. By 1826, Simpson was the Governor-in-Chief over all of the Hudson Bay Company's territory in Rupert's Land (now the western Provinces and the Territories). The man was as large as the land he ruled with an iron fist. He was responsible for establishing and maintaining "law, order, and good government" throughout the territory. He made several adventurous expeditions through the virgin territory, never travelling without his Highlands piper to formally announce his arrival even in the most remote of Native settlements. He is credited with establishing transportation and communication systems across the vast prairies and mountain ranges, not to mention his outstanding administration of the Company's interests in the entire region. So magnificent was his service to the Company that in 1841, he was knighted by order of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria! After more than forty years of faithful service to the Company, Sir George retired in 1860. His life of great accomplishments and high adventure, ended with his peaceful death in Lachine, Quebec.