London Normal School - Spectrum Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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The Rivals The Party Given by the Staff THE London Normal School made dramatic his- tory this year by the novel manner in which Form II presented the play, The Rivals. This eighteenth century comedy by Sheridan was given at the all-afternoon meeting of the Literary Society, on Friday, March 18th. After the play, Mr. McEachern congratulated Form II on its hue work, especially mentioning cer- tain players who had given outstanding perform- ances, and remarked that the play had been both entertaining and educational. In our enthusiasm at the completion of this effort, we invoked the Muse: The Rivals, by Sheridan, Form II did present, A play of much dialogue and lengthy content, But withal a play of exceptional humou r; Of acts there were five, of scenes — quite a few more. And so ' twere thought best, in view of this fact, To divide up each part, with consummate tact. In this novel way the labour was shared, With each student ' s time not greatly impaired. Thus four Mrs. Malaprops gesticulated, And marvellous phrases glibly articulated. Five Sir Anthonys ranted and raved At Absolutes, their sons, whose obedience they craved. Three Absolutes (posed as Beverly, handsome and free) At last won fair Lydia (of whom there were three). Four Faulklands, exceptionally vacillating and blue, Were assured that both Julias were steadfast and true. Sir Lucius ' courtship, alas, came to naught, A suitable lady in vain both had sought. One of the four Acres very near fought a duel, For this country squire a fate much too cruel. The gentlemen ' s servants, two Fags, Thomas and David, Though doubtless good servants, their opinions paraded. Maid Lucy (though one), in intrigue always revelled, And more than one gentleman slyly bedevilled. Now lest one should think this arrangement con- fusing, We set up a standard which none were abusing. All the Absolutes were young, tall, slender and fair, The Sir Anthonys old, thin, with a limp, and grey hair. The Faulklands agreed in form, dress and mien, The Malaprops distinguishable whene ' er they were seen. So on down the list we sought to arrange, That an audience scarcely would note the exchange. Three directors were planned, but one falling ill, The two carried on, with might and good-will. Scene followed on scene, without needless delay, And in three hours flat we had finished the play. As slowly the curtains on the last scene are drawn, We close our eyes wearily, wish for the dawn Of a new day to-morrow ; but, our spirits are soaring, We ' ve been kindly assured that we weren ' t even boring. — Geraldine Hughes. EARLY in February an announcement which very much aroused our curiosity was posted on the bulletin board. This was the notice of a meeting of the rate-payers and trustees of School Section No. 13, Utopia. We learned that it was an invitation to the entertainment which the staff was giving for the students. Needless to say, we looked forward to the event with mounting enthusiasm. At last the evening arrived. The students and critic teachers assembled in the auditorium. We discovered that the platform had been transformed into a typical country school-room, with a stove in the centre, rows of desks, and the usual para- phernalia, — maps, posters, globe, etc. While we were busy taking in the many cleverly humorous aspects of the stage setting, a burst of laughter from the back of the aduitorium drew our attention to the entrance doors. There we saw the cast, made up of the members of the staff and the masters ' wives, on their way to the rate-payers ' meeting. The very novel costumes, which they were wearing, created a great deal of mirth. After the rate-payers were seated, the meet- ing began by the usual appointment of a chairman. A certain Mr. U. C. I. B. Wright (who was really none other than our principal, dressed in a sports jacket and large bow tie) was selected, and the business of the evening was undertaken. The ludicrously detailed secretary ' s report was read and duly commented upon by almost everyone present. Thus the meeting progressed, every speech and action laugh-provoking. Some of the special features of the perform- ance were, — A speech by the public school in- spector (Mr. Clarke), who outlined what a sup- posedly ideal practice school should be like; a description by Mr. R. U. Normal (Mr. McKone) of an imaginary visit to the London Normal School, and the peculiar things he found out about the staff and students there; and a demonstration by the rate-payers of the rhythm band instruments. The whole farce was interwoven with clever allus- ions to the familiar sayings and doings of our school. The general effect was enlivened by the dramatic by-play carried on throughout by every- one, such as the flirtation between one of the teacher applicants and the son of a rate-payer. At the close of this meeting, all were invited to stay while the trustees interviewed the applicants for the position of teacher. Before this business was undertaken, the village bandmaster (Mr. Wheeler) led a community sing-song. The har- monica duets, played by Mr. Wright and the band- master, at this time, were thoroughly enjoyed. The trustees ' meeting commenced with the reading of two humourous letters of application, which had been received by the secretary. The first applicant (Mrs. Mark) then presented her credentials. Everyone was much impressed by the musical ability which this young lady dis- played. A very severely dressed young woman was the next to be interviewed. She tried, auto- cratically, to convince the board that they needed { Continued on page 35 Page Twenty-four

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The Science Club rHIS activity stimulated much interest in first hand observation in which we needed to exercise our senses as well as our reflective powers. We are sorry that there was not more opportunity to see natural phenomena and the industries of London. Our visit to Kellogg ' s was much appreciated by all. Rambles with Dr. Hofferd over the Nor- mal grounds and on trips through Thames Park for the observation of trees and birds helped greatly to open our eyes. Some of us visited the Neuhauser and the Bray hatcheries to see how artificial in- cubation is carried on extensively. Saturday next we expect to visit Silverwood ' s Dairy to observe pasteurization and bottling of milk, and how milk is tested for milk fat and cleanliness. We are all members of the Audubon Society and appreciate much the interest awakened in bird life and its conservation. Recall bird morning. Arrangements are under wav for a visit to the O.A.C., Guelph, May 18. to this we are looking forward with great anticipation. The officers for the year are: Form I President: Coyla Cody; Sec.-Treas. : Marion Carmichael. Form II President: Doris Gent. Sec.-Treas. : Evelyn Hicks. Form III President: Helen Morrison. Sec.-Treas.: Verna Mifflin. Form IV President: Ora Rogers. Sec.-Treas. : Mary Scott. Counsellor: Dr. G. W. Hofferd. — Isabel Matheson. A Science Activity 1. Preparation: (1) Remote Would you like to take a walk to the Thames Park at half-past four? asks our Science Master. Undoubtedly, we would. Please tell the other members of the class about it. (2) Immediate Is everyone ready? Oh, I think I shall bring my field glasses, says our guide, we might need them. In a few minutes our preparations are over and we leave by the front door of the Normal School with one definite aim in mind. 2. Problem: To study all the trees that stand in our way, to recognize all animals and birds easily seen, and to identify those that are heard and not seen. 3. Presentation : (1) How We Demonstrate Ourselves to Others. Our guide walks ahead very quickly. . . we get excellent practice in running and skipping steps as we try to keep together. Who would lag behind and lose an interesting bit of information about a particular tree or bird? Passers-by wonder whither we are bound and why we move along so fast. We pay no heed [ Continued on page 35 Page Twenty three

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The Glee Club Ukrainian Dancing OWING to the month that was lost at the first of the year, and to the many compet- ing activities of our term, the Glee Club this year has not contributed a great deal to our extra-curricular activities. However, the club is still functioning— not as an organized group, but having a wide circle of interested students in attendance. We have had fairly regular practices through- out the year, but with only half the school in attendance at one time it has not been possible to present many finished performances to date. The Christmas pageant did great credit to the talent of the school, and was a source of enjoyment to all the students and their friends. Mr. Wheeler announces that the closing Liter- ary Program of the year will allow everyone to see just what has been accomplished. He is also working with a smaller group on some special numbers which he hopes will be presented at this program. We appreciate the time and work that Mr. Wheeler has given us, and are fortunate in having as director and instructor a man of Mr. Wheeler ' s musical standing and personal qualities. — R it th Fox. Dancing Classes AVERY interesting feature of extracurricular activities at the London Normal School dur- ing the winter months was the dancing classes, organized and directed by Miss Rider. Owing to the preponderance of women students at the school, they had to take their turns at the classes, whereas the men were invited to come to every lesson. At the lessons the basic routines for foxtrot and waltz were practised. One very strenuous evening was devoted to folk and barn dancing, and part of another to the intricacies of the ball- room tango. For some the lessons served as re- capitulation of lessons previously studied and the evenings were a means of pleasant diversion. To others, however, it was a serious affair for they were novices and here was an opportunity not to be sneered at. It is a very disheartening experi- ence for a young man who has never danced to go on a floor and to attempt to lead a girl through steps that she knows and he does not. If, how- ever, he begins his training by stepping down the gymnasium floor with the nearest girl at least fifteen feet away, retreating from him, he has time to acquire confidence before he has to take the lead. This is by no means a hypothetical case, for it comes directly from personal experience. The fact that a number of students owe their presence at the several school festivities to Miss Rider ' s coaching is ample warrant for a recom- mendation that these classes be continued in future years. — Earle Sanborn. DANCING has played a great part in life amongst the great peoples of the world. It has had its place in the religious life of many races; it has provided many with a form of aesthetic expression; it has been the major source of re- creation for the people of many lands, and it has had its part to play in great events of history. We should look upon the practice of a tradit- ional dance much as we look upon the study of a classic writing in Literature, respecting the values which have made it endure through the years. Ukrainian Dancing brought us an appreciation of the typical style of dancing of one of the great races of the world, theSlavic Race, which occupies a large part of Eastern Europe. There is a wealth of tradi- tion behind the dances which is the heritage of centuries. We were introduced to Ukrainian Dancing by an excellent dancing master, Mr. Pasichnik, a very genial and capable instructor. In spite of being a large and heavily built man, the lightness and gracefulness of his movements in dancing were a source of admiration ot the class. He was handi- capped by the short time he had to instruct us, by the size of the group, and by the difficulty of not being able to express his wishes readily in English. But in spite of this he was able to get very favourable results. He was assisted by friends who helped to demonstrate the dances, presenting them in costume, which added to the interest and effectiveness of the dance. To us, as beginners, the Ukrainian dancing proved difficult and very strenuous. After the first lesson most of us were very tired, but those who returned for the next lesson found it less arduous and soon had the satisfaction of learning some of the steps. The music for the dancing proved to be very fast, requiring quick movements of the feet. The dance routines of Ukrainia are built up from a large number of standard steps. We were taught about eight of these steps in addition to a first step which is used like a chorus between each change of step. We were taught a routine using the steps we had practised, which was performed in couples in a circle formation. Other solo dances, couple dances, and dances for men and for women were intro- duced, which also made use of the steps which we had been taught. Time, however, did not permit us to learn these. I am sure that those of us who were able to take the lessons certainly enjoyed the experience. We appreciated the opportunity afforded in the leadership of Mr. Pasichnik. The results obtained seemed to be very acceptable considering the short- ness of the time spent in learning the dances. Most of us regret that no further opportunity has presented itself for us to practise what we learned. — Norman Powe. Page Twenty-fiie