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

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1 The UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIO London - Canada SUMMER SCHOOL, JULY 1st to AUGUST 10th, 1946 1. Courses for the Permanent First Class Certificate. 2. Courses for the General B.A. Degree. 3. Courses for the new B.A. Course for teachers of elementary schools. This has received the hearty approval of the Department of Education. It in- cludes special options in: — Art Astronomy Psychology Music English Dramatics Handicrafts Home Economics Public Health Rural Sociology Speech Correction Nature Study Community Organization Educational Counselling Physical Education Secretarial Science (Typewriting) Geography Remedial and Efficient Reading ■■■Included in the Summer Program of 1940. 4. Special Course in Community Leadership (Department of Education and Adult Education Board), July 22nd to August 2nd. 5. French and Basic English Courses, July 4th to August 21st, at Trois-Pistoles, Quebec. NOTE: No previous reading required before beginning courses in Summer School. Examinations held during last two days of Summer School — leaving remainder of holidays entirely free from university work. Excellent camping facilities, including electricity and hot and cold showers, on University grounds. Enthusiastic social and athletic program. For information write to DR. H. R. KINGSTON, Director of Summer School University of Western Ontario, London, Canada Page Twenty-two

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LONDON NORMAL SCHOOL Today when you espy the London Normal School, you see an architectural triumph set in a city-block of emerald-green turf, bordered by lofty and majestic trees; a red brick building sur- rounded by beds of shrubs and flowers, with grey cement walks running out to the street, from its three entrances. In the Summer of 1899, you would have seen a level expanse of growing grain waving in the breezes. A few weeks later, the peaceful scene would be changed — men with teams and scrapers would be at work and excavations begun for the building of a Normal School — London Normal School. On an extremely cold day, the second Tuesday of February in the year 1900, classes were begun. While students listened to lectures, carpenters worked on the unfinished auditorium and third floor. The hundred students assembled alternately in the east room or the west room of the second floor to hear lectures on English, physics, algebra, or grammar by Dr. Merchant, the princi- pal; or lectures on school management, reading, writing, history, geography, nature study, by the vice-principal, Dr. Dearness, who is still alive. Mr. Evans gave instruction in music, S. K. David- son in art, and Dr. C. L. T. Campbell in hygiene, also. To gain entrance in 1899, it was necessary to have a certificate of moral character, training in a Model School, one year ' s experience in teaching and an inspector ' s certificate of recommenda- tion. Then Middle School graduates or Upper School graduates were admitted to Normal School; the former secured second-class certificates, the latter first-class certificates. The course was of six months duration — from January to July and from July to December. Many changes were inaugurated during the ensuing years. Beginning in September 1903, a year at Normal School was required. In 1925, however, the course was extended to two years. A student came to school for one year in order to secure an Interim Certificate on which he could teach for four years. On the satisfactory recommendation of his inspector, the interim teacher would return to Normal School for a second year ' s training in order to secure a permanent cer- tificate. This method lasted for only three years, as Mitchell Hepburn abolished the two-year course when he became Premier. In 1930 the minimum entrance requirement for a Normal School was raised to Upper School graduation, the present requirement. A permanent certificate can be obtained by a year at Univer- sity or the equivalent credits. Today ' s competent staff consists of Dr. C. E. Mark, Principal, who lectures on science of education, religious education and spelling; Dr. G. W. Hofferd, who lec- tures on methodology of science, agriculture and horticulture, nature study, grammar and composi- tion; Mr. J. G. McEachern, who lectures on methodology of literature, reading, and social studies; and Mr. R. H. Roberts, who lectures on school management, methodology of arithmetic, primary education, algebra and geometry. Special instruction is given in home economics and health by Miss G. Conover; in art and writing by Miss D. Emery; in manual training by Mr. A. F. Hagerman; in music by Miss R. Mcllroy; in library methods by Miss L. Gahan; and in physical education by Miss W. R. Prendergast. Down through the years, the requirements for admission, the length of the course and life at Normal School in general have greatly changed for the elementary school teacher. However, the prestige of the London Norman School has but increased with the years. RUTH BROWNLEE, KATHERINE WOOD. Page Twenty-one

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GIRLS ' ATHLETICS Amid the jubilant cheers from their fellow students, the girls ' athletic committees carried on their activities to a grand finale. We owe our great success to our three capable leaders, namely, Miss Prendergast, our trim gym teacher, who aided us in numerous ways; Emily Turansky, our first term president; and Audrey Roemmele, our second term president. These leaders were backed by the best type of backbone and marrow in the form of the two terms of executives of this society. The ever-rolling ball was started on its way with the formation of a volley-ball tournament, headed by our two efficient third-formers, Shirley Patterson and Marion Husson. This tourna- ment progressed with six mixed teams competing for top honours. After many joyous but strenu- ous games had been played following a set schedule, two teams ended with a five to five point tie. These teams, headed by Harold Sweetman and Phyllis Carle, were to play a final game to determine the winner. Who would be the victors? The night of the playoffs, many classmates could be seen trudging their way up to the spacious gym on the third floor. After much batting of the ball over the net, Phyllis ' team was acclaimed as victors. This team was composed of some of the year ' s outstanding athletes, namely, Olga Seradoka, Marjorie Connell, Shirley Patterson, Wilma Rollins, Catherine Jefferson, Madge Laing, Ron Mitchell, Leo Coneybeare and Jean Parkin. Several roller-skating parties were held and supported wholeheartedly by the student body. Many new skaters, after attending these, skated off like professionals, unaided by all comrades. An ice skating party was held in January, but owing to weather conditions and lack of equipment very few attended. The keen Normalites were very enthusiastic about their basketball. Many evenings were spent in the gym, developing the skills so common to an experienced team. This practicing was not in vain, as was shown when these lassies met the Sacred Heart girls team and defeated them. We give the credit to our sharpshooters Shirley Patterson, Lois Duncan, Marjorie Connell, Joyce Bygrove, Grace Wilcox, and Annette Sloss. The defence line of this team must also be commended, and credit goes to Emily Turansky, Olga Seradoka, Phyllis Carle, Madelon Glenn and Betty McDou- gall. Our little circle would not be complete without our ever-watchful timekeeper Dorothy Bal- mer, and our keen-eyed scorekeeper, Bertha Balkwill. A ping-pong schedule was drawn up, and the tournament carried out under the guiding eye and supervision of Jean Benner. After much competition, Audrey Roemmele and Bryce Butler emerged as victors from the throng. In addition to all these activities, an inter-normal specialty with Stratford was sponsored. As well as being a social gathering, competitive games such as basketball, ping-pong and badminton were played. Of the six tournaments played, we were successful in winning four of the six honours. On the whole, the athletic activities sponsored during 1945-1946 will be something not easily forgotten. This year will be greatly remembered and cherished by all the students. P.S. — A Christmas card sale, which was never carried out by this committee before, was brought to a successful conclusion with the aid of the form representatives. PHYLLIS CARLE. Page Twenty-three