Oakwood Collegiate Institute - Oracle Yearbook (Toronto Ontario, Canada)

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THE OAKWOOD ORACLE Qui: Gunther illibing-2 The Public and High Schools of the city have recently received con- siderable publicity in the Toronto press, not merely in the news sec- tion but also in the letters to the editor, which may be assumed to reflect public opinion. One of the most ridiculous as- sertions made has been that school pupils receive too many holidays, particularly collegeiate students who get Friday afternoon off dur- ing the fall. Anyone who makes such a statement does not realize the mental strain produced by un- remitted study. A large number of university students lately have suffered complete loss of memory through overstudy. We, in the collegiates, do seven or eight hours studying five days a week and it is only proper that we should receive sufficient holidays to save us from permanent or possibly fatal results. The statement that we get after- noons off during the Rugby season is also misleading. In the first place the Rugby season does not last longer than half the fall term and secondly we do not get the whole afternoon off but only about an hour and a half. Another letter that has evoked considerable comment was that of a farmer who said that his son had gone to college for four years and had learned to play rugby but no- thing useful. The playing of rugby having nothing to do with the choice of a course why it should be mentioned in so derogatory a man- ner is rather obscure. People who wish th.eir sons to learn a trade should send them to a school de- signed for such a purpose. The University is intended primarily to impart culture. We, in the collegiates, realize best which reforms we would most welcome. Our course in science might be broadened. The Calculus, a most useful branch of mathema- tics, might be substituted in place of the more or less useless geome- try. Various opinions are held in regard to the place of Latin in the schools. A more natural method of teaching modern languages so as to get a working knowledge, might also be introduced. Sports should be encouraged more. That is, sports for every- body. Watching the school team play has very little exercise value. Leagues might be organized in all the major sports and run so that everyone played. In this connec- tion it is well to remember that it is the game, not the winning that counts. Very little social activity is en- couraged by the school. A dra- matic society would fill an empty place in school life and a monthly informal dance would receive much approbation. Although no Utopian system has yet been evolved, our school, however, is not such a bad place. G. D. S., 5A Slerrp .lei ry was plain mongrel-long ears, clumsy feet, awkward mo- tions, and a uniquely mottled coat all testifying to the fact. A long tail with the graceful curve of 21 banana terminated his anatomy. lla- looked strangely grotesque in the dim light of this early summer morning as he ambled d0Wr1 2111 Page Tzrcnty-T'u'o alley-way. Occasionally he stopped and sniffed with the air of a con- noisseur onre of the many garbage cans that lined this alley. Jerry was not hungry for he had already dined farther back. He would sleep, he decided, and forthwith curled up in a patch of light from the rising sun.

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THE OAKWOOD ORACLE Q Bulletin from Zbeahquarters Despite frequent and biting re- marks to the contrary, it is an un- doubted fact that the fourtlis are by far the most intelligent forms in the school. Any fourth-former will tell you so, and surely they, of all people, ought to know. One of the most striking evi- dences of their brains is their ability to amuse themselves at all times with the simplest materials. A blackboard and a piece of chalk, or a piece of paper and a pencil are sufficient to render them perfectly happy. With these commonplace pieces of furniture they can embark on the very enjoyable pastime of knots and crosses. Hangman they consider merely childish, but knots and crosses can be appre- ciated by any ardent student of Geometry. The best form of the game is played with the aforementioned blackboard and section of chalk. The size of the blackboard permits a great deal of ground to be cover- ed with the curious designs sym- bolic of the game, and this, besides pleasing the eye, has the added at- traction of allowing the players to see how many times they have won, or lost, without the fatigue of keeping the sco1'e in another place. Another advantage is that when the entire board has been covered, the marks can be erased, while the game begins again. There are, of course, disadvan- tages, also. After several weeks of play, official interference is apt to occur, after which it is wisest to move the camp and carry on the war in another vicinity. One of the best things to be said for the game as played with a paper and pencil is that it can be played at times other than lunch period or recess. It is, of course, much better if both players can occupy the same seat, but when this is impossible they should try to sit one behind the other. In this position the paper can be placed on the rear desk of the two and the other player must then turn half-around in order that he or she may have free access to the paper on which the game is being played. These tactics can, in ordinary cases, be continued for some time before anything occurs to put a stop to operations. M.C. IV. Silhouettes Across the sunset sky There winged a bird Silhouetted Against the crimson clouds. High on a wooded hill There stood a tree Etched Against the tinted sky. And down the placid lake There came a ship Clear cut 'Gainst the deepening sky. H. S. K., VB. Page Tlrcufy-On:

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As the sun rose Jerry's spirits rose too, and suddenly with an un- controllable yelp of delight he jumped in the air, chased his tail, and manifested other puppyish traits. Tiring of this after some fifteen minutes he chased a mangy cat who stood for his right so vigorously that Jerry retreated, considering discretion the better part of valour! This only slightly dampened his ardour. His bub- bling spirits could not be contained, with the result that he started off at a breakneck speed. In the course of his wild career he became entangled in an old woman's skirts, knocked over a tomato bas- ket, and did other damage also. Triumphantly he emerged with a tomato draped artistically over one eye. He slowed up to remove this impediment but upon glancing over his shoulder he resumed his hurried way - speedily. It apparently frightened him for he ran for eight blocks hitting the high spots only. Other smaller adventures follow- ed. For instance his too inquisitive nose became caught in the but- cher's door. He was extracted from here, yelping loudly, by the irate butcher, who administered a THE OAKWOOD ORACLE kick so strongly that Jerry turned several somersaults, landing on his tail on an ice wagon. Jerry squeal- ed. It was too painful, and for a moment Jerry's delight in life seemed to have departed, but rub- bing his nose and looking sorrow- fully at his sore tail, he escaped from the wagon and went in search of lunch. A kind-hearted cook in a cheap restaurant provided this meal. As the sun waxed hotter and hot- ter, Jerry waxed limper and limper. Finally he jumped into a horse trough, giving himself and every- one else a refreshing UD shower bath. Jerry prowled around for some time, then fell asleep in the cool shade of a stable. Jerry rose from this nap and went in search of a meal. This evening's repast was gleaned from the same source as his morning one. All evening Jerry searched for a night's resting place, inci- dentally meeting with a few more adventures. The rising moon found him comfortably established in an old shed, at peace with the world and all mankind, as is the way with all good puppies. E. M. C., SB. 7a. m. There's something on my mind today, I can't think what it is. This is the eighteenth, isn't it? Oh gee! Exam in Phys! I worked last night till after twelve, And mother scolded sore. But now the day is here at last I wish I'd studied more. Now, memory's a curious thing, And plays me false so oft, I can't retain the thoughts I should, But other things are soft. My good right ear lets in the things The teachers tell to me- My traitor left ear lets them out- Here's where I'll fail-you'll see! ADELAIDE E. R. STERNBERG, 3A. Page Tlliillfjj-T11 we