St Johns Ravenscourt School - Eagle Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1968 In all aspects, December 15 was one of the most enjoyable days of the year in which the entire school participated, including the kitchen staff. The annual Christmas dinner itself was a characteristic occasion, as it was Mr. Gordon’s last. The dinner took place shortly after noon, and began with the attentive conversation of recent or time-honoured acquaintances. The sumptuous feast was catered with great forethought and instituted turkey as its main course. The Christmas pudding also rejuvenated the past and symbolized the contributions and sacrifices which Mr. Gordon has made to the school to ameliorate its body, mind and spirit. To conclude this enjoyable event, Mr. Gordon read out the locations from which the school had drawn its numerous occupants, and heartily thanked Mr. Thomas Gordon and the kitchen staff for their imposing efforts. The Carol Service was yet to come, but all who participated in the dinner were internally assuaged and satisfied. , .Mi it ■ ’v r i 5 ; - v % L P 1 f | . i mWr j | i As this was Mr. Gordon’s last Carol Services, a tradition which he himself had founded, there was a great deal of pressure to have a fine service. This pressure created that very effect; it was one of the best and most successful carol services ever. The audience was large and enthusiastic, and the turnout of boys was also good. The carols were sung well, particularly by a very good school choir, and one in French by the Lower School. The lessons were the traditional read at Christmas, and they were read by the Honorable J. A. Richardson, Mr. McMurray, Mr. Kiddell, Mr. Bredin, John Hutchings, Peter McCreath, Michael Hammond, Allan Beech and of course Mr. Gordon. After Mr. Gordon’s traditional Christmas greeting to everyone, and particularly to boys calling home such diverse places as Obodo, Hinton, and Hong Kong, refreshments were served, thanks to the kitchen staff, in the gym. As in other years it is only fair to assume everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. 41

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FOURTH ROW: Kernahan, Harvey, Bowden, Krueger, Ferguson, D. Searle, Stewart, Spaith, H. Thomas, N. Kobrinsky, Allison, Mardon, Dampier, Bennett, Hutchison, Haworth,J. Kobrinsky, Finlay. THIRD ROW: Mr. Shepherd, Leach, Cherewan, Beech, Jacob, Young, Gervais, Hjartarson, Miller, Barton, Taylor, Flett, Freeman, Klassen, Ubell, Ramsay, Reimer, Chant, Henderson, Young, Mrs. Ainley. SECOND ROW: Barkman, Nesbitt, Edwards, Wood, Rosenblat, Fast, Prall, Gillis, Dyke, Christie, Macdonald, Ramsay, Roulston. FRONT ROW: Jakovic.Gentz, Shaddy,Mitchell, Phillips, Krueger, Hay, Brown, Brandy, Watson, Ainley, Beaumont. HARRY’S HARMONIOUS HAPPENING For the first time in five years, the Choir has attracted a Rector of St. Paul’s Church for the Choir to sing at a sufficient number of singing enthusiasts to give its per- morning service sometime during the Spring term, in what formances the strength that previously was lacking. The hopefully will become an annual event. added support this year can best be attributed to the efforts Over the years, Mr. Shepherd has brought the Choir of a couple of the senior prefects who encouraged a great through some very thin times. It was not long ago that Choir number of boys to come out to one Choir practice, many of practices were on Sunday evenings and the Bass section whom enjoyed the experience, and returned in following consisted of only three boys. Nevertheless Mr. Shepherd did weeks. not give up, and the seed which he planted five years ago and The success of the Choir’s singing at the End of Term has cultivated ever since, has now begun to blossom. Service last year, prompted a repeat performance at Prize For this I think that Mr. Shepherd deserves our warmest Giving. This year, the Choir was honoured to take part in appreciation and congratulations. I would also like to the “Years of Change” and despite the hasty preparation, extend thanks to Mrs. Ainley who accompanies the Choir did a fine job. As soon as this was over, the Choir set about and to the several masters who are loyal supporters, preparing for the Carol Service. The increased Upper School Although the numbers have increased, and the boys have membership proved most valuable by creating the best got a great deal of fun out of the participation, much hard balance of voices that the Choir has had. The Choir’s per- work is required before we can stand up and take a bow formance at “Our Sound” included the Vaughan William’s beside the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Arrangement of “Old Hundredth” which was presented at Many of the senior choir members will be leaving this the Queen’s Coronation, and a twentieth century version of year and it is hoped that next year’s Seniors will rise to the “Fight the Good Fight”. occasion and give the Choir their greatest support. As far as future plans go, it is hoped to arrange with the 40

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THE TRIP TO THE DESERT On September 29, the full-time boarders set out on a full-day expedition to the Spruce Forests Reserve. The major source of transportation was a large school bus rented from Mr. Lansky of Carmen, Manitoba, and the experienced and courteous driver was Mr. Ainley of S. J. R. The weather turned out to be suitable for the proposed environment: a warm sun with “fierce” desert winds. As soon as the civilized column of boys clambered out of the school bus at its destination, it became a rabble of impatience, and the boys lined up behind the bus for their daily rations. The safari trek began at 1:00 p. m., and each boy took his own course, although some remained together for confidence. The desert itself had numerous sand dunes, some of which were quickly adapted for tobogganing. A rolling evergreen forest surrounded the desert and offered escape from the wind. Some of the expeditions found remainders of artillery, which may have been used by one of the party, but the chance was remote. The main dune of attraction was situated in an exciting environment where the masters lazed in the warm sun and contented boys played intellectually with the explosive sand. Doggedly, the expedition returned from its different corners to conjoin at the school bus by 4:00. One group had wandered slightly distant, and returned just in time for supper. The wives of various masters prepared sizzling barbecue chickens on a few charcoal “pits”, the preciseness of which was a matter consequently not to be discussed. By 4:45, everyone, except for the masters was thirsty, as our extravagance had fatally weakened the supply of orange juice. At 5:30, the expedition left with satisfied minds, but ebbing strength. The boarders had had a delicious taste of freedom but the masters were careful not to let them acquire too much, and so . . . Mr. Ainley “casually” turned the wheels toward home. 42