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

Page 46 text:

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

Page 48 text:

STANDING: Bowen, Bigelow, McMurray, MacMillan, Nicolson, Percifield, J. Richardson, MacDonald, Harris, Alms, Bredin, Jacklin, Mitchell, Styffe. SEATED: Kiddell, Henderson, Hammond, Rolf, Beech, Barnes, Kobrinsky, MacLean, Mathews, Whittaker, Thompson, Thornton. IN ACTION: Woodhead, Spaith,Mr. Leonard. COACH’S REPORT This year’s bantam football team was interesting if only from the point of variety. We had rookies and third year boys, large boys and small boys, speed and slowness, new boys and boys returning to S.J.R. and boys of all academic abilities. All these boys played in all games. I must report, however, that all boys progressed at a very satisfactory level. We lost a very close game to the fourth strongest bantam team in the city and beat the sixth strongest. We also beat our arch-rivals, the boys of Assiniboia Residential School, in both games we played against them. The team played entertaining, winning football and gained some loyal supporters. However, at times during the year, I felt that we could have received greater spectator support. For example, Fort Garry had as much, if not more, support than we had. In conclusion, I must personally thank Mr. McMillan for his help, and especially thank Mr. Bredin, who was invaluable after he joined the team. It is almost impossible to coach a football team alone. These two men made this football year the most enjoyable one I have personally experienced. Finally, 1 must again extend thanks and congratulations to the boys; it was their team, and they made it what it was. 44