St Michaels University School - Black Red and Blue Yearbook (Victoria, British Columbia Canada)

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fearful faith. Wle made this world, and we must go on living in it-and it is obviously wise to know what to do when we're called upon to defend it. Every prudent man keeps insurance on his house and pro- perty. He hopes that he will never have to make a claim on it, but at least he enjoys the mental ease of the man who has safe- guarded the interests of his family. lt is quite apparent that you at University School have combined a broad interest in the humanities-those studies like English, history. languages and philosophy. which enable you to live congenially with your fellow men-with an appreciation of the practical facts of life as revealed in the precise equations of the sciences. You have won the admiration of this area with your recent parades in the Sunset ceremonies, and with your annual cadet review. Both these performances gave evidence of a high degree of training. And what does that mean, in the last analysis? It means hard work: it means discipline: it means an appreciation of the team spirit. That you did so well indicates that your masters have done a'splendid job of illuminating for you the ageless virtues. lt seems to me that the ideal of your school is not too far removed from that of the great Empire-builder, Cecil Rhodes. His ideal was that of the well-rounded man. His famous scholar- ships do not go to the drone or the book-worm. Scholarship is important. of course: but he placed equal importance on the activities enjoyed outside the class-room-on athletics and the human qualities which go to make up the engaging and well- balanced personality. And now I want to address a parting word to the senior boys. who may be leaving University School for higher fields ol academic training, or perhaps military service. A contemporary writer not long ago sent this message to a college celebration: - 'Don't ever take your school as a matter of course-because, like Democracy and F reedom, many people you'll never know anything about have broken their hearts to get it for you.' Those are very wise words-many people we've never known anything about have broken their hearts to get it for us. Your school began as an idea. The fact that it survives and flourishes proves thatiit was a sound idea. You who are here today are the inheritors of the early struggles of many men and women -not only the masters. but fathers and mothers as well- who have passed along. 12

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home found Canada aliye with new zest and ideas. and building to new peaks of happiness and achieyement. l imagine that many of you boys here today were born at or near the outset of that second war. for which we neyer managed to find a really satisfactory name. 1N'hen I was just learning to toddle they had the conflict of 1914-18. which they called the war to end all wars. They had an impressive new weapon in those days. called the tank. which they said would make wars obsolete. And then. a little later on. they began using aircraft to drop bombs. and the military experts said that this was the ultimate weaponlthat people would have to learn to liye in peace. Today you boys are growing up in what we call the Atomic age. or the Hydrogen agen-and people are saying the same things all oyer again. They say that the world has grown too small for warg that aircraft and bombs today are so powerful that we all face destruction, This is what we might call the philosophy of futility. This bleak and shabby outlook is denied in the presence here today! and at similar ceremonies all oyer the continentfof the new generation. the one you represent. You are our hope for tomorrow. As parents, we look at you today and wonder-what honour will you bring to us. 20 years hence? Is there a boy here today who may become an eminent Canadian statesman. who will perhaps represent our nation at the council-tables of the world? Is there a boy here who will discoyer the cure for cancer? ls there a boy in this audience who will write a great book. or an immortal piece of music. or perhaps eyen design a Canadian flag? Is there a boy here who will become a great minister? If there is, we may need him more than any of the others. Perhaps he will so illuminate the master's teachings that he will point us the way to peace. As we think of this anxious age you are now entering, we are reminded of the story of the great French scholar. Fontenelle. who was approaching his 100th birthday when death tapped him lightly on the shoulder, A friend said to him: Are you feeling ill? And he replied: I feel a slight difficulty in existingf, Well, I guess we all feel that way nowadays. The mere business of staying aliye has become a bit of a problem. In the great cities of America today you see signs: This way to the shelterf' and in almost eyery newspaper you find articles advising you how to take cover under the garage steps. Now l don't think we can work out a satisfactory life if we're constantly ducking for coyer. That seems to me a rather ll

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Your fine playing fields have been trod by some of the finest scholars and soldiers in this country. Your debt to them is great. So, boys. as you go forth. remember your school,s traditions. its distinguished alumni. and the masters who gave you your preparation for life. Give thanks. also. for your citizenship-for every day is. or should be. Thanksgiving Day in Canada. People like to talk about the great resources of Canada. But our greatest resource is our people. The future of Canada does not rest with our mines. or wheat- fields. or forests. but with the character of its people. In short. it rests with you. In wishing you well. I feel sure I express the sentiments of all those here today when I say that you will bring honour to your school, to your community. and to your country. I thank youf, Rooome I as Head Prefect thanked the speaker ably. the Chairman of the Governors seconded Roome's motion and took the opportunity to refer to the loss sustained by the death of Dr. Worthington and the proceedings concluded with the School Song and The Queen. PRIZE LIST, 1954 LOWER SCHOOL Subject Prizes ' R. Sword D. Eyes Reading ...... ...............,,....,.,,,......,,.,.,.,.,............,...,..,...,..... Writing ....... ................,........................,,...,,...,.................,...... Arithmetic ...... A. du Gardein. H. Jervis-Read. C. Russ. L. Postans Spelling .Q .... .......................................,...,....................,........ M . Smith English ..... ..... I J. Thurman. P. Nfarinker French ..... .............. D . Beban. L. Eyes Latin .............. .... I J. Thurman. E. Powell Science ............. ....... F . Allen. P. Garnett Social Studies .... ....... I l. McRae. B. Reeves Geography ....... .... L . Hudson. W'enman Music ....... ................. L . Kissinger Art ............ ...... M . Connorton Scripture .... ...... ..... ....... D . B owser Form Prizes Shell II ..... ................................... R . IYedd. Hinton Shell I ......... ....... T . Dial. D. Hubbard. D. Beban Remove B ..... ............................,........... F . Allen Remove A ..... ...... ...... E . Powell 13