Trafalgar School - Echoes Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

Page 19 text:

WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS FROM OVERSEAS WHEN this dreadful strife first started to oppress the world, here in Canada, we could only imagine what was going on over there ; the dangers, the anxieties, and the many calamities. But we took no immediate part in it. We read the news- papers and listened to the news; some of us had fathers, sons, or other near relations and close friends appearing in uniform. We all knew how grave the situation was, but what could we do being so far away from the scene of battle? In the meantime England ' s sons and daughters were putting up a good fight; they were courageous, steel-willed and cheerful, but in spite of all this they were also being bombed. Whole cities were lit up by fires of burning homes and great buildings; families were being separated and diminished; Big Ben tolled hours of death and destruction. Never a complaint was heard and the day ' s work went on as usual. Then came our chance to play a much greater part in this struggle for humanity. The women and children from England, France and many other countries of Europe could not go on enduring this. They had to be evacuated, and where was a better place for them to go than to Canada and the United States? Canadians everywhere opened their homes to these evacuees. Sometimes relations but more often utter strangers came to live with them. Our spirits were raised for now we felt that instead of sitting idle, wondering what we could do, we were actively helping. This however, was not a task we had to fulfil but a pleasure. All the little children brought gaiety into our households. We watched their habits and mannerisms and they watched ours. [17]

Page 18 text:

Pf EFECTS Patsy Dunton Joan Savage Barbara Brodie Barbara Ann Smith Margaret Muir Mary Stuart THE GRIER CUP The Grier Cup, awarded to the most public-spirited of the Senior girls, who at the same time has maintained a high standard of conduct and has shown devotion to her work, was won last June by Lyn Berens. THE FORSYTH CUP The Forsyth Cup, awarded to the Senior girl who has made the most of her oppor- tunities, showing herself friendly and helpful to all, was given in 1940 to Janet Hamilton. INTER-HOUSE SHIELD The Inter-House Shield, presented by Mrs. Wynne Robinson, was awarded last June to Cumming House. [16]

Page 20 text:

In School they distinguished themselves by being good at their work and their games. We still stand in awe of them. Here in Trafalgar we have a great many friends from the other side. They have very keen spirits and are ready to tackle anything. We have learnt a great deal from them and I hope we too have set them a good example. Each one of our guests has made a great number of friends here in school. This friendship between the English and Canadian youth will someday prove to be a great asset when the flowers of Europe can once more see their way to a fine and peaceful summer. The girls who joined us as boarders were welcomed with very warm hearts. Although at first it was difficult for them to understand our ways, they picked them up very quickly. They are no longer strangers. We look up to them as the younger genera- tion of that great nation across the sea — our Motherland. She who is teaching us the real meaning of courage, strength and faith has them for her representatives. Therefore to all you from the other side we give a hearty welcome. Welcome to our lakes and forests, to our cities and towns and to all of the many blessings we have. May you share them all and join with us in saying: God bless England! [18]