Academy of Mount Saint Vincent - Chastellux Yearbook (Tuxedo Park, NY)

Page 37 text:

Interest in the poor and a desire to help them is characteristic of Mount students with very few exceptions. That is why SISTER MARY AQUI- NATA in her “Clothing” classes teaches first the fundamentals of hand-sewing and then the cutting out and sewing of slips and dresses for the poor. A splendid seamstress herself — and a perfectionist — she demands and obtains fine work. In the picture at the left she is shown with three Spanish students who are not at pres ent in her Clothing course, but whom she tu- tors in English. Since their parents have sent them to an American Academy to learn English, and since SISTER AQUINATA’s private tutoring helps them in all their other subjects, this is an immensely important class for these girls each day. SISTER MARY AQUINATA. in the classroom in which she teaches her Clothing Course, with ELZA DOBLES. MONICA LARREA and ALEJANDRA IBARRA No education in the full sense of the word is complete without a knowledge and appreciation of what man has accomplished in the realm of art throughout the ages and throughout the world. This explains why the Art Appreciation courses taught by SISTER CONSTANCE MARY interest all types of students — those who are honor students as well as those who find subjects like Chemistry and Math beyond their ability. In the picture at the left, on the bulletin board behind CHARLENE GUARIELLO. MARY ALICE MURTAGH and JOAN RAEDLER are copies of paintings by Mondrian, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Holbein, Cezanne and Martini, suggesting the broad scope of the course. Lectures, discussions, filmstrips and slides are used, and students are encouraged to give reasons for their reactions, but are not expected to express uniform preferences. Manuscript Writing is also included in the course, and when specimens of the handwriting of an entire class were submitted for evaluation, the Chief Exami- ner wrote on the evaluation form: “Sister, only once in the proverbial blue moon do we see a set of papers like these.” (Note: Since SISTER CONSTANCE MARY does most of the Photography for the Yearbook she does not appear on this page.) 29

Page 36 text:

Studio Art, Art Appreciation, Clothing And Tutoring Are Included Among Electives Once again MRS. MILDRED FERRIS, pictured above with TESSIE FONALLEDAS and MARIA de la GUARDIA, has accomplished wonders in her Studio Art Courses. She insists that her students master the basic rules of perspective, the fundamentals of color harmony and the techniques of pencil, pen and ink, scratchboard, water color and oil painting. Then the reins are loosened and stu- dents are free to choose media and subjects that appeal to them. If fifteen po- tential artists are at work in the studio at one time, each will be working at something she enjoys, and at her own pace. There is competition, and this is necessary and stimulating. The Kiln shown in the picture was part of the new equipment purchased with funds provided by The Fathers and Friends of The Mount. Under the direction of MRS. FERRIS very beautiful ceramic pieces were made by the students before Christmas as gifts for parents and special friends. MRS. HARRY COX, Mother of NANCY COX, a Senior, and last year’s President of the Mothers’ Guild, has done much work in ceramics herself, and helped MRS. FERRIS organize this phase of the Studio Art Program. 28

Page 38 text:

Sister, I Need Advice . . . When Can You See Me? It wasn't an easy task to assume the role of Guid- ance Councillor that SISTER MARIA ASSUMPTA had filled for nine years, but SISTER MARGARET AILEEN was well prepared for the task. Last spring, when both Sisters knew what lay ahead, SISTER MARGARET AILEEN spent several week ends at Tuxedo, and SISTER ASSUMPTA outlined procedures she had found helpful and successful. After three years of SISTER ASSUMPTA’s counsell- ing, we, the Seniors, were disappointed when we learned that she had been assigned to St. Ray- mond's High School. Soon, however, we discovered that SISTER MARGARET knew a great deal about Colleges, and as she got to know us, was able to advise us about requirements and advantages of the Colleges we chose . . . and if she didn’t have the information, she knew how we could obtain it. For the Underclasses, Sister's work involved Test- ing Programs and also Group Guidance Sessions and individual counselling. SISTER MARGARET AILEEN Guidance Without rapport between Councillor and stu- dents. counselling would fail. Fortunately, with very few exceptions, — and this is normal — students approach SISTER MARGARET with confidence and little hesitation. In the picture at the left, LUKI DE VITO is clowning with SISTER at the Freshman Christmas Party. (SISTER MARGARET is Class Adviser for 9-1)