Alberta Normal School - Aurora Yearbook (Edmonton, Alberta Canada)

Page 66 text:

62 EDMONTON NORMAL SCHOOL “Say, when do we get a program?” “When we get into the auditorium.” “When, will we get into the auditorium?” “When the auditorium is finished.” “When will the auditorium be finished?” “Well ....???? ?????” Such was the conversation around Normal School from September to December. On November 28th we did stage a program—in the upper hall. After a farewell presentation to Captain, Dunlop the group enjoyed community singing and a varied selection of musical num¬ bers, readings and dancing. At long last, early in December, we opened the auditorium with a “Lit.” which was highlighted by a play “Hollywood Bound”. The remarkable (??) radio talent possessed by nu¬ merous students was brought to light. Singing, readings, and a dance number completed an enjoyable program. The Christmas Party of December 17 furnished an attractive setting for a short pro¬ gram following the lunch hour. The Christmas spirit gave zest to the singing of the good old carols. We enjoyed the singing of a quartet composed of Miss Millin, Miss Roy, Mr. Repp and Mr. Card, and a rectitation by Miss Brooks and a reading by Dr. Dickie. At our first program in the New Year a group of sound films brought to us a variety of instrumental and vocal productions, as well as some fine orchestral work. The final program of the first term was held on January 23, two days before “Burns’ Day”. This was an evening program, which had a distinct Scotch flavor. A two act play, written and directed by Thelma Sutherland, was well received. Readings, songs, and dances followed. Miss Wilson’s dancing of the “Highland Fling” was enthusiastically encored, and the audience enjoyed singing some of the old favorite Scotch airs. So ended our first term programs.

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AURORA, 1941-42 61 DfiAR DIARY: October 3— We started off on the right note by having an outdoor picnic—indoors. The staff had planned a hike, but even their plans may be changed b,y the weather. 2:30 p.m. found three hundred and thirty labelled students romping from room to room, slacks and gym shoes removing all dignity and shyness. The committee planned a variety of entertainment in each of several classrooms cleared for the purpose. We played games in one room, danced in an¬ other, ran relays in a third and finished up with hot dogs and coffee—a la picnique, of course. October 17— The newly installed social committee made its debut tonight, still Gymless, but de¬ termined to make the best of it. Dr. Lord and Mrs. Lord received students and their guests, and dancing commenced at 9:00 p.m. Generous students, musicians all, gave freely of their talent, so Miss Budget said we might indulge in coffee and doughnuts after three hours of whirling and twirling, ping-pong and bingo. October 31— We were entertained royally tonight—had the balcony reserved for us at the Garneau theatre saw Arizona” and a “thriller” then went back to the Normal School for coffee and cookies. November 28— The girls gained the upper hand at a Reverse Party and made sure that not a wall¬ flower existed. Games and dancing continued until 11:30. December— The Christmas semi-formal was a thrill for everyone. It was our first social function to be held in the n.ew gym, and certainly something to be remembered. Dr. Lord, Mrs. Lord and Dr. Dickie received more than four hundred students and their wide-eyed “Oh’s” and “Ah’s” expressed appreciation of Dr. Tuck’s decorations—multi-colored streamers draped from the ceiling to the balcony rails, branches of evergreens interwoven with electric light bulbs, and several beautifully trimmed trees artistically placed. Floor managers Jack Thorburn and Aaron Card conducted a program of dancing which began with the grand march, was interrupted for coffee, sandwiches and fruit cake at 10:30 p.m. followed by a short concert, and continued until after twelve when students and guests reluctantly said good-night. JANUARY 9— Students just back from their three months teaching added gaiety to the first party of the New Year. We “just danced” while the non-dancers played games, but it was fun hearing of the trainees’ experiences. January 23— We “went native” with a “hill-billy” party for Normalites only. Students gambolled around in rags and patches dancing and playing games until lunch time at 11:00. Prizes ap¬ propriate for the occasion—rolling pins and cans of pork and beans—were given for the best costumes. February 13— The second term social committee took office in time to plan a very successful Valen¬ tine’s party. Class D won the honors with their paper designed as a heart-shaped mortar board. March 13— The semi-formal St. -Patrick’s dance was another feather in the new social committee’s cap. To students planning to teach for the three months following Easter, this was a gradu¬ ation dance. April 17- Members of Classes A, G, and D frolicked at a children’s party in the upper hall. The girls were cute with their print dresses and hair ribbons. As the Year Book goes to print two more social events can be clearly seen on the horizon. On April 24 the last of our usual dances will be held in the gymnasium. Our closing graduation dance will be held on May 21, with the traditional graduation ceremony the fol¬ lowing afternoon. It has been a difficult year, but a good one, and at the close we shall be more happy than sorry—sorry that we must leave, but happy to have made many lasting friendships during our stay at E.N.S.

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AURORA, 1941-42 63 • In comparison with other years, the “Lits” this year have been few and far between. For this we may blame inadequate space and insufficient time for practise and performance. These factors prevented us from attaining our objective of “every student on the stage at least once during the year”. Considerable re-organization of our committee was necessitated during the term when some of the original members left to take up schools. However, in February the “Lit.” blossomed forth in a picturesque St. Valentine’s oper¬ etta and pageant, under the supervision of Dr. Tuck and the direction of Thelma Sutherland. The leading soloists were Vivian Millin and Henry Repp, Martha McCormick and Mike Pawliuk. A feature of the operetta which was greatly appreciated by the audience was the fine dance number under the direction of Peggy Freeman. Our March programme honored the sons of Erin in the play “Spreading the News” which was sponsored by the Dramatic Club. The leading roles were capably taken by Mildred Larsen and Jim Soneff, with Henry Repp directing and Dr. Dickie supervising. A pleasing musical production, “Ireland Sings”, directed by Peggy Freeman, and a delightful rendition of selections from “H.M.S. Pinafore” by Mrs. Higgin’s Glee Club rounded out the program. To all who helped we say “Thank you”.