Ashbury College - Ashburian Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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THE ASHBURIAN Il SCHOCDL NOTES OPENING DAY September 7th, 1961 marked the beginning of Ashburv's seventv- Hrst year. About two hundred and seventy boys were present for the Headmaster's opening remarks. Mr. Perrv welcomed old and new boys to the school, and remarked on the beaming health of all. lle went on to remind us that Ashbury, representing a very important stage in our lives, was certainly fun most of the time, but was primarily in existence to prepare us for university. During the year, Mr. Perry said, we should always keep our goals clearly in sight, 'and work diligently toward them. On Friday, September 9th, Mr. A. B. R. Lawrence, Chairman of the Board of Governors, visited the school, and addressed us in Argyle. Mr. Lawrence, by means of his easy and friendly manner, immediately established himself as a popular chairman. His popularity was enhanced still more when he asked Mr. Perry to grant us a half holiday. XYith the opening proceedings completed, books were amassed, classes settled, and the year began. STAFF CHANGES At the beginning of the school year, the following new members joined the staff: Messrs. L. Black, M.A., M. Gerrie, B.Sc., S. M. Daratha, Saskatoon Teachers' College, A. de K. Varent, B.A., B.l ,d., M. Beique, B.A., R. L. Lancaster, B.Sc., M. B. XYansborough, B.A. At the end of the school year, we shall be losing the services of Mr. M. Gerrie, who is planning to study for the profession of medicine at McGill, and Mr. C. Hughes, who will be teaching at Smith's Falls. We wish them both 'all the best'. HEALTH This year there were no epidemics at the school, thanks to the work of Dr. Rowan-Legg, School Physician and Miss M. Bray, School Nurse. Although there were periodic minor illnesses and several unfortunate sports injuries, it is safe to say that 1961-02 was an excellent year in the way of health. XYFDDINGS On Saturday, September Znd at City View United Church, the wedding was solemnized between lrene XYoodburn and Charles Porter XYright. Miss KYoodburn has been teaching piano and musfc appreciation at Ashbury for eighteen years and is one of Uttawa's most accomplished concert pianists. Mr. XYright holds an executive position with the C. B. C.

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10 THE ASHBURIAN EDITORIAL Among the many sunny statements made from the platform on Closing Day Qannouncements of accomplishments in the year just past, and favour- able auguries of things to comej, one of the most warming was implicit in the remarks of the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. A. B. R. Lawrence. Mr. Lawrence announced that the building programme was again afoot - an extension to the physics laboratory. This is good news indeed, as our present lab, though one of the most modern and best equipped school labs in Ontario, has been pronounced inadequate in space for the demands that are likely to be made on its capacity. Plans are already in blueprint for its extension to twice the present size, and we have every hope that it will be ready to function at the beginning of the Fall term. These are times of copious expansion and lavish expenditures. A number of the Independent Schools of Ontario have recently succeeded in raising substantial sums for additions to their plants, and it is gratifying to feel that we, too, are on the springboard. It is perhaps indicated that this enterprise marks only the Hrst of many progressive vaults. XVe learn, for instance, that another project under consideration is the acquisition of an artihcial ice rink. Hockey practices in rented rinks at some distance from the school are expensive in transportation and wasteful in time. It would be of tremendous advantage to our hockey players did we own, in whole or in part, a rink that was conveniently accessible for our daily use. Our present library represents another deciency which will, we feel sure, be presently remedied. As it stands it is completely inadequate, but Stage 3 of Argyle Building Plans will include space for a replacement in this vital department of educational development. In speaking of Argyle, it is interesting to reflect that as a result of the enterprise and confidence of the Headmaster and Board of Governors this building was one of the Hrst post war constructions added in any of the Ontario Independant Schools, and was erected at a time when contribution funds were particularly hard to come by. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that in the intervening years tremendous sums Qabout 8 million dollarsy have been collected by these other schols and have been mainly applied to build- ing projects. That is why we say, with gratitude to those responsible, we are delighted to surmise that we are once more on the march toward badly needed additions and improvements to the plant. i But-the old and ugly question rears its head: XVhere is the money coming from? ln answer to this question we feel confident that when the Master Plan of building and improvement is developed and presented to Old Boys, friends and parents of Ashbury, the necessary funds will be forthcoming. The years 1966 will mark the 75th anniversary of Ashbury. Let us work toward making it a tremendous year in the history of our school.

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12 THE ASI-IBURIAN 3 1 ,Q ,ff 1 , fag: x . SENIOR COMMON ROON ilil 1 This school year, 1961-1962, has been one of marked improvement in the facilities and organization of the Upper School Common Room. ln September, it appeared that the Common Room would carry on, as in the PLISI, in a state of smokey chaos. This however, was not the ease. Early in the year, Mr. Snelgrove stepped in as staff advisor to the members, and the astounding change in the Common Room's layout since then has been a continual source of amazement to all visiting Old Boys. Through the co-operation of the school and its organizations, particularly the Mother's Guild, which made a generous donation, the Common Room Committee has been able to obtain a console T.V., a large handsome rug, an easy chair, and a large couch. Besides these, many other sundries such as a clock, lamps and modern ashtrays have been added. VYith careful arrangement and the addition of many colourful pennants, we have been able to reside quite comfortably this year. However, we hope that this is just the beginning. A handsome, modern Upper School Common Room, one in which comfort is no problem, could do a great deal to stimulate the student attitude towards school. Classrooms are places for work and not relaxation, but a Common Room is specifically for relaxation. lt is hoped that, with this year's improvements as a beginning on which to work, the student members of the Ashbury College Upper School Common Room will be able to carry on the refinements. Such things as wall panelling and a proper notice board are example objectives for the future.