Ashbury College - Ashburian Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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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.

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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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THE ASHBURIAN I3 GIFTS The school acknowledges with gratitude the following gifts: Two framed drawings from the graduating class of l96l. The drawings are by the artist, Hawston-one representing an Iceberg and the other a group of Llskimo figures. A rose bowl and two candle-sticks in memory of Florence Hain- bridge, from her daughter, Nlrs. Audrey Foster. I A number of library books donated bv the Carr-l larris boys. An annual prize in memory of Robert Gerald Xloore, to be awarded for Grade 12 English, arranged through the Xlothers' Guild. A portrait of the Headmaster, painted by Robert llyndman, a gift from the artist. The H. S. Southam Scholarship-a gift of Nlrs. D. K. XlacTavish, Mrs. F. H. Toller, Nlr. G. T. Southam and Nlrs. R. XY. Southam in memory of their father. ACKNOXYLEDGENILINTS The following organizations have expressed their thanks for the use of Ashbury College and its facilities for a variety of functions during the past year. The Royal Commonwealth Society. The Ottawa Humane Society. The English-speaking Union The External Affairs Wives' Association The Canadian Save the Children Fund. The Public School Athletic Association. THE RETROSPECTS In addition to the usual fare of movies and parties this year, we were treated to unusual entertainment in the harmonious arts through the formation of a new singing group. On Klarch 2, G. P. Haslam, D. A. Steven and E. H. Stewart were in a taxi on their way to an ex- ternal examination in Ottawa. To raise their Hagging spirits, Steven struck up a few chords on a guitar with which he happened to be equipped at the time, three voices were raised in harmony, and The Retrospects were born. Three weeks later B. J. Nlerrett replaced Stewart, as the former provided a welcome banjo accompaniment to supplement Steven's guftar and Haslam's bongos. On the 27th of the month the group played in the Argyle Auditor- ium before an enthusiastic and appreciative audience of their school- fellows. This reception was most encouraging as such an audience mfght well have been critical and derisive. It was just the opposite. Cn Easter Day the group, whose members live in Xlontreal. played over CKVL radio from the Veterans' Hospital. later at a Parents' Re-