Balmoral Hall School - Optima Anni Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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MISS G. MURRELL-WRIGHT

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EIJITURIAL T HE YEAR NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY was indeed an eventful one. Witli its promises of peace and prosperity, it brought the shocking announcement of Communist aggression in Korea, where the Korean Wrrr still threatens the peace of the world. The important events of the year were not, however, limited to foreign fields, for here in Winnipeg the scene of the Assiniboine and Red River floods attracted world-wide attention. In the midst of this turmoil and confusion, even when the flood waters were at their peak, other events were taking place. These were to mean much to us for they resulted in the birth of Balmoral Hall. We are still very young, but we are old enough to realize the firm foundations on which we are building and the fine traditions which we have inherited from Rupert's Land Girls' School and Riverbend School for Girls. Inspired by past traditions, but bound by new loyalties, we must endeavour to make Balmoral Hall worthy of its inherit- ance, building on a firm foundation new patterns for the future. It has been interesting though often difficult to create these patterns, but they are now beginning to gain sig- nificance, and we are proud that it has been our privilege to select the House names, to design the school crest and to choose the school motto, all of which are milestones in our brief history. The creation of a school crest and motto was not a matter to be taken lightly but entailed great thought and effort on our part. As yet, while they are still so new, we may find it difficult to feel the allegiance that is due them. But until such time as our allegiance becomes true and steadfast with the years, they must be protected by each of us, for in them may be found the basis upon which to build our new traditions. In the crest, wisdom is suggested by the four white pillarshand here at Balmoral Hall are opportunities for infinite wisdom and greater understanding. The wavy lines at the base of the crest represent the tranquil flow of the storied Assiniboine on whose banks we live and in whose beauty we may ever find peace. The eagle, flying high in the crest, symbol of fortitude and power, will always inspire us to aim high, challenge us to be firm in our convictions, and to be satisfied only as we move ever onward and upward Seeking Better Things-Meliora Petens! WENDY SMITH. Wmmx . 'LH Q

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My dear Girls:- The old order changeth, yielding place to new, And God fulfils Himself in many ways. This quotation has been in my mind so often since I have come to live in Winnipeg, that I am going to make use of it in this my first letter to you. The old order has indeed changed for you and for me and it is up to us to open wide our minds and discover for ourselves the good that lies in new customs, and to appreciate the privilege of being pioneers blazing new trails for ourselves and for all who join us at Balmoral Hall. In the same poem Tennyson said, More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of , and our outstanding achievement this year, the happy amalgamation of two schools, each with its own tradition and its own individuality, which amalgamaa tion at this time last year was but a vision, cannot be attributed to our efforts alone for God has surely fulfilled Himself in many ways. Our accomplishments this year may well be reviewed for the sake of the many who may not know how proud we are to be the possessors of so rich an heritage and how busy and ambitious we have been to effect a happy union combining the best ideals of our parent schools. Balmoral Hall opened its doors last September and at that point it was evident that the old order had changed. There was a new name, there were new uniforms, new surroundings for some of us, you were new to me and I was very new to you. Where were the familiar customs and the traditions of the past? Indeed the old order had changed but once we were not new to each other, and had become accustomed to new routine we moved with greater confidence and so progress continued and a spirit was born which will be your school spirit as it grows with your enthusiasm. When you look back on this first year you will remember with a thrill of excitement that you helped to select our House Names-Braemar, Craig Gowan, Ballater and Glen Gairn, and you will remember that you were consulted about the design of our crest and so for you it will have a special meaning. In September you will be wearing this crest with its eagle to give you courage, its pillars to fill you with a desire for wider knowledge, its riw er to remind you of your beautiful surroundings and symbolizing the ever moving life-stream within this school, and your motto to inspire you at all times to be SEEKING BETTER THINGS. To those of you in Grade Ten whose privilege it will be to carry on the torch from those who graduate I say that there is much to be gained in accepting the respon- sibilities of this school, as you in your turn, become its leaders. And finally, I give my very best wishes to those of you who are graduating. You will realize that because the old order is changing again for you, it will be necessary to adapt yourself to your new life whatever you may be doing. If you would accomplish anything worth while and have a measure of happiness, then choose an ideal, be loyal to it, fight for it with abiding faith, and in time realization of this ideal will surely come. Sincerely yours,