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

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34g INITIATION Friday, October 30th, dawned fair for us, the old girls-but not for the new. Eight-thirty found straight-haired new girls, well versed in allahs , and armed with shoe polish creeping like snail unwillingly to school. There, even the lower cor- ridor, usually a place of refuge, housed work Qin the shape of large, dirty Oxfords and allah-seek- prefectsj calling for initiates. At bun and milk the real task began. Every mucky-shoed old girl stuck her demanding feet before the kneeling, polishing new girls and learnedly gave instructions as to how the best shine might be obtained. QMany of them had sufficient practice last year to be authorities.j At noon, because all available shoes were blackened, varied, but compulsory, occupa- tions were assigned to the initiates. To one fell the task of library book counting, another stood sentry at the drinking fountain and wiped the drinkers' mouths, some washed boards, others tooth-brushed the walls, one sang nursery rhymes to a menagerie of stuffed toys, another whisked the halls. The 2:05 bell was a welcome sound for once. The promised party began at seven-thirty. The new girls, in prescribed dress, opened the pro- gramme with a grand march. Our Freshie Queen, black-eyed Idella Aitkens, dressed in royal orange, was crowned by the mistress of ceremonies, Carol MacAulay. The Professors Effort , a very noble one, was next, beginning with a representative of the music staff who told us about the poor old lady who swallowed a Hy . And then the new resident Staff, wearing false faces, portrayed a Bal- moral gym. class, and won an encore from the very appreciative audience. Next, the new girls per- formed! A water ballet in wash tubs was at- tempted. A rhumba artist performed, and some Scotties did a highland fling. Romeo and Juliet , while revised and reconditioned, revealed some dra- matic talent on the part of Juliet. Boatmen, board- ers, porridge eaters, and even Miss Muffet took part in the programme and supplied an hour of fun for all. The final phase of initiation took place in the dark when the jay-walking pussy was introduced to the new girls. Games followed and new girls competed with the old in relays and matches. A conga-supper was enjoyed-consisting of a conga-line, busters, soft drinks and dixies. Following supper the pre- fects presented Songs and Costumes of the Twen- tieth Century and while several wearers of the cord rode a double bicycle, charlestoned, or fished by the stream, the audience, led by Mrs. Dennis, our music maker of the evening, joined in the choruses. The highlight from the prefects was a new song for the school. To the tune of Anchors Aweigh soon everyone was singing, It's Meliora Petens evermoreln The surprise of the evening was the premiere showing of the school movie. Hoots and squeals punctuated the pictures as spectators saw them- selves climbing trees, turning somersaults or walk- ing in the stately graduation procession. The happy evening ended with Staff and girls joining in Auld Lang Syne and with new girls feeling at last a sense of belonging. Dawna Duncan, Grade XI. The Christmas Dinner School was over for another term, and it was time again to don our gay party dresses, and join in the merriment of the Christmas Dinner. The guests included all members of the staff, prefects, and the honourable grade twelves. By five-thirty, the hostesses were busily singing carol cocktails in the drawing-room. This pleasant interlude was not to be forgotten, for Mr. Smer- chanski was present with his moving eye , In- deed, it was quite a task to smile and look natural, with bright lights, and a camera focused on you. After a half hour of carol singing, the guests and their hostesses proceeded to the dining-room, where they were greeted by a glorious sight. It was certainly a choice picture-everyone clad in her gayest taffeta, and bearing a holiday smile. The tables too, were very ornate with their colour- ful crackers, red candles, and gum-drop Christ- mas trees. The head table was beautiful with a spray of pine and red and white carnations in the centre, and colourful candles, candies and crackers. Amid the shouts of laughter, clicks from tin crickets, and shrieks from whistles, everyone feasted. The dinner, with its golden turkey and cranberry sauce, crisp celery and stuffed olives, was traditionally Christmas, and at each table the conversation was Santa and holidays. After the ice cream, with favours in hand, the guests with- drew for coffee and cokes. In the library Santa delivered the boarders' packages with a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night! Diana Duncan, Grade XI. Definitions by Grade II 1. A vzozzilfzrlae is some prickle stuff under some men's noses. 2. A pocket knife is a little knife that is in a little case all of its own. 3. A gyuzflafimzz is a huge huge room and you do lots of tricks in it. 4. A river is where you drown.

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. LLNX2. gg p33 . 1 sl. x I lik! 16' BALLATER ON THE RIVER BANK BACK ROW-Dawna Duncan, Head of House, S. Kelsey, S. J. Service, P. Busby. S. Nelson, Ilizuia Duncan, D. Phipps, M. Hunt CENTRE-S. Barker, A. Peturson, D. Coulthard, B. Atkin, M. Edmonds, P. Perrin, J. Mathewson, H. Smith, J. Steward, M. Gillespie, N. Bole, J. Ross. G. Brookinu, G. Allman, S. Saltzbei-ir, A. Sellers, D. Mathewson, S. Claydon. M. Ford, B. Gillespie. FRONT ROW-L. Leach, K. Zoltok, J. Sutherland, B. Florence, B. Brown. ABSENT-G. Kilgour, A. Brumell, B. Reid. BALLATER HOUSE The House on the Sloping Hill. Dear Ballater, This is not a good-bye, for I shall be back next year, but rather a thank you'- Thank you, Bal- later, junior and Senior, for a very happy year as your head. Ballater, namesake of the town on the sloping hill, Ba1moral's station, is now four years old, Its history has been short, but bright, and this year our house has again shone in house functions, academic and athletic. Our successes have been possible only through your loyalty and support. To junior Ballater I would say thank you for your cheerfulness and enthusiasm. At the Field Day and Winter Sports, and at the mile of pen- nies , you were always eager and willing. I espe- cially compliment Signe Salzberg, Anne Sellers, and Bliss Trafton for their success in the Lit- erary Competition. Our Intermediate members were our most energetic this year. At games your efforts brought us, not always victory, but cer- tainly much satisfaction. Congratulations, jane Ross, on your junior Track Championship, and Ann Brumell, for your success in the Gymnastic Competition! Our Senior teams, under Gail's and victorious in the in Volleyball, or Diana's leadership, have been senior matches, with no losses Basketball. Geills Kilgour brought honours to us, with her second placing in the Gymnastic Com' petition. Our senior officers, Pat Busby, Pitsy Per- rin, and Diana Duncan deserve much credit for their faithful work all year. Thanks is also due to our staff members, Miss Foster, Mrs. Coulter. Mrs, Coleman, and Mrs. Bancroft. Together, we have won the Field Day Cup, and placed first at the end of the Winter term. I hope that you will always work for Ballater as you have this year, and that you will help to bring in the green. Good luck and love to you allw Sincerely, Dawna Duncan, Head of Ballater.

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35 .-1- BRAEMER AROUND THE BIRD BATH STANDING-C. Nixon, Head of House, J. Savage, D. Richardson, A. Rose, M. K. Simpkinson, O. Rudd. C. Gross, M. Jeifers, J. Herrick, J. Hoare, M. Thornton. THIRD ROW-J. MeDia1'mid, M. Blackburn, H. McPherson, K. Kinley, L. Musgrove, S. Davis, B. Dawson, M. Stephenson. SECOND ROW-R. Lloyd-Davies, F. Wilson, W. McPherson. A. Connaeher, L. Heuehert, B. Hoare. B. Stovel, L. Paddon, W. Jardine. FRONT ROW-G. Delmarque, C. Lount, N. Baker, ll. MeNnui:hton, L. Folliott, B. Payne, N. Russell. S. Smith. N. Eaton. ABSENT-S. Frain. BRAEMAR HOUSE Dear Girls: Once again our school year is drawing to a close. It has been a hard-working year for every one of us. Our first effort last fall was on Field Day. Al' though we had no champions, you deserve a cup for effort. In the mile of pennies , our contribution to both the Red Cross and the Community Chest was more successful-Braemar was winner twice over. The Fall term in sports was devoted to Volley- ball and we played hard and we played well. After Christmas, Basketball kept us busy and with deter- mination and teamwork, Braemar fought well and won. Congratulations, Jacky and team! We are very proud of you. Between basketball practices, the Ping-Pong table was the centre of attraction. In the -doubles- intermediate, Beryl Hoare and Rosemary Lloyd- Davies were our champions, and in the senior, the credit goes to Jacqueline Hoare and Mary Thorn- ton. Very good, girls! While mentioning our winter sports, I must not omit that we had a very happy and eventful skating Day. Marilyn Stephenson proved to be our Skating star here, and while praising Marilyn for her skating, I must also say how well she and Susan Smith did in the Gym competition this spring. Swimming is our new effort this year and with a magnificent trophy to compete for, everybody is entering the swimming races to be held soon. Also in May is our Gym and Dancing Display and our House-party. Last fall we welcomed to Braemar House Mrs. Miller and Miss Hoggarth, to you I wish all the happiness in our House, To our teachers of long standing, I say thank youl' for your helpfulness and encouragement. To jill Herrick, our Sports Captain, and Dorothy Richardson, our secretary, goes my earnest appreciation for your help. Before I close, I want to say thank you to each and every one of you. Though your contributions be minute or tremendous, each one of you has helped your Home. My admiration for your per- severance, determination and achievements is over- whelming, As your leader and wearer of the Blue and Silver pin, donated by our past House-head, I hope I have done as much for you as you have done for me. Good luck and Good sailing next year, Braemar. Carol Nixon, Head of Braemar House.