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

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i z I l . J l STANDING-Pamela MacCharles: Heather Miller: Barbara Park: Valerie Saulg joceyln Wilson: Sara Allan: Shirley Donaldson. SITTING-Donna Day Washingtong Signe Salzherg, School Captain: Karen Jones, Sports Captain: Betty Anne Aitkens, Head Girl: Carole Ann Coryg Helen Smith. PHEFECTS We were very sorry that Miss MurrellfWright was unable to present the Prefects' cords herself this year. We do, however, constantly remember the letter that she sent to the School for the first presentation in September. Her message could well be summed up in the words, Much will be required of those to whom much is given. This thought helps to give each new Prefect some knowledge of the essence of leadership. As a member of any group, it is easy to envy the leader, the one who gets his way and gives the orders , and to daydream of What I would do if I were boss. As an inexperienced leader, it is too easy to be intolerant of those who do not conform, and to be resentful of the effort needed to make others abide by the restrictions necessary for an efficient community life. A Prefect gradually realizes that privilege and responsif bility go hand in hand, and she is increasingly concerned that she should merit the privilege and learn to bear the responsibility. From the practical standpoint, a Prefect has many opportunities to gain experience which should be of lasting value. She learns that no project involving a number of people, especially a number of teenagers, will be successful without careful planning beforehand, and some supervision at the time. She feels the exhilaration that comes from running such events as the Halloween Party, and when things are going with a swing , she feels that all her efforts have been more than worthwhile. Through years of knowing Miss MurrellfWright and Miss Sharman, we realize that it is the busiest people who have the most time. A new Prefect also sees that the Head Girl and experienced Prefects manage to fulhl their duties without appearing conf stantly harassed. From these examples, she learns that more careful organization of her time can do wonders in making her efforts effective and that experience is a great teacher. Above all a Prefect has the privilege of helping her fellow students to live up to the standards which the school upholds, Each day as she ties on her cord, she is reminded of this privilege, and each night as she removes it, she hopes that she has earned the right to wear this symbol which so identifies her with the high ideals of Balmoral Hall. PAMELA MACCHARLBS

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EIIITUHII-Il In the presentfday world we find that the contrast of national governments lies in the basic difference between democratic and autocratic ideologies. Autocracy is absolute. Under such a regime the mass must implicitly obey and blindly follow. Democracy, on the other hand, is an attempt to practise a way of life as taught by Christ. Under this system, a man is an individual, free to assert himself and assume his share of responsibility for his fellow men. These principles of democracy have significance in fields other than political. They can and should be applied in commerce and industry, in education, and certainly in family life. In each of these, success depends upon the ability of the members to comprehend their functions and responsibilities, and to think individually while cofoperating colf lectively. In critical situations, particularly when the main source of leadership is removed, the value of democratic thinking becomes even more apparent. Early training gives the individual the courage to continue even without direction, and where necessary, to make bold decisions himself. by applying to new situations the principles he has learned. Many examples of this can be recalled. During the war, we heard of many instances where a commanding officer was slain, but a battle was fought and won. The unit conf tinued to function and to meet emergencies, inspired by the ideals previously instilled by its leader. We also recall how the VicefPresident of the United States, together with his advisers, was able to carry on the government of the country through the crisis of President Eisenhower's illness. One of the most striking examples, of course, is Christ's influence on His disciples long after He had left them. He had given to this small group a way of life by His example and His teaching, which they so clearly understood that through persecution and trials they fulfilled His command to spread the gospel throughout the World. We can also apply these thoughts to our own situation at Balmoral Hall this year. Many times in the past we have spoken of The Good Ship Balmoral . We have again been a ship, though a ship without its Captain. Rough seas and smooth have tested our worth. At the helm was the First Officer , Miss Sharman, who courageously assumed the unaccustomed burden of administration. Through her vitality and unselfishness, she strengthened her officers , the Staff, Prefects, and Class Presidents, who were called upon to accept new responsibility, often of a difficult and demanding nature. The ship did not founder in this crisis because every action was guided by our desire to apply the principles we had learned and which we understand. Above all was the challenge to carry on, and to restore the ship in good working order to our Captain, Miss Murrell' Wright, whose example and training have provided us with firm purpose and lasting inspiration. Sici-:ia Satzaiaac, Editor.

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Balmoral Hall June, 1959. My dear Girls, For so many months this year my only means of communication with you began, My dear Girls . Each time I wrote to you I hoped soon to return and that it would be my last letter, but the Editor is now very firmly reminding me that despite my return to School, I owe you one more. Here it is. Between September and Easter, the months of my absence, I learned a great deal about you and a great deal about me. I really don't want you to know what I learned about me, but I'll whisper one or two facts. I discovered that I am very impatient and I did not like waiting to be well. Many times I was preaching to myself as I often preach to you, but to practise what I preached was another matter. It wouldn't be good for you to know any more about me. What did I learn about you? From the Opening Day in September when I could not be with you, I knew how much you matter to me. It was some time before I received the four House Books with your pictures, and then I met the new girls. But I didn't know you. Then letters began to come from old girls, new girls and former students of Bahnoral Hall. From these letters I learned a great deal to your credit. I felt your loyalty, your consideration, and your desire to keep our flag of tradition, high principles, and achievement, flying at top mast. I felt this in your letters to me, and I read it in letters I received from parents and friends of the School. You will never know how proud of you I have often been this year. I know that Miss Sharman and The Staff shared my duties and responsibilities, and guided and encouraged you, but your co' operation was needed too, and the effort made by many of you has not passed unnoticed. Sports Day came and went as did Initiation Day and the Carol Service-each with the right spirit. The games programme was well organized, a French Club was established, and Cupid Capers was even more successful than last year. The result of your efforts to discipline yourself, to improve your work or your be' haviour, or to help another, may not always be apparent, but you know if you have tried harder, and you know if you have made a conscious effort to support your House and your School, particularly during my absence, by Seeking Better Things. I am proud and pleased to see that many of you are discovering, and some of you have discovered, the real meaning of our School motto and have indeed shown your true worth by doing that much more, and trying that much harder to bring this year to a successful close. I shall look for you all on September 1Oth.4Till then, have a very happy summer holiday. Affectionately yours,