Blumenhof High School - Blue and Gold Yearbook (Blumenort, Manitoba Canada)

Text from Pages 1 - 56 of the 1956 volume:

the Blue and Qold 1956 Enrolment for 1955-56 Grade I _ 12 Grade II __ 15 Grade III _ 16 Grade IV_ 9 Grade V _ 12 Grade VI _ 8 Grade VII _ 4 Grade VIII _ 4 Grade IX _ 7 Grade X _ 3 Grade XI _ 9 Total _ 99 Courses given: Complete courses of instruction are given for Grades I to XI Dedication This book is dedicated to the School Board, teachers, and rate¬ payers of this district who made this year of school successful . . . THE SCHOOL BOARD C. K. UNGER Chairman BEN B. DUECK Teaches Grades IX to XI Received his elementary educa¬ tion in Kleefeld, and high school in Steinbach. He attended the Manitoba Provincial Normal Shool. Is now working toward his B.A. Dear Students, Parents, and Friends: When a school year, such as the present, is drawing to a close, we like to pause briefly to evaluate past achievements and to consider future possibilities. Last August, our school was faced with a unique situation. For the first time, we had enough high school students enrolled to open a separate classroom for them. Nineteen brave, enthusiastic young souls, together with their teacher, embarked on a new venture. Could we do it? We thought we could, and, despite obstacles such as blocked roads, Model “A” troubles, and moving into temporary trailer quarters, the time passed surprisingly quickly. Alge¬ bra, Geometry, and Social Studies reluc¬ tantly yielded some of their mysteries to minds determined to learn. Lessons in practical citizenship and fair play were assimilated on the playground during inter¬ missions. There was food for the soul in our morning devotions and in the religious period during the last half-hour of the Principal ' s Message day. Even in the face of mountainous stacks of homework, the cheerful spirit of camaraderie and friendly optimism pre¬ vailed. It was a joy and a challenge to teach such a fine group of young people. My shortcomings and faulty techniques they graciously overlooked. For this sincere co¬ operation, I want to say, with all my heart, “Thank you, Blumenhof High!” To the graduating class, I would extend my congratulations. As you go out into the world of business, or into teaching, nurs¬ ing, farming, or other chosen profession, you will have an opportunity to draw upon the fund of learning you have accumulated. You will also find that, for certain situa¬ tions, more knowledge and experience are required. The learning process is a con¬ tinuing one, and only ends at the close of life itself. Take with you into your future calling the sincerity, vigor, honesty, and cheerfulness you have shown in school dur¬ ing the year. Above all, never be ashamed to admit that your talents are God-given, and that He deserves the honour for what¬ ever you accomplish. The students who remain to continue their studies in our school next year, and the new ones who will come in have the pleasant task of upholding the fine ex¬ ample set by the 1955-56 class. We know you will be able to profit from the associations you have had with your graduating classmates. May ultimate suc¬ cess reward your future efforts. To the teachers and pupils of the primary and elementary grades, I would like to say how much we o f the High School have enjoyed and treasured your friendly and loyal co-operation. The foundation you lay in these developmental years will deter¬ mine the quality and calibre of the high Continued on page 18 6 Teacher ' s Report from ROOM TWO In Room Two is a crowd of curious people. The pupils do not mind straining their necks to see what is going on beyond the bounds of the windows even if what is passing by is only an aimless dog. We would not want them to be otherwise. Can you imagine a roomful of individuals with¬ out curiosity ? If it were absent there would be little urge to find what is within the covers of a book or what the answers are to problems. A dictionary gives the meaning for curiosity as follows, “being careful or anxious to learn.” This characteristic we find in a child as early as babyhood. His first method of learning is by way of the mouth. He wants to taste everything; a little later touch all things and rummage through drawers. Soon he takes a great interest in words, repeating them often till he has mastered the pronunciation. He becomes greatly interested in what his par¬ ents are doing and then goes and imitates them. It is amazing how fascinated the child becomes by stories told him even as early as age two. Lucky is the child whose par¬ ents make an effort to satisfy this curiosity. The telling of stories is an excel¬ lent medium to teach the child how to live. These privileged children learn to read naturally and with the least effort. The child, during the ages five to seven, is particularly noted for the numerous questions he asks. He might come up in all seriousness with such questions as, “Why does a black cow give white milk?” If he has been properly trained he ' will feel urged to ask questions about God. Later a curiosity about his fellow beings leads to the gang age. Here they gather in groups and each one has his particular place in it. They follow their leaders. At this stage, too, they are hero worshippers PETER HI EBERT Grades IV to VIII and are curious to know all about the objects of their special regard. His dad often is the first of his heroes and certainly Bible characters should be in the roll of his heroes. During junior high period they begin to be interested about reasons why things are the way they are. They imagine for themselves a perfect world and therefore become highly critical of anything that does not measure up. That is why they even become critical of their parents. Now is the time when they begin to realize how far short they themselves measure up to the ideal and consequently of their need for conversion. Let us as parents and teachers, seek to take advantage of the natural curiosity of the child to help him to learn to live so that in time he might be able to become, according to Ephesians 4:13 “. . . a perfect (mature) man, unto the measures of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” 7 MISS SUSAN FRIESEN Grades I to III PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Continued from page 6 school students of tomorrow. Without the excellent work you are doing, there could be no higher learning. We owe a great deal to our trustees and to the parents .of this community. They have provided us with the necessary sup¬ plies and with a lovely school building. Their help in dealing with various matters pertaining to administration deserves our heartfelt thanks. It has been a pleasure to work with you and for you. This first yearbook would not be com¬ plete without a word about the committees who have helped to bring it about by dint of hard, persevering work. These commit¬ tee members gave freely of their time and talents to make this book a reality. We thank them for their unselfish and thorough devotion to this task. We would like also to express our grati¬ tude to the many business friends who Teacher ' s Report from ROOM ONE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL In many a person’s life it is a never to be forgotten day. Not only the first day but the first year is of utmost importance. At no time in his school life does a child have to learn more, or adapt himself to as many new situations as during that first year. No other class demands as much of the teacher’s attention; but when you look back at the end of a year’s work, you are amply rewarded by the progress that you can see. When they come back the second and third year full of vim, vigor, keen interest, and desire for knowledge, they are a real challenge to the teacher. It has been my privilege and sacred trust to receive chil¬ dren as they come. I am reminded of a poem by Marjorie McMahon. “They come to me with eager asking eyes, And in my heart I pray: “God make me wise; They are so earnest in the things they ask, I would be faithful to my teacher’s task.” —Susan Friesen bought advertising space, thereby making this modest venture possible. Finally, may everyone who has had a part in this publication find in it pleasant reminders of a happy and an enjoyable school year! —Ben B. Dueck 6 Inspector s Message It is indeed a privilege to write a brief message for the Yearbook of the first High School class of Blumenhof School. Such an honour is much appreciated. The 1955-56 students of Blumenhof High School are laying the corner stone which will support the tradition of this institu¬ tion. This tradition will be built of the loyalties, the sacrifices, the faithfulness, the integrity and the achievements of the students year by year. The beginning is not pretentious, and indeed, no year in the future may achieve outstanding pro¬ portions. It is important to remember that the students of 1955-56 are the initial product of a splendid and worth-while com¬ munity endeavour. See to it that you begin this structure well so that those who come after you may look back to this first High School class and reflect proudly that they are heirs of a lasting experience and a worthy tradition, ably, sincerely, and prayerfully begun by you. It is my earnest hope that Blumenhof High School may go on and always fulfill the need of the com¬ munity to the extent for which it is intended. To the student body, to the members of the teaching staff and to the graduating class especially, I extend greetings, and sincerely wish you success and happiness in your life’s work. Yours sincerely, J. W. A. Muirhead 9 EDITORIAL The writing of our final examinations in June is drawing near, and we see his¬ tory being made as the first year of the Blumenhof High School is drawing to a close. We, as students, realize the great privilege that is ours to he able to attend high school in our home district. We are most grateful to our teachers and School Board, who have made this possible. School began with quite a number of the Grade XI students missing. When they did enter, work began in earnest to catch up with the rest of the class and the Christ¬ mas exams. After the exams were written, Continued on page 22 ALAIR PENNER President’s Message History has been made in Blumenhof. For the first time ever, last September, the doors swung open to a group of en¬ thusiastic high school students. They were all determined to make it a successful year. When I take a glance back to the begin¬ ning of the year I find that the year has been crammed with all the different activi¬ ties such as the Red Cross programs, literary, sports, and socials. Especially I remember the wiener roast last autumn. It was evident then that we were a reso¬ lute group of people. With the broom¬ stick riders crunching the snow in near-by bushes we cheerily roasted our wieners on the sizzling fire. I would like to take the opportunity to thank all the students for the marvellous co-operation that you have shown. It has given me a great deal of pleasure to work together with all the members of the stud¬ ent body and committees. I want to congratulate all you fellow- graduates and to wish you success in what¬ ever vocation you undertake, and to you under-graduates I wish to say as we pass the torch on to you, “Keep the standards of our school high.” Years from now I will not remember the polite shyness of the “September Student,” but I will remember the “Large Family of June.” BILL PENNER 10 Students . . Valedictory by Anna Loewen Honored Guests Inspector Muirhead Teachers and fellow students Ladies and gentlemen We are nearing the end of a school year such as Blumenhof has never before had. For the first time in history, Blumenhof has a group of Grade Eleven graduates. We, the graduates, wish to extend a sin¬ cere thanks to the school board and all others who have helped to make this pos¬ sible. May we be worthy of the trust you have put in us. To our parents, who have sacrificed to provide an education for us which many of you were denied, we give our thanks. May your pride in us this day be duly justified in the coming days and may we bring honor to you. Our teacher, Mr. Dueck, we give a vote of thanks, for his untiring efforts in fur¬ thering our understanding and knowledge. Together with him, we searched for truth and wisdom. King Solomon said: “Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.” That we might always keep in mind the value of truth and wis¬ dom, and never cease in our study of it, is my sincere desire. Soon our final farewells will echo through deserted halls. But our partings will, after all, be only temporary, with pos¬ sibilities of reunion. So it is not really good¬ bye, but “auf wiedersehn.” For the past term we have struggled to acquire our Grade Eleven standing. At times the going was rough and we grew tired of trying to conquer Chemistry and having our brains exercised by Algebra. Then we’d quickly plan a skating party or some other social activity to help pass the long winter. There were days when we would sit back and review the past and try to visualize the future. From these discus¬ sions we found that several wanted to enter the field of teaching, and at least two wished to become registered nurses. Fol¬ lowing such discussions we would attack our text books with increased zeal as we tried to learn all we would need in our chosen professions. However, more important than book¬ learning, was the learning to live together. In our class where we had students from several districts we were keenly aware of this at first. By learning to work and play together we learned to become better citi¬ zens of the world community, and we hope, finally, citizens of the Heavenly Com¬ munity. —Anna Loewen 12 BILL PENNER MARY PENNER ALAIR PENNER pi e 0 Grade XI bcr jc i ' hl. Graduates p i€p r-eB rfCC Bill Penner. The class president, and teaches music in Room 2 on the sideline. Always cheerful and a good friend of every¬ body. Enjoys football more than studying, especially chermistry. One of the tallest people in the class. Mary Penner. She’s our sports enthusi¬ ast. Pet peeve—geometry. Likes nursing over the weekend to give her brain an opportunity to untangle. Alair Penner. Editor of year book com¬ mittee. Puts in “the better shots’’ in soccer ball. During free periods you may see him in some corner surrounded by the smaller boys. Our Wilf Carter, a real Western singer. Is really fast in making social studies notes. Feels like an empty barrel when doing public speaking. Helen Kornelsen. Always friendly and “on the go.” Would like to leave with top honours in June. Champion football de¬ fence. Boarding place? A house trailer near school during winter. Gerry Doerksen. Tall and serious. Can tell a good joke with a perfectly straight face. Thinks a really good song is “terribly” nice. Brilliant student. “Am I permitted to be poetic?” Comes to school in a 1929 Plymouth. Helen Braun. Tall and neat. Spends a lot of time in studying. Was rewarded by being first in class in November. Will she become a teacher? Is a practice teacher in Room I. Favorite subject, Algebra. Pet peeves, SOCIAL STUDIES and GEO¬ METRY. LINDA JANZEN ANNA LOEWEN MINNIE JANZEN Linda Janzen. Occasionally known as “Lindy Lou.” Conversational. Has a pleas- and smile for everyone. Finds social studies interesting but has a blank look on her face when it comes to geometry. Minnie Janzen. A bright scholar, likes to tease and doesn’t mind a joke once in a while. Works in Bethesda Hospital on Sat¬ urdays. Has a knack of stopping ‘‘the better shots” in soccer. Anna Loewen. Tall, blue-eyed blonde. Capable literary convener. Rather reserved, but comes up with original remarks occa¬ sionally. Enjoys chemistry in spite of diffi¬ culties. Keeps us wondering whether she will become a dietitian or choose some other vocation. Favorite saying—I was just obscheislich. Grade XI Class Report Our Grade Eleven course has not only been one of monotony and toil, although the latter has definitely not been omitted. But then we did not leave our former occupations only to sit back and take it easy for a year; but rather to make it a stepping-stone for allowing us to give more effective service in our future positions. As a class, we are certainly very glad to have such a capable instructor, and this year at school really proved very enjoyable. Of course, there are those dreaded five- minute speeches, containing distinct por¬ tions of ‘‘ands” or “ers,” or even an awk¬ ward silence when the poor victim is try¬ ing to recall some very obvious statement that now somehow seems to be vanished into nowhere. There are also those occa¬ sions when our teacher very sympa¬ thetically offers to help us with our Geometry difficulties, while we sit quite erect, trying to look very innocent and intelligent, until he asks, ‘‘Who has fin¬ ished the lesson for today?” Promptly, as if struck by some common impulse, we earnestly consider whether our finger nails are in need of some care, or if the new brand of shoe polish is Still proving satis¬ factory — all th while silently making better intentions for the next lesson. Then our Literature and Social Studies classes are really enjoyed, and especially the Bible Study periods prove very inspirational. 14 Grade X MINNIE PLETT JOE PLETT MILDRED PENNER Minnie Plett. Minnie works hard at her studies and keeps her homework up to date. She loves music and is learning to play the violin with the local hand. A good goalie in soccer. Mildred Penner. Mildred is tall and dark haired. Keeps the whole school merry. Loves to skate. Thinks German is terrible. Leads singing in Room I when practice teaching. Joe Plett. Joe is a small cheerful, friend¬ ly chap. Has a knack at tangling with Bill. Looks proud as a peacock in his hockey uniform. Enthusiastic in sports. Quick in Georgraphy notes and aims to lead his class. Grade X Class Report In September we three students met in the class room with the same thought in mind of spending another year in school. We have enjoyed studying, though some subjects more than others. Our.first sub¬ ject each day—in which Bill and Alair join us—are algebra and geometry. Most of us find it difficult to remember all those different formulas and theorems, espe¬ cially geometry, where we learn the idea of proving everything. But when recess comes along our difficulties seem to vanish and we find ourselves taking an active part in sports. With Joe we can’t compare ourselves. He is quick in understanding and has no great problems of homework, e usually has his assignments finished at the right time. When Mildred misses a day of school the day seems long and dreary. We are always glad to see her enter when we feel blue and down-hearted, for she always has a friendly word of encouragement. She is always ready to help with a problem to the best of her ability. Minnie is a hard worker and strives to have her assignments finished. Even though she has been out of school for a few years she does very well in the class¬ room. She is very attentive and has not been caught daydreaming yet. We Grade Tens feel privileged to be able to take our schooling in our home district. We are thankful for our teacher who is not only concerned about our school sub¬ jects but is also concerned about the souls of his students. We enjoyed every moment of religious instruction and hope to live according to what we have been taught. —Minnie Plett 15 Grade IX JANET PENNER Janet has a friendly disposition and always has a smile ready for you, but doesn’t lose many words in company. She enjoys reading. .h ' Cb - x,w3 NETTIE PLETT Is a sports enthusiast and a good scholar. Usually has her assign¬ ments finished. Walks two miles to school for exercise. EMILY LOEWEN Has a dimpled smile and blue eyes. She does not like compli¬ ments of any kind. She plans to continue high school. PETER PENNER Is the smallest and the youngest in the classroom. He is a great hockey player and football en¬ thusiast. Averages about five story-books a week. Pops up with a joke occasionally. Also is Red Cross president. EMMELINE PLETT Emmeline is full of giggles and expresses her opinion. She is a whiz on skates. She is at the top of the class with her favorite subject—Social Studies. ANNIE JANZEN Annie is small and witty; deter¬ mined to reach her goal. She is good at football. Her plans are to continue high school and then become a nurse. JAKE WIEBE Jake is the tallest in the class with dark hair and brown eyes. He can reach to every corner of the football field. 16 Grades 6, 7 and 8 FIRST ROW 1. ELDEN PENNER. Elden is a con¬ scientious worker. Heavyweight champion. Hobby is taking care of service station. GRADE VIII 3. RAYMOND DERKSEN. Sits at the back of the room and coaches Albert. The health nurse is worried about his incisors. Can work fast. 4. AGNES HESSE. Has pronounced fa¬ cial expressions. Her unit books are a treat to see. Athletic abilities. 2. ALBERT FRIESEN. Often seen mur¬ muring into his hand. Interested in Bible study. Ray’s pal. SECOND ROW—GRADE VII 5. Abram Friesen, 6. Peter Plett, 7. Marie Plett, 8. Eva Dueck, 9. Valida Loewen THIRD ROW—GRADE VI 11. Danny Friesen, 12. Menno Plett, 10. Ronnie Martens, 13. Garnet Reimer FOURTH ROW—GRADE VI 14 Marina Unger, ifl ' Tina Plett, 16. Minna Plett, 17. Luana Dueck , v ' afl GRADE V: 1. Iris Reimer, 2. Margaret Penner, 3. Wilma Friesen, 4. Marjorie Unger, 5. Menno Friesen, 6. Margaret Unger, 7. Irene Unger, 8. Irene Reimer, 9. Ernie Frie¬ sen, 11. Judy Friesen, 12. Murray Barkman. C. fituDA F ft test ft „ OjAU ( A GRADE IV: 13. Elfrieda Reimer, 14. Lottie Dueck, 15. David Plett, 16. PKiI 17. Harry Friesen, 18. Eddie Friesen, 19. Leonard Penner, 20. Wilmer Plett Friesen I Grade 3 I. Pauline Doerksen, 2. Sara Doerksen, 3. Dora Dueck, 4. Cathe¬ rine Friesen, 5. Clifford Friesen, 6. Clarice Penner, 7. Lavern Penner, 8. Eleanor Plett, 9. Margaret Plett, 10. Mildred Reimer, II. Raymond Reimer, 12. Verna Reimer, 13. Ruthie Toews, 14. Danny Unger, 15. Joe Unger, 16. Leo Unger One day the teacher wondered why half the class was absent. He checked the register and found it was onlyf big) Elden missing. During arithmetic period the teacher was instructing the class about circles. He drew some circles free hand and was somewhat pleased with the way they turned out. He said that the circles were not perfect but they should use their imagination. “Is there anybody here that can do a better job?” he asked. One boy, feeling fresh, said he could. The teacher immediately reached out his chalk to him and said, “O.K., you show us!” The boy had a baffled look on his face and turned red and said in a weak voice, “With a compass!” The class laughed. One morning the teacher was surprised and touched by the friendly greeting re¬ ceived from a group of boys. After he had gone into the workshop to remove his rub¬ bers the door was slyly closed. When he came to go back out the knob would not open the door. No amount of knocking and calling got any response from the out¬ side. The boys had conveniently dis¬ appeared. Somebody intentionally or acci¬ dentally happened to come in and thereby rescued the teacher from his embarrass¬ ment. He lost no time fixing the knob. 19 GRADE TWO— I. Allan Dueck, 2. Levina Dueck, 3. David Friesen, 4. James Friesen, 5. Paul Friesen, 6. Emily Janzen, 7. Lottie Penner, 8. Jakie Plett, 9. Kenneth Plett, 10. Dennis Reimer, II. Milton Reimer, 12. Vida Rush, 13. Paul Unger, 14. Ralph Unger, 15. Bobby Martens GRADE ONE 1. Sidney Barkman, 2. Lydia Doerksen, 3. Mary Friesen, 4. Joyce Plett, 5. Margaret Rose Plett, 6. Art Reimer, 7. Eugene Reimer, 8. Leona Dfrgeji ' . 9. Jimmy Reimer, 10. Larry Reimer, -SJp T1. ' Ca ' rol Toews, 12. Donny Martens. 1. The Three Bears 2. April 1st 3. Swimming or Swinging 1 jUPRr - 1 .wm : f jy ■n mi iiii i r-Vr • Disciplinary Committee Mr. Dueck (principal), Mr. Hiebert, Alair Penner, Minnie Plett, Linda Janzen, Anna Loewen, Miss Friesen. EDITORIAL - Continued from page 10 we prepared a Christmas program and brought it at the local church. The follow¬ ing day the High School students enjoyed a wonderful turkey dinner at the school, with our teaching staff. After our dinner we went caroling in the Indian Reserve at Dominion City. With happy songs and chatter we turned back home, quite pleased to see our report cards were better than we had anticipated. The holidays just seemed to whirl by and we were back again, straining our minds at “those formulas.” School life plodded along during the cold snowy months, dur¬ ing which we had several sports activities, such as hockey games against local teams and skating parties. Work was started on the Year Book by the committee that had been elected, and a raffle was held, the proceeds going to the Red Cross. “Time for Easter exams” . . . Yes, the time had come, but who had thought of reviewing ? Everybody settled down and you could nearly hear the mechanism of the brains as they worked. When school was finally dismissed for the Easter holi¬ days, everyone heaved a sigh of relief, but we could hardly wait for them to end, so as to see what our marks would be. The class settled down once more for the last term of the year. Spring came, and birds sang merrily, perhaps making some students feel they would like to be some¬ where else than in school. Baseball came into full swing. Here was a way in which the restless ones could work off some of their energy. The first year of high school at Blumen- hof is fast drawing to a close. After the final exams, history will have BEEN made, and we as students are proud to have had a part in it! —Alair Penner, Editor 22 Student Council Left to right: Alair Penner, Bill Penner (president), Linda Janzen, Anna Loewer,, Minnie Plett, Minnie Janzen. Yearbook Committee Standing: Alair Penner (editor), Bill Penner (advertising), Jake Wiebe (asst, editor), Helen Brown (art and typing). Sitting: Mary Penner (photography), Mildred Penner (secretary-treasurer), Linda Janzen (circulation). 24 Literary Committee Mary Penner, Anna Loewen, Mildred Penner, Peter Penner Sports Committee Linda Janzen, Jake Wiebe, Alair Penner, Joe Plett 25 High School Ch Emily Loewen Emmeline Plett n -C v | |||, - i. 1 jtfflk 1 W aK ,4 5 H tm 1 ' flr r Graduation Soloist Mildred Penner Graduates Clean Up 1. Three Cheers for Ridgewood 2. You and Me 3. All Aboard 4. Studious? 5. Provincial Normal School 6. Attention! 7. Posing Prettily 8. Flat Tire? 9. We’ll Win Next Time, June 20 10. Posing 11. Homeward Bound 12. Typing 13. Fair Hit 14. Safe on First 15. Far-Away Look 16. Waiting for Recess 17. Where’s Our Bus? 18. Play Ball! 19. Off Like a Rocket || a 1 - ££fik ♦• A _ ■ ( flu PL ' ' «4l — : t tiH Hr 1 lj§ 1 1 Ll Ik, i � it; r€) % , a ft. 1 ■ 7 .is ' 0 ’ b %«y , ! - 1 2 istf ' r x mm 4 . ! J 11V Us S 7 : A J| LfJV u � r . v ; , r ;V ■ O ar 7 M r i J s Activities . . School Calendar AUGUST MAY 30 - School opens. High School Room first time in Blumenhof history SEPTEMBER 16 - Soft ball, Ridgewood at Blumenhof (Room II) • OCTOBER 13 - Thanksgiving Social 15 - Student Body elections 27-28 - Teachers’ Convention 31 - High School wiener roast; Begin¬ ning of record snowfall NOVEMBER 10 - Soccer, Room II at Ridgewood 11 - Remembrance Day 29 - Christmas Examinations start DECEMBER 4 - Christmas Examinations finished; Room II begins hockey rink 22 - Christmas Program 23 - School Banquet and caroling at Dominion City Indian Reserve 23 - Christmas holidays commence JANUARY 3 - School reopens 17 - Hockey Game, Room II against Room III 24 - Room I performs play FEBRUARY 14 - Valentine Party 17 - Hockey, High School against Ex-students 24 - Soccer, Ridgewood at Blumenhof 29 - Hockey, Ridgewood at Blumenhof (Room II) MARCH 8- 9 - Parents visit School 22-29 - Easter Examinations 29 - Red Cross Raffle Draw 30 - Easter Holidays APRIL 8 - School re-opens 9- 20 - Miss Heinrich practice teaches 20 - School road cleared of 10 feet of snow 8 - Softball, Room II against Room III 9 - Lorna Doone 11 - Teachers’ Local 15 - High School field trip 17 - Making headway on Yearbook 18 - Graduation Banquet 18 - Arbor Day JUNE 1 - Softball, Room III against Room II 19-27 - Final Examinations 29 - Graduation Exercises [list in Fun The teacher was giving the Grade XI’s a lecture on social studies. When glancing over the class, he noticed an absent- minded stare on one of the faces. “Well,” thought the cruel teacher to himself, “We’ll have some fun.” “What were the difficulties of an emi¬ grant coming from Europe to Canada during the time of the square timber trade, Mary?” With a start and sheepish look, the poor victim looked up, and mumbled almost inaudibly, being ashamed for she was not sure of the question that was asked, “The clearing of the land, Sir.” “Well,” thought the teacher, “This is really good,” as he noticed the reddish tinge and puzzled look on the girl’s face. Next he asked with an amusing look, “I suppose they had bulldozers at that time to help with the clearing?” Thereupon, the student’s color rose to a still higher shade, and she wondered what she had said to make the teacher and the rest of the pupils wear such a smug and amused look. Finally, she had enough nerve and whis¬ pered “no.” Luckily, the teacher decided to stop tor¬ menting the girl, who was not only very embarrassed, but whose ire had been roused and would have been capable of answering anything, had she been given the chance. 30 1. Camera Shy 2. Who’ll Get It 3. No Film in Camera! 4. School Buses 5. Alaska Bound 6. Midnight Oil 7. Christmas 8. Junior Soccer 9. Typist 10. Caught Unawares 11. Teacher’s Nest 12. Face Off 31 Grade IX Class Report Seven students with enough courage started Grade Nine, September, 1955. One of the most enjoyable and educa¬ tional parts of our studies is the making of note books. To succeed, a person re¬ quires penmanship, originality in ideas, and ability to put up notes and illustrations in a pleasing way. A subject that has offered difficulties and setbacks for some of us is Mathematics. We owe thanks to our instructor, who is always ready to help straighten out diffi¬ culties. Besides our studies we also have had social events which we all enjoyed. Wiener roasts, banquets, skating parties, and, dur¬ ing the fine spring weather, hikes and field trips were a pleasant change from the regular grind of books and studies. It gives us time to let our tangled brains unravel and straighten out for the next slice of studies and homework. Sports have challenged every one to face the fierce winds of the north or the hot smoldering summer sun. Shouts like “Here Blumenhof Our school-life here at Blumenhof Is not one where we sit and loaf. No sir! We must be going strong, To get all the assignments done. And then our teacher, Mr. Dueck, Says making speeches is no trick; But when we stand out front and think Our minds go simply on the blink. There’s chemistry and German too, Which are enjoyed by very few— But things that are enjoyed by all Are story-time and volleyball. comes a homer,” “Goal” and “Bang it over,” suggest some of the various sports we indulge in. Keeping up our physical fitness is a motto of our class. Now that the finals are approaching we turn back to our books in earnest to make an effort to achieve the goal we are head¬ ing for. We all hope to be back again next fall to continue our studies. —Emmeline Plett Grade XI Report Scarcely is there a need to mention the numerous times a triumphant “GOAL” has echoed through the crisp air of the football field, or the many solemn confidences we harbored of winning the next baseball game. Npw that spring is here at last and June examinations coming along with it; we hope that our final results will prove that our efforts are well rewarded. School Days Yes, there are those who live right here, And have no rain or snow to fear; But we who have to come from far, Must walk on foot, or use Dad’s car. But when the roads are blocked with snow Piled up some five feet or so, It’s hard to get here every day Even for Bill with his Model A. And now that spring is here at last, With June Exams approaching fast; Each student at his work is bent, To make at least fifty per cent. By: one of us Gerry Doerksen 32 Skating Activities What is the meaning of this din, A cheering-booing roar That rises to a terrible shout And then is heard no more? Out on the ice the boys skate ’round It is their final game, The spirit of the fans is up, They cheer in glad refrain. The game is growing warmer now “Our” boys just have to win! The puck slides out into the clear, We know “our” boys will win! The puck slides on, defencemen roll, The forwards follow up, Now for THE moment of the game The puck slides into goal! Anna Loewen, Grade XI April 17, 1956 Ode to a Hockey Game Practice Teacher’s Report Those of us who are interested in the little “kiddies” are given about an hour each month to do some practice teaching in Room I. “Very little,” I hear some of you murmur, but wait till you’ve tried your hand at it and then let me hear you complain about the shortness of time. It is interesting to watch the expressions on the little faces as we try to put our lesson across. Some children show rapt attention, others seem to be dreaming about some¬ thing more interesting; while still others find amusement in simple things such as rulers and pencils. When taking note of all these things I’m sometimes wondering how much of the lesson will be absorbed, but it’s sur¬ prising how many things may go on in the mind of a child. If at the end of a lesson questions are asked, often the one who seemed to be dreaming pops up with a very interesting and unique answer. (For example: What two things do you get from a cow? The simple answer is: Two pails of milk.) These answers give us a clue as to how successfully we have been put¬ ting our lesson across. Certainly it’s a fascinating career to teach these little ones and at the same time learn from them. It is a challenging work; a work where we may put to use the best of our abilities, a work that re¬ quires ideals and untiring patience. The satisfaction we derive from a job well done is ample reward in teaching. Helen Braun Our Trip to Dominion City One day just before Christmas, or rather the last school day before Christmas, the high school decided to go to Dominion City to the Indian settlement and sing some Christmas carols. In the forenoon we handed out the Christmas cards and exchanged our ticket- presents. At noon we had a large turkey dinner. Tables were erected in our room and soon delicious food was carried on it. After a while a large roast turkey was brought in. Was that ever a dinner! We were all seated at one table like a large family with the teachers taking part. After we had eaten all we could hold the cars were here to take us to Dominion City. All the children, except two who stayed to wash the dishes, divided and got into the three cars. Then our trip of about two hours started. When we got to Dominion City we went to the Mission to get one of the missionaries to go along. When we came to the Indian settlement, we divided into two groups and went into the differ¬ ent cabins to sing a few Christmas carols and bring them a gift. Through all this the Indians showed no signs of emotion, but they did not look as dirty and wretched as I thought they would. This was quite a day for all of us and one not soon to be forgotten. Janet Penner Fun Overheard when a group of Grade XI’s were discussing the baffling methods of algebra. “Oh, in algebra you can work it by any method, as long as you get the right answer.” A case of inductive, reasoning made by a girl of one of the boys in school—- “Elephants are big, Bob is big, Therefore Bob is an elephant.” 1. Arbor Day 6. Clean-up Gang at Lunch 2. Just Plain Bored 7. Yearbook Committee in Action 3. Spring Cleaning 8. Gratis Work 4. Coffee and Donuts 9. Attention! 5. Just Plain Tired 10. Girls’ Haven 35 Archy’s Nook high school german room three is in a deathly hush the ger¬ man lesson is about to begin with a deft or daft movement mr dueck the principal scoops up the text basic or base i dont know which german what is wrong with this sentence he says smacking this con¬ glomeration on the greenboard der katze hat das hase gecatcht die das kabbage gedamaged hatte in das garten und hat es aufgefresse was zu bad ist und machte der owner von die cabbage sehr sad the studenten all look hard at the sentence trying to look as if they were capable of deciphering the queer code and acting very studious and wise but wisely not say¬ ing anything at the moment suddenly a shy hand is raised tentatively well nettie i think it should be die katze she volunteers all right says mr dueck very good well make the necessary change die katze any¬ thing else wrong all is very quiet as they ponder whether netties move was a wise one after all they reflect it might have been a der katze masculine gender they do prowl around at times in Canada should it be hatte instead of hat suggests mildred well if you want hatte ill put it in retorts the teacher so it now reads so far die katze hatte anything else he asks with a maddening sort of i know it all type of grin everyone keaps his peace very pru¬ dently what about has hase prompts mr dueck well what about it everyone seems to imply still keeping their silence das hase der hase die hase its all one to me thinks bill but refrains from airing his superior knowledge anna is smiling a sort of quiz¬ zical smile as if she thinks she does know what the right form should be but she would like to give some of the other stud¬ ents a chance at it first shouldnt gecatcht be changed to gecaughted asks emmiline quite seriously mr dueck smiles and so the other students also smile glad that they at least were not caughted by that obvious one joe laughs outright it should be gegriffen were coming along famously encourages the teacher is that all the mistakes you can spot in the sentence is cabbage a german word asks annie in puzzlement remembering vaguely having read that word in an english story recently is it parries mr dueck again with that awful grin on his map wher is an overripe tomato wails someone inwardly tried be¬ yond all patience but wait emily has her hand up i think it should read kohl instead of cabbage she submits that cant be right thinks mary kohl sounds too much like a certain kind of stove fuel to me to be cabbage but look mr dueck is writing it down kohl now the students think it is time for them to challenge mr duecks knowledge for a change so minnie j asks isnt there a better german word for ge¬ damaged for a moment it looks as if theyve floored mr dueck but he recovers and hurls the ball right back at them by countering well is there implying by his sarcastic tone of voice that he knows but wont tell they think really hard this time could it be gehurted or gesmashed or geschluckt or geturleidet or verbrochen or aufgeschmackst or verschmaust or nieder- genommen or well i wonder what in the world it could be various thoughts go tumbling through the minds of the students that are still able to think coherently why do we have to study all these foreign lan¬ guages anyway why cant we stick to good old english where the is the and not once die and once das and another time der and where most of the words are understand¬ able at least finally with, the able assist¬ ance of the blumenort pupils who have had a very sound german training not only in german but also in literature and other periods of the school day under their be¬ loved former teacher and with the some¬ what doubtful assistance of the aforesaid mr dueck the sentence is finished and not a moment too soon for there goes the four oclock gong to end another gruesome battle with the room three nightmare subject jerman ouch did I get a j instead of a g in front of that word again ist es nicht der limit with that sprache. sympathetically yours as ever archy 36 Volley Ball in Spring “Whatever are we going to do in sports this week? We can’t play soccer, and not volley ball either. Just look at all the water on the field!” Volley ball it was though, and scheduled to be the game for the week. The students of Blumenhof High School went out cheerfully to play the game. They did not believe that it was at all possible, especially the girls who thought their clothes would be all splashed with mud and water. “Let ' s start playing,” someone said. The teams lined up and things went quite smoothly for a while in the morning, but in the afternoon when the sun came out bright and shiny and the snow began turning into beautiful puddles of clear blue water mixed with such matter as grass and muck. What a mess! “I’m not going to stand in that lake,” cried one of the girls. “The water’s going to fill my boots.” “Oh, don’t be ‘chicken,’ the water is clean,” replied Bill. “Just you dare to serve the ball into the water.” The ball became wet and heavy from always dropping into the water, and oh, the poor students’ clothing. Someone served the ball on the other side of the net. Everyone was warned not to let the ball drop, but to keep it in the air. It was tossed back and forth several times but suddenly made a swerve down into the water, right in front of the poor girl. She tried to avoid the splash by jump¬ ing aside, but too late! “Oh no! Look at my skirt and my nylons. You! You!” “You what! Never mind those nylons. Aren’t they washable?” A black look followed that statement. “Just wait till it’s time to serve and maybe you’ll get your share of the dirt yourself. Some time after, Bill had quite forgotten about the game and was very inattentive. Suddenly, by accident (or was it one?), the ball flew kersmash into the poor boy’s’ face. His face smeared with mud, he looked around fiercely. Who did that?” “Oh, I’m sorry; it was an accident.” “Accident! Nothing!” So the game went on and each of the students seemed to get his share of splash- ings. Since they all received their splash- ings in turn they bore no grudges and were resolved to play volley ball again next day. Linda Janzen It was the English period; Mr. Dueck was speaking to the class in general and firing questions at students. “What are the parts of a friendly letter, Lou?” he shot at Lou. Dazed and startled, with a blank look on her face, Lou looked up. “P-p-pardon me, Mr. Dueck, would you please repeat the question?” stammered Lou. “Oh, I beg your pardon,” apologized Mr. Dueck, with a note of sarcasm. “I did not know you were sleeping.” Whereupon he turned to another student, leaving the poor girl in a scarlet blush, and more awake than ever. 37 s 38 FAST BROTHERS • BRUSH CUTTING • BRUSH BREAKING • CONTRACTING ON ROAD WORK MODERN CUSTOM BUILT EQUIPMENT Phone 20-1-1 or 20-1-2 Blumenort Exchange DERKSEN PRINTERS Craftsmen LIMITED STEINBACH , Shop with the fullest Confidence at Steinbach, Manitoba 39 COMPLIMENTS of JANZ HATCHERY ‘Chicks that live to lay— Poults that live to pay” Phone 95-1 Steinbach STEINBACH FLOUR MILLS PRAIRIE HOME FEEDS PRAIRIE ROSE FLOUR STEINBACH COMPLIMENTS REIMER AGENCIES LTD. INSURANCE IN EVERY FIELD Ph. 55-1 Steinbach STEINBACH LUMBER YARDS BUILDING SUPPLIES C-I-L PAINTS Phone 14-1 Steinbach 40 LOEWEN GARAGE LTD. 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