Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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The: Branksome Slogan 31 The Gym Display Our gym. display this year was some- what in the nature of an experiment in- as much as it was the first time it had been attempted on such a large scale. We were fortunate enough to obtain the Varsity Arena for Friday evening. May 3rd. It was, of course, evident from the beginning that the seating accommoda- tion was much greater than was needed, and so it was decided to sell tickets for two sides only. With the assistance of our Alumnae and the co-operation of the entire school, our objective was reached when we were able to fill over 1,000 seats. Our program opened with the Grand March, in which the whole school took part. The music for this was supplied by the Queen ' s Own Band, and the gener- al effect was greatly enhanced by the attractive lighting throughout the audi- torium. The school was led by our pre- fects carrying the Union Jack, the Cana- dian ensign, and our five Branksome flags, which, after God Save the King, were placed around the arena. Then fol- lowed groups of flag activities by the youngest members of the school, after which came gymnastics, which were executed with great credit by about fifty members of the Junior School. The Intermediates and Seniors appeared for the first time in two short dances known as The School-room Clog and Ar- Jiansas Travellers . An interesting diversion followed in the form of Junior School Games, the audience enjoying especially the King ' s Jelly. This con- sisted of balancing an extremely lively balloon on a small tray, and the young participants are to be congratulated on the fact that neither side spilled the jelly during the course of the game. Perhaps one of the most striking num- bers of the evening followed in the form of Wand Exercises and Marching Tactics by First and Second Forms. ' Their perfect precision of movement and unfailing accuracy delighted all who saw them. Last summer Miss Smellie attended Bukh ' s School in Denmark to study Fundamental Gymnastics, and on her re- turn introduced this type of gym. work to Branksome. We, therefore, felt that these Fundamental Gymnastics, by about 70 members of the Senior School, con- stituted a very important part of our program. Although this number was unaccompanied by any music it was the pronounced rythm of the movements that was most pleasing to the audience. A group of Folk Dances by the Juniors was followed by a similar group by both Juniors and Seniors. The lat- ter was comprised of English country dances, Morris and the braiding of five Maypoles, appropriately decked in the School colours. The two dances which followed were by members of the Dancing Classes. The former, Moment Musicale , by three Juniors. The latter, Obertars, was ren- dered particularly attractive by the addi- tion of gay Russian costumes. An extremely graceful rendering of the Balloon Dance was next given by two of the Senior girls — Helen Richard- son and Betty Stambaugh. The danc- ing program was then brought to a close by a group of four Danish folk-dances. The entire school then took part in the formation of the word Canada and the singing of the national song. I am sure we all feel that whatever time and energy has been expended in preparation for this display, has been amply repaid by the evident appreciation of the audience. Although much de- pended on the co-operation of the entire school the real credit falls to the share of Miss Smellie and Miss Barker. They on their part were ably seconded by the rest of the staff, including our pianist, Miss Greig. MARY McLEAN.

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30 The Branksome Slogan The Call of Spring It is calling from the valley,, Where the merry streamlets play, From the fairy woods o ' er yonder, Where nesting birds are gay. From the hilltop and the meadow, Where the fresh, cool breezes blow, And children ' s happy laughter. On the air drifts to and fro. It is calling it is calling. This Pan-like voice of spring, Luring us with mystic spell To play and dance and sing. For just one stolen hour To enjoy untroubled bliss. To forget our care and worry And feel spring ' s sweet caress. HELEN McLENNAN. Class Officers. Bottom Row, left to right: B. Smith, M. Henderson, Jr., J. Shaw, S, McEvoy, B. Stambaugh, 2nd Row: M, Gibson, R. Rutherford, M. McFarland, D. MacLeod, M. Robert- son. 3rd Row: G. Gray, C. Brett, H. Phillips, J. Hannay. 4th Row: E. Saunderson, M. Henderson, M. Withers, R. Hamilton, H. Rich- ardson.

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32 The Branksome Si ogan Rivulets Laughing, twinkling rivulets, Trickle through the meadows; Falling, tumbling, Rushing, bubbling. Through the golden shadows. As it joins the shining waters, Mingles with the rushing waves. Heaving, tossing. Never stopping. Rolling on its way. Streams of silver water. Flashing down the glen; Running, stopping, Trickling, dropping. Over rock and fen. Now a garden and a cottage, It rushes by with glee; Leaving laughter. Going faster. As it nears the sea. Kissed by weeping willows. Dropping o ' er the edge, Running faster. Slowing after, Passing by the hedge. So we, too, are little rills, In the stream of Life; Going, coming. Falling, stumbling, Towards a boundless life. W. BATE.