Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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20 The Branksome Slogan V. COMMERCIAL Margaret Alexander — A Branksomite of some years standing, our cheerful little Peggy seems to be thinking of Grimsby. A member of V Commercial, she hopes to become a private secretary eventually. More power to you, Peg. Barbara Annand — Barbie Sue, a member of the Big Four hails from Halifax. Her fortune seems to point to a return there, and to Steno- graphy? Barb’s Oh, I ' m so worried, is often heard — especially when giving Toni waves, or when there isn ' t any mail. Joan Ashworth — who hails from Peru, is an Opheleo committee member and secretary- treasurer of V Commercial. After four years at Branksome, Joan leaves us to return to Peru, where she intends to make her career. We know she will succeed. Bon Voyage, Joan. Joan Benson — A member of Beta Kappa commit- tee, comes from Picton. We know that she will succeed in whatever she may do, especially after her experiences in the Big Four and in V Commercial, of course! Joan plans to go to MacDonald Hall next year. Joan Evans — This gay Vice-President of V Commercial (in the 80 per cent category) is full of northern sunshine. Joan comes from Espanola and her destination is Kingston. The fact that Queen ' s is there has nothing to ao with the case. Audrey Finch — A peppy girl from a variety of places, including St. Thomas. A member of the Big Four and a camp-lover, she has many talents. With her sense of humour and her friendliness, Audrey will do well in the future, we are sure. Joyce McMillan — When not talking to Winona, Joyce is found calling Seatmate. She comes from Georgetown and expects to return there. With her ukelele and her wit combined, she makes much of the laughter of the Big Four. Barbara Redpath — Barbara came to us from Law- rence Park Collegiate. She is Library Repre- sentative for V Commercial. Pet aversion — talk- ing to Mrs. Partridge on the telephone. Future — Office work. Margaret Ann Riley — Margaret Ann flew to us from Halifax in the autumn and has had a busy year in V Commercial. She has flown back during the holidays to see that everything is all right in the Maritimes. . The best of luck on your return in June, Margaret Ann.

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The Branksome Slogan 19 V. ARTS Lorna Keene — This energetic member of the Beta Kappa Committee comes from Oakville and is noted for her bubbling personality. Although she is an Art enthusiast, Lorna enjoys flinging herself over the apparatus in gym class. We wish her the best of luck in Art and Designing next year, Jane Lightboum — Jane hails from Bermuda and is one of the island ' s enthusiastic water skiers. Always willing to help, she possesses a won- derful school spirit. Jane plans to continue her education at the Boston College of Fine Arts. Anne Matthews — This Opheleo member came to Branksome from Guelph three years ago. Her favourite sports are skiing, swimming and tennis. Anne is also a lover of dogs, singing, camping and travelling. If you ever need an efficient nurse, call her any time after 1954! Betty Anne Rough — This is Betty Anne ' s second year at Branksome, where she has won many friends. Pet saying — Stop everything! This member of the Big Seven has hopes of be- coming a prominent horsewoman. Maureen Senior — Moe has been at Branksome for ten year s. This travelling student is with us only two terms each year because she is tied up on ice. Destination Olympics! Katharine Smith — Katy may sometimes be observed in the thick of traffic between Toronto and Guelph. This active member of the Beta Kappa Committee enjoys wakening roommates early in the morning. This summer will see her taking part in water skiing events in Europe. New York next autumn? Elizabeth Tubby — Liz is one of The Big Seven and a member of the apparatus group. Can be seen on Monday morning wandering around in a daze! She is going to Europe this summer and expects to attend Macdonald Hall in the fali. Jo Anne Warwick — Jo is a travel-lover from Blenheim, Ontario. Among her many interests are sailing, photography and hockey. Her bit of wit and her I ' ve got news for yo u will long be remembered by her class-mates. Future — College? Lorraine Watson — Our petite actress comes from Midland and is Vice-President of V Arts. Peg is famous for her cheerfulness, Wednesday night visitors, photography, and swimming. With that smile, sbe is sure to succeed in whatever she does.

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The Branksome Slogan 21 IMPRESSIONS OF A NEW TEACHER AT BRANKSOME HALL Talk given by one of the new members of the Staff at the Parents ' and Teachers’ Meeting, Oct, 30, 1950. To a Scot, the name Branksome Hall brings to mind a spacious, rambling old house, set in a quiet countryside, possessing a dignity and charm of its own — a friendly atmosphere few could resist. And thus it was I found the modern Branksome Hall one cold day last March when I set out, with some trepidation, to have an interview with Miss Read. During the two years I had been in Canada, the profusion of tartan — particularly in Rosedale — struck me as rather a strange phenomenon. It is true that many Canadians believe that Scotland is full of people who have red hair, wear kilts and live sparsely on porridge and haggis. But nowhere in Scotland had I seen tartan worn as often and in such quantity as over here. And so that day in March it was all explained away. As I came out of Branksome Hall it seemed that things were less strange. Although this was Canada and this Branksome Hall was, according to our standards, fairly new, there was here that link with Scotland and her people that would make me feel welcome and at home. My teaching days have been spent mostly in city schools in Scotland. Some old, some modem — mostly in restricted surroundings, with noisy traffic in the immediate vicinity. The beauty of the Branksome grounds have great appeal. At Readacres the outlook from the many windows, changing with the seasons, the squirrels hurrying across the lawns and the occasional pheasant, the wide lawns and tall trees, the quiet corners, busy playgrounds — all in their own way contribute in the building of the children’s characters. Surely it is a unique situation — a country school right in the heart of a city. I believe that unless children are happy in school and a spirit of friendliness exists throughout, there is little a teacher can do successfully. The children must feel within themselves that the school welcomes them — is prepared to do its best by each one of them, while they in turn, by their diligence and striving together are helped along the road of life. This great spirit of friendliness and genuine love of school is an outstanding feature of Branksome Hall. One meets it everywhere from day to day and on many occasions among pupils of other days. This seems to be in no small way due to the efforts of the members of the teaching staff and their example of cheerfulness and fair play. Because of this I find the girls easy to get along with and enjoy their friendly chatter. They are so approachable. Yes, it is school, but school with a difference. School where girls study, where they have their likes and dislikes, where they are occasionally unhappy but mostly have too many interesting things to do. Where each child is an individual, and, best of all, a school where every girl feels at home.