Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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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.

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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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22 The Branksome Slogan FIRST FORM REPORT The first event of a busy year was the form picnic at Clansdale Heights late in September. We express our gratitude to our form teachers, Miss Boyes and Miss Bell, for making this excursion such a great success. Our form was well represented on the Fourth Basketball Team by Margot Thompson, Joyce McMackon, Sue Savage and Elizabeth Wilson. In the inter-form basketball game IB was victorious over IA and worked up to the semi-finals where it was defeated by VA. First form is especially proud of its room in the new building which was completed just before Easter. They are bright and cheerful and we think everyone will agree with us that the working conditions are much better. In a competition between the sections of forms I and II for the best CLASS PRESIDENTS First Row: Audrey Budqeon. Jean Wahlroth, Janet MacDonald, Ruth Griffin. Second Row: Janice McBride, Vonnie Davis, Mary Barnett, Margaret Ann Riley, Catherine Findlay, Judith Broome. Absent: Sonya Snyder. Beatrice Thomson. Janet Dale.