Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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The Branksome Slogan 31 DEBATE— B.H.S. vs. U.T.S. On February 16th, Branksome renewed her annual debate with University of Toront o Schools, to the delight of a gymnasium full of eager listeners. The subject was indeed a controversial one — “Resolved That Chivalry Is Dead.” The Branksome team — Ruth Pidgeon, Carol Merritt, and Mary Lou Farmer, fought hard on the affirmative side. The U.T.S. team, consisting of Bill Corcoran, Michael Shoemaker, and Michael McKeown, supported the negative. Scott Simons of U.T.S. made an admirable chairman. The boys managed to prove their point fairly early, by helping the girls with their chairs whenever possible, offering them glasses of water, and standing when the judges appeared on the scene. While Ruth Pidgeon and Carol Merritt were extremely good in bringing out their points, we feel that Mary Lou Farmer, with her “sincerity, conviction and humour”, (Maclean’s Magazine, 1950), deserves special mention. Michael McKeown, the last speaker for the negative, shocked everyone by announcing that U.T.S. (motivated by chivalry, of course), conceded the debate. After much applause, however, he resumed his argument, to give U.T.S. the victory. DRAMA REPORT Although scheduled for March 2nd, the school play was not held until March 16th because of ’flu in the city. This year we did Krasna’s “Dear Ruth” and it was a tumultuous success ! Miss MacNeill and Miss Sime had done their usual excellent job of directing. The prompter, Katherine Smith, was faithful and patient, while the incredible work of Miss Gilbert (and her crew) on properties left us both amazed and grateful (home- made forsythia!) Mary Morgan and Vivian Frost in the leading roles of Ruth and Bill were a convincing pair, the victims of the letter-writing “villainess” amusingly played by Ruth Pidgeon. Allison Roach gave a well-sustained and brilliant performance as Father, ably supported by Peggy Watson as Mother. Mary Barnett brought down the house as the deluded Albert who was always left holding the bag! Ann Vale and Carol Jean Merritt as Martha and Chuck made a happy (and handsome!) pair. Rita Barr as Dora and Mary Lou Rennicks as Harold Kobbermeyer held their own very well also. As usual both cast and audience enjoyed this annual event. BETA KAPPA REPORT October 27, 1950. Dear Diary: What a day ! All of us witches on the Beta Kappa were stewing over our cauldrons today, preparing a brew for a night of entertainment. The

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30 The Branksome Slogan Activities . . . THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS The old Scottish tradition of the gathering of the clans is kept at Branksome where the clan meet is held annually. September 22 marked the opening of sports for the school year. Due to rain, the Clan Meet was held in the gym- nasium, instead of on the spacious fields of Readacres. After keen competition in run- ning, hopping and skipping races, the Douglas Clan marched off with top honours — and the cake! During the school year there is keen competition among the clans in swimming, basketball, volley ball, badminton and bowling. At the end of each year the clan win- ning the most points for these games receives the clan standard. The Scotts proudly carried off the standard last year and all eight clans are working hard for top honours in 1950-51. May the best clan win! THE CAROL SERVICE On December 10th, the last Sun- day in the fall term, the triumph- ant chorus of “Masters in This Hall” began our traditional carol service in St. Andrew’s Church. This year, a slight change in the program seemed to make it even more beautiful than before. It was divided into two parts — the first entitled “Carols Old and New,” an effective collection of carols from all ages and many countries and the second entitled “The Christmas Story in Pageant and Song !” The touching picture of the angels, the sweet mother and the Child com- bined with the soft strains of “Sleep! Holy Babe!” left an im- pression on all our minds which was not soon to be forgotten. It seemed to make the life of Christ more real to us. Great appreciation and thanks are due to Mrs. Coutts and to Mme. Perry for their hard work and un- tiring effort in this service.

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32 The Branksome Slogan gym was decorated for our annual Hallowe’en Square Dance. With all those black cats, witches and skeletons glaring down at us from the walls, everybody had to kick up her heels and have a good time. Before the dancing started, anyone with talent climbed onto the stage to perform — but without a doubt the staff’s skit was by far the best. No one could lead our symphony orchestra better than Sir Ernest MacMillan, except Miss Read ! — and no one could sing better than Lois Marshall except Mrs. Me Lei an ! December 8, 1950. Dear Diary: I haven’t written for a long time, but now here’s something to write about — the Fourth and Fifth Form Dance ! The downstairs of Sherbourne House was all changed around, (I still can’t figure out where everything went) . Two big Christmas trees, bien decore, and other smaller ones, the balloons and streamers, created quite a Christmas atmosphere. Aside from a fuse blowing so that the coloured lights couldn’t go on, everything was fine. Sandwiches and cookies, coffee and cokes were served by candlelight. Thanks to Joey Broughall we were able to get Eaton’s Bandbox to come and play for us. It’s always disappointing when evenings like this end, isn’t it? January 19, 1951. Dear Diary: It’s rather late to be writing now; so I’ll not make this very long. If I ever see another balloon again, I think I shall turn into one ! People were blowing up all day long — the balloons that is! As we had for the Fourth and Fifth, prizes were presented for spot dances, etc., but we saw to it that the winners had to work for them. We certainly feel very grateful to Miss Read for all that was done for us. A new and wonderful way of serving a light supper was initiated this year, and I think that everyone agrees that it was very atmospheric. Ooh, I am tired. Jack Fowler certainly inspired me to make the round of the dance floor. Well, probably nothing interesting will happen until the Grad Dance in May, so I guess that will be my next entry. I’m certainly looking forward to that ! LYNN DIBBLEE, President. OPHELEO REPORT Although we always seem to be asking you for money, we really do appreciate your co-operation, and on behalf of the officers of the Opheleo I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your great assistance in our campaigns. A special vote of thanks goes this year to the Junior School, who did a really wonderful job, and to our many loyal supporters outside Branksome.