Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

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30 The Branksome Slogan Activities . . . THE CAROL SERVICE Sunday, December 16, 1951, St. Andrew ' s Presbyterian Church was ag ain the scene of Brank- some ' s Carol Service. Every girl arrived on that frosty afternoon with her uniform perfect, ready to take her part in the impressive ceremony. The program was divided into two parts — the first part entitled ' Joy to the World. After the pro- cessional hymn the Senior School sang ' ' The Great God of Heaven. Throughout the service many smaller groups took part — first and second forms, the Senior Choir and a Senior Ensemble. The mem- bers of the Junior School thrilled the congregation with their sweet, sincere sing-ing- of many traditional carols. In their repertoire was included the French carol ' ' Entre le Boeuf et TAne Gris. The sing- ing of a hymn closed this part of the service. The Christmas Story in Song was beautifully told in the second part of the program. In an at- mosphere of quiet reverence each chapter of the story was unfolded. At the completion of the ancient carol, Three Mighty Kings, the church was darkened. As Mr. Bales played Silent Night the shepherds and wise men moved forward to adore the Holy Babe in the arms of His mother. Then the school joined with them in singing the beautiful hymn of adoration The Sanctus. This was followed by the inspiring Bach chorale Break Forth, 0 Beaute- ous Heavenly Light. The sing- ing of As With Gladness Men of Old marked the close of the ser- vice. We want to express to Mrs. Coutts and Mme. Perry our most sincere thanks for making this an- nual event such a memorable one. PREFECT ' S DINNER The prefects ' dinner, which had been discontinued for the past few ■ years, took place once again ot Miss Read ' s house following the Installation of Prefects. An ex- cellent meal was prepared by the volunteering hands of Miss Mc- Michael and Miss Clark. Follow- ing this an informal discussion was held by Miss Read and the prefects and sub-prefects concern- ing the coming season, and many helpful ideas were presented. This was also an opportunity for the promotion of a harmonious relation- ship between the new school of- ficers and should, if possible, be an annual affair.

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The Branksome Slogan 29 A VISIT TO THE LAUREL SCHOOL On the evening of April 24, a happy and excited group of Brank- some girls, accompanied by Miss Sime and Mrs. McLelan, left Toronto to pay a visit to the Laurel School, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Ohio. On arrival in Cleveland, the group was met by Miss Maude Tomlin, who had accompanied Laurel visitors to Branksome last year, and by a committee of girls from the school. Thus began a wonderful three days in which our girls and teach- ers fully enjoyed the warmth and friendliness of American hospital- ity. Miss Lake, the Headmistress of Laurel School, and her Faculty and girls had planned a most in- teresting round of activities, in- cluding a theatre party, a picnic, visits to many of Cleveland ' s beautiful churches, and, believe it or not, visits to classes, which the Branksomites thoroughly enjoyed! Let us hope that this pleasant exchange of visits will long con- tinue, and that our friends of the Laurel School will be with us at Branksome again in the near future. BROADCASTING On five different occasions dur- ing the school year, Branksome audiences have sat in the gym- nasium, listening to Branksome ' s own programme, coming in on the air waves from Station B.H.S. The material broadcast has always been of an educational nature, featur- ing historical plays of pioneering days and sketches of the lives of famous musicians. The announc- er, however, has sometimes struck a more informal note in her con- tact with the unseen audience of the air. Many thanks are due to Miss MacNeill for her able direction of the programmes. . . and so, until next eyar, this is our inter- corridor network signing off after a very successful year. THE GATHERING OF THE CLANS Kilts Were Flying Kilts were flying at Read acres on September 14th, the day on which the annual Gathering of the Clans was held. The recently ap- pointed clan chieftains proudly held their banners high, and loyal subjects rallied around them. Clan yells filled the air and spirits ran high. The Mighty MacGregors carried off the honours — and the cake; while the Campbells and the Douglases proved to be the run- ners-up ! Later on, the rivalry only in- creases. The clans oppose each other to gain laurels in swimming, basket ball, badminton and bowl- ing, as well as in other contests sponsored during the year.

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The Branksome Slogan 31 BETA KAPPA REPORT Dance No. 1 Allemande left, to the cor- ners all got us into the swm of the Hallowe ' en Masquerade. The gym was decorated with pumpkins, black cats, witches and a few cornstalks borrowed from a farmer ' s field. The two scarecrows, however, were the friendliest imaginable crea- tures, grinning down at the square dancers from their pre- carious perches on the wings. The staff delighted us with their interpretation of Cheap- er by the Dozen and may we add that Miss Sime made a per- fect baby and received several curtain calls for her outstand- ing performance. Supper was served in the dining room, to end all too quickly an evening of real fun. Dance No. 2 Twas the week before Christmas, when all through Main House Not a boarder was stirring, not even a mouse. The pine boughs were hung on the windows with care We hoped that they ' d stay ' til the dancers got there. The trees were all laden with tinsel and light Which shone through the windows out into the night. Bev. up on the ladder, Lou hammering the wall Oops ! here comes a teacher, out in the hall . . . Now from the orchestra there arose such a clatter Quick ! the reception line, what is the matter? Good old St. Nick peered down at the crowd And even the snowmen seemed jaunty and proud. Supper was delicious and served with great style We showed our approval of it with a smile. As out to the snow-falling world we descended All agreed that a wonderful dance had just ended, And we heard them exclaim as they went out the door : ' ' Up and on Branksome and may there be more !