Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

Page 29 text:

YEAR BOOK, 1957 Page 27 the contrast of red and green kilts, all those assembled stood hushed and expectant. With bell-Hke clarity, the opening strains of the processional hymn, ' ' Once in David ' s Royal City , were sung by Marion Cox, Caroline Stanley-Porter, Norma McLean and Margo Lathrop. Then, all joined in the stately music and took their respective places in the chancel where, under the inspired leadership of Mrs. Coutts, they were to join in the moving service which has become a Branksome tradition. The programme ranged from the lovely simplicity of carols, sung by the Junior grades, to the more comphcated and brilliant excerpts from Benjamin Britten ' s ' ' Ceremony of the Carols , interpreted by the Senior Choir. A thrilling climax was reached when Susan Coxeter repeated the words of The Magnificent while, from the arched balcony above the chancel, Catherine Johnston as the Virgin Mary, Elizabeth Stephen as Joseph and six angels portrayed the Christmas Story in a shining pageant. Below, all the Senior School joined in the joyous carols, and the stirring recessional, Christian Awake , brought to its close a Carol Service unsurpassed in the history of the school. BETA KAPPA REPORT Dear Diary: November 7, 1956 I have never seen the boarders move so fast as they did to-day at 2:30. They bolted upstairs and pulled out dresses and shoes, set their hair and then came to help decorate the Common Room with the school colours and crests of the institutions near and dear to the hearts of most Branksomites: U.C.C., U.T.S., Ridley, etc. The Football theme was carried right through to the goal-line by two husky football players (stuffed unfortunately). The party was a great success and the m.usic was supplied by Eaton ' s Bandbox, thanks to Lisa Inksater. Dear Diary: December 7, 1956 There seems to be a gap in my diary, but now I have some earth shaking reports. To-night was the Fourth and Fifth Form Dance! All the furniture disappeared from the Common Room (I still can ' t figure out where everything went) and was replaced by silvery pine bows, Christmas trees, snowballs and streamers. Sandwiches and cookies, coffee and cokes were served in the dining room by candlelight. We were very fortunate to have John Beard come and play for us. Gosh, Christmas is almost here! Dear Diary : January 25, 1957 What a day! I ' m sure I shall see balloons in my sleep to-night. People were blowing up all day — balloons that is. The girls looked lovely in their formals and galoshes. What a terrible night; snow up to the windows and I, plowing around in boots, trying to impress my date. But the gym made up for the weather; it was decorated with giraffes, elephants, clowns and other Circus Circa 57 themes. And, oh yes, pinned to one of the curtains

Page 28 text:

Page 26 THE BRANKSOME SLOGAN held to raise money for our new library. With the money given from the Lenten collection, the total was raised to over a thousand dollars. On behalf of the Opheleo committee, I would like to thank the girls of Branksome for their generosity and support throughout the year. Special thanks is du€ to the Junior School and my personal thanks to the Opheleo committee and executive for their help and co-operation. We should be proud of the spirit of giving that exists at Branksome! OPHELEO FINANCIAL REPORT Collected Lost and Found Sale $ 15.00 Ramabai Collection 385.00 Carol Service 315.00 Branksome Bazaar 180.00 Lenten Collection 425.00 Total $1320.00 Paid Out Ramabai Mission $ 200.00 Support of teacher at Manmad 75.00 Support of orphan at Manmad 50.00 Hospital in Nazareth 50.00 Mission in Damascus 25.00 Hospital in Bethlehem 50.00 Gifts for Canadian Sailors 50.00 Eskimo and Indian Hospital in Western Canada 150.00 Voice of the Andes (South America) 25.00 Evangel Hall Mission 50.00 Canadian Lumbermen 25.00 Branksome Hall bed in Ludhiana Hospital 50.00 Building of Hospital in Ludhiana 25.00 Contribution to the Gideon Society 10.00 Mission in Egypt 50.00 Hungarian Relief 75.00 St. Andrew ' s Presbyterian Church 180.00 Books for the New Library 180.00 Total $1320.00 MARY BRECKENRIDGE, President. THE CAROL SERVICE On December sixteenth, 1956, a congregation gathered in Saint Andrew ' s Presbyterian Church to await the commencement of Brank- some ' s thirtieth annual Carol Service. When the entire school had formed a silent line, made colourful by

Page 30 text:

Page 28 THE BRANKSOME SLOGAN was the cutest little lion I have ever seen. We certainly feel grateful to Miss Read for all that was done for us. To bed, to bed, to bed. Dear Diary: March — , 1957 I heard somebody talking about the Graduation Dance to-day. What a sad thought, but then again what excitement. The Strawberry Festival is the same night and I know from past experience ' , what fun that is. I am sure that the Grad will be a success too. PAMELA KERR, President. To New York by T.C.A. Cakes were baked by P.A.A. And the Press Were There! Arrived Bermuda in the rain Joan ' s hat lost under plane. Sherwood Manor really grand, A lovely spot in Fairyland. Next a sunburn had by all Then the doctor came to call Gombeys came for Edie ' s head Knees were hot; noses red And the Press Were There! Talbot Brothers really swell Gombey dance played for Bell Purveys ' Party sheer delight Did we ever dance that night And the Press Were There! Took a cruise to Somerset Another scorching we did get A 57 Water-skiing, other pranks To Mr. Sherwood many thanks For our chaperone, surprise For we set before her eyes A birthday cake and also there Many gifts (some most rare). But the Press weren ' t there. Left Bermuda bearing flowers Memories of happy hours Arrived N.Y. One day more. Carried bags to 19th floor. Empire State, Easter Parade Ed Sullivans friendship made Dinner on the family plan Then the homeward trip began Many thanks to U.T.C. Trip successful as could be Our thanks again to Miss L. Now Bermuda — Farewell! THE SENIOR CHOIR Hark to the strains Of an old established art! Thrill to the sounds That stir man ' s inner heart! GAIL ADAMS A clamour of voices, mingled with snatches of song, issues from the basement of Buccleuch House. Suddenly, the tumult is interrupted as a small voice announces, ' ' Stand up, girls! Mrs. Coutts enters. Silence reigns and another practice of the Senior Choir has begun. Such practices have been responsible for the choir ' s many accomplish- ments during the year. At the close of the fall term, Branksome ' s traditional Carol Service was highlighted by the Choir ' s presentation