Branksome Hall - Slogan Yearbook (Toronto, Ontario Canada)

Page 7 text:

Back row: S. Bolte, Dr. Irwin, P. Cutler, Miss Claxton. Middle row: Miss Sime, A. Robson, W. Philpott (head girl), L. Chown, S. Penney, A. Fairlie. Front row: A. Hutcheson, C. Ugray, Jr Allen, J. Svenningson, K. Heintzman. PREFECT INSTALLATION As the first rustles of the banners were heard, heads turned and quietly craned to see the silent, swaying rows of proud prefects, and clan chieftans bearing their banners high. An occasional murmur disrupted the silence as the procession took its place and was seated. The service moved along without a hitch, and special interest was added by Wendy ' s witty and animated speech. Before it seemed to have started, the installation was over and the procession was slowly recessing amid constant murmurs and mumbles. For the students and parents it was just another installation unless there was a sister or daughter involved. For a graduating student this installation was the beginning of the end of her last year at Branksome. It was the first page of many to be turned within the next seven months representing the many last times we would be involved directly with Branksome. Cathie Goldring Year Book, 1973 Page 5

Page 6 text:

HEAD GIRL My years at Branksome have ended And looking back over the time Certain images and experiences All seem to come to mind. Drama, debating, swimming, Cheering in the stands, Carol Services (St. Paul ' s this year). Gatherings of the clans. Birth of the Branksome Duckie, Blind dates at the Rout, Playing bueno ball at noon, Trying to sneak out. Toilets overflowing. Visiting in the night. Water fights and pillow fights. Studying by flashlight. Black running shoes and bloomers, Ink bespattered shirts, Screaming, crying, joking. Laug hing ' til it hurts. Enthusiasm that ' s overflowing. Friends — some passing, some true. Experiences which push forward. Tradition keeping pace with what ' s new. These fragments put together Show the Branksome style: To live, to learn, to laugh, to love, To think, to give, to try. So keep up the Branksome spirit. Never quit the fight. And may you always be proud To be a Branksomite. Page 4 The Branksome Slogan

Page 8 text:

My dear Girls, Not long ago two little figures appeared at my door bearing an offering of art from Grades 1 , 2 and 3. The fact that one of the figures was male was in itself rather unusual at Branksome and the conversation that ensued was not by any means run-of-the-mill for my office. Having separated one sheet from the others in his hand, the small boy marched purposefully forward, thrust it into my face and said This is mine. Isn ' t it the most beautiful picture you have ever seen? I acknowledged that it was indeed lovely, expressed deep appreciation of his gift, and then made the mistake of asking him to admire the A.Y. Jackson on the wall. With a fleeting glance he accorded it a curt nice and proceeded to display the work of the other children upon which he obviously cast a pretty jaundiced eye. When I found this art also praiseworthy, he realized that I was an out and out Philistine without taste or discernment and quite frankly declared that he could not leave his masterpiece with me but would take it home to his mother who would undoubtedly declare that it was the most beautiful picture that she had ever seen. The child ' s complete confidence in his own achievement was charming and I thoroughly enjoyed my interview. I have told you about it now because of the thoughts, which came to me afterwards. Such assurance, it seems to me, comes only to the very young and the very old — those whose life has barely begun and those whose productive life is over. Those of us who struggle in between have always to examine, to measure, to evaluate ourselves, and we must manage to live with ourselves in the process. Confidence in ourselves we must never lose but as we travel along the road of life we must learn to assess ourselves, face our own shortcomings, strive for our own excellence and, driving the green-eyed god from our shoulders, make the very best of everything that has been given to us. This above all, when the fallacy of the doctrine All men are born equal is borne in upon us, we must cling to the infallible truth of this one: The Lord helps those who help themselves. I firmly believe that even the least of us has a vital place in the scheme of things and that the finding of this place is the goal towards which, with the help of God, we all must strive, without fear, without discouragement, without faltering and with a large measure of the little boy ' s faith in himself. The editor asked me to fill half a page with my letter and I believe I have done it but frankly, I think I could have said all this in one short sentence: Only your best will do or perhaps just Up and on! Yours affectionately. Page 6 The Branksome Slogan