Brentwood College School - Brentonian Yearbook (Mill Bay, British Columbia Canada)

Page 25 text:

HOPE HOUSE Another year of Hope House history comes to its close. With its passing one recalls how from September to Summer life often in- volved the House and assistants, along with prefects in considerable mental stress wonder- ing just what would be thought of next. I of- ten think that the basis of House life lies in the individuality of its members, and it is the ra- tional expression and adjustment of that indiv- iduality which makes House life interesting. We had a number of such individualists - and there was never a dull moment. While it is difficult for any heterogeneous group of youngsters nearly all new to boarding school life, to mould •closely into a strong work- ing unit, this problem was exceptionally dif- ficult during the current year of the House as a whole. Homesickness was, as usual, present among some, but by and large all was well, con- siderably before the end of the Fall term. Opening day found the House in pristine state: new bunks had built-in drawers and gla- morous tiling on the floors had replaced our problem carpets. Great was the Housemaster ' s relief when he realised that no longer would he hear Sir, dorm eleven won ' t give up the carpet sweeper! - said implements having a life span of about three months - the handle disintegrating first! A memorable occurrence this year was a small group of Grade Eights who went once a week to the Cathedral in Victoria, to practice bell-ringing. No one hanged himself, although Greg Stewart distinguished the occasion by managing to break his arm. Among other ev- ents was the sudden penchant for decorating the dorms a la Turk. Rooms were festooned with blankets, beds became tents, lights were heavily shaded, even painted an alarming shade of red. One practically had to carry a flashlight to identify the occupants. Then of course, there was Christmas!!! 23

Page 24 text:

WHITTALL HOUSE After four years as Housemaster in Whit- tall House, it is with mixed feelings of regret and relief that I write my final report before stepping down once again to dwell among mere mortals. There will no doubt be many occasions when I look back nostalgically to the sound of taps being played in the evening (a tradition which I hope will be carried on). It will feel strange to sit down to breakfast or dinner and actually complete the meal without having to get up three or four times to answer the door. I am convinced that the boys have an early warning system, which lets them know when the Housemaster lifts his knife and fork. I will miss the characters who make ' house life so much fuller and interesting - Satchmo Mike who brought blessed pease with the sound of his trumpet; Yrrah and Bor who ran the Doof Doog, till it collapsed because the profits were eaten up; Charlie, whose English failed him at opportune moments; dorm 7 and their sneak attack on the garbage men; the boy who asked for extra pocket money so that he could buy a wench for his bicycle, and many others whose exploits I daren ' t even mention! No longer will I participate in such im- promptu gatherings as the highly successful ' eat-in ' , which offered such high calibre of food that it attracted some of the underprivileged from other houses - such as the Privett House- master and the Head Prefect, No report would be complete without rec- ognition of those boys who helped so efficiently to run the house. Thanks to Bick Rook and Vincent Kwan for their work in the library, to Rob McLean and Harry Williams for their cul- inary efforts, to Doug Loder and Steve Bramall for their help throughout the year, and to Bill Vetleson and Mike Thompson for taking over so ably the duties of House Prefects in the summer term. Graham Vink and Benny Sung are due particular congratulations for the fine example they set. The award of the Citizenship Cup to Benny Sung came as no surprise to any- one in Whittall House. Mr. Queen takes over Whittall House next year and to him go our best wishes for the fut- ure. R.O. 22

Page 26 text:

Small trees and cedar branches were looted from somewhere, and streamers of crepe paper and even pop can keys were everywhere. All to lend the festive touch. But we were sweep- ing pine needles for weeks. Among the House sights were Pat Oakley cuddling his tuba, making the most hideous squawks with it; Jeff Norton in German hel- met practicing his epee; Andrew Hougie ' s in- gress via a drainpipe, and egress habitually by the fire escape. Nothing so mundane as the back door could suit Andrew. Finally there was Peter Hempsall ' s mod bicycle which nestled cosily beside his pillow. It all lent zest to life, however. To conclude I must offer thanks to Mr. Davies and Mr. Yorath for their help this year, John Schinbein as Head of House, and Ian Harvie, Peter Hempsall, and John Stump Wilson were of great help and assistance. To them I am most grateful. During recent weeks Andy Raphael, Stephen Cooke and Alex Speers rendered yeoman service as House Monitors. D.P. 24