Burlington High School - Rarebits Yearbook (Burlington, Ontario Canada)

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16 RAREBITS if ai 1 1 nrmunrh . Q..-1.?l-.aa Ias. MacF. Bates, Principal The school year 1950-51 draws rapidly to a close. But with it comes the publi- cation of the second volume of our year book-Rareblff,-in the pages of which are recorded the activities and achievements of a year unparalleled, perhaps, in the history of the Burlington High School. Une of the outstanding factors contributing to the progress of the school this year has been the new addition opened a year ago. Every advantage offered by the increased accommodation has been made use of, in sofar as possible, for academic purposes, and for the associated school activities. The staff and students have appreciated the building, but at the same time have not been unmindful of places in the institution where lack of sufhcient equipment has handicapped their work. The need for school locker equipment, especially, in connection with the gymnasium and athletic field activities has, probably, caused the greatest worry to both staff and students. The library has never functioned properly owing to the necessity for reading tables and for additional books. Students have not had the best opportunity of acquiring a taste for and delight in reading good books and a general appreciation of literature. Good books have always been the next best acquisition to good friends and a great aid, in making one feel the beauty and power of artistic expression of thought and feeling. Some equipment has been added this term to the Physics laboratory, but classes have suffered for want of more. The High School Board, however, has fully realized the deficiencies in all these cases. Cir- cumstances have prevented the members of the Board from carrying out their im- provement program for the present. Scholastically, the school has raised its standard. The departmental results for 1930 were gratifying. Although none of our scholars applied for Matriculation and University Scholarships, yet some outstanding performances, worthy of men- tion, were made by students writing Middle and Upper School. Reginald Cozens S ecured first class honours in all nine papers written, which included five middle and

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RAREBITS 17 four upper papers. Evelyn Stewart won ten first class honours out of eleven papers written. She took firsts in all nine middle school papers, and a first and a third in the upper school. Alfred Homer took nine first class honours out of ten papers written, two being firsts in the middle examinations, while the others were in the upper school and were composed of seven firsts and a third. The percentage of passes was higher than in any previous year. The academic proficiency of our students has been recognized in many ways during the past few years. Two citizens have just recently donated Gold Medals for annual competition. Dr. W. A. Weaver has placed his medal on the Upper School Science while Dir. E. W. Williamson has granted his medal for the girl student making the highest standing in academic subjects and athletics combined. The school has appreciated these incentives and rewards for academic ability and faithful work. It is athletically, that the school has shown the greatest attainments for the year. The winning of the C.O.S.S.A. Championships by the Boys' Senior Rugby team and the Girls' Senior Basketball team has made history for the school. The athletic teams have been fittingly honoured and eulogized in the Dedicatory. Suffice it to say, that physical education has been fostered in our school with the thought that this phase is an essential part of education, and that an efficient system of education should encourage the concurrent development of healthy physique, keen intelligence and sound character. The Literary Society under an energetic and capable President, in the person of Reginald Cozens, has functioned most successfully. Our splendid auditorium has been a great asset in the many fine stage productions and social entertainments held during the year. The regular school literary programs were systematically conducted throughout the terms. The competitions in form debates and form programs have been of high order. The society has been able to donate two large form debating shields and a banner for form literary programs to adorn the walls and to serve as a record for the yearly winners of the competitions involved. A new departure for the society, and an excellent one, was the invitation to Parents and Guardians as guests of honour at the Hallowe'en Party. The annual Com- mencement Exercises were by general approval the best ever held. The net pro- ceeds from the two nights' running of the program were utilized in fitting the stage with back and wing curtains, which have made the platform a place of beauty and usefulness. The second annual school At-Home was a decided success, and thor- oughly enjoyed by the ex-students, members of the Board and our whole school. An unique extension of activities of the Society was the holding of the last general literary meeting in the Hume Theatre, when many public school pupils and citizens were present with the High school to see the educational and scientific talkie-picture Byrd at the South Pole . The venture was an outstanding success, both educa- tionally and financially. A Literary Society that can function, as indicated, is of inestimable worth to our school. The Students' Council, which was newly organized this year, has made a most auspicious start. A constitution was drafted, which has not only met with general approval, but has suited the requirements of the student body. The Council has just completed a competition for the selection of an official crest for Burlington High School. During the year the Council has given oversight and leadership to the other school societies. The President, Bruce Lindley, has shown sound judgment, and with the capable officers and members has carried out the duties and privileges of the Council in a competent manner. The Council has become safely anchored in our scnool life. Progress has been manifested in so many different ways. The holding of regular Monday morning assemblies has been a splendid factor in uniting the students into a respectful and mannerly audience and in keeping the announcements of all school activities before everyone. The equipping of the entire Cadet Corps with the first uniforms has improved the smartness and appearance of the cadets.