Chelsea High School - Beacon Yearbook (Chelsea, MA)

Page 18 text:

We Are Coached Miss McKenna and Miss Burke direct a Spanish drama Miss Deasy directing Latin Stars Miss Mary Brodbine, Miss Connelly, and Miss Anna Brodbine, directors of French Where can we get a trot, Miss Burnett? As the cui tain rises for this scene we are in France, engaged in a lively French conversation. We are talking of the weather, the time of day, and of our health. This gives us excellent prac¬ tice m using the phrases and idioms which are necessary for travellers. But the study of French in the Chelsea High School goes beyond learning to speak the language. There is extensive drill on grammar and, in the course of the year, we each read several of the French classics. Our classes are ably directed by Miss Frances M. Connolly and Miss Anna M. Brodbine. These directors are especially well qualified since they both have traveled widely in France. Thus they can enrich our classes by giving first-hand descriptions of famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Triumphal Arch, Napoleon’s Tomb, and Notre Dame. In spite of the fact that we were at war with Germany, the German language continued to be studied at the Chelsea High School. This is a good thing, for a large number of our famous scientists, musicians, and mathematicians were German and in studying the language we uncon¬ sciously learn of these great men. We have a fine director in Miss Ruth M. Severance. Under her guidance we learn to read and write the language efficiently, we study German plays and poetry, and in addition we gain a valuable understanding of old Germany and its people.

Page 17 text:

Our Lines In connection with these phases of Eng¬ lish our directors h ave emphatically stressed the importance of a broad vocabulary; for words are the very foundation of the mas¬ tering of a language. We can gain more words by intelligent reading, comprehensive speaking, and careful listening. Many stu¬ dents will find that a broad vocabulary is especially important; for a large percentage of the examinations given prior to entrance in various branches of the armed forces and certain colleges emphasize words. Along this same line of study we have had constant practice in writing original compositions and essays. In this way we have reviewed and supplemented the gram¬ mar principles while perfecting our writing style. Now, more than ever, the ability to write well is a definite asset and oftentimes imperative in this modern world which of¬ fers unlimited opportunities in the field of journalism. Yes, our English course at the Chelsea High School has been well rounded and made especially adaptable for our use in the future years. Miss Cox assigns the parts Miss Rigney, Miss Kintz, and Mr. Stewart decide on a play Miss Cogan watching stars and starlets Miss Wright coaches future Shakespeare’s

Page 19 text:

In Foreign Languages Now the scene changes and we see in the background Rome at the time of Caesar ' s reign. There are pictures of Rome and Latin mottos on the walls of the stage to put the young actors and actresses in the appropriate mood. Here we translate the story of Caesar’s Gallic Wars which can so profitably he associated with the happenings of to-day. This scene is managed by our talented directors. Miss Ella M. Deasy, and Miss Agnes E. Burnett. Under their fine direction we students learn of Roman culture and hear the amusing old Greek myths. We will never look upon Latin as a “dead language” when we realize what great benefits it has for us. For one thing, we learn the definitions of countless English words because of their derivation from Latin. Also, many of our social customs and the foundation of our system of government are taken directly from Roman civilization. The popularity and importance of the Spanish language have been increasing steadily for many years. The students of the Chelsea High School realize this; therefore the next scene is one with a Latin American atmosphere. Here, under these able directors, Miss Josephine Burke, Miss Rose McKenna, and Miss Mary Brodbine we learn the fundamentals of Spanish and also learn the customs, history, and occupations of those who speak this musical language. We also read Spanish hooks and study the lives of Spanish heroes as well as converse in Spanish with our classmates. In post-war years this knowledge of Spanish will be a great aid to us; for the future promises closer relations with South America than we have ever known. Our next setting is sunny Italy in pre-war days. Here we, the students of the Chelsea High School, many of Italian descent, study the language of this Mediterranean country making it pos¬ sible to converse with parents at home and classmates at school. Our director of this scene is the enthusiastic Mr. Albert F. Pierotti who gives us instructions in Italian grammar, literature, and poetry. Miss Severance and German players Understudies taking cues in Spanish Parlez-vous franeais?