Elmwood School - Samara Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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SAMARA 13 the concluding scene was directed by Myron McTavish, Mus. B., F.C.C.O. Appearing in the various roles were Anne Binks, Joan Creighton, Avril Crabtree, Mary Osier, Elizabeth Hardy, Nancy Kennedy, Jacqueline Workman, Elizabeth Edwards, Nancy Paterson, Ogden Blackburn, Mary Wurtele, Anne Powell, Norma Wilson, Nancy Bowman, Marise Bishop, Priscilla Aylen, Helen Christie, Dorothy Davis, Pauline Watkins, Nita Nichols, Felicity Hastings, Joyce Haney, Joana Rowlatt, Shelagh Nolan, Lois Lambert, Felicia Magor, Betty Caldwell, Noreen Haney, Veryan Yarrow. — M. A.B. LECTURE NOTES This year as in other years we have been privileged to hear a variety of interesting lectures. On October 30th, Dr. Horwood of the Toronto Conservatory of Music gave a lecture on how music is composed. He gave many amusing illustrations on the piano, showing us how popular music is very often made up of several well known tunes borrowed from other composers. Major McKeand paid us his usual visit on Armistice Day. His lecture made us all think more seriously about our place in the world after the war. On November 14th we heard a most en- joyable lecture by Mr. Humphrey on British Columbia. As well as telling us of the many beauties of that province he showed some wonderful coloured slides. I am sure that after the lecture we all felt we should like to spend our next summer holidays in British Columbia. On November 20th Miss Hazel told us about her annual caravan trip to outlying settlements in the west. We are always glad to welcome Miss Hazel and she tells us many new interesting experiences each year. In February Miss Foster told the mernbers of the Intermediate and Junior school about the work of the Nasic hospital in India. The school has been supporting a cot in this hospital and we were very interested to hear about the work being done there. On March 8th Miss Warren gave a delightful lecture on the Scandinavian countries. It was made all the more in- teresting by the showing of slides of her own paintings which were lovely. On April 30 Mrs. Milton F. Gregg told us about her experiences in England. She described her work in a Toe H canteen and a hospital for Canadian soldiers. Her in- formation about what articles of clothing are most needed was very useful to those of us who are knitting or sewing for the war effort. A. P. FICTION LIBRARY NOTES Fiction Library Staff: — Felicity Hastings Paula Peters Ann Goodeve We have tried to get the fiction library fully organized this year, and with the help of Miss Spencer most of the books are catalogued and every member has a library card. This year we have had many members especially among the Juniors and they all make great use of the library. Two new books have been bought French- man ' s Creek, by the well-known author, Daphne du Maurier, and ' My Friend Flicka, by Mary O ' Hara. Both books have been very popular among all ages. A few books are being given to the Shernfold School and perhaps some to a hospital. F. H. LIBRARY NOTES Library Staff: — Nancy Kennedy Betty Caldwell Anne Binks Veryan Yarrow. This year a new system of filing and taking out of books was introduced into the library. The books were re-arranged into three sections; Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Plays. Displays of various types of books were presented throughout the year, and it is felt that these displays helped to stimulate

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12 SAMARA in movement but in the main, these and the many other mascuhne roles in the play were done with a great deal of credit to both the girls themselves and their talented directress, Miss Miriam Graham, the mistress responsible for their advancement. As the title implies, The Lady With a Lamp is the story of the life of Florence Nightingale. It is a graphic picture of a life spent in self-sacrificing, unselfish work, a life in which obstacles and disappoint- ment were there to be overcome and a life which saw in full measure the ideals of am- bitious youth fulfilled. It glorifies Woman and depicts, wha t a mere male is forced to admit, that the contempt of the determined woman for precedent and red tape brings needed reforms into being more speedily than they ordinarily would. Although The Lady With a Lamp is a story of the past, Reginald Berkley makes much of the dialogue equally applicable to the present. His jibes at the Treasury Board and its cheese-paring attitude during the Crimean War drew from last night ' s audience appreciative laughter. So did his contempt for hidebound official regulations and the horror of officialdom of trying to get things done in business-like ways. Brilliant Performance Last night ' s presentation, as we have al- ready said, was excellent. It was made remarkable by the outstanding performance of Jacqueline Workman who played Florence Nightingale in Acts I and II. It was dif- ficult to realize that the part was being played by a school girl. Possessed of one of the most beautiful speaking voices it has been our privilege to hear from any stage, Miss Workman made her heroine live and breathe again. Florence Nightingale ' s lovely personality, her determination in the face of almost insufferable obstacles, her re- solution and above all her true womanliness were all drawn with what almost might be called inspiration. It was a tender and moving portrayal. Elizabeth Edwards played the leading role in Acts III and IV, the later periods of Florence Nightingale ' s life. While her per- formance was perhaps not so appealing nevertheless it brought out to the full the great woman ' s resolution and the love of work for work ' s sake. Her portrayal of the end of a wonderful life at a great age was beautifully done. It is impossible to mention individually the performances of every member of the cast. For one thing there were so many roles that some of the girls had to play as many as three parts, and for another reason that space forbids. However, we should like to mention the Elizabeth Herbert ' s of Elizabeth Hardy and Nancy Kennedy, the kindly and un- derstanding Lord Palmerston of Avril Crab- tree and the Dr. Sutherland of Dorothy Davis. The latter was especially good and would have been better had she not had to try so hard to assume a Scottish accent. The Corporal Jones of Anne Binks was an ex- cellent bit of comedy and so was Nancy Bowman ' s Lady Heritage and Lord Mayor. A word of sincere praise must also be given for Mary Osier ' s interpretation of the well meaning but mistaken garrulous Mrs. Night- ingale. Joan Creighton too, was very good as Sidney Herbert. One Disagreement On the side of criticism we have to say that we disagree most emphatically with the touch of burlesque given to what was mea nt to be the impressive scene of the belated recognition of Florence Nightingale ' s life work at her investiture with the Order of Merit. While, undoubtedly, it was funny, it was entirely out of place and could not have been remotely near the actuality. It seemed to discredit the heroine. Then also it seems impossible for a girl to bring realism to a love scene when she has to play the male. Girls in masculine roles never seem to know what to do with their arms but then, male amateurs are equally at fault in most cases. Make-up was better than last year but there was still room for improvement. Costumes were really wonderful and in keeping with the periods. Settings were as usual ex- cellent and the lighting good although a little spotty in places. Audibility was prac- tically perfect. We notice that one of the girls, Nadine Christie, was stage manager and with so large a cast and so many scenes to deal with it must be said that she did ex- cellent work. The scenery was painted by the senior art class under the direction of Miss H. Mabel May and the school choir in

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14 SAMARA interest in the library. A book-day was held to acquaint the girls with the library system of filing and grouping. We would like to thank the girls who were of such assistance to us on this day and at other times. The Second and Third Forms have a small library of their own. They were very co- operative in presenting several of the book displays. We would like to thank Mrs. MacLaren for her gift to the library of the set of books, ' ' Nelson ' s History of the First World War, and Mrs. G. M. Edwards for the volumes of Modern Eloquence. The following books have been added to the library this year: Microbe Hunters — Paul de Kruif The Keys of the Kingdom — A. J. Cronin Rebecca — Daphne du Maurier 1940— Arthur Mee Everyday Problems in Science — Pieper and Beauchamp Mathematics for the Millions — Lancelot Hogben The Soong Sisters — Emily Hahn. Berlin Diary — -William Shirer. N. K. DANCING NOTES May the 15th was the day of Elmwood ' s dancing recital of 1942. Under the able direction of Miss Snell and Miss Graham, the classes presented a very enjoyable after- noon ' s entertainment. The programme con- sisted of original dances and a play by the Junior girls; Greek dances and a mime by the senior girls; musical selectl-Cns by Elizabeth Hardy and Jacqueline Workman; and songs by the choir. The last two were under the direction of Myron MacTavish. I think we should say ' hats off to Mrs. Moore and Miss Fischl for their excellent accompaniment throughout the programme, and for their patience all year with the many repetitions necessary for us as we learned the steps. V. Y. AT TWILIGHT I love on winter evenings When it ' s cold and bleak outside, To settle in a comfy chair With a book by the fireside. I read of knights and princes Who fought in battles of old, And tales of patient fair maidens Waiting for their heroes bold. I read about lions and tigers. Of pirates sailing the seas. Of Cinderella ' s glass slipper, Of gypsies, Turks, Chinese. And so I sit there enraptured By the strange folk which Bookland reveals And the clock on the mantle ticks onward But I think not of bed-time or meals. As the shadows of night form around me, I suddenly am aware That night is quickly approaching And the embers no longer flare. So I leave for the present time only Those entrancing folk of romance, And unwillingly withdraw from the fireside. Slowly wakening out of my trance. Phillipa McLaren Form Vc Keller THE SNOW STORM The sky is darkening, the clouds draw near, The snow is coming, the cold ' s more severe, The wind is rising, it creaks and it moans As it cuts the air with high pitched tones. It eddies, it twists, it lifts and it falls, It dances, it drives against barricade walls. Pine trees bend and protest with a howl. They sway and cry like the frightened owl. The storm is increasing, the wind continues. The snow drives on stretching out white sinews. But then comes a break in the dull grey sky, — The wind is softening its angry cry. The clouds drift away and let in the light Which shines on the earth now blanketed white. Joyce Haney Form VI Fry