Elmwood School - Samara Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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Probably we have all wondered at one time or another why closing exercises are called commencement exercises. As a result, many of us have been convinced that commencement means end, rather than beginning. When we were very little, all it meant was No more pencils, no more books. As we grow older, although we still often associate it with an immediate holiday, it takes on added and deeper meaning each year, until, finally, when it is time to leave school, its significance becomes sad and almost awe-inspiring. In a way, we would be almost justified in having a moment of nervous indecision. The goals we set for ourselves now will almost certainly affect our future permanently. It is up to us, ourselves alone, to pause at this stage of our lives, and decide, once and for all, what our ideals are going to be, and what principles we are going to try to live by. All of us will have a bit of reforming to do. Most of us will probably lo it. Some of us will do it better than others, and by the time we reach old age — no, even before we finish preparing for careers — perhaps none of us will have achieved what she considers true success. No wonder so much emphasis is placed .on this period of a student ' s life! What constitutes a worthwhile life? We can ' t all be brilliant in schoolwork, in sports, or in dramatics. We can ' t all be openly religious with a breath-taking grasp of philosophy. If we have even one of these qualities, we usually feel pretty satisfied with ourselves. It is a great temptation to let the rest ride as we usually do, either because we just cannot be bothered, or because somehow we honestly cannot see how it could be as important as that. From now on, we are really on our own. We must decide what really matters to us. If, when we are seventy-two years old, we suddenly decide we have not been doing what we really wanted to in life, it may be too late. Even if we can still be successful Albert Schweitzers, think of all the precious time wasted on the wrong track! This is it. This is the zero hour. Since we are all different, each will have to choose her path differently, but all our goals will have one thing in common: the desire to please others, if only for our personal satisfaction. We will not have the same demands on us, but there will be crises to face and measure up to for everyone. Only we can tell how we are going to do this, but we must never make the mistake of thinking we can do it by ourselves. We need faith, not only in God, as we have been told all our lives, but in ourselves and our ability. As we reach the final years of school, we find that our awareness of our capabilities is something relatively new. No longer are we children, ardently worshipping and bitterly criticizing the older girls. As we take on new responsibilities, we become more self-reliant, and more tolerant of others. We need others to succeed. And so here we are, on the prophetic threshold of life. What does it mean to you? Does it mean merely that we and our descendants will be left to cope with a crazy era of rockets and baby moons, and so eat, drink, and be merry? No doubt everyone who has ever finished school, in any time, has come up occasionally with this thought. Yet, somehow, the bungling world goes on, and in spite of our morbid thoughts, the world has always eventually emerged a bit brighter, and a lot more appreciated. We won ' t all be famous international figures. Perhaps none of us will be. Com- mencement? Commencement of what? Whatever it may be, let us go on, resolved to give life nothing but our best, to appreciate all those around us, and — above all — never to lose hope. IN MEMORIAM It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mr. G. Maxwell Edwards husband of the former Chairman of the Board. From 1950 until 1956 Mrs. Edwards served as Chairman. For many more years she has been a good friend of the school and devoted to its interests. Four daughters also attended the school. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs. Edwards and the family. Pago 4

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My Dear Girls: There is a saying by Santayana, Prison walls fall for the Christian. How true! For the Christian lives in two worlds at the same time — the world outside and the world within. Both are important and we must make a success of both. If, however, we put too much emphasis on the material or the world of things, it may be taken from us at any moment. On the other hand, the world inside us will stay with us wherever we go. Just because we can ' t lose it, we must give it its true value and make it as rich and beautiful as we can. A well-stored mind prevents defeat. And yet, how many of you lack respect for honest work and fail to think things out for yourselves. What is the use of accumulating f acts if you can ' t master these facts to solve your personal problems, and those of your friends and acquaintances? Cultivate your mind — read, listen, think! Take an interest in books, in music, in art. Keep in touch with the masterpieces of the past and remember that our times are only a small portion of the living whole. The way to follow has been paved for us by the great philosophers of the past. If we can sift their thoughts, and arrive at our own conclusions; if we can set standards for ourselves; if we can maintain an interest in learning so that we ever desire to find Truth; then we can double our action in life because our minds will be secure. There are three thoughts upon which I should like you to meditate. They are keys to successful living: (1) It is better to struggle against difficulties than to have everything you (2) He who is neither anxious to please nor afraid to displease men enjoys true peace. All unrest of heart and distraction of mind spring from disorderly affections and groundless fears. (3) He is truly great, who is great in the love of God. He is truly great, who is humble in mind and regards earth ' s highest honours as nothing. He is truly wise who counts all earthly things as of no account in order that he may win Christ. And he is truly learned who renounces his own will for the will of God. Thomas Kempis wrote these words six centuries ago. They have stood the test of time. May they be reflected in your lives is the sincere wish of your Headmistress. wish. Affectionately yours, Page 3

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ruJuatin Seniors LYNNE CASTONGUAY He scatters enjoyment who can enjoy rmtch. Lynne has been with us for twelve lively years, and in that time she has really proved her value to the school. She has been Form Captain several times, and was Keller ' s able Sports Captain last year. Did I say sports? It is hard to find a trophy here that does not have Lynne ' s name neatly engraved on it at least once! This year Lynne has risen to the exalted rank of Head Girl, and has done a tough job well. She has been a popular leader and organizer, and conducts school activities with great savoir faire. Besides all this she is one of our best forwards on the school basketball team. Next year Lynne is planning to go to Europe, and if she learns to speak French as well as she speaks English with a French accent ( ! ) her success is assured . . . We will miss your merry quips ( ! ) and impish smile, but it would be selfish not to share you with others, so off you must go. Thanks, Lynne, for all your school spirit, and bonne chance! RENEE DARRICADES O, beautiful and grand, My own, my native land! Renee is a relative newcomer to Elmwood for she has been with us for only two years. But, oh, those two years! The reason for the quotation is that Renee is from Chile, and if it is really as she says, Chile, here we come! Rain, as we call her, is Editor of this year ' s magazine and is really doing a wonderful job. One of Nightingale ' s best actresses, she is an excellent storyteller — just like Danny Kaye! This year Rain is a busy senior in the boarding school and the fabulous head of Nightingale. Besides all this Renee manages to pull off top marks in her exams. Though undecided about next year Renee is planning on a writing career. Best of luck, Rain! JOAN GRIER What a fine woman, Hath your ' taylor ' made you! Joan has done a wonderful job this year as Head of Keller. She has led her House to victory in the House Collec- tions and House Plays just to mention a few details. Knuckles came to Elmwood from King ' s Hall, Compton, just two years ago and has fitted in very well. Joan is the artist of the class, and has done an excellent job as head of the Decorating Committee for the dances. Although the youngest member of her class, Joan always manages to rank among the top when the reports come out. She participates in all the House games and adds a great amount of spirit to them. She is espe- cially interested in basketball but you never know when you ' ll see her cheering on the Fisher Team!! Her plans for the coming year are indefinite but what- ever she does we ' re sure she ' ll be a success. Best of luck from us all, Joan. Page 5