Elmwood School - Samara Yearbook (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

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4 SAMARA cli tonal As it must happen to every school editor every year, I couldn ' t think of anything on which to base the editorial. I frantically read through old yearbooks in hope of inspiration. No use, however! It seemed to me that ninety percent of the editorials I read were directed to the graduating classes. Nothing wrong with that, but I wanted a topic I could write on that would concern all of Elmwood, even the staff. I grumbled to myself for quite some time about the injustice of having to write editorials. Then it struck me that everyone in the world (more often than not) will grumble and complain when he should be counting his blessings. Please forgive me if I turn this into a sermon — I ' m trying my best not to. Nevertheless, think of some of the ridiculous things we have complained and will complain about: too much homework, perhaps a detention for talking in prayers — or maybe we are furious because bad w eather ruined plans for a beach party. The list of complaints could go on forever in varying degrees of importance. How ridiculous it is when you stop to think! Here we are, healthy, happy people, in a beautiful free country, with nice homes and families and attending a well- known and respected school. This list of blessings could also go on forever if we thought about it long enough. We really haven ' t a right in the world to complain, especially when people in other countries are starving and unhappy. I could write pages on this subject, but I shall say just one thing more. The next time you find yourself complaining about one thing or another — stop for just a second. Remind yourself how very lucky you are — and thank God. TTlagazine Staff EDITOR — SUE HAMILTON Advertising — Judy Ewing Assistant — Ann McDowell Literary: Judy Brown, Cathy Bratton, Carolyn Strauss, Sue Southam, Photography — Lex Thoman. Sports — Di Smith, Heather Blaine.

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S A iM A R A 3 Dear Elmwoodians, Before we have quite realized it, another year has rolled to a close and our graduates are leaving behind their influence upon Elmwood and taking with them, in varying degrees, the knowledge of the things they have learned and the convictions of the truths at which they have arrived. I like to think that the intangibles will always remain permanent even though the book- learning is soon forgotten: for a good school is judged by the characters of the girls who leave it each year. The test of whether your experience at Elmwood has been worth while will depend upon what truth means to you. Is your mind capable of recognizing facts as they are? Is knowledge to you distinct from opinion and irrational conviction? Can vou lose yourself (your selfhood) in the things you contemplate? To the degree that this is possible, you have taken hold of truth, and, to the same degree, you can enjoy not only your own life but the life of the universe around you. I think it was Aristotle who said that in knowledge joined with love we have indeed the only lasting riches. Material things are a mere utility, something outside ourselves and of little intrinsic value; but the treasures of the heart and mind remain with us forever and are of eternal value. In this world where time is of the essence, we must learn to discern the things worthy of attention and to neglect the rest. In other words, we must learn where to put the emphasis and then to give it our whole-hearted support. God alone is the maker of truth. Never forget that when we receive it humbly from Him, we take the first step in a purposeful, exciting, and successful life. I Affectionately,

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S A Al A R A 5 S ead Qirl, [Prefects and SKouse (Seniors Diana Lawson: ' Love has many facets, viine—tk htt a male. ' ' ' ' Di, sometimes known by that other name , has done a wonderful job this year as Head Girl, performing all her duties with cheerfulness and savoir-faire. She has proved to be an enthusiastic leader and organizer, and has worked tirelessly at all our school activities. One of Di ' s assets is her great booming voice which echoes through the hall before prayers every morning pleading for no nail polish and please, no jewelry. Di has been a great help for Sherrill and Nightingale too. This year she helped her house on to victory as a member of their basketball and volleyball teams. Of course with Di ' s height, every opponent panicked. Di is happily throwing away her compass and burning her French books this summer to go into nursing ne.xt fall. All of us wish you the best of luck, Di, and thank you for all your school spirit and a wonderful year. Ruth Petrie: To be merry best becomes you; for out of question you were born in a merry hour. With her we ' coming smile and friendly manner Roo has won many friends during her five years at Elmwood. During this time she has taken part in sports, house plays, and all other school activities. This year, her second year of being a school officer, she has done an admirable job of being Head of Fry House, also managing to come up with first class marks in most of her subjects. This summer Roo is off to the mysterious East— India— for a few months. Perhaps she will return with an elephant tusk, or even a Maharaja in tow to show for all her travels. This September she is hoping to go to McGill to take an Arts course. So whether you be in far away places, or right here in Ottawa, Roo, our good wishes go with you! Jane Rowley: I-Fe have beeii frie?ids together in sunshine and in shade. — Morto72. Having been with her since 19.56, we can look back on Jane ' s quiet rise to power. This year she has been the able and well-liked head of Keller House. Although Jane does not excell in sports, she has lent her time and energy to every school activity that has come along, including giving a brilliant performance as Madeleine in Keller ' s 19-59 play. Miracle at Blais. Jane seems to have formed a habit of commuting between India and Canada. This summer she is off to India again, taking Ruth with her to marvel at the Asiatic ways. We don ' t know what the future has in store for her, but we can be sure it will be good. All our best wishes go with you, Jane.