London Normal School - Spectrum Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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Social Activities of 1937-38 MANY books have I read; many passages have held me breathless, some with sur- prise, some with wonder. Perhaps the most awe-inspiring passage I have ever read is Section 100 (a) in the Duties or Teachers. The last phrase sounds something like this — to in- culcate by precept and example respect for truth, justice, loyalty, love of country, humanity, bene- volence, sobriety, industry, frugality, purity, tem- perance, and all other virtues. It is no wonder that we, as teachers-in-training, are determined to enjoy ourselves before receiving a certificate which binds us to accept such duties as these. This year there have been numerous concrete expressions of this determination to have one last fling before becoming a walking advertisement of all virtues. The staff and their wives enabled us to become better acquainted by inviting us to a lovely tea, early in the fall. Amidst the juggling of tea-cups and passing of cake, introductions were completed, friendships begun and appraisals made. By November the Student Cabinet had been elect- ed and on the 27th of that month the first informal dance of the term took place in the gymnasium. It would be superfluous for me to attempt to de- scribe this dance to you. Your own impressions are far more vivid and satisfying. Yet let me point out a few of the highlights to recall the gaiety and laughter. Who will ever for- get the grand march with people crowded all down the floor, and the staff hanging on for dear life,— the red and yellow decorations draped so effectively by Frank Bagnall and his helpers? Shall you ever cease remembering the sinking feeling you had while waiting for the escort supplied by the Date Bureau? Do you intend to obliterate the smiling faces of your friends as they gazed with curiosity at your Date Bureau escort? Can ' t you still taste the satisfying coolness of that punch? Do you re- collect that many of the Normal School boys were on the dance floor for the first time, and were anxious to do Miss Rider justice? I could go on indefinitely, but ' tis enough, ' twill serve. The next social event of the year was the Christmas party, and the Pageant. How clearly I can see the three bearded wisemen, and the one poor shepherd, whose knees shook violently as he bowed. While the old, familiar carols were sung there was a far-away look in many an eye. The first lap of the term was over and Christmas at home was forthcoming. The Christmas tree in the gymnasium was fun, too. What a perfect Santa Claus Mr. Hagerman made, and how anxiously Annie Snobelen watched his costume, — borrowed at the risk of her life! The toys were supposedly for the Welfare, but, if you look carefully, you will see Mr. McKone ' s Scotch doll on the window. I ' ll wager Miss Gahan kept her duck, too. Dr. Mark was presented with a kazoo, and his wife is still complaining. The folk dancing added the final touch to a perfectly grand party, convened by Annie Snobelen. The scene changes. It is snowing. There is ice, gleaming and white. Think of Sonja Henie. Yes, you have guessed it, — the skating party. This party was planned and carried out by the Men ' s and Women ' s Athletic Societies. After a limber- ing up of rusty joints, we were invited to the Y. W. C. A., where suitable refreshments were supplied. Mrs. Mark sat before the piano, Mr. McKone picked up a song sheet, and lo! a rousing sing-song evolved. Happy, exhausted students ate, sang, and grew sleepy. Mrs. Mark had to play Good- night Ladies three times before the hint was taken, and everyone rose to leave. Mary West, in charge of the party, received the congratulations of everyone for a healthful, happy, refreshing evening. Canada is noted for its icy, invigorating win- ters. Whirling gusts give rise to rosy cheeks, clear, bright eyes and wind-tossed hair. The old feel older, unable to bear the strain; the young feel younger, more alert, ready and eager for ex- citement. So it was that the Student Cabinet, Hushed by the success of their first dance, sought to undertake a second, to be bigger and better in every way. An atmosphere of suppressed delight surround- ed this dance. There were intriguing signs in the hall which advised that Riot, Rhythm, and Ro- mance were to be the keynotes. There were whis- pers of long, rustling taffeta dresses, and sleek satins, gaily coloured chiffons, gold trimming, flowers, exciting slippers, and novel hair-dresses. The boys appeared glum, and even sceptical, at first, but they were completely won over when the red and gold programmes with their fascinat- ing green ribbons appeared. Finally the night itself came. Do you remem- ber how lovely all the girls looked; how proud the boys were of their dull teachers-to-be who had blossomed into colourful, glamorous Mowers? Un- doubtedly the floor show provided a timely and enjoyable break in the evening ' s programme. Im- mortal figures were recreated by our Helen Lillie [ Continued on page 40 Page Fourteen

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The First Term Literary Society The Second Term Literary Society President — Thomas Billington Vice-President — Anne Hrynyk Secretary — Moneta Stinson Treasurer — Donald Fortune The form representatives were: Form I — Robert Harris Form II — Alma Gunning Form III — Isabel Matheson Form IV — Sister Jean. THE possibility of weaving drama in the school curriculum was shown in some of our early pro- grammes. Form IV presented the simple repro- duction story, The Lion and the Mouse, in the form of a playlet. Another clever production was a parody, Macbeth, presented by Form I, under the direction of Frank Bagnall. Community singing always proved a great boon to the literary meetings. From the beginning of the term Ruth Fox and Robert Harris proved themselves capable directors. Ruth ' s and Bob ' s musical talent helped to solve problems for the executive. The programme on December 8 was among the best of the term. The debate Resolved that Individuals have done more for the world, than have Professionals, was entertaining and well debated. The two beautiful strains, Santa Lucia and The Blue Danube Waltz, were beautifully rendered and will remain fixed in our memory. The choral reading selection, The Song My Paddle Sings, provided a new r kind of entertainment and was much enjoyed. The French programme, in which the minuet, French songs, and readings were presented owes its success to the competent director, Sister Jean. Throughout the entire term the guiding hand of the literary society was none other than Sister Jean. The literary executive were very fortunate in obtaining Mrs. Curnmings as guest speaker. Mrs. Cummings, who is famous in the art of story-tell- ing, brought us some beautiful stories. Gold Tree and Silver Tree, Little Black Sambo and one of Kipling ' s Just So stories entitled How The Rhino Got His Skin, w r ere among those presented to a very appreciative audience. We were further honoured when at Dr. Mark ' s re- quest Mrs. Cummings accepted the position of honorary member of our literary society. The tour to the grades of a public school was a very suitable farewell programme for the first term executive. The primary jingles and choral readings which were given revealed a new and interesting way of leading pupils to appreciate the musical rhythm of poetry. The literary society will always be an organiza- tion that provides further educational opportuni- ties for the students. The executive deeply ap- preciate the co-operation of students and staff in making possible these opportunities. — Moneta Stinson. President — Verna Mifflin ' ice-President — Edna Whittaker Secretary — Beulah Robbins Treasurer — Marion Ramsay Form representatives: Form I — John Schnekenburger Form II — Margaret Gliddon Form III — Jean Macdonald Form IV — Marion Roberts WE knew the First Term Literary Society Executive had set a high standard, so we were just a little timid about taking office; but we girded our armour on and stepped forward to the task and, under the very able guidance of our President, Miss Verna Mifflin, our meetings have been, quite successful. The second term began very musically, directed by the Form II Repres entative, Miss Margaret Gliddon, with a quartette and a duet and then a bit of childhood literature from Through the Looking Glass. This meeting ended on a happy note with impromptu speeches on remarkable topics — among them, What This School Needs, and Women ' s Hats. Stephen Leacock ' s writings, introduced for the first time to several of the students, proved popular, especially his article, Boarding House Geometry, which solaced many of those compelled to board. A delightful afternoon of children ' s literature proved that everyone had not become completely blase after five months in this noble Hall of Learn- ing. We were thrilled with some of the writings of Rose Fyleman, Isabelle Ecclestone MacKay, Wal- ter de la Mare, and Rudyard Kipling. Form IV made this contribution, led by Miss Marion Roberts. A short playlet, Catherine Parr, was vividly done and had us all feeling sorry for that unfor- tunate Queen. Mr. John Schnekenburger was First Form ' s representative and a Professor Quiz program pres- ented by that form was much enjoyed by the whole school. Even those who were on the platform answering questions seemed to enjoy the question- ing and they did very well indeed. The students had been hearing about the weather for several weeks, so what was more fit- ting than for that important topic to be introduced into the Literary Society meeting? Songs, poems, and drama highlighted the meeting. The crowning achievement of the Lit as this article goes to press is the dramatization of The Rivals by Form II. Each character in the play was portrayed by several students in different scenes. All were remarkably well done and kept us interested from beginning to end. All charac- ters were in costume and the presentation revealed to us the drama, humour, and excitement that can spring from the printed page into a very interesting and successful program. — Jean Mac Donald. Page Thirteen

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! GIRLS ' ATHLETICS 1 FIRST TERM Sport that wrinkled care derides A nd La it liter holding both her sides. —Milton. seemed to be the key-note introduced by the Girls ' Athletic Society. The executive for the fall and winter term were Miss Mary West, president; Miss Jean Brown, vice-president, and Miss Jean Norton, secretary-treasurer, along with the four form representatives, Miss Jean Brown, Miss Made- line Hilborn, Miss Bernice Mills, and Miss Rena Shed. Girls ' Activities Under the direction of Miss Bernice Mills as manager, and the leadership of Miss Mary West, as captain, the speedy forward line of Jean Ham- mond, Jean Norton, Betty Jackson, Mary West and Evelyn Hicks, and the close checking line of Bernice Mills, Rena Shed, Moneta Stinson, Eleanor Hicks, and Anne Hrynyk, led the Normal School to a victory in the opening game of the City League against the London Shamrocks. In a crowded gymnasium at the H. B. Beal Technical School, the Normal girls exhibited their finest basketball technique of the season. How- ever, the result proved disappointing. Opportunity for playing basketball was ex- tended to a wider circle throughout the school by the Interform basketball matches. Keen com- petition was exhibited by each of the four forms, but Form III carried all the honours in a final game against Form II. The winning team com- posed of Isabel Matheson, Dorothy Long, Bertha Mannen, Doris Lucas, Jean Mowers, Hilda North and Jean Neely, each received a memento of the London Normal School. — Jean Norton T SECOND TERM HE second term executive of the Athletic Society was elected Feb. 4, 1938. President — Eleanor Hicks Vice-President — Norma Hayward Secretary — Jean Hammond Form Representatives — Form 1 — Alice Brown Form II — Margaret Dobie Form III — Doris Lucas Form IV — Eleanor Ogletree . The basketball season continued with a game be- tween Central Collegiate Wossa Champions for 1938, and the Normal. The Normal School team held the lead throughout the greater part of the game, but the last few seconds determined the ver- dict, with a score of 28-27 for Central. A joint meeting of the executive of the girls ' and boys ' societies resulted in the arrangement of a game with Wallaceburg. On the eventful night, the Normal boys outshone the Wallaceburg boys in a glorious victory. After the game a social hour was greatly enjoyed by all. The girls served coca-cola and doughnuts and suitable music for dancing in the gymnasium was provided by the phonograph. On Friday evening, March 25th, the girls ' and boys ' basketball teams, with a crowd of eager spectators, journeyed to Ingersoll. The Ingersoll girls gained ground in the first quarter and with the final whistle the score was 38-27 in their favour. However, the girls ' loss was balanced by the boys ' success. After the games the party hastened to the Olympia for refreshments. Arrangements are already in progress for soft- ball and it is hoped that the girls will gain much enjoyment in this activity. — Jean Hammond ♦ Page Fifteen