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

Page 9 text:

Sow an action and reap a habit. Sow a habit and reap a character. Sow a character and reap a destiny. How sharply these few lines of William James bring into focus the responsibility of teachers! We must constantly guard against submerging our talents, our training, and our energies in a sea of trivia. Such short-sightedness will blind us to the challenging, vital task of developing citizens whose personalities glow , whose characters are strong and whose minds are keen. The chief goal of early education is the un- conscious moulding of the mind and character, said Plato. So did Sir Richard Livingstone when he maintained that the teacher ' s major aim should be to kindle the inquiring mind and not to build storehouses of knowledge. The most precious fruits of a good teacher ' s work, said Livingstone, are those that he is never likely to see. Our effect upon a child ' s quest for his potential, though immeasurable in part, nevertheless is most signifi- cant. To have a share in this search makes ours a truly, noble profession. We must, therefore, continually strive to be worthy of the responsibility which is ours. The magnitude of our opportunity is emphasized in William Wordsworth ' s immortal line, The child is father to the man, and in Alexander Pope ' s verse, ' Tis education that forms the common mind; Just as the twig is bent the tree ' s inclined. To accept these thoughts is surely to accept the responsibility to prepare youths for abundant living . Is this not the chief role of education? Let us resolve to look upon those we teach as individuals striving for fulfillment, deserving of our under- standing, and needing our trust. Let us believe in their worth and let us respect the dignity of each as a fellow man. By such a course, we can help to create the good in which we believe. W.T. TOWNSHEND Acting Vice -Principal 5

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Mr. F. G. Walker B.A., B.Ed. Industrial Arts, Mathematics Mr. J. N. Thomson B.A., B.Ed. Art Mr. R. S. Smith B. A., B.Ed. School Management, Mathematics Miss W. Singer B.A., B.L. S. Librarian, Library Science, Children ' s Literature Mr. S.J.Rogers M.A. , B. Sc. History, English A, Social Studies 7