London South Collegiate Institute - Oracle Yearbook (London, Ontario Canada)

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50 L. S. C. I. ORACLE DRAMATIC EXECUTIVE' Back Row Cleft to rightj-F. White Mr. Freeman G. Ross Centre Row Cleft to rightj- H. Thomas Mr. Jennings. Front Row Cleft to rightj-M. Trout Mrs. Carr-Harris J. Watt. THE HOUSE WITH THE TWISTY WIN OWS One of the most interesting literary programmes of the year 1931 was embodied in a one-act play called, The House with the Twisty Windows. It was the story of a band of English people who, while travelling in Russia, had been captured by the revolutionists and put into prison for the purpose of supplying information which it was believed they had. Harassed by the fear of almost certain d.eath, each individual gave way to his emotions. The vast differ- ence in the reactions of each made the play intensely' dramatic. ' The title of the play was taken from a fairy tale which ran throughout it and which was symbolic of the state of mind of the one man of the group, who sacrificed his life to save another. The part of Lady Ponting, who en- deavours to keep up the morale of the little group was most capably played by Marjorie Pegg. Betty Holmes did full justice to the character of Anne Sorrell, who contributes much to the suspense and dramatic action of the plot. Betty Fraser gave a very sym- pathetic interpretation of the character of Heather Sorrell. The men of the play provide a series of contrasts. The emotional, highly- strung Charlie Clive, well played by Clifford Ready, is an effective foil for the character of Roper, the lawyer. An excellent portrayal of this shrewd man of affairs was given by George Fraser. Strong, matter-of-fact, without im- agination, he forms a striking contrast to the difficult role of Moore, the Irish- man Cwell interpreted by F rank Whitel, whose imaginative character with its sincerity and sympathy, dominates the situation at the close of the play. In the back-ground we find Stepan, the jailor, well taken by Hugh Thomson. The untiring, patient work of Mrs. Carr-Harris and of the pupils who com- posed the dramatic personnel, was very greatly appreciated by the students, as was shown by their undivided attention and their tremendous applause. 4, , . i

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L. S. C. LORAFLE 49 i' ga' imlxf If of outfit f' Ee, Editor, ELEANOR HALEY, IV A SOCIAL LIFE AT sour:-I Social activities at South End ex- pression in many spheres of school life. They enable a student to discover something which interests him, some- thing to which he is especially adapted. The staging of a play, for example, often brings our remarkable talent which has, perhaps, been quite unknown before. Our Orchestra and Glee Club, too, call out the more artistic temperament of the student and who knows but this may even interest him in a musical career? Then the Literary Society and the Public Speaking may develop future speakers who gain confidence in their own ability to interest an audience. Most' important of all, the social life of the school teaches a student to make friends who will become a part of his life on leaving. Here one learns to mix with others, co-operate and above all to be a good sport. This phase is developed to a great extent in our numerous athletic activities. Sometimes we don't quite realize how much these things outside of school do for us. They break the monotony of every-day classes, lend meaning to school life and give a finer character to the individual, so that it is not all work, but some play. As for the ORACLE, that certainly is great training and one of the best means of discovering literary and artistic talent. Each one in South has some special talent which can find an opening where it is appreciated in the many activities of the school. Discover yours and you have found yourself and your work. , E. B. H. OUR AT HOME Each year the students and teachers try to make the At Home bigger and better than ever. Last year, under the capable management of Mr. Arm- strong, it was a tremendous success. At eight-thirty all the students as- sembled in the auditorium awaiting the opening programme. Miss Frances Glazier, A.T.C.M., played the piano in her charming manner. Jerry Copple- man, one of South's budding artists, contributed a very pleasing vocal solo, which was followed by a delightful reading by Beth Atcheson. Helen Wilkie showed the audience some of her remarkable' dancing, and last but not least was a musical comedy given by two of South's well-known students, Harold Kester and Ed. Fox. Following this interesting and de- lightful programme we adjourned to the gymnasium and library. To our amazement the bare gym- nasium had been transformed into a magnificent ballroom, reminding one of a roof-garden of some summerihotel. The walls were decorated with the Union Jack and Canadian flags, the lowered roof and orchestra platform were done in blue and old rose coloured streamers. For those who did not dance, games were play ed in the library. Such games as crockinole and checkers were en- joyed by about one hundred students. When the games and dancing were over, tired but happy students left the school remarking that this had been the best yet. -IRENE HUNT

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L. S. C. I. ORACLE 51 CONGRATULATIONS The staff and students of the South Collegiate join in extending their very heartiest congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Freeman, whose wedding was one of the very happy events of last June. Mr. Freeman is now start- ing his third year as a member of the staff and the great interest which the student body showed concerning his affairs last June proves conclusively that he is very popular with every member. Once more, then, we join in best wishes for all time to come. WELCOME TO OUR MIDST With the opening of the fall term, we are very pleased to receive into the life and activities of our school, two new members of our teaching staff, Miss McRobert and Miss Hilliard. Miss Helen Hilliard, B.A., was born in the town of Morrisburg on the banks of the noble St. Lawrence. She received her early education there, and graduated with honours from the Mor- risburg High School. After this she continued her quest for education at Victoria College, Toronto. While at the University, Miss Hilliard estab- lished a brilliant record in her academic work, and won considerable fame as a member of the Varsity Girls' Hockey Team. Although this is Miss Hilliard's first experience in teaching her ability as a teacher in Moderns is very ap- parent in the classes under her in- struction. The responsibility of coach- ing the First Year Basketball Team constitutes a part of her work and already great things are promised for the future. About - some years ago on a quiet farm in the township of Caradoc, ad- jacent to the village of Melbourne lived Miss Jean McRobert. At an early age she entered the Melbourne Public School and continued her studies through the Continuation classes, com- pleting her matriculation at the Strath- roy Collegiate. She pursued her course at Western University, specializing in mathematics and physics. The desire to qualify herself thoroughly for educa- tional purposes, led her to take an extra year at Toronto University, where she achieved distinction in her studies in pure mathematics, graduating with an M.A. degree and being awarded the gold medal. One year later Miss McRobert was engaged as a mathematical teacher in Blenheim High School, where she re- mained for two years. Apart from the academic work Miss McRobert has always shown a great interest in the social life of the school. Already she has won for herself a permanent place in the respect and confidence of the staff and students. -EVELINA THOMPSON, IV Al-