Regina Collegiate Institute - Souvenir Yearbook (Regina, Saskatchewan Canada)

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A Qvuirni nf 1112152151 Bear Probably the outstanding features of this ye-ar about to close, were the marked increase in attendance, and the unprecedented expansion in the night classes. The increased numbers in the day classes affected all the forms, but more especially the commercial classes. Over one hundred more students Were enrolled than in any preceding year, and the registration in the-Commercial Depart- ment was double that of last year. Many conditions have brought about this increase, but the termination of the War was probably the greatest factor. During the harrassing years of 1917 and 1918 it was impossible for any young man to plan his future, and many girls, who in normal times would be found in schools, were engaged in various activities, directly or indirectly contributing to the pro- secution of the War. Many of these young people have returned to either da.y or evening classes. The prosperous conditions in the rural districts surrounding Regina, have enabled many farmers to give their children the benefit of a high school education, and the attendance from the rural sections has doubled during the past year. These increases Will continue during the coming years, as the Whole continent is feeling this boom in primary and secondary education, and vocational courses are to be added to the traditional academic studies, which will further focus public attention on the educational institutions. V During the session of 1918-19, a good start Was made in the- organization of evening classes, and one hundred and Hfteen. students were enrolled in commercial, civil service, and motor courses. In the Fall of 1919 it was decided to extend the scope of these classes, and the members of the Board, and school officials secured the co-operation of the various public bodies a.nd managers. of local firms. Visits were made to many institutions employing large staffs, and the various courses outlined to the employees. The response was very gratifying, and over six hundred men and Women received instruction in twelve different courses. Over two hundred attended sixty percent of the classes, and the services of thirty 6

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V. i JAS. BALFOUR, K. C. G. F. BLAIR, K. C. Our domestic science room in the basement is furnished with individual electric stoves, a. coal range, and all the accessories need to turn out first-class artists in this inost useful of all aquireinents. Adjacent to it is the Home Arts Club Rooin used for the noon lunches in the winter. It is by far the inost attractive room in the school, being tastefully tinted and pane-lled. It is hoped that it will be the scene of many of the club 's activities in the future. One of the re-cent innovations of the school is a Manual Training rooin for the boys and many are taking advantage of it. The shooting gallery installed in the boys' basement arouses ra. great deal of interest ainong the noble niinrods and We are very proud of the record they have inade as compared with the other schools of Canada. CWl1y not let the girls try their skill?D Here again the boys are the favored of the gods. Witih such a. school and such an atmospheres in which to work the students ought to keep ever in niind the ideals of Hlfteasoiiable- ness, Coinradeship and Industry. M. MacGillivray Lee. 5

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instructors were required for these classes. The most popular 'courses were those in the Commercial, Millinerv Fontinuation and . -V 7 J 7 Motor Mechanics Departments. Many firms and public bodies .showed their interest by the donation of prizes, and the closing exercises held on April 23rd, were very largely attended by the friends of the students, and leading citizens. These classes have enabled many adults not only to improve their general education, but to better their daily vocations or positions. There is no doubt that more courses will be added next year, and the attendance will reach nine hundred students. ' In addition to the regular courses presented by the Department 'of Education, instruction in Piano and Theory was offered at first to the Senior students and later to all students who had taken a certain standing in their academic studies. Over one hundred girls .and boys have received instruction in music free of charge, and :more time will be given to this subject next year. An attempt has been made also to co-ordinate the Hygiene, Physical Culture, and Sports of the school. Every student has received a thorough medical examination, and an individual report has been forwarded to his or her parents. Suggestions have been offered to correct deficiencies found, and nearly all parents have consulted their physicians or dentists for immediate treatment. In addition, corrective exercises are being given by the instructors, .and considerable improvement should be found by a second exam- ination next year. A very exhaustive and interesting report has been presented to the Board by the boys' physical instructor. This shows that ninety one per cent of the boys' play at least one game, and 62 per cent play several games. Twenty five per cent were found to be in excellent condition, While seventy five per cent had some deficiency requiring advice, attention, or correction. Forty' five per cent have poor posture, and twenty five per cent have teeth requiring attention. A similar summary of the examinations of the girls is being prepared by the lady instructor. There is no doubt that the health department of the schools will receive even greater attention during the coming years, and one or more nurses will be attached to each large school. , 7