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

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3.111 C G-sn. Q Hunt -I P. MCARA Ex-Chairman of R. C. I Board A form of public effort' of the deepest importance for civic Welfare, often enough however altogether inadequately appreciated, is that of service on the School Board. In this respect Peter McAra Esq., has given of his best to the City of Regina. From the establishment in 1908 of a, high school in -Regina, following the enactment by the Provincial Legislature of the Secondary Education Act of that year, Mr. lVIcAra gave continuous service till December 1919 to the High School and Collegiate Board. Frequently during these years he served as Chairman and indeed during one term carried the combined duties of Chairman of the Board, and Mayor of the City. Especially arduous were the duties of office during the year when the prese-nt Collegiate Institute building was erected, and it is largely due to Mr. McAra7s good taste, judgment and independence of decision, that the City has in its Institute building a, form of architecture whose proportions and lines are especially suitable to this prairie country. The minute of appreciation placed on record by the other members of the Board in speaking of Mr. lVIcAra's retirement, sums up the value of his services as they had opportunity to realize it to be: 8

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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

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We believe that the present efficiency and high standing oi' Z3 the school is due in no small measure to his untiring efforts. lle has always had deeply at heart the best interests of the school, and of Education in general, and he has always been unsparing in giv- ing of his time without stint to the work of the school and of the Board. We hope and are confident that Mr. lVIcAra will continue his interest in the school, and that we may in 'the future still have the benefit of his counsel and advice in school matters. Qlnllegiatr mrmurial By the end of June 1919, there was to the credit of the Memo- rial Fund a sum of 519800. During the last academic year some +200 has been added to this amount, most of which has been contributed by the students of the Collegiate. During the year meetings have been called of the ex-students' and friends of the school to carry on the Work. Three committees, namely, finance, records and finance with Mr. Harold Brown, Mr. A. Gillespie, and Mr. Scrimgeour, respectively as convenors have been formed. A tablet whose cost will be in the neighborhood of 322000 has been ordered from Henry Birke and Sons, VVinnipeg and is hoped that the tablet will be put in place during the summer vacation and the unveiling held early in the fall term. 9 Q if , lf' if 'O ft'-'-i lrff