Ruperts Land Girls School - Eagle Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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RUPERT's LAND GIRLS, SCHOOL 17 clad Hawaiian natives QU Then the Alumnae dance took place, followed later in the term by the usual Form and House parties, and at Christmas, Miss Bartlett and the staff entertained the Junior, Middle, and Upper School at parties. Between the Middle and Senior parties Grade VIII's gave an exceedingly creditable performance under the direction of Miss Kennedy of a play The Arabian Ring. The Senior party closed with candle-light carol singing, which was sincerely enjoyed. On May the tenth the girls of Grade X. XI and XII were royally entertained at a dance by Miss Bartlett and the Board. After much expectation we arrived to find the School turned into a veritable flower-garden, with an orchestra in the gym. As there was such a comfortable and companionable crowd the dance was a huge success and one over which we may reminisce with the greatest of pleasure. Qld Girls' Prayers took place May the tenth, the morning Ger- many invaded the Lowlands. but with Miss Bartlett's inspiring words the occasion was as happy as all others when the Old Girls return. Miss Turner again gave her time and untiring energy to direct and produce a play. this year it being Prunella. If the audience enjoyed the production as much as the cast did in playing it, it was a very happy performance. Two recitals were held this year. one for the school itself in the Christmas term when carols, tableaux and choral works were done. The April Recital was open to our parents and friends and was com- posed of Senior choir-singing. spoken poetry, piano and dancing. Grade X. held an election before the Easter holidays, when Kaye Milner, Liberal, and Ann Denison. Conservative. found they had many staunch supporters. After a heated political meeting where many queries were parried and words bandied, votes were cast with a Liberal majority the result. ' The sudden death of Lord Tweedsmuir was a shock to every one of us, for we all admiredi and trusted in our brilliant Governor- General. Especially touched were those of us who remembered his visit to our school two years ago, when he assured us that women's brains are as good as men's. During the Easter holidays the annual Inter-High School Con- ference was held. Kaye Milner and Ann Denison from Grade X, Jean VVoodman and Mary Tomkins from Grade'XI. and Muriel Fer- guson and myself from Grade XII were the School's representatives. The agenda consisted of many and varied topics of interest to students, over which there was avid discussion. Four meetings were held, the Hnal one for the purpose of drawing up the resolutions. Mary and Jean were chosen for the continuation committee which will arrange for next year's conference.

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16 RUPERT's LAND GIRLS' SCHOOL 1939-40 September, 1939-The beginning of a new school year and a new World War. Cn the first day of school did we wonder how the war was going to affect us, and in what way we could aid our government? Did we think of King George's message of September the third: VVe can only do the right as we see the right, and reverently commit our cause to God. Une and all, if we keep reso- lutely faithful to it, ready for whatever sacrifice or service it may demand, then with God's help we shall prevail. With this message in our hearts did we view our city with different eyes, seeing the posted sentries and increasing number of soldiers and recruits, the business-like atmosphere which hailed most news of war? I am sure everyone of us did. School started in September, its most difficult year since 1914. a year to be full of changes in many quarters, and a year needing calm and trustworthy thoughts. The girls of Rupert's Land have done their duty well, and are now bringing to a close a year of which they may well be proud. The school itself stood staunch and familiar through all the outside turmoil. When we were once more greeting old friends and new in its dim halls, we realized that Miss Bussell had not returned, and on inquiry we were told that she had been detained in England, but after two months, during which time Mrs. MacKay so admirably filled her place, she started classes again. This year we welcomed, as well as the old staff, Miss Jackson, Miss Lloyd and Miss Graham, who have by now so Hrmly established themselves with us it seems impossible to believe they have only been with us this year. As we were all ready for great changes this year, we were very pleased to experiment with a new Prefect System. Formerly two Prefects were chosen from Grades IX, X, XI and XII. As the Houses are the basic thought of our school activities, this year the four House Captains and two girls elected from each House. as well as the Sports Captains and Head Girl, formed the School Council. This has proved very satisfactory for there has been an understanding between each Prefect and all the Grades as well as her own. The Prefects and senior girls have recommenced reading the lesson at Prayersg this takes place every Monday and besides being good experience for the readers, has helped the younger girls to become acquainted with their seniors. Posted on our new hall notice boards we have graphs of conduct for each House. Each House has a list of its girls and opposite to each name are ten squaresg every detention blacks out one square, and every order mark, five. If ten are black out, any beyond that deduct from another girl's number. This method enables the Houses and girls to keep close tab on their own and others' conduct. Entertainment has been very jolly this year. First came the Initiation Party, when the gym was invaded by a tribe of warmly

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18 RUPERT's LAND GIRLS, SCHOOL As I look back over this year, I view with pleasure the progress which we have made. As long as we continue to send forward the gold and black of Rupert's Land, and hold to happy comradeship, honor and wisdom, we will surely keep our motto, Alta Petensf' To the girls, prefects, staff, and especially Miss Bartlett, I should like to voice my real appreciation for the cheerful and splendid co- operation they have given to make my year so happy. And to the graduates and all the girls who will follow, I say-besides all the tradition and fame of Rupert's Land, there is nothing finer than the spirit and love of our own School. LESLIE FLORANCE CHead Girly. THE HEAD GIRL Leslie Florance who has been Head Girl .for 1939-1940 is a member of a family which has been represented in the School for a number of year. Mary Kate entered the Kindergarten in 1923. was herself Head Girl from 1934-19355 her youngest sister Gail is now in Grade II, while Leslie who has been in the School since her kindergarten days of 1929, is now passing out of Grade XII to con- tinue an Arts Course at the r F University of Manitoba. She I seem to us to be very much a Rupert's Land girl-in fact we suspect that when she lays aside her green tunic and black and gold tie for the last time, 1 she will feel that she is leaving something of herself behind almost. but we suggest that - what that uniform represents has become part of herself. and will never be laid aside. Leslie has many interests. and seems to find time to cul- tivate them all. She gained her Second Basketball Team colours in 1938, and her First Team colours in 1939. She has long been an ardent member of Matheson House, and after 9 9 a al holding the captaincy from 1938-1939, gave up that office only to fill the more important position of Head Girl. Leslie has artistic talents also, she is a member of the School Choir, spends some time each week in the Art Studio, won the Taylor English Prize last year for her poem, and played one of the leading roles in the LESLIE FLORASNCE