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

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20 RUPERT'S LAND GIRLS' SCHOOL EDITORIAL ec an I AS this school year draws to a close and I think back over the past months, I realize that together we have had a very successful and busy year. Some of our most out- standing events were: Our annual mission tea, our sports events, and the inter-house Dramatic Competition. The latter took the form of one act plays which were produced by girls, chosen by the members of the houses. It was a great deal of work for some of the girls, but all enjoyed themselves and it was a very successful evening. Our Christmas parties, so kindly given to us by the members of the staff, were lots of fun, and we- all had a wonderful time. One of the most impressive events of the year to my mind, was the Youth Sunday Service a day which is still very vivid in the minds of all the youth and adults who were in attendance. The gathering took place on Sunday, April 26th, in the Winnipeg Civic Auditorium, where all the high-schools of Greater VVinnipeg' were, represented. Each school had one representative who sat, on the stage behind or alongside the Rt. Honorable, the Earl of Athlone, Governor General of Canada. His Excellency and Her Royal Highness Princess Alice honored the gathering by their presence, and His Excellency gave an inspiring message to the Youth of Winnipeg. The Rev. VV. G. Martin, who was the guest speaker, took All have their part to play, for his theme. His message was very sincere and to the point, showing clearly how we must develop our characters while we are young, in order to be the leaders oftomorrow. Other speakers, chosen from the high-schools, made short speeches about youth today and in the future. Throughout the programme the greatness and the close relation- ship of the United States and Canada was emphasized. The United States joined Great Britain and her allies at war against Germany, Italy and Japan to fight for her freedom, and to preserve Democracy. The States, or Our Cousins Across the Border, the name by which they are often referred to, also carry out youth organizations and meetings similar to our Youth Sunday Service gathering. One of these groups which is situated in Washington, D.C., sent us a message of hope wishing us every success in both our meeting and in our united fight for freedom. A similar message was sent from our gathering to the Youth of Malta, telling them to carry on and to keep up their marvellous defence. Also present at the service were the school bands under the leadership of their own Cadet Corps. Since the beginning of the war the Canadian high-schools have organized a compulsory course in cadet training. Some schools have military drill, some rifle drill, and the latest addition is affiliated with the air force-the air cadets-in which branch the boys are taught mechanics and aeronautics as well as military drill. As yet there are no girls corps, but the girls are by no means idle, they have their Red Cross knitting and sewing to keep them busy, and also to aid the Red Cross which needs their support. The orchestra, which was under the direction of Mr. Hubble, was made up of children from the high-schools of Greater Winnipeg. The orchestra accompanied the choir of boys and girls who sang VVorship by John Greenleaf Whittier. The hymns which were sung by three thousand youth were patriotic ones, and to see such a large gathering singing. from the bottom of their hearts gave me, and I am sure every other person present, a feeling of love, honor and loyalty for our country.

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THE EAGLE 19 PRINCIPAL'S LETTER My Dear Girls: THE idea in the minds' of your editors that this year The Eagle should be dedicated to the work and achievements of women seems to me a very happy one. That is why we have, at the beginning of A this number, a photograph of our beloved Queen Elizabeth. What better focus could we have for our thoughts about women in our Empire than the gracious, sympathetic figure at its head? And the point I want to emphasize here is that while our Queen is the chief lady in our Empire, she is at 5 the same time the mother in a real family, and in bringing up her two daughters she has given us an example that all would wish to follow. Wherever distress is great, there goes our Queen to suffer with and to cheer her people, no danger is so fearful that it can keep her from that course. You girls, especially the older ones, MISS E. M. BARTLETT are all thinking very hard Just now, and wondering what you can do to help best in the great task that our country faces. Many fields are opening up which will take you into unusual work for girls, work in Navy, Army and Air Force, in factories as well as hospitals. And I know that many of you will go on to join those of our Alumnae who are already engaged in such ways. But we hope that these things will not have to be for very long. Then, what next? That is the question you are asking, and which it is impossible for anyone to answer fully. There is, however, something which 1 want to say about the future. Whatever trials and dificulties you may go through, whatever tasks you may have to face, your real happiness will depend upon your usefulness. Do you remember one of our visitors this year giving two recipes? One was for a happy life, and this was contrasted with one for a most miserable existence. If you think you will sit back and take your ease or embark on all sorts of pleasures, then will you be most wretched, if you will exert all your powers to prepare yourselves to be useful and helpful to others, then you will know joy. Self-control, self-discipline, self-knowledge-these are things which make the unconquerable spirit which will fight ever for the right. And to gain these we must forget ourselves, and set ourselves to know God and to acquire a true Christian character. If we all do this, then we do not need to fear the outcome, either for our- selves or for our nation To all of you, those who have years of school still before you and those who will be passing on to other spheres so soon, I say this: Keep your ideals high, work hard and be of good courage. So will you be worthy citizens of your country and so will you find true happiness. I Yours affectionately, ELSIE M. BARTLETT

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THE EAGLE 21 I was especially pleased and somewhat proud when I was' given my place directly behind the Earl of Athlone. He probably did not even see me, but I am certain that I could relate almost every move that he made. One thing that I noticed in particular, was a gorgeous silk handkerchief that he used to clean off his glasses, it was a paisley pattern of sand and red, with a huge scarlet border. I thought to myself when I saw it that His Excellency must be a man who loves bright colors, and there he sat in a khaki uniform, void of any bright shades. This year, with the coming of rationing and other things, we perhaps realize more than ever before that our country and homes are in great danger. Some of us have had very little taken from us, some have suffered a great deal, but I believe that we now know the graveness of the situation which is confronting us. Most of us have done our Red Cross duties, bought war stamps and helped out in other war projects, but we must realize that in order to win this war, we must do even more outside work. VVe may think that it is difficult for us to do both school work and war work, but knowing that our fellow countrymen are giving their lives for us, our task of doing school work and war work seems very small. As Head Girl of Rupert's Land School. I have had a very interesting- and happy year. Some of my duties were new to me, but with Miss Bartlett's capable leadership and the helpfulness of the staff, the duties were soon made easier. I would also like to thank the: prefects and girls who so earnestly and eagerly helped me in many ways. Being Head Girl is a wonderful experience, and has taught me many things. I would like to wish all the graduates the best of luck in their future positions in life. I know that the girl who is chosen as Head Girl for 1942-43 will have a wonderful year, full of a great many thrills, and I wish her every success there is. Here's wishing Good Luck, Happiness and Success to all Rupert's Land! KAYE MILNER CHead Girlj OBITUARY With deep regret we record the death of Archbishop Matheson, one of the oldezt and most interested friends of the School. For many years, until ' his retirement from office, he was Chairman of the Board of Rupert's Land School, and under his wise direction the school grew and prospered. After his retirement, he continued his support and help in many ways: each year E16 presented a Bible as a prize for Scripture anzl also a Scholarship in Matheson House, and his kindly interest in the winners was shown by per- sonal letters to them. His loss will be felt keenly by all who knew him, and Rupertis Land School will ever remember Archbishop Matheson as a sincere friend and generous benefactor.