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

Page 20 text:

I8 RUPERT,S LAND GIRLS' SCHOOL MISS BARTLETT My Dear Girls: This time my letter is a farewell letter, and I am finding it a very difficult one to writeg it is so hard to express clearly and fully what I feel. But one thing is quite certain and simple to say-I shall always look back with great pleasure on the twenty years which, with one brief break, I have spent at Rupert's Land School. Many of those years were years of difficulty and trouble in the world. From 1930 to 1935 there was much distress due to the depression following the first World Warg the seven years of the second Great War caused untold suffer- ing to many millions of people, and led to world-wide unrest which is all too present with us today. During all this time we strove in school to do our work well, to keep high ideals before us, to fit ourselves to serve others, in fact, to keep in mind the two words of our motto: Alta Petens. What motto will be used in future I do not know, but I like to think that here are two words of Latin well-known to many gen- erations of Rupe girls, and hope that many will teach at least that amount to their children, 1 . Mina 1' L6z1rt1rIt'5 Evtirr so that they too may be moved to go through life 'seeking the heights' of achievement and fine character. During all this time, working with the loyal, friendly staff and girls, I have been very happy. I shall always want to know what you are doing as individuals, and I do hope that many of you will let me hear from you often. Each one of you has my sincerest wishes for success and happiness. Of the reputation and achievements of the school and its alumnae I am intensely proud, and I feel confident that with the continued love and loyalty of you all, alumnae and pres- ent girls, the new school faces a bright future. Remember-those of you who will have some years still in the school - that you can play a very important part in ensuring the brightness of that future, by carrying with you the best of the traditions which we have all been work- ing for in the past. Now, goodbye. As I go, my very best wishes and my love stay with you. Affectionately yours, ELSIE BARTLETT.

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THE EAGLE 17 3 hitnrizrl We were impressed by the breadth of outlook displayed in last year's editorial. That editorial dealt with the spirit of co-operation, empha- sizing the importance of its recognition by the individual, by small groups, and by the world at large. The editors pointed out the necessity for the existence of co-operation, not only in- side a country, but between the nations of the world. In this year's editorial, however, we have decided to confine ourselves to a narrower field, and to deal with the principle of co-opera- tion in a specific medium-namely the school. If our editorial were to have a title, it would simply be-School Spirit. The term--school spirit-is vague and elusive, but at its highest and best, school spirit in- volves an acceptance of one of the noblest principles of life-that of self-sacrifice-a wil- lingness to serve rather than to be served. ln last year's letter, Miss Bartlett interpreted this idea as a willingness to live, a life consecrated to the service of those around you. The principle of self-sacrifice applies to both leaders and led. Leaders play an important role, and if sufficiently imbued with school spirit, they accept this role without fuss, showing a cheerful willingness in undertaking the very many---and sometimes irksome-duties, which fall to their lot. They are loyally punctilious and can be relied upon to set an example to the younger members of the school. The posi- tion calls for a subordination of personal in- terests to the good of the whole, it calls for courage, patience and long-suffering. Leaders cannot fulfil their function adequately, how- ever, without the whole-hearted support of the school. Girls not chosen as leaders should not take this as a signal to withdraw into their own private little shells, comfortable though this may be. They must realize that they are as important in their own way, and that they must play their part-and play it well. But to be even more specific-where and how can school spirit manifest itself? Immediately we think of various fields of activity-the class- room-the Houses --school societies and the gym. The classroom is a small unit of the school, where each member has an opportunity to work whole-heartedly to achieve a good standard of work and conduct. The class presi- dent takes the lead, but she is helpless unless everyone is willing to do her share. House and society activities reveal co-operation or the lack of it, for again the leaders cannot shoulder all the responsibility. Girls should learn to work and play together, taking a special pride in performing well, any duties delegated to them. Sports are an ideal field for the demon- stration ofa happy school spirit. Team work, the enthusiasm of the players, and last but not least, the support of those not participating in the game, are all important factors. In games played against other schools, the school spirit is, as it were, on display. All girls should par- ticipate in gym or games, whether expert or not, and room and class games should foster a healthy, friendly spirit of rivalry and com- petition. Unity is also achieved by school gatherings. Any activities in which the school as a whole takes part, are to be welcomed. Such include socials and parties. Most important in this re- spect, however, are school prayers. Every morning our corporate act of worship unites us, and reminds us of all that is best and most worthwhile in life. How then shall school spirit be fostered? We feel that once the principle of self-sacrifice has been recognized and ac- cepted, happy results will follow. An effort of will is necessary, however. The way is not easy, and as example is better than precept, the senior members of the school must lead the way. Co-operation is all-important. It results in an invigorating atmosphere of hard work, friendliness and fun, and its impact is felt by the world outside. If we are imbued with school spirit and bear responsibility cheerfully, play- ing our part well, whether it be great or small, then we carry a lighted torch to hand on to those who come after us. Then and then only, are we as individuals and as a school, a living demonstration of the great truth, that it is more blessed to give than to receive. THE EDITORS.

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THE EAGLE Uhr Arrhhirihnna Writer I VERY readily, though regretfully, accede to your request to write a word of appreciation of the Headmistress for your 1950 Year Book. Her re-signation came as a great blow to me. I staved it off a year previous but this time I could not prevail upon her to reconsider. She has been a great asset to the School for a great many years and with her going a chapter will close. I want to make it clear that I write this before there has been a single Word of discussion in the Co-llege Council abo-ut the idea of amalgamation with another School and without any knowledge of what the outcome of that discussion will be. I write it in the face of the existing situation only. Miss Bartlett taught for some years in different parts of England and then in 1930 came out to Rupert's Land, wh-e-re she stayed for five years. After two years in England she received a cable from Rupertls Land offer- ing her the position of Headmistress to replace Miss Millard. After much hesitation and following the receipt of a second cable she acceptedg and so began the thirte-en-year period of service which has been of such benefit to the School. Alta petensl' has certainly been her personal motto as well as that of the Sc'hool. She has ever tried to raise the School higher and higher and make it better and better. And results prove she has largely succeeded. We say goodbye to Miss Bartlett with deep regret, deep appreciation, and deep affection. May her future be as bright and happy as we know it will be useful and beneficial to others.