Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

Page 7 text:

Editorial It is a little difficult, and possibly also a little presumptuous, to attempt to write an editorial after so short a time at the School. The Headmaster in his Foreword, has, in any case, referred to the main events of the past year, notably the completion and opening of the gymnasium. There is, however, one matter connected with the Year Book itself, which appears to call for a certain amount of explanation and comment. The Headmaster suggested last September that it would be an excellent idea if the magazine, as is the custom at other schools, contained articles and poems by the boys themselves, not written in school time but composed for their own amusement and because they felt that they had something worth while to say. Unfortunately the response to an appeal for such effusions has been very poor and we have received only one article which has been considered worthy of inclusion. We hope, however, that the signal honour accorded to this solitary contributor will fire others to follow his example and that in future the Year Book will contain numerous contributions, written by boys of the school, for the delectation both of admiring parents and also of their more critical contemporaries . In conclusion, I would like to pay tribute to Mr. Maundrill for the help and advice which he has rendered in preparing this edition of the Year Book for the press.

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Foreword The past year has- seen the completion of the Gymnasium building and the removal of the dead cedar trees from the school property. These have changed considerably the outward appearance of the School — the former a great improvement and the latter an unfortunate necessity, which gives a somewhat bleak appearance tq the premises. However, we hope that it will not be long before our re-afforestation programme shows pleasing results. In accom- plishing this much, we are indebted to many friends of the School — too numerous to mention by name — and we are very grateful to them for their assistance. In the middle of February this year, a change took place in the administrative Staff of the School, when Mrs. M. E. Dill assumed the responsibilities of Secretary-Treasurer in place of Mrs. Walton, who tendered her resignation upon her marriage at the end of last year. We welcome Mrs. Dill to the School and hope she will be happy amongst us. Mrs. Walton joined the Staff as a temporary member in 1945, tf filling-in for a period of two weeks for the then Secretary-Treasurer, who was on sick leave. However, she was persuaded to continue in the post for six years. Her genial disposi- tion and willingness to help out in all circumstances endeared her to all members of the Staff, and it was with regret that her resignation was accepted. We tender our sincere wishes for a happy future to Mr. and Mrs. Walton. At the end of this term Mr. Allen will be leaving us to continue his teaching career in England. Mr. Allen came to the School in 1946 and reorganised the Science syllabus from Chemistry to General Science, a much needed reform and one which, it is hoped, can be maintained in the future. As his American boyhood had not brought him into contact with our games of Soccer and Cricket, he found that in extra-curricular duties he was assigned a goodly share of detention classes — often not the most pleasant of tasks. Mrs. Allen also has very kindly helped in the school at various times when we have been short-staffed. To them both, and to their two charming daughters, we wish the very best of luck. Also leaving Saltus at the end of this term will be Mr. Hart, who for the past three years has been Form Master of the Lower Third. He has also taught all the Art in the School, and the pleasing results in the Royal Drawing Society examinations and last year ' s Art Exhibition are a tribute to his ability. His other activities included the teaching of Soccer and Cricket to the younger boys and military training to the members of the Cadet Corps. Hence, his time has been spent in a diversity of interests and we shall miss him a great deal and wish him every success in the future. H. J. H.

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6 Admiral ' s Empire Day Address at Saltus The boys of Saltus Grammar School were again privileged to hear an address by Vice-Admiral Sir R. V. Symonds-Tayler, Com- mander-in-Chief, America and West Indies Station, in connection with their Empire Day celebrations on Wednesday morning. Ac- companied by Lady Symonds-Tayler and the Flag Lieutenant, the Commander-in-Chief inspected a cadet guard-of-honour prior to the assembly in the hall, where the Headmaster, Mr. H. J. Hallett, conducted the service and introduced the distinguished guest. The Admiral said that it gave him great pleasure to be with them for a third time on that great occasion. Speaking first of the significance of Empire Day, he said that Queen Victoria ' s prestige and greatness had done much to bind together their family of nations, which had emerged as the British Commonwealth; and so it was very fitting that Lord Meath should choose Queen Victoria ' s birthday as the day to be set aside for the inspiration of loyal citizenship. Loyalty was the central and the essential idea. It was some- thing which was born in them all, but it had to be developed too; and for those born under the British flag it was a duty to develop it so that they might become loyal citizens of the Empire. Loyalty started from an early age at home, loyalty to parents and family. It continued through school; it was of the greatest importance in their games, for loyalty was the foundation of the team spirit. In fact, the sense of loyalty was being built up and strengthened throughout their life, and it was epito mised in loyalty to King and Country. At school they learned to be loyal to the superior authority. The spirit of emulation could also be a powerful influence in their lives; they would do well to choose some national hero of the past and to take his life as a pattern to be followed; but he wanted them at the same time to think for themselves. While remembering the great part played by the heroes rof the past, let them bear in mind that they too had a part to play, fo they were all links in the chain that bound the Empire together. One and all they could help to mould the Empire by being loyal members of the team. J. H. K.