Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

Page 23 text:

21 THE EDITORIAL - 1965 One of the most frequently uttered cries of schools in Bermuda is that there are too few seniors and too many juniors. The schools are so much like pyramids, since the bases bulge and the upper structures narrow down to nothing at all. It seems that as soon as the pupils become valuable to the schools and are able to represent them academically and sportswise the pupils disappear. Unfortunately Saltus is to be included in the schools that suffer in this way. The majority of the boys that leave do not terminate their schooling but proceed to a school abroad to complete their last few years before entering Universities. Over the past ten years, Bermudian parents have developed a practice whereby, if they can afford it, they send their children to schools in England, Canada or the United States, for their final years. It seems that the parents ' fear of having an imperfectly finished product, frightens them into sending their children away. The parents then rest comfortably on the false assumption that an expensive education in a school which might have a big name, will guarantee that their children will automatically walk through the gates of a University. By their actions, these parents show that they do not actually trust the Bermudian system of Education, and it reflects poorly on the particular school from which the pupils are withdrawn. If Bermudians manifest such an obvious distrust of Bermuda schooling, it must appear uglier still to the foreigners here, who are interested in sending their children to a good school. Since the Bermudian system of Education is based on the British, there is an important advantage to be gained. By remaining within the British system, pupils are able to apply for enrolment in the Universities of the United Kingdom. If, however, the pupil finishes his schooling in North America, he will be dis- appointed to discover that he cannot enter Universities in the U.K. until he completes the first year of an American or Canadian University. When the pre-University years are spent in non-Bermudion schools, how can Bermuda boast of her scholars, since at the present rate children may soon be sent

Page 22 text:

GOVERNING BODY Chairman: Wor. T. W. VESEY, J. P. J. V. MURDOCH, Esq. O. R. ARTON, Esq., M.C.P. H. C. BUTTERFIELD, Esq. HUGH MASTERS, Esq. N. NEVILLE CONYERS, Esq. W. F. HAYWARD, Esq., M.B.E. F. J. GOSLING, Esq. Headmaster: H. J. HALLETT, Esq., M.A. (Oxon.) Secretary-Treasurer: MRS. J. J. SHEEHY STAFF F. L. STEPHENSON, Esq. (Senior Master) F. CAPSTICK, Esq. C. S. MADDERN, Esq. E. R. ROTHWELL, Esq., B.Sc. (Lend.) MISS C. RIDEOUT J. F. R. CRAVEN, Esq., B.A. (Dublin) V. BOLTON, Esq., B.A. (Leod.) J. A. BAINBRIDGE, Esq., B.A. (Oxon.) R. S. ALGER, Esq., D.P.E. C. J. ENOCH, Esq. J. R. BRIDGE, Esq. S. F. J. FARROW, Esq., B.A. (Keele) D. C. BANFIELD, Esq. R. J. SAYLES, Esq., B.Sc. (Durham) K. MINETT, Esq., B.Sc. (Exeter) T. C. D. MULRAINE, Esq., M.A. (Dublin) PREPARATORY SCHOOL Headmistress: MISS M. V. EDE MISS L. VITY MISS E. K. FORSTER

Page 24 text:

22 away immediately after Kindergarten? If Bermuda did not have such facilities there would be just cause to look elsewhere for pre-University education, but since the Government provides them why should they be left unused? One of the reasons that there is such a constant change-over of teachers could be that the teachers are not satisfied with teaching such small classes at the advanced levels, and prefer larger classes. Up until now, the final year class has not been as large as it could or should be, and it is the editor ' s hope that in the years to come, more Bermudian parents will put their trust in the Bermudian system of Education and the graduating class will grow to a more reasonable size. Bermuda should educate her own masters and the best indicator of our advancement is to see the pyramids transform to bodies of a more cylindrical shape. R. A. FERGUSON, U.6. A CENTURY AT SALTUS The end of the Christmas Term marked the completion, by Mr. Hallett, of a century — not of runs, but of terms served at Saltus, first as a member of the teaching staff and then as Headmaster. Such an occasion merited a celebration, which was duly held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hallett, on December 29th, 1964. The cocktail party was attended by many friends, members of the School ' s Board of Trustees, the Old Boys Association and the Staff, who gathered to congratulate the Headmaster on such a record of achievement. Actually Mr. Hallett ' s association with Saltus dates further back, as he attended the School as a pupil. His outstanding ability as a student resulted in his being awarded two of Bermuda ' s highest scholastic honours — the Bermuda Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship. After studies at Bromsgrove in England, Mr. Hallett went to Oxford University, gaining there his Master of Arts degree. With this fine scholastic achievement behind him, Mr. Hallett returned to Bermuda and joined the staff at Saltus, where he taught mathematics until his appointment as Headmaster. Fitting tributes were paid to him at the celebration party. As a mark of appreciation of his outstanding service to the School, Mr. Vesey presented the Headmaster, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, with a silver bowl, suitably inscribed with the words A Century at Saltus . Mr. W. Cox, President, voiced the thanks of the Old Boys Association with the gift of a wrist watch. The further gift of a beautiful silver meat platter was presented on behalf of the Staff, by Mr. Stephenson. Guests were entertained by a small group of the Cadet Corps Pipe Band, this band having been one of Mr. Hallett ' s enthusiasms since its inauguration at the School. Such a memorable occasion was a very happy one for everyone concerned. The boys of the School also offer congratulations to the Headmaster on his very fine century , and hope that his future terms at the School will be memorable and happy ones. D. DODWELL, Upper 6.