Saltus Grammar School - Yearbook (Hamilton, Bermuda)

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.

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 25 text:

23 IN MEMORIAM On a cold January day Winston Spencer Churchill died. A man of fiery spirit and oratory, his indomitable will had helped him rise above the great crisises of his life. He was also a man who had the rare gift of being able to handle the problems of war as well as those of peace. In the second World War, his will to win, his self-confidence, and his extraordinary powers of organisation played a tremendous part in Britain ' s victory. But let it not be forgotten, especially in Britain ' s situation, the people must have the strength and will to win. A Churchill can only synthesize these qualities, he cannot create them. If a Churchill had, for instance, been French Premier in 1940, it is inconceivable that France ' s fortunes would have been different. This is because, apart from being gutted by Nazi and Communist propaganda she did not possess the spirit necessary to prosecute a successful war. This is not to say that without Churchill, Britain could have repelled the Nazi menace. His consideration for the air warden, the rescue workers and for the common man in general, endeared him to his people and boosted their morale. But Churchill was not only a great leader he was a statesman in every sense of the word. He showed a far sounder grasp of the post war European situation than most men of his day. His cure for Europe was European Unity. He saw that the best deterrent to external pressures and, for that matter, to future friction between one European country and another, was unity. If Europe became unified she would become strong, and only from this strength could she influence world politics in the future. There have been many golden opportunities missed in history. One can only hope that the understanding which Churchill showed will be transmitted to other European leaders, if for no other reason than for Europe as being a neutral grounds for an East-West Rapprochement . Shortly before the end of the war he recognized that the Russians meant to control Europe, if they could. He thus tried to thwart this threat. However, his efforts came too late and as a result Eastern Europe came under Russian control. Later on, when he was returned to power and the Cold War was in full swing, he made attempts to bring about an easing of the tensions between the United States and Russia. His repeated efforts bore fruits after he retired, when the First Summit Conference was held. This conference in itself may not have achieved a great deal but through his efforts Winston Churchill gave some hope to the world that all-out nuclear war could be avoided. In future time, history will ask if this man had courage. To this there can be but one answer. History will ask if this man had greatness. To this there can be but one answer. But, history will moke other appraisals of him and these we are not qualified to judge because we belong to his time. Our respect for him has prejudiced our judgment of him. It will be up to future generations which have not come under his spell or been awed by his manner to judge his place in history. But, let us not forget the spirit of Winston Churchill. Let us not forget, that though the body dies the spirit lives on. When men look for examples of greatness let them look to Churchill and let us hope that his example will be an inspiration to them. A. P. MARGARONIS, U.6.