St Boniface School of Nursing - Estole Fideles Yearbook (St Boniface, Manitoba Canada)

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(Address Miss Sheilagh Goss In the Book of Ecclesiastes we find the words, To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” It would seem fitting to say that today, this very precious day, is given to us for the accomplishment of a three-fold purpose. We remember with gratitude as we glance backward in time; the present we receive with humility; and for the future we resolve with sincerity. It is as though we have reached the end of the first stage of a journey;—one which has lead us to achieve our goal of becoming graduate professional nurses. Yet this end which we have attained today, is only the beginning of our next venture— one of being and living as such. Our journey, thus far, has taken in time three years to accomplish — and what marvellous years they have been; filled with the education, discipline and experience necessary for us to arrive at this destination. However, as any traveller is aware, the assistance of a great number of persons is essential to the successful completion of even the shortest expedition. As we recall all those who have contributed to our success, initially our mind sand hearts are inclined towards our parents and loved ones who are with us today. You have shared these years giving so generously of your love, support and encouragement, constantly and without restraint. You have re¬ mained close beside us helping to overcome obstacles and difficulties hindering our progress; assuring and reassuring. In your wisdom, when we needed it, you kept our eyes from trailing the ground — correcting the poor posture of our slumping spirits, exhorting us to lift up our heads from the temporary distractions and see our aims clearly once more. Today, as we pause, in recollection and realization of all you have done, we offer you our heartfelt, humble and loving gratitude.

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Medal for Bedside Nursing Miss Marcella Sheptack Medal for Highest Standing in Theory Sister Stanislaus Medal for General Proficiency Miss Eileen Ward Medal for Highest Standing in Religi Miss Patricia Anderson Medal for Student Leadership Miss Lynne Coyston

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For those who venture any distance from people and places familiar to them, there is a great need of guides, protectors, advisors and teachers. The sisters and faculty of the St. Boniface School of Nursing, introduced us to our profession, taught us the skills we require and educated us in the ways of nursing. They have given so much to make this occasion:— Along with our own efforts, they have provided the means to this end. The sisters, while so admirably and ably directing the School, have given freely of their time to offer us guid¬ ance and advice whenever we have had need of it. Apart from fulfilling their duty of mapping the various routes we have taken, they have been for us illustrations of un¬ wavering dedication which has often sustained us in the various dilemmas and confusions assailing us as we travelled. The faculty have accomplished their difficult tasks; teaching, supervising and helping us in our determined acquisition of knowledge and skill. They have erected warning lights along the road at times, pointing out our errors and omissions, thereby protecting us from further mistake. They have demonstrated in their own lives the qualities we admire and respect. The medical and nursing staff of the hospital have given us frequent opportunities to add to our small but in¬ creasing stores of knowledge and ability. All of you, in the School and in the Hospital, have in¬ fluenced our voyage immensely: You have given it colour and warmth, by adding a wealth of interest and charm. Many mysteries you have shown us how to solve while providing us with a time to discover what we are capable of doing. You are the unforgettable and wonderful people we travelled with, and we are so proud to have met you. The feelings of pride and affection with which we shall speak of our School and Hospital in the future will be directed to you — who have worked so steadfastly through the years to shape the image we carry; to you — with whom we have shared such wonderful relationships and associations, and we shall always remember you. It is with deep appreciation and sincere gratitude that we present this acknowledgement of your efforts on our be¬ half. Everyone has given so generously to us in the forma¬ tion of our passport to the future. By their efforts and our own endeavors we have reached this Graduation Day and have received the recognition that we are ready to take our leave .... For today is the beginning of the next stage in the great journey oflife. Yesterday we were students, tomorrow we will be practitioners and in the future we must be the leaders necessary to maintain and increase the professional status of nursing. As we step forward, we shall feel the weight of the new responsibility of a graduate professional nurse, in¬ cluding, in many instances, the exercise of judgement for which we have been, in the past, largely dependant upon others. Hopefully we shall carry this responsibility well and with fulfillment; accomplishing our tasks wisely, with efficiency and careful thought. We must be ever- mindful that our obligation embraces the whole of society. With the passing of time, we will have duties to keep abreast of change and to welcome the knowledge which accompanies it. We will be expected to offer support for improvement and to become further educated, in order that professional progress may continue. Active partici¬ pation in whatever capacity we are able is essential if we are to maintain an awareness of what is happening in this profession to which we have dedicated ourselves. The roads we see before us are numerous and differ widely. We hope to possess the foresight and insight to choose the one for which we are best suited; the one in which we shall continue to grow in knowledge, wisdom and spirit; the one in which we shall be of the greatest service. In conclusion, on this day of remembrance and prom¬ ise, we are aware that difficulties and problems lie ahead as they did in the past. The horizons of success and achievement may be hidden from time to time by the clouds of despair and disappointment, but while we make efforts and wait for them to pass away, perhaps we would do well to recall these words: Go placidly amidst the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ig¬ norant; they too have their story. If you compare yourself with others, you may be vain or bitter, for always there will be greater or lesser persons than yourself. Take kindly the counsel of the years, grace¬ fully surrendering the things of youth. Keep interested in your own career, how¬ ever humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.” Ladies and Gentlemen — the Class of 1963.