St Johns Ravenscourt School - Eagle Yearbook (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada)

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VISITORS Each year there are many notable visitors at a school such as ours. This past year we received several visits from the Board of Governors and from the Ladies’ Guild. Mr. Mowat came to us on behalf of the United Nations Organization and gave a very instructive talk on the work and problems of the U.N.O. In May we received a half-day holiday in honor of a visit from Captain Brock, an Old Boy of St. John’s, who had just returned from service in the Korean conflict. FATHER AND SON BANQUET Just before the Christmas vacations the school gymnasium was the scene of a memorable event in the life of the new school. The occasion was the Father and Son Banquet. At the head table sat members of the Board of Governors, distinguished visitors and members of the Senior classes. Chief speaker of the evening was Rev. D. Boone, Archivist of the Diocese of Rupertsland. A very timely account of the traditions of the old Red River Academy and the original St. John’s College School was given. The Ladies’ Guild was in charge of catering. BOARDERS’ PARTIES There has been only one large Boarders’ Party this year. It was held early in the year and was a great success. Invitations were sent out to Balmoral Hall School for Girls. The Headmistress of Balmoral Hall accom¬ panied her girls. We hope there will be more such parties next year. FILMS During the winter months regular Hollywood films were screened at school on Friday evenings. Short films were also rented from the National Film Board. Both students and staff enjoyed these films and we are greatly indebted to Mr. Connell for his efforts in organizing and carrying through this venture. Ferguson and Darke deserve special mention for theii co-operation in operating the projector and setting up the auditorium for the weekly showings. CONCERTS Boarders have been fortunate in being able to attend the regular Winnipeg Celebrity Concerts at the Civic Auditorium. This has been made possible by the purchase of season tickets by the school. Mr. Jaenen and Mr. Chapman further arranged to have the boys attend the Minneapolis Symphony Student Concert. This was greatly enjoyed by the boys. Senior boys have attended most of the presentations of the Winnipeg Little Theatre by courtesy of Mr. Turner. CHARITIES This year special house campaigns were held to raise funds for the provincial appeals of the Red Cross and the Community Chest “Red Feather” Drive. Results were excellent with contributions showing an increase over similar campaigns in past years. EAGLE Tiventy-three

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This system has the merit of rewarding the individual for good behaviour and school spirit. It also has the merit of rewarding House spirit and providing added incentive for school sports. Furthermore, the individual learns to develop not only independence but also team spirit. Co-operation and good sportsmanship are the results of this system. We believe it not only combines the best features of both former systems, but we also believe it has improved on the former systems. For that reason we hope succeeding classes will continue to employ this system. ST. PAUL VISIT An annual event at Ravenscourt School was the “St. Paul Academy hockey game”. This was played in alternate years at St. Paul, Minnesota, or in Winnipeg. This year, of course, the St. Paul Academy team visited St. John’s-Ravenscourt. The hockey game was the main feature of the visit but mention must be made of the social aspects, which did a great deal to further good neigh¬ bourliness. The hockey game is played between the senior teams of both schools and this year S.P.A. took the cup only after a closely contested game. The score was 2-1, an indication of the close contest that went into overtime. Met at the station by Mr. Turner and a reception committee of board¬ ers and day boys, the majority of the team was taken to C.J.O.B. studios for a broadcast interview of the Captains, then feted downtown before being brought to the school. Two Masters accompanied the S.P.A. team. Following the game, which began as scheduled on a Saturday after¬ noon, at 2 p.m., the boys took over the social direction of the American visitors. A wonderful time was had by all—judging from conversation, general excitement and that tired feeling on Monday morning! A boister¬ ous send-off with firecrackers, noisemakers and the like ended the good¬ will visit (we believe with few misgivings on the part of Union Station officials). We hope the S.P.A. boys enjoyed their stay in Winnipeg as much as we enjoyed having them. St. Paul Visit is a red-letter wee k-end on our calendar for next year. LE CERCLE FRANCAIS Following talks between Mr. Jaenen and Mr. Turner and Mrs. Laing it was decided to organize a French Club along the lines of the University language clubs. Membership was restricted to those who showed a special interest and a certain proficiency in spoken French. Mrs. Laing and Mr. Jaenen have directed the course of activities through¬ out the year and there now is a basic group from which to plan expansion. Colin Laing was elected President and Garry Savage was elected Secretary. Members invited to join were Colin Laing, Garry Savage, Blair MacAulay, John Woods, David Drybrough, Don Drybrough, Bob Stewart, Alan Osier, John Richardson and Desmond Morton. Meetings are held twice a month, on Sunday evenings, at the homes of members. Programmes include singing, games, special discussions and refreshments! Special visitors this year included the Count Serge de Fleury, French Consul at Winnipeg. Tiventy-tivo EAGLE

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CADETS One of the terms of amalgamation was that the Cadet Corps should become an integral part of the new school. In compliance with these wishes the Department of National Defence officially recognized the formation of the St. John’s-Ravenscourt Cadet Corps as affiliated with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Under the instruction of Sgt. Bernie and Sgt. Castelaignie the Corps has progressed favourably. Cadet training consists of fundamental drill, small arms training, signalling, map-reading, first aid and field crafts. There is ample scope for development of special fields of interest. During the summer months further trades-training is offered at Shilo, Dundurn or Vernon. The chief courses of interest to cadets at these camps are Driver Mechanics, Driver Signals and Operator’s Fire Control (Radar). In all Cadet camps the R.C.A.C. assumes the travel expenses and housing costs. In addition Cadets receive a remuneration of sixty dollars upon completion of a course. The Department of National Defence has furnished our Cadet Corps with softball equipment, javelins, gym equipment and horseshoes. Interest is, of course, keen. . The following promotions have been Bill Mollard ... A C Captain Kjell Nasselquist .... A C Lieutenant Jim Martin . A C Lieutenant R. Santo . A C Sgt. Major A. Ferguson .. A C Staff Sgt. A. Bell ...... Sergeant announced to date: Ian Doig .. Sergeant Bruce Cunningham Corporal Garry Savage .Corpora) G. Thompson . Corporal Colin Hayter Corporal Jim Calder Corporal MUSIC APPRECIATION The Upper Forms have enjoyed a period each week throughout the year listening to classical recordings. These periods have been conducted by Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner has given brief introductions and explanations from time to time to explain the works of the great composers to the boys. JUNIOR COMMON ROOM After much planning and moving of furniture, our good friend “Henry” converted the room off the Chapel into a separate Junior Common Room with an entrance into the main downstairs hallway. The Ladies’ Guild did an excellent job of painting and furniture restoring. The Pre¬ fects’ Common Room also received a thorough interior decorating job at the hands of the Guild. INSPECTORAL VISITS Good reports were received from Chief Inspector Rogers and Inspector Connolly after a two-day visit at the school. The visit was made at the request of the Headmaster. During those two days both boys and staff sensed that the Inspectors were enjoying their visit and appreciated the advantages of community life and spirit at St. John’s-Ravenscourt. Twenty-four EAGLE