St Sebastians School - Arrow Yearbook (Newton, MA)

Page 11 text:

Bililluliun II 4, 15, 'n H 1 hm 1 E I ll of ,- x-I ' ' he Z m I ' , ' ffffffm, ,,,1,,fxffmf 9 is l Back in the days of September 1945, we were introduced to Reverend joseph A, Beatty who presided over our English classes with urbane proficiency. Through his efforts we mastered the complexities of our mother tongue and developed an appreciation of literary masterpieces. Despite the fact that his pedagogical technique called for work of a rather monotonous nature, it could never be said that his classes were dull, for the teacher could always be relied upon to inject life into all his subject matter, from dangling participles to Launcelot Gobbo. When some of us were selected for his Walrus staff, we received an inkling of how much of his time and talent went into making the School newspaper the popular success it has always been. Still later, as Moderator of Debating, Father Beatty trained many of us in the forensic art and developed in us the ability and desire to speak our minds in forceful fashion. Apart from these academic relationships, we have always enjoyed the unique contribution made by Father Beatty to our School life, Absolutely unpredictable, he has been Head Cheerleader at St. Sebastian's athletic events, Chief Host at proms and social activities, Custcdian of confidences and libels, True Friend and Severe Critic, 9 From the years of our association with a beloved teacher, we shall always cherish the memory of a deep spirituality from which there radiated a peace and happiness that permeated the sphere in which he worked and prayed, To attest the impact made upon us by his priestly character, we take great pleasure in dedicating to Father Beatty this 1949 NARROW . the history of our St. Sebastian days. ...S + ,Z li A .2 hgh 1- 4. 4 qY. 0y05 -j 7 j..

Page 10 text:

REV. -IOSEPH A. BEATTY .fl 6 I-1

Page 12 text:

Tbe Country Day Scbool Ideal at St. Sebazslimzif The Country Day School idea first found tangible expression on Nonantum Hill in Newton in 1907. At that time Mr, Shirley K. Kerns established the first Country Day School on the site now occupied by St. Sebastian's Country Day School. The plan devised by him at that time has been followed very closely in the many schools which have adopted the Country Day ideal since the Country Day School was founded. At the time, Mr. Kerns expressed the main point involved in his new venture in this way: The working plan which it is proposed to adopt is modeled on that of the best boarding schools, the intention being to give boys, as far as possible, the advantages of a boarding school without separating them from their parents. This ideal has been adapted to meet the obvious requirements of a Catholic Country Day School at St. Sebastian's. At half-past eight in the morning, Mass is said in the School chapel. The boys are not required to attend this Mass, but are trained to visit the Blessed Sacrament of their own volition before classes begin, The presence of Christ in the chapel may be said to be the inspiring factor in the entire life of the School. This fact is stressed constantly, with most impressive consequences. From nine in the morning until twelve-thirty, the boys are engaged in recitations and study periods. At twelve-thirty the boys are served a substantial dinner. The individual tables are presided over by one of the priests of the faculty. After dinner there is a brief period of recreation, At one-thirty classes are resumed, and are con- tinued until three. At three o'clock the various teams assemble either in the gym- nasimn during the winter months, or on the playing field during the milder weather. Not only does the School organize major teams, but the younger boys are carefully trained under the supervision of the members of the faculty. At four-thirty the signal is given for the end of the school day, After the boys have showered, they gradually drift down the hill toward home. We might say at once that the school is situated within easy reach of the Newton-Brighton car line, so that the boys can go back and forth daily from their homes. Once a year a Retreat is given to the students under the direction of a skilled retreat master. Every First Friday the boys attend Mass in a body, and receive Holy Communion together. The First Friday Breakfast is a pleasant feature of the School's life. One of the most important advantages of the School is the presence of the Masters after the regular classes are ended, to aid and assist the students in any of their scholastic difficulties, The spirit of cooperation between students and masters is both important and impressive. It is very necessary, because the boys must be taught the proper methods of study which will enable them to carry through their scholastic train- ing successfully and with facility. In a word, St. Sebastian's Country Day School endeavors to give every boy a well- trained mind in a strong body, together with an all-pervading sense of his dignity and the responsibilities of Catholic manhood, This is the ideal of the School. With the blessing and help of St. Sebastian we are approximating our ideal. .-1 a 1--