Stratford Normal School - Classic Yearbook (Stratford, Ontario Canada)

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EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISEMENT COMMITTEE Back Row E. Farrell, M. Francis, D. Hill, M. Karlson, M, Laidlaw. Middle Row--J. Denstedt 1Secreta1'yb, M. McConnell lAsst. Editorl, J. Cook fEclitorb, K, Robertson tAsst. Editorb, H. Cockburn lBusiness Managerl. Front Row M, Pullen, I. Whaling, B. Ziegler, Dr. H, Bowers 1Staff Advisorh, R, Black- well, B. Pleon, A. Strathdee. Elfafmza I also build, but not with steel nor stone, but with the shadowy bricks of innocence and mortar that the heart has made her own, and what I build has neither roof nor fence that can deflect with limits or an end, the visionary architect. CI-Iumbert Wolfem Someone has said that the future of the world lies in the hands of the school teachers. A few short months ago this statement was but a meaningless expression to us. Gradually, as We have progressed through this school year, its significance has been made clear, until now it has become a flaming forecast, a fiery prophecy which we as school teachers must strive to fulfil. Very soon we are going out into the world to teach children of different races and creeds. It is our duty not to create distinctions between these children but to break down the old walls of prejudice and misunderstanding which even to this day exist. Can we not remember that the Great Master Himself made no discrimination between the Jew, the Gentile and the Samaritan? Would we not do well to follow the example set by the King of Kings, the Mari of Men, the Teacher of Teachers. Just as the potter shapes the clay so we must mould the child while he is still young in order that he may take his place in the democratic world of to-morrow. But you might say, The potter has in his mind a pattern he follows, What pattern have you to copy? My answer to that would simply be Model the child in the mould of the Master Architect. What better effigy can be found? We now stand anxious and ready to begin the greatest task of our lives. Let us go forth blazing with faith and undaunted courage. And when discour- agement comes, as come it will, remember the Man who died for His belief and let this thought drive us on to splendid endeavour John R. Cook, Editor-in-Chief.

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2 THE CLASSIC, 1945 me cfifiaztyn '1 cfmssstzga Greetings and congratulations to the class of 1945, from one who cherishes a deep interest in the Stratford Normal School! You enter the teaching profession under auspicious circumstances. You have been well prepared for new responsibilities by a sympathetic and inspiring staff. The year has been a happy one for you-- happy because filled with purposeful achieivenzent. You in turn will surely make YOUR school a happy place, where boys and girls increase in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. War clouds are lifting. The future is promising. Unlimited opportunities are yours. May you experience day by day the satisfaction of work well done! rjzifiutss to I-Di. tml! 64411. cfmwztyrz On November seventh the Members of the Staff entertained at dinner at Pickwick Inn. This served a dual purpose-to honour Dr. Martyn, our former principal and Mrs. Martyn, and to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Bowers of Ottawa. After the dinner we were invited to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Manning. During the evening Dr. Martyn was presented with a lounging chair and Mrs. Martyn with a pendant. Mr. Manning read the address and Mr. Beacom and Miss Cottle made the presentations. Dr. Martyn thanked all for their kindness to them and expressed the pleasure he had experienced in his work at the school. Mr. Biehl and Miss Johnston made short addresses of welcome to Dr. and Mrs. Bowers. The latter presented Mrs. Bowers with a bouquet. Dr. and Mrs. Bowers signified their high appreciation of the cordiality of the staff. After several games had been played Mrs. Manning served delicious refresh- ments. Many students gathered for the Reunion Banquet on February the third to honour Dr. Martyn. Through the generous contributions of some former masters and graduates of the school, a presentation was made to Dr. Martyn of an oil painting, a cabinet containing silver flat ware and a cheque, and to Mrs. Martyn, a bouquet. Both were pleased and touched by these tokens and made gracious responses. Mr. H. Elborn, principal of Toronto Normal School, made an ideal chairman. Dr. J. D. Campbell represented the Department. Short speeches were made by Dr. Bowers, Mr. Carson Allen, Miss Bernice Schneider, Miss Violet Chowen, Mr. Gordon Sleightholm and Mr. William Nelson. Miss Illa Craig contributed a solo. Miss Jean Stewart. representing the Alumni, made the presentation speech and voiced the congratulations of many unable to be present. A. J. J.

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04 fjvliiiflgi wnz the Cfifiirziitez of fjcfucatiolz Education and agriculture have much in common. The prosperity of a farm depends in part upon the sufficiency of its barns and machinery but in yet larger part upon the efficiency of its husbandry. Likewise the success of a school is determined not only by the adequacy of its buildings and equipment but also by the character of its teacher and the nature of its instruction. As Minister of Education and Premier of Ontario it has been my privilege in recent months to introduce a measure whereby the Government assumes half the cost of education throughout the Province and so assure to every boy and girl within its jurisdiction better and more equal educational opportunity. Other measures have been taken which benefit the teacher in the way of salary, superannuation and professional organization. But, though many material advantages will thus accrue to the schools, the parents, the teachers and the pupils, these measures will have been made in vain unless the teachers in turn respond to improvements in their working and living conditions with increased zeal and wider understanding. A poor farmer despoils rich acres but a good husbandman brings the desert to bloom. I would, therefore, earnestly entreat your whole-hearted co-operation in the present endeavour to better educational conditions throughout the Province. Times of readjustment such as we are about to experience inevitably bring change. I would ask you to hold fast to tried loyalties and well established truths but to be ready with open minds to investigate new tendencies in educa- tion and to adopt for use in your schools such as prove worthy. Times of change are critical periods in the life of a people, making either for rapid progress or slow decay. From your record of achievement I am con- fident that the teachers of Ontario may safely be entrusted with the responsi- bility of seeing that the coming generation is well equipped in courage, upright'- ness and knowledge to carry the fortunes of this fair land to a splendid destiny. GEORGE A. DREW Toronto, March 19th, 1945. Minister of Education