Sydney Academy - Record Yearbook (Sydney, Australia)

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KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION For many years the Knights of Pythias have sponsored a public speak- ing competition for Senior high school students throughout North America. Interest in this 'co-mrpetition was suddenly revived when Sally Newman entered and placed second ifn the Eastern North American finals held at Boston two years ago. Last year Rod MacDonald, winner of the St. F. X. Scholarship partici- pated and made an excellent showing for Sydney Academy. ---2+-0-is-D THE ACADEMY HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION Continuing through its most successful year s-o far, the Academy Home and School Association is much in evidence in 1949-50. T'hough general inter- est in the Home and School is not as keen as it should be, tfhe group of will- ing workers and the unselfish officers have comlbined to give the Academy financial and other aid, bringing to the school several necessities and improve- ments. Bouquets are in order for the e-Xecutive of the organization: President-Mr. J. A. Russell Vice-President-Mr. Frank Cahill i Secret-ary-Mrs. Alice MacDonald Treasurer-Mfr. Clem LeBlanc The various committees, Membership, Social, Program, Ways and Means and Grounds, also deserve congratulations for their activities. One of the Home and School 's long hoped for projects was completed in February with the installation of the new shower room in the boys' base- ment. Thus a crying need of the various out-door teams has been fulfilled. The Home and School embarked on another big venture with the decis- ion to form an Academy Brass Band. Though no toots have yet :been heard plans for raising the necessary funds have been discussed, and next Fall will see the definite beginnings of the Band. Meeting every month, the Home and School Association enjoys an in- teresting programme and a lively social hour, as well as carrying on a business meeting. Besides their material contribution, Home and School paves the way for closer co-operation and understanding between teacher and parent. The Home and Slchofol Association is one of the best things that has ever happened to the Academy. It wields great influence, and can do much towards improving our present educational system. It srhould not be forgotten, how- ever, that the power and usefulness of our Ho-me and School depends upon the act-ive participation 'of each and every parent. So remember, fathers and mothers, this is your school, training your children, helping to mould the nat- ions destiny. Co-operate by joining the Academy Home and School Associa- tion. 13

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MR. GEORGE HADDAD Ruth Newman One of Canada's most gifted pianists, Mr. George Haddad, arrived in this city in November and consented to perform for the students. This con- cert, held in St. Andrew 's Memorial Hall, consisted of selections requested the students. ' Mr. Haddad swept through the opening 'fMilitary Polonaise with much energy, following which he played the beautiful Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiringf' His Ritual Fire Dance was truly superb. Mr. Johnson con- sented to assist the pianist in a piano duet in which Mr. Johnson tinkled and Mr. Haddad played. Th-e students were delighted to find Mr. J olhnson such an adept musician. The concert closed with the 4'Warsaw Concerto as a magnificent finale. -e-o-ae ' HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED James Campbell, XIA As I sit here 'by the fireplace .reading the evening paper, I can 't help but reminisce on the things I have seen and the people I have known. Since I have turned seventy-five I have not been 'El.lbl6 to get around very much and so I have plenty of time to day-dream. How well I remember my first trip into town with my father from our old home. Sydney was the town and our old home was in J ohns-town. Thirty- five miles in those days was a tremendous distance. It w1ould take about three days for us to reach Sydney, sell our produce, and return home again. We left in the ea-rly evening, planning to travel all night and have the next day free in Sydney. The hors-es had a hard time pulling the rickety wag- on over the muddy, narrow roads. Sydney was only a small town. There were no steel plants for plants. of any kind then. People went over 'dhe unpav- ed streets in horse-drawn .carriages and even on horseback. Everyone worked hard, went to church, and was happy. To a wide-eyed country boy like me, everything looked strange and ex- citing, but I was glad to get back to the quiet farm the next day. I didn't make another trip to Sydney until thirty years later. I sold my beef, potatoes, dry codfish, and wool to another who was a sort of wholesaler. When I saw Sydney again I found that things were quite different. My older brother, Angus, had made quite a name' for himself in Sydney. I was very surprised to see him stop at the gate one day driving a horseless carriage. He was one of the first on the Island to get one, he told me. Natur- ally, he invited my wife and me to see his lovely home and the mio-dern conven- iences of the town. We got as far as East Bay over the rough gravel roads, and a farmer towed us the rest of tlhe Way. 14