Tillsonburg District High School - Tatler Yearbook (Tillsonburg, Ontario Canada)

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THE MAIN FOYER THE LIBRARY THE SCIENCE LABORATORY THE BOARD ROOM THE CAFETERIA A- TYPICAL CLASSROOM

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Editorial As the world enters the second half of the century, Tillsonburg District High School might be said to be entering the sec- ond half of its long and illustrious career. The old high school building on Concession Street lasted for over fifty years as the centre for secondary school education in Tillsonburg, and it is safe to presume that our ultra-modern edifice on Tillson Avenue will continue to embrace within its walls the essences of higher learning for the next fifty years, if not longer. Therefore, the students who are enjoying the bountiful benefits of our new school should appreciate the fact that it is up to them to set the standard for the next half- century as the students of Tillsonburg High School set the standard in 1894 when our school consisted of two rooms adjoined to the Public School, not twenty rooms as it does today. These students began the repu- tation of high academic and extra-curricu- lar achievement which has steadily increas- ed throughoutthe years and 'which has made our institution one to be deeply proud of. If these students could make such a success of their school in a building in which, it must be admitted, they had so little to work with, how much greater a success the students of the next fifty years should be able to achieve with all the vast improvements now at their disposal, both academically and physically speaking? This is the year in which the reputation of our new school will be established. VVe have a much larger building, a much larger enrolment and a much larger staff, and it will, therefore, be a much larger task to mould the school into a united, harmonious whole. lt is up to ourselves to keep our school spirit alive and not let our school become merely a place where the hours from nine to twelve, and from one to four o'clock are endured and not enjoyed. Getting out our school magazine, planning assemblies and dances, attending basketball games and football games, participating in the annual Field Day and Cadet Inspection should not be looked upon as a drudgery that simply must be tolerated, along with learning formulas, declensions, and typing, but should be entered upon with enthusiasm and a genuine urge to better your school and, in so doing, better yourselves! So here is to 1951-the beginning of a 20 x W pf9'f'i new era for our school, and we sincerely hope that it shall in no way reflect on the past honours and glory of T.D.H.S. Jean Scrimgeour, Spec. Comm. l.+O?... The School's Official Opening The school was as bright and shiny as a new penny on the evening of October 13th, 1950, when about one thousand people viewed its ultra-modern accoutrements . In the spacious gymnatorium the school was officially opened in a solemn ceremony. The programme opened with a short ad- dress by J. D. Vallee, chairman of the School Board. This was followed by God Save the King , and introductions of the many guests. During the evening, speeches were delivered by Burwell R. Coon, archi- tect, D. H. McLaren, Foundation Company, G. LI. Duffin, executive secretary of the Department of Education, A. G. Hooper, Superintendent of Secondary Education, S. VVightman, Thomas R. Dent, and Principal VV. P. Kirkwood. It was regretted that G. E. johnson, Inspector of High Schools, was unable to be present. The school key was presented, and a flag. donated by the I.O.D.E. The programme was supplemented by several selections by the school orchestra and the Glee Club. As the programme proved more lengthy than was expected, our guests did not start on their tour of inspection until ten o'clock. Each member of the staff was present in his or her home form to show the spectators the highlights of that particular room. As we wandered through the school, we were all greatly surprised and delighted to come upon Mr. Hay, our erstwhile history teacher, in one of the classrooms. The tours of inspection were conducted by a number of the senior students, who pointed out the cafeteria, home economics rooms, chemistry and physics laboratories, special commercial classroom, library, pro- jection room, nurse's room, and first aid station, boardroom, and even the sub- terranean rifle range l Laurel Agur, XIIA. THE TATLER A-.. l F

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J 'I . iw A vu., Valediciory CCommencement, December l, 19503 Amelia Gerhardt Mr. Kirkwood, ladies and gentlemen: I have, tonight, the pleasant task of speaking on behalf of the class of '50. As a result of our five years in attendance at this school, there developed a close bond between students and school, that cannot be severed by goodbyes. Coping with Latin, physics, and algebra, leaves us with many fond memories. At times, some of us be- came impatient, bored, and weary with the task of learning. Now, as we look back on those days and I think that I speak for us all, we acknowledge that it was a worth- while process, and the five years are full of many happy memories. Surely, when we think of that bond that grew between us, our minds turn to that very important connecting link which serv- ed to weld that relationship. I am, of course, referring to our teachers. Their personal interest and friendship, as they guided us through the world of learning, shall always be remembered. Often, throughout the five years, you, our teach- ers, must have been discouraged by our blunders and apparent indifference to ab- sorb knowledge. However, when we emerg- ed from our examination rooms last spring, you were there, and it gave us a great feel- ing to hear the expression of your faith in, NVell, did you get a first in that one?,' VVe owe a debt of gratitude also to our school board. Many of us probably have overlooked the fact that there is a group of men who are giving their time, ability, and untiring effort to better the conditions sur- rounding our high school career. For many years, we wanted a new high school. These men did something about it, and this beauti- ful and modern building is proof of their ability, and a monument to their achieve- ment. There are two more people to whom we owe a great deal. Each of us is aware of the tremendous sacrifice on the part of our parents. Mom, and Dad, we know that we can never repay it. Right through our school career, you have guided our foot- steps, borne our burdens, helped make de- cisions, shared our joys, and disappoint- ments-because you are our parents. Many of you gave us opportunities that you never 22 had. You didn't say, At your age I was earning my living, but rather, Continue your education, and perhaps your life won't be as difficult as ours wasf' For all your sacrifice all that you have in return, so far, is the sharing of our pride and satisfaction that comes with achieve- ment. XVith the receiving of our high school graduation certificates, we reach a mile- stone in our lives, marking our academic success. This certificate is important to us all. XVith it as a staunch foundation some of us are already going out into the world -the rest of us are still coping with books and examinations. This diploma also means the end of our high school days-days in which we set the standard for our lives, academically, social- ly, and morally. Our whole lives centred around our school, and our friends. VVe have left the school, and the friends, and probably we shall never be together as a group again. The pursuit of different fields of study and work have scattered us over a broad area. From personal experience, I can say that there is a warmth and a special joy in meet- ing our old friends away from home. VVe will make new friends but the old will never be forgotten. My good-byes have a special significance tonight. Not only do-we, the class of '50, take leave of our old Alma Mater, but all students take leave of its old halls forever. fOurs will be the last graduating class from the old T.D.H.S. on Concession street.j Therefore, we experience mingled feelings of joy and sorrow. Certainly this new school has all the advantages and we shall watch its progress with interest. At times, we may think that we were born five years too soon, but I would not change one part of my high school story. I would like to say to the present students of T.D.H.S. that this phase of your life will THE TATLER R