Trafalgar School - Echoes Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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the realms of fiold . It was more than the kiiowh-df e of the partieular poem or play that she gave us: it was an understanding of, and love for, literature which have Htayed with us and strengthened us for life. A man ' s reach should exceed his grasp ; the fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars : We have hut faith, we cannot know : these linf s we remember, not so much as Browning ' s, Shakespeare ' s or Tennysoji ' s, hut because Miss Bryan made them real to us, by what she said, and by what she herself was. In the art of teaching Classics, too. Miss Bryan has no rival. I.atin and Greek, those tj-easure-houses of literature, too often glibly called dead languages, send forth their ageless message again to those of us whom she has taught. Under her stimulating guidance, the rudiments of grammar, porto, portas, portat , and hie, haec, hoc , were not just lessons to be laboriously memorized, but keys to the mode of Greek and Roman thought, and vital stepping-stones to the delights of literature that lay ahead. Homer, Vergil and Cicero, were not merely names, but real authors, speaking to us across the centuries; for Miss Bryan clothed them again with the living spirit and brought to life for us the Forum of Rome and the Agora of Athens. To try to estimate what she has done for the School, quite apart from her teaching, is almost impossible. No girl ever went to her for help without receiving it — good measure, pressed down and running over . Her school day was never measured by the clock. To the Sixth Form, in particular, she has been guide, philosopher and friend . She shepherds the prefects through their difficulties, advising, encouraging, often drawing out more than they themselves believed was there, thus training them to be of service to the School, and later to the community. Aware of new movements, she quickly saw the possibilities of the House system, and it is largely due to her planning and devotion that the Houses have become the centre of School activities. The Magazine is a tribute to Miss Bryan ' s organizing power. With the cooperation of the entire School, the spirit of each year is reflected in its pages, and it stands, a record of the life of the School. In that, as in everything she does, she is unsparing of her time and of herself, and, like all great givers, she knows not what she gives. To her fellow-teachers she has been indeed a friend. It was as if she held the torch high for us, and lighted the way. Her help and advice have been invaluable, and some of us are profoundlv grateful to her for helping us find our feet . It is difficult to believe that Miss Bryan is leaving Trafalgar. It is only rarely in the life span uf any school that a teacher as gifted comes its way. She will carry to her new work the heartfelt wishes of us all. She has shown us how to be loving and patient, how to work joyously and courageously, how to give and not to count the cost . Her itiHpiralion and influi nce will live on, a shining light, in the hearts and minds of those who liav ' known and loved her. Ave alque vale, o doniina carissima; aliani tihi similem vix reperiemus. 116

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MISS ELLEN K. BRYAN TRAFALGAR girls all over Canada will be glad to hear that Miss Ellen K. Bryan, so long and intimately associated with our School, has been appointed Head Mistress of Crofton House, Vancouver. We congratulate Crofton House, and we believe that there is a bright future in store for the School of which Miss Bryan is the Head. Trafalgar has indeed been fortunate to have had for twenty-four years such a teacher as Miss Bryan, and it is as a teacher that we think of her first. A rare personality, richly endowed, she has devoted herself unstintingly to the School. Her love of learning and high scholarship have been an inspiration to all who have come in contact with her brilliant mind. She has the power of calling forth the ' ery best in her pupils, and kindles, in even the slowest, the desire for higher things. Whether it is English, Latin or Greek, she illuminates the subject with the radiance of her own spirit. As a teacher of English Literature she is without peer. Let anyone who has been taught by her pick up a Shakespeare play, or a book of poems, and, across the years. Miss Bryan ' s words come back, as clearly as when they were first heard, and, for a time, we are taken again into [15]

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MISS ABBOTT TT IS with {jreat rejiret that the School lias learned that Miss Ahbott will not he with us next year. Miss Abbott came to Traf alijar in the Autumn of 1931, and during her years among us has made a very definite contribution to the life of the School. By her own enthusiasm she has kindled a keen dp«ire for work in all her pupils — who have learned from her that art is not merely a school subject — but an expression of life. Many happy hours have been spent in the Stvidio, and in particular the Thursday afternoon special art class has been greatly appreciated. There, Juniors and Seniors mingled happily together, and Miss Abbott seemed to have time and attention for them all. The posters, announcing each school event, were done under her direction. If signs were needed for any occasion — numbers for the hymn board, special placards for the Houses, one invariably heard, We ' ll ask Miss Abbott , and without the slightest hesitation the request was granted, and the work was done. Miss Abbott has always taken a keen interest in the life of the School. She has on several occasions been a member of the Staff Tennis Team, and has been a loyal supporter of all our activities. Her steadiness and courage in the face of difficvilty, her willing cooperation, and her unfailing sympathy have made her a valued and trusted member of the Staff, and Trafalgar will be the poorer for her going. GIFTS TO THE SCHOOL During the year several gifts have been received by the School. The Trafalgar Shield, handsomely carved in Indian wood, was given last June by Marguerite Packard, whose brother had the work specially done in India. It now hangs proudly in the School Office. The Reverend Mr. McLean, who visited us on Trafalgar Day, appropriately presented the School with a copper plate made from Victory Copper given by the Lords of the Admiralty. It has Nelson ' s ship engraved upon it and also Nelson ' s famous words England expects every man to do his duty. We use the plate now every month for collecting our Mission Money. Another gift was a framed copy of the British Children ' s Prayer, presented by Mr. Cronyn. We are very grateful to these kind friends and also to Mr. Grimley and Mr. Dimlop who have given us many gramaphone records for our Music Library. [1-7]