THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

Evening Star, Issue 3065, 14 December 1872, Page 2

THE GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL.

The Girls’ High School closed the session for the year yesterday. In the schoolroom were several specimens of fancy work, writing, lace work, drawings in chalk, maps, chronological charts, with ornamental borders, woolwork, in a varcty of forms, and some very tastefully-made white aprops, It is impossible to enumerate the elegant work that has been done m such abundance. Our grandmothers and mothers used to point to what were known as samplers ; curious looking caricatures, after the manner of ancient tapestry. It must strike one with surprise to find how much the taste for the beautiful has been cultivated since their day, and still more that, considering the vast amount of intellectual work the girls at the school have to do, they have found time to turn their hands to fancy work. It has been truly said by some one, we forget whom, that women are never idle, and it must be true, for none but workers could have done so ’much So well.

I'n tftp evening, ( the second Christmas reunion was held in tije' Ji)irg6 Jiti^.1 1 of the boys’ school. Professor MacGregor yap' iff the chair. The room was crowded to excess, and wo should suggest that in future a large pnblic room sliould. be made use of for the purpose, and that some mode of selection of an audience should be adopted. This is proved necessary by the disorderly conduct of a few half-grown lads, who having taken possession of a certain portion of the hall, amused themselves by annoying everyone by their boisterousness. To such an extent did they carry this rudeness, that it was almost impossible to hear what was going on. The evening’s programme consisted of vocal and instrumental music, readings in class, and recitat fcns in German atid French. The 'vocal music was better selected and better rendered than last'year. It was fortunate Ithai Mr (5: pegg’ had’ kindly lent his finetoned grand the occasion, for no ordinary cottage instrument Would have been heard, placed so low aiitl surrounded by so dense a epowd. Several of jthe instrumental selections wer p >yelf played. We noticed particularly a Tern a by Blozarf, in which great musical taste was shown, but there was a slight absence of decision. Decidedly the gem were “The Auld House,” by Miss Helena Morse, and “ Chdperie,” a duet by Miss Annie Burn and Miss Morse. The continued hum kept up by some persons more interested in their own ktes-d-teks than in what was passing, prevented our hearing more than now and then a passing word of the German and French, The latter language (what we heard) was spoken with a pure accent. We cannot pronounce an opinion of the German. The programme having been gone through, The Chairman said, before proceeding to the real business of the evening, he had been asked to say a few words with regard to

what he had seen of the work of the school. Some days ago Mrs Burn offered him some papers on physiology for examination. He sat down thinking his task would be easy, as there were only half a dozen, and be estimated to go through them in a forenoon. Bub he was deceived. He couid not express the astonishment he felt at the way in which these girls showed that they understood the structure of the human body. He could see they had no practical knowledge of anatomy; that they had never dabbled in blood, though he did not see why instruction in physiology should not be carried to that extent. He did not see why even tl e finest-looking girl in the room should not be acquainted with the functions of the heart and lungs and other organs of the human body. The question. if fully treated, would require for its elucidation a respectable volume ; but t' e papers written exhibited a comprehension and precision that showed they had given great attention to the subject. < 'ne paper was on the process of nutrition, and went so far as to describe the microscopic appearance of the structure of the teeth. There were two girls for whom he entertained the highest respect. One wrote with great facility in cleir, terse, and vigorous English. That was Miss Flora Muir, and had the merit of the paper depended upon the style in which it was written, it would have been the more satisfactory ; but as it was a question of physiology, Miss Isabella Shandwas entitled to stand considerably ahead of the other. Mr Htanop then read the following report by Mrs Burn During the session now about to close, I have endeavoured steadily to follow the object I had mainly in view when I entered on my duties as head of the Girls’ High School. It has ever been my aim to impart to every pupil in the different classes the highest possible education, and with this view, the system pursued in each department has been much the same as last year. The appointment of an additional assistant by the Education Board has enabled me to effect considerable improvement in the classification of the pupils, and to give more time to the teaching of some of the subjects than was formerly possible. In the lowest department, the instruction imparted is necessarily somewhat elementary, but higher subjects are added from time to time as the pupils become qualified for them. In the youngest classes, the branches taught are much the same as_ last year, and comprise English, reading, spelling, penmanship, writing from dictation, grammar, geography, history and needlework. Object lessons continue to be given once a week, and these form subjects for English composition. The object lessons have been rendered much more interesting and effective by the use of excellent diagrams, and a cabinet containing numerous specimens of manufactures, minerals, and other natural productions, &c., kindly furnished by the Education Board. In the more advanced classes, due attention is given to the indispensable subjects already mentioned, and to these are added lessons in grammatical analysis, paraphrasing, original composition, and physical geography. The highest class has also gone through a. course of elementary chemistry, zoology, and physiology. French continues to be taught throughout the school. The attendance at the Gorman class is not so large as I anticipated, or, as I hope, it will eventually become. In consequence of Mr Pope’s illness, the German class is at present taught by Mr Ben elder. A large proportion of the pupils have received music lessons from visiting teachers and the resident governess, and I have reason to believe that the arrangements made by me in connection with this branch of instruction have proved satisfactory. The lessons given in drawing and class-singing by the visiting masters have been much appreciated by the pupils, and many of them have made highly satisfactory progress in these branches. A number of the pupils have received lessons in gymnastics and calisthenics from Mr Long, and in dancing from Mr Kelly. Written examinations in all the classes have been held quarterly. In connection with these examinations I have introduced a scheme for the granting of certificates of merit to every pupil who succeeds in gaining 80 per cent, of the attainable number of marks in each subject. Instead of giving a number of book prizes as formerly, the Education Board, at my suggestion, has agreed to grant certificates of merit to all pupils whose names are placed in the honor list at the Christmas examination just closed. To secure admission to the honor list it is necessary that the pupil should gain, in the aggregate, at least 7d percent, of the attainable number of marks in all ttye subjects. The object of this system is to give the greatest possible encouragement to every pupil to excel, which cannot be so well done by the ordinary plan of awarding book prizes, except, perhaps, at a great and unnecessary expense. I have the satisfaction to find that the practice of frequently taking written results of the lessons gone over, and of awarding certificates of merit to those pupils who attain a certain degree of excellence, has proved highly beneficial in several respects. It has led to increased assiduity on the part of the pupils, especially of those who were formerly disposed to be careless, ajjd it has secured greater ease ajpl accuracy pf expression, and improved composition. lam a hip to report that, on a careful analysis of the year's work, I find evidence of veiy decided progress in all the classes without exception. The Education Board had kindly authorised the granting of a gold medal to the dux of the school. In the competition for this medal, the blisses Muir and Isabella Shand stood so very close to each other in the aggregate number of marks gained that I was forced to the conclusion that justice required their being ranked as equal I referred this question to Dr Stuart and Professor Macgregor, who both concurred in my decision. Instead of awarding a gold medal tp one of these competitors, I have consequently resolved tp give a silver medal to each of them. The Hou. Mr Holmes, Mr George Turnbull, Provincial Treasurer, and a gentleman who does not wish his name to bo published, have each given me a silver medal for the dux of earii of the other three classes, bliss F. Gillon is the dux of the second class, and bliss C. Copte holds the same position in the third class. In the fourth class, the same difficulty arose in the awarding pf the medal as in the first class. Miss Ppiscilla Duncan gained the highest number of piarks, but Miss Jessie Smith was only fqur marks bejow her. They ipay, therefore, be considered as equally deserving, aipl I have resolycd to give a silver medal from myself to bliss Smith. Mrs S. Hawthorne has kindly presented a prize for French, which lias been awarded to bliss Muir for French composition ; Mcssis Keith and Wilkie, Young, and Jacobs have also presented prizes. My warmest thanks are due to the Education Board and to the friends who have so kindly presented medals and prizes on this occasion. I avail myself of this opportunity to express my thanks to all the teachers for their hearty cooperation, and for their faithful and untiring efforts on behalf of the school.

I may mention that the highest number of pupils enrolled during the year was 125, The average attendance has been 117. TJie Bgv. Dr. Stuart addressed a few words t'q'tke mhotfpgoxp f :esspq'o|: tbp pleasure hefplt at being present, and bis surprise at seeing the improvement in the work done at the school as shown in the exhibits.

Mrs Burn was presented with a pair of elegant flower-stands by the pupils as a token of their gratitude ; Miss Mackay with a pair of earrings from her class ; three vases by Miss Hill’s class to that lady ; and to Miss Anderson a bouquet-holder.

The following is the list of certificatetakers. The figures represent the percentages obtained by each, viz : First Class.—English History—B. Shaud, F. Muir, 99 ; A. Collinson, 97 ; M. Collinsou, 87 ; M. Sorley, §6 ; A. Allan, 84; A. Burn,‘‘B4 ;! L, Brodie, 84; Stamper, 80; Mackworth, 77 ; Glasgow 75. General History—M. Collinson, 100 ; A. Collinson, 100 ; B. Shand, 99:,’ ; F. Muir, 98 ; Mackworth, 90 ; A|lan, ttti ; Glpsgqw, 87 ; Sqrley, 84; Burn, 80 ; Brodie, 79. ' Political Geography—B. Shand, l()5 ;A. Collinson, 100 ; P. Muir, 100; stamper, 94; Sorley, 82; Allan, SO; M. Collinson, SO. Physical Geography- -F. Muir, lOp ; A. Cqllinsou, 100; B. Miapd, 100 ; Allan, 00'; Glasgow', 90 ; M. Colli nsop, 05 ; Sqrley, 9| ; Stamper, 89 ; Duff, 88; E. M. Smith, 80; Burp, 78. General English—B. Shand, 88 ;F. Muir, 77. English Composition—Glasgow, 95 • Duff, 90; F. Muir, 90; B. Shape!, 80 ; A. Collinson, 82 : Morse, 81 ; K. M. Smith, 81; Allan, 80 ; Chapman, SO ; M. Collinson, 79; G. Tewsley, 78. Chemistry—M. Collinson, 91 5 A ■ Collinson, 80 ; B. Shaud, 84 ; F, Muir, 82 ; A, Allan, 75.

Second Class. History, English—F. Gil! on, 92 ; M. Allan, 92; A. Cutten. 87 ; J. Mills, 84; Jane Banks, 83 ; S. Lubecki, SO; C. Cwuegie, SO; JJ. Covert, 73; C.

Campbell, 75. ‘ General History—A. Logau, 97; A. Cutten, 96; F. billon, 9o; J. Flanagan, 94; I, Sorley, 94; C. Carnegie, 93 ; J Mills, 92; J. Cooke, 91; E. Calvert, 90; J. 1 islop, 90; S. Luhecki, 88; H. Cairns, 85 ; M. Allan, 84 ; C Campbell, 84; M. Watson, 70 ;R. Paul, 78; A. Brewer, 76; C Gow. 75 ;M. A. Duncan, 75. Geography—J. flanaaan, 93 ;M. Allan, 88 ;J. Hislof). 86 ; J. Mills, 85; E. Calvert, 85 ; h\ Gil'on, 85; C. Carnegie, 83; Joanna Banks, 8 1 ; H. Cairns, 81; A. Cutten, 81; J. Cooke, 81; L. Sorley, 79; S. Luhecki, 78 ; M. Watson, 78 ; A. Logan, 78 ; C. Campbell, 76; 11. Paul, 75. Physical Geography— F. Gillon, 86; A. Cutten, 84 ; C. Carnegie, 82; A. Logan, 81 ; J. Flannagan. 76; J. Mills, 76; R. Paul, 75; L. Lubecki, 75 ;L. Sorley, 75. Grammar— F. Gillon, 84; J. Mills, 83; A. Cutten, 82; M. A. Duncan, 82; S. Lubecki, 80; J. Cooke, 79; Joanna Banks, 78 ; C. Carnegie, 78; E. Paul, 76; J. Flannagan, 76 ; E. Calvert, 76; A. Logan, 75 ;J. Hislop, 75. French —A. Shand, 86; L. Lubecki, 83; J. Flannagan, 82; A. Cutten, 83 ; F. Gillon, 82; H. Cairns, 81; J. Mills, 80 ; M. Allan, 79 ; L. Sorley, 78; J. Hislop, 77; A. 1 ogan, 77; M. Hastie, 77; A. Turnbull, 77; H. Bagley, 76; M. A. Duncan, 76 ; A. Brewer, 76 ; (3. Gow, 76. Arithmetic—J. Cooke, 96; J. Mills, 90 ; M. Allan, 83 ; F. Gillon, 75 ; S. Luhecki, 75 ; Joanna Banks, 75 ; J. Bislop, 75 r • 1 Third Class— History—Coote, 98; Little, 97 ; Watson, 95; Smith, 94; Moss, 92 ; Fitchett, 89 ; Cassells, 88 ; J. Cairns, Grant, 79 ; Jones 77 ; Langmuir, 76. Geography —Little, 100; Cassells, M, Ross, 96; A. Fitchett, 94 ; Lees, Watson, 93 ; J. Smith, 89 ; Moss, Grant, M. Cairo, 87; J. Cairns, 86; Langmuir, 85 ; Coote, 84; Aitken, 78; F. Ross, Webb, 77. Grammar—Cassells, Little, 97; B. Grant. M. Ross, 96 ;F. Ross, Coote, 95; Webb. 94; Fitchett, 93; Watson, 92; Langmuir, 90; J. Cairns, Eaton, 89; Smith, 88 ; Lees, 86; Barber, Aitken, 8*; Sraeaton, 83; Trumble. Moss, 82; M. Cairns, Davis, 81; Russell, Pratt, Callendar. Object Lessons —Coote, 92$ ; Little, 90 ; F. Ross, Grant, 84 ; Cassells, 80 ; Watson, 77. French—Coote, Smith, 94; Cassells, Lees, 92 ; 1 it.tle, 88 ; Fitchett, 85 ; M. Ross, 84; J. Cairns, 83; F. Ross, 82; Eaton, Grant, Watson. 81; Reynolds, 78; Trumble, Anderson, 76 ; Moss, Webb, Barber, Tewsley, 75. Arithmetic—Coote. 95 ; Fitchett, 94 ; Cassells, Watson, 80; M‘Cairns, E. Little, Trumble, 76.

Fourth Class —History—A. Davies, 94; Jessie Smith, 93 ; R. Cutten, 92; Ruth Edwards, Priscilla Duncan, 91 ; Charlotte Reid, Arny Brainpan. 88 ; Mona Watt, 87 ; Jane Findlay, 83; Florence Tcwsley, 79; Helena Sievwright, 78. Grammar—J. mith, C. Reid, 88; P. Duncan, R. Edwards, 82 ; A. Davies, 79 ; H. Sievwright, 77 ;J. Findlay, 75 Geography—J. Findlay, 99; P. Duncan, 97 ; A. Brapigan, J. Smith, R. Edwards. F. Tewsley, 96 ; M. Watt, 94 ; A, Davies, 91; E. Duncan, §9 ;E. Skywright, 85 ; M. Cpwie, Is. Jones. R. Cutten, 84; M. M f Lean, A. Weldop, 82; C. Reid, 81 ;E. Strachap, 78. Objeot i-essons—,[. Smith, 96 jP. Duncan, 95 j Reid, 94 ;R. Cutten, 93 } A. Branigan, 92; A Davies, 91; R, Edwards, 89 • E. Straohan, 87; J. Findlay, 83; S. Strachan, 81; A. Weldon, 89; J. M‘Le?n E. Dmcar, A. Levy, 79; M. Cow ie, F. Tewaley, 75. French—P. Duncan, 80; A. Davies, 76; Smith, 75. Arithmetic—J. Findlay, 100 ; R. Duncan, 96 ; A. Davis, H. Sievwright, K. Cutten, 95 ; R. Edwards, 94 ; M. M'Lean. 88 ; F, Smith, 87 ; C. Reid, M. Cowie, 83; A. Branigan, 82; A. Weldon, SI; M. Jon s, 80; S. Strachan, 78.

Special prizes for music werj presented by Miss Bell to Helena Morse, and by Mr Lees to Miss Smith.

A fter the prizes had been presented, the national anthem was sung, and a vote of thanks to the Chairman brought the proceedings to a close.