ST. PHILOMENA’S COLLEGE, SOUTH DUNEDIN

New Zealand Tablet, 21 December 1911, Page 2601

ST. PHILOMENA’S COLLEGE, SOUTH DUNEDIN

As a fitting finale to the year’s scholasticate work an excellent variety and dramatic entertainment was given in St. Patrick’s Hall, South Dunedin, on Thursday evening, and attracted a large audience. Rev. Father Delany presided, and Rev. Father D. O’Neill was also present. . These displays by the students of St. Philomena’s have established their own reputation, and the parents, who naturally look for something out of the beaten track, were not disappointed on this occasion. As in previous years, the young ladies manifested their ability to provide a musical treat complete in every detail. The stage was handsomely and tastefully arranged, and the costumes of the performers striking and picturesque. The introductory overture was played by Misses May Lemon, Daisy Hall, Anstis, Dunford, Monaghan, and McCormack. This was followed by the chorus ‘ Harvest moon,’ in which eighty nicely trained voices blended perfectly. The pretty intricate movements of the dance ‘ Graziella ’ were faultlessly gone through by Misses Carter, Dyer, Curtin, Burk, McMahon, Rodgers, Hamill, ’ Rodgers, and Fahey. Miss Daisy Hall’s beautiful pure soprano was heard in ‘ The green isle of Erin.’ This little lady, the winner of many coveted distinctions, was in excellent voice, and gave a tasteful and sympathetic rendering of,the soul-stirring Irish song. In response to an imperative encore she sang with* deep feeling a sweet little song, ‘ Myspea,’ in the Irish language. A very fine orchestral selection was played by —(Ist violins), Misses Doris Anstis, J. Lemon, Mary Monaghan, Florence English, Ruby Gray, M. McCormack, and M. Rodgers; (2nd violins), Misses A. English, Sadie Langford, V. McDonald, and A. McTavish; (’cello), Miss May Lemon ; (guitar) Miss McAuley; (mandolin and piano), Misses Nellie Langford and Jessie Lemon. Another splendid chorus was given by the students and generously applauded. Misses P. Hargreaves, Eileen Murphy, M. O’Kane, T. Dunford, E. Moloney, and Florence English played their duet, a fantastic composition, with plenty of vigor and dash. Miss Daisy Hall rendered Jensen’s difficult ‘ Murmuring breezes ’ very artistically, and was enthusiastically recalled and bowed her acknowledgments. A sparkling trio was meritoriously' played by Misses Walsh, Amy Dyer, Ima Dawson, May Jones, K. McDevitt, Carter, Rodgers, McDonald, and Mona Anstis. The college orchestra’s second number, ‘ Memories of Erin,’ was a fantasia on national airs, introducing a series of delightful contrasts, each of which was a separate study and treated not only with taste but with a knowledge of the original. ‘ Floral valsette,’ a dainty action song by thirty Kindergarten tots, who revealed keen intelligence and admirable earnestness, was warmly applauded. A courtly dance, ‘Gavotte lyrique,’ was gracefully done by Misses Maher, Kaveney, Reid, McDevitt, Dunford, Noonan, Hayes, Langford, Dawson* McDonald, Gray, Anstis, Moloney, O’Kane, Walsh, and McTavish. A pianoforte duet, played by little Misses Meade, Curtin, Reid, McMahon, Burke, and Noonan in a manner that reflected credit on themselves and their patient instructresses, brought the first part of the concert to a close. .‘ King 1 Rene’s Daughter,’ a , lyric drama in one act, from the Danish of Henrick Herz, by the Hon. Edward Phipps, filled the second part of the programme. The young, ladies showed a fine conception of the spirit of the piece, and acted with intelligence and vivacity. Where all did remarkably well according to their opportunities, it may seem invidious to mention a few, but Misses Molly Brennan, Vera Marlow, Kitty Langford, and Daisy Hall deserve more than a passing word of praisea more faithful

portrayal of , the characters assigned them could scarcely have been given. A bright final chorus brought a charming and refined entertainment to a close. Rev. Father Delany, in a few appropriate words, complimented the students on the excellence of their entertainment. The evening's performance was an eloquent testimony to the thoroughness of the training they are receiving from the Sisters of Mercy. On behalf of the nuns he thanked the audience for their attendance. Exhibition of Work. In response to the invitation of the Sisters of Mercy a large number of parents and friends visited the class hall, where, as in former years, the work executed in the studio and needlework classes was exhibited. Fancy work of every imaginable description, unique and original in design, testified to the skill and rapidity with which the girls must have worked to produce a display which it would be hard to surpass. The oil, water, and Poonah paintings, the drawings in color and in black and white, reflected credit on the youthful artists. Talent was shown by the majority, and in some cases it was very marked. The Kindergarten work was the centre of much attraction, and the visitors were unstinted in their praise of the efficient tuition the children are receiving. Distribution of Prizes. The distribution of prizes took place on Friday, the function being of a semi-private character. His Lordship Bishop Verdon presided, and presented the prizes. A short but choice programme was gone through, each item being pleasingly rendered. Rev. Father Delany read the annual report, which was as follows: The records for the current year show that continuous progress has been made, and a high standard of excellence maintained in all departments of the college. We have regarded the moral training of the students as our first dutv and devoted constant attention to Christian doctrine and religious instruction. It is pleasing to record that the general conduct of the students has been eminently gratifying, and. that they have applied themselves to their work with energy and earnestness. The candidates presented for th»« practical and theoretical examinations of Trinity College and the Royal Academy of Music acquitted themselves well and gained a high percentage of marks. Besides the success achieved in these examinations, three students took prizes for vocal and instrumental music at the Christchurch and Dunedin Competitions. This year the seniors again competed in the League's historical essay examinations and carried off seven first prizes. Towards the end of August the senior and middle grades were examined by the Education Board's Inspectors, whose excellent report was a fair indication of the work done, and proved that tie girls were carefully grounded in the elements of a solid, well-balanced general education without winch they would be incapable of profiting by the senior work. In the higher classes much energy, time, and attention have been devoted to the classical languages, literature, history, as well as to the mathematical and scientific studies; in a word, to all those branches of a liberal education universally admitted to be most powerful in developing the mental faculties, in imparting culture and refinement, and forming the taste. Kindergarten methods were applied with marked success in the preparatory school, where the little ones were led along the lines best suited to develop their originality, individuality, character, and gifts. They have been taught how to use their hands, ears, and eyes, c to become selfhelpful, and to find in all Gods beautiful gifts to man never-ending sources of interest' and delight. All branches of . drawing and painting received adequate attention, and many clever and attractive studies in nature and landscape painting were executed in the studio. Much elaborate and beautiful art work and creditable specimens of plain sewing were done in the needlework department. The physical development of the students has not been neglected. This branch of their educational training, whilst so essential, - was fortunately very spontaneous,,and needed in order to make it perfect, little more than time and opportunity.

Amongst the seniors tennis and hockey were the most popular forms of physical recreation. •■ " - His Lordship the Bishop delivered a brief exhortation to the students. He congratulated them on the success of the year's work and on the enjoyable performance to which he had listened with very great pleasure. He had heard of the beautiful concert they had given the previous evening, and was sorry indeed that ho had not been able' to be present, nothing would have given him greater pleasure. In this admirably conducted college they had glorious opportunities—within its .walls they are being educated in a truly Catholic atmosphere where their faith is strengthened and the seeds of Christian virtue and enlightenment are sown. In after life they would be faithful to the instructions of the good Sisters. Their course of secular studies embraces every branch of useful learning; they are receiving a good sound education, as good_ as any in the Dominion. He wished them every success in the future. When they passed away from the care of the Sisters and began the battle of life they should not forget that earth is not our resting place; we are here only to prepare for heaven, our lasting home. When temptation presses upon them they should recall the words: ' What doth it profit a man if he gain the wheje world and suffer the loss of his soul V In conclusion his Lordship wished one and all a right good vacation, enjoying the fresh air and amusements their parents will provide for them and attending to their religious duties and the good advice they have received. He hoped they would return strengthened in body and ready to work with even greater success. - Prize List. Post-Matriculation Class.—Dux (gold medal), Kilty Langford; Christian doctrine and . advanced Latin, Kitty Langford; senior essay, Kitty Langford.

Matriculation Class,—Euclid and trigonometry (gold medal), May Lemon; English literature arid composition (gold medal), Mary McAuley; algebra and shorthand (gold medal), Alix Anstis;":-Latin, May Lemon; human physiology medal), Josephine Nolan ;, type-writing and violin ■} (gold medal), Doris Anstis. •';.;; - -i ;: Civil Service Class.-Application to studies (silver medal) May O'Brien; next in merit, M. McCormack: English and oil painting (silver medal), W. Kaveney: arithmetic, Mary Monaghan; next in merit, Ruru Carter; theoretical music (silver medal), Priscilla Plargieaves; elementary Latin, Sadie Langford; vocal music (gold medal), Daisy Hall; freehand drawing, Lena Maher; next in merit, M. McCormack; English grammar and geometry (silver medal), Ruru Carter: junior mathematics (silver medal), Eileen Moloney; geography and botany (silver medal), M. McCormacknext merit, W Kaveney; drawing in light and shade! Mabel Hayes; pastel painting, P. Hargreaves; improvement in music, Eileen Murphy; English history, Mary Monaghan; next in merit, Sadie Langford; general improvement, Nellie Langford. _ Navy League Essay Examination.— Ist' prize, Kitty Langford; junior Ist prizes, Alix Anstis, Winnie Kaveney, Josephine Nolan, Mary Monaghan, badie Langford, and Mary McCormack. Senior Division, Class A.— Religious . knowledge (silver medal), Tessie Dunford ; art needlework (silver meda), Florence English; model drawing, Annie McTavish; next in merit, F. English; element/ science, Maggie Walsh; spelling and dictation, Kathleen Hayes; arithmetic, Maggie Doocey; freehand drawing, Vida McDonald; next in merit, F. English; penmanship, Mona Anstis; reading, Tessie, Dunford; theory, Florence English, Mona Anstis, and R. Gray; English grammar and memory work, Kathleen Moloney • calis-

thenics, F. English, V. McDonald, and K. Moloney; music; -Ruby Gray; next in merit, M. Walsh, Mona Anstis; class singing, Tessie Dunford. Senior Division, Class B.—General excellence in class work, Kathleen McDevitt; Bible history, Ima Dawson; next in merit,;May Jones; arithmetic, Annie English; English history, May Jones; next in merit, M. O'Kane; geography, Muriel Carter; next in merit, Eileen, Hamill; handwork, Mona Kerr; next in merit,. Annie English;..crayon drawing, Mary O'Kane; elocution and reading, Eileen Hamill; diligence, May Jones; application to studies, Annie Reid; freehand drawing, Violet McMaster ; English composition, Cecilia Fahey; next in merit, M. Carter; mapping, Mary O'Kane; Mount Mellick work, Annie English; reading, Ima Dawson; amiability, Katie Gallagher. Intermediate Class.-Composition, Agnes Moloney; next in merit, May Curtin; elocution, Amy Dyer geography and nature study, Marie McMahon; spelling and dictation, Amy Dyer; freehand drawing, Eileen Hanna; English composition, Kathleen Burk; writing and .neatness, Cecilia Noonan; arithmetic, Agnes Moloney; next in merit, M. McMahon and C. Noonan; class singing, Kathleen Burk; home studies and order, May Curtin ; elementary studies and order, May Curtin; elementary science and needlework, C. Noonan; handwork and exercises, Marie McMahon. Junior School. Arithmetic, Leonore Murphy; next in merit, M. Rodgers; Christian doctrine, May Daniel; grammar, Brigie Meade; recitation and 2nd grammar, Rongomai Carter; politeness and fancy "work, Monica Rodgers.; exemplary conduct, Brenda Marlow; handwork and comprehension, Eileen Curtin; improvement in reading,. Emily Roche; geography and observations, Ray-

mond Marlow; repetition and drill, Wilfred McDowall; general improvement, Gordon;,. Pearson;'.•• spelling, May Daniel; tables, L. Murphy; mental arithmetic, Raymond Marlow; attention. and diligence, Brigie Meade; memory drawing, Eileen Curtin and R. ; Carter. Kindergarten: School. Grade A.—Writing, Mary Bradley; home studies, Nellie Francis; good . conduct, Lettie Meade; reading, Rosie Bradley; arithmetic, Francis Roche; . drawing, Willie Curtin; piano, Mary Bradley; spelling, IN. Francis; tables, L. Meade; coloring, W. Curtin. Grade B.—Reading, Maisie Harrison; sewing, Violet Jones; reading, Molly Francis; writing, Eileen Jones; recitation, Silvia Daniel; coloring, Kitty Dyer; number, Lily White; freehand drawing and singing, J. Kennelly; politeness, Maisie Harrison; punctuality, Violet Jones; memory work and nature study, Molly Francis; catechism and embroidery, Kitty Dyer; mental arithmetic, J. Kennelly; tables, Lily White; attention in class, Maisie Harrison; handwork, Eileen Jones. Grade C.—Bible stories, Rita Brown; sentence building and gifts, Daisy Deegan; sight reading and 8.8. drawing, Kitty McCrossan; nature study and mat weaving, Ella Smith; crayon work and neatness, Hilda Hamill; word building and "designing, Ella Kennelly; writing and order, Gretta Green; catechism and regular attendance, Molly Tylee drill and exercises, Frank Haig; good conduct, Ruby Client; coloring and observations, Peter Lemon; block building and paper work,. Leonard Pearson: pricking, Ernest Roche; tablets, Te Rangi Carter; stick laying, Hughie Murray. School of Music. ■-,,-_'; ". ■ Theoretical music (gold medal), Doris Anstis, P. Hargreaves, M. Fahey, Josephine Nolan,

Florence English, Mary Monaghan, Maggie Walsh, Cissie Anderson, Vida McDonald, Ruby Gray. .■ 7 Practical Music—Associated Board and 'Royal Academy' of Music (violin), J. Lemon, Doris Anstis, ■Alan Potter. Trinity Pianoforte, S. Dunbar, Doris Anstis, Priscilla Hargreaves, M. Fahey, E. Anderson, Amy Dyer, Ruby Gray, Mona Anstis; violin, Ruby Gray; singing (gold medal), Daisy Hall; success in competitions, Daisy Hall (vocal), Maggie Walsh and Alan Potter (violin).