MUSIC PUPILS’ SUCCESSES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29068, 3 December 1959, Page 2

MUSIC PUPILS’ SUCCESSES

Credit Given To Nun As Teacher “Th« Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, December 2. Perhaps the music, success story of the year is that of an Irish nun, Sister Mary Aloysius, music teacher at the Herne Bay Marist convent for the last seven years. In recent Trinity College examinations she submitted 40 of her pupils to the travelling examiner from London, Mr John Longmire, and only one, a boy of 15, failed The reason for his failure, said the examiner, was that the boy was not mature enough, althougn he certainly had the ability—was almost brilliant in fact—but should not have attempted the examination for at least another year. Fourteen of her pupils passed with honours (with more than 80 per cent, of marks), 14 others with merit (more than 75 per cent.) and 11 obtained passes (more than 65 per cent.). It had been rumoured that Mr Longmire was marking very strictly. But, after examining her pupils, he said to Sister Aloysius; “You’ve pushed me up to the over-90 mark with four of your pupils.” He said he was also impressed with their industry and discipline. But the industry and discipline of the music room, so noticeable to the examiner, is only part of the thorough training she instills into her pupils. She has a reputation as a conscientious teacher. Sister Aloysius was teaching in Fiji before she came to Herne Bay. She completed her training as a nun in a French convent during the Second World War.