SCHOOL VACATIONS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13468, 16 December 1905, Page 7

SCHOOL VACATIONS.

ST. DOMINIC'S COLLEGE.

The annual broaking-up celebrations in connection with St. Dominic's College wa-s bold in the Convent School last nirat, in the presence of a. very largo assemblage o5 pupils and their friends. Tho Rev. Father Coney presided (in tilie absence of Bishop Yordon), and most of the prksts of Dunedin wv.rc present. The. breafcing-iip at St. Dominic's takes practically the samo form from year to year, and is always a. very pleasant,, friendly, and most human gathering. Last night the distribution of the prizes was interspersed with music. The following was the musical programmed—Orchestral selection, "Incidental musio to Shakespeare's Henry VIII" Sullivan); chorus, "Mild as tho moonbeams" (Braham); -pianoforte, duet (three pianos), "Spanische tanz«" (Moskoivski), the Mijses Ralph, Gawno, Martin, Moritzson, Clarke, and Goldsmith; club exercises; pianoforte solo, "Allogro from Appaesionat-a Sonata" (DoDthovcn), Miss Myra, Montague, A.T.U.L.; song, "Bid me discourse" (Bisbop), Miss V. I'raser; scene from " Julhis Cffisar," "Tlk ynmcl" (Shakespeare), \\. Martin (Brutus), U. Goldsmith (Cassius), M. Giiwne (Lucius); song, " Nobil Signor " (M&yerbper), Miss Hannah Sweeney, A.T.0.L.; violin solo, " Ohcrtass mazurka" (WicniawsM), Miss Maud'Sandilands; militar inarch (three piano?) (Schu-bert-Tausig), the Jlisse.s l'aton, A.T.C.L., King, and Ralph; part- sons;. "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Slmbcrl), tho blisses Eraser, Dall, Hefferna.ll, Knlph, and Clarl;e. Entertainmont urovided on such occasions is not usually discussed in strict terms of criticism; but it is necessary to note, in common fairness, that the entertainment provided last night was singularly excellent in general quality and effect. Miss Myra. Montague's treatment of tho suporb Beethoven musio was at all points scholarly and -worthy, charming in feeling, tine in interpretation, admirable in execution. Miss Montague, judgc v d by her present promise, should go far and win—what, in her heart, overy true artist most desires— to genuine attainment. As it is, she does infinite credit to St. Dominic's and the pious gentiowomen who have taught her. Tbo statement applies with equal force to Miss Violet Fra-sor and Miss Hannah Sweeney. Miss Fraser hai -a- resonant and flexible voice, and Iver prodiiction is greatly adinirat. Her defects arc tho defects of her nerves and her youth—defects slight, inovi table, and to Uo overcome in tho natural order. Miss Sweeney has a- voice of charminir delicacy and timbre. The part singing and the remaining piano work wore of consistently high class. The elocutionary selection was not tho best selection that could be made, bright young girls in their teens being at best somewhat unthinkable as Brutus and Caesius; but, due allowance being made for their excessive handicap, these bright young girls did exceptionally well.

The report and prize-list were as follows: This evening brings to a close our scholastic year, a year in which much that is new and good has been introduced into our training system. Every care has been taken to secure that the education of the pupils should be a "preparation for complete living," and a drawing-out and utilising of all that is best in them. The pupils themselves have, by willing co-operation, developed mentally and morally. They have worked unsparingly, arid they have learned to find in had work and in the study of all God's beautiful gifts to earth never-failing sources of happiness. There has been during the year a desire for knowledge and a keen, though kindly, emulation. Last year our college was affiliated to Oxford, the famous old university, and In June of the present year the first Oxford local examinations in New Zealand were held in St. Dominic's. The results, lately to hand, were highly gratifying. A list of the successes is appended to the •prize-list. This affiliation has not only given a fresh stimulus to study in the senior grades, but it has also provided for the junior classes a splendid incentive to wort.

In the teachers' D examination, matriculation, and junior civil service, college pupils »we surccssfu:.

Physical development has not been overlooked. Miss Mowat. who- is to be warmly congratulated on the success of her efforts, has reason to feel that her pupils have fully appreciated her labours in their behalf.

In the School of Music three of the pupils secured diplomas of associate (A.T.C.L.)—two in pianoforte-playing and one in singing. Another pupil obtained the title of certificated vocalist and local exhibitioner of Trinity College. There Were in all 20 successful candidates, three of whom secured honours—two in the senior grade and one in the junior.

Much good wotI; has been done in the art class in drawing, flower painting from nature, animal and landscape painting. In the various departments of the school, from kindergarten upwards, there has been a steady increase in the number of pupils. Each of the socialities has received an influx of members, and the sodalists (especially the Children of Mary) have, by Hie silent but effective teaching of good example, done much to secure that the tone of the .school should •ffl&ifttoift "s usual high stafldijjg. gopj:

feeling lias existed between teachers and pupils, and the intercourse of the pupils with'one another has been specially marked byjrankncss and cordiality. The prize-list is as follows:— - Senior Oxford and Matriculation Class.-J English, AT. Jlellick (first prize); mathematics, E. Dey; Christian doctrine, M. Jlelliqk; geography, E. Fraser; composition, L Heid; advanced Latin, I. M'Kenzie. . Junior Oxford.—Class medallists—E. Clark and A. Ward; next in merit, E. Goldsmith;French—lt. Burke (first prize), If. Gawna (second prize); Lathi, L. Flannery; elemen-tary-Latin, F. Byrne; arithmetic, 'B. M'Quilian; algobra, E. Powell; Bible history, It. Burke (first prize);, freehand drawing, H. Burke; deportment, L. Flsnncry; domestic economy, H. Burke; geography,'V. Martin;mapping and diagrams, A. Ward; attention to studies, J. Davies; order and neatness, ■ E; Gold«mrtJi; literature, F. Byrne; composition T. Swanson; composition and literature,' J. Davies; application—E. Powell and AV. Martin; calisthenics, E. Clark; flower painting from nature, animal and landscape paint-ing-R. Marsh (first' prize), M. Flannery (second prize, animal painting), 11. Jopp and 11. Sweeney (honourable mention). Preliminary Oxford.-Class medallist, B. Laffey; 'arithmetic, S. Brury; algebra, 8.. Leffey; composition, Is. King; French, S. Drury; geography, A. O'Brien, writing, C. Morrison; hietorj', L. Nolan; calisthenics, E.Darios; needlework, May Burk->; "eucral improvemont. E. M'Carten;' applical.ioii, C. Pot™'' and 0. Jolly; improvement in nnisdo, L. Maloneyand if. Burke. ' ' Preparatory Oxforil.-Class medallist, A.Gaffney; French, If. Lynch; arithmetic—A. Gaflney, M. Jopp, and 1!. Moritzson; mapping ant}, geography, Jean Peat; writing. E Stewart;, attendance... N. Lynch; flowoU painting from nature, P. Peat (second' prize); general iniprovemoiit, May Pound; improvement m lmisio — Mary Murphjinnd K: Byrno; wator-colouv painting. M. Jopp; . application-E. M'Donnell and L. , Lynch.

.littfioß Snioor,. Grodo 'A.—CltiUtißii aoctrir.e. X. Millar (silver meckl); EnglisL A. Norris; composition, M. Conghlnn; rcacliujr. B. Luffoy; geography, XI. Mackie; history, L. Heniua; lmturo observation—}[. Cnuglilaii (fust prize), N.' Cooney (second prize); arithmetic, E. O'Brien •' Mtllfe ' study,. J[. Thurslon; Prenoh, N. Miila-r; marlred in all class subjects, £■. Moriteon; sewing, A. Korris; attendance,: a. ■Siilhviin; industry, li. L»ffc> ; ordor and neatness, Jt. Nolan; politeness and application L. Wyinks; good conduct, A[. Nolan. ' Grade B.—airistian doctrine— 7). Union-y (first' prise), V. Cox (second prize); Engli»li ■ Iv. Anderson; composition, I. King; reading, B -Ganlwell; poetry, T. Cox; history, ■ M. tnohton; geography, D. Maloncy; natiuestudy, I Kini;; arrl,hinetio, J[. Criclitonr wntmpr-M Caldwell (first, nrize). H. Murphy, (second prize); homework, R. Caldwell; nfot-' i!0?s, E. Conghlon; application, A. Caldwell •• '™' , ™y; p - Millar; general improvement, Al. Aißrlane; politeness. F. Oantwell; attend-' ance, it. Jt'Erlane; politeness and oooa conduct, E. Korris.

Music Scitoor, Prizes. Lower Grade Boyal Academy.—D. Milln! Silver.- medal); improvement iu music A. Ralph. ' •

Intermodii>.to Grade Royal Academv.-R. Moriteon (silver medal), J[. G-awno (prize). bemcir Grade, Honours Trinity College-T M Mwlliii (silver medal), A. Knott (prize); sold playing. 11. King. Higher ExaminAtiong.-Certineated vocalistl ami exhibitioner of Trinity Collcjio. V. Fraseril go rt-medal and m;N& \ piiro _ jr.. Swccnev gold medal and special prize. J[. Pntoii; cole! modal and snecial prize. Jf. Montague. ' kOod conduct prize, H. Flamiery ' •to^anffi by th 9 voles oE a ° «

jKINDERGARTIX writif e 1 J , ~7T, nt s !" 0, ' goo<l condnct **£ Jilting: Sarah Cole, observations and drill-I Hosie Rogan, attendwee and goneraj iraproveJ ment; Tasman O'Brien, writing and brush! work; Connie Millar, violin and nature-study Veronica Gawne, viplin and politeness; Lily! poster, home study and recitation; Bella. Collins, sewmg and word-building; Bum Carter, reading and word-building; Eileen Cooney, Christian doctrine and arithmetio; Nellie Mlvenzie, neatness and drawing; Kathleen Coughlan. deportment and sewing. G-fade Hl.—Rifa Biggins, pianoforte playing and recitation; Muriel Carter, punctuality andsinging; Nora Cantwell, nca-tnoss and goodi conduct; Gfodys Cole, home study and recitation; Rum Taylor, reading and nature-' siudy; llary Lennoii. word-building and attendance; Grattan Shiel, observations end writing; Winnie Salmon, Christian doctrino and brush work; Mary M'Kenzio, sewing and writing; llavis Grieve, politeness and .brushwork.

Grade ll.— Ttosalie Cliinroni, music and drawing; Leonard Salmon, nature-study and modelling: Cissie Dunn, neatness and punctuality; , Muriel-Sullivan, homo study and paper folding; Monica Petre, number and observations; Lily Moir. recitations and nature-study; Gertie Mwna.n, drawing and good condnct. Grade I.—Rosic Ga-rdliam, embroidery ar.3 stick-laving; Stephen King, gifts and recita-l-ion; Linda. Riddle, nmt-weaving ami modelling; Tessie Miller. TOipor-folding and sticklaying: Veronica M'Kenzie, observations and) embroidery.

The following pupils -were successful in the Trinity College (London) mueical • examination 3:— Higher examinations: Myra Montague (A.T.C.L.), Minnie Paton (A.T.C.L.), Jfonmdi Swwwy (A.T.C.L.). singing. Certificn.t«ct vocalist, Violet Frnser. Senior Grade. Honour , !: T. M'Mullin, A. Knott (piano). Pbs«: 3f. Ha-H (singingV A. Major (singin;;), St. Sflndilands (violin), N. Angus (piano), A. Ralph tsin°injr). Intermediate Grade.—Pass: M. Murphv, If. M'Kay, If. Maloney, N. O'Lean , , .Tunior Orade': E, Ward (lionours). Pass: 1C Stewart. XI. Jonp fßinging), A.Patony Preparatory Grade: M. Laffey. GENERAL. Successes in Various Excminations.—< Tenchcrs' examination (Claw? D), I. M'Kenzie; 1 matriculation, K. Dry; civil service (junior)—• P. Geaney. 13. Wright, G. Mellick, E. Dey.

Certificates awarded to the successful canelidstes, TTmversitv nf Oxford.—Preliminary Grade—H. Burke. B. Tjfiffcv. S. Drury. Junior{Jrad*—E. Clark. Ti. M'Onillan, E. Goldsmith. I. M'TCenzie. A. Ward. If. Burke. R. Dcy. and K. Dey. Senior Oxford cMJificnte— Mary Hildiv M'KV.y nassed with honours the Oxford! local examination as a senior candidate, and is declared an Associate in Arts of tUo University of Oxford.

The Rev. Father Coffoy said, in too first ptaco, lie had to apologise for the absence of the Bishop, who had always taken a keen interest in the educational work of tlio diocese. His Lordship was far from well, but. though not present in person, ho was no doubt with thorn in spirit. Jn his letter of apolo?y tho Bishop expressed his appreciation of thn great work being done by tho Dominican Nuns—a work they had carried on for the last 34 years. Ho (the speaker) desired thnt night to call attention to tho very excellent system of education that existed in Pt. Dominic's College. A parent who sent his child to the colloffo could rest assured that child was getting tho best' education that could he got in any pa.rfc of the colony. No person who had sont bis child to tho school bad been able to find reasonable fault with the teaching. .Tho Dominican Nuns wore probably tho first to start nrirn>o tear.himr on a lame scale in. Dunorlin — if not in New Zealand, and they were the first to introduce any now method when that method had been proved to bo good. They wore also the first to associoto themselves with Oxford University, and tho svstem of examinations which that University bad lately established, by which it was honed to raise tho standard of education in different parts of tho world. Tho Oxford, people sont out examination papers which' were set at Home. Theso papers were of .in equally high standard to the paoors pet beforo those who actunllr attended tho universitv, and. therefore, if a child passed hnre and received a rthlomn. that diploma, was looked upon at Oxford as quite as high as <f it bad been actually taken at Home. They had with them that night' nunils who had obtained these diplomas, as the result nf thn system of education imrnrtod to the"i l>v the Dominican Nnns.— 'Anp'ause.) Tho children rot a sound training in all branches of education, and to erown everything there wr« the knowledge that thev also got a pood relitrions education. Everything; was done thnt could he done to develop the H"nts of a child in fin riirht direction. The children lenrnod by rtxamnlq ns well as by precent, .They hnd tho inestimable pdvarrtaso of the. oxamDlo sot to them by the nuns. wiMi whom they wore in contact throiiphnnt- tho year. Tho nuns wished to return thanks to all who bad helncd them durin.tr the yer>r. especially those who had given prizes for the bmak-up. Speaking to the gir's, he counselled them to treasure a love for their Alma Mater. The nuns gave the girls an exnmnle of absolute personal abandonment in t,hn interest of others. Tho lesson of unselfishness was one the nuns taught l)y their_ conduct, and precept, and ho boned the childron of tho school would show they had profited by that lesson.—fAnplause.) The Rev. Father Oleary said lie desired speoially to thank the young ladies for such a very delightful entertainment.—(Applause.) Hn also complimented them and their'teachers on the magnificent , series of successes St. Dominic's Oonege had achieved in tho scholastic and musical world.—(Apnlause.) The parents wero to be congratulated on tho admirable preparation thn ohildren wore getting for the broader and fuller lifo of the f"ture; and, especially on the fact that, while great attention wa9 given .to. scholastic matters, there was no neglect of the more important cultivation of the heart. He hoped thev would have • very happy holiday.—(Applause.)