CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ SCHOOL, DUNEDIN

New Zealand Tablet, 22 December 1910, Page 2103

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ SCHOOL, DUNEDIN

The annual breaking-up entertainment of, and distribution of prizes to, the pupils of the Christian Brothers’ School, Dunedin, took place in his Majesty’s Theatre on Monday evening in the presence of a large and very appreciative audience, including Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., and others of the clergy. The Christian Brothers’ pupils have always put on a most attractive programme at their annual entertainment, and that on Monday night was no exception to the rule. The Christian Brothers are noted all the world over for imparting a thoroughly sound and practical training to their pupils, and the varied nature and excellence of the programme submitted on this occasion gave ample evidence that our local teachers are worthily maintaining the reputation of the Order. The principal item on the programme was the celebrated tragedy, ‘ The Trial of Sir Thomas More,’ which was a most ambitious undertaking for school boys. The following was the cast of characters; Henry VIII., H. D. Moynihan; Duke of Norfolk, F. Cameron: Sir Thomas More, T. P. Laffey; William, S. Geerin; other sons, C. Woods and J. Lennon ; Cromwell, M. McKeefry; Sir Alfred Allerton, P. Keligher; First Judge, F. Delargy; Second Judge, Thos. Layburn; First Guard, H. Sweeney; Second Guard, L. O’Sullivan; Usher, J. Walsh; Gentleman-in-waiting, A. Clements. The play was produced in a manner which gave evidence of careful training, painstaking rehearsal, and a true conception of the requirements of the various characters. Where all did remarkably well according to their opportunities it might be considered invidious to mention anyone in particular, but wo cannot refrain from complimenting Mr. T. P. Laffey on his finished presentation of the character of More. It was a fine piece of acting, and certainly above the level of most amateurs and even professionals. Another item which received more than ordinary attention was the massed spectacular drill with colored effects by 140 boys, representing the Imperial troops at the Coronation. ' This was a most attractive spectacle, and the marching and countermarching of the boys, who performed the most intricate evolutions without a hitch, bore high testimony to the patience and time devoted to bringing them to such perfection. A pretty and artistic item was the Highland fling by Masters McKenzie, who were deservedly encored. Master F. Marlow contributed a recitation, in which be was very successful, his enunciation being remarkably clear and distinct. The club-swinging and gymnastics by the pupils were very clever performances, and showed to what perfection athletic exercises are brought at the school. The ‘ Twelfth Gloria ’ by the school choir was a remarkably fine item, and its rendition gave the audience a good idea of the musical training imparted at the school. The carol, ‘ Ring out sweet bells,’ by selected voices from the school choir, was another vocal item that was well received. An efficient orchestra contributed selections, which were much appreciated. Brother Cusack acted as musical conductor during the evening, and the gymnastic and club-swinging displays were under the supervision of Mr. T. P. Laffey; whilst Miss C. Hughes played the accompaniments in a very capable manner. The following was the annual report presented by Rev. Brother Brady, principal; We have every reason to be pleased with the results the school has achieved during the current year. The number of pupils enrolled during the year was 331. This is highly satisfactory, considering that we had to refuse a number of children in the junior classes owing to overcrowding. In all branches of school-life success has been attained—result due in a very great measure to the energy and zeal of our teachers and the co-operation and enthusiasm of our pupils. With very few exceptions the attendance has been the most regular for years, and in the upper standards absentees even for one day were seldom known. We return our grateful thanks to the parents for this happy state of affairs. Absence even for a short time lowers class standing and hinders anything like solid study. Regular attendance having been attained, the next most important factor towards the'success of the scholar is the conscientious preparation of home lessons. If these are neglected success cannot be achieved. It is the duty of parents and guardians to supervise the home-work of the boys under their care, and see that a stipulated time each evening is given to the preparation of home-work. Where this is done, success inevitably follows. The children have been well grounded in their Christian doctrine, and large classes were prepared during the year for First Confession and First Holy Communion. The school examination held during the year was very successful, and the inspector’s report was a highly satisfactory one. Turning to the public examinations, we find that Master E. B. M. Walmsley passed junior university scholarship with credit, and won a bursary at the University tenable for three years. Two pupils passed senior civil service. Two passed matriculation and solicitor’s general knowledge, while five boys passed the junior civil service, one being placed on the credit list. In the athletic field the school takes an honorable place. In senior cricket the school A team are champions and the B team third on the list. In school football, the A team are runners-up in the senior grade. In the junior grade our B team are winners of the five-aside medals, and in the sub-pinior competition our C team are winners of the beautiful flag presented for the first time in this di-

vision. In senior athletics our ex-pupils have been highly successful. In cricket our third grade A team were third on. the list, and in the fourth grade we were runners-up. In Association football our second grade A team are premiers, and also winners of the five-aside championship medals. In third grade our B team are runners-up, and winners of the five.-aside championship medals. In the fourth grade our C team are runners-up. All these successes are the result of hearty co-operation and enthusiasm among the members of our club. Under our gymnastic instructor (Mr. T. P. Laffey) the boys made great progress, and his class was successful in winning the medals for Club-swinging at the Dunedin Competitions Society. The dux of the school for the current year is Master P. J. Collins. Our sincere thanks are due to the priests of the Cathedral for their untiring efforts to further the moral welfare of the pupils of our school, and the splendid tone that prevails is the best proof of the success of their efforts. We take this opportunity of thanking most sincerely the many friends who contributed to our prize fund, and we wish them and the parents of our pupils a very happy Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. The Rev. Father Coffey then presented the prizes. At the conclusion of the distribution of prizes Rev. Father Coffey, Adm., said he desired on behalf of the audience to return sincere thanks to the boys of the school for the excellent entertainment they had provided that evening. He had been present at many entertainments, but that they had just witnessed was above the general standard. The performers were school boys, but it would be admitted that the play given by them would have done' credit to professional actors. That evening in a small way they had an example of the work that was done in the school during the past year. They had seen what had been done for the moral, intellectual, and physical development of the boys. Particular attention had been given to instructing the boys in Christian doctrine, and they had what was even better excellent example of self-sacrifice of their teachers. With such good example and excellent teaching there was laid the foundation of a true sound education. During the past year the school had the highest attendance ever reached—over 330 boys. This showed that the Catholic people were most desirous of giving their boys a sound Catholic education. Reference was made in the report to the special Christian doctrine instruction imparted to the boys, and that large classes had been prepared for the reception of the Sacraments. He (Father Coffey) could bear testimony from personal observation to the excellent training in religious education given to the boys. In conclusion lie said it was a shame that notwithstanding the excellent education given in Catholic schools, they received no aid from the State. So long as assistance was withheld from Catholic schools, Bishops, priests, and laity would protest against the injustice. He was pleased to notice of late a more generous spirit of recognition of the claims of our schools, for in the future they will probably benefit in a small way, but until the whole injustice was removed they would not cease to protest. He wished the Brothers and pupils a happy Christmas and a pleasant vacation. The following is the prize list: Dux of school, Patrick John Collins (gold medal, presented by Mr. W. Coughlan). Most popular boy, P. KeJigher. Unbroken attendance for seven years, J. "Walsh (Celtic cross, presented by Mrs. Herbert)' Mapping, L. McKeefry. Senior handball champion, P. J. Collins; junior, J. McCarthy. Highest batting average, T. Lavburn. Best bowling average, M. McKeefry. Gymnastics, J. Newman. Christian doctrine, A. Burke. Post Matriculation Form.—P. J. Collins (Latin); H. Moynihan (English literature). Matriculation Form.—F. Delargy (proximo accessit to duxgold medal and book prize); T. Lay burn (English and essay-writing); M. McKeefry (French and geometry); C Dunne (mathematics and Latin); F. Marlow (history and second English). Civil Service Form.A. Clements (French, 1); A. Burke (essay-writing, 1 and English history); F. Cameron (arithmetic, 1 and French); E. Nolan (Latin, 1, and essay-writ-ing 2); H. Sweeney (science); J. Daly (history and geography); J. Walsh (general excellence); C. Todd (general improvement). Civil Service Preparatory Class. —M. Lawless 1, S. Geerin 2, L. O'Sullivan 3. L. " Walsh (English and algebra); L. Shiel (geometry); N. O'Sullivan (general improvement) W. Heffernan (typewriting and English). Sub-Civil Service Class.—Honors list—Edward Fitzgibbon 1, Leo McKeefry 2, Harold Carter 3, James Marlow 4. Prize list —J. Flanagan 5 (French, geography, and geometry), M. Rings 6 (geography and drawing). Special Subject Prizes.—lrish history, C. Hastings (gold medal presented by Rev. Father Holbrook); singing T. Muirhead; elocution, M. O'Brien; essay-writing, f' Mackie and H. Carter (equal), 1; regular attendance', c! Hastings and B. Walsh: industry and attention to work C. Cromar 1, V. Shechy 2; general improvement, J. McCarthy. T Proficiency Prizes.—Latin, C. Hastings; mathematics, I. O Connor. Standard VI.—J. Newman 1; Irish history, T. O'Brien Standard V.James Fenton 1. The other prizes were distributed in the Brothers' School at 2 p.m. last Tuesday. ,