SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURTON

New Zealand Tablet, 31 December 1914, Page 27

SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL, ASHBURTON

The annual breaking-up ceremony in connection with, the Sacred Heart High School, conducted by the religious of Notre Dame des Missions, took place last week. There was a very large attendance, and the Rev. Father J. J. O'Donnell presided. The Rev. Dr. J. A. Kennedy (Methven), and, the Rev. Father Seward were also present. . The proceedings comprised the playing of a short drama, interspersed with musical items. The selected work was entitled 'Queen Esther,' the story dealing with legendary incidents of early Bible times. The chief characters were:—Assuerus (King of Persia), E. Burgess; Mardochai (Esther's uncle), M. O'Sullivan; Aman (favorite of Assuerus), D. Brown; Hydaspes (friend of Aman), M. Hanrahan ; Asaph (officer of the court), J. Devane; Esther (Queen of Persia), M. r Langley; Elsie (friend of Esther), R. Brown; Zares (wife of Aman), E. Langey; the chorus,, composed of young Hebrew girls, among them being Miriam, Sarah, Rebecca, and Rachel, was made up with junior pupils. The young performers are to be highly complimented on r their truly jtrtistic performance, which won great applause from the audience. In addition, the following musical programme was rendered during the afternoon :

Overture, ‘Marche Militaire’ (Schubert), Misses D. Brown, E. Langley,. O. Christie, L. Moore, J. Devane, E. Hanrahan, A. Bradley, and V. Halliday (pianos), L. Terris, E. Brophy, and M. Quigley (violins), and D. Cullen (’cello) ; action song, ‘ Among the flowers,’ junior pupils; pianoforte duet, ‘ feallade&ih A flat’ (Chopin), Misses M. Quigley and D. Cullen; pianoforte selection, ‘ O’er the hill, o’er the dale,’ Misses B. Hurley, M. Pawson, M. Meeking, N. Sheehan, M'. O’Grady, A. Lennon, M. Cunneen, and M. Scott; chorus, ‘ Sunrise,’ senior pupils; orchestral selection from ‘ Maritana ’ (Wallace), Misses E. Brophy, L. Terris, L. Moore, and M. Fleming (violins), M. Quigley (viola), and D. Cullen (’cello) ; isong and chorus, ‘ Nocturne,’' senior pupils; pianoforte selection, ‘ Valse Brilliante,’ Misses D. Cullen, V. Halliday, M. Quigley, A. Bradley, R. Brown, J. J. Devane, E. Ward, and E. Hanrahan. The musical items were played in a very creditable manner, and one which spoke volumes for the assiduous training and the general ability of the pupils. As usual the display of scholars’ work was the centre of a good deal of attention, and rightly so, too. For choiceness and quality of work the exhibition would be hard to beat, and the favorable comments that were heard on all sides must have given teachers and pupils alike thorough satisfaction. The display was confined chiefly to three sections—fancy needlework, wood carving, and painting—and it was hard to decide which deserved the most commendation; all three were excellent. In the fancy needlework class, worked cushions of various kinds were shown, including Mosaic work, embroidered, point lace, illuminated, stencilled, fibra, ribbon, Indian, Limerick lace, and pen work, etc. Specimens of Mount Mellick and crewel work were also exhibited, and each and every sample was characterised by neatness and taste of design. Even the kindergarten class had something to show, and little hem-stitched ’kerchiefs and prettily decorated cardboard cases for flower pots were shown as part of the wee ones’ work. The wood-carving made a strong display, and there was an, especially fin© carved sideboard on view, the work of one of the pupils. Occasional tables, palm stands, organ and piano stools, all formed part of the exhibition, and made a highly praiseworthy show. The painting was a yery striking exhibit. The oil colors were decidedly good, and betrayed the fact that the' artists had more than a streak of talent. The landscapes and water scenes had been executed with sufficient regard for perspective, light and shade and warmth of tone. The paintings of bird and animal life were capitally done.' The water colors ranked equally with the oils, whilst pastels were also prominent. The display was inspected by a large number of people. The chairman, in the course of a few remarks, thanked the children on his own behalf and on behalf of the audience for the concert given during the afternoon. After a great deal of hard work he was sure that they were looking forward to the Christmas holidays. That would be the predominant thought in their* minds. They had, by agreeing to forego their usual book prizes and allowing the money thus saved to go to the relief funds, shown a generous and a sacrificing spirit, which would commend itself to all. Father O’Donnell also referred to the success the children had attained, as borne out by the very excellent display of work. Before presenting the -certificates gained by the ’scholars in the New Zealand Education Department’s proficiency examination and in the Associated Board’s and Trinity College (London) musical (’theoretical and practical) examination, the chairman formally wished the scholars the compliments of the season.