St. Philomena’s College, South Dunedin

New Zealand Tablet, 26 January 1922, Page 23

St. Philomena’s College, South Dunedin

The halls of St. Philomena’s College closed to study on Friday, December 16, when the annual exhibition of work, distribution of prizes, and entertainment took place. His Lordship the Bishop presided in the college hall in the afternoon and again in the evening at St. Patrick’s Hall. Rev. Dr. Kelly, Rev. J. P. Delany, and Rev. R. Graham were also present. As is well known, the students of the South Dunedin Convent School of Music attain high distinction - year after year in the examinations > conducted by professors who come out here under the auspices of Trinity College, London, so that if they excelled in their pianoforte, violin, and vocal numbers, it was only what the crowded, enthusiastic audience that filled the concert hall' expected. An instrumental selection by the college orchestra opened the lengthy and varied programme which was gone through with that artistic grace and finish for which St. Philomena’s students are noted. In the beautiful, finely balanced choruses, the fresh melodious voices showed that the college choir of 1921 was well up to the excellent standard of former years. Three lovely spectacular items by the kindergarten, the junior, and the senior children bore decided evidence of painstaking tuition._ A vocal solo, in Gaelic, by Miss Angela Flannery, an Irish reel by Misses Olga Rowland, Maggie Tylee, and Leila Stewart; an Irish hornpipe bv Miss Lulu Walsh, and a gavotte, in costume, by 20 little girls were outstanding numbers. The second part of the programme was filled by a clever one-act comedy entitled “The Transformation of the Countess of Northallerton,” in which the various characters were admirably personated bv the Misses N. Bradley, M. Poppelwell, I. O’Regan, M. Delany, V. Harrington, T. Nelson, and M. A. Garr. To commemorate the first anniversary of his consecration, Miss Leila Campbell, in a brief speech, conveyed to his Lordship the Bishop the congratulations and good wishes of his South Dunedin children, after which two little kindergarten pupils presented him with the children’s gifta spiritual bouquet and an album bound in green leather and containing photographic views of the Basilica, Convent of Mercy, St. Philomena’s College, St. Patrick’s Parish School, Stv Vincent’s and Mount St. Joseph’s Orphanages, St. Michael’s Convent, Mornington, etc. Rev. Father Delany read the report on the work of the college for 1921, which ran as follows: The scholastic year just closing was a,.very successful one for the college, and at is our pleasing duty to report favorably 6ii the good conduct of the students, and the

keen'interest displayed by them in all that tended to their advancement. The tone of the college was never better. After due preparation large numbers received the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion for the first time, whilst 70 had the happiness of being confirmed. With a view to training the seniors to give catechetical instructions wo have this year introduced the practice of allowing them in turn to accompany the Sisters to the catechism classes held on Saturdays at Green Island, and at Forbury Corner, As many of our girls come from country districts, we have reason to hope that the experience gained will be for them a means of much future good work for Holy Church. Lists published early in the year show that our students presented for Matriculation, Public Service, and Intermediate Examinations achieved splendid results. Four prizes were won in the Navy League essay competition. In addition to these splendid successes, as they may be termed, the ordinary efficient work of the secondary classes leading up to the December examinations went on smoothly. The girls taking a commercial -course secured the ceritficates of the National Business College, Sydney, The study of Irish history was a special feature of this year’s work in primary and secondary classes, and it is gratifying to record that the hearts of our girls not only expanded with affectionate sympathy for the trials and persecutions of the Irish people, but with a keen desire to know thoroughly the history of that great, good land to which Catholics of these new countries are So deeply indebted. _ The high reputation our school of music enjoys was maintained in the practical and theoretical branches. The number and quality of the passes in Trinity College, London, examinations surpassed those of any previous year. The college choir again merited the approbation of the examiners. The work done in the art and needlework departments has been highly creditable. The practical work in home science was well attended to with good results. Physical culture and games have had due attention. In this direction a notable forward step has been taken in the acquisition of additional property for playground extension. In the new year greater facilities for * outdoor recreation will be available. The work of the primary classes, as tested by Messrs. Fleming and Bossence, was up to its usual high level. The work of the kindergarten department was all that could be desired. . His Lordship the Bishop feelingly thanked the students for their spiritual bouquet and gift, which he appreciated highly. He had very pleasant and vivid recollections of the warm-hearted welcome tendered to him by the pupils of the Sisters of Mercy on the day of his first visit to South Dunedin twelve months ago; he had been very favorably impressed at that time and the good impression had deepened on every ocasion he had visited them since. He congratulated the girls who had won medals and book prizes, and expressed the hope that whilst at school they would continue to work with perserering earnestness, and that that they would keep uu their studies in after _ life. It was a matter for regret that many talented girls, who took the highest places in examinations abandoned study altogether after their school days. The clever girls should aim at developing into clever women, they should value and use their God-given talents. Commenting on the report read by Rev. Father Delany, his Lordship said it was gratifying to him as their Bishop to hear that the year’s work had been blessed with such splendid success. He was particularly pleased to know that the conduct of the students had been so exemplarythe report stated that the tone of the college was never better —the present students were to be particularly congratulted on meriting this high encomium. He counselled them to carry away with them the good advice they had received from the Sisters, to be cheerful, obedient, and helpful in their homes, thus ensuring for themselves happy’ holidays. Reviewing the concert programme presented by the students, Dr. Whyte said that each item had been tasteful, artistic, and rendered with a perfection that reflected the highest credit on themselves and their teachers. His Lordshin wished the Sisters and girls a very enjoyable vacation. The holidays this year would be a week longer than usual, a. privilege granted by his Excellency the Apostolic Delegate, during his recent visit to Dunedin. After the distribution of prizes, the Rev. Dr. Kelly addressed the students, congratulating them on their success and the admirable entertainment they had presented. In conclusion he wished them a very ham-tv Christmas. Following is the prize list: —Matriculation, Public Service, and Intermediate Classes. —Christian doctrine (gold medal), Kathleen Sullivan; dux (gold medal). Ida. O’Regan; higher mathematics (goM medal'), Gretta Faulks; senior Latin and French (gold medal), Phvllis Cheyne; homo science,'Mary Ann Garr; literature and composition, Mary Poppelwell; intermediate matl jematfjics, Monica Delany; theory of music, Mary Henley; intermediate English, Margaret O’Neill. Sub. Intermediate Class. Sacred Scripture (gold medal) Leila Campbell; Irish history (gold medal), Eileen Kelly; general excellency in class work. Kathleen Phelan; junior Latin, Kathleen Golden; home science, Monica Robins;, .painting, Lynda Kelly; algebra. Maudie McCarten; English, Daisy Deegan ; history and civics, Winifred Pettit; order and neatness (gold medal), Mary Kilkelly; reading and composition, Eileen Meade. Commercial Class. —Shorthand and commercial arithmetic (gold medal), Gwladys dorms; bookkeeping, Vera Harrington; typewriting. Bessie Bennetts; improvement in shorthand, Carrie Ward. '”**• Senior Division (A).—Spelling, Eileen O’Malley;.essay writing, Mary Cronin; honors in . music (senior division), cy. : ■ ' ■■ : : .

Madge Thompson arithmetic, Nellie Williamson; penmanship, Philomena Stewart; class singing, Angela Flannery history and civics, Thelma Weir; English composition, Alice Butcher; mental arithmetic, Mary Ryall. . • Senior Division (B). —Christian doctrine (gold medal), Olgo Rowland good conduct (gold medal), Minnie Langford; arithmetic, Maggie Tylee; English grammar, Mavis Rigby; geography, Josephine Smith British history, Gerardine Toomey; essay writing, Mary Meade ; elocution, Edna Otto; domestic science, Vera Harty; spelling, Tui Guilder; penmanship, Eileen Richardson; fancywork, Lelia Stewart; designing, Dorothea Heald; general improvement, Winnie Pearson; mental arithmetic, Monica Dunford; illustrative drawing, Margaret Hoare. Senior Division (C). —Regular attendance (gold medal), Frances Fox; arithmetic, Eileen Houston; English and arithmetic, Zita Dawson; Irish history, Vera Murray; reading and music (silver medal), Arolia Allan; physical geography, Kathleen Howard; British history, Ella Meikle; essay writing, Winnie Rodgerson; general knowledge, Ngarita Kennedy ; hygiene, Veronica Todd ; elocution and mental arithmetic, Mary Henaghan; political geography, Maureen Caroll; spelling,'Eileen Austin; drawing, Rose McEneany; general improvement, Dorothy Aldous; excellence in class work, Lenzie Nichol. Grade IV. —Arithmetic and politeness, Monica Frances; geography and diligence, Nellie Oswald; mental arithmetic, Louie Berwick; neatness, Shelia _ Campbell; spelling and reading, Edith Fitzpatrick; drawing and handwork, Ellie O’Connell; composition and attendance/Frank Austin. Grade lll.—Christian doctrine, Mollie O’Shea; diligence, Pearl Cardin; sewing, Nora Delargy; Nature study, May Allan; general improvement, Mary Donnelly; writing, Eileen Doogue; geography, Rowena Dawson; handwork, Margaret Harty; recitation and homework, Nellie Henag- . han; sentence building, Maisie Kirwan; politeness, Nellie Lawrence; general proficiency in class work, Dorothy McDowall; coloring, Mollie McKewen; arithmetic, Betty McMillan: reading, Betty Miller; composition and Bible history, Mary Mooney; drawing and attendance, Imelda Tylee; physical drill, Lulu Walsh; mental arithmetic, Doreen O’Sullivan; designing and spelling, Patricia Richardson; oral composition, Freda Aldous. Grade I (Junior School). —Catechism, Rov Kennedy; designing, Claude Lee; arithmetic, Neil Ray; Bible history, Thomas Rodgerson; general excellence, Frances Ross; spelling, Kevin Toomey; physical drill, Ursula Docherty; politeness, Irene Frost; attendance, Lilian Heller; drawing and coloring, Phyllis Haig; recitation, Albina Kania; writing and neatness. Nan Rodgerson; reading, Dorothy Pascoe; oral composition, Ileen Williams. Grade 2.—Catechism, Gerard Murray; Bible history, Fred Murray; drawing, Arnold Dawson; physical drill, Hugh Kearney; designing, Sibbald Wallace; general improvement, Jessie Borland; diligence, Evelyn Burden; recitation, and singing, Mary Baker; oral composition, Kitty Cronin; general proficiency, Peggie Fraher; sentence building, Esmo Lee; good conduct, Sheila Mooney; reading, Nancy Phelan; arithmetic, Lilian Richardson; 'application and coloring, Mary Sherwill; writing, Cecily Todd: spelling, Mary O’Sullivan; handwork, Coris Stott; politeness, Maida Smith. Grade 111. Catechism, Sheila Kirby; Bible stories, John O’Dea; tables, James Cull; arithmetic, John Meade; Nature study, Donald Miller; home studies and comprehension, Dorien Nichol; spelling, Randol de Courcy; drill and exercises. Bertie McKewen; designing and coloring, Margaret Dickie; reading, Dallas Dixon general improvement, Agnes Fitzpatrick; politeness and number, Diordre Hungerford • observation, _ Zita McEvoy; good conduct, Audery Smithwriting, Julia Sutherland drawing, Edna Thomson; recitation. Isobel Windier. Kindergarten—Bible stories, Mary Wallace ; word building, Thomas Hogan; reading, Jeffrey Phelan; diligence, Raymond Thomson; number, Cecil Toomey; number pictures, James Milne;. good conduct, William Milne; 8.8, drawing, William McAllen; attention in class, Leo Murray; crayons Patrick Baker; recitation, Nora Collins; tables, Cecily Murray; writing, Jenny Wyness; paper work, Brenda Borland; designing, Teresa Monaghan; coloring, Patricia Samson; Nature study, Winnie Quirk; mat weaving, Nancy Sherwill; phonics, Imelda Gaffney; observation, William Collins; block building, Thomas O’Sullivan; drill, Simeon McAllen. . ' Special Prizes. Matriculation and solicitor’s general knowledge examinationlda O’Regan. Public service Kathleen Sullivan, Gretta Faulks, Mary Ann Garr, and Phpllis Cheyne. Irish history examination: Senior A — Mary Poppelwell and Monica Delany; senior B—Eileen Kelly and Eileen O’Malley; junior—Olga Rowland and Vera Murray (school prize). St. Patrick’s School—Kathleen Robinson and Annie Price. Navy League essay examination: Senior —Gretta _ Faulks; junior—Lelia - Campbell, Eileen Kelly and Carrie Ward. Education Board proficiency certificates Angela Flannery, Eileen O’Malley, Mary Cronin, Mary Dee, Philomena Stewart, Madge Thompson, Thelma Weir May Brown, Margaret Rigby, Nellie Williamson, and Eileen Begg. St. Patrick’s School: Alice Butcher, Mary Ryall A g ? e^£ ennetts ’ Am y Cull, Evelyn Reddington, and Elizabeth Connor. School of Music. Trinity College of Music, London (practical): Associate Lelia Campbell, Mary Daniel, Higher local— Ann Garr (honors); Ida O’Regan (pass). Senior division—Madge Thompson, Margaret O’Neill Phylis Cheyne (honors), Mary Henley (pass). Intermediate division —Aroha Allan, Sheila Campbell (honors), Caroline Ward

Monica Robins, Mollie Tylee (pass). Junior —Madge Mcßae (honors), Mavis. Rigby, Zita Dawson (ppss). Preparatory —Phyllis Smith,' Maude McCarten (honors), Gladys Smith (pass). Trinity College of Music, London (theoretical) Art of teaching and rudiments Marie McMahon. Higher local Mary Ann Garr. Senior division— Ida 0 Regan, Kathleen Sullivan, Gretta Faulks (honors), Teresa Nelson (pass). Intermediate division Mary Henley, Madge Thompson, Mary Poppelwell, Monica Delany (honors), Margaret O’Neill, Gwladys Jones, Monica Robins (pass), Advanced junior division—Nellie Williamson (honors),'Eileen Kelly. Junior division—Kathleen Whelan, Mary Kilkelly, Lynda Kelly,-Aroha Allen, Daisy Deegan (honors), Lelia Stewart, ranees Fox (pass). Preparatory division—Kitty Phelan, Gladys Smith, Monica Dunford, Phyllis Smith, Mary cm i- J. ose t ) hi n i e Smith, Caroline Ward, Minnie Langford, Sheha Campbell, Maggie Tylee, Philomena Stewart, Madge iviivciG (pass).