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"Oasis" has a double purpose: it is a record, as complete as space allows us to make it, of the year's school activities; secondly, it is a medium through which the pupils of the school can show just what their capabilities are in literary and artistic expression. Of the year's record as set out in these pages, we have just reason to be proud, for it is a finer record of Intermediate and Leaving Certificate results, of athletic records broken, and of sporting fixtures, either won or lost with a good grace and spirit of sportsmanship, than we have been able to publish before. On the literary side, the editors announce with pleasure that more work of good quality has been submitted than has ever been previously received; in fact, articles have found their way into the editor's waste-paper basket, which were of higher quality than some actually printed last year. We regret the many good articles that remain unpublished, owing to our limited space, but at the same time this regret is coupled with a sense of satisfaction at the readier co-operation of the pupils to help with their own magazine, for this readiness of co-operation reflects a growing sense of school spirit, a keener realisation that the magazine and the school itself exist for the pupils themselves, not for the staff, the citizens or the town or shire.
One more thing makes the achievements of which we have spoken all the more remarkable - that they have been made during a period when demands have been greater than ever before, owing to the many self-imposed tasks which contribute to the war effort.
Last year we announced with some pride that the Department of Education had raised the status of the school to that of a second class High School. It is with greater pride that we feel that we have justified their action - if anything, with a little to spare. In the pages of this journal we judge ourselves, and submit ourselves to the judgment of others.
The "Oasis" is a definite highlight of every year in the history of our school. In this magazine are recorded the activities of the school, not only in work but in play. Thus every child has an oppertunity to display his or her literary efforts, and in many cases the standard is of a very high degree. Furthermore, their sporting activities are recorded, both victories and defeats. This is the fourth edition of the magazine and even at this early stage in its career, it is with pleasure that we turn back the page of three previous ones, recalling the memories of past school days.
It is possible that the paper shortage may prevent further publication of our magazine until the end of the war, although we feel prepared to sacrifice many other less valuable pleasures before surrendering our "Oasis". However, if the need arises we shall stifle our regrets and be glad to think we are contributing, if ever so little, towards our national effort. This magazine of ours has a very appropriate name - the "Oasis". As the wearied traveller, journeying over miles of desert, sees the oasis, so we welcome the publication of our magazine every year as an oasis in our school life, something to look forward to throughout the year and in which we see that school life reflected as in a mirror.
As we gaze around on all our school-mates, we sometimes wonder how much talent lies hidden here, whether or not
And, to conclude, let us always bear in mind our motto - "Postera Crescam Laude" - and let it be our motto in outside affairs just as much as within the school. "I shall grow hereafter with ever-increasing praise"; but let the praise that accompanies our growth be well-deserved - and bestowed on us, not for rapid and superficial growth, but for the deep quiet things that merit praise.
Dept of English and History: Mrs K. Bowra, Mr D. Bowra, Mr J. Harrison, Miss D. Heffernan, Miss M. Miller, Miss J. Ralph
Dept of Classics: Miss E. Howie, Miss J. Binskin
Dept of Modern Languages: Miss J. Binskin, Miss R. Hales, Miss M. Miller
Dept of Mathematics: Mr R. A. Golding, Mrs K. Bowra, Miss I. Blumfeldt, Miss E. Howie, Mr I. Nay, Mr D. McKay
Dept of Science: Mr W. Barnett, Miss J. Baldwin, Mr W. Tearle
Dept of Geography and Business Work: Miss J. Baldwin, Mr R. Brooks, Mr A. Spence
Dept of Agriculture: Miss J. Baldwin, Mr W. Tearle
Dept of Home Economics: Miss G. Fernance, Miss J. Wallace
Dept of Music: Miss J. Binskin, Miss R. Hales
Dept of Manual Training: Mr S. Smith
Art Work: Mrs K. Bowra
Needlework: Miss B. Jukes
Dept of Physical Training: Miss L. Blumfeldt, Mr D. Bowra, Mr J. Harrison, Mr D. McKay, Mr A. Spence
Librarian: Miss D. Heffernan
Sports Mistress: Miss M. Miller
Sports Master: Mr A. Spence
Careers Advisers: Miss M. Miller, Mr D. McKay
PASSING STORM
By Isabel Cameron (Yr 2A)
Like lakes of inky blackness, tinged with red,
Across the dim horizon come the clouds,
And all the air is silent as in dread,
While birds perch trembling in their native bowers.
And then the heralds of the rain appear,
The lightning flashes o'er the angry sky,
Announcing that the dreaded storm is near,
Anon there comes the thunder's deep reply.
It rains; then stops as sudden as it came,
Again the sun's rays on the earth alight,
The birds come out, their happiness regained,
And all the world is wrapped in new delight.
WHEN DAY IS DONE
By Joyce Whiting (Yr 2A)
The air is cool and still,
The birds have ceased to trill;
The sun has gone to rest,
As a tired bird to its nest:
And day is done.
The world is clothed in sleep,
The stars their vigil keep;
The murmur of the stream
Is faint as in a dream,
When day is done.
"ENGLAND YET"
By Ruth Feder (Yr 4)
An island in a silver sea, an isle
Beloved by all that dwell therein, the land
Where hope and courage breed, where men the while
Defend their mother earth, and take their stand
Against the tyrants of the world today.
These men will give their lives for this their soil,
Where, in their happier childhood, they did play,
And since have tilled with unremitted toil.
They stand up nobly to the test. Who knows
When victory will be theirs, and when the light
Will shine o' nights again? But courage glows
Serene as does the full moon in the night.
Let's think of them when troubles loom, and set
Our minds at peace, for there's an "England Yet."
TO THOSE WHO SERVE AUSTRALIA
By Yolande Latimer (Yr 4)
You heroes who give up your lives to serve
Your country, when your help is needed most
You fail her not; from duty do not swerve,
But stand prepared and each one at your post.
Our hearts are deep with pride for all of you,
Who give yourselves to keep your country free
From those whose baseness scorns the good and true;
You stand prepared on land and air and sea.
We are, and shall be, proud of those who fall
While fighting for the land they love so dear,
And tribute do we pay you, one and all,
Who face the foe and show no sign of fear,
These days are dark, but, sure of victory,
You stand prepared on land and air and sea.
AUSTRALIA AT WAR
By Loma Simpson (Yr 4)
A sturdy youth of sun-tanned countenance-
A true determined light gleams in his eye,
For now Australia must again advance;
This war demands a heavy toll - and die
Must heroes brave for whom the world will sigh.
Yet fears he not his task; he will his rights
Defend, the enemy he will defy;
For vengeance on their cruel deeds incites
His rage, although with seeming calm he fights-
Will he, too, have to leave his native land?
And at this thought his steady eye then lights,
A grim smile plays upon his lips, his hand
Upon his gun is firm and resolute-
For 'tis our sentinel, who stands there mute.
 Drawn by Marjorie Hicks (Yr 3B) |
 Drawn by Enid Kilpatrick (Yr 3C) |
