School Calendar
hold cursor over a face to see the name
 
 
September
3
18
21
23
25
25

October
9
15
28
30

November
10
11
12
20
24

December
1-10
16
22
22
23

January
4
18
29
30

School Opens
Students' Council Nominations
Campaign Begins
Field Day
Elections
In & Out Dance


Tri-School Dance
Mediscope
Educational Conference
Hallowe'en Dance


School Remembrance Service
Town Remembrance Service
Jr Football Championship
Commencement
Magazine Campaign


Exams
Macbeth Trip
Christmas Party
Holidays
Holiday Hop


Back to the Grind
Care Campaign
RCAF Band
Jellyfish Jiggle
February
11-12
13
13
20
20
22
23
27
27-28

March
3
8-11
9
10
18
19
23

April
1
14
25
29

May
6
11
13
13
19
 
Lions' Public Speaking
Sweethearts' Serenade
Home Economics' Trip
Queen's Open House
Le Misanthrope
Swan Lake
SATO
Old Boys' Game
Students' Council Conference


Duffy Trophy
Bantam Championship
Play Night
Mathematics Contest
Patrick's Paradise
Mid-winter Madness
CETO


Exams
Holidays
Come Back
Lions' Public Speaking


May Musicale
Tri-School Meet
Cadet Inspection
Cadet and Graduation Dance
CCTO
 
Commencemen Exercises  by Suzanne Perry
As the Junior Band expertly played a dignified march, the recipients of awards and diplomas took their places in the gymnatorium. November 20, 1959, the culmination of five years' struggle for knowledge, had finally come. To the graduates, this was the end...and the beginning. It marked the end of half a decade of complete absorption in Port H ope High School, of adolescence, and of complete dependence upon family, friends and teachers. It marked the beginning of a new awareness, another more treacherous ride on the good ship education, and a view over the line of adulthood. Family and friends had come to congratulate these young people on their enthusiastic effort and resultant achievement. The student body, too, had come to wish their seniors well, and also, out of curiosity, to form a hazy picture of their own future graduation.
After the singing of 'O Canada' the chairman, Mr W E Tranmer, BASc of the BC DHS Board, stepped up to the microphone. In his clear and sincere voice, he spoke of what the future held for PHHS's expansion. He also gave a timely mention of thanks to Mr Eric Rose of our staff who had supervised the landscaping on the campus.
The presentation of prizes began. The intellectuals, the sportsmen, the cadets and the musicians made their memorable walks to the stage to receive well-earned awards. Notable among these was the presentation of the Dale Ruttan Memorial Scholarship to Malcolm Burness by Const Harry McLaughlin of the RCMP in his impressive dress uniform . The Blue 'n' White Awards were given to Willa Bigelow and Tim Taylor for outstanding contributions to school life in the past year. Paul Crowhurst, Marguerite Reidt, Jane Wilson, Brenda Key, Shirley Austin and Marjorie Armstrong topped their grades and were duly rewarded.
Mr P J Bigelow, our principal, scored a coup with his annual report. He held the attention of everyone - from the excited grade-niner to the weariest father, sore from sitting. In a well prepared speech, his organized view of 1958-59 was both factual and comprehensive. He noted, among other things, the enormous size of the coming year's grade thirteen, and the responsibilities which this situation gives to both the tax-payer and the members of the class. Another interesting observation was that $8100 was being presented that evening. What more proof does one need that education pays?
Miss Marjorie Armstrong, '59's deserving valedictorian, summed up the feelings of the graduating class in a few, well-chosen words.
The presentation of the Dean Wilson Memorial Trophy to Suzanne Perry was made near the end of the programme. It was followed by the meaningful rendition of the now-traditional 'Over the Rainbow' in the memory of Mr Wilson, our former music teacher. The soft multicoloured lights lent an effective air to this fitting close.
Flushed with happiness, the graduates, with their families and friends were asked to stay to enjoy the Commencement Dance arranged by the Students' Council.
We, the students, wish to thank the members of the class of '59 for inspiring us by setting such a high standard for which to strive. May you all do as well in your chosen field as you have done at Port Hope High!
 
Blue 'n' White Awards Winners
 
Christmas Dance  December 23rd  by Kay McElroy
This year's 'Holiday Hop', sponsored by the Boys' Athletic Association saw the students of PHHS dancing to the music of the Sevenaires and enjoying the comedy of Jim Cameron, our Ron's brother. The gym, decorated with red and green streamers and a Christmas tree clad in white lights in the centre of the floor, was further beautified by girls wearing bright Christmasy dresses.
Jim did impersonations of Jimmy Durante, Ed Sullivan, Arthur Godfrey and of course, Elvis. Everyone threw himself bodily into the 'Hokie-Pokie', a riotous climax to Jim's capers. This, and the night, and the music brought the Christmas term to a close.
RCAF Band  January 29th  by Art Lawson
It has become an annual custom at PHHS for the student body to be entertained by a top-flight band, and this year we were lucky enough to hear the band of the Royal Canadian Air Foice, Air Training Command.
This band was organized in 1946, and since that time has played to thousands of Canadian troops in Canada and Europe . In addition, it has given civilian concerts at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, in high schools and universities, in almost every major city of Canada and western Europe, and over the Canadian and British Broadcasting Corporations.
With such a background, the band's concert in the auditorium on January 29 was a privilege as well as a delight. Under the direction of its founder, Flight Lieutenant Clifford Hunt, CD, the band played such varied music as 'Mendelssohn's Overture for Wind Band', Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh-Ride', the Overture from the Broadway show, 'Li'1 Abner', and two vocal solos 'Granada' and 'The Donkey's Serenade.'
The band was introduced by Mr L G Werner, director of music at PHHS, and thanked by Mary Lawson, president of the Music Council. The concert must certainly have provided an incentive for the aspiring musicians of the school, so high was the calibre of ability.
Home Economics Trip  by Joan Walkey
On Saturday, February thirteenth, twenty-two girls accompanied by Mrs M I Martyn and Mrs S G Roberts attended Open House at the Home Economics Department of the University of Toronto.
The chemistry labs, laundry rooms and food testing centres were all viewed at the start of the tour. Particular interest was shown in the overweight program in which the students prescribed diets for various persons within Toronto who dare to be guinea pigs. Another highlight was a model home within the building. There, four girls in their final year live for a certain period of time, preparing their meals, cleaning the rooms, and even entertaining, in an effort to become experts not only through textbooks but also through practice.
In one of the rooms near the general labs, individual laboratories were set up where people from all over the world come to do research on various foods. At the time of our visit, there was a man from the Bahamas doing research on sugarcane and a girl from Formosa who was testing moulds. Especially eye-catching in their sewing centre was the room where materials and colours are harmonized. As assignments, the girls make replicas of homes and furnish them within a certain budget.
A view of the beautiful painting of Mrs Vincent Massey, the founder of the building, in the library, marked the end of our tour. Fortunately for our empty stomachs, we were served hot cocoa and doughnuts and then, were left to our own resources for a few enjoyable hours before our return trip.
Play Night  by Lynne Kerr
It was five minutes to eight. Backstage everything was in a frenzy of semi-organized confusion while out front the gym was filled to capacity . It was Wednesday, March 9, and the newly-formed Port Hope High School Dramatic Society was presenting Play Night, the first in three years.
Advance ticket sales were somewhat slow but on the big night it was easy to see that a handsome profit would be realized. And so it was with jubilant spirits that the treasurer tried to sit still as the curtain went up on the first play.
'Life of the Party', directed by Miss M I Rigsby, was very well done. David Murray as Wilbur Maxwell obviously enjoyed his role and Joanne Neck showed sincere concern when her party guests fell mysteriously asleep. The other participating actors Bonnie Burley, Nellie Uilkema, John Fowler, Priscilla Carrier, Mary Godwin, Carolyn Pollock, Raymond Mills, David Black, Max Lachner and Jim Bradley exhibited definite talent, a delight not only to the audience but to themselves.
'Cabbages', directed by Mrs J Meeking, was all we had expected and more. Pauline Hodgetts and Bill Skitch threw themselves very well into their parts and easily maintained their foreign accents throughout the production. They were ably supported by John Wickett, Jacqueline Kelly, Ruth Ann Richardson, Catherine Raynor, Ted Smith and Peter Egan.
But the big smash of the evening was the 12A production of Act III from Pygmalion. Mary Lawson as Mrs Eynsford-Hill easily stole the show with her wonderful accent, gestures and well-timed experiences. John Crowhurst was a very dignified Colonel Pickering. Sue Berry, Cathy Raynor, Roberta Everson, Don Workman and Vern Huffman revealed hours of work in their polished performances. Mr K McLean, the director, managed to survive all the rehearsals and we owe much to him for all his help. Much of the success was due to the brilliant costuming and sets supplied by Mrs R B Bryant.
Make-up for all productions was capably handled by Mrs R E Kelly, Mrs L Brown and Mrs G Frederick.
If this year's Play Night is any indication, the serious longer play planned for 1961 will bring the Drama Society to the fore among school organizations.
 
Play Groups
 
Patrick's Paradise  March 18th  by Suzanne Perry
St Patrick's Day was this year lauded by 'Patrick's Paradise', our annual Easter Dance sponsored by the Girls' Athletic Association. The gym was handsomely bedecked in streamers, pipes, harps and potatoes, all objects suitable to the 'wearin' o' the green.' Spritely little gnomes peered mischievously at the crowd. Everyone wondered at the ring-leaders of the pixie-ish group who spent the whole night spying in the washrooms from their vantage points on the respective doors. Ireland would not have been complete without its traditional wishing well...and there it was, conspicuously placed in the centre of the floor.
These effective decorations were only surpassed by the magical music of John Stewart's Quintet Plus One. John, a home-town boy who has made good, is the leader of this extremely talented group from Ryerson. Their music, and their rollicking entertainment at intermission was excellent and enjoyed by all. Especially notable were the vocal solos done by the 'Plus One' - Dave Pember.
The diligent work done by the Girls AA was evident in this, their annual dance. Financially, they managed to break even, thanks to quite a large crowd. Orchids to Barb Keyes and her hard-working helpers who made such an enjoyable evening possible!
 
Midnight Madness  March 19th  by Suzanne Perry
After countless years of unsuccessful attempts on the part of TCS boys and PHHS girls, the two schools have finally united to 'Midwinter Madness', an evening of hilarious fun and exceptionally excellent entertainment was held at Peter Campbell Memorial Rink on March 19th. For weeks in advance, John Richards and Chris Hyde, representing TCS, and Ron Cameron and Jane Wilson from PHHS Students' Council were planning this project to aid World Refugee Year.
The entrance to the rink was flanked by two huge snow sculptures, done by some industrious Trinity student. Inside
, a crowd said to be the largest that the rink has seen this season, was treated to a four-hour program.
Suspense was high as TCS Bigside squashed Port Hope to a defeat in a rousing hockey game. Fortunately, PHHS was given several more chances as the evening progressed to regain their pride.
A broom-ball game between TCS masters and Port Hope High Teachers ended in a well-earned draw. The black flowing cloaks worn by the former little hampered their action. The most remarkable performance was exhibited by the TCS goal keeper, Mr Hadley Armstrong, who hobbled in magnificient style with his cumbersome cast.
Comedy was the main attraction in a skating exhibition with Sylvia Cappler, Doug Cameron and Stan Churchley. Spirits were high as Sylvia led the boys (or gals) a merry chase.
The girls, coached by Ron Cameron, skated well through a hockey/broomball game with TCS. Doubtless, some of their success could be attributed to the exquisite job of refereeing done by Doug Cameron. The victory was plain and simply due to the fact that the TCS boys had not been accustomed to playing under the new type of rules.
The latest reports state that $276.93 has been turned over to the chairman of the World Refugee Year Campaign. This amount represents a great deal of hard work, a lot of fun, and a short stay in hospital for our prize referee, Doug Cameron
.