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The Scotian -
Spring 1972
Editrial
Br C Ambrose
Cannon William McClelland
Grays V McDonald
Examination Results
Scotus Former Pupils
News From Former Pupils
Extra-Mural Social Action
Cruise to Norway
Junior 'A' Fifteen
Junior 'B' Fifteen
Recent Letters From Carroll High School, Libera
Young Christian Students
Fencing Club
The Edinburgh Youth Handbook
Golf
The Visual Aids Room
Musical Scotus
Summer Term Sporting Activities
Sailing - Fouth Sailing Club
The Scotus Association Report
Former Pupils
Rugby
First Fifteen
The B Fifteen
D1 Fifteen
C Fifteen
Curling at Scotus
Athletics
Competitions Results
SCOTUS ACADEMY, 122 Corstorphine Rd., Edinburgh 12.
Rector: Rev. Brother N. T. Livingstone, B.A.
SCHOOL GOVERNORS:
Right Rev. Mgr. P. F. Quille, M.A.
Rev. Bro. J. V. O'Shea, B.A.
Rev. Bro. C. V. McNamara, B.A.
J. Bartholomew Esq., M.A., F.R.S.E.
J. Donaghue Esq.
Rev. Bro. Rector.
SCHOOL OFFICIALS:
Captain: Liam Donnelly.
Vice-Captain: Kenneth Reilly.
Secretary of Prefects' Committee: P. Mayo.
Prefects:
Andrew Borys.
Alistair Cook.
Ronald Delnevo.
Robert Mowat.
John Robertson.
Paul Valerio.
Rugby Captain: Liam Donnelly.
Hockey Captain: Liam Donnelly.
Vice-Captain: James Whitten.
Captain of Fencing: Alistair Cook.
Skip of Curling: M. Shannon.
Captain of Golf: G. McCready.
EDITORIAL
In July 1971, after five and half years of devoted work at Scotus, our Rector, Rev. Br. C. Ambrose relinquished office. We wish him well in his new post. We welcome in his place as Rector, Rev. Br. N. T. Livingstone. A welcome also to four new members of Staff: Mrs. J. Johnson, Br. P.Cronin, Br. F. Hall and Br. M. O'Reilly. We hope they will enjoy their stay and work at Scotus.
Mr. F. Byrne, a member of Staff since Scotus's foundation in 1954, is now in part-time employment. We had occasion in recent years to congratulate him on his election as Provost of Linlithgow. His appreciation of Br. C. Ambrose appears further on. Mr. D. D. Smith is flow employed full-time and has succeeded as Head of Modern languages, and President of Scotus Golf Club.
To Miss D. Moran, who has left Scotus after many splendid years of service in the Primary school, we wish a very happy retirement, and record with pleasure her recent visit to Scotus. Mr. Hollands, recent Head of Modern Languages, has moved to Duns and to a similar post. We wish him happiness in his work in the former home town of our school patron, the Franciscan Friar Duns Scotus, Doctor of the Church. Br. C. Ambrose has assumed the Deputy-headship of one of our finest schools, St. Marys at Crosby in Liverpool. We were glad to have him back recently on a brief visit. Brothers G. Gordon, P. Bennett, and C. Williams have gone to Dublin, London and Bristol to continue their studies. We offer to them our best wishes on the success of their work.
Recently, we head with deep regret, of the death of Mr. Small, a teacher of English at Scotus in its early days. He had worked previously at our school in Bath. R.I.P. We offer our sincerest sympathies to the wives and families of Mr Dougan and Mr. Lyall, former members of the Scotus Association, on their sad bereavements. R.I.P.
On January 6th 1972 Rev. Canon W. McClelland, one of our School Governors and Chaplain to Scotus, died at St. Raphael's Hospital after some weeks of illness. R.I.P. We offer our sympathy to his sister. A tribute to this excellent priest, for many years diocesan inspector of schools, is to be found later in the magazine.
Through the enthusiasm and under the guidance of Bro. D. Lennon Scotus has benefited from many instances of renovation and re-decoration this year. The work began as the summer term drew to a close. Boys from many classes helped paint the school buildings externally. Some continued to help the Brothers during the early part of the holidays to repaint the Junior school and science laboratory interiors and the toilet blocks. Work has continued through the months on the new Chapel, corridors, basement and dining rooms. At Christmas Br. A. O'Brien on vacation renovated the school entrance hall in a most creditable fashion. The Brothers' house has gained a new and adequate school chapel, a new Rector's office, Visual Aids room and Brothers' dining room. Other work has included fitting the school kitchen with large modern gas cookers, the re-roofing of the chapel wing and the laying of two inches of temporary gravel surface on the Primary school yard. In some in-stances the condition of the wall surfaces makes it impossible at present to give the paintwork a really perfect finish.
News of great interest to all those who have the welfare of the school at heart and have so loyally supported Scotus over the years is the beginning of negotiations with a Development Company from which, if all goes well, the long hoped for new school will come.
A number of significant developments in the religious life of the school began with a first 'folk' Mass to inaugurate the school year at St. John the Baptist's church, Corstorphine. The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Nicholson, whom we take this opportunity to thank for his many devoted years of service at the school, and promise our prayers on his new appointment as administrator to the parish of Lochore in Fife. Two new customs have come to Scotus in the weekly class Assemblies in the termly Masses for each class in turn. We thank his Eminence, Cardinal Gray and FT. Nicholson, Fr. Gordon, Fr. C. Kelly, Fr. Davison, Fr. Saddler, Mgr. Quille, Fr. McLaughlin, Fr. Judge, Fr. McLoughlin, Fr. Quinn S. J., and Fr. Hynes for giving their time and interest to make these events possible. The decoration and re-flooring of a new and adequately sized school chapel in the former Visual Aids room was made possible by the generous financial assistance of the Scotus Parents Association and the work of the Scotus and Falkland Brothers. A new altar, benches and adequate furnishings are expected to be at hand in autumn.
Thanks to Mr. Flett's thorough repair of the school drive and the work of Mr. L. V. McEwan, parents, and Br. Gordon's staff on the playing field for the Sports in the last week of June 1971, the approach to the school is markedly improved. Much remains to be done on the western side of the school grounds,
The school finds itself owing a debt of gratitude to Dr. Watt of the Edinburgh Catholic Social Service Centre, 5, Brandon Street, for the charitable opportunities she has afforded to the boys of the school who contributed books, toys, items of clothing, of footwear and other gifts by the hundreds to needy families and children in the city this year. This continues a growing tradition. The openings for personal service and resultant work experience in association with the Centre are recounted elsewhere in an article from Br. McDermot. Relevant training has also been made available to Staff members. Thanks also to parents who made their sons available as out-of-school helpers on these occasions.
Several other charitable enterprises aided by the school include the Brothers' Liberian mission school, mentioned elsewhere, the Pakistan assistance fund, and the Marie Curie Cancer Research fund.
The Careers Conferences have already been possible this year owing to the kind co- operation of Mr. J. D. Black, Principal Careers Officer, Edinburgh, Mr. L. Bassett Esq., Mr. David M. Nelson, Mr. J. Bartholomew, Mr. L. V. McEwan, Mr. C. Campbell, Mr. A. James, Mr. T. Barbour, Mr. G. McDermid, Mr. W. Christie, Mr. J. Carolan, and the many interested parents who attended. This is an increasingly important aspect of school life and commences with programmes in Second Year.
In this connection we note with regret a falling off in academic achievement in our 1971 Highers results, though the '0' Level results regained something of their usual standard following a marked decline in 1970 results. Academic achievement cannot be the fruit of hasty last minute preparation. Itis the result of years of steady effort, of both social and academic discipline. We wish our 1972 examinees good fortune and a return to earlier standards of success.
As the Scotian comes to hand, school parties will have visited Lourdes on pilgrimage, visited Germany and enjoyed exchange visits to France.
Our readers will remember Mrs. Connolly's accident reported in the last magazine. We are glad on this occasion to congratulate her on her lengthy but safe recovery from breaking her leg in two places. Our best wishes also to Mr. G. Ford on his good recovery from illness.
Brother C. Ambrose
The beginning of a school session is always marked by staff and other changes, and in Scotus Academy we have become used to members of the Staff moving to other Christian Brothers' Schools and, in the case of the lay Staff, to other schools in Scotland. Thus we have had to accustom ourselves to making friends and then losing them, at least in so far as no longer being closely associated with them in school work.
Fortunately, a change in the Rectorship does not take place so often and although we knew that sometime or another Brother Ambrose would move back to England it came as an unpleasant shock when we learned that the move was to take place from the beginning of this session.
Brother Ambrose was Rector of Scotus Academy for six years and it was my good fortune to be associated with him for the whole of that period. They were good years for the school. A record number of pupils entered the various Universities and gained good degrees, but more important still, all of those who passed through the school gained much from their association with it. In addition Scotus added to its prestige in the City and beyond with the excellent performance of its representatives in Fencing, Public Speaking, and on the playing field.
By his kindly and generous lead Brother Ambrose inspired many of these successes. He did not seek publicity, indeed he often avoided it, but in the school itself he directed affairs in such a way that good results were inevitable. He was always ready to listen to the opinions of others, but having made up his mind that a certain course was the right one, nothing could make him deviate from it.
Perhaps his greatest asset was his own dignity and the dignity he recognised in others. This led to great harmony in the school. He made a valuable contribution to Catholic Education in the City of Edinburgh and the surrounding area.
Changes take place and I am sure that though we regret his going he will be happy in the South again. That the transfer of leadership to Brother Livingstone took place so smoothly was in itself a tribute to the efficiency of Brother Ambrose. We wish him happiness, good health and similar success in the work which he is now doing.
Mr. Fergus Byrne.
Cannon William McClelland
Canon William McClelland was ordained in Rome in 1935. Shortly after his return to
diocese he was appointed to the Diocesan Panel of Examiners. He fulfilled this role for
years and visited with clock-like regularity all the schools of the diocese. At the same time carried out his duties as Curate in Holy Cross, Restalrig and for 34 years as Parish Priest at St. John's, Corstorphine. He was an outstanding musician and loved the Gregorian chants. He was also vice-chairman of the St. Andrews Hymnal Committee.
Perhaps his greatest work was the founding of his Parish and the building of the the Church and presbytery, living memorials to his zeal and love of God. He never shirked his duty, his standards were high and he avoided compromise. He allowed himself no privilege and in the end simply wore himself out doing the work of the Lord.
In his apostolate to the aged, Canon McClelland was closely associated with Committee for Homes for Old People, and Leith Old People's Welfare Council. As Pasish Priest in Corstorphine he is remembered as chaplain to three hospitals, the home for special children, Gogarburn hospital, Turnhouse Aerodrome and of course Scotus. None of work was ever neglected. Like John the Baptist he was full of zeal and indomitable courage.
Br Rector
Rev Fr Alistair Lawson, Former Pupil of Scotus 1954-59, Ordinated 1966
Rev Fr Brian Sadler, Former Pupil od Scotus 1956-61, attended Osterly College Seminary, Ordinated 1969.
Rev Fr Henry McLaughlin Ph.L., S.T.L, born in Edinburgh, is a former pupil of Scotus and Scotus College, Rome. He was ordinated for the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh in the chapel of the Scots College, Rome, on the 7 th March 1971, by His Eminence Cardinal Gordon Joseph Gray. Fr McLaughlin has recently been appointed as curate at St Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh.
GRAYS versus McDONALDS
Mcdonalds won the 1st XV Rugby, but lost to Grays in all other games and also on Sports Day, when Grays won 142-102 points.
CUP HOLDERS
Brother O'Connell Golf Championship Cup: Brian Smith.
The E. M. Dinkel Shot Trophy: Graham McKay.
The St. John Cup for Senior Half Mile: Ross Coates.
The Malone High Jump Trophy: B. Oyekan.
The Edmund Rice Cup for Public Speaking: Thomas Conlon.
The Br. Duignan Fencing Championship Cup: Ian Campbell.
EXAMINATION RESULTS 1971
UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE
T. CONLON: Edinburgh-Physics.
C. DI CIACCA: Edinburgh- Law.
J. MAGUIRE: Aberdeen-Law.
M. MAYO: Stirling-Psychology.
R. ANTOLAK: Edinburgh-Physics.
O. SOMERVILLE: Edinburgh- Law.
LONDON UNIVERSITY ADVANCED LEVELS
T. CONLON, Maths. Physics.
C. DI CIACCA, Maths.
FURTHER EDUCATION
I CAMPBELL: Basil Pattersons.
A.
LAMB: Stevenson College.
B.
SMITH: Stevenson College.
C. POMPHREY: Nautical College
SUMMARY
HIGHER GRADE:- Total Presentation in subjects
Passes 87
Compensatory 0 Grade passes 48
Failures 25
Higher Level Passes: 55 per cent. (excluding Compensatory "O") 14
ORDINARY GRADE:- Total Presentation in subjects
Passes 182
Failures 111
Ordinary Level Passes: 61 per cent. 71
BROTHER BAYLOR AWARDS
Annual awards for meritorious achievement in Senior and Junior Schools-
SENIOR SCHOOL-Cesidio di Ciacca.
JUNIOR SCHOOL-Graham Kelly.
SCOTUS FORMER PUPILS
A fairly large number attended the Annual Dinner held at the Bee Hive. Among those present were the Rector, Rev. Br. J. C. Ambrose, Mr. F. Byrne, Mr. D. Batty, Mr. Mathews and Rev. Br. McDermott. To mark his retirement from full-time teaching, the Former Pupils made a presentation to Mr. Byrne, which he accepted in his cheerful and humorous fashion.
At the moment the Scotians Hockey Club is the one active Former Pupil group. During the past two years their record in home matches has been excellent, only one match was lost. Away from home the record of the Club hovers at the 50 per cent mark. These performances are all the more commendable in view of the quite small pool of regular players available. We hope that some of the boys now at Scotus will join the Club when they leave. Several members of the side also play rugby for clubs in Edinburgh and therefore deserve great praise for their contribution to the team's success. The social aspect of the Club is by no means neglected, a favourite meeting place is the Rothesay.
Among individuals deserving mention for their contribution to the success of the Club is J. B. Kerr, a non-playing member, who has been responsible for acquiring a home ground for the team at St. Augustine's School. Also Paul Barry and Paul McLaughlin have done much to supply teas every week, and Joe Capaldi (Treasurer) has the Club operating in the black.
On the field, Ricky Ford and Andrew Conlon are the stars of the team, but closely followed by Bobby Hughes,-a 'mazy' runner on the wing.
The continuing success of the Club will depend on the number of boys joining from Scotus. The Committee has already taken steps to encourage the younger players to join next year.
Academic successes: Congratulations are due to:
John Perrins: Chartered Accountant.
Lindsay Wilson: Chartered Accountant.
Tony Doherty, First Class Honours in Civil Engineering, Edinburgh, and now studying for a Ph.D. at Leeds.
Michael Finucane, LL.B. Edward Jones, M.A.
P. Barry, B.Sc. Agriculture, Edinburgh.
P. Bergen, B.Sc. Agriculture, Edinburgh.
J. Capaldi, B.Comm., Edinburgh, and working with Lloyds and Scottish Finance.
D. Pia, M.A., now doing social work at Bellshill.
H. Ross, M.A. (Hons.) History, studying for LL.B.
P. Doherty, M.A. (Hons) History, Dip.E., and teaching at Glenrothes.
Marc Capaldi, Fully qualified B.O.A.C. Pilot.
G. McEnemy, Diploma from College of Art, Edinburgh.
A.
McDonald, First Class Hons. in Business Studies, Dundee.
Completing courses of study:
M. Black, for LL.B., Edinburgh.
R. Ford, in Psychology, Edinburgh.
A.
Conlon,of Politics and Modern History, Edinburgh.
P. McLoughlin, Civil Engineering at Heriot Watt.
P. Perrins, Chartered Accountancy at Edinburgh.
K. McLaughlin, Chartered Accountancy at Edinburgh.
S. Dpull-Connolly, Civil Engineering, Edinburgh.
R. Hughes, Telford College.
D. Massarella, Cambridge University.
M. Somerville, B.Comm., at Heriot Watt.
NEWS FROM FORMER PUPILS
Phil Smith, now e professional golfer at Dalmahoy.
J. Davies, Radiographer in the Royal Infirmary.
Ian Cunning, working in the Belfast branch of the Bank of Ireland.
W. Rowbottom, Lab. Technician, Dept. of Agriculture, Edinburgh University.
Leo Cunning, Education Office, St. Andrews House.
Ron Kingham, has an Optician's practice in Blayden, Newcastle.
Jack Regan, B.B.C. (Scotland) Television Reporter.
Ian Beltowski, recently Catering Manager for the Commonwealth Games.
H. Pettigrew, has a Photography business in Edinburgh.
G. Milchella, on the staff of St. Augustine's School.
L. Oliver, studying for the priesthood at Drygrange seminary.
P. Skene, Quantity Surveyor.
M. Deery, runs him own Discotheque business.
S. Miller, working with the Scottish Widows' Insurance Co.
EXTRA-MURAL SOCIAL ACTION
During the year there has been a variety of social action in the school. Groups of volunteers took part in such diverse assistance as tending gardens for the handicapped painting, charity walks, delivering parcels at Christmas, taking those confined to wheelchair! around the shops of Edinburgh, and raising contributions to the Marie Curie Cancel Research Fund.
Most of our work was done under the direction of Dr. Jean Watt of the Catholic Social Service Centre, 5, Brandon Street, Edinburgh. Each week boys bring to school gifts of various articles of clothing and also of food. These are delivered immediately to the Social Service Centre. From there they are distributed to underprivileged and the needy families in the city. Furniture is a welcome commodity but unfortunately the problem of transport has yet to be overcome.
During the week before Christmas, Dr. Watt organised a party for about 250 under privileged children of the city. Very large quantities of clothes, toys and books were collected by the boys of Primary 7 and Forms 1, 2, and 3 in the senior school and these did much to make the party such a successful one. As usual, a number of boys helped at the party itself.
At other times this year Scotus boys have been active organisers and helpers at the Centre Jumble Sales, usually at St. Mary's Hall, off the High Street, intended to raise funding for the Centre, which is entirely self-supporting and run by volunteers. Just now the various classes are collecting books and toys for a sale to be held in the University Catholic Chaplaincy, 23, George Square.
To find out more about Social Work done by Edinburgh schools, a party of two Brothers and Michael Mayo, Maxim Anderson, Lawrence Price and Michael Smith, attended a meeting held at Wilkie House, Guthrie Street on January 11th. The effects were beneficial and enlightening. Subsequently, Michael Mayo was elected to a committee of the Edinburgh Schools Citizenship Association whose purpose is to co-ordinate social action iF Edinburgh schools.
THE CATHOLIC SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE
5, BRANDON STREET, EDINBURGH. Tel. 031.226 3896
The Centre is directed by Dr Watt in premises belonging to the Cathedral parish shared by the Catholic Adoption Society and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Through over a hundred trained volunteers, by assistance and personal advice, the Centre tries to rescue from their difficulties all who request it. Volunteers may work for weeks or months until a family in difficulties is capable of functioning again as an independent social unit. These efforts may require the worker to be available at any time in the twenty-four hours. A training scheme is organised for prospective helpers at the University Catholic Chaplaincy. All gifts and goods contributed go to Dr. Watt's 'Loaves and Fishes Fund', for the Centre is dependent on voluntary gifts.
SCOTUS LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY 1971-72
Laurence Printie
Not all the boys in the school nor their parents realise that the above society exists. We are very much alive and need your public support. To our loyal supporters we repeat our heartfelt thanks.
Each year we take part in various public debates and speaking competitions. Scotus is represented at the Scottish Daily Express Debating Contest. In 1969 Brian Potter and Thomas Conlon were successful up to the semi-finals. However, in 1970 Thomas Conlon and Lawrence Printie, and in November 1971 Liam Donnelly and Peter Mayo were eliminated in the first round. Only a handful of supporters will know how unlucky we were in these two events. For this competition we need a lot of support which has been difficult to find in Scotus.
The Toastmasters Competition for Edinburgh Schools offers its challenge later this year. Scotus has won it for the past three years, twice through Brian Potter and last year by Thomas Conlon. We hope to maintain this difficult tradition again in 1972.
Not only do we participate in competition, we do occasionally have a 'friendly' with other schools. Scotus Fifth and Sixth Years travelled to St, Margaret's Convent in December keen to attend a debate on the motion: A woman is not inferior because she plays second fiddle to man. This being on the girls' home ground Lucy Bate, debating organiser for St. Margaret's, took the Chair. Philip Ross and Ann Bailey proposed the motion, Alistair Lamond and Leslie Dunlop opposed it.
The four speeches were of a very good standard. But once the debate was open to the floor the girls dominated it and, if it were not for Peter Mayo and the occasional voice from Scotus, St. Margaret's would have showed us up. Are we shy? Yes, we were shy.
When the vote was taken, by an overwhelming majority the motion was defeated. Congratulations Philip!
The girls, now aware again of their proper station in life, dished out coffee and biscuits. This subtle piece of gamesmanship provided the chance for comment and chat. It had been an encouraging show organised by the pupils of both schools, on the advice of Mr. Dick, our Debating Director.
The Society develops and polishes its skills during the last lesson on Friday afternoons. Frequently Mr. Dick secures volunteers to give lecturettes. Everyone has spoken and experienced the satisfaction of swaying an audience and gained an insight into the techniques of the successful demagogue. We heard prodigies of learning on topics ranging from Tomatoes to Witchcraft. The occasional sadistic lecturette dwelt on "The origins of the Guillotine", "Torture", and "Animated Cartoons"! Views on why priests should marry proved enlightening. There was a factual, sincere lecturette on the "History of Edinburgh" which held the audience strangely fascinated with the history of Oliver Cromwell's stay in George Heriot's House during the Crimean War!
Joking apart, the funniest speech yet delivered was by Max Anderson on the Seismograph. He was the next best thing to Monty Python, Although not much of the speech could be clearly heard owing to convulsive laughter from both the audience and Max, the intended talk together with an apt illustration on the blackboard kept the house hysterical,
The debated motion proposed by Alistair Lamond and Max Anderson: That this house approves of the reintroduction of capital punishment for the murder of policemen and prison wardens, was soundly defeated by Laurence Printie and David Laidlaw, whom we welcome from Fourth Year.
Max Anderson later in his second lecturette presented a thorough and very personal account of the Scooter. Challenged from the house as to whether "a B.M.W. F50 with a horizontally opposed twin has a propshaft instead of a chain, do scooters have propshafts?" Max just replied with a worried giggle.
Fourth Year produced several competent speakers and offered words of wisdom. David Laidlaw remained on the winning side after his first debate, Franco Abbasciano spoke well on "Drugs" and Tom McGuire on the subject of" Artillery".
Charles Redmond and David Bain defeated Laurence Printie and Alistair Lamond on the motion: That students should spend more time studying and less time debating politics, after very entertaining speeches from both sides, clinching the wrote with the unheralded production of a notice saying 'WE GIVE FREE BEER',
With your support and our talented speakers we look forward to the Toastmasters Competition. We will soon be inviting St, Margaret's to Scotus to sample our coffee and hospitality.
CRUISE TO NORWAY
Last September the National Trust arranged a cruise to Norway, the fjords and F Isle. The number of people on this cruise was remarkable, they added up to 1,100. They have been going on these big ship cruises for five and six years, just for the sake of beauty and to meet people.
Unfortunately we got off to a bad start on 4th September, which was a Saturday. We were due to sail at 13.30 and be at sea all day Sunday. When all the passengers gather together at Leith for embarkation, regretfully we were going to be delayed, but nobody knew for how long.
Grim faces looked overboard to find that the ship had developed a hole on her port bow while she entered the harbour the previous day. There was no news how long the repair would take, but next morning excursions were arranged for the passengers to many places; a hike over the Pentlands; a tour of Peebles; to North Berwick; to Dunbar; to Falkland castle. Good news came that evening that we were to sail at 0200 hours.
We reached Norway without further incident, but there the first trip to Alesund had to be cancelled owing to the delay in sailing. Instead we sailed straight to Bergen. When we landed everyone surprisingly made a dash for the shops which shut at 4.30 p.m. We knew we were to stay in Bergen for at least another day, so the official excursions were carried out. They were very well arranged and there wasn't one complaint from the passengers about any of them.
Thinking that we were to sail quite soon everyone waited for the announcement. Instead, the announcement turned out to be the reverse. The continuing repairs took longer than expected and we were forced to stay in Bergen till midnight Thursday. During that period, free excursions were once again arranged for everybody: boat tours, bus tours railway runs etc. For Wednesday three boat tours and three buses were chartered to take round and through different fjords, off Bergen. The scenery seemed like a dream because it was so picturesque and colourful, and one extraordinary sequence was the clear spring water you could see right down to the foot. The sky was as clear as the water and not a drop of rain laid hands on us.
Next day, Thursday, it was a case of a train/bus trip, because the ship's company had chartered a number of buses and one train to take us to Voss, one of the most famous resorts in Norway. Half of the passengers went by train and the other half by bus. The sun shone down, it was surprisingly hot for a coldish country. The journey took one and half hours by train and four and a half to five hours back by bus, which was a good deal more. interesting, for the railway was nearly all tunnels. When we left Norway at midnight we were a full day at sea on Friday and we cumnavigated Fair Isle in the afternoon, which was extremely interesting because it was lonely and isolated.
The very next morning we landed in Invergordon in the Cromarty Firth which was much quicker than going round to Greenock. Captain Eric Plowman thought this to be better because passengers would have had eight hours of disembarkation on the 11th September. The company had managed to charter three trains on which we would travel to Glasgow to Edinburgh. So on Saturday the 11th, the buses waited for us on the quay of Invergordon and passengers boarded whichever train suited them and the journey was enjoyed everyone.
On the day we embarked only two passengers left the ship demanding their money back. And all the cancellations that were made throughout the cruise did not keep it from being a great success with all the fit-ins that were organised instead with just short not But one thing is sure, the British India Steam Navigation Co. will never be returning to Leith.
N. Barry, Second Year.
JUNIOR" A" FIFTEEN
Captain: V. Marjotta.
The season opened with a demoralising defeat by Edinburgh Academy-the score 60-0. The next match against George Watson's followed the same pattern, as Scotus was out- played by the superior team. Then there was a boost for Scotus as they beat Gillsland Park 20-14. Martin Fox scored most of our points in this match. The game against John Watson's at Murrayfield was by far the best of the season. Scotus played like a team inspired and effected long spells of pressure, but did not score enough tries to win. The enthusiasm built up in this match continued into the game with George Heriot's on a cold Thursday afternoon. After leading the whole match 4-0, Scotus allowed two tries to be scored against them and so narrowly lost another good match. This defeat led to further defeats at the hands of Melville College and Royal High School. Despite their evident weaknesses-chiefly bad tackling and loose rucking - Scotus were complimented for not giving up in matches where they were behind almost from the start. A convincing win over Gillsland Park much encouraged the team: the score 28-0.
Individual talent exists in the team but has not been welded to form an effective team. Occasional flashes rather than consistent play have characterised Scotus on the field. Chris Bain, when he is present, has proved a forceful runner and tackler. Kevin Croan and Martin Fox run well if sometimes rather erratically. Cery Anderson and Joseph Di Rollo must be praised for consistent effort and enthusiasm. Of the other backs Gerald Fraser and Ambrose Kelly have improved consistently.
However, the forwards remain the mainstay of the team and loyal service has been given by V. Marjotta (pack leader), P. Flowers, E. Gregor, T. McDermott, A. Deponio, A. Wilson and J. Blewitt. Some of the forementioned would be more mobile with a little less weight! R. Glover has proved a forceful player in the scrum.
Br. F. Hall.
JUNIOR B. FIFTEEN.
Played 6, Won 2, Lost 4. Points for 62, Points against 150.
Although we had only a few boys to choose from this year, there was no shortage of enthusiasm. We began the season still with much to learn and it was reflected in our early defeats. However, after much practice and increased familiarity with the game our confidence grew to the point where we won our first victory. It would be wrong to suggest that we have not looked back since; nevertheless, the spirit of the team Is that whatever the score for or against, the team plays its best - and that is what really counts.
I feel that the team has great potential, particularly in the backs. John Doherty and Ricardo Boni have proven to be lynchpins in holding the forwards and backs together. The team also has great confidence in the wingers, Aidan Christie and Anthony Kirkham, who often proved a difficult pair for the opposition to catch. Other signs of potential among the backs can be seen in the development of two good centres in Simon di Rollo and Richard di Rollo, and our fullback Patrick Bartholomew.
The forwards slowly welded themselves into a unit and with such determined players as Steven Mackay, Francis Fox and Andrew Jeans proved a formidable opposition for any pack of forwards by the end of the season.
This team has a long way to go, and the important thing is that they know it and are doing something about it.
Other useful members of the pack are Robin Lawrie, Juanpaulo La Greca, Michael Mackay, Christopher Martin and Robert Ronaldson. Thanks and appreciation are owed as well to our ever reliable reserves Julian Chater, Malcolm Reville, Maurice Macran, and Laurence Checchini.
M.O'R
RECENT LETTERS FROM CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL, LIBERA
Br. D. Walsh writes: The International Airport at Monrovia, Liberia, was dark and wet when my big B.U.A. aircraft taxied to a halt at 8.15 B.S.T. 1st September. The journey from Gatwick to sun-soaked and barren Las Palmas, our first port of call, had been interesting uneventful.. It was at Las Palm as that I met a group of Irish Holy Ghost priests and students en route to Sierra Leone, which borders Liberia to the north. On the second stage the flight passed over the vast expanse of desert in former French West Africa, then Senegal and finally Freetown. It was here that I first realised that I was heading for a Tropical Climate. As I alighted from the plane, the heavy, humid atmosphere almost bowled me over. The final 40 minute journey to Monrovia, capital of Liberia, was achieved in apparent luxury. I shared the huge plane with only twenty passengers. I cannot imagine anyone going to Monrovia for the good of his health.
Customs and health formalities completed, I breved a new Continent with hope. E Aidan, bless him, was waiting outside and it was a tonic to greet him. The American Holy Cross Brothers who have been conducting a High School in Monrovia for the past ten years were my hosts for the week-end. This stay gave me the opportunity to see the Capital from various vantage points. We paid customary visits to most of the Religious Orders. The Archbishop was 'at home' to us on two occasions. The big problem should have been on Monday morning when I tried to obtain a Residential Permit. In the past Brothers have had to wait about ten days in the capital for such permission. I was lucky, however, because Mr. Tolbert the new President, had paid a few surprise visits to some of his Government Departments and had discovered a number of his officials on French Leave. Within two hours my formalities were completed and the three of us set off on a 220 mile safari to Grassfield.
En route we called at Catholic Mission stations conducted by the S.M.A. Order. At our station the Pastor was at home on his 800 acre rubber plantation. The revenue acquired from this venture helps to subsidise the Catholic Mission in the various counties. Each town of a size has its mission station and one must admire the missionary spirit of the Church a especially the early priests who set up the Missions.
About 80 miles outside the city the surfaced road deteriorated rapidly into a mere track. One must travel this stretch of road personally to understand its effects on passengers a vehicle. The pot-holes were big enough to swallow any unwary driver. The roadside was littered with cars and trucks of all shapes and sizes that had met their fate. Thanks to Br. O'Sullivan's expertise behind the wheel we arrived safely on the Guinea border shortly after mid-night.
Now I have had time to survey my new surroundings I can say that I have been very pleasantly surprised. Great credit must go to the original Brothers who accomplished so much in such a short space of time. Most Brothers will have seen film about the layout of the campus, so there is little need for me to go into details in this note. The Brothers here presently, are in very good shape. Br. Gerard has his left arm in plaster as a result of a fall through the roof. He is managing very nicely with his right. Br. Egan does a great job in 1 kitchen during his spare time.
At first I found the boys' speech difficult to understand. 'Take time: is the standing reply to anyone who tries to rush them and 'man', 'friend', 'what to do?' can mean anything depending on how you say it. No matter how trying the situation, there is always a real smile. As I write the temperature is 78 F-and this is the wet season. The Nimba Range of mountains looks beautiful in its thick coat of Tropical vegetation. Enthusiasm is mount outside as the school basket. ball team prepares to do battle with a visiting team from the prosperous mining town of Yakepa.
ITEMS CAROLL HIGH SCHOOL APPEALS FOR
Class text books, long playing records, musical instruments of all sorts of cloths especially sports clothing, football boots, magazine subscriptions, trophies for football, basketball, volleyball, typewriters, tools, letters and penfriends.
THE CAROLL HIGH SCHOOL BROTHERS WRITE
L.A.M.C.O. has just had the long-awaited strike-all the other mining concessions had theirs this year. On the credit side, we are positively enjoying the efficiency of the new President Tolbert regime. Even the expensive free press is now almost worth the fifteen cents with its fascinating headlines about "Never Again", "Is President Tolbert Mean? (No!)", "Civil Service Offices Were Love.Nests", "The Grip of the Security is Broken", "Absenteeism of Government Ministers" and that shameful journalistic confession, "We would have said this earlier but for the instinct for self preservation, etc.". Only those who knew the flatteries of the same newspapers a short while ago can appreciate the change to any extent. The new President has gone rapidly from unpopularity to star rating. After all, any man who takes two dollars off the price of a bag of rice is in a very successful tradition.
Here at Grassfield, we seem to, at long last, have the campus under control. All the creaking systems go now. Much exterior painting and grass cutting has made the place prettier and the new study hall (ex-warehouse) and football pitch (ex-bush) and recent gifts from L.A.M.C.O. have made this a very well-equipped campus. Two large murals-the work of two brothers-are much visited and photographed by our mining neighbours.
Our students had an unusual compliment at the last (compulsory) militia drill, when the Officer Commanding publicly pointed out the students as belonging to "one of the few schools who co-operate in this Government scheme" and recommended the other (Liberian staffed) schools to emulate this. Letters to this effect followed.
At Pentecost, it was a great joy to see six of our students baptised, after a lengthy Catechumenate. We hope to have our second Confirmation ceremony at the conclusion of the Graduation ceremonies in December.
Our first Graduation group (Grade 12) were the first students we registered. Remember, we came late for the registration of students. As a group, they are very edifying and have been very helpful but they are not brilliant. Please think of them in your prayers. Much emphasis is laid upon success in exams here-naturally. During the ceremony, we shall award diplomas to a faithful group of extramural students who have spent a year with Senor Lopez studying auto-electricity. This and other studies will be incorporated into our system next year. One student is resident organist at the Lutheran church.
The seminary students we have studying with us are now acting the role of day pupils. They live in an area of the campus curiously named "Manhatten". This system is working well and there is no confusion of authority. A new chaplain, Fr. Harlow, is very energetic and zealous. He teaches religion on the campus as well as evangelising the neglected countryside. He was pleased to find our Legion of Mary group had already made contacts when going round in an effort to organise services etc. He is now Spiritual Director of the Legion also.
We had a very impressive Guinean seminarian during the first term who wished to learn English. He did. Now he is in the senior college in Haute Volta. We also have our first seminarian from Sierra Leone.
The local judge has expressed a wish to join our Grade 10 next year. He won't. The chief of L.A.M.C.O. police now coaches our football team. Finally, our Liberian teacher continues to be effective, punctual and co-operative.
A few weeks ago, we went to Yekepa and produced a musical show with the help of our band choir and pop group. People who came in agony to just another school performance were kind enough to express their enjoyment and relief. A major charity dance held the same night was disturbed by latecomers commenting on the fact that they had come from a free show by students infinitely better than the expensive Monrovian band performing.
In sport we seem to excel at Basketball and have yet to win at Volleyball. Standards are quite high in these games.
During his holiday, Br. Aidan plans to visit as many communities as possible and wishes it to be known that he is prepared to give geographical/historical talks preferably to Forms Six and Five. Liberian literature is minimal. We are indebted to you for fees for young Edmund Bargblor. We enclose a list of our needs just now in the way of equipment.
CHRISTIAN BROTHERS CATHOLIC MISSION
CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL YEKEPA
NIMBA COUNTY LIBERIA, AFRICA
Edmund Bargblor. Edmund is an orphan. He was baptised on Whit Sunday 1971. His education is being paid for by funds contributed by the Staff and boys of Scotus.
The Scotian Christmas 1968 refers to the Brothers founding a school at Tappita in Liberia. After some time the L.A.M.C.O. mining corporation offered the Brothers an estate, bungalows and workshops at Yekepa. The new school is flourishing but depends heavily for finance and educational equipment of all sorts on the Brothers schools in Britain. This mission is directed to the socially and educationally underprivileged only. It costs a minimum of £90 per year to maintain a boy in clothing, food, and for educational expenses. The expense of shipping essential books and equipment to Yekepa has to be met. After only three years most of the original group of Brothers has been forced to return home on medical advice. The articles that follow are letters from Brother D. D. Walsh who flew out to the Catholic Mission in September 1971 and from the Brothers there.
YOUNG CHRISTIAN STUDENTS
Y.C.S. consist of a group of Fifth and Sixth Years, owing their inspiration to Br. M. 0'Reilly, whose first meeting was on 21st October 1971. We elected Peter Mayo as first President, Laurence Printie as Secretary and Alistair Lamond as honorary Treasurer. This first meeting organised a raffle for Sister Theresa of Calcutta and raised £4.62 1/2 from the school in the following week. The object of Y.C.S. is not to raise money though. Each week we have had discussions on world social problems which do and do not affect us. These have helped to open our eyes and give us a 'social conscience'.
At Christmas our Y.C.S. and four girls from St. Margaret's diminishing Y.C.S. worked at the Catholic Social Service Centre, at the invitation of Dr. Watt its Director, to make up food parcels and parcels of presents and later to de1iver them throughout the city.
Many Catholic schools have large Y.C.S. groups. In France nearly all the schools have the Y.C.S. not just in the senior school but also in the primary. A move in this direction in Scotus would assist the community atmosphere and social awareness of the whole school.
We offer all our thanks to Br. O'Reilly who continues to put so much effort and keenness into the Y.C.S. The tea and biscuits he provides for the meetings each Friday evening and the dedication of our members have made our gatherings most enjoyable. The support of the school and parents is gratefully welcomed.
L.P.
FENCING CLUB 1971-72
List of Trophies won:-
Learmouth Foil 1971-72, "La Lame", The Cooper Shield, The Seton Trophy.
The year 1971 has been a very successful one for the Club. In March Charles Redmond gained his Scottish Schoolboy International! Colours and with Ian Campbell, Michael Mayo and Alistair Cook represented Scotland in the Schools International against Ireland.
Peter Rogers and Graeme Robertson accepted an invitation to watch the Martini Epee Challenge Finals in London. This proved very rewarding as Olympic and world championship fencers competed, many from Poland and Russia.
In the first week of April the Scottish Schools Week allowed the Scotus team consisting of Ian Campbell, Michael Mayo and Alistair Cook to win the Learmouth Foil again and the Cooper Shield for the Epee event. Michael Mayo won the individual Epee event, no mean achievement, considering the weapon had only recently been introduced to Scotus.
We lost the Thistle Shield 93-52.
With the start of the Autumn term the Club lost Ian Campbell, our most exciting fencer to date, Internationalist and East Africa Open Foil Champion, Internationalist Michael Mayo, and Peter Rogers. We wish them every success in their future fencing careers. November brought us a remarkable achievement when Alistair Cook won the Scottish Junior Foil Championship, Former Pupils Ian Campbell and Michael Mayo securing third and fourth places.
The new term brought the club new and enthusiastic members. In the Edinburgh Schools Junior Competition John Bartholomew and Lindsay Munro gained fourth and fifth places.
On 15th January 1972, in the Scottish Senior Foil, Graeme Robertson reached the semi-finals.
We are looking forward to competing in both the Edinburgh and Scottish Schools Competitions later this year and are relying on our juniors J. Bartholomew, N. Forte, L. Munro, O. Robertson, P. Kelly, T. Anderson, R. Smith and A. Twist to achieve the same measure of success as their older counterparts.
A scheme for grading fencers has been initiated by Professor Bracewell, the Scottish national coach. It consists of six grades which ascend in order of competence. Our latest record of passes is listed below:-
GRADE
I
II
III
IV
V
VI
|
COLOUR
Green
Purple
Red
Orange
Yellow
White
|
NUMBER
12
7
3
2
1
1 |
Secretary: G. Robertson.
THE EDINBURGH YOUTH HANDBOOK
From time to time at Parents Evenings and elsewhere members of the Staff have received enquiries about available out-of-school recreational opportunities. Many parents may not be aware that the Handbook named in the title is issued each year by the Edinburgh Corporation Education Department and is available at the Education Offices, St. Giles Street. The handbook lists all church and city sports and hobbies clubs and educational facilities in the city considered suitable for young people.
Three boys and one member of Staff from Scotus attended the six-week courses run by the Royal Automobile Club at Georgie Market for training Learner Motor Cyclists and Scooterists. The cost of hiring a Club machine and attending the course for two hours on Monday and Thursday evenings was £2.50. Ages of the trainees range from sixteen to sixty-five years old. Instruction included riding, maintenance, and a close study of the Highway Code. Trainees successful in the R.A.C. Proficiency Test at the conclusion of the course found no difficulty in passing the Ministry of Transport test for a driving licence. This Training Scheme, conducted in recent years by Miss Shiela Hearn, has maintained a success rate in the R.A.C. Proficiency Tests of about 95%, and is, consequently, one of the finest riding schools in Britain.
Edinburgh Photographic Society welcomes junior members. Membership is 50p per annum. This enables one to use the darkroom under supervision. A small library and reading room are available. Lectures and events on three evenings of the week provide training in photography from beginners' to advanced levels. The Society has a tremendous tradition of success in open competitions. During the Edinburgh Festival, the International Photographic Exhibition is staged on the premises. There is an annual exhibition of the work of the Society's members, also open to the public. Three groups organise the work and competitive progress of photographers wishing to specialise. These are the Studio Portrait Group, the Colour Slide Group, and the Pictorial Group.
Student members are recommended to join the Scottish Italian Circle. Charge 50p per annum. The library and reading room at 42 Candiemaker Row offer a wide selection of books, magazines and periodicals. The Circle organisers weekly classes at the University, David Hume Tower, for those wishing to study the language at all levels, and a series of very interesting weekly lectures, slide exhibitions etc. A free pass may be obtained to all Italian State Museums and Art Galleries by those members fortunate enough to tour in Italy during the year.
Scotus has group membership through its Modern Languages Staff to the Edinburgh German Society, at present based in Heriot Watt University and offering library facilities, social occasions, weekly lectures and exhibitions and classes in German, and also to the French Institute, Randolf Crescent. Talks are frequently given in English at these meetings, but they offer a splendid opportunity to meet and speak with native speakers of these languages.
Members of the Royal Lyceum Theatre hold regular classes for young people interested in the professional theatre. The history of the theatre, the designing of sets and -costumes, improvising and acting are some of the fascinating topics studied. There is the chance of watching the work that goes on in all the back-stage departments before a play finally ap- pears on the stage.
Joining one of the many groups listed in the Edinburgh Youth Handbook might well be the first step to a future career, as well as an immediate aid to the development of physical and mental skills.
We gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the following School Magazines: The Merchistonian, The Herioter, and Christian Brothers colleges, St Edmond's, Prior park, St Kevin's, New Zealand, Redcastle, CBC, Greenpoint, Capetown.
GOLF
In 1971 the Golf Section was established along proper lines with the election of office bearers and membership of the Scottish Gold Association and the B.G.A. On Tuesdays a Thursdays all 24 members commute to Turnhouse Golf Course to receive expert coaching the hands of Mr. Brian Mackenzie, the Course Professional, under the auspices of the G Foundation Ltd., an organisation which exists to promote golf among schoolchildren. It is particularly gratifying to note that even those members who were comparative beginners the game have attained a high standard and knowledge of the sport, including the rules etiquette on the green!
The main event of the term was the School Golf Championship which was eagerly awaited by all concerned. The venue was Gifford, a tricky 9 hole course, situated some miles south of Edinburgh. After eight hard-fought and exciting hours Gordon McCreal Brian Smith and David Di Rollo emerged through to the semi-finals. A week later the final battle was determined between Messrs. McCready and Smith when both boys played a tight game. At the 22nd the score being level at that moment, G. McCready sank an 8 iron shot from the rough to give him an eagle, but B. Smith's putting proved devastating on some the greens until at the 35th. G. McCready struck B. Smith's ball, thus giving him 2 penalty strokes which caused him to lose the match. The final results were therefore:
Gold Medal- Brian Smith.
Silver Medal-Gordon McCready.
Bronge Medal-David Di Rollo.
Brian Smith is now Junior Champion at Turnhouse Golf Club with a handicap of 3 and. Gordon McCready hopes to follow in the professional ranks. Finally, a word of praise Gordon McCready who in his capacity both as Captain of Golf and Treasurer has given unstintingly of his time.
D.D.S., President.
THE VISUAL AIDS ROOM
The room was moved in September to the old Primary Seven classroom (which many will recall as the tea-room during the annual Fete until two years ago). It made way for the new chapel. Facilities provided include a 21 inch TV set, film and slide projectors and a new Philips 403 tape-recorder. The latter has proved inadequate to its task of disseminating sound programmes recorded from the BBC schools broadcast service, and for tapes from the modern languages courses. It is a disappointment. An amplifying system will be needed to produce an adequate sound level.
Some twenty-five television and radio recordings are usefully available each week. Second Year benefited from two televised Careers series in the autumn. The various drama series enabled Fourth Year to view Shelagh Delaney's' A Taste of Honey', Arnold Wesker's 'Chips with Everything', and Harold Brighouse's 'Hobson's Choice'. These productions were quite extraordinarily gripping. Fifth Year watched first-rate productions of scenes from Ross, Hobson's Choice, St. Joan, The Silver Box, The Importance of Being Earnest, School for Scandal, The Duchess of Malfi, Richard II, and Vol pone. STV and the BBC are to be congratulated on the quite exceptional standards of production achieved in these programmes.
The satisfactory use of recorded radio programmes is a matter of chance at the moment.1t is hardly possible to appreciate the excellence of the material available.
MUSICAL SCOTUS
During the winter, interest in the guitar snowballed at Scotus. At first about a dozen boys, some of whom had worked with Br. Bennett through 1970-71, joined the group. But now we have 31 boys at various stages of learning the art, 20 of these are in the Primary School, 11 in the Secondary.
The basic reason for guitar playing is to get enjoyment from it, and to this end the boys are shown how to accompany old and new folk songs and modern 'pop' songs. However, it is also a useful instrument and the guitarists have helped in the expanding liturgical activities of the school. We were able to begin the school year with a very creditable 'folk' mass. J. Eunson, M. De Luca, I. Strachan, P. Lennon, A. McDonald and G. Fraser have all played very competently at class Masses, morning assemblies and at the December Carol Services at Corstorphine. The boys of Primary 6 also played at the Carol Service.
Some comments from a member of the Guitar Club:- "Learning to play the guitar means learning chords, various styles with which to play the chords and various songs. The guitar can provide enjoyment when the weather is bad and at parties. In addition, guitar playing widens one's interest in music and it gives great personal satisfaction."
J. Eunson, Third Year.
Primary 5 and Form I started with the Recorder in October. Under the direction of Br. O'Reilly, Primary 5 have now attained a good standard and played at the December Carol service. Form I began in January and we hope for a useful achievement for the summer term.
Under the direction of Br. Cronin percussion instruments have been introduced to the Junior school.
Br. Hall.
SUMMER TERM SPORTING ACTIVITIES
This year the number of games activities available has grown again. Fencing, curling swimming, athletics, badminton, volleyball, weightlifting, squash, golf and sailing was operate in the Senior school.
The growing popularity of the game of squash is evidenced by the number of boys will now play outside of school hours. A number of boys will be improving their skill at the Meadowbank Sports Centre.
Last year 30 boys played at the Turnhouse Golf Course on Tuesday afternoons. They are accompanied by a member of Staff and receive instruction from a professional golfer attached to the Club. The Brother O'Connell Golf Cup was won this year by Brian Smith an exciting final with Gordon McCready.
SAILING-FORTH SAILING CLUB
An invitation has come to Scotus boys wishing to learn sailing during the summer term The Club secretary Mr. B. D' Agostino, a former pupil of Scotus, is currently a member of t School Parents Committee. We take this opportunity of thanking him for his continuing, interest and support for swimming instruction in the school. Boys wishing to sail with the school group in the summer term must be competent swimmers. They will, of course, at times on the water wear safety equipment provided by the Club. Sailing will be organised during the Tuesday games lessons.
THE SCOTUS ASSOCIATION REPORT 1971/72
President: Colin Campbell
Treasurer: John Tw
Vice-President: L. V, McEwan
Secretary: Mrs. Moya Mackay
Committee: Messrs. Bert D'Agostinao, Andrew James, Dennis Aliaga-Kelly, John Lennon McDonald, Mrs. Brigie Brown, Mrs, Alice Shakespeare, Mrs. Vera Capaldi, Mrs. Pat Col~ together with Br. Livingstone and Br. Conin.
The A G.M. was held again this year in the Grosvenor Hotel on the 30th September 1971, with an attendance of 97 people. It was a very successful and interesting meeting c to the many and varied points raised from the floor, and it gave the new Rector, Br. Livingstone an opportunity to meet the parents.
This year's newly elected President, Mr. Colin Campbell, in his address, referred to the difficulty of raising capital, which has been a major issue throughout the seventeen years history of the Association. He felt that the situation would improve with the prospect redevelopment of the site. He thanked all the committee members for their work during' the past year, especially Mr. W. J. Christie, the retiring President, for his notable effort on behalf of the Association.
The Committee felt that the annual Garden Fete held in June now realised a net sum low in relation to the great deal of work put in by parents and helpers. It was decided discontinue the Fete in 1972 and replace it with some other outdoor event, the one accepted is to be a Donkey Derby with ancillary entertainment.
The annual dance held on November 25th in the Adam Rooms was once again a most enjoyable evening.
Another Spring get-together will be held in May at the Grosvenor Hotel. These evening have proved so successful that it is the intention of the committee to hold them annualy.
Two of our fundraising groups have met with notable success:- The Ladies Project. The final total collected for the first project-the redecoration and furnishing of the S1 room-was over £600, £200 of which came from the Christmas boutique organised by Mrs Ginette Bartholomew and Mrs. Esme Brand. Thanks to them, and to all the other parents who donated so generously. The Staff room furnishing is virtually finished and looks very well, the Rector's new office has benefited, and the new school Chapel. The 100 Club: The first year of the club has shown the success of this method of fund raising. The commitee hope that next year will increase its growth to 150 members.
Mrs. Moya Mackay, Secretary.
FORMER PUPILS
Edinburgh Wanderers-
1st XV: J. Perrins.
2nd XV: J. Barry, J. Bacigalupo, K. O'Hara, L. Wilson.
Others: J. Barret, R. Zentil, H. Pettigrew, A. McMichael, P. Oi Rollo.
London Scottish –
J. Flaherty.
Stewart College R.F.C.-
A. Kelly.
Holy Cross F.P. (Old Augustinians)
P. Barry, G. Minchella, P. McLaughlin, J. McLaughlin, J. Kerr.
Musselburgh R.F.C.-
P. Cassidy, L. Cassidy.
Edinburgh Wanderers Junior XV. –
The following boys from Scotus 1st XV play for the side: G. McCready, O. Bain, F. Abbasciano and G. McKay.
RUGBY
FIRST FIFTEEN
Captain: Liam Donnelly
Played 16, Won 8, Lost 8, Points for 253, Points against 269.
COLOURS 1970-71
FULL COLOURS: L. Donnelly, A. Borys.
HALF COLOURS: S. Croan, D. Bain.
COLOURS 1971-72
FULL COLOURS: G. McCreadie, G. McKay, K. Mather.
HALF COLOURS: F. Abbasciano, R. Coates, D. Laidlaw, P. Somerville, R. Clephane, A. Lamond.
The present season has been one of the most successful for the First Fifteen for many years. Of sixteen matches played, eight were won and this reflects the remarkable dedication of those boys who played so well since September against opposition that was often superior in physique and experience.
Much credit must go to Liam Donnelly who has captained the team and whose ability and enthusiasm in this department have inspired the other members. Andrew Borys, Gordon McCreadie and Graham McKay have always been prominent in a powerful pack and have been ably assisted by such notable figures as Franco Abbasciano, David Laidlaw, Stephen Croan, David Bain and Robert Clephane.
When not captaining the B. Fifteen, Alistair Lamond has played remarkably well for the Firsts and has given excellent service to the hard- working centres Ross Coates and Kevin Mather. Paul Somerville and Andrew Murray have continued to improve as wingers and at fullback Philip Croan has played confidently.
One of the highlights of the season was the visit of Christian Brothers school St. Aidan's, Sunderland to Murrayfield on October 16. Although we lost narrowly by 9 points to 8, it was Scotus's finest display this year. When Gordon McCreadie scored the second try to put us to 8-0, it seemed that Scotus was to gain a well deserved victory. However, St. Aidan's rallied in the second half, a goal and fine penalty enabled them to emerge as victors from a bruising and enjoyable game.
Br. McD.
THE B. FIFTEEN .
Captain: Alistair Lamond.
Played 5, Won 3, Lost 2, Points for 103, Points against 116.
Although rather weakened by the introduction of new players to the side too frequently, the B. Fifteen has had a short and quite successful season. Many games this year were cancelled owing to the weather, but those that did take place were played with a zest and enthusiasm that were very encouraging.
The B. Fifteen began the season with two fine victories. The first of these came in a closely contested match against George Watson's B.2. Fifteen. Only a fine late try and conversion by Gordon Croan clinched a 15-4 victory for Scotus. The next games against Portobello produced an even better win by 36 points to 14. No fewer than eight Scotus players had a hand in the scoring.
Unfortunately these fine performances were followed by two crushing defeats at the hands of Leith Academy and Melville College. The comparative inexperience of the team against our faster and heavier opponents was only too evident. The final game of the season against a young Linlithgow side provided Scotus with an easy win.
The B. Fifteen was captaiQed by Alistair Lamond and he proved an intelligent and mature leader. Tom Maguire and Scott Coghill played well in the pack but still somewhat lack aggression. They were ably assisted by John Eunson, he fears nobody, Michael McPheely, Michael Harkness, Kevin Di Ciacca, Michael Collie, Amerigo Lanny and Gerard Kennedy. At No, 8. Gordon Croan was strong in both attack and defence. Robert Hanna and George McGuire continued their fine halfback partnership; Alistair Lamond and Lawrence Printie continued to improve as centres; while, on the wings, James Whitten and Bruce Coates showed speed and determination. At fullback lain Mackay tackled and fielded soundly.
D.1 FIFTEEN.
Captain: Graham Kelly
Played 12, Won 6, Lost 6, Points for 318, Points against 220.
So far this season the D.1. Fifteen are proving themselves quite a capable side. It took much hard work at the beginning of the season to build up this side which had neither team spirit nor desire to win. Much work had to be done on the very basics of the game are while much has been achieved, there is still a great deal to be acquired. '
We suffered only one crushing defeat, to my mind, and that was against Edinburgh Academy when the Edinburgh holiday caused the absence of many of our better player The very high score Lasswade achieved against us does not reflect the play. The team never fought as hard for possession of the ball and tackled so well, but our opponents had the advantage in size. One this occasion Hugh Young emerged as a player of great ability, which I had only suspected was there, and scored two tries, one from the halfway line and the other through the whole opposition with a run starting on his own twenty-five.
Up to this match Tim Jones captained the side and had been our main scorer. His leaving the school was felt by the side. We wish him good fortune in his future progress on the sports field.
Graham Kelly now took on the captaincy and as our scrumhalf has proved an outstanding player-a fine tackler, elusive runner, with excellent positional sense and a think at his game. Our other backs-Alistair Hutchinson, Peter Pateluck, Grant Noble, Nichol Garry and Christopher Bartholomew- have all shown great improvement and individual flashes of cleverness which make backs interesting to watch in movement.
However, to me the forwards have been even more interesting. A great effort went in improving their play and they learnt to make themselves an effective force. Richard Dockre, James McCabe, Vincent Rodier, Remo Lanni, Robert Daly, Stephano Boni, Simon Sladder and occasionally Peter Lennon (who unfortunately broke his wrist), John Flett, Benr Crolla, and Peter Morris have all done their bit for the side, with perhaps Richard, Simon and Stephano outstanding for backing up a team mate.
We owed much of our scoring ability to the boots of Robert Daly and Remo Lanni. Keep it up lads and I hope you will be able to look back on many more enjoyable game.
T. F. Cronin.
THE C. FIFTEEN
Captain: D. Di Rollo
Played 12. Won 6. Lost 6.
This plucky team survived an unfortunate situation at the beginning of the season when, due to a misunderstanding on the part of a few of the opposing schools, 'B' fifteens were fielded against them.
David Di Rolle, the captain, who at stand-off is an inspiration to the entire side has led his men authoritatively and confidently, encouraging and vigorously chastising as the occasion demanded! As a player his handling and timing are i.mma9ulate, his kicking at times phenomenal for a boy of his age, having converted tries and kicked penalties from near the touch-line. In his duties he has been ably assisted by the pack leader, Bill Main, who as No.8 is relentless in his forward drives as he incites the rest of the pack to follow. He faithfully drills and continues to drill the pack in forward tactics, injecting enthusiasm into their play.
Alan Tansey, formerly a wing forward, has settled down well to his new position of fullback. Departing from the general trend of present-day schoolbacks of booting the ball whenever it presents itself within fielding distance, he fulfills his new role in a refreshing way by running with it, opening up the play, giving the three-quarter line the overlap and has in doing so scored several tries himself, in addition, he is the side's no, 2 kicker and has many conversions to his credit.
On the wing, Amerigo Lanny, who is a safe but tricky handler of the ball, has a deceptive side step and baffles the opposition when he re-appears with the ball after losing possession! David Mackay, the other-winger, is an exceptionally good tactician, reading the game with profound understanding, but lacks as yet an aggressive enough nature in determined attacks.
William Dick, who runs fast and powerfully at first centre, is a first-class all-rounder, ubiquitous on the field, a safe handler of the ball and a reliable tackler, while his partner at second centre, Jeremy Duffy, is developing into a hard runner, providing a tight barrier of defence due to ruthless marking and a crushing tackle.
Mark De Luca at scrum-half, combines well with his stand-off. He is getting the bailout of the scrum faster than before and his handling in attack has improved tremendously: he is now very much a force to be reckoned with in the loose.
Nicky Shakespeare methodically performs his duties as the team's hooker, gaining strikes 'against the head' over even more experienced players. Also, despite his present small stature, he is a willing and enthusiastic worker in the loose, spoiling well for the ball. He is more than able supported on the tight-head by Kenneth Price who continues to be a driving force amongst the forwards, using his immense bulk to advantage as he wreaks havoc among his opponents, On the loose-head Michael Smith initially filled the berth with grit and determination until recurrent back injuries forced his transfer to the threequarter line where he used his speed and immaculate tackling to great purpose.
David Cowie, the left lock, has developed into a very powerful player always surging forward, effectively rucking and spoiling for the ball. Melvyn Peterson, the other member of the 'powerhouse', is yet another useful player at home in set and loose play where a turn of speed, surprising for his build, enables him to back up quickly wherever the play might be.
Of the backrow, Rory Christie, on the blind side, is a safe handler of the ball and very dangerous when he has made the break, ubiquitous on the field using his acceleration to the fullest to harry halfbacks and centres alike. Paul Doherty, on the open side, is the bane of scrumhalves -as many would testify! Always relentless in his pursuit of the ball and tireless in his efforts to provide defensive cover.
Finally, but by no means least, thanks and praise alike must be extended to Messrs, T. Maguire, R. Hanna, S. Coghill, B. Coates, B. Toole, K. Di Ciacca, T. McEwan and many others who have played for the team when illness or injuries have reduced the ranks.
D.D.S.
CURLING AT SCOTUS 1971
During this year the response to Curling has improved and enthusiasm has been shown as opposed to the failure of the previous year. We entered the Edinburgh Schools' Curling League again. The matches are held at the Haymarket Ice Rink on Saturday mornings. Frl this team it was a first season together and it has met with reasonable success. At the ha1fway mark in the League Fixture List, Scotus has reached 6th place in the League table
Scotus began the season with difficult fixtures and not surprisingly lost to Heriots 1 drew with Melville 1, 4-4, and were beaten by Heriot 2, 11-6. The team began to improve and beat Watsons 1, 12-3, and Heriot 3, 16-0. These teams are lying 3rd and 4th in the League a. the moment.
We lost to Heriot 1 again but went on to beat Watson 2, 8-7, with the last stone of the match. Heriot4, were beaten. 14-1. With seven matches still to play Scotus has a good chance of improving its position.
I am grateful to the team for being at the matches punctually. The team consists of Skip, Mark Shannon; Peter Shakespeare, John Drawbell, and lead Michael Kostryckyj. Thanks to to the reserves for turning up, Michael Collie, Laurence Donoghue and lan Mackay.
After Christmas, Scotus continued its good form by beating Melville 2, and then had it best victory so far by beating Holt 18-4. Melville 3 were defeated by 10-1. With these victories. Scotus moved to 3rd place in the League with four games still to play.
The 1971 Inter-House Curling Match was won by McDonald, who beat Grays 12-3
McDonalds were superior and rightly deserved to win. The teams were:
McDonalds: Skip M. Shannon, P. Shakespeare, M. Kostryckyj.
Grays: Skip, I. Mackay, J. Drawbell, L. Donoghue.
To recent newcomers to the Scotus Curlers: R. Stevenson and J. Eunson, thanks for giving their time and participating and best wishes with their game in the future.
Skip, M Shannon
ATHLETICS
This year brought the introduction of two items to our athletic scene. First, the Thistle Awards Scheme of the Scottish Amateur Athletics Association, which aims at the improvement of Scottish standards. The Scotus boys welcomed the scheme enthusiastically and a large number qualified for awards. Second, the Primary school athletics match with Heriots school at Goldenacre. Our strength lay in the field events and Heriots ran out winners on the track.
June would be regarded by most people as the month most suited to athletics. The events of June 26 shook our opinion. The games staff had put in work for several months to reclaim the damaged surface of the sports field and everything was in readiness for a marvellous day of athletics. The one thing necessarily left to chancel-the weather! A monsoon downpour forced a postponement of the Sports to the following Tuesday. The weather was kind and the scene splendid, the date made it impossible for many parents to attend.
The 1971 Sports Day was unique in two ways. All the events were held with the new metric measurement, all results established new basic records, and for the first time these annual sports were held on the school grounds.
Thanks are due to the Parents Association for generously making available the medals and prizes for the occasion, to Former Pupils and members of the staff for their untiring help preparing the sports field, and, of course, to the boys and their parents for making the Annual Sports such a wonderful success.
COMPETITION RESULTS
EVENT
High Jump U/16
High Jump U/12
High Jump U/14
Long Jump U/16
Long Jump U/14
Long Jump U/13
Long Jump U/12
Long Jump U/11
Javelin U/16
Javelin U/14
Shot U/16
Shot U/14
Shot U/12
Discus U/16
Discus U/14
100m U/16
100m U/14
100m U/13
100m U/12
60m U/11
60m U/10
60m U/9
60m U/8
200m U/16
200m U/14
200m U/13
200m U/12
200m U/11
800m U/16
800m U/12
1500m Open
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FIRST
B Oyekan
M. Fox
D. Di Rollo
K. Mather
W. Dick
P. Pateluch
A.
Huchison
M. Fox
G. McKay
A. Tansey
G. McKay
P. Pateluch
R. Lanni
G. McCready
C.
Law
K. Mather
D.
Di Rollo
R. Christie
G. Kelly
A.
Kirkman
R. Di Rollo
P. Main
A.
Stewart
K. Mather
D. Di Rollo
T. Jones
N. Garry
M. Fox
R. Coates
T. Jones
R. Coates
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SECOND
G. McCready
N. Varma
T. Jones
R. Coates
M. Peterson D.Campbell
N. Garry
N. Varma
D.
Laidlaw
P. Pateluch
G.
McCready
M. McPheely
R. Glover
D. Laidlaw
M. McPheely
G. Croan
W. Dick
J. Duffy
L. Visocchi
M. Fox
R. Boni
A. Christie
P. Campbell
G. McKay
W. Dick
R. Christie
J Di Rollo
A.
Kirkman
L. Munro
G. Kelly
L. Munro
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THIRD
I. Oyekan
G. Fraser
T. McEwan
M. Collie
R. Hanna
A.
O'Sullivan
G. Kelly
K.
Christie
M. Collie
B. Main
F.
Abbasciano
B.
Main
R. Daly
B. Oyekan
R. Stevenson
F.
Abbasciano
M. Peterson
B.
Main
N. Garry
A.
Aliaga-Kelly
G.
LaGreca
M. Clarke
M. Chong
L.
Munro & D.Laidlaw
M.
Peterson
R. McGill
C. Bain
K.
Croan
T. Twiss
T. McEwan
D. Di Rollo
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Gray House again won the House Competition. Their captain G. McCready was proud to accept the House Shield, on behalf of Grays, from Very Rev. Canon W. McClelland.
Br. P. Gordon, Gamesmaster.
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