Christmas Term.

What a delight it was to invite parents and friends to a Carol Service in the Convent Chapel, the week before Christmas. Benediction followed the Carols, and we then sang "Heart of Jesus Bless This Place," a hymn which has a special all Boscombe pupils.

Easter Term, 1945.

In March, instead of entertaining, we were one day entertained by a fascinating Marionette Show. The programme was varied and ever. included scenes from "The School for Scandal". Afterwards came the added thrill of examining the Puppets and of being shown how they worked.

Summer Term.

Mother McEvoy's Feast so rarely falls during term time that we were all eager to make it a particularly happy day this year. It was Monday morning, and instead of the usual sedate ranks awaiting Conference in the Study, our Headmistress did as we pleased and came to the Gym Room where we had placed a picture of St. Catherine of Sienna and had made an altar in honour of the Saint.

Our good wishes were expressed to Mother McEvoy by Molly Orpin, and Elocution pupils produced Scenes from Shakespeare's Henry V, and also scenes adapted from "Our Mutual Friend." The juniors gave their entertainment privately. It consisted of National Dances, we hear, but we Seniors are not initiated into the secrets of all the exciting things which happen in St. Joseph's across the road!

May of course will be long remembered, for with it came V.E. Day. I am sure that deep gratitude was the feeling uppermost in our hearts as the Community and all pupils assembled in the Convent Chapel to sing the "Te Deum".

The end of this summer term must have been one of the happiest for Boscombe Convent. Only a week before, news came that our dearest Reverend Mother General was at long last able to sail for England, and would be with us on July 12th. Imagine the excitement of those days and the joy we felt at being permitted to form a Guard of Honour at the Entrance to the Convent.

Our cheers could leave no possible doubt in Reverend Mother General's heart that she was indeed welcome to Boscombe. Her friendly "Thank You" and smile made us feel at home with her at once. On the following Monday the whole School assembled for the official Welcome.

The Gym Room was completely transformed by the beautiful baskets of flowers, and when the School Song had been sung, Gabrielle Bond, our Head Girl, read an address to Reverend Mother General.

On the cover of the address Laura Templer had painted Boscombe Convent, so that Reverend Mother might always have something to remind her of her first visit. Each one of us has promised to show her affection for our dearest Reverend Mother General by remembering her intentions every day in our prayers.

The juniors deserve our congratulations, and we know they would like to say "Thank You" to Mother McEvoy, Mother Potter, Miss Gobell and Miss Walsh, who all took so much care in preparing the Elocution, Singing - and Dancing. All who saw the Pageant will carry with them a very real picture of birds, butterflies and flowers adorning the Convent wood for the exquisite costumes made by Mother d'Alanqon made one forget that it was `only a play'.

The Senior Elocution pupils acted scenes from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" - a fitting close to a happy day.

Christmas.

The most interesting new feature this term is a Musical Appreciation Class held on Saturday mornings. We trust that Mother Gillard will find us as much improved in our music as we are appreciative of the lessons.

The Victory Dance is over. Prize winners for Fancy Dress were:
Seniors: 1, Y. North ("To Let"); 2, M. Grey (On Points); 3, M. Smith (Spanish Lady).
Juniors: 1, M. Williamson (Hawaiian Girl); 2, M. Gibbons (Victorian Lady); 3, A. Boys (Victory),

Before we hurry away, all of us wish to offer Three Cheers for all who have helped to make our schooldays enjoyable as well as profitable.

REQUIESCANT IN PACE

We regret to record the deaths of two members of the Community. Mother Costello and Mother Emilia McLoughlin died within twelve hours of each other and were buried on the same day after Requiem Mass had been offered in the Convent Chapel.

Mother E. Costello passed away on October 6th, 1945, in the 85th year of her age.

The greater part of the sixty years' of her religious life was spent at Boscombe, where, prior to 1925 she was Superior. Before that she had held many responsible posts; for several years she was Bursar, and for many years in charge of the Boys. In 1925 she went to our House in Southsea, but returned to Boscombe in 1939 on account of the dangers to which the great naval port of Portsmouth was exposed.

During her stay at Southsea she instructed catechumens, some of whom, as well as old pupils of Boscombe, remained faithful to her to the end.

She had always a great devotion to Our Lady and did much to make her known, especially under the titles of Our Lady of Quito and Our Lady of Fatima. It was significant, then, that she was called to her eternal reward on the day dedicated to Our Lady. of Fatima.

In the last years of her life she was unable to get about, but she always retained a lively interest in everything connected with the school. We extend our sympathy to her relatives and recommend her soul to your prayers.

Mother Emilia McLoughlin died peacefully on Rosary Sunday, October 7th, 1945.

Like her sisters, Mother Emilia was a Past Pupil of Boscombe, but she spent most of her religious life at Southsea, where she endeared herself to the little children whom she taught and in whom she always retained a great interest.

In 1939, she came back to Boscombe as the Southsea Community evacuated. By this time she was ill, but she bore her sufferings with heroic patience, cheerfulness and resignation which must have brought down many blessings on this house during the terrible years of the war.

We all sympathise with Mother B. McLoughlin her sister, and Mother P. McLoughlin her niece, and assure them of our prayers for the eternal rest of Mother Emilia's soul.