APRIL

Return to school for the summer term at the end of the month. The opening of term was marked by much vocal activity on the part of Forms V and VI. With this choir Miss Gobell had decided to produce Handel's "Messiah", Part 11, and May 3rd, Feast of the Cross, was selected as the most appropriate day for the rendering.

MAY

Feast of the Cross. We were pleased to be at school for the great Feast and to share in the Mass and celebrations. In the afternoon the chapel was filled with visitors, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth (Alderman and Mrs. Benwell), for the production of. "The Messiah". All present complimented the Choir, who had been so enthusiastic and interested in the singing, and congratulations were offered to Miss Gobell.

At first we had thought she was aiming at too difficult a work, but her confidence in the Senior Singing Class was more than justified.

The general effect of the Choruses was greatly enhanced by Mother Pannell's accompaniment on the organ. A week later the production was repeated as Reverend Mother General had, by that time arrived in England and was able to come to Boscombe as well as some of the Nuns from our other Convents.

Throughout the month, Nuns and Boarders said the Rosary each evening in honour of Our Blessed Lady. Every class, of course, had its own May altar.

During her visit we were all very pleased that Reverend Mother General was able to come to see some of our Matches, and that her departure was delayed until the first day of cur three "Open" days when the work of the pupils in all branches was displayed, particularly the Coronation emblems and decorations.

For several weeks preparations were being made for the decorating of the outside of the Convent - as well as the classrooms. The seniors made Shields, Tudor Roses, Emblems of the countries of the United Kingdom, and these were placed on the windows in the front of the House, forming a most effective scheme. Scarlet geraniums filled the balconies above and on either side of the porch, lending colour to the whole setting.

Before leaving for the Half-Term and Coronation holiday, the School assembled in front of the House, where a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had been placed - and we joined in a heart-felt singing of "God Save Our Gracious Queen", while the Union Jack was flying from the newly-erected flag-staff.

During the week-end, many parents and friends came to see the work displayed. Well deserved compliments were paid to the Art. Mother Pannell had the Seniors' work arranged in the Art Room, while Mother Briggs showed that of the Middle School in the Junior Recreation Room. The juniors' work was kept in their own classrooms.

Although the Needlework in most classes had not been completed, specimens of the garments made in each Form were shown. Exercise books had also to be produced so that visitors might be able to judge the standard of work in the various Forms.

Everyone appeared pleased with the display - and you may be sure that the pupils were quite sorry to see that every room had been restored to its normal state when they returned at the end of the week, and we felt that Coronation excitement was at an end - almost!

However, the Borough Council had arranged for all pupils in the area to see the film "Elizabeth is Queen", and on the following Monday morning, we set off to the Carlton Cinema and enjoyed seeing once more the impressive Pictures which many had seen on the Television, and some lucky people had been on the route and were able to revive their happy recollections. Pupils under seven years of age were invited to a tea-party instead of the Film, but we shall leave the Juniors to tell of that.

Perhaps the most impressive memory connected with the Coronation will be the Solemn High Mass celebrated in every Catholic Church in the country at 8 p.m. on June 1st. The Boarders who remained at school were present at Corpus Christi Church and heard the inspiring sermon preached by Father Baron, S. J. After Mass, the Prayer for the Queen was sung and the congregation joined in the singing of the National Anthem.

The sense of unity in the Mystical Body of Christ was brought home to us very strongly on this occasion, and we were proud to feel that all Catholics in the country, at the special request of the Cardinal, were uniting in offering the Holy Sacrifice to beg God's blessing on our Queen.

JUNE

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart, the Community, Staff and all pupils assembled in the Gym Room where the Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart was renewed as we stood before the picture of the Sacred Heart. The chapel was filled, including aisles and Choir in order to permit all to be present at Benediction afterwards.

After a year of so much excitement it was difficult to settle down to the prospect of examinations, but while Forms VI and Upper V were facing the trial of G.C.E, the rest of the school was interesting itself in the Southbourne Fete, in aid of the Bournemouth Catholic Development Fund. This year, the Convent Past and Present Pupils were asked to be responsible for the Household Stall.

Goods were collected in the Forms and finally packed to be sent to St. Peter's. On Saturday many of use went to help at the various stalls or to support the Fete in other ways.

At the close of the day, we were all delighted to know that the First Prize of £20 in the Coronation Draw was won by "The Convent". The Fund gained too as Reverend Mother was pleased to return the cheque to help to swell the proceeds for this important cause.