TEACHING STAFF

Miss J. A. Frost, A.T.D.
Miss J. M. Hammond
Miss J. M. Lane
Miss B. M. Warner
Miss D. Hogben L.R.A.M. (Visiting Music Mistress)

SCHOOL OFFICERS 1952‑1953

Head Girl: Sheila Dickson

Prefects: Pauline Cawrse, Freda Foster, Sheila Mayo, Doreen Paul and Janet Spanswick.

Games Captain: Freda Forster

Chief Librarians: Betty Quinton and Sheila Lines
 

LETTER FROM THE HEAD MISTRESS

This number of the School Magazine covers the first two years in the life of The Princess Margaret School. To most of us that day in September, 1951, when we first met and started to work together, seems long ago, yet two years is a very short time in which to build up a tradition. When we hear that this year one famous school celebrates its four hundredth anniversary, it makes us realise how very new and young we really are.
 
But tradition must have a beginning and perhaps our School badge a new and prized possession best describes the way of life we are trying to build up together here.
 
The badge contains three symbols a coronet, a book and a shield. The coronet is that of the royal lady whose name we proudly hear, and it should speak to us of loyalty. "Remember", said Queen Mary, "that life is made up of loyalty: loyalty to your friends; loyalty to things beautiful and good; loyalty to the country in which you live; loyalty to your Queen; and above all, for this holds all the other loyalties together, loyalty to God".
 
The book stands for learning and reminds us of the many lessons which make up so large a part of school life and to which we must apply ourselves with diligence and skill. It may also speak to us of the greatest book which teaches us that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom".
 
The shield is "the shield of faith". Faith in one another will make life friendly and happy; faith in ourselves is one of the first secrets of success; and faith in God is the power by which mountains of difficulty and despondency are removed.
 
We owe so much to our founders‑Miss Martindale, Miss Macauley and Miss Chavasse, and to the many people who have helped us during these two formative years. Let us go forward determined to hold fast to the traditions which they have given to us and make them an integral part of our life here at school and in the world beyond.
 
M. D. PRIOR.

A Letter received from Mr. TV. Hind Smith to the Committee of the Princess Margaret School Magazine.
 
I feel honoured in being asked by Miss Prior to send a line of greetings in the first issue of your proposed magazine, carrying my best wishes for the success of this number and many others to follow.
 
May God prosper this effort as He has always done in the past with our many Barnardo magazines and publications.
 
It has been especially interesting to me to see the starting of another Girls' School as I had a good deal to do with the starting of the Girls' High School at Barkingside which was broken up and transferred to Ripon during the last war. I was present at the opening of this School by the late Duchess of Grafton whose daughter I knew at her the School. school, and I am glad to know that the building is now used as a school for our toddlers at the Village

I look upon the girls at the Princess Margaret School more or less as my 'grand-daughters' and it would give me great joy if I am able to accompany our President, The Princess Margaret, when she pays a visit to our school.

God bless you all, staff and girls Your old friend W. W. Hind Smith

CORONATION DAY, 1953

On the morning of 2nd June most people awoke early, and looked anxiously at the overcast sky. Disappointment caused by the damp weather was largely banished by the thrilling announcement of the conquest of Mount Everest; those who heard the 7 o'clock bulletin soon spread the good news; it was a grand opening to an exciting day.
 
At 6.30 or 7.30 a.m. many of us attended celebration of Holy Communion. Breakfast, washing up and housework were quickly over, and by 9.30 a.m. everyone from the Garden City had assembled in the Chapel to pray for our Queen and Commonwealth. We then collected  our sandwiches and settled down to view the procession and Coronation Ceremony on one of the many television sets so kindly lent by local trades people.
 
Everything we saw was wonderfully exciting, but it is not hard to say which part of the programme we enjoyed most; each time we saw our beautiful young Queen there was a soft murmur of love and admiration. We were also delighted to see the young Duke of Cornwall watching part of the ceremony in the Abbey.
 
During the afternoon there were races in Canada Fail, but most of us were more than content to watch the television programme showing the procession from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace. In each of our four houses tea was a very special meal, rather like a bumper birthday party. Several films were shown in the Gymnasium after tea, and shortly before 9 p.m. we all rushed home to hear the Queen's speech.
 
It was dark, cold and wet when we returned to the top field for the firework display. Was it really June? But even the steady rainfall could not spoil the bright warmth of the huge bonfire or the brilliance of the gaily coloured fireworks.
 
At the close of the display everyone met together in the Gymnasium where evening prayers were conducted by the Chaplain. Soon we were lying in bed, exhausted but very happy, thinking that it had been a truly magnificent day.
 
Marjorie Coreett, Upper B