Ypres British School
230
THE YPRES TIMES
Sir William Pulteney presents the Prizes.
Pupils acclaim their Benefactor.
FRIDAY, 26th July, was Prize-day at the Ypres British School, when the awards
were presented to the successful scholars by Lieut.-General Sir William Pulteney.
There were fewer visitors from England than in past years, but compensation was
made by the large attendance, not only from the British colony in Ypres itself, but from
all parts of our war graves area in Belgium and Northern France.
The morning being delightfully fine, the picturesque little function took place, as
has been customary since 1932, in the school playground. It has been my privilege to
be present on each anniversary, and on no previous occasion have I seen the children
who now total 109, looking so bright, healthy and happy. Completely free from the
slightest suspicion of self-consciousness, they were well mannered and in every respect
a credit to their parents and their school. Moreover, what is so very unusual at a school
prize-day, when parents and strangers put in an appearance, probably in critical mood,
the youngsters obviously enjoyed themselves and revelled in their exhibitions of dancing
and calisthenics.
It was somewhat disappointing, however, that the programme contained only one song,
In Loyal Bonds." A little more singing, intermingled with the dancing, would have
given a better balance. Perhaps this will be remembered in 1936.
With regard to the prizes, I know of no other school which, in proportion to its size,
presents so many awards for merit,all of them well worth winning, and some of in
trinsic value. There is a story that the late Lord Balfour once met in Paris a Frenchman,
who proudly informed him that he was the most distinguished of all Parisians. Why
queried the British Foreign Minister. Because I am the only Frenchman in Paris
who has not been accorded the Legion of Honour," came the unexpected reply. Well,
I am almost tempted to suggest that, if there be any youngster at Ypres School who did
not receive a prize from Sir William Pulteney on 26th July, he, or she, can claim to be its
most distinguished pupil. In any case, I venture a hazard that, if a show of hands had
been demanded at the conclusion of the proceedings, the haves would have out
numbered the have-nots."
Much progress has been made during the past twelve months and the curriculum
has been considerably extended. A cookery class was inaugurated during the winter
months, which has proved an unqualified success, the attendance being thirty-five.
The Dickens Fellowship Association, of London, recently offered prizes to school-children
for the best essays on the Life of Charles Dickens," and its bearing upon incidents in
his novel,David Copper field." Thirty-seven awards were made and of these four fell
to Ypres British School, including a first to Irene Gallagher, a lassie of fair promise.
Social functions included Jubilee celebrations, a day at the seaside, swimming contests
and tennis tournaments.
Sir William Pulteney, who was evidently pleased with the ovation he received,
which was as whole-hearted and spontaneous as it was well-merited, told the children
that their improvement was more pronounced during the past twelve months than in
any other corresponding period. This reflected great credit on the care their mothers
bestowed upon them, as well as showing that they themselves were taking an
interest in their young lives and the future that lay before them. He made reference
to the scheme of the committee for finding employment for them upon leaving school,
and emphasised the difficulty of obtaining posts in the British Isles. I wish you all
the very best of health, the very best of luck and God bless you," said Sir William
This homely conclusion stirred both children and parents to rounds of applause.
