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1957- St. Mary's College annual speech day |
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Date: February 8, 1957
OCR Transcript:
Boys of St. Mary's College, Crosby, sing to the accompaniment of their own orchestra, at their annual speech day, and prizegiving, held at the Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool, on Sunday.
BROTHER C. E. Francis, headmaster of St. Mary's College, Crosby, had some strong words to say to boys who fail to pass examinations through laziness and indifference, when he gave his annual report at the school's speech day at the Philharmonic Hall on Sunday. " This must be altered, and as far as the school is concerned I intend to take a much stronger policy," he declared.
Brother Francis had earlier given details of the Fifth Form examinations, in which, he said, eight boys had failed to pass a single subject.
He went on to say : " There is ample choice. There is competent teaching. To me the bad results, where they occurred, are largely the fruits of laziness and indifference.
"If they hold places paid for by a local authority they are wasting public money. If parents are paying fees they are wasting their parents' money, and in both cases they are wasting their gifts and our time."
Brother Francis added that since September he had had to ask parents of five boys to remove their sons from the college.
" This is a most serious matter - decisions were not lightly reached - but I am convinced that it was right to act in the way I did, and I will continue if it is necessary to do so,'' he said.
Work Shirkers
The headmaster pointed out that he was not attacking boys of average ability or necessarily those who came bottom of their classes, but rather those who have the ability and shirk the work required.
He appealed for the full co-operation of parents in the matter, and declared; " Failure at public examinations in the fifth year is likely to be the fruits of years of neglect. To me the vital years, not so much cared for, are the third and fourth years.
In particular, at this time, please see that proper and adequate time is given to homework. If he says he has none or little, please pursue the matter and bring it to my attention.
Limit the time spent with the radio, television or films and dances, and please note the companions they consort with.
I am deeply grateful to the majority of parents who do their part. The point I am making and emphasising applies to a small minority."
Steady Progress
Brother Francis, referring to the school year, said that it had been one of steady progress.
In September, 1955 the Main School Roll was 748, in September, 1956, it was 781, it was a matter of satisfaction that the increase was mainly the result of larger numbers in the fifth and particularly the sixth
form.
Brother Francis commented: This steady growth is a matter of satisfaction, yet it presents problems of teaching staff and teaching space.
He added that the Sixth Form examination results were the best to date. Seven boys had won State scholarships, four open scholarships, and many others had gained various awards, bursaries and exhibitions. Thirty-nine former pupils entered universities. Of the entry from the college in the past five years over 90 per cent, had successfully completed their courses and obtained degrees.
On the subject of religion Brother Francis said: I do ask all parents to remember that a vocation to the priesthood or to a religious order is a great grace from God.
They should watch for signs of such a vocation and encourage, and foster them by all proper means in their power.
It is with great pleasure that I report, that during the last year four old boys ware ordained to the School of Sacred Priesthood, eleven pupils and two old boys went to Seminaries. to prepare for priesthood or joined religions orders. All told, fifty past pupils are at Seminaries."
Guest speaker for the afternoon was Councillor Simon Mahon, M.P. for Bootle, who. after presenting the prizes, criticised the eleven - plus examination,
He said that the examination was unfair arid would have to be a abolished as with other things at various levels of our educational system.
We have evolved what we believe is a fair and just education system. But there are thousands of parents who know their children are being deprived of opportunities.'' said councillor Mahon.
This system had to and would go.'' he said.
Mgr James Redmond (chairman of the Governors) presided, and the chief guests were the Mayor and Mayoress of Bootle Alderman Dr. and Mrs. I, Harris , the Mayor and Mayoress of Crosby (Councillor and Mrs. F. Hill) and Mr. Graham Page M.P. for Crosby, and Mrs Page.
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