S.H.P.S.A.
S.H.P.S.A.
Leinster Links - News (September '03)
Three D's Please at March Mixer Slow Response to Cancer Research Reflections on Mrs. Lumsden and Miss Morrison - (Poem) Reflections on Miss Ruby Dorman
Three
D’s Please at March Mixer
The SHPSA Membership Mixer 2003 dubbed "Fidelitas Table
d'hote" provided an opportunity for past students to gain more information on
relevant topics. The three 'D's' - Distinguished Past Student, Daisy Coke, O.J.,
Past Student, Deputy Administrator General Dawn Craig and Entertainment
Consultant, Dennis Howard, held the attention of past students at the Providence
Church Hall on March 21.
Daisy urged members to Plan for their Pensions in different ways. She noted that
persons who work at organisations with pension plans should keep a keen eye on
the performance of funds as imprudent investments could reduce value over time.
She also encouraged persons to look at assets other than cash as sources of
wealth; pointing out that jewellery that is hardly ever worn is an asset that
could be liquidated to improve the value of a home or even to go towards the
purchase of one. She also noted that it was important to keep in good health, as
this can reduce medical expenses in the long run.
Dawn brought information from the Administrator General that
informed about the importance of Estate Planning and making a will. Participants
used the opportunity to tap into her legal knowledge and ask questions ranging
from; "what do you do when an executor cannot administrate"; "is a videotaped
living will valid in Jamaica" to "what do you do when a will has been made, and
lost and the person is now of unsound mind". Dawn advised the group where she
could and suggested that persons should make their wills early, update them if
major assets are obtained, or if one has children or gets married. She stressed
that wills should be kept in a safe place, and that certified copies can be done
as a safeguard in the event the original is destroyed or cannot be found.
Dennis brought, for many, a new perspective on Jamaican
popular music. He declared that culture, including popular entertainment, has
the potential to make more money for the country than tourism does now. He did
not have figures at his disposal, but backed up his argument by noting the
number of industries that have sprung up around culture, including traditional
foods, music and dance. Dennis explained that the international phenomenon of
popular music is always music that has been developed by poor urban youth; and
that in the early stages of evolution popular music did not find support with
the 'establishment'. He said that this music usually matures and that when it
does so it gains greater acceptance and crosses over from poor to middle class
markets. He noted that dancehall is the most recent Jamaican popular music,
following reggae and before that rock steady, ska and mento. Dancehall, he says,
is growing in the international market citing Shaggy, Sean Paul and recent
Grammy awardees Bounty Killer, Beenie Man and Junior Gong as examples of the
potential of this popular music genre. He agreed that the lyrics of much of this
music is destructive and obscene, but noted that the writers and the persons who
do listen to this type of music do not take it seriously. He noted that the
derogatory terms regarding women, for example, usually delight a female
audience, yet those same women in real life take serious objection to such
treatment as outlined in the songs.
Maitre 'd (MC) of the function, Leleith Nelson complimented the speakers by
interpreting all of their presentations in song.
Slow Response to Cancer Research
Since announcing in 2002 the Association’s intent to document
incidences of past students who have contracted cancer, there has been a low
level of response from past students. Committee chair, Dr. Janice Palmer
Tomlinson has received only one completed questionnaire to date. The Association
agreed to keep the option open to past students who have information that they
want brought forward. The questionnaire can be downloaded from the front page of
the Association’s website.
Reflections on Mrs. Lumsden and Miss Morrison
At the 2003 AGM, plaques were presented to our retiring vice
principals Miss Morrison and Mrs. Lumsden with the inscriptions:
The St. Hugh’s Past Students’ Association recognises
Daphnie Morrison
For 37 years of spiritual guidance, intellectual stimulation and humour.
Gifted teacher of English, senior vice principal and acting principal.
From your girls: 1966 to 2003 with gratitude and love
September 25, 2003
Fidelitas
The St. Hugh’s Past Students’ Association recognises
Cynthia Lumsden
For 20 years of scholarly direction and wise counsel.
Great teacher of History and Social Studies, and senior vice principal.
From your girls: 1983 to 2003 with gratitude and love
September 25, 2003
Fidelitas
Past students submitted memories and tributes to retiring
vice principals
Cynthia Lumsden and Daphnie Morrison who gave 20 and 37 years of service to the
school respectively. These were read at the AGM by past student actress and
broadcaster Rosemarie “Rosie” Murray.
We now share these with you.
Mrs. Cynthia Lumsden
Mrs. Lumsden was my history teacher in 5th form (and 3rd form?). She appeared
to be very proper, but was actually easy to talk to. We had many discussions
around the subject, largely because it was about slavery in the new world and
was therefore so interesting to us. One problem though, Mrs. Lumsden could not
get us to work on our own - at least - not to the degree that she felt was
required
by the course. The truth was probably that we were just not self-motivated,
no matter HOW interesting the actual subject was, but we would tell her that
it was hard to remember so much information.
And she would always try to change our perspective by saying,
"History is just a long story".
By: Cherryl Patricia Gordon
Miss Daphnie Morrison
Miss Morrison was my Form teacher in 2nd Form. This was 1966. I remember one
incident when I forgot a book I needed for a class, in my desk in the form room.
It was with much trepidation that I went back to the class room and disturbed a
class Miss Morrison was teaching to as her if I could get the book. I said,
"Miss Morrison CAN I go into my desk to get a book?" She looked at me with such
a look of distress and replied, "Angela you MAY get the book if you can fit into
that small desk!". She always used every opportunity to teach us English. Might
I add, I never again forgot to pack all I needed at the start of the day for the
rest of my year in 2nd Form.
By: Angela Gordon Stair
In 1975 when I started St. Hugh’s in 1st form, Miss Morrison was my Form Room
teacher. After the first Parent Teachers’ meeting my mother told her that she
was having a hard time getting me to wear my glasses. I remember one day Miss
Morrison stopped teaching and asked for volunteers to "Lead Jacqueline Campbell
across the street when she goes blind". I was not wearing my ugly silver framed
glasses that day. It was an embarrassing moment but it was also the moment when
I realized that she really cared. She has held a special place in my heart since
that day.
I wish her all the best in her retirement. She was, and will continue to be one
of the great educators of our time.
By: Jacqueline Campbell-Jennings
Atlanta Chapter SHPSA
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summer school just before 1st form, in English class, Ms. Morison says, "don’t
assume and make an "ass" of 'u" and "me". We were traumatised....some people
took a while to pick up.
The second memory that stands out is my favorite. You know in the mornings when
u get to school early and u hungry...well a few of us in second form went to the
canteen and here was this dog that was in the way...we hit the dog and right
after that we got a surprise slap on our bottom.. Ms. Morrison said 'how do u
like that now?" She was always an “animaitarian”...she would dress the cuts of
the school dogs ALL the time...
By: KerryAnn
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't remember any special or singular moment with Miss Morrison. Maybe it's
because I didn't have any. But I remember, quite vividly, her mannerisms. I
studied her from afar. And I have to tell you, I use her as a reference point
when I teach. I like that she didn't have a favorite student. Or if she did, I
didn't notice. She came off as an egalitarian. In addition, Miss Morrison loved
books. I know I fell in love with Richard Wright's "Native Son" and Chinua
Achebe "Things Fall Apart" in her class. Her love for books and the English
language was so potent,it infected me. I want to thank her for sharing that
love.
By: Ann-Marie (Mesquita) Adams
Class of 1987
Journalist and soon-to-be-author of the kind of books Ms. Morrison loved/s.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I do not have any one incident that I remember about Miss Morrison, but
she had a great impact on my life. Little does she know how many lives she has
influenced. I was in 2nd form when I had her as my English teacher.
I think that was the FIRST time I realized learning could be fun. Never before
had that concept dawned on me! She brought in records (no CD's back then), we
sang with the music, and we read memorable books. To this day (and it's been
years), when I hear certain songs, I break out in a smile and see Miss Morrison
in a classroom teaching us. I remember her 'fork' and 'spoon' wooden earrings
(why I don't know), and most importantly, I remember really looking forward to
her class, and being excited before I even got there. She instilled in me a deep
love for reading, and for the English language. So you see, a little bit of Miss
Morrison lives on in a lot us, and that's a really, really good thing.
By: Kristin (Goodison-Orr) Fallin
Left St Hugh's in 4th form; 1977
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My memories of Miss Daphnie Morrison are so rich! She taught me to love English
language and literature, but more than that, she taught me how to write!
Picture this: St. Hugh’s High School, September 1972, the first day of school,
everyone assembled in the Gymnasium. I was among the group of second formers who
were rejoicing that we no longer "freshettes" and feeling quite pleased with
ourselves. Mrs. Carnegie, the Principal, the staff and the rest of the school
welcomed Miss Morrison back to St. Hugh’s during that assembly, and from the
first moment we saw her, we knew we were in for an exciting year! Miss Morrison
had just returned to Jamaica (and to St. Hugh’s) after pursuing further studies
in the USA, and I vividly recall the first visual impression that she had on me.
Miss Morrison was dressed in blue, navy blue. She wore a blue dress, blue shoes
(not too high), blue stockings, and if memory serves me correctly, I think she
wore a red, white and blue belt and a small scarf (also red, white and blue) to
relieve the overall 'blue' effect. We later learned that Miss Morrison would be
our English teacher, and what a fabulous year that was for us. She taught us how
to write compositions, and encouraged originality, while teaching us how to
structure and plan compositions. Our love for reading increased as our hesitancy
in using "big" words decreased, and we kept our compositions in special exercise
books (I am so sorry that I didn't keep mine). It was this solid grounding in
writing that I drew on years later, especially at the University of the West
Indies, where I did courses in French Caribbean and French African Literature. I
always found myself constantly trying to be original in my approach to questions
that had been asked in a variety of ways, of generations of UWI students. This
desire for originality, for uniqueness, this constant yearning to compose the
best, original tapestry from threads of diverse possibilities, is as a result of
the excellence Miss Morrison modeled for us. I am conscious that, among the best
expressions of her great legacy, I am the least of the apostles, but please
count me among those who are most grateful to have been blessed by such an
extraordinary teacher. The twelve year old in the body of a (soon to be)
forty-four year old female, is forever grateful!
By: Maxine
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had Miss Morrison for English in first form. I already enjoyed the subject,
and so it was easy for me, but Miss Morrison took it to a new level - I think
anyone who came into her class not liking English must have left loving the
subject. She made it so much fun and found creative ways to bring her lessons
alive. Even her very demeanor was stimulating: so effervescent, as if she loved
life and loved her job. She definitely loved us.
I remember few actual examples of her teachings, but these I remember from what
might very well have been my first class with her (forgive me if my memories
are slightly inaccurate):
1) She wanted to teach us to be as correct as possible in speech/grammar.
So she asked pointed to various areas of her? anatomy and asked the class to
name the body part. We answered, each time, dutifully and in perfect chorus:
"Nose, Miss"
"Mouth, Miss"
"Eye, Miss"
...and so on, and each time she would confirm, "Yes".
Until we got to this one:
"NECK-BACK, Miss!"
Aha! She had us! And (with the whole class in stitches, of course,) corrected
us: "Noooo - it is the NAPE".
Trust me when I tell you that I have forgotten which is the tibia and which
is the Fibula, but I know where my NAPE is.
2) I also remember Miss Morrison as "Michaelala Jackson", complete with white
sequined glove and school uniform (the BEAUTIFUL,
Green-and-White-that-looked-like-fresh-mint one) in the Teachers' Concert.
"Michaela or Michaelala" was being held for some infraction in the office of the
Junior Vice Principal (Miss Daphne Morrison)
- "Screw-face" and all. She was in the process of cussing-out her teachers,
whom she couldn't STAND - "ESPECIALLY DAT ONE MISS MARRISON" - and actually
threatened to call her big brother to come and deal with them for daring to
mess with her.
3) Again, in her role as Junior VP, I remember when I was in 5th form, on the
morning of our 'O' Level Art exam. Our teacher, Cheryl Daley-Champagnie had
gathered with us outside Aub House on 'B Campus'. All of a sudden, she realised
that one of us was missing. Well, we weren't particularly worried; after all,
people came late to exams all the time. But then we saw that she was really
worried. After a while, and shortly before the exams were to begin, she told
us to stay where we were - she would be back shortly. Next thing we knew, there
was Mrs. Champagnie and Miss Morrison, in Miss Morrison's VW Bug, speeding up
the road and through the school gate like Madame Morgan. About 20 minutes later?
they were back with our school-mate.
I never forgot this, because it was so typical of St Hugh's and the nurturing
that you could get there. No doubt, the teachers knew something about this
girl's home situation that most of us didn't. They never revealed to us what
it was, but we realised that day that it was something that could prevent a
girl from doing an external examination, even if she was willing and qualified
to do it. And they did not sit back - they WENT for her, BODILY.
(I worry that this element of the school will disappear/has disappeared with
the departure of the 'old guard')
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A Poem
Miss Morrison
Miss Morrison of the gentle face,
the moderate tone,
the welcoming space...
Doubtless she knows how to shout,
and has reasons
with hundreds of girls in all stages and seasons
But across years of classes, right up the school,
I remember her
as eternally cool
This is one teacher who gave courage, not fear
and in my memory's eye, her place
will always be marked with certain grace.
By: Suzanne Francis Brown, August, 2003
Reflections on Miss Ruby Dorman
Another retiring teacher was Miss Ruby Dorman, our French and English teacher of 33 years and head of the Modern Languages Department.
Miss Dorman was unable to attend the 2003 AGM. A plaque to be presented to her at a later date was shared with the gathering. It was inscribed as follows:
The St. Hugh’s Past Students’ Association recognises Ruby Dorman
Great teacher of French and English and Head of the Modern Languages Department.
From your girls: 1973 to 2003 with gratitude and love
September 25, 2003
Fidelitas
Past student Gwyneth Harold, submitted her memories and tribute to retiring teacher Miss Ruby Dorman, which we now share with you.
I had heard that she was very strict, so when I learned that she would be our Grade 8 English teacher, I awaited her arrival in the classroom with great trepidation. I believe that the first literature book that we did that year was either Ian Serraillier's "The Silver Sword" or Anne Holm's "I am David". The way she added value to the story of children wandering around Europe during and after the Second World War, made history come alive for me in a very human way.
Who was it that got a precious bar of soap? Do you recall David's daring escape
from the concentration camp?
Until that time I had never heard of the Second World War and I believe that she
could have been the one who used Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird" to teach
us a bit about the Civil Rights movement in the USA. Those were the days after
the USA Civil Rights Era and before Black History Month, so I might never have
heard about Martin Luther King Jnr. for another few years.
I think that those experiences at that time have helped me to see that one
example can be used as a gateway to introduce another theme.
By: Gwyneth Harold 1979-1986