Looking Back Detail Page

02 Apr

- Mrs. Mildred Grant

Early in the year Campion had another change of Principal. Rev. Conesa owing to his many other duties could not afford his full time presence to Campion. But short though the tenure of his office was he had endeared himself to the staff and school who sadly wished him good bye. In his place they welcomed Rev. Fr. More who would now be their all time principal. Time has shown the advantages arising from this uninterrupted attention and in Rev. Fr. More being able to dispose himself undividedly both Principal and School soon became o each other that perfect ‘alter ego’ Our new Principal identified himself so unstintingly with the School’s activities that it expressed the sincerest encouragement evoking an equal response of rousing enthusiasm from the school. With him came the materialization of the boys’ dream of sport and very emphatically scouting proving which Fr. More himself became the GSM of the Campion Troop. This stimulus gave a very decided fillip to the scouts who soon had a full and entertaining programme ahead. In matters of staff Mrs. C Dunne had been replaced by Miss Joyce Athaide while Mr. Theodore Lobo was welcomed back as Secretary. On the aesthetic side the school uniform came in for a very special attention.
The full white ensemble had to be meticulously adhered to while a sartorial finish was lent in the very handsome tie a colorful expression of the Campion colours. Many useful acquisitions took heavy toll of the School budget but the Principal did patiently pursue his progress policy to the great benefit of the School. To list the palpable; A Gestetner Duplicator, three Godrej Storewells, the installation of a Blue Star Storage Type Water Cooling Plant with the attendant official sanction for the necessary water supply; a portable Hermes Typewriter, the internal telephone extension, a wall chiming clock, an electric iron to serve the monsoon casualties, two book cases with a considerable addition of library books, plus a piano (very kindly lent by Mrs. Lynn) which helped start the extra curricula music lessons. Noteworthy in the thing nebulous was the dream of Campion’s own bus
In the June we prided in the First Number of the Campion School Bulletin envisaging many high hopes particularly the happy possibility of an aquatic club.
The stellar events of the year were:
July 20th marked ‘Principals Day’ which celebration was unprecedented in Campion History (Rev. Fr. More being feted like a laurel crowned hero by 180 lusty young Campionites);
On August 24th was the exhibition and Concert in honor of the Inter State Board for Anglo Indian Education (Campion proudly boasting a godly number of the exhibits, while at the Convent our Principal actively participated as announcer)
In November 1951 Miss Hilla Murzban was both playwright and impresario for a little concert in aid of the Leper Asylum. Bouquets to Miss Murzban!
December 1st was around again and again gaily caparisoned for Campionites. In the morning the First Communicants received the Holy Host at the improvised alter in Campion Sch0ol. At the end of the Service all enjoyed a hearty breakfast. The day closed with a grand flourish of trumpets the Annual Sports and Prize Distribution being held at the Cooperage where Shri Nathalal Parikh presided and Shrimati Parikh gave away the prizes.