Alumnae
The Torch Ceremony The Torch Ceremony was started by Marjorie Hallett, Headmistress of BHS, in May, 1937. In those days Thursday was a half day holiday and businesses in town worked on Saturdays. Originally the luncheon for Old Girls was followed by the Torch Ceremony, and then during the rest of the afternoon there was a School versus Old Girls softball game. The luncheon itself was prepared at the School by various Old Girls. The entire School amounted to about 220 girls. The kindergarten students did not participate in Old Girls’ Day. The School lined up for the Torch Ceremony from Form I to Form VI - each Form in order of height. Then came the staff, followed by the Old Girls - youngest to oldest. The original “torch” was simply a tin can nailed onto the end of a broom stick with a rag soaked in kerosene in the can. Later D.J. Williams gave the School an Olympic-type torch with a short handle. The handle was later lengthened for safety reasons, and ultimately a harness for the Head Girl was made at King Edward Memorial Hospital. In the pre-war and even post-war days, the ceremony was held in silence. The girls stood, facing front with hands at their sides, except when touching the Torch. The Royal Gazette was always invited and could take pictures from the Marjorie Hallett steps. No one else took pictures, not breaking the continuous line. The original dress introduced by Dr. Hallett and worn by the entire School (except the kindergarten) was white. The lighted torch was carried past the Old Girls, then handed to the Headmistress who carried it past the Staff, and then handed to the Head Girl, who carried it past the entire School. Everyone in turn touched the handle of the Torch with their right hand. The Torch Ceremony is followed by a lunch for Old Girls in the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Another important tradition is the presentation of lilies to the graduation class of the current final class at the school. This presentation is to symbolize the transition from student to Old Girl. Traditionally Torch Ceremony and Old Girls’ lunch take place on a Thursday in the first two weeks of May starting at 12:30pm and all former students of the school are very welcome. Please check the school calendar for more information or contact the Development Office or a member of the Alumnae Association.		Jubilee Scholarship The Jubilee Scholarship is awarded every year to a daughter or granddaughter of an Old Girl or Old Boy entering Year 11. The scholarship covers half of the tuition for two years and the criteria includes the following: minimum grade B- (60%) in a majority of subjects exemplary conduct, demonstrated effort, participation in school activities, and unquestioned integrity The scholarship winner is selected by the Alumnae Association and is announced at the annual lunch in May		After the torch has been touched by Old Girls, teachers and students the following poem is read:   The Torchbearers by Alfred Noyes So I Speak Not for myself, but for the age unborn. I caught the fire from those who went before, The bearers of the Torch, who could not see The goal to which they strained; I caught their fire, And carried it only a little way beyond; But there are those that wait for it I know, Those who will carry it on to victory, I dare not fail them. . . Looking back, I see Those others . . . with their arms outstretched . . . pointing to the future.
				The School Song by D.J.M. Hartley Kindled by the faith and vision, Deep devotion of a few, Burns the flame of consecration To the steadfast and the true, To the high pursuit of learning To the knowledge of the right, Leading on each generation In the search of wisdom's light Ever guiding to the goal Purity and strength of soul. Ours the trust and ours the duty, We must pay the debt we owe. Feed the flame's undying beauty Never let its light burn low. Each one's striving, each endeavour Counts far more than we may dream Present, past and future blending Into one compelling stream. Ever tending to the goal Purity and strength of soul!
				Reunions We encourage class reunions both on the island and abroad. Anniversary years are celebrated at our annual lunch and the Development Office is available to supply help in locating classmates. Reunions have been held in London, Boston, New York, Vancouver, Philadelphia and Toronto.