Alumni Nix Wadden '47 has released his second book, a memoir titled "Gower Street".
In this book he reflects back on different aspects of his life including his time at St. Bon's.
Below are excerpts from the book.
"St. Bon's was in my time the best known and highest ranking boys school for Roman Catholics in Newfoundland. Run by the Irish Christian Brothers, it offered tuition all the way from Grade One to Grade Eleven (junior matriculation level) and Grade Twelve (senior matriculation, roughly equivalent to First Year University.)
It functioned quite successfully both on the academic front and in community activities, particularly in sports. While students faced a level of discipline that was usually moderate but could be almost severe, morale and school spirit were uniformly high, and seriously disruptive incidents were few. Not that it was boring, as colourful personalities and constant activity in class and outside ensured lively participation and interaction among students and staff. Class sizes were between 20 and 30 in the lower grades, but rose to 40 or 50 in grades 9 to 11."
"Nick-naming of teachers was a common practice among students, sometimes simply using their Christian names, but also a few that were less than flattering. They included Barty Strapp, Dinky Dobbin, Sammy Murphy, Muck Smith, Jimmy Bates, Bugs Hearn, Paddy Fleming, Jackie Keane, Joe Darcy, Stalk Brennan, Max Kealey and Ted English. Brother Tarrant, a demanding teacher we had in Grade Eleven, inevitably became known as Brother Tyrant and he sometimes played the part. Brothers Fleming, Tarrant and Darcy later served St. Bon's as President. "
For more information on Nix visit http://www.nixwadden.ca/
