This poem and narrative information was copied from a diary that 17 year old Mary Ellen (Della) Norman, daughter of Thomas Norman and Jane Traverse, kept while she attended an adult summer school at the YWCA in St. John's, from July 3-31 1938. [courtesy of Carol O'Leary]

We had but 21 school days, during this period we had 21 different people, taught us 21 different subjects. It is almost impossible to think that we entered so many subjects. I wrote this to express in a short time what I would like to say.

From Mr. Richardson we learned Community Organization;
Miss Land the beauty of a dance, and all our recreation.

Miss Whiteside taught us Nursing, and all about our health;
MacEachern dwelt on dividends, loans, interest and our wealth.

McNeil for Co-operation, bids us go out and fight;
MacIssac says, for us, to work both day and night.

Miss Templeton taught us Cooking, and all about our food;
Mr MacDonald always said "Your speech is very good".

While Godfrey taught us Singing, and always rang the bell;
We learned so much about our self, from Mr Van Bommel.

Miss Somerton did government, and civics will expound;
'Twas Dr Miller pointed out, where all the germs are found.

Miss Maynard who smiles sweetly, she taught us handicraft;
Now Dr Burke described our land, and with him how we laughed.

Gottschalk, designed, now and then taught swimming I believe;
Miss Tompkins used the looms, and taught us how to weave.

Professor Shaw urged all of us, Child Education build;
Home Making Miss MacMillan taught, the leader of our Guild.

To Lady Squires we are grateful, for plants she gave our band;
We all help Lady Walwyn, for helping out our land.

Commissioner Penson said, we should all Co-operate;
To bring about prosperity, and change this awful state.

If we can work together, and try to do our best;
The people of this Country, I'm sure can do the rest.

If 21 people in 21 days, have banished all our tears;
Then we will build up Newfoundland, if it takes us 21 years.

And now before we separate, I'll add another line;
I know we will Co-operate, for the sake of "Auld-Lang-Syne".