WESTBORO ACADEMY'S MIDWINTER NIGHT'S DREAM

BY DOUG CARSWELL

he Brewer Park outdoor ice was alive with the sound of about 80 children and parents on January 24, as Westboro Academy held its annual "Midwinter Night's Dream" skating evening.

The weather was perfect - clear and windless - and the speed-skating oval offered plenty of space for adults and the younger children to skate sociably together, while older students played tag and tried out daring but ultimately safe manoeuvres that sent them sailing across the ice or (on occasion) into the snow.

Over at the hockey rink, the puck was dropped for a fast-moving pick-up game described by organizer Dr. John Percival:

"The one and a half-hour hockey game began at sunset and concluded beneath the stars (and floodlights) and featured participation by students (5-10 years old) and more experienced players (mostly dads), mixed in a semi-balanced ratio.

An atmosphere of youthful enthusiasm permeated the game and it was a struggle to close it down when the pizza arrived, even though the ice quality was by that time showing the evening's use.

A highlight of the game was an appearance by goaltender Jamieson McKay, complete with goalie pads. The score seemed to remain close for most of the game, although no-one really kept track and several hat tricks were recorded. Everyone agreed we should do it again soon!"

The evening ended in the school's cafeteria with hot chocolate, pizza and laughter. Special thanks to Westboro Academy's Social Committee, headed by Dr. Jeanne Percival, for making this event a success.

Westboro Academy is a private, co-educational school offering a bilingual program from Junior kindergarten to Grade 6. For further information on our programs and registration, and our Open House planned for the last week of April, please call the registrar's office at 737-9543.