The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-03
ST.. PETERS SCHOOL.
An Interesting Day Spent With the
Higher Glasses.

Higher Glasses.
A second day at the St. Peters Parish
school was spent among h older pupils
and in the classrooms of the principal,
Prof. Simpson, and the teacher of French.
Miss Mayronne. Prof. Simpsons class
room is an exceedingly pleasant one. an
really perfect school-room. Aside from the
favorably sunny exposure, the room is
frightened by a number Of growing plants,
Alhd book shelves and some tasteful pic
lures, several of which are reproductions of
works of art, which, aside from their REIN
ing influence, should be educational in
themselves. And the school whose books
and pictures DO not lead to the best in liter
its mission. The entire atmosphere
of the school is one of whole
some cheer and hearty good
will in work, q part of the secret of which
evidently lies in the marked spirit of SYM
pathy Ii camaradiers existing between
master and pupils, a spirit which infuses all
of their relations and seemed to make
school work what it SO seldom is, real
pleasure.
1t is needless to say anything about Prof.
Simpsons qualifications, as his culture and
educational advantages are we'll known. but
his remarkable ability as an educator is not
SO we'll understood as it should be. Helen
Hunt declares that there is a genius for
everything, and Mr.. Simpson certainly has
the genius for imparting knowledge. The
first class called was that in English litera-
ture, the subject being Milton. whose life
works were discussed with an unusual in
tersst for such young students, anu
the freedom with which quotations
we're given gave evidence of study
and interests beyond nero class work. Fol
that interest and taste for outside work
should be created is one Of the objects Of
the instructor. And SO the recitation wai
full of history as we'll as literature. Il
connection with this class was that in read
ing. Instead of the tlresome common
school readers, these pupils have been read
ing Shakespeare's Tempest, and the reading
Lesson proves to bs one in both grammal
and orthography, ns each pupil came pre-
pared with words found in the lesson which
they were required to give definitions aue
synonyms. After the reading the sentences
were passed and analized. A writing clasl
came in next whose books showed a 1,larks,
improvement throughout the year. TIL,
Spencerian system is taught, except anon,
the Oldest pupils, who are allowed the free,
dom of developing an individuality il
writing.
The class in mathematics was one of tn,
most enthusiastic ever heard. A competi
" Aio DOtWcen inc DOy3 ana girls
which keeps up a lively interest from be
ginning to end. A boy and girl work at tn
board together, while the class follow wit
keenest interest to see which will have tn
problem first. The enthusiasm wa intens
and the rspidity thus gained is remarkable
to say nothing Of the effect of such wor,
upon the mind. The Latin class was L
less full of enthusiasm and lively interes,
An important feature Of the recitation wa
the care with which the English sentaoce
were d~iagramed before they were translate
into Latin. After translation the Lat
was criticised and discussed.
their destinations tho class was partic,
larry good. and here again words were ar
alyzed and for each Latin word used ;
many as possible English deriyiations we,
givea. This interest in wore
n their roots was noticesb
throughout, a habit which introduced
great deal of foreign information. Indse
Mr.. Simpson Ia noted for the rare facult
OF impartiaR a great deal of knowleds
outside OF the regular text books. III
Greek class was also very enjoyable, and
was very pleasant to see the girls as int
ested and proficient on this subject as ii
boys. Those who have not known that
Greek class exists in the city will be 81
prised to see the work these young fol
are. doing. Particularly fond of Gre
himself, Mr.. Simpson has infused d
pupils with much of his own interest in d
language. At least two of the boys in til
class will be ready for college in two veal