The School Carmen was written in Latin by a friend of Miss Sprules, the Headmistress, as a gift to the school in the 1920s. According to a note written in Miss Sprules’ own hand the author wished to remain anonymous. In the late 1930’s the words were set to music by the, then, Head of Music, Miss Megan Williams. It was first heard at the School’s Commemoration Day in March 1939. Currently, it is sung at assembly on the last day of each term and on St Catherine’s Day every November.
Mater nostra, quae securas,
Servas aede filias,
Cuius stabilis virtute
Vivimus communitas;
Tu perennis, nos diurnae,
Parvis clausum terminis
Spatium iuventutis, schola
Restat perdurabilis.
Sunt quae legem dant scholarem,
Sunt quae sub imperio,
Sed paremus, sed servimus
Omnes in consortio:
Quisque praemia tribuantur,
Quisque laudes meritae.
Sumus tantum tuae, mater,
Partes excellentiae.
Et cum veniet qui dilecta
Nos ab aula subtrahet,
Corpus rapit ille dies,
Animum non rapiet:
Membra sumus tui semper:
Quicquid nobis alias
Patiendum, peragendum,
Mater, tibi gratias.
SCHOOL CARMEN TRANSLATION
Safe in thy house we dwell,
Strong in thy strength are we,
Mother who keepest us
From evil free.
Ever thou dost remain;
Change we each day,
Brief is our span of youth;
Lives the School aye.
All serve and all obey.
Though some bear rule
And others to their rule submit,
Each serves the School.
Some gain deserved renown;
Praise to them be;
Yet all their laurels win,
Mother, for thee.
Writ in the book of fate
Stands there a day,
Which shall from this dear home
Bear us away.
Let fortune frown or smile,
This remains sure;
Mother, our thanks to thee
Still must endure.
