Chronicle 2019

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

LONGEVITY

EDWINA DICK STOATE 1975 President, Havergal Old Girls Association

The dictionary provides two meanings for “longevity”: (i) living for a long time and (ii) remaining popular or useful for a long time. As we celebrate Havergal’s 125th anniversary, the school certainly meets the first definition, and it is because Havergal has continually met the second definition that we are proudly celebrating 125 years. When an enlightened Ellen Knox arrived in Toronto in 1894, she was instrumental in creating a new school for girls that pushed the boundaries of the day, not least through Ms. Knox’s visionary question to her students: “What are you going to do?” This still resonates with today’s students as Havergal prepares young women to make a difference for good in the world. Each generation of students, faculty and staff has brought new ideas, activities and experiences, but the values, ideals and qualities that were relevant 125 years ago remain very much a part of Havergal’s essence today. From the start, Havergal students have flourished in challenging academic and co-curricular programs led and supported by committed faculty and staff. Marian Wood, an early teacher and Havergal’s second principal, is remembered for teaching her students how to think critically “rather than scribbling down everything the teacher uttered.” 1 Havergal’s contemporary curriculum continues to be at the leading edge, drawing on educational research and practices in how girls learn best. Sports also enjoy a long tradition at Havergal. The first hockey club started in 1898, and Hockey Day is now an annual event where the whole school cheers on our girls in green and gold.

Havergal’s buildings are also a great reflection of our longevity. The original school on Jarvis Street was leading edge in girls’ education with a science laboratory and swimming “tank”! Our current facilities seamlessly blend the old (think: ivy, timeless stone and wood finishings) with the new (think: STEM classrooms and a BioWall). Outdoor space has always been important as well, from Ms. Knox giving lessons in the apple tree at 350 Jarvis St. to our woodland paths providing room to walk, run, think, talk and learn. When Old Girls gather, we often reminisce about the traditions that we shared as students – Prayers, Carol Service, Candlelight Ceremony, the Bazaar (now Celebration Saturday), House Shout – but what always delights me are the lasting friendships. As Old Girls, we have the opportunity to expand our friendships beyond our fellow graduates, whether we meet as volunteers, new Havergal parents or mentors/mentees. I am stopped at times on the street by strangers when I wear my Ellen Knox wool hat and asked “did you go to Havergal?” Soon, I am no longer talking to a stranger and but sharing common experiences with a new friend. The strong connection to the Havergal community begins when we first don our green uniforms and reaches far beyond the ivy-covered walls 20, 30 and 40 years on. In closing, I think of our motto “Vitai Lampada Tradens” – passing on the torch of life. For 125 years, Havergal graduates have handed the torch to those who follow. I have great confidence that Havergal’s longevity means that the torch will continue to be passed forward for many years to come.

1 Havergal: Celebrating a Century by Mary Byers, page 38

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PHOTO: CAROL TSANG