Chronicle 2020

FORMER STAFF NEWS

FORMER STAFF NEWS 2020

It was with sadness that we heard of the death of Upper School English teacher Carolyn Box last summer.

We lost a dear and much-loved former English teacher and administrator, Rosemary Corbett (vice-principal, head of curriculum), on January 20, 2020. A gathering at Havergal to remember was attended by Old Girls, former parents, present and former staff members and friends from the National Ballet School, the Ontario Alzheimer’s Society and her book clubs. Mrs. Misson and Naomi Buck 1990 said a few words, and there was a minute of silence for all to have their own special memories. The only living person after whom a House was named, Marcelle De Freitas (Spanish, sewing and senior mistress), died in June 2019. A celebration of her life at Havergal on the day after Celebration Saturday was attended by present and former staff members, present students from her House and many Old Girls who were in Toronto for Reunion Weekend. The service was led by Reverend Stephanie Douglas Bowman (Junior School chaplain), who was assisted by The Reverend Canon Susan Sheen 1965 . The Right Reverend Bishop Ann Tottenham 1958 gave the homily. We were sad to learn of the death of former teacher Lisa Haberman (Upper School social sciences) just after Christmas. Cecile Harvey Frances (Grades 7 and 9 English) also died last summer. Lynn Janes is the artistic director of the Oriana Singers of Northumberland, a 75-voice, mixed adult community choir. This is her second season, and she has planned an exciting season of music celebrating the choir’s 50th anniversary. On Tuesday evenings, Lynn works with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company as a conductor and junior division director. Her third choir is the Singing Pilgrims, a group of retired gentlemen who love to sing hymns and provide music to seniors’ residences and local church groups. It’s a busy time, but she is enjoying working

Former staff member Lynn Janes visited with Caroline Spearing and with Sommer Buttu and Phyllis Greenberg.

with all ages who live to sing! It’s her dream job. Choirs, singing, festivals, adjudicating and private lessons but no report cards. Norm Martin is still very busy singing with the Pax Christie Chorale and the Jubilate Singers. Not only does he sing with both groups, but he also prepares concert notes for the programs for all their performances. This summer, Lynn Janes took two trips to Prince Edward County. The first was with Sommer Buttu (band); they connected with Phyllis Greenberg (English and guidance). The second trip was with Caroline Spearing , and they had dinner with Larry Tayler (Middle School English and drama) and his husband Bill. These former Havergal colleagues are staying connected. Burke Paaterson (art and photography) has opened the United Contemporary Art Gallery. He wondered if he would miss teaching, as it had become such an important part of his life. He was a bit surprised that he did not, really. He wrote, “I think it is because in my role as a gallery director, I am finding all my itches are being scratched. The interaction with my artists is quite similar to my favourite parts about teaching, and the physical work of moving and installing art I really enjoy and always have.” Judy Ratcliffe 1952 was stunned and delighted to be the recipient of the Old Girls Life Achievement Award, which was presented at the Old Girls Annual Meeting and Dinner in November. The spontaneous chant from those

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