Family Handbook 2023-24

OUR COMMUNITY

Catherine Steele (CS) Est. 1978

Catherine Steele served as Havergal’s fourth principal. An Old Girl (Class of 1928), she taught at the school for a few years in the 1930s and came to the school as Principal in 1952, retiring in 1972. The 60s were tumultuous—a decade of change and rebellion. Miss Steele met the challenges head on, offering counselling and a safe haven for all girls. Miss Steele also had a great sense of humour. She was universally known as “Stainless Steele,” or “Stainless” for short, and she enjoyed the nickname!

Mascot: Unicorn Characteristic: Peace Colours: Purple & Grey Motto: Love, unity, truth. Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Mary Dennys (MD) Est. 1995

A young Mary Dennys looked at the newly constructed Havergal and told her parents: “I will certainly never go there.” Six years later she was enrolled in Grade 7! She graduated in 1940 and was a Prefect in Marian Wood House during her senior year. Miss Dennys taught English and French and served as Head of Guidance, Vice Principal in 1959 and then as Havergal’s sixth Principal in 1975. Miss Dennys—known for her combination of warmth, authority and compassion—launched the first exchange program with Australia and established Founders’ Day.

Mascot: Dragon Characteristic: Hope Colours: Gold& Teal Motto: Lift up your hearts and seize the day. Hymn: For the Beauty of the Earth

Marcelle De Freitas (MDF) Est. 1995

Mascot: Dolphin Characteristic: Joy Colours: Silver & Royal Blue Motto: May our earth and our country prosper through our own love and care Hymn: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Marcelle De Freitas taught Sewing and Spanish at Havergal from 1944 to 1984. Her sewing classes inspired a lifetime of sewing and crafts in many students, who still think of her every time they pick up a needle. Her Spanish classes were more than just language lessons; they were life lessons in which she taught girls to think critically and challenge their assumptions. Marcelle De Freitas was also the originator of the House hats. She started knitting them in 1960 and they are still a part of Havergal today.

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