Havergal College & The Havergal College Foundation Impact Report 2019-20

Donor Story: Murrell Family As former parents of two Havergal graduates, Taylor Class of 2015 and Jordan Class of 2020, we know first-hand the difference a Havergal education can make. Both of our girls emerged as prepared, confident graduates who possess the tools needed to embark on their post-secondary education and are well equipped to handle their future careers and whatever obstacles they may face. The year 2020 has presented challenges for everyone, but for many families across North America the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing social and economic inequalities. At Havergal, students are reminded that their voices have the power to drive action on behalf of, and support for, various communities. While we all acclimated to this unusual time, we were especially proud of our girls, not only for the leadership that Jordan displayed as School Captain during this unprecedented year, but also for those students and Old Girls who proudly spoke out and encouraged our community to get behind the movement to enact positive change toward equity and inclusion. We have also been impressed by the impact made by Principal Misson in providing and instituting efforts to improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) through training for both students and employees, as well as implementing a review of the curriculum for the Social Science, English and Religious Education programs to ensure a more comprehensive experience for students on their learning journey. We believe that these initiatives will offer the tools for students and employees to begin engaging more thoughtfully with one another. Words and behaviours matter, and we are confident that this DEI training will help bolster communication, and inevitably, strengthen the Havergal community. We share our thoughts on these impactful actions, as we feel they are formidable and will create a stronger community for us all. One way that our family chose to show our appreciation for this tremendous opportunity afforded to our girls was to become a consistent donor to the school’s Annual Fund, and most recently, by contributing to a scholarship which would allow an exceptional student access to a Havergal education. Havergal College has a strong tradition of legacy families, including those with more than three generations of family members who have attended the school. The Murrell family has every intention to continue in this tradition as well. As a family, we are committed to supporting Havergal in developing an inclusive community that nurtures future-ready graduates, thereby shaping a future that our family will be proud to be a part of.

Liza Murrell and daughter Jordan, Class of 2020