Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

designing and co-ordinating the venture for the school: she selected Havergal participants, set out clear expectations for their visit and made their travel plans, and she also ensured a rich experience for students from Frensham. When Ms. Hunter retired, Brenda Robson took on responsibility for the program and, as explained an article in the Fall 2000 Torch , “What Do You Get in Exchange?” in 1994, “English teacher Candy Heyward took on the formalized position of Exchange Coordinator, and the program grew to more than a dozen schools in Australia, Canada, the United States, England, France, Germany, South Africa and Spain.” Ms. Heyward was an ardent advocate of the program, seeing it not only as providing students with an opportunity to learn about another country, but also to learn about Canada. As Torch article further revealed: Candy Heyward… strives to deepen the educational experience of the exchange itself. Before they leave, students are required to research a Canadian issue of their choice, so that they will be able to share their knowledge with their host school. They also talk about their experiences and learning when they return, either at Prayers, in classrooms or through articles in the student newspaper and displays. Through its exchange program, Havergal has forged partnerships around the globe. There are opportunities for Middle School students in the United Kingdom, and students in the Senior School may travel to Central and South America, Australia, Europe, Asia and Africa. It is obvious from students who participate in this and other Havergal programs that they develop real confidence. As Torch article explains, “they learn that they can adapt to new situations and experiences, that they can travel to strange places, meet new people and explore new possibilities—on their own. There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment in this and for many students the exchange experience opens up a world of opportunities.”

The Exchange Program

A deeper, richer understanding of the world also comes from participation in the long-standing exchange program. Its origins, Havergal: Celebrating a Century 29 tells us, lie in “a two-month exchange with Cheltenham Ladies’ College in England in the summer of 1950 ... [The two Havergal students] stayed first at the college, then in the homes of various British Old Girls. They had, they reported, “a jolly good time” getting used to “elevenses” and afternoon tea. Two Cheltenham girls subsequently made a visit to Havergal.” A more formal program was created during the tenure of Havergal’s sixth principal, Mary Dennys (1975–85). When she visited Australia, she became friends with the head of Frensham School in Mittagong, New South Wales, and it was not long before the two women sought and won the approval of their respective boards for the creation of an exchange program. Millie Hunter, then Havergal’s Vice Principal of the Senior School, was tasked with “In some cases, an exchange can be a difficult, but still rewarding, journey. Andrea Grant (Class of 2000) visited South Africa in Grade 12. She describes it as an amazing experience. The country was beautiful, and she met many wonderful people. At times, though, she felt conflicted by the racism she witnessed. ‘It was hard to know when I should speak up, particularly as a guest who was being offered such generous hospitality,’ she says. Andrea found it particularly difficult because she was not familiar with some of the political history and did not want to make uninformed comments. Visiting South Africa on exchange really opened her eyes. ‘It made me more politically and globally aware, and I now have a huge interest in developing countries,’ she says.” Visit to South Africa Andrea Grant, Torch , Fall 2000

Exchange Program www.havergal.on.ca

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