Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

SCHOOL LIFE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CO-CURRICULUM

Rowing

Track and Field

The 1904 Ludemus reported that Havergal students were very intrigued by the idea of ice boating, but it was not until 1981–82 that, inspired by two boarders— the Brown sisters— students began to row the boat themselves, in admittedly more salubrious weather but with tremendous success. The school joined the Hanlan Boat Club at Cherry Beach in 1988, and as that club’s website proudly notes, “the Havergal Rowing Program now boasts a fleet of excellent shells, ergs and tanks to allow student-athletes to train in the winter months. Havergal College is routinely on the podium at the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Championships and has won the women’s overall points trophy five times.” There is, understandably, a sense of mystery about the rowers who train before the start of classes during the fall and winter at school, but then disappear down to Hanlan Point for (very) early practices in the spring, when the weather is more inviting. One devoted rower, Shannon Hamilton, extolled the rewards of the team experience in her article “Rowing: Cult or Committed?” in the March 2005 BTI :

“The Race” The Bluestocking , 1994

Kara Kennedy was in Grade 10 when she submitted “The Race” to The Bluestocking , but girls in the Junior School are just as likely to experience the pressure and exhilaration that can come from participation in track and field events. In fact, Junior School students have long had a wide range of athletic pursuits to choose from, and the inclusive track and field teams to which girls in Grades 4 to 6 belong exemplify the values of the program. Students in the spring term train two times a week before school to compete in CISAA in a wide range of events, and they jump and run and throw their way to competitive success. In 2017–18, Havergal athletes from the Junior and Middle Schools achieved the highest score in the CISAA track and field competition, a resounding triumph.

Junior School Track and Field Sarah Szolopiak, Health & Physical Education Teacher, 2017-18

So many are the opportunities and benefits of the athletics program that in 2015 the school created a newsletter, Gator Zone : As Havergal’s student-led athletic newsletter, Gator Zone celebrates the Havergal community’s athletic achievements and promotes healthy living and participation in sports. Student writers experience a fun taste of journalism, express their creativity and improve their writing skills.

“Rowing: Cult or Committed?” BTI , March 2005

The passion and drive rowing engenders does not end when students graduate. Havergal currently draws on the passion and skills of 100 coaches, 10 of whom are alumnae, who remain committed to their sport and their school.

Rowing Students

Gator Zone www.havergal.on.ca

REFLECTIONS OF HAVERGAL  155