Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

Strategic Directions 2004–08

Because Havergal’s strategic planning process takes the school’s ideals and values as its starting point, each document is both aspirational and inspirational, with an openness to innovative ideas that has served the school well. Strategic Directions 2004–08 was no exception. As explained in “Welcome to the Future,” an article published in the Fall 2004 Torch , the 2004 plan is a logical evolution of our previous efforts. However, led by Celia Hitch 1976, the Strategic Renewal Advisory Committee of the Board started off quite differently this time. Bruce Mau, a Havergal parent and Board member, led an enthusiastic group of about 100 parents, Old Girls, staff and Board members through a Visioning Forum in 2003. Based on this initial session, input was sought from the Board, staff and students over the fall and winter. Following these input sessions, the Administration Board held a number of working sessions facilitated by Susan Wright Gooderham 1974 to further develop the objectives and strategies for 2004 to 2008. Of the central objectives set out in the document, some reflect the “historic underpinnings of Havergal,” but others are new. This page from the Fall 2004 issue of Torch makes clear the weighty plan: At the urging of Dr. Sue Ditchburn, Havergal’s ninth principal, one striking result of this particular Strategic Plan was the decision to develop a long-term, school-wide initiative that would reflect Havergal’s commitment to its ideals of imagination, diversity, excellence, altruism and spiritual life. In the Visioning Forum, Bruce Mau presented participants with a very intriguing task: “[L]et’s imagine projects to which we can truly apply the commitments of Havergal, projects with the longest possible time frame … projects that will define the school, that will become its unique signature in the world.”

“[L]et’s imagine projects to which we can truly apply the commitments of Havergal, projects with the longest possible time frame … projects that will define the school, that will become its unique signature in the world.”

—BRUCE MAU, FORMER HAVERGAL COLLEGE PARENT AND BOARD MEMBER

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