Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

Appendices

Changing Lives, One Connection at a Titne Chronicle , 2012 By Lois Rowe, Vice Principal

“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” - Whoopi Goldberg Today’s Havergal students are the beneficiaries of a strong and positive legacy established by generations of women who have made an impact not only during their time as students at Havergal, but also in the years afterward as Old Girls, continuing to make a difference through their careers and community involvement. Throughout each school year, Old Girls engage in the celebration of many Havergal traditions. Through their participation, both formally and informally, they bridge the gap between the learning that takes place behind the ivy and the world beyond. Students look forward to being introduced to members of their Havergal community and to the ongoing connection that inspires and mentors. What a pleasure it is to be able to extend, through this Chronicle article, a message of gratitude to the Old Girls from the current students at Havergal. There are two formal events in the school calendar that bring Old Girls and students together: the Upper School Awards Ceremony and Founders’ Day. At the 2011-2012 Upper School Awards Ceremony, Vanessa Oliver 1997, the recipient of the 2011 Susan Ditchburn Young Alumna Award, spoke of how her own experience at Havergal had enabled her to make a difference for others who, like Vanessa, have Type 1 diabetes. The Founder’s Day Service also included remarks from notable Old Girl Jennifer Tory 1974, the 2010 recipient of the Old Girls Life Achievement Award. She addressed students from Grades 1-12, in St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Bloor Street. Following the service, students were heard to say how much they valued her perspective. It was also apparent that they had made a genuine and immediate connection to her experiences. It is not unusual for a student to seek out the speaker after these events, hoping to express appreciation for the message, to receive advice or to further their connection. Both Ms. Tory and Ms. Oliver are role models for current students. They embody the mission of the school by extending themselves to current students with an open invitation to connect now, or in the future. In addition to connections made with Old Girls at special events such as the Upper School Awards Ceremony and Founders’ Day,

mentoring between alumnae and current students shapes young lives. Each November, adults are encouraged to ‘Take Our Kids to Work.’ Across Canada, Grade 9 students seek diverse and rich experiences in a career that is of interest to them. At this time of year, the Old Girls office works with the Havergal Guidance department to connect these young women with alumnae in the community. The Grade 9 students and the Old Girls spend the day together, sharing career interests and so much more. The students return to speak of the amazing women in our community and of a connection that they will value well beyond the day. Further, they recognize the distinct advantage they have in life as a result of their ability to access the international community of Old Girls. Another highly anticipated event in the Havergal calendar is our Career Networking Event, which takes place every two years. Old Girls rally to support this school initiative which introduces Grades 10 and 11 students to a range of careers and experiences they may be considering for their futures - and even a few that may not have been on their radar! (The latter is often the case and the guidance office is usually humming after these events with students exploring new career options and what they need to do to get there.) By discussing their career paths - including the ups and downs, advantages and limitations - Old Girls of all ages inspire current students to dream. At the end of the day, these students have forged a connection to an Old Girl who will be a resource for them throughout their lives. These events illustrate the way in which the seed of an introduction can grow into a mentoring relationship. Connections between students and Old Girls develop into rich relationships because of the shared experience of Havergal College. There can arise an immediate intimacy between the potential mentor and mentee, because the foundation upon which the relationship is built is so familiar. Stories of meaningful moments, people and events require little background or explanation because mentor and mentee have walked the same hallways, experienced the same traditions and heard the same messages. The paths of Havergal students have been illuminated by the millions of “little torches” proffered by those who have gone before. For all of the “little torches” and everything else that Old Girls do in our community and beyond, we thank you.

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