Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tracing the Ivy BTI , March 2014 By Diane kim

Have you ever wondered what remarkable secrets might lie within these ivy-covered walls? With over 100 years of gathered stories and traditions, Havergal College feels like a second home for the many girls who have called it their school. Let’s recollect some of the astound¬ing memories and anecdotes from our school’s his tory, c1s recorded in the book, Havergal College: Celebrating d Century 1894-1994. This will be a walk down memory lane that may bring forth feelings of nostalgia or even take your breath away. It is said that a strong foundation is essential for success. We have our unforgettable Old Girls to thank for shaping our school into what it is today. Havergal’s diverse opportunities allow students to pursue their dreams after graduation. A few exceptional examples are Jane Poulson (Class of 1970), who was Canada’s first blind physician. She lost her sight during her fourth year of medical school, but became a stronger and more independent woman, refusing to learn Braille or use a seeing-eye dog! Lena Ma (Class of 2005) was a boarder and was crowned Miss World Canada, the first Chinese -Canadian to win that title. Margaret McCain (Class of 19S1), vas the first female Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick and Kate Reid (Class of 1949) is one of Canada’s most accomplished actresses. She made her Broadway debut and has earned two Tony nominations. Furthermore, Gwethalyn Erichsen-Brown (Class of 1931) wrote the first Canadian novel to become #1 on the New York Times Bestseller List. Although this is a minuscule fraction of our Old Girls’ accomplishments, it gives us a glimpse of how Havergal has positively impacted the future of its students. In the midst of some of the most turbulent events of the 20th century, Havergal students contributed aid to the best of their abilities. During World War I, Havergal girls knit Christmas stockings to send abroad to the soldiers, inspiring one soldier to send a note that said: “It filled my heart with joy when I read your little note enclosed, and found it was from a dear little girl at school.” During the Great Depression, Havergal‘s House system was created. It was a small measure that brought cheeriness in times of difficulty and proved that innovation was brimming inside the school. War efforts became an integral part of school activities when World War II began. Havergal hosted creative

fundraising events, and at one point, the girls raised enough money to donate an ambulance to the war efforts. Havergal also introduced cadets in 1942 because of the war, girls learned how to march and how to work on an aircraft. Judith McErvel (Class of 1945) explained the role of a woman during wartime: “A lot of people expected to go into the Forces when they graduated. I did. Women were doing a lot of the work with the Red Cross.” The daily hustle and bustle at Havergal was significantly different from today. To start, there were 51 bells throughout the course of the day to keep the girls on schedule. Despite their strict timetables, the girls were not perfectly disciplined and often had mischief hidden up their blazer sleeves. Dave Mitchell, a member of the maintenance staff in 1927 recalls: “Some times boys would climb the fire escape at the back and talk to girls through the window. Every once in a while I would turn my searchlight on the fire escape and sometimes catch some young blade talking lo his sweetheart.” Havergal boarders also knew how to cause havoc. Although rooms were checked while hoarders were in classes, in 1950 Mary Jean Borden and her three roommates kept pet hamsters in a cage in their cupboard. One was male and one was female and soon they had a colony of hamsters. A day school student, Ann Sisley Nixon (Class of 1978) and her friends, managed to convince all the girls from Grades 7 to 12 to sing “ Unto the Hills” no matter what hymn was announced in Prayers. The commotion caused confusion for all the teachers and musicians. She said: “The teachers were furious, and we were delighted. It sure was hysterical” These anecdotes are only a small portion of Havergal students’ vast accomplishments and experiences. Hopefully this short trip through the past gives you insight as to what Havergal was like and how Havergal has evolved. As the Ludemus Class of 1953 said: “Pass on the torch of life! This is not only the dream of Havergal and the vision of Canada; it is the cry of countless centuries. It is the old-age plea and the doctrine of democracy to work hard and live graciously, to leave a better world for the next generation.”

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