Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

OVERVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GUIDING L IGHTS

Perhaps, more than ever, compassion will be critical if we are able to restore a commitment to the common good, nationally and globally. The future presents complex social challenges. We need young adults imbued with generosity, responsibility and moral imperative if these challenges are to be embraced. The desire and skills to make a difference, tempered by compassion, will be essential. To me, humility is the essence of confidence and is the thread that weaves through all three values: compassion, integrity, and confidence. The 11 years that followed Dr. Ditchburn’s arrival were typified by her wholehearted commitment to Havergal and its values. Her passion for education fuelled many significant developments in the school, as outlined in “A legacy of strength, wisdom and constancy” by Christine Johnston, which appeared in the Spring 2008 issue of Torch : To the benefit of all its students, Havergal has moved forward significantly under Sue’s leadership. The most visible progress is, perhaps, the addition of several new facilities. While the planning of the Margaret Norris McCain 1951 Junior School and the R. Samuel McLaughlin wing in the Upper School was underway on her arrival, Sue took on the challenge of ensuring that those facilities were successfully completed and well utilized. The construction of the much-needed Athletic Centre and the Dr. Catherine Steele 1928 Archives, as well as the refurbishment of the Boarding School and significant technology enhancements, was undertaken during her time at the school. With each of these initiatives, Sue ensured that the focus of facility enhancements was on supporting outstanding academic and co-curricular programs. Another long-lasting contribution Dr. Ditchburn made to the school was the establishment of The Institute at Havergal, an inspired response to the realities of the 21st century and the education of the young. The stated goal of The Institute is to provide opportunities for students to engage in the wider world with purpose, integrity and humility. That engagement, it is hoped,

will help students see the world with fresh eyes and work in partnership with people whose experiences may be very different from their own. As Dr. Ditchburn wrote in the 2004 Chronicle , “Life lived fully is a journey of awakenings, and the most powerful often occur in circumstances in which our values and perceptions are shaken.” Here, from 2008, are Dr. Ditchburn’s thoughts about the potential of The Institute and its first major undertaking, the Burke Brook Project. Members of the community also recall her compassionate engagement in daily life at Havergal. As the school’s former Havergal Vice Principal Rosemary Corbett observed in the Spring 2008 issue of Torch : Sue has such a physical presence in the school—greeting visitors in the hallways, speaking at Prayers, attending events, working with the Board and other volunteer committees. Her dedication and commitment are unwavering. Those who have had the opportunity to spend time closely with Sue—students, staff, parents and Old Girls—will look back and remember not only her impact on the strength and future of the school, but also her thoughtfulness. A handwritten note of congratulations, a comforting phone call at home, a knock on their door to check in, an encouraging smile across the table—these quiet gestures of care and concern are Sue’s personal legacy to Havergal. Dr. Ditchburn’s contributions have been commemorated in two very significant ways. Each reflects her personal and professional philosophy as it is embodied in the words of Emily Dickinson: “I dwell in possibility.” In honour of Dr. Ditchburn’s tireless efforts on the school’s behalf, Havergal established The Susan J. Ditchburn Young Alumna Award. Moreover, as explained in Torch , the spring before her departure, in “recognition of Dr. Ditchburn’s Sue Ditchburn Speaks about The Institute

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