Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

OVERVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GUIDING L IGHTS

Contemplating her return to the United States, Dr. Groesbeck had occasion to reflect, for the 2013 Chronicle , on the abiding influence of Ellen Knox: As I take my leave of Havergal … I am still awed by the woman whom I consider to be this school’s first entrepreneur, Ellen Knox. The story of Miss Knox convincing her Board of Governors—composed exclusively of men—to purchase twenty-two acres in what was then the farmland of northern Toronto is now legendary. It says a lot about Miss Knox’s character that she saw a need for Havergal to grow and she found a way to make it happen—it doesn’t get more entrepreneurial than that! Given her admiration of Ellen Knox’s leadership, it is not surprising that in honour of Dr. Groesbeck’s contributions to the school, an endowment was established to fund The Groesbeck Award for Inspiring Leadership. Designed to support a key concept of A Culture of Capability , the fund provides opportunities for faculty and staff to participate in professional development activities focused on enhancing leadership skills. As well, a student award, The Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck Award for Leadership, was established to commemorate her tenure at Havergal. Havergal College is grateful to Dr. Groesbeck for her appreciating Havergal more every day. I haven’t been at a place where I’ve felt young women would come forward with solutions or where they’re given the wherewithal, the confidence, to put actions into play … I’m hearing: “I volunteer at the Derrydown school not to build my resume but because that’s essential to who I am.” I am really excited to be at a school where it’s possible to effect change. (Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck in an interview with student Christine Moon, “Who Is The New Principal?” BTI, September 2008) many contributions to the life of the school. There’s something very fine about Havergal. I’m

Helen-Kay Davy, 2014–19

Helen-Kay Davy, Havergal’s 11th principal, has much in common with the inestimable women who have led the school in its second century, not the least of which is impressive credentials. The 2013 article in Torch that introduced Mrs. Davy made clear the depth and breadth of her experience: Born in England, Mrs. Davy graduated from Oxford University with an MA in Modern History. She holds a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education, with Distinction, from King’s College in London. Beginning her career in education as a history teacher at the Roedean School in Sussex, she quickly rose through a series of positions culminating in the post of Head of Faculty.

Helen-Kay Davy, Havergal’s 11th principal.

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