Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

OVERVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GUIDING L IGHTS

a wealth of insight into what the school must always cherish and what must change. When asked what kept her at Havergal for so many years, Ms. Robson replied: Havergal College has offered me a stream of opportunities. From teaching to serving as a head of department, from joining the fundraising committee for the 1978 wing to participating on principal selection committees to working in Admissions—the school has offered me so many ways to grow. Equally important has been the opportunity to work with wonderful principals who have been guides and mentors. Members of the Havergal community are very grateful that she is still active within the school as Advancement Associate and Honorary Old Girl. One member in particular, Lola Kassim 2000, is deeply thankful for the counsel Ms. Robson provided her when she assumed the responsibilities of head girl in her final year. As she wrote in the 2005 Chronicle : Over the course of my final year at Havergal, I was blessed to have the opportunity to work closely with Miss Robson. And, through witnessing Miss Robson’s excellent example I learned an incredible amount about selfless giving to a community … Miss Robson has led at Havergal by letting others lead. As the senior school restructured the house system several years ago, Miss Robson was strongly in favour of organizing the houses in a way that would give as many students as possible the opportunity to take on formal and informal leadership duties. By encouraging students to be responsible and accountable for various aspects of life at Havergal, she has served as both an enabling force, enabling students to realize their individual potential, and as a community- building force, unifying students in their commitment to the life of the Havergal community by allowing them to be involved in building it and changing it. Never one to back away from an important argument or set of issues, Miss Robson has always been provocative. She consistently challenged students to keep their eyes open and ears attuned to those around them. Her

Nellie McClung banner in Brenda Robson Hall.

convictions shone through at Prayers where, on many occasions, Miss Robson would share with us her passion for service and remind Havergal girls of their duty to make the most of their privilege by participating actively in communities beyond the school. When Ms. Robson retired from her role as Dean of Students in 2005, a group of students brought their artistic skills to a banner representing her contributions to the school. This banner would take its place among those already suspended from the ceiling of the assembly hall to commemorate the achievements of illustrious women such as Nellie McClung. When the banner was unveiled in Prayers, the six students involved in its creation, Lara Ariganello,

REFLECTIONS OF HAVERGAL  41