Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

OVERVIEW

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SYMBOLS

The School Motto

The School Crest

The original motto of the school, Opere Peracto Ludemus (“When our work is done, we shall play”), reflects the ethos of the school, a commitment to a rigorous educational program balanced by a recognition of the restorative power of play. By 1920, the original school on Jarvis Street had been pulled down and replaced with a larger building that included new space for the Junior School. By then, Havergal was also running several preparatory schools in the core of the city. This expanding vision of the school might in part account for the decision to create a new motto, one that reflected the school’s growing influence and legacy. Vitai Lampada Tradens , translated from the Latin as “Passing on the torch of life”, has at its heart an image that evokes the passion and drive of current students and Old Girls who are linked by experience and loyalty. It is not surprising that the motto has stayed the same for more than100 years— and that one very important community publication, Torch , takes its name from the motto.

Although the first school crest was created when the motto was Opere Peracto Ludemus, it is interesting to note that it features a lamp that provides both light and warmth, like the torch that appears in later crests. The crest that introduced the new motto, Vitai Lampada Tradens, was the school’s emblem from 1920–24. The crest that has represented the school since 1926 neatly incorporates elements from those that came before. The maple leaves reflect a love of Canada, the lamp symbolizes the light of learning, the laurel leaves connote accomplishment and creativity, and the torch represents the spirit of life passed down through generations. When students see the crest in its pride of place above the stage in Brenda Robson Hall or glimpse it on a blazer or agenda, it is a reminder of a rich tradition and deep fellowship.

First school crest.

Current crest.

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