Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

wearing the uniform to regret. As Miss Henderson, the school’s bursar from 1902 until 1950, observed: I think that the girls worked harder in those days, as there was no school uniform to slip into in the mornings and they had long hair which had to be brushed and braided in one or two braids … Small waist lines were then the style and … the girls wore corsets which had to be laced tightly at the back … Also, they had to get their shoes on, and in those days the shoes had long tops which would come almost half way to their knees and were buttoned or laced tightly to keep their ankles slim. By the time the girls were ready to leave their rooms, they had had what might be called a busy day. In June 1912, an enlightened Ellen Knox announced the following in a school report: Two changes are to be made in September. Last year we recommended a uniform dress; this year we are requiring it … Peter Thompson suits of dark skirts with blue or white linen jumpers will be more economical in the long run, as well as being healthier and more suitable. This will put an end to tight skirts, which are unbecoming and altogether impossible for games. It will put an end to extravagant blouses with low necks and short sleeves— sometimes even trimmed with lace and chiffon, which are practically evening dress—in the morning.

BTI , Fall 2007

The Tie And, of course, there is the school tie, which has seen many iterations, but which has never come with instructions when purchased.

From 1939 until 1970, students also had the option of wearing a summer uniform. The year 1974 saw the introduction of the kilt, but because many students passionately wanted to keep the tunic, they were allowed to wear either item. Given the possibilities offered by a second Havergal century, near the end of the centennial celebrations Dr. Winn Barlow convened a group of students, teachers and parents, and she charged them with a very specific task: assess the viability of the uniform, particularly in light of “the vagaries of the Canadian climate,” and, if appropriate, suggest changes. The committee met many times from that November until the following June, devising questionnaires for the community and deliberating on their findings. In fall 1995, Dr. Barlow announced, in a letter to parents, that the committee had submitted its report. The following year, students had new options, including a new cardigan and fresh takes on the pullover. There were also new tops: a golf shirt and a long-sleeved turtleneck. Perhaps most exciting was the introduction

Former Uniforms

The uniform Miss Knox mandated was a middy blouse and skirt, but that uniform was replaced by the tunic and shirt in 1923, and the green blazer appeared the following decade. In 1939, socks were added to the uniform list, although some students also continued to wear black stockings or tights—always with pride and always with dignity.

“Black Tights” Havergal: Celebrating A Century

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