Reflections of Havergal: 1994-2019

SCHOOL LIFE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROGRAM INTRODUCT ION

Community acknowledge failure in order to continue to grow and shine in all aspects of school life. In 2011, Brenda Robson gave Havergal the gift of institutional memory when she sat down for interviews with Old Girl Alannah Campbell that would result in a “sound portrait.” Ms. Robson explained how her own understanding of leadership evolved from the time she arrived at the school in 1963 as a physical education teacher. The Havergal Statement, created in 1999, shared that a Havergal education fosters “the qualities of strong leadership, good citizenship and high character.” Sixteen years later, Mrs. Davy eloquently expanded on that vision in an article she wrote for the Fall 2015 issue of Torch : We believe the best leaders have passion and vision, but also empathy. Truly effective leaders bring everyone into their vision. They’re compassionate [and] inclusive and put the needs of their constituents ahead of their own popularity and privilege … Learning to be a good leader is a lifetime process that brings a lifetime of rewards.  The emphasis Havergal places on living one’s values in the present moment supports the assertion by John Dewey, a visionary educator, that “[e]ducation is not preparation for life. It is life itself.” 22 That belief underlies the school’s long commitment to a liberal arts education, a pledge reaffirmed in 1993 in the school’s first strategic plan:  Havergal regards a liberal arts education as one which fosters in students an intellectual engagement and refinement through the study of literature, languages, fine arts, social sciences, mathematics, science and physical education. As well, it encourages leadership and sound personal judgment. “Leadership at Havergal” BTI , May 2017

“If you’re going to say your motto is ‘Preparing young women to make a difference,’ you have to allow them to practise making a difference. You can’t do math without doing some practice. You can’t become a leader without having the experience and the opportunity to lead— in a safe environment. You absolutely have to allow them to fail … As Priscilla Winn Barlow said, ‘You don’t learn by doing things perfectly. You learn by making mistakes.’” 

—BRENDA ROBSON, FORMER DEAN OF STUDENTS AND CURRENT STAFF MEMBER

Learning at Havergal is, of course, is not confined to the classroom. Daily life at the school provides each student with a wealth of opportunities to explore and to live her values.

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