Torch - 2021 Edition

Message from the Heads of Schools

Making Time for What Matters Most A Contemporary Curriculum Helps Our Students to Thrive in School and in Life

By Laura Franks, Lindsay Norberg, Jennifer Patterson and Kate White

I n the history of education, teaching students how to learn—not just what to learn—has been a relatively recent development. If you cast your mind back to your own schooling, you may not recall a methodical approach to developing critical thinking skills or effective teamwork, though you may have been expected to master both. Today, learning skills are woven more intentionally into the curriculum so that students understand what they are, why they matter and how to use them effectively. The Wellbeing Program at Havergal continues to evolve. This year, we have worked together to ensure even greater alignment and purpose from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. Our enduring

values of integrity, inquiry, compassion and courage are embedded in everything we do, guiding us in the care we take for one another. A warm and supportive community enhances learning and wellness, and so we deliberately cultivate empathy, kindness and respect for others. Always have, always will. At the same time, as a leader in girls’ education, we must continually examine and improve our processes. Time does not stand still. Neither does our school. A contemporary curriculum ought to reflect the research on student achievement, which shows that a holistic approach to wellbeing supports students in their learning. 1

1 Durlak, J.A., et.al. “The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions.” Child Development , Vol. 82 (1), January/February 2011, pp. 405–32. Accessed on 17 November, 2020, via casel.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PDF-3-Durlak-Weissberg- Dymnicki-Taylor-_-Schellinger-2011-Meta-analysis.pdf.

From left: Head of Boarding Laura Franks, Associate Head of School and Head of Senior School Lindsay Norberg, Head of Middle School Jennifer Patterson and Head of Junior School Kate White (photo taken before COVID-19 restrictions).

12 HAVERGAL COLLEGE