Torch - 2021 Edition

MIRIAM DAVIDSON / UPPER SCHOOL HEAD OF ART I came to my position as Head of Art at Havergal College in 2012 after working as a university professor for 15 years. Having achieved tenure, my colleagues were

team of extraordinary art educators, whose commitment and energy matched or surpassed my own. With such a wonderful team, we infused the program with stone carving, oil painting, fibre art, glasswork and quilting. At the start, I wasn’t sure how the bright young women I met would take up the new challenges we offered, but as it turns out, the students at Havergal are some of the most curious, brave, industrious and creative young people I have ever met. Their willingness to jump on-board, trust me from the outset and try over and over again was nothing short of inspirational. being at the forefront of health education. She feels that she could successfully convince you that knowing how to keep yourself healthy over your lifetime is one of your most important learnings. The Havergal curriculum, facilities and support for physical education, physical activity and athletics are superb and ever- improving, making it possible for students to figure out the joy they can experience when moving and being fit; hopefully, the opportunity to pursue that enjoyment results in a habit that will last for a lifetime. Karen was the House Advisor for Catherine Steele House for many years, showing her Now I blink my eyes and see that in a moment 18 years have passed. My last first-year students were a very different group of scholars, but their kindness, respect, patience, generosity and studium (a keenness to learn) caused me to recollect more clearly my first Havergal Latin class. And again, the community of learning they formed surprised me. It was this je ne sais quoi —what shall I call it?— gramarye would be the Middle English word, magic, enchantment, that drew me to Havergal and sustained me as a teacher over these many years. These two memories—of my first and last Latin classes—are offered in an attempt to convey a sense of my deep gratitude for the opportunity

My years at Havergal were busy, dynamic

and filled with joy at helping young artists to articulate their visual ideas with skill and sensitivity. Just as importantly, I loved working with brilliant, dedicated educators across the disciplines. Lunchtime conversations with my HC colleagues and friends were always intriguing and encouraged me to be the best educator possible. I will cherish my years at Havergal College, it was a gift and an honour to contribute to the lives of so many outstanding young women.

concerned by my decision to leave academic life behind. But what they didn’t realize was that I was about to enter a most remarkable learning community. When I arrived at HC, I was struck by the dynamic, positive, warm, family-like environment and I was thrilled to join that group. From the outset, my experience and passion for making and teaching art were honoured and I was given full support to bring my expertise to our small, but mighty, Art Department. To my great pleasure, I found myself leading a

KAREN WHITFIELD / UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY Eighteen of Karen Whitfield’s 28 teaching years were enjoyed at Havergal in the Health and Physical Education (HPE) Department. Between being the Head of the department, Athletic Director, teacher and coach, Karen

purple and silver unicorn pride. Working with the

House Captains and the House Executive, along with all of the members of the House, was something she truly enjoyed. Karen continues to be an active participant in life, enjoying the possibilities that additional time affords. Now she has more time for cycling, golfing, paddling, hiking, playing pickleball, swimming, travelling... there is so much fun for her to have in the years to come.

had a wonderful time interacting with students, Faculty and Staff. Extra-fond memories were made in the HPE office when coaching the Field Hockey team and sharing her passions for team sports, personal fitness and outdoor pursuits. The students who she taught Outdoor Education to will attest to her enthusiasm for being outside and in nature in all seasons. Karen felt fortunate to be surrounded by other caring physical educators who also valued

MARK REUTER / UPPER SCHOOL FACULTY “Who has whiteout?”—a question often asked and generously answered in my early days, as the first-year students went to work teaching a former university philosophy professor how to teach them Latin. Why was it that the way that they helped and supported one another in their learning surprised me? The oddity of this group of Latin scholars has stuck in my memory because the 18 students in front of me came from all the different grades in the Upper School—9 through OAC (Ontario’s Grade 13 from 1984 to 2003). That first Havergal Latin class gave me one of those ah-ha! moments that are all too rare in life: so that’s how a one room school house is supposed to work; this is what a community of learning really looks like.

to teach at Havergal and share my love of antiquity with students keen to

learn. I’m quite sure the students taught me more than I ever taught them. This holds equally of the colleagues I’ve been fortunate to work with over the years. Talking with them—informally—has taught me more about teaching and learning than any number of teaching degrees I could have. I miss them dearly. Thank you, Havergal, for all you have given me; ave atque vale (hail and farewell).

2021 EDITION • TORCH 33