Torch - Fall 2012

HAVERGAL COLLEGE

The Changing Needs of our Infrastructure By Lisa Anderson

A s a leader in girls’ education, Havergal of our community. The school’s previous Master Plans have enhanced the campus in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner that embodies the most current thinking on education and facility design while respecting its singular heritage. With that in mind, the Board of Governors is currently working to develop a new Master Plan that anticipates the changing needs in approaches to learning and teaching in a 21st century environment. The new plan and proposed implementation and phasing strategies will be designed with the goals of: • enhancing Havergal’s campus image and identity • creating exemplary 21st century learning environments • preserving a sustainable, green campus • developing an improved network of connections/ linkages • providing appropriate amenities and support spaces • developing a sequential implementation strategy Although still in development, we started making improvements to the campus over the summer of 2012 that are in-line with the themes and goals of the new Master Plan. These renovations include: The Learning Hub: An Innovative Learning Space in the Junior School We opened up the library and technology lab spaces to form the Junior School’s Learning Hub. This is a newly designed learning space where information, technology and inquiry come together in an integrated way to foster 21st century thinking (see article on page 15). The Learning Hub is a multi-purpose space where students can easily move from one room to the other. We replaced heavy and static furniture with adaptable and functional pieces. We expanded must continue to provide the best learning environment and facilities for members

electronic resources and streamlined our print resources. Throughout the Learning Hub, student learning is supported with access to technology, including laptops, desktops, iPads and interactive white boards (with a new seven-foot wide projector). We added a sound studio for digital recording of student podcasts, music and voiceovers. Two Multipurpose Learning Strategist Rooms for Junior School Students The new Multipurpose Learning Strategist Rooms (located on the second floor) are learning support spaces for Junior School students. We repurposed rooms that were formerly a print room and an office to accommodate the needs of our Junior School students. The rooms are spaces for groups or individuals and they act as hubs of student-focused learning. A G&G Mini Shop in the Junior School We transformed a space in the foyer in the Junior School for the new “G&G Shop.” Our parent volunteers work in the shop and sell T-shirts, hairbands and other Junior School Havergal items. A prospective family’s first impression of the Junior School begins at the Junior School Admission Office, which is why we moved the office to a space more central to student-life. The new office is now in a space where prospective students and their parents can see the school in action. Renovated Pick-Up and Drop-Off Areas at the Junior School In order to improve the efficiency of drop-off and pick-up, we widened the driveway at the front of the Junior School. This allows for safer and more The Junior School Admission Office Relocated

Lisa Anderson, Director of Facilities

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