Torch - Fall 2013

At Havergal, girls know that they can ask questions, try new things, solve real problems and make a positive difference in their world. Remarkably this is as true today as it was in 1894, when the school was founded. “ “

and sensitive to the individual needs of both new and experienced teachers. Establishing a common professional growth initiative in this way is possible only because these conversations are mission- and values-driven. Another important way the Junior and Upper Schools support the Whole Girl can be found in the structure and composition of leadership teams. Acting Principal Lois Rowe tasked five strategic leadership teams with the challenge of translating the mission and values of Havergal into action. She began with a simple premise: “structure the responsibilities of the leadership positions in the school around the support they provide, and let the programs follow.”

Junior School Prefects with Kindergarten students

Without exception, every leadership team at Havergal is comprised of Junior and Upper School representatives who focus their effort on different aspects of the school: teaching and learning; student and parent engagement; faculty growth; and overall wellness of students. This strategic direction is exciting and will continue to create an environment that allows the collective knowledge, resources and skills of each team member to flourish and foster a culture of capability for students. At Havergal, girls know that they can ask questions, try new things, solve real problems and make a positive difference in their world. Remarkably this is as true today as it was in 1894, when the school was founded. And although First Principal Ellen Knox could not have imagined how technology would expand her local community to the now global community in which we all live, she did know what question to ask of her students 119 years ago when she said: “What are you going to do?” This is the same question we ask our students today.

From left to right: Cheri Grogan 1985, Assistant Head – Junior School; Natalia Stewart, Assistant Head — Boarding School; Gillian Martin, Assistant Head — Senior School; and Jennifer Patterson, Assistant Head — Middle School

FALL 2013  THE TORCH 7