Torch - Spring 2015

Traditions

The Havergal Spirit— Connecting Our Community

By Susan Pink, Communications Associate

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Since Havergal’s founding in 1894, school spirit has been thriving. When First Principal Ellen Knox and her staff opened the doors of Havergal on September 11, 1894, seven Boarders and 31 Day students were proud to be a part of Havergal’s first group of students. The initial vision for Havergal College was conceived by a group of men who saw an opportunity to start an Evangelical school for girls—the first established in Toronto. It did not take long for Havergal to gain a positive reputation, which was evident as enrollment continued to increase steadily over the years. Word of mouth concerning the positive aspects of a Havergal education spread quickly, and those connected to the school felt proud. This spirit and pride continues to live on today—120 years later—in those who have strong connections to the school and to its outstanding community. The Havergal spirit is not always outwardly displayed; however, it is often demonstrated inwardly through involvement and connection with the school. “I used to say to the girls that it’s not only the rah rah bit that shows the depth of school spirit. It is each person’s involvement in and feeling of connection to Havergal and the people who are a part of the community that make a true and lasting spirit,” says Brenda Robson, who has worked in various roles at the school since 1963, retiring from a distinguished teaching career as Dean of Students in 2005. “Members of our community really care about the institution and its history. They are proud of Havergal and that, to me, is the type of spirit that we’ve always had since the founding of the school. There’s a difference at Havergal—a quiet pride, optimism and school spirit that you can’t quite put into words, but you can feel it in every aspect of school life,” Brenda explains. “Equally important is the atmosphere in the classrooms and corridors, as well as in quieter, more reflective times such as Prayers, Founders’ Day and Carol Service. I think that the experience of being at Havergal is so special that anyone who is here even for a short time feels the bonds of this place and the people in it, and those bonds last a lifetime.”

Indeed, the Havergal spirit is unique, and one can certainly feel it in the air, especially during times of outward celebration such as Spirit Week, Hockey Day, House Shout, Celebration Saturday, ReunionWeekend and even the first day of school. At these times, those involved in the event get dressed up in their most spirited costumes (be it House colours, green and gold or even in Number One Dress) to cheer for one another and to share the joy of being a part of the Havergal community. “Today’s Havergal girl embodies her school spirit in so many ways,” says Gillian Martin, Assistant Head, Senior School. “She wears her House colours with pride, cheering her heart out at House Shout; she competes with passion and energy in athletics, debating and public speaking; she engages with her teachers with intelligence and respect; and she never fails to take a quiet moment to support a friend, a younger student or someone in our community. The Havergal spirit is not in one thing…it’s in everything we do.” “ The Havergal spirit is not in one thing… it’s in everything we do.

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