Torch - Spring 2015

Farewell

Thank you to the following faculty members for their dedication and contribution to Havergal. We wish them all a wonderful retirement! Havergal Says

Maureen Prior Believe it or not I was one of those little girls who, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, immediately responded: “A teacher!” I played school endlessly in my basement with my sister and with my dolls—we even had a blackboard! Although I got sidetracked along the way, I eventually began teaching with the York Region Board of Education in September 1987. However, all those sidetracks helped me to grow as a person and to bring life experience and maturity to my role as an educator. In the spring of 2001, I made a life-changing decision to resign from the York Region Board and to continue my teaching career with Havergal College. I have never looked back, and am so thankful for the further growth—both personal and professional— which I’ve had during my 14 years at Havergal. My goal was always to teach young, primary children. My Havergal students have made such an impact on my understanding of how young children learn and thrive. I have learned alongside them every single day! A highlight of my teaching career was participating in Harvard’s Project Zero program. This program validated my beliefs and renewed my excitement in teaching. Though I have taught Grade 3 at Havergal for many years, I have had five amazing teaching partners who have taught and encouraged me along my Havergal journey. Thank you, Havergal! You will always remain in my thoughts and my prayers as I begin to travel a new life path.

Eva Siatkowski Entering teaching as both a second profession and as a calling was a dream that I fulfilled almost 25 years ago. I made this decision after asking myself the question “What does one do after turning 40?” Well, like me, you might have the luxury to make this choice if your passion has always been science as well as working with children. Hopefully you will inspire them in the wonder and discovery of the world. After a few years of teaching in public schools, I began my work at Havergal as an assistant teacher in Grade 1. Upon the expansion of the primary division, the opportunity to teach Grade 2 presented itself, and I became a core teacher. A few partners and 10 years later, I moved to Grade 3 where I taught for one short but fun-filled year. I am ending my teaching career in the Junior School in the role of Learning Support Teacher, a truly unique opportunity that has enabled me to apply my varied experiences to date. Also, this year, I have had the unexpected pleasure of teaching French to Kindergarten girls—which, for me, is true happiness! It is now time for another new beginning. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been a member of this esteemed community and to have worked with such supportive and kind families over these last 18 years. Most importantly, I am greatly appreciative of the many years I have had building relationships with the children from whom I have learned so much. My life journey now takes me in a different direction, but I will remember my time here with the greatest joy. My deepest thanks to all with whom I have had the great privilege to work. I am profoundly grateful.

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