Torch - Spring 2015

Diane Ankenmann By Erika Friesen

Yvonne Stephens I can hardly believe that I have been teaching here at Havergal College for 26 years! It seems like just yesterday that I sat in Dorothy Lancaster’s [former Head of Junior School] office telling her the story of how my husband and I had emigrated from South Africa with our two children. I had only been in Canada for one year and was still suffering from major culture shock, so I thank her for listening patiently to my story and, subsequently, for offering me a job! Havergal proved to be a safe harbour for me amidst all the turmoil that comes with leaving one’s home country and trying to establish a new life in a land where you know very few people. When I left South Africa, Nelson Mandela was still imprisoned on Robben Island, compulsory conscription to the army for two years awaited my son when he finished school and the country was itself in disarray. We left South Africa to give our children a brighter and safer future. It has not been an easy journey, but one that was well worth the effort and made easier by the stability and security that Havergal provided. As I look back over the past 26 years, I know that I am truly blessed to have been a member of the Havergal community. I have worked under five principals, from Janette Doupe to Helen-Kay Davy. Many girls have passed through my classes, each one different, and I loved teaching each and every one of them. I started out in Grade 5 for a year or two, and soon progressed to my dream job of teaching only Language and Math in Grade 6 for many years. I then made a complete change and ventured into the primary division where I have taught Grade 2 happily for the past few years. Now it is time for a new chapter in my life, and I am excited by the prospect. As I take my leave, I would like to thank all my amazing colleagues, the Havergal families and all the wonderful girls whom I have taught. I thank all of these people for helping me find a safe haven in Canada, and thus making the past 26 years so very happy for me.

Do you remember, in French class, memorizing the verbs conjugated with être ? Sure, you can write out DR MRS VANDERTRAMP (an acronym that helps students remember which verbs are conjugated with être ), but at Havergal we have a unique method, thanks to Madame Diane (Knowler) Ankenmann. Come to any French exam and you’re likely to hear kids chanting quietly: “Voici les verbes conjugués avec être …” And we have catchy melodies to memorize the simple future, the adjectives that precede their noun and more. Mme Ankenmann’s class is the only non-music class that has a keyboard in it because she loves to incorporate music into her lessons. So is she a French teacher or a music teacher? The truth is, she is simply a person who loves to share fun things with others. Moreover, she is always learning. Early on, she developed a curiosity and a love of other languages and cultures. But the perseverance that helped her master French, German, Italian, as well as the language of music and the œuvre of Gabrielle Roy—that’s all hers. It colours her approach to organizing excursions and integrating new technology. Her warmth, creativity and generosity have enriched the lives of Havergal students and all who attend Prayers or musical performances. She leads by supporting and inspires with her attitude. It’s never about her, but always about the learning. Liebe Dianchen , we will miss you. Have a wonderful time exploring new outlets for your artistic energies and come back for a visit— you’ll see the ripples of affection still remaining from your 19 years with us. In Diane’s words : “I am grateful to Havergal for its support of my career during the past 19 years. In particular, I remember attending a conference in 2011 in Kentucky that rekindled my passion for teaching Middle School and, as a result, I was motivated to encourage Middle School students to explore French language and culture to the fullest. Thanks also to colleagues and students in Art, Music, Dance and Food Services for providing profoundly beautiful creations that appeal to all our senses!”

TABLE OF CONTENTS | SPRING 2015 • TORCH 25