Torch - Spring 2015

Principal’s Message

Message from the Principal

By Helen-Kay Davy, Principal

W hat makes a great school? When we boil down our responses to this question we are left with an idea of ethos or character. The set of values and principles that guide the aspiration of mission and the grandeur of vision all play their part in moulding character. These elements in turn are shaped by those who work, study and play in our community. Indeed it is the character of those who cherish the school that models its spirit and beliefs. In a school like Havergal College that has just celebrated its 120 th birthday, the character of those who have gone before lights the way for the present. From the beginning of its foundation, our school has been about fulfilment through action and taking the road in life to celebrate and extend capabilities and skills. There is a striving for betterment here at Havergal that one sees and feels every day. Last November, we inducted 24 Old Girls into the Hall of Distinction. These extraordinary women have held the torch high and lit the way for the next generation. And the next generation is on that same track— every week groups of different students and individuals share and invite others to join them, whether it is in the promotion of moral courage, participation in the Forum for Change, research into social, medical or environmental issues or discussion about freedom of expression. Engagement could equally revolve around the Model United Nations or debating, dance or athletics. “Building character” is an old-fashioned phrase for something that Havergal College has always cherished and achieved. We talk today of the need for resilience; however, courage has always been a Havergalian attribute and students have long realized that, to quote sir Edmund Hillary: “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”

When asked about the personal qualities and attributes that students see in members of the Havergal community, they came up with many far-reaching characteristics. These distilled down to hallmarks focussed on open-mindedness, an ability for passionate interest, commitment, leadership and collaboration, loyalty and inclusiveness. The list runs on to 70 areas, a testament in itself to the richness of our students’ imagination and empathy. The members of Agnes Hansen House deserve commendation for their thoughts on the values of our school: respect, bravery, responsibility, trust and compassion being brought to the fore in the sailing ship that is their House’s emblem. In the spring, we will be finalizing this work on the school’s values and incorporating them into our work around the Strategic Plan, Havergal 2020 . As we contemplate the conclusion of the school year, one other element that is particular to Havergal attracts attention: the ability to use humour in order to preserve a sense of perspective. A certain lightness of touch is a characteristic of our 2014–2015 Prefects; their shout to “find your jive” has resulted in a sense of fun, which— almost effortlessly it seems—encourages teamwork and integration. This year’s Grads have welcomed and included everyone at carefully crafted intervals to raise all our spirits. And it is surely fitting that it was in this year that we broke a run of defeats against Bishop Strachan School and held high the Hewitt Cup in celebration! Perhaps even more fitting is that the task to lead the rejoicing in this tightly-won victory fell to our School Captain Tessa Buchan. Loyalty, determination, teamwork, confidence and courage: the ethos of a great school writ large on the ice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS | SPRING 2015 • TORCH 3