Torch - Spring 2018

SPIRITUAL Support A new chaplain maintains reflective focus

The Rev. Stephanie Douglas joined Havergal in fall 2017.

W hen the opportunity arose last October to become the new Junior School Chaplain, Rev. Stephanie Douglas says Havergal’s holistic view of education is what drew her in. “It’s not just about academic excellence, but it’s also this approach that is committed to the healthy physical, emotional and spiritual development of girls. Havergal’s mission statement, strategic plan and the way it lives out its values were really attractive to me,” she says. With more than 18 years of experience as a pastor, doing everything from managing the business side of a church to leading Sunday worship, the bulk of Douglas’ work has been focused on children and youth. She’s even pursuing a doctorate with a research focus on the spiritual formation of children. While her formal role involves leading Prayers and teaching religious education

kindness, respect and empathy in the real world. One example of this is asking the students to think about how they can show courage or kindness on a daily basis. She’s pleased when she hears about conversations from Prayers being continued in the classroom and even at home with parents. “The value of chaplaincy and Prayers is that it’s an enrichment and support of the work that the faculty are already doing,” she says, adding that her role also helps to build a common moral vocabulary that advances as students progress through the grades. “Investing as much time as Havergal does in reflection provides great value,” says Douglas. “I think the advantage of Prayers is the opportunity three times a week to come together to chew on big ideas. We sing. We pray. And we just enjoy being a learning community together.”

classes, she sees herself as part of the wider team. “Although I have this set-apart function (I dress in black and I have a white collar and I am an Anglican), I work as part of the faculty team, with each of us dedicated to student development,” she says. Douglas is also responsible for developing a character education curriculum for the girls at the Junior School. This is largely done through messaging at Prayers, although she also incorporates this into the religious education curriculum. She takes cues from teachers and even enlists student insights. In January, for example, the Grade 2 students helped with a presentation about one aspect of hope: how we live when things are not yet the way we want them to be. She likes to get practical in her discussions about how to live out virtues like courage,

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