Havergal College

Havergal College
Address
1451 Avenue Road Toronto, ON, M5N 2H9 Canada
Coordinates	43°43′12″N 79°24′51″W / 43.7201°N 79.4143°W / 43.7201; -79.4143Coordinates: 43°43′12″N 79°24′51″W / 43.7201°N 79.4143°W / 43.7201; -79.4143
Information
School type	All Girls Primary & Secondary School
Religious affiliation(s)	Anglican
Founded	1894 (1894)
Principal	Helen-Kay Davy
Grades	K–12
Enrollment	920 girls (boarders and daygirls) (2012–2013)
Language	English
Area	Lawrence Park
Colour(s)	Green and Gold
Mascot	Havergator
Team name	Havergal Gators
Website	www.havergal.on.ca

Havergal College is an independent boarding and day school for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The school was established in 1894 and named for Frances Ridley Havergal, an outstanding woman of the early Victorian era. A composer, author and humanitarian, her hymns were used by the Church of England and by non-conformist religions. These hymns have survived repeated hymn book revisions and continue to appear in Anglican, United Church and Presbyterian hymnals.^[1]

Ellen Knox, who led the school with vision through its first 30 years, often posed the question to her students: “What are you going to do?” This principle still lives in Havergal’s mission statement. For more than a century, Old Girls have answered that challenge to make a difference by leading and contributing to their professions, to their communities and to the world.^[2]

Today, the 22-acre (8.9 ha) campus is located at 1451 Avenue Road, at the corner of Avenue Road and Lawrence Avenue in midtown Toronto. Facilities include: an Upper School, an athletic centre with a pool and fitness centre, music studios, a theatre, computer labs and a Junior School.

Havergal College established the Institute at Havergal in order to offer students a forum for community involvement, social leadership and global action. This specially designed program has connections to local and international partners and encourages students to become engaged with issues such as the UN Millennium Development Goals and food security.

Students who attend the school from kindergarten or grade 1 to grade 12 (graduation) are known as "survivors". The formal uniform consists of a white blouse with a green and yellow tie, the forest green kilt and knee socks, the forest green blazer, and black Oxfords (students in Grade 12 wear white blazer). For grades 4 and below, students wear a forest green tunic instead of the kilt and students in grade 5 and 6 wear a kilt without a blazer.

The school offers Advanced Placement courses and the alumni network includes more than 8,000 Havergal "Old Girls".

Havergal's mission is "preparing young women to make a difference."

In 2012, Havergal's elementary school was ranked first by the Fraser Institute amongst Toronto schools, receiving a "perfect score of 10."^[3] In 2015, Havergal's secondary school was ranked second by the Fraser Institute amongst 749 Ontario secondary schools.^[4]

History

Havergal College was founded as a Church of England Ladies' College, in 1894, under principal Miss Ellen Mary Knox. Miss Knox held a first-class in the final honour examination at the University of Oxford; a Cambridge University diploma in teaching and a First Division Government certificate. Havergal was sister schools with Ridley College for the first several decades of both schools' history.

In 1899, land was bought and buildings erected for the college. By 1903, Havergal College at 354 Jarvis Street, contained 120 boarders and 200 day girls, a staff of 20 resident teachers, chiefly from English universities, and a number of nonresident visiting teachers.^[5] The original Havergal Ladies' College Building, built in 1898, is now the Margaret McCain Academic Building at the National Ballet School of Canada.

In the spring of 1894, a school for girls at 350 Jarvis Street was about to close its doors, and a group of men led by The Honourable H. Blake formed an organization for taking over the building and making it the home of what became Havergal College. The group of men who founded Havergal College had great faith in the future of Canada and wanted to provide a sound academic education for their daughters. Being members and strong followers of the Anglican Church of Canada, they established the continuing policy of having its beliefs and teachings in their school. Miss Ellen Mary Knox was the First Principal of the school. She was a graduate of Oxford University, a teacher at Cheltenham Ladies College in England, a devout member of the Church and Principal of Havergal College for 30 years. The school cared about the education of women long before most women began to take themselves seriously.

— Catherine Steele 1928, M.A., D.Litt. D.S. Litt.^[2]

Traditions

Havergal has many traditions including: Prayers, the Ludemus yearbook, Houses, Candlelight Ceremony, Grandchildren’s Party, the J. Herbert Mason Medal for Character and many more. Notable traditions include Carol Service and Founder's Day. Both of these events unique to Havergal College take place in St. Paul's Anglican Church on Bloor Street in downtown Toronto.

Symbols

Havergal has a number of symbols. The Havergal Crest, composed of maple leaves, laurel branches, a torch and a lamp of learning symbolizes the school motto of Vitai Lampada Tradens—passing on the torch of life. The marguerite was chosen as the school flower "because it grew so cheerily wherever its luck found it, and because it looked up so steadily at the light that its heart was pierced with purest gold, its petals the purest white." (First Principal Ellen Knox)^[6]

Upper School (US)

The Upper School refers to both the Middle School and the Senior School (grades 7 to 12) and is located at 1451 Avenue Road.

Upper School curriculum

The Liberal Arts program meets and exceeds the expectations of the Ontario Ministry of Education. All courses are college-preparatory and are at the advanced level. A credit is granted with the successful completion of a course for which a minimum of 110 hours has been scheduled. Many students elect to write Advanced Placement exams. Upon graduation, students receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.^[7]

Dramatic arts

Each year, the Drama Department presents the Middle School/Havergal Youth Theatre play, the Senior School play and the Senior School One Act plays in the Legacy Theatre.

Guidance and career education

The Guidance and Career Education program helps Senior School students develop learning and social skills with a focus on university and career planning.^[8]

Languages

The Languages Department at Havergal offers courses in French, Spanish, Latin and Mandarin.^[9]

Technological education

Students learn the fundamentals of web design, video and multimedia production, animation and graphic design. Courses provide the opportunity to explore current industry-standard software, including PhotoShop, InDesign, GoLive, Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Soundtrack, LiveType, Motion, Dreamweaver, Flash and Microsoft Office.^[10]

Visual arts

The Visual Arts program at Havergal provides an opportunity for students to experience the joy of the creative process and the acquisition of a variety of skills. The aesthetic judgments and skills that students develop enrich their ability to perceive and communicate ideas. Ultimately, students develop their creative and critical thinking skills and experience a sense of achievement and fulfillment through their studies in design, art history and studio.^[11]

Musical arts

Vocal, strings, and band courses are offered.

e-Learning

As a member of the CIS eLearning Consortium (ELC), Havergal offers online courses for students. The CIS eLearning Consortium is a cooperative not-for-profit organization that provides online curriculum for the benefit of students in member CIS schools.^[12]

Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program gives students exposure to university-level material and, in some cases, credit towards university courses, and helps students acquire the skills and habits they’ll need to be successful in college.^[13] Havergal offers Advanced Placement courses in biology, calculus, statistics, French and Spanish.^[14]

Upper School Co-Curricular Clubs and Activities

Havergal has a number of very active clubs through which all students have the opportunity to share various co-curricular interests.

Awards Program

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program

Young Canadians Challenge is a prestigious nationwide program that rewards all-round achievement by providing a balanced range of co-curricular activities for students 14 to 25 years of age. A student may participate at one of three levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver or Gold, each of which has a minimum age requirement.^[15]

Havergal Achievement Awards

The Havergal Achievement Awards program offers a balanced program of co-curricular activities for students in Grades 7 and 8 under the age of 14. Similar to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, there are three types of awards that increase in difficulty: the Ivy Award (Grade 7), the Marguerite and the Torch Awards (Grade 8).

Private Music Lessons (optional)

Havergal College offers students private music lessons during the school day, and before and after the school day. Lessons for the following are available:

Clubs

Boarding School

The Boarding School is a residence for approximately 50 Havergal students (Grades 9 to 12) representing countries all over the globe.^[17] Fully integrated in the life of the school and with Day Students, Boarding students participate in life skills programming, recreational programming and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program in addition to the curricular and co-curricular programs offered at Havergal. The Boarding School is also the home to many exchange students who visit for several weeks each term from partner schools located in six countries worldwide.^[18]

Athletics

Student Publications

• Ludemus: the annual student yearbook, produced by the students
• Behind the Ivy (BTI): a student-produced newspaper, usually published three times a year
• The Bluestocking: an annual, student-produced literary magazine
• Fishnets: a bi-annual, one-page, literary publication produced by the Bluestocking ‘crew’
• The Artery: an online publication of student work
• Kneesocks: an annual Junior School compilation of creative writing.

Junior School (JS)

Located at 460 Rosewell Avenue, the Junior School, often referred to in writing as the JS, is home to students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Junior School Specialty Program Overview

Ballet

Ballet is part of the Junior School curriculum for students in JK to Grade 3 and is offered as an after-school activity for students in Grades 4 to 6.

The Classical Technique component of the curriculum is based on the syllabi of the Royal Academy of Dance, an internationally acclaimed institution. Other units of study in the ballet curriculum include Grooming and Preparation, Character Dancing, Creation and Performance, Deportment, Free Movement, Exploration of Themes, Musical Appreciation and Physical Conditioning.

Students in SK, Grades 1, 3, 4 and 6 wishing to be entered for Royal Academy of Dance Exams in May have the opportunity to train further.

Core French

The core French program uses the AIM (Accelerative Integrated Method) and its corresponding program, Histoires en action! for Grades 1 to 6. This kinesthetic method develops strong oral and written communicative skills using an integrated, drama-based approach designed for students specifically at each grade level.

Information and Communication Technology

The Havergal College Junior School curriculum for Information and Communication Technology was developed from the Bruce and Levin model (1997). The curriculum focuses on four application areas of technology: inquiry (e.g. visualization software, spreadsheets and databases), communication (e.g. word processing, email, conferencing and tutorials), construction (e.g. robotics, computer-aided design) and expression (e.g. presentation software). The Junior School program features a Macintosh computer lab, a portable laptop lab and classroom computers. The girls can also use colour scanners and digital or video cameras to integrate images into their computer-generated printed work or multimedia presentations.

Library

As they progress from Kindergarten to Grade 6, students develop library-learning skills that enable them to locate materials, select and interpret, record and present information. These skills are taught in connection with projects and assignments. Throughout the year, the library hosts a number of guest speakers: authors, illustrators, storytellers, musicians, scientists and others with special skills and information to share. The library holds a Book Fair in February each year.

Strings and Band Program

An introductory program for students with no previous string or band instrument experience is offered to students in Grade 6, classes run every other day. The course introduces students to basic techniques and note-reading, emphasizing both individual skills and ensemble playing in string orchestra and band through scales and a wide variety of literature.

Students from Grades 3 to 5 who have previous strings experience are welcome to participate in the String Ensemble. In this course, students further refine their technical skills and ensemble skills continue to be developed.

All string and band students will participate in the Junior School Band/ Orchestra and will have opportunities to perform throughout the school year.

Visual Arts

Specialist teachers teach the Visual Arts program from JK through to Grade 6. Curriculum planning is done in consultation with teachers from other disciplines. Projects are designed to deepen and enrich a student’s understanding of topics covered in the core curriculum. Links in art are made to English, History, Math, Technology, Science, French, Social Studies and Music. The goal of the Visual Arts program is to develop perceptual skills as part of the critical thinking process. Students develop integrated projects reflecting the elements of design and expression of visual ideas. Techniques are incorporated using a variety of media while developing fine motor and problem-solving skills. The program is also augmented by the study of artists and field trips to museums and art galleries. An after school art club is also offered during the school year.

Vocal Music Classes

Vocal music classes from JK to Grade 3 follow an Orff-based program. Grades 4 to 6 classes are primarily vocal in emphasis with some Orff influences.

Private Music Lessons (optional)

Piano Lessons – SK to Grade 6: A comprehensive study program is offered from beginning to advanced piano levels.

The program is classical in emphasis but students also experience a variety of styles. A more structured program in the form of preparation for Royal Conservatory of Music exams is also offered to suitable candidates. Piano lessons are offered to students in Grade 1 through Grade 6 on a per term basis, with payment in advance for each term.

Strings Lessons – Grade 1 to Grade 6: A comprehensive study program of private violin, viola and cello lessons is offered from beginner to advanced levels. Technical skills, an understanding of how the instrument works and note reading are stressed so that students develop confidence in playing. ^[19]

Havergal Community Committee (HCC)

Parent association The HCC is a group of parents who volunteer to serve as a liaison between the parent body, the staff and the students. The HCC leads several community-building events throughout the year including the Parent Luncheon, the Staff Appreciation Luncheon, Used Uniform Collection and Sale, Used Textbook Collection, Birthday Book Program and Father-Daughter Dance, along with ongoing support of Horticulture and the Green & Gold Shop.

Havergal Old Girls Association

The Havergal Old Girls Association (HOGA), governed by the Old Girls Directorate, is an organization of approximately 8,000 members throughout 50 countries. Old Girls share close ties to one another and to the school through special initiatives such as reunions, an online alumnae community, mentoring programs, publications and events. Every student who attends Havergal for one year or more becomes a member of HOGA.

Notable alumnae

• Carolyn Bennett 1968 – Liberal MP
• Frances Drake – actress of the 1930s
• Margaret Norrie McCain 1951 – New Brunswick Lieutenant-Governor
• Dora Mavor Moore 1899 – Canadian theatre pioneer
• Kate Reid 1949 – actress
• Margot Kidder 1966 – actress
• Rachel Blanchard 1994 – actress
• Gillian Apps 2001 – Canadian women's hockey team; 2006, 2010, & 2014 Olympic gold medallist
• Linda Frum 1981 – journalist, senator
• Alexandra Orlando 2005 – rhythmic gymnast
• Sarah Richardson 1989 – Canadian interior designer
• Jane Urquhart 1967 – author
• Lena Ma 2005 – Miss World Canada
• Paula Cox 1976 — premier of Bermuda
• Mariko Tamaki 1993 — writer of graphic novels
• Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri 1992 — model, director, and photographer
• Kristina Valjas 2005 — Canadian women's beach volleyball ( played in the olympics)

Notable faculty

• Bryon Wilfert – Liberal MP
• Ann Peel – director of the Institute at Havergal

House System

The House System forms the basis for organization in the school. The Houses have been named for women who have contributed to the welfare of Havergal. Some have been principals of the school, some have been much loved staff members and others have influenced the growth of the school. Havergal is divided into 10 Houses and every student (JK to Grade 12) and faculty member is assigned to one of these Houses when she/he enters the school. The purpose is to create smaller units within which students from various grades can cooperate for the common good under the guidance of teaching advisors, and thus develop qualities of initiative and leadership, as well as get to know more students who are both younger and older than them. Each girl’s efforts and achievements in schoolwork, games and co-curricular activities credit her House.

House Name	Colours	Mascot
Agnes Hansen	Pink & White	Panther
Catherine Steele	Purple & Silver	Unicorn
Edith Nainby	Red & White	Lion
Ellen Knox	Green & White	Frog
Frances Ridley	Black & White	Penguin
Kate Leonard	Baby Blue & White	Elephant
Marcelle De Freitas	Royal Blue & Silver	Dolphin
Margaret Taylor	Orange & Dark Blue	Butterfly
Marian Wood	Yellow & Black	Bumblebee
Mary Dennys	Teal & Gold	Dragon

The House tradition is a characteristic of the Havergal community is part of the history of the school. The House system recognizes the contributions of ten women within the life of the school, it also provides an important link between students and Old Girls throughout the generations.^[20]

Buildings and grounds

• Athletic Centre
• The Junior School
• The Upper School
• The Boarding School
• Chapel of St. Cecilia
• Labatt Quad
• Lisa Hardie Woodland Trail
• Dr. Catherine Steele Archives 1928
• Old Girls Legacy Theatre (and Labyrinth)
• Brenda Robson Hall
• Ellen Knox Library
• Upper Pitch
• Lower Pitch
• Junior School Field

Affiliations

• Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)^[21]
• Conference of Independent Schools (CIS)^[22]
• The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)^[23]
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)^[24]
• CIS eLearning Consortium (CISELC)^[25]
• Conference of Independent Schools Athletics Association (CISAA)^[26]

See also

• St. Clement's School
• St. Andrew's College
• Ridley College
• St. Michael's Choir School
• St. Michael's College School
• Upper Canada College
• Hawthorn School for Girls
• Loretto Abbey School
• St. Joseph's Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School
• Brebeuf College
• St. Augustine Seminary
• Branksome Hall
• Bayview Glen School
• Crescent School (Toronto)
• CISAA
• Bishop Strachan School
• Appleby College

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Havergal College.

• Official website
• "Havergal College". ourkids.net. 
• "Girls on the Homefront: A Toronto Girls' School 1894-1945". Virtual Museum of Canada. 
• "The Joy of Being Girl". Havergal College. 
• Havergal College. YouTube.