Torch - Fall 2015

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| FALL 2015 • TORCH 21
of teaching and I’m willing to lead the
group.’ We support that 100 per cent,”
says Davis.
Martin says she’s been really pleased
with the opportunities that Havergal
provides its teachers. “I’ve worked in a
couple of different places, and Havergal
is absolutely a standout in terms of
that support. There’s a lot of attention
given to all of our faculty members
for goal setting, looking at ways to
measure whether they feel fulfilled and
successful,” says Martin. Patterson agrees.
“The professional development that
goes on and the opportunities that are
provided are really incredible,” she says.
As an example, she says many teachers,
including herself, have attended the
Leadership Institute through the Canadian
Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS).
White sums it up by praising Havergal’s
exploratory approach to finding leadership
in its students. “I think there is leadership
potential in every student. It’s about finding
what makes a particular student tick.
Students who know themselves are going
to be able to contribute to something that
they care about. We really believe that there’s
a way for every child to become engaged.
That’s why Havergal is such a great place
for students to be because there are so
many opportunities for them across the
board, from arts to athletics to academics
to social justice.”
I think there is leadership
potential in every student.
It’s about finding what makes
a particular student tick.
—Kate White, Assistant Head, Junior School
Staff as Team Leaders
On average each year, 30 Havergal
staff members volunteer their
time and expertise to lead athletic
teams at Havergal. These leadership
opportunities provide staff members
with the opportunity to connect
with students and school life,
exhibit their love of sports and
feel a deeper involvement with the
school community. “When our
administrative and support staff
take on coaching roles at the school,
they experience an excellent form
of community building,” says Jackie
Suongas, Upper School Athletic
Director. “We are lucky to have so
many involved staff members who
are willing to take on these important
leadership roles.”