Chronicle 2017

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FORMER STAFF NEWS 2017
Nancy Richards, former head of the Junior School at
Havergal and present head of school at St. Mildred’s-
Lightbourn School writes: “It was with great sadness
that we heard of the sudden passing of Sandre Barnes,
former executive assistant to the heads of the Junior
School from 1998 to 2005. Sandre not only brought
much joy and laughter to the entire school, she also
brought great skill and expertise in running a school
office and fully supporting the members of the leadership
team, especially the head. She was born on August 1,
1946 in London, England and met the love of her life, Bill
Barnes, in 1963. They were married in 1966, after which
they emigrated to Canada.
“Sandre absolutely adored children and had three
beautiful children of her own, Mitchell, Andrea and
Ashley. Her four grandchildren Cameron, Caden, Ave and
Madison were all very dear to her.
“Of the many friends I have known, Sandre was the
one who knew best how to live life fully and to enjoy each
and every moment. She had an incredibly generous spirit
and provided inspiration to others through the good and
bad times. Her high energy, positive spirit and joy were
contagious.
“Sandre loved to travel and spend family time at the
family cottage on Canning Lake and she loved Maui,
where she went every winter with Bill. Sandre and Bill
celebrated 50 years of marriage in July 2016 with family
and friends. She passed away on October 2, 2016.
“The song, I Hope You Dance by Faith Hill, played
at Sandre’s funeral. Her grandchildren spontaneously
jumped up and danced at the front of the chapel. ‘Promise
me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance…and when you
get the choice to sit it out or dance – I hope you dance.’
Sandre chose to dance throughout her life.”
Sue Ditchburn (Havergal’s ninth principal, 1997-2008)
writes: “I visited Toronto in early October to see dear
friends, many from my Havergal days. Havergal has
blessed me in so many ways. As well as many wonderful
conversations over lunch and dinner, I went to the
Chihuly exhibition at the ROM and to the McMichael for
its 50th anniversary exhibition. As always at McMichael,
the windows reveal a canvas of nature that is exquisite.
“Life in Calgary is wonderful. I am busy on several
boards here and in Vancouver, including the senate of
the University of Calgary, where I serve as co-chair of
the executive committee. We move between here and our
place in Canmore, a spiritual retreat for us in the beautiful
mountains and only an hour’s drive away.
“I do miss Havergal and all it means to me. My warmest
wishes to all.”
In January, Dr. Encarnita Gardner’s family held a
reception at Victoria College to launch Encarnita’s most
recent book of poems, titled El hueco de to ausencia/
The space without you. This volume addresses (in both
Spanish and English) two critical events in Encarnita’s
life: her move from Granada to Canada and the death
of her oldest child. She has now published three books
of poetry. The lively event was attended by scores of
friends, family and colleagues, all of whom warmly
welcomed Encarnita and showed deep appreciation as
she read (also in both languages) a selection of these
poignant poems.
Christine Harris-Kenalty (head of art), mother of
Vanessa Kenalty, has another grandchild ‒ a grandson ‒
and has recently moved into her downtown condo.
Alistair Macrae (social sciences, 1999 to 2009)
continues to teach on a part-time basis for Ryerson
University’s G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing
Education and the University of Toronto’s School of
Continuing Studies. His two UTSCS courses – Film
and Philosophy and Art that Asks Questions – will be
offered again next year. He conducted a workshop about
Plato and Protagoras at the annual conference of the
Ontario Philosophy Teachers’ Association. One of his
OPTA handouts, “How to Conduct Your First Harkness
Discussion,” is available online at
conference/.
FORMER STAFF NEWS