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HAVERGAL COLLEGE
Maureen Prior
Believe it or not I was one of those little girls who, when asked what
she wanted to be when she grew up, immediately responded: “A
teacher!” I played school endlessly in my basement with my sister
and with my dolls—we even had a blackboard!
Although I got sidetracked along the way, I eventually began
teaching with the York Region Board of Education in September
1987. However, all those sidetracks helped me to grow as a person
and to bring life experience and maturity to my role as an educator.
In the spring of 2001, I made a life-changing decision to resign
from the York Region Board and to continue my teaching career
with Havergal College. I have never looked back, and am so
thankful for the further growth—both personal and professional—
which I’ve had during my 14 years at Havergal.
My goal was always to teach young, primary children. My Havergal
students have made such an impact on my understanding of how
young children learn and thrive. I have learned alongside them
every single day!
A highlight of my teaching career was participating in Harvard’s
Project Zero program. This program validated my beliefs and
renewed my excitement in teaching.
Though I have taught Grade 3 at Havergal for many years, I
have had five amazing teaching partners who have taught and
encouraged me along my Havergal journey.
Thank you, Havergal! You will always remain in my thoughts and
my prayers as I begin to travel a new life path.
Eva Siatkowski
Entering teaching as both a second profession and as a calling was a
dream that I fulfilled almost 25 years ago. I made this decision after
asking myself the question “What does one do after turning 40?”
Well, like me, you might have the luxury to make this choice if your
passion has always been science as well as working with children.
Hopefully you will inspire them in the wonder and discovery of
the world.
After a few years of teaching in public schools, I began my work at
Havergal as an assistant teacher in Grade 1. Upon the expansion of
the primary division, the opportunity to teach Grade 2 presented
itself, and I became a core teacher. A few partners and 10 years
later, I moved to Grade 3 where I taught for one short but fun-filled
year. I am ending my teaching career in the Junior School in the
role of Learning Support Teacher, a truly unique opportunity that
has enabled me to apply my varied experiences to date. Also, this
year, I have had the unexpected pleasure of teaching French to
Kindergarten girls—which, for me, is true happiness!
It is now time for another new beginning. I am thankful for the
opportunity to have been a member of this esteemed community
and to have worked with such supportive and kind families over
these last 18 years. Most importantly, I am greatly appreciative of
the many years I have had building relationships with the children
from whom I have learned so much. My life journey now takes me
in a different direction, but I will remember my time here with the
greatest joy. My deepest thanks to all with whom I have had the
great privilege to work. I am profoundly grateful.
Thank you to the following faculty members for their dedication and contribution
to Havergal. We wish them all a wonderful retirement!
Havergal Says
Farewell