Torch - Spring 2015

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| SPRING 2015 • TORCH 25
Yvonne Stephens
I can hardly believe that I have been teaching here at Havergal
College for 26 years!
It seems like just yesterday that I sat in Dorothy Lancaster’s [former
Head of Junior School] office telling her the story of how my
husband and I had emigrated from South Africa with our two
children. I had only been in Canada for one year and was still
suffering from major culture shock, so I thank her for listening
patiently to my story and, subsequently, for offering me a job!
Havergal proved to be a safe harbour for me amidst all the turmoil
that comes with leaving one’s home country and trying to establish
a new life in a land where you know very few people. When I left
South Africa, Nelson Mandela was still imprisoned on Robben
Island, compulsory conscription to the army for two years awaited
my son when he finished school and the country was itself in
disarray. We left South Africa to give our children a brighter and
safer future. It has not been an easy journey, but one that was well
worth the effort and made easier by the stability and security that
Havergal provided.
As I look back over the past 26 years, I know that I am truly blessed
to have been a member of the Havergal community. I have worked
under five principals, from Janette Doupe to Helen-Kay Davy. Many
girls have passed through my classes, each one different, and I loved
teaching each and every one of them. I started out in Grade 5 for
a year or two, and soon progressed to my dream job of teaching
only Language and Math in Grade 6 for many years. I then made
a complete change and ventured into the primary division where I
have taught Grade 2 happily for the past few years.
Now it is time for a new chapter in my life, and I am excited by the
prospect. As I take my leave, I would like to thank all my amazing
colleagues, the Havergal families and all the wonderful girls whom
I have taught. I thank all of these people for helping me find a safe
haven in Canada, and thus making the past 26 years so very happy
for me.
Diane Ankenmann
By Erika Friesen
Do you remember, in French class, memorizing the verbs
conjugated with être ? Sure, you can write out DR MRS
VANDERTRAMP (an acronym that helps students remember
which verbs are conjugated with être), but at Havergal we have a
unique method, thanks to Madame Diane (Knowler) Ankenmann.
Come to any French exam and you’re likely to hear kids chanting
quietly: “Voici les verbes conjugués avec être…” And we have
catchy melodies to memorize the simple future, the adjectives
that precede their noun and more. Mme Ankenmann’s class is the
only non-music class that has a keyboard in it because she loves to
incorporate music into her lessons.
So is she a French teacher or a music teacher? The truth is, she
is simply a person who loves to share fun things with others.
Moreover, she is always learning. Early on, she developed a curiosity
and a love of other languages and cultures. But the perseverance
that helped her master French, German, Italian, as well as the
language of music and the œuvre of Gabrielle Roy—that’s all hers. It
colours her approach to organizing excursions and integrating new
technology. Her warmth, creativity and generosity have enriched
the lives of Havergal students and all who attend Prayers or musical
performances. She leads by supporting and inspires with her
attitude. It’s never about her, but always about the learning.
Liebe Dianchen, we will miss you. Have a wonderful time exploring
new outlets for your artistic energies and come back for a visit—
you’ll see the ripples of affection still remaining from your 19 years
with us.
In Diane’s words: “I am grateful to Havergal for its support of my
career during the past 19 years. In particular, I remember attending
a conference in 2011 in Kentucky that rekindled my passion
for teaching Middle School and, as a result, I was motivated to
encourage Middle School students to explore French language and
culture to the fullest. Thanks also to colleagues and students in Art,
Music, Dance and Food Services for providing profoundly beautiful
creations that appeal to all our senses!”