Torch - Spring 2015

5 / 32

| SPRING 2015 • TORCH 3
What makes a great school? When we boil down our responses
to this question we are left with an idea of ethos or character.
The set of values and principles that guide the aspiration of mission
and the grandeur of vision all play their part in moulding character.
These elements in turn are shaped by those who work, study and play
in our community. Indeed it is the character of those who cherish
the school that models its spirit and beliefs. In a school like Havergal
College that has just celebrated its 120 th birthday, the character of
those who have gone before lights the way for the present.
From the beginning of its foundation, our school has been about
fulfilment through action and taking the road in life to celebrate
and extend capabilities and skills. There is a striving for betterment
here at Havergal that one sees and feels every day. Last November,
we inducted 24 Old Girls into the Hall of Distinction. These
extraordinary women have held the torch high and lit the way for
the next generation. And the next generation is on that same track—
every week groups of different students and individuals share and
invite others to join them, whether it is in the promotion of moral
courage, participation in the Forum for Change, research into social,
medical or environmental issues or discussion about freedom of
expression. Engagement could equally revolve around the Model
United Nations or debating, dance or athletics. “Building character”
is an old-fashioned phrase for something that Havergal College
has always cherished and achieved. We talk today of the need for
resilience; however, courage has always been a Havergalian attribute
and students have long realized that, to quote sir Edmund Hillary:
“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
Message from the Principal
By Helen-Kay Davy, Principal
When asked about the personal qualities and attributes that
students see in members of the Havergal community, they came
up with many far-reaching characteristics. These distilled down to
hallmarks focussed on open-mindedness, an ability for passionate
interest, commitment, leadership and collaboration, loyalty and
inclusiveness. The list runs on to 70 areas, a testament in itself to the
richness of our students’ imagination and empathy. The members
of Agnes Hansen House deserve commendation for their thoughts
on the values of our school: respect, bravery, responsibility, trust and
compassion being brought to the fore in the sailing ship that is their
House’s emblem. In the spring, we will be finalizing this work on the
school’s values and incorporating them into our work around the
Strategic Plan, Havergal 2020.
As we contemplate the conclusion of the school year, one other
element that is particular to Havergal attracts attention: the ability
to use humour in order to preserve a sense of perspective. A certain
lightness of touch is a characteristic of our 2014–2015 Prefects; their
shout to “find your jive” has resulted in a sense of fun, which—
almost effortlessly it seems—encourages teamwork and integration.
This year’s Grads have welcomed and included everyone at carefully
crafted intervals to raise all our spirits. And it is surely fitting that it
was in this year that we broke a run of defeats against Bishop
Strachan School and held high the Hewitt Cup in celebration!
Perhaps even more fitting is that the task to lead the rejoicing in this
tightly-won victory fell to our School Captain Tessa Buchan. Loyalty,
determination, teamwork, confidence and courage: the ethos of a
great school writ large on the ice.
Principal’s Message